History & Culture Travel Articles

Photographers David Fettes and Jamie Marshall share their top tips and expertise with us. We've also consulted some of our best photographers here at Audley (believe me we have a few!) and asked them to talk us through their favourites.

On her recent trip to Namibia, Africa regional manager Katie Fewkes spent time with two very different tribes – the Himba and San bushmen – and learned about their traditions.

Riddled with atmospheric waterways and dotted with exotic isles, Southeast Asia is perhaps best seen by boat. These cruises help reveal the authentic Orient.

Older than Angkor Wat - and bigger too, Indonesia specialist Jacqui Brooks introduces Borobudur

Read about Paul and Dawn Noke's experiences when they travelled to Japan with Audley.

The areas either side of the US and Canada border are home to a multitude of fantastic spots. Our specialists share their favourite trips, which allow you to see the best of both countries.

Whether you're on honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or just want an extra special moment, our specialists pick 10 unique experiences that can make your trip unforgettable.

Ride the rails across Russia, China and Mongolia: the longest - and most epic - train journey in the world.

There are many weird and wonderful festivals that happen throughout the year around the world, whether for religious purposes or purely for celebration. Here we highlight just a few...

Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Halong Bay – all names that spring to mind at the mention of Indochina, and rightly so. But Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have so much more to offer the visitor, as four of our Southeast Asia specialists were lucky enough to discover on their recent research trips to these countries.

Read about Rob and Maureen Gillet's experiences when they travelled to Cuba with Audley.

The 'forgotten kingdom' of Yunnan gives Audley China specialist, Graham Usher a taste of authentic, traditional South China.

Eleanor and Michael Wasley travelled with Audley to Tunisia, to take in its Roman sites and other highlights.

From buzzing cities to dramatic national parks, USA specialist Matthew Lynch showcases the country's diversity.

Colombia specialist Sarah Powell discovers how a vibrant lifestyle and textured scenery of many hues are perfect ingredients for an album of eye-catching images.

New Zealand is famous for its epic, mythical landscapes and outdoor activities. But it's also renowned for great wines and fascinating Maori culture. Here's our guide to the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.

Pam and David Rogers travelled to Jordan, Israel and Egypt with Audley.

Kim and Judith Peto travelled to Sri Lanka with Audley.

Egypt specialist Alex Grose guides you through 4,000 years of history on the Giza Plateau.

Wanting to get the most out of their new camera, Bryan & Jackie Leighton began their Canadian experience in Vancouver.

Times are changing in Burma, and for the better. Jack Tydeman and Jake Green are seduced by its unspoilt landscape and the remarkably welcoming locals.

Mightily big, sometimes brash but certainly never boring, the USA is a country of striking contrasts and exhilarating experiences.

You'll find wolves and grizzlies but no TV or Twitter. Chocolat author, Joanne Harris and her daughter travelled with Audley in 2011 and fell in love with the Alaskan frontier.

Read about Peter and Gabrielle Mollett's experiences when they travelled to Egypt with Audley in February 2012.

Anne and Stephen Harriman returned to Ecuador with Audley in March this year.

Moscow's main plaza is both fairytale-like and formidable, says Russia specialist Katie.

Japan specialist, Katherine, gets under the skin of the country’s cultural heartland.

Thinking of Central America? Panama specialist Sarah Powell offers her tips on the canal-side capital.

As David Lean's classic film 'Lawrence of Arabia' turns 50 this year, John Gimlette (author of 'Wild Coast: Travels on South America's Untamed Edge') and family set out for the fabulous Jordanian desert.

Jean and David Corbett Travelled to Burma with Audley.

No matter how far off the beaten track you venture, the region's pervasive religious fervour will enhance your experience - if you know where to look, explains Audley's Carol Coates.

Angus and Dougal Hutchison travelled to India with Audley.

This exotic region offers the perfect mix of wildlife, temples, cuisine and sunshine. But which country should you head for? Use our handy guide to help you choose the one that suits you

Taking in the wilderness, wildlife and wine that South Australia and Tasmania have to offer, Australia specialists Jenny Bouquet and Chris Wilson suggest how to combine the best bits of the great outdoors Down Under.

Venturing outside Europe for first time, Lilian and Francis Miller recently travelled with Audley to experience three different sides of Morocco.

Our specialists pack their bags and head out on the road to explore new regions and re-visit some of their old favourites on a regular basis. Once in a while they stumble upon a real hidden gem. Here are a few such places they've discovered on their travels.

