If you’re a history teacher, there’s no better way to enrich your classroom than by experiencing the past firsthand. Travel isn’t just a vacation—it’s a chance to walk through the pages of history, deepening your knowledge and gathering real-world stories to inspire your students. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, political revolutions, or world-shaping empires, read on for some of our favorite destinations that bring history to life.
Of course, all of our trips have a historical component, so, if you’re interest in traveling with GEEO, you can find your adventure today.
China: Dynasties, Dragons, and the Silk Road
From ancient empires to revolutionary upheaval and rapid modernization, China’s history spans thousands of years and countless cultural shifts—making it a dynamic destination for educators looking to deepen their global curriculum.
On GEEO’s journey, you’ll trace the arc of Chinese civilization from its imperial roots to its modern-day powerhouse status. Begin in Beijing, where you’ll walk through the grand courtyards of the Forbidden City, stand in the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, and climb along the storied Great Wall.
Travel onward to Xi’an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road, and witness the silent ranks of the Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel that sparks discussion on legacy, belief, and governance. In Chengdu, home of spicy cuisine and serene teahouses, explore the roots of Daoism and Buddhism while visiting sacred sites like Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Check out our China itinerary.
Central Asia: Crossroads of Cultures and Conquests
Central Asia offers a rare and eye-opening perspective on the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religion, and the resilience of culture. GEEO’s 23-day journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan brings to life a region once at the heart of the Silk Road and often overlooked in Western curricula.
Explore the footprints of history’s great powers—from Mongol khanates to Persian dynasties, Russian imperialism to Soviet influence—as you move through desert citadels, mountain passes, and lively markets. Roam the intricate, blue-tiled buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara, where scholars, astronomers, and poets once gathered in some of the Islamic world’s greatest centers of learning. Learn how these Silk Road cities helped shape global trade, culture, and science.
In the highlands of Kyrgyzstan, stay in traditional yurts and experience nomadic life firsthand. Travel over rugged mountain passes, visit remote villages, and discuss how geography has influenced cultural development in this striking landscape. In Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, delve into the complexities of post-Soviet identity and the enduring legacies of empire and ideology.
Check out our Central Asia itinerary.
Spain: A Tapestry of Cultures, History, and Flamenco
Trace the layers of Spain’s complex history on GEEO’s journey through empires, religions, and revolutions. Begin in Madrid, the political and cultural heart of modern Spain. Explore the Prado Museum’s masterworks and the Royal Palace’s imperial grandeur—touchstones of Spain’s Golden Age and Bourbon dynasty.
Travel south to Granada, where the Alhambra rises as a testament to the brilliance of Islamic architecture and the final chapter of Muslim rule in Spain. In Córdoba, walk through the awe-inspiring Mezquita, a mosque-turned-cathedral that embodies centuries of religious and political transformation, from the Umayyad Caliphate to Christian reconquest.
In Seville, examine the city’s role in Spain’s global expansion following 1492. Visit the Alcázar, a royal palace steeped in Moorish design, and the cathedral where Columbus is buried—a powerful symbol of Spain’s colonial era and its enduring legacy.
Conclude in Barcelona, where the push for Catalan identity and modernist innovation reshaped the city in the 19th and 20th centuries. From the bold lines of Gaudí’s architecture to echoes of the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona offers a modern lens on Spain’s historical evolution.
Check out our Spain itinerary.
Portugal: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Scenic Beauty
Portugal’s influence on world history far outweighs its size. From the Age of Exploration to the fight for independence from Spain, the country’s past is layered, complex, and deeply visible in its cities and architecture.
On a GEEO adventure, you’ll start in Lisbon, the capital and former center of a vast maritime empire. Explore landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both tied to Portugal’s 15th- and 16th-century voyages that helped shape the modern world. In neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa, walk among centuries-old buildings and see how geography, trade, and conquest shaped the city.
You’ll head north to explore the Batalha Monastery, built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, which secured Portuguese independence from Castile and then onto Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a key site in the development of Portuguese intellectual and cultural life.
In Porto, a city with deep Roman roots and a legacy of trade that helped finance Portugal’s global expeditions, check out the historic center, visit the Livraria Lello, and view the Douro River from the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Check out our Portugal itinerary.
