Most trips are taken for relaxation, but the main purpose of a vacation is to escape your daily life. What better way to do that than to learn about history? You could visit the Vatican in Rome or holy sites in Jerusalem. If you love the royals, Buckingham Palace is a perfect historic location. Learn about ancient politics and government in Tokyo and Athens. Here are a few places that should be on your historic world tour.
1. Rome, Italy
Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire and is chock full of historic sites and landmarks. You can visit the ancient Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon and much, much more. You can also take a walking tour through the city's many historic landmarks, including several temples, churches and ancient buildings. Almost everywhere you look, there is an ancient building or historic site to explore. And if you love pizza, you will never run out of options in Italy. There are also plenty of gelato shops.
2. Jerusalem, Israel
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Jerusalem is a pilgrimage destination for many Jews, but there is still plenty to learn for any visitor. The city is divided into three sections: the Old City, West Jerusalem and East Jerusalem. The Old City is encased in ancient stone walls and this is where all of the historic landmarks are located. Inside, you can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to stand on top of Jesus Christ's tomb. You can also visit the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. If you're looking for even more history, you can visit the Israel Museum.
3. London, England
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London is definitely a modern city, but it has also been around for quite some time. Sure, you can visit the Shard and the Eye. However, you can soak up history at the Tower of London, the Churchill war rooms and Westminster Abbey. Buckingham Palace is another must-see for royal family fanatics and history lovers alike. Maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of the royal family while you learn about their past.
4. Tokyo, Japan
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Japan is one of the oldest known civilizations in the world and Tokyo boasts plenty of historic sites to learn about. Visit the Imperial Palace, where the emperor of Japan resides. The majority of the palace is inaccessible to the public, but you can take a small tour. The Meiji Shrine is another historic landmark. The shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. They died in 1912 and 1914, respectively. There are plenty of modern attractions in Tokyo, but there is no limit to the amount of history you can absorb.
5. Athens, Greece
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Experience the beginning of democracy in Greece. Athens has many, many ancient structures and sites to visit and explore — including the Parthenon, Acropolis, and the Hellenic Parliament. You can also visit the prison of Socrates and the first ever cemetery of Athens. There are tons of ancient temples and ruins to experience the history of Ancient Greece. You'll never run out of attractions to get lost in.