There is so much to see in this beautiful country, from glittering temples and colonial buildings to colourful tribal people and lush mountain scenery; anyone who travels here will be sure to want to return.

I first visited Canada in 1997 when I spent a year and a half working in the Rocky Mountains. During this visit I fell in love with this wonderful country and was lucky enough to explore not just British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains, but also Ontario, Québec and the Atlantic provinces. As I travelled eastwards I was struck by the stark contrast between modern Canada and the rich and long history of the province of Québec.

North Africa and Arabia senior specialists, Sarah Whatman and Harry Ring went in search of Oman's more secluded treasures on a recent trip.

Petra is often referred to as a place that everybody must visit at least once in their lifetime. Here, Jordan specialist, Megan Shaw outlines its history and what it has to offer.

Delve deeper into the next country you visit with our country specialists’ selection of city tours with a difference.

China is a vast and incredibly diverse country. From the towering peaks and sapphire blue lakes of Xinjiang in the northwest to the fluttering prayer flags and grazing yaks of Tibet and Yunnan, the idyllic fields and rice paddies of the south and the soaring buildings of China’s swiftly developing cities, it is hard to know where to begin, let alone how to get around, in this enormous country.

Audley Burma country specialist, Mark Hotham, explores the ancient and fascinating temples in Pagan, Burma.

From Indonesia to Vietnam, we examine our top five off the beaten track destinations you can visit on an Audley trip to Southeast Asia.

In Mexico, the past features very conspicuously in the present. Remnants of the sophisticated ancient civilisations that shaped the country litter its lush green fields; imposing colonial palaces and cathedrals adorn its cities and a rich tapestry of deeply-rooted beliefs are evident in its colourful festivals and traditions.

It is fascinating how the uninhabited parts of this planet have managed to produce some of the most astounding stories of human endeavour. When it comes to the lure of the polar regions, history reveals some catastrophic failures, often triggered by the repeated triumph of nature over the arrogance of man, but it also gives us truly inspirational stories of survival.

South India specialist and keen photographer, Lucinda Paxton, shares three of her favourite photographs of people from her travels around India.

The vast pampas, or grasslands, that sweep north from the rugged mountains and barren lands of Patagonia through Argentina, southern Chile, Uruguay and southern Brazil are home to one of South America's most iconic figures - the gaucho.

Ever fancied owning a fort or a castle? Well this fantasy is becoming a reality for many people in the western Indian state of Rajasthan where in recent months the government has been putting some fascinating state properties up for sale. North India specialist, Ben Whitaker, talks to the owner of Chhatra Sager about his family's decision to turn their land over to tourism in order to ensure that the local community continues to thrive.

As part of a tailor-made trip with Audley you can choose from a whole host of accommodation options. Amongst the beautiful boutique hotels and friendly, family-run B&Bs are a number of historically significant properties, each offering the charm of a bygone era and an exciting look into the past.

When we think of Egypt, most of us think of the great civilisations of Ancient Egypt and its many achievements. However, the modern state of Egypt also encompasses the ancient homeland of the Nubian civilisation, which at times rivalled the power and sophistication of the Egyptians. Fiona Miller explains a little more about this often overlooked part of Egyptian history.

Getting under the skin of a culture and really getting to know the people is challenging anywhere in a two to three week trip. This is especially the case in Japan, with traditional reserve sometimes holding people back. Here Lyn Hughes, Editor-in-Chief of Wanderlust magazine, experiences a great way to get to know the locals a little better – all whilst learning a new style of cooking!

A highly skilled tribe, they herd cattle and live in one of the world’s harshest environments. Distinctive for the ochre they put on their skin and traditional leather clothing - many people want to meet the Himba.

Audley client, Kate Jones travelled to Borneo in July 2011.

Southeast Asia is inhabited by many different peoples and unique wildlife, and offers the traveller a wide range of experiences. We list out top five reasons why you should visit.

Wedged between the arid plateau of Tibet and the hot fertile plains and jungles of India, Nepal offers a plethora of opportunities to travellers despite its small size. The Himalaya Range forms the backbone of Nepal and provides arguably the best mountain scenery in the world. However, there’s far more to Nepal than mountains and the country’s national parks and unique architecture provide a wonderful contrast to the wild landscapes.

