Custom Trip Plan
Destinations

Trip Ideas
Itineraries
Themes

About Us

1 800 344 5785

themes » history

Take a Journey into Europe’s Past 

From ancient tales to medieval secrets to heartbreaking stories from the two World Wars, Europe’s history is tangible at every turn. 

It’s hard to get more historic than the Old World and JayWay will be there to help you unveil the secrets of Europe’s past as you marvel at monuments and delve into traditions that have been around for centuries on end. 

Explore Europe’s History: An Era at a Time

Go Where It All Started: Greece & Italy

It all started in Greece and Italy, two destinations known for their ancient grandeur. Wander through the sacred remnants of Ancient Athens, the so-called Cradle of Western Civilization, and get to know Europe’s oldest civilization, the mighty Minoans, in Crete.

In Italy, popular Rome and the lesser-known Valley of The Temples in Sicily await to fascinate you. Yet, the traces of the once mighty Roman Empire stretch way beyond Italy’s borders.

Look For Roman-Era Treasures Beyond The Borders of Italy

Look for them in Croatia’s seaside city of Pula with its impressive Roman amphitheater or in cinematic Dubrovnik, where Diocletian’s Palace is located. Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct, awaits in quaint Nimes in France, while yet another breathtaking aqueduct dominates beautiful Segovia in Spain. The German city of Trier near Luxembourg is home to some of the largest imperial baths outside of Rome. And the list goes on. 

Hear The Cities Whisper Medieval Secrets

For the splendor and dark secrets of the Middle Ages, head to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, such as Toledo in Spain, Bruges in Belgium, Lyon in France, and of course, Prague, one of the most stunning capital cities in Europe. 

A collage of three significant historical and cultural sites in Europe The top left image shows the entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei sign above the gate symbolizing a somber reminder of the Holocaust The top right image features the Roman Forum in Rome Italy with ancient ruins and columns against a beautiful sunset sky The bottom image depicts a woman in a blue dress and sun hat standing by the Pont du Gard an ancient Roman aqueduct in southern France overlooking the river below

Stand in Awe Before Monuments To Europe’s Recent History

Europe feels like a living museum of recent history, with countless landmarks that narrate some of the world’s darkest moments. In Poland, the concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau stands in silence in memory of all the humans that suffered within its walls while in Germany, Berlin feels like an open-air museum of sorts, providing a constant reminder of the atrocity of war but also a celebration of peace and life as you walk past the remnants of the notorious Berlin Wall. 

Led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, the tours we include in our itineraries are windows into Europe’s history, offering the unique opportunity to immerse yourselves in European culture. 

Suggested History-Themed Itineraries Throughout Europe

Here’s a sample of our bespoke Europe itineraries that focus on History

Subscribe to our Newsletter

And get regular inspiration for your Central & Eastern Europe travels.