History tours · LOCAL CULTURE & TRADITIONS TOURS

Best Culture & Traditions Tours Around the World: Our Top 15

88 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Craft workshops still working, kitchens that never modernised, festivals with a date in the tenth century. These 15 are compared on what you actually do, what it costs and how long it takes.

Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings - Quiet history at the Begijnhof
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Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings

1.Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,315 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Spend 3.5 hours walking from central Amsterdam to the Jordaan while tasting Dutch cheese, herring, fries, bitterballen, apple pie, and more. Roman leads a group of up to 15 through the Bloemenmarkt, Begijnhof, Torensluis, and local food stops. Vegetarian options are available, but the tour is not vegan or gluten free.

“Roman, the French/Nederlander food tour guide left us so satisfied! His kind and personable demeanor was very delightful. We were promised a food tour of a milieu of Dutch treats, and boy did he deliver! He offered wonderful stories and shared his vast knowledge of local history and cultural delights. We’ve been on food tours before, but this one is hands down the best. We left satisfied with what was essentially an 7-course meal. Everything was delicious and the portions were just right! This tour is absolutely with the price of admission. Thank you, Roman! And, I forgot to mention…he added such a wonderful personal touch by speaking with each…”

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Sevilla Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions - Starting beside the Setas in Plaza de la Encarnación
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Sevilla Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions

2.Sevilla Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,468 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Spend about three and a half hours walking Seville with a local guide such as Alejandro, Pilar, Sasha, Jeff, or Stephanie. Visit neighborhood bars, taste tapas and four wines, see flamenco dress, and learn how food connects with Seville’s customs, football, and past. Tastings provide enough food for lunch or dinner.

“This was a great activity for our first evening after flying into Seville. We got a feel of the town, had great food and wine and a wonderful tour experience. Highly recommend!”

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Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch - Reaching the camp and getting ready
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Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

3.Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $141

Travel about 35 to 40 minutes from Tromsø to a Sami reindeer camp, where you feed a herd of up to 300 by hand. Warm up with hot chocolate, cookies, and reindeer or vegetable stew, then hear Sami stories and a traditional joik song from guides such as Johannes, Inga, or Daniel.

“The soup was delicious, very good vibes, every one was friendly!”

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Half Day Dominican Republic Cultural Tour : Small Group - Horseback riding at a Higüey ranch
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Half Day Dominican Republic Cultural Tour : Small Group

4.Half Day Dominican Republic Cultural Tour : Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,862 reviews · from $60

Leave Punta Cana’s resorts for Higüey, where you’ll visit the basilica, local market, a ranch, Anamuya River, a cocoa and coffee farm, cigar workshop, art school, and Macao Beach. Expect guides such as Robinson, Franklin, or Tito, a Dominican lunch, hotel pickup, and a day that often runs 7 to 8 hours.

“It was a very nice tour not too long and you get to enjoy every spot of the tour. Our tour guide Robinson was great and had great energy to keep the tour interesting. I would highly recommend.”

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Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture - Starting at Gordon Reserve and the Old Treasury Building
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Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

5.Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,451 reviews · from $92

Spend three hours walking Melbourne with a local English-speaking guide, visiting Federation Square, street-art laneways, arcades, Chinatown, the State Library, and Old Melbourne Gaol. Your small group, capped at 12, includes a Melbourne coffee, a map, local tips, and a drink at Captain Melville.

“We were very lucky to have the lovely and knowledgeable Ian on our tour! The meeting place was by the big fountain at Gordon reserve opposite the Windsor hotel - you can spot the team holding blue umbrellas. We had a very small group on our tour six, a lovely family for and myself and my friend. Ian made the effort to get to know us a little so he could tailor some of the facts that he told us. The walking tour itself was fabulous and we saw lots of great architecture, arcades & street art. I live in Melbourne myself and my friend was visiting from the UK…”

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Tromsø: Sámi Reindeer Sledding and Sami Cultural Tour - Meeting the herd on foot
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Tromsø: Sámi Reindeer Sledding and Sami Cultural Tour

6.Tromsø: Sámi Reindeer Sledding and Sami Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,400 reviews · 4h 30m · from $230

Travel from Tromsø to a Sámi camp for reindeer feeding, up to 30 minutes of sledding, a warm meal, and cultural stories. English-speaking Sámi guides, including guides named John, Michael, and Mikkel on different departures, lead the visit. The ride depends on snow and has a 110 kg weight limit.

“An absolutely exceptional experience! The reindeer sledding activity was simply magical from start to finish. Gliding silently through the snowy landscape, surrounded by nature, felt like stepping into a fairytale. The reindeer were beautiful and well cared for, and the guides were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate. This was not just an activity, but a truly emotional moment — peaceful, authentic, and unforgettable. It’s one of those rare experiences that stays with you forever and will be engraved in my memory for a lifetime. I cannot recommend this enough. If you’re hesitating, don’t — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience ✨”

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Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour - Hanamikoji Street and the world of geisha
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Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour

7.Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,186 reviews · from $23

Walk through Gion with guides such as Soyo, Uta, Dan, or Naoya, learning about geisha and maiko life while visiting Hanamikoji, Yasaka Shrine, Hokan-ji, Pontocho, and Gion Shirakawa. The two-hour route uses quiet lanes as well as famous photo stops, with a chance to spot a geisha around early evening.

“Uta was exceptional. So much knowledge and love for her city and its incredible treasures. This tour was a gem. Would highly recommend.”

