You’re in for a treat if you’re considering engaging a reputable and trusted tour agency for your next holiday getaway. Not only does it save you time and effort in planning and researching itineraries, but you also get the bonus of expert guides who can spill the beans on every destination’s hidden gems. After all, beyond taking in new sights and sounds, travelling is also about broadening your horizons and learning about different traditions and cultures. With their storied background and vibrant heritage, here are six luxury tour spots perfect for the cultured traveller!
Learn more: Travel Experiences: Destinations for Each Adventure
Also known as Apulia, Puglia is a captivating region located in the southeastern part of Italy, forming the heel of the country’s “boot”. Renowned for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia boasts a diverse landscape, featuring sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and rolling hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards. The area is also rich in history and culture, with charming towns like Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses, and Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South” for its exquisite baroque architecture. Puglia’s cuisine is a highlight, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients including seafood, vegetables and its signature olive oil and wine.
If the sound of that interests you, join our Trulli holidays in Puglia where you can sample award-winning wines, highly sought-after olive oils and local focaccia, and even meet a burrata maker. Uncover UNESCO-listed treasures as you explore the Sassi of Matera and over 100 well-preserved houses in Alberello.
Nestled between Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, lies Jordan, a country with a profound past and breathtaking landscapes. Its most iconic site is Petra, an ancient Nabatean city carved into rose-red cliffs, whose intricate architecture and historical significance attract visitors from all over the world. The capital city, Amman, blends modernity with ancient ruins, boasting a vibrant cultural scene and bustling markets. But wait, there’s more! Step into the surreal desert terrains of Wadi Rum, where stunning rock formations paint an otherworldly picture. Don’t miss out on the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest point, where buoyant waters and therapeutic mud promise a truly unique experience.
Dive into a cultural exploration in Jordan and visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip with us! Our Jordan luxury tours include hiking the backdoors of Petra through the scenic High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa, venturing off-the-beaten-path into Umm Ar-Rasas and Umm Qais, and a once-in-lifetime experience to float in the Dead Sea!
From the busy markets and antiquated medinas of cities such as Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert, exquisite Moroccan travel experiences beckon. The Atlas Mountains provide spectacular vistas and opportunities for hiking, while the coastal cities of Essaouira and Agadir flaunt their seaside charm. Moroccan cuisine, known for its flavourful tagines, couscous and mint tea, reflects the country’s Berber, Aran and French influences. Additionally, intricate architecture, colourful mosaics and ancient sites like the Roman ruins and Volubilis further highlight the region’s historical depth.
To help you get the best out of your vacation, our luxury Morocco tours encompass visits to eight UNESCO sites, exploring Marrakech on a sidecar away from tourist crowds, an insightful Sufi dinner in Fes with a local professor, and Berber cheese and wine tasting near the alluring port city of Essaouira and more!
As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and its strategic location, Sicily has been a crossroads of civilisations including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish, all leaving their mark on the island’s architecture, cuisine and traditions. The island is dotted with impressive archaeological sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina. Sicily’s natural beauty is equally compelling, featuring picturesque coastlines, the majestic Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and quaint towns such as Palermo, Catania and Syracuse. Its cuisine features a delectable fusion of flavours with signature dishes — arancini, cannoli and fresh seafood.
Discover UNESCO marvels in Sicily through our Sicily luxury holidays! Travel to six of Sicily’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, soft adventure in Mount Etna with wine tasting and unlock optional access to ancient palaces, guided by the owner or a Sicillan countess. You can even consider extending your day for a trip to the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands by sailing or helicopter rides.
A transcontinental country straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Turkey is a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures and incredible panorama. Istanbul, its largest city, dazzles with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and bustling Grand Bazaar. Turkey’s historical depth is evident in sites such as Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, and Cappadocia, where rock formations and cave dwellings tell tales of centuries past. The country’s scenic splendour is further accentuated by the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, displaying pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters. If you consider yourself to be a big foodie, do stop by for a taste of their delicious kebabs, baklava and mezze as well!
Indulge in our luxury Turkey holidays and experience the mosaic wonders of Turkey when you travel with us. Our itinerary includes exploring Ihlara Valley, Bergama and Aphrodisias, soaring on a hot air balloon above Cappadocia’s bizarre fairy chimney and optional activities for foodies ranging from Turkish cooking classes to baklava-making.
Ningxia, in northwest China, is home to the Hui ethnic minority, adding a unique cultural flavour to its multifaceted tapestry. The Yellow River, one of China’s major waterways, flows through Ningxia, providing fertile lands for agriculture and delightful scenery. The area’s most popular attraction is the Helan Mountains, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and photography. Ningxia is also renowned for its thriving industry, with vineyards dotting the landscape, producing high-quality wines. Tourists can immerse themselves in its history by traversing archaic monuments such as Western Xia Tombs and the Shuidonggou archaeological site.
Admiring the Helan Mountain rock paintings by northern minority tribes, visiting the Western Xia Imperial Tombs with experts to learn about the history of a lost civilisation and riding a jeep into the desert hinterland along the Yellow River for a fun afternoon tea are just a few of the highlights of our luxury tour to Ningxia.