Turkey: Where Continents—and Civilizations—Collide
Few countries offer as much direct access to world history as Turkey. Spanning both Europe and Asia, it has been home to major empires for over 4,000 years—from the Hittites (c. 1600–1178 BCE) to the Byzantines (330–1453 CE) and Ottomans (1299–1922).
In Istanbul, explore key sites that illustrate the city’s strategic and symbolic importance. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine cathedral turned mosque and museum; the Blue Mosque; and the Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman power for nearly 400 years. These landmarks offer case studies in religious change, imperial politics, and architectural innovation.
Travel to Cappadocia, where early Christian communities carved churches and homes into the soft volcanic rock to survive Roman persecution during the 2nd–4th centuries CE. Underground cities and cave dwellings reveal the adaptability of marginalized groups and provide a lens into life on the fringes of empire.
In Pamukkale, observe the natural travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich springs and explore the adjacent ruins of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman city founded in the 2nd century BCE. These ruins allow for discussions on Roman urbanism, cultural syncretism in Asia Minor, and the integration of natural landscapes into religious and public life.
Check out our Turkey itinerary.
Morocco: Cultures through the Ages
From Roman ruins to Berber villages, Morocco is a nation of fascinating cultures, dynasties, and historical roots—perfect for educators eager to bring world history to life.
In Casablanca, trace the legacy of French colonial influence and explore the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. From there, head north to Volubilis, where remarkably preserved Roman ruins stand as a powerful testament to the reach and decline of empire—a vivid site for discussions on classical antiquity outside of Europe.
In Fez, step back in time as you navigate one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited medieval cities. The labyrinthine medina, artisan workshops, and ancient madrassas provide rich context for exploring the Islamic Golden Age, trade networks, and urban development in the Middle Ages.
Then it’s on to the Sahara, where you’ll ride camels over golden dunes and contemplate the region’s nomadic heritage and trans-Saharan trade routes. Spend time in the Todra Gorge and High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll engage with Amazigh (Berber) communities whose resilience and traditions add a vital chapter to the story of North Africa.
Check out our Morocco itinerary.
Greece: The Birthplace of Democracy—and the Ultimate Classroom Without Walls
For history teachers, few destinations offer a more immersive experience than Greece. Our curated journey through Athens and beyond brings the foundations of Western Civilization to life in ways no textbook can.
This tour expands the narrative with visits to Delphi, home of the famed oracle and once considered the center of the world; Corinth, rich with myth and archaeological wonder; and the Samariá Gorge, where rugged trails lead through millennia-old landscapes. You’ll also have the chance to connect with locals in traditional Cretan villages, giving modern context to ancient culture, and to unwind in Santorini.
Whether you’re enriching your own curriculum or seeking inspiration for your classroom, this journey offers a vivid, unforgettable way to teach ancient history—not just from a distance, but from the very heart of it.
Check out our Greece itinerary.
Central Europe: Empires, Revolutions, and Renaissance Cities
Trace the layered history of a region that has shaped—and been shaped by—centuries of conflict, cooperation, and cultural exchange. This two-week journey through Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary offers an immersive exploration of Central Europe’s dramatic past and dynamic present.
Start in Berlin, where Cold War history, WWII memory, and contemporary counterculture collide. Stand before remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit Checkpoint Charlie, and explore museums that bring 20th-century European history to life. Then head south to Prague, where medieval architecture, Gothic churches, and cobbled lanes echo the stories of Bohemian kings, Habsburg rule, and Velvet Revolutionaries.
In Vienna, discover the imperial grandeur of the Habsburgs at Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg complex. With its deep roots in classical music, art, and Enlightenment thought, the city offers inspiration for interdisciplinary learning that goes far beyond history textbooks.
Continue through Bratislava, a charming capital perched on the Danube, before reaching Budapest where you’ll explore the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, World War II, and communist-era resistance.
Check out our Central Europe itinerary.
Vietnam & Cambodia: Tracing Empires, Resilience, and Modern Revival
For educators looking to bring global history to life, this 17-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia offers a powerful lens into Southeast Asia’s layered past and dynamic present. Beginning in Hanoi, you’ll trace the country’s history from ancient dynasties to colonialism, war, and reunification. Along the way, you’ll explore French colonial architecture, cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hội An, and witness the modern energy of Ho Chi Minh City—formerly Saigon.