A year ago, the Sacred Valley of the Incas experienced devastating amounts of rain that damaged villages and cut off the ancient citadel from the outside world. Machu Picchu was closed for two months and visitor numbers to Peru plummeted. However, many used this downtime to take stock and make much needed improvements. Here our specialists take a look at the new developments.

Uruguay is a little-known country that rarely hits the headlines and has somehow managed to keep its delights under wraps. A quick poll in the non-Latin American sections of our office came up with Fray Bentos corned beef and the footballer Diego Forlán as its most famous exports, neither of which are really reason to visit. However, there is much more to this tiny South American country.

Whether you want to learn about First Nations culture and history, go whale watching or sea-kayaking, sit on the beach or simply enjoy some top-class dining, shopping and entertainment, multi-cultural Vancouver has it all.

Long a popular destination for travellers, Morocco continues to attract visitors in increasing numbers. Our specialists explore some of the options available for those wanting to escape the crowds and get under the skin of the country.

Audley client, Nigel Wright, travelled to Malaysia with Audley in February 2011.

North Africa and Arabia specialist Harry Ring explains why the fascinating history of Jordan and Jerusalem makes his photos even more powerful.

Gardens and gardening seem part of the DNA of the British so it's not surprising that when we are abroad we are often drawn to them. With this in mind we have scoured the world to find our top ten horticultural oases.

Audley clients, Valerie and Raymond Gatward, travelled to Hong Kong and Cambodia with Audley in November 2010.

Audley client, Nick Steidl, travelled to Cambodia with Audley in November 2010.

Audley clients, Les and Lorraine Forrester, travelled to northern Vietnam with Audley in October 2010.

One of Audley's South Africa country specialists, Rob Philips, travels down Route 62 from Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn.

From the glorious jungle-tangled temples at Angkor to the lush mountain-fringed white sand beaches of the south and the little-visited villages of the north, Cambodia has our Southeast Asia team hooked.

The Northern Territory is the wildest and most diverse of Australia’s eight states and territories. We asked some of our Australia specialists for their favourite experience of the Territory and this is what they chose.

Author and journalist John Gimlette heads for Java, to discover an island of awesome beauty

As China has developed it has embraced modernity in a big way. Some of the world's most cutting edge art, architecture, design and engineering can be found in the Middle Kingdom.

Audley client, Kay Rawlins travelled to Borneo with Audley in September 2010.

Lucinda, one of our India specialists, recently travelled to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the South of India. Read about some of the culinary highlights that she enjoyed on her journey through this beautiful and fascinating region.

We organise trips all over the world and, we will admit, sometimes concentrate a little too much on the more ‘A-list’ destinations. To redress the balance we look at one of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations but which would still be of interest to the more intrepid Audley traveller. With this in mind we look at Bolivia.

A late Easter weekend in 2011, followed by the May Bank Holiday means that you can take just four days out of the office to enjoy an 11-day-long break. Take a look at our Easter trip ideas for a little inspiration.

A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European culture, Malaysia is a fascinating place to explore with a rich tapestry of colonial architecture, a vibrant, multi-cultural society and some of the best food on the planet. Patrick Chase gives his insider tips on what to see and where to go for that perfect trip.

Located around 2,450 metres above sea level and nestled on a small plateau in the centre of the Andes, the majestic city of Machu Picchu is easily the most iconic of all Incan ruins in Latin America.

The verdant slopes of China’s mountainous southwest have for centuries boasted some of the country’s most productive tea growing areas. We explore some of the main trading routes of this region.

Some of the most memorable museums you can visit are often those which produce the most poignant of emotions. We have sought out several of the best and which are also in places Audley go to.

This iconic landmark serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities suffered here during World War II. The nearby museum highlights the plight of the POWs and Asian labourers tortured by the Japanese, whilst the beautifully maintained WWII cemetary provides a quiet sanctuary for reflection.

Lonely Planet author and sometime Audley Tour Leader Nick Ray looks back on 15 years of travelling in the kingdom of Cambodia.

With Halloween just around the corner our thoughts have turned to some of the more unusual experiences available on a tailor-made trip with Audley. Wander around a cemetery at dusk, listen to the eerie tales of malevolent spirits on a tour of a disused penitentiary, or follow in the footsteps of soldiers past at some of the world's most important battlefields.

Taking time away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots to spend time with a local community in their own surroundings can be both unique and humbling experience but also utterly fascinating. We highlight some indigenous cultures from around the globe you can visit on an Audley trip.