In a foreign land, it’s natural to want to make the most of every moment, engaging in all it has to offer. This sentiment is particularly true for countries esteemed for their extensive heritage culture and abundance of sightseeing opportunities, as mentioned above. Here, our role as a premium luxury tour agency shines — to curate unforgettable getaways, ensuring every aspect of your trip is optimised for maximum enjoyment and enrichment!
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In the heart of Europe lies Italy, a country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet. Its landscapes are adorned with ancient cities, magnificent artworks dating back hundreds of years, and architectural marvels that make it a living museum.
The cultural heritage of Italy can be attributed to a combination of historical, geographical, and sociocultural factors. Not only was it a central hub of trade for thousands of years, the Roman empire was also one of the most influential civilisations in history, leaving behind plenty of historical landmarks in Italy.
Interested in going on a luxury holiday in Italy to learn more about the country’s rich history? We share with you 10 Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit when you’re there.
Located in the Piedmont region of Italy is Coppo Cellars, a historic winery dating back to the 18th century. Apart from the exceptional wine you’ll get to taste during the visit, Coppo Cellars is also known for its cool, dimly lit ancient subterranean cellars filled with ancient barrels and ageing wine that will transport you to a bygone era.
Witness the old-world methods and craftsmanship of Italy’s deep-seated winemaking traditions, and learn more about grape cultivation, fermentation, and the art of blending when you visit the Coppo Cellars.
Trulli houses are traditional Apulian dry stone huts complete with conical-roofs that cover the land of Puglia, Italy. These buildings are crafted without the use of mortar, reflecting the ingenious craftsmanship of generations that have gone before us.
Going on a Trulli holiday in Puglia lets you explore the architecture of these age-old houses, discover Italy’s rich heritage, and experience the region’s culture and traditions.
With over 7000 years of history, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The town boasts a rocky appearance, and is filled with numerous stone-carved homes that served the prehistoric troglodytes. These unique architectural structures, along with Matera’s several cliffside homes, narrow alleys, and ancient churches, offer a glimpse into an archaic civilisation, making it a captivating World Heritage Site with a rich historical significance.
Bergamo is a charming town located in Lombardy. It’s often overshadowed by its more famous Italian counterparts, but contains two well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Città Alta (Upper Town) and the Città Bassa (Lower Town).
The Città Alta is a medieval enclave featuring Venetian walls, ancient churches and quaint piazzas while the Città Bassa is a bustling street lined with lively cafés, ttrattorias and osterias, as well as elegant boutiques.
A unique trait of Bergamo is its people’s dedication to preserving traditional crafts and skills. It is where you’ll find workshops and artisans who continue to practice ancient techniques, from bookbinding to woodworking.
The Amalfi Coast is another travel destination in Italy that offers breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that stretches back to the Middle Ages. The region was once a powerful maritime republic and remnants of its maritime influence can still be found in the ancient shipyards and maritime museums that dot the coastline.
Learn More: Exploring the Enchanting Amalfi Coast
The Dolomites is a mountain range that spans the northern regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Their peaks, characterised by their distinctive pink and white limestone formations, were formed over 250 millions years ago when sediment on the seabed underwent compression from the collision of tectonic plates.
For those in search of a deeper connection to Italy’s rich heritage, the Dolomites offer an array of experiences. Embarking on hikes and skiing adventures through its pristine landscapes bring you closer to nature, while visits to quaint alpine villages allow travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and savour authentic cuisine. You can even find a network of well-preserved military fortifications from World War I at the Dolomites.
Constructed in the 12th century under the patronage of William II of Sicily, the Normal Cathedral in Sicily stands as a remarkable historical site that showcases a captivating architectural blend of Byzantine, Arab and Norman influences. It is also where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Byzantine mosaics, which were produced from the 4th to 15th centuries during the Byzantine empire.
On a luxury holiday in Sicily? The Valley of the Temples is a World Heritage Site you should not miss! Located just outside the vibrant city of Agrigento, the Valley of the temples is a sprawling archaeological site that offers visitors an immersive journey into Italy’s past. It comprises not only temples, but also an array of other ancient structures including sanctuaries, necropolises, and residential areas, showcasing the enduring legacy of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.
The Villa Romana del Casale is an ancient Roman villa renowned for its remarkably well-preserved mosaics. This sprawling estate spans over 3,500 square metres and was once the lavish summer residence of a Roman aristocrat. Its grandeur speaks volumes about the importance of Sicily within the Roman Empire, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of Italy’s historical tapestry.
As the tallest active stratovolcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, Mount Etna is an iconic site that tourists visit to witness firsthand the ongoing forces that shape our planet. From the plumes of smoke and ash that frequently rise from its summit to the ever-changing landscape of its slopes, Mount Etna offers a living lesson in geology.
Looking for culturally-rich luxury holidays in Italy? Intriq Journey, a Hong Kong travel agency, offers a variety of itineraries that will allow you to discover some of Italy’s most interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Whether it’s a visit to Puglia to see some Trulli houses or a tour of UNESCO sites in Sicily, let Intriq Journey bring you on a heritage tour across Italy. Find out more here!
