Beaches and pools might be the mainstay of a family getaway but, according to Audley Travel, discerning families are increasingly demanding more.
Its travel trends for 2025 highlighted a growing interest in cultural touring designed for those with children in tow.
Alex Bentley, head of product, says: “Spending time relaxing as a family is still key for clients, but they also want to experience the culture of a destination. A growing number are asking that this is designed with their children front of mind, so that they can learn – at an age-appropriate level – from their travels.”
To provide some inspiration, whether it’s ideas for marketing campaigns or product to suggest, we round up some of the most engaging options across the globe.
Marvelling at mythology
Ancient Greece is a mainstay on school curriculums and its mythological characters are enthralling for all ages.
Audley Travel’s 12-day Greek itinerary is the perfect way to bring Zeus, Hercules and co to life with an interactive tour designed with historically-curious kids in mind.
Suzanne McGrory, Greece product manager at Audley Travel, recommends the tour for 7- to 11-year-olds.
She says: “We arrange touring in Delphi and Athens for families, with the guide there focusing on myths and legends. The guide is an expert at keeping children engaged and also knows exactly when to stop for ice cream too.”
To satisfy active types, the trip also includes an e-bike tour of the Meteroa monasteries at sunset and a 4x4 adventure on Milos.
Book it: A tailor-made tour starts from £5,290pp based on a family of four sharing and travelling in May. It includes flights, transfers, B&B accommodation and excursions; audleytravel.com
Getting crafty
Culture, history and geography combine to make Intrepid’s Iceland Family Holiday a perfect blend of fun and education.
Kellie Birkett, product manager – family, sampled the trip with her son Riley. She says: “Kids will dive into Iceland’s rich history, from Viking tales to independence. They’ll learn Icelandic language basics, hear folklore on a saga tour and gain insights into Iceland’s ancient parliament, the Althing.
“A highlight is the Skrimsli workshop, where kids make their own Icelandic wool monster. They select responsibly sourced fabrics before their host, Alma, assembles the Skrimsli and adds a special tag, making it a sustainable souvenir to take home.”
Book it: A six-day trip starting in Reykjavik on 25 May, leads in from £1,756 per adult and £1,549 per child, both on a twin share basis. Flights are not included; intrepid.com
Learning new tricks
Somersaulting with Cambodian circus performers must be up there as one of the most memorable holiday experiences. Families with budding gymnasts aged seven and above will be sold on G Adventures’ South-East Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia, which offers them the chance to do just that.
Stu Darnley, national sales manager, says: “Other trip highlights include a water-puppet show; making Vietnamese sweet potato chips; a noodle tour with G Adventures–supported Oodles of Noodles programme, which trains local youth in the culinary arts; visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels; and a circus workshop with Phare, a Cambodian circus and social enterprise that employs underprivileged youth.”
Book it: The 13-day trip starts from £1,949 per adult and £1,521 per child, based on an April departure and excluding international flights; gadventures.com
Drumming up adventure
Outdoorsy families who love wildlife can immerse themselves in North American culture on Explore’s 14-day Family Canadian Adventure.
Spending their nights camping under the stars, families will enjoy opportunities to spot Western Canada’s wildlife including whales and grizzly bears.
Chris Ellis, product manager for the Americas, highlights that the trip also explores Canada’s rich cultural heritage.
“We visit the First Nations Squamish Cultural Centre where we not only learn about the history of the First Nation people and what they are doing to preserve their culture, but also make one of the traditional instruments, a mini drum.”
Book it: The tour starts from £2,801pp. It includes 11 nights’ simple camping and two nights’ comfortable hotel, breakfast plus some other meals and maxiwagon transport but excludes flights; explore.co.uk
Neapolitan knead-to-know
The perfect recipe for a successful summer break with a hefty helping of Roman culture, Exodus’ Amalfi Coast: Pompeii & Pizza Family Holiday is suitable for children aged nine and above. Featuring visits to the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, it also offers adventurous excursions such as a coastal walk along The Path of the Gods and a kayak trip. Children will relish the chance to try pottery painting, paper making and rustling up an authentic Neapolitan pizza too.
Beverley Neal, Exodus’ head of product, says: “For kids undertaking history, art and food tech at school, this trip provides practical experiences that perfectly complement these subjects.”
Book it: The eight-day tour starts from £1,699 per adult and £1,247 per child, departing on 11 July 2026. Price includes B&B accommodation, five lunches and dinners, all transport and listed activities but excludes flights; exodus.co.uk
Mastering Medieval life
Taking in the Medieval highlights of Detenice, Cesky Krumlov and Prague, there’s plenty to spark children’s imaginations on Families Worldwide’s Knights & Castles of Czech Republic.
Product manager Sam Buck says: “Kids can learn about the country’s history in an interactive way. They are immersed in the action throughout the tour from cheering on knights re-enacting a medieval tournament and writing with medieval quills to exploring the spooky side of Prague on an evening ghost walking tour and eating at medieval-themed banquets peppered with knights, beggars and witches.”
Book it: Starting from £1,445 per adult and £1,245 per child, the tour includes seven nights’ B&B accommodation, three dinners, activities and excursions, transfers and UK flights. Departures available March to October 2025; familiesworldwide.co.uk