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Marrakech Historical and Cultural Tour - Half Day City Tour - Bahia Palace and the art of royal living
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Marrakech Historical and Cultural Tour – Half Day City Tour

8.Marrakech Historical and Cultural Tour – Half Day City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,180 reviews · from $30

Walk Marrakech’s old quarters with a local guide such as Abdul, Mohamed, Hassan, or Ali. Visit Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, see Koutoubia Mosque, pass Bab Agnaou, and explore souks where artisans work. Entrance fees and transport are extra, and a private upgrade is available.

“Our tour guide was sooo nice and accommodating. He was very detailed and informative on this tour. He nicely answered all of our questions and made sure to make us fell very welcomed. We didn’t get to see the tombs though due to over crowding. I know it wasn’t his fault but he tried his best to get the group in there but couldn’t. Very pleased with this tour highly recommend this if you want to learn more about the culture in this area 5 stars for sure”

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Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour - Starting in Portland’s Old Port
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Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

9.Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

Ride with a local guide such as Eric, Pete, Jeff, or Chris from Portland’s Old Port to Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light. This two-hour land tour uses an air-conditioned Ford Transit van, includes bottled water and charging, and ends back at Portland Beer Hub.

“Pete was so informative and pleasant to listen to. The van was comfortable and not cramped. We enjoyed our tour and would go again.”

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Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English) - A free courtyard look at cinema miniatures
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Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

10.Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $6Best value

Start at Saint-Jean Cathedral with guide Paul, then follow Vieux Lyon’s traboules, silk traditions, courthouse history, shopping streets, Théâtre des Célestins, and Hôtel Dieu. This English-language walk costs $6.05, lasts about two hours, and suits first-time visitors who want history, local tips, and a quick feel for Lyon.

“The trip was informative with lots of good advice on further attractions to see and restaurants to visit.”

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Dubai Camel Desert Safari, Traditional Meal & Heritage Activities - The 45-minute camel caravan
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Dubai Camel Desert Safari, Traditional Meal & Heritage Activities

11.Dubai Camel Desert Safari, Traditional Meal & Heritage Activities

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 937 reviews · from $193

Travel from central Dubai to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, then ride in a two-person camel caravan for 45 to 60 minutes. At a royal desert retreat, you’ll watch falconry, try henna, Arabic coffee, and bread making, then eat a four-course Emirati dinner with music and drumming. Guides such as Karim, Bash, and Jovan are known for keeping the evening personal and well organized.

“Great experience. Well organised and authentic. Camel ride was super and surprisingly peaceful. Falcon show was impressive. The traditional food and entertainment at dinner was wonderful. Great driver Kharey was very friendly and informative.”

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Taste Funchal: food, wine & cultural tour - What happens during the four-hour walk
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Taste Funchal: food, wine & cultural tour

12.Taste Funchal: food, wine & cultural tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 906 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $112

Explore Funchal with a local guide such as Ana, Leonora, Elda, or Roberto, stopping at independent eateries for Madeiran food, Madeira wine, and poncha. Your guide explains the island’s culture, translates menus, and shares useful restaurant tips. Tastings are included, vegetarian options are available, and groups are limited to 12.

“We just enjoyed a fabulous 3 hours exploring a variety of delicious treats in Funchal! I highly recommend this tour.”

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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Snorkeling for beginners, older swimmers, and confident swimmers
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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

13.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Spend about eight hours from Cairns at Reef Magic’s outer reef platform. You’ll get a fast catamaran ride, snorkeling gear, marine biologist talks, glass-bottom and semi-submersible viewing, lunch, and optional scuba, helmet walks, or helicopter flights. Guides such as Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya have helped make the day welcoming for beginners and families.

“I would highly recommend this tour with Magic Reef. I signed up for the escorted snorkel experience and Ella and Ethan were outstanding! Ella was very informative and Ethan went the extra mile and took underwater videos and pics with the Read more”

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Naples Spanish Quarters Walking Tour Street Art, Folklore & Sweet - Walking the streets beneath Castel Sant’Elmo
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Naples Spanish Quarters Walking Tour Street Art, Folklore & Sweet

14.Naples Spanish Quarters Walking Tour Street Art, Folklore & Sweet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $14

Walk Naples’ Spanish Quarters and Via Toledo for two hours with an English-speaking local guide such as Serena, Simone, Arianna, or Roberta. Expect narrow lanes, neighborhood stories, street art, football lore, visual material, and a taste of Neapolitan sweets. Groups are capped at 15.

“Great tour to give you a glimpse of a fascinating area of Naples. Simon was a great tour guide with excellent English speaking skills and much to share.”

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Taste of Malaga Tour : Tapas, History and Local Customs - Atarazanas Market turns ingredients into a story
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Taste of Malaga Tour : Tapas, History and Local Customs

15.Taste of Malaga Tour : Tapas, History and Local Customs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Walk Málaga’s old center with an English-speaking guide such as Felipe, Elise, Javi, Fernando, or Emilio. Visit Atarazanas Market, a traditional ultramarinos, and local restaurants for 14-plus tapas, drinks, Iberian ham, vermouth, and wine. Small groups cap at 12, and tastings can change with the season.

“Emilio was absolutely fantastic! As a phenomenal local in Málaga, he made us feel instantly connected to the city’s charm and history. Every stop on the tour felt special and personal, and each tasting was more delicious than the last. He truly turned a great wine tour into an unforgettable experience.”

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