From Vietnam, the journey continues into Cambodia, where you’ll learn about the legacy of the Khmer Empire at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a stunning example of classical Southeast Asian architecture. A visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh provides sobering context to Cambodia’s 20th-century history, making this a deeply resonant experience for educators teaching about imperialism, conflict, and post-war recovery.
This program invites teachers to explore how history is preserved, remembered, and lived today. Whether you’re walking through ancient temples or floating down the Mekong Delta, you’ll return home with real-world stories and insights to share in your classroom.
Check out our Vietnam & Cambodia itinerary.
Italy: Layers of Empire, Legacy, and La Dolce Vita
Italy is a living archive of Western civilization. For educators, this journey offers the rare chance to walk through thousands of years of interconnected history while soaking up the art, architecture, and everyday culture that shaped the modern world.
In Rome, you’ll stand where emperors once ruled and gladiators fought, exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—monuments that bring to life lessons in governance, engineering, and empire. At Vatican City, discover how religion and power intertwined to shape both Europe’s spiritual and political evolution.
In Florence, you’ll trace the intellectual and artistic revival of the Renaissance, diving into the legacy of thinkers and creators whose work still defines modern humanism. Meanwhile, the medieval towns of Tuscany, from Siena to Montepulciano, offer a glimpse into the regional rivalries and cultural shifts that laid the foundation for Italy as a unified nation.
Check out our Italy itinerary.
Peru: Incan Ingenuity and Living Legacy
Long before the Spanish set foot in South America, the Incan Empire stretched across the Andes with astonishing sophistication. From precision-cut stonework to intricate agricultural terraces, Incan innovations in engineering, astronomy, and governance continue to inspire—and challenge—modern understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations.
This thoughtfully designed journey takes you through the cultural and archaeological heart of the Andes. Begin in Lima, where colonial architecture meets coastal energy, then ascend to the highlands of Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire. Wander through the Sacred Valley, a breathtaking landscape dotted with ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and Quechua communities whose traditions remain deeply rooted in the land.
The highlight for many is Machu Picchu, the mist-shrouded citadel perched high above the Urubamba River. Whether you choose to hike the iconic Inca Trail, trek through remote Andean villages in the Lares Valley, or take a non-hiking route that lets you explore at a gentler pace, each path offers its own window into Peru’s rich past and complex present.
Check out our Peru itinerary.
Egypt: Civilization’s Cradle
When it comes to teaching ancient history, no textbook or documentary compares to standing before the Pyramids of Giza, gazing up at the massive stones that have endured for over 4,500 years. Egypt’s legacy as one of the world’s oldest civilizations makes it an unparalleled destination for educators looking to bring depth, context, and awe to their lessons.
This 12-day journey offers a fast-paced immersion into Egypt’s remarkable timeline, from Pharaonic grandeur to modern resilience. Begin in Cairo, where ancient relics and modern life coexist in dizzying harmony. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, walk in the footsteps of kings and queens through the Valley of the Kings, and trace the spiritual and architectural evolution of temples along the Nile.
You’ll sail the Nile for three nights, watching the rhythm of rural life pass by, and visit vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Cairo, where history feels anything but distant.
Check out our Egypt itinerary.
India & Nepal: From the Ganges to the Himalayas
This 17-day program offers a vivid look at two of South Asia’s most captivating countries, beginning in the bustling heart of Delhi. From there, you’ll explore the pink-hued palaces of Jaipur, marvel at the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and wander through the temples and fortresses of Orchha, a hidden gem rich in Mughal and Rajput history.
In Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, you’ll witness spiritual traditions along the banks of the sacred Ganges—an unforgettable experience that adds depth to any lesson on world religions, ancient civilizations, or cultural continuity.
Crossing into Nepal, the journey shifts gears toward natural wonder and mountain serenity. From jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park to the colorful chaos and mountain views of Kathmandu, this itinerary reveals the vibrant diversity of the region while offering educators new insights into the cultural, religious, and historical ties between these neighboring nations.
Check out our India & Nepal itinerary.
Travel With Purpose
At GEEO, we believe travel can transform the way teachers teach history. That’s why we organize discounted group trips for educators—so you’ll be surrounded by peers who share your curiosity and passion for education.
Want to bring more history into your life—and your classroom? Start exploring with us.