Some of the world’s most beautiful, ancient and iconic destinations are well known for good reason, but this popularity usually means that crowds of tourists and sightseers vying for space are a common sight.

Within Indochina (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) we feature eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites; places recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as being of such unique interest to the world that they have been afforded special preservation status.

One of the greatest building feats of all time and quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we take a closer look at the Great Wall of China.

Vancouver Island is located off the West Coast of mainland Canada. At 290 miles in length and 50 miles wide, it is the world’s 43rd largest island and a place that manages to condense most of the highlights of Canada. Audley's Canada team pick out their own personal highlights of the island.

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and one of the most diverse, with a huge array of landscapes, people and culture. Discover our top tips for the best places to go on a first-time visit to this magnificent country.

Here at Audley we handpick all our guides and they come no better than Magdy Zayed, local guide and Egyptologist. Here he tell us about his life, his interests, his views on how Cairo has changed and what the future holds for the Middle East’s most populous city.

The small, leaf shaped island of Taiwan is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a largely undiscovered destination packed with culture and sensational scenery. Chris Moore, one of Audley's Taiwan Specialists explains why Taiwan is Asia's best-kept secret.

With many clients choosing to travel for two weeks, due to work constraints or other reasons, we have created a breakdown of the perfect 14 days to spend in some of our favourite destinations. Marc Dolman discusses his perfect 14 days in Japan.

Often borne out of local traditions and customs or just plain weird. Here we present 10 of the world's more bizarre sporting events which, with good timing, it's just possible to see on an Audley trip.

Discover eight ways in which you can give back to the local communities on a tailor-made holiday with Audley.

The Taj Mahal, in Agra, is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and certainly the most famous in India, receiving between two and three million visitors each Year. It is widely regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture, which is a blend of Persian, Indian and Islamic styles.

Historic battlefield sites are a draw for many people, especially those who enjoy their history. We list five famous battlefield sites from around the world.

Terry Sullivan has been leading Audley group tours for over 16 years. After returning from his final tour for Audley, he shares with us a few passages from his tour diary.

Our India specialists suggest some great examples of places where you can combine visits to the major attractions with some time gaining a better insight into local daily life.

Audley client, Clive Harber, describes his trip to Papua New Guinea.

Audley's Chile experts break down the attractions and share a few of their own personal highlights from their travels to the region.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on a traditional rice boat on the Backwaters and admire the beautiful scenery.

The British Museum launches a major new exhibition on the Aztec civilisation this September.

India is a country of over one billion people and the sheer diversity of people in this vast country is what makes it such a fascinating place. The following video slideshow features just a few of the many faces that constitute India.

By far the best way to spot the now elusive Geisha is to take an evening walk around the Gion district in Kyoto. Meet our guides, Duncan and Izumi, and find out about the guided walks that they offer.

Christopher discusses his experience of Maori culture in New Zealand.

Bhutan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and people, as well as stunning scenery which can all be seen in our 'Visions of Bhutan' slideshow.

BBC2's new three-part series investigates the remote South Pacific islands, from its history and culture to wildlife and colonisation.

New Zealand has its fair share of creative architecture and visitors can now choose from an array of different options: from colonial and art deco, to contemporary and unique modern designs.

Highly ritualised, sumo wrestling is Japan’s most popular traditional sport, and with six tournaments a year there is ample opportunity to enjoy this exciting pastime first-hand.

Outstanding Classical ruins and breath-taking desert scenery have long been one of the worst-kept secrets of the travelling world. Donna accounts some of Libya's finest.

Follow in the footsteps of great authors, such as Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and explore the fascinating sights of Egypt as described by Harry, our Syria, Jordan and Egypt Specialist.

Dan Snow travelled with Audley to New Zealand in January 2009 – find out more about his experiences of this culturally fascinating and scenically beautiful destination.

This six-part series on BBC 2 documented explorer Bruce Parry's epic journey down the mighty Amazon river and the fascinating people he met on his way.

Jo Hoban, Mongolia Specialist discovers that by spending time in a family ger and visiting projects you can help to preserve the nomadic culture of Mongolia.

Find out more about courtly life in India at the V&A museum. The exhibition will run from the 10th October 2009 to the 17th January 2010.

The most memorable travel experiences often come from being able to give something back. The following seven stories reveal how you too can contribute.