For worldschooling kids—those fortunate adventurers whose classrooms span the globe and whose textbooks come to life with every new destination—exploring historical sites offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the pages of a textbook. Unlike passive learning from a distance, experiencing history in person ignites curiosity, sparks the imagination, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.
Most importantly, engaging students in hands-on learning enhances their involvement and memory retention, nurturing the growth of problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. For those fortunate enough, learning about ancient Egypt on a guided tour of Giza instead of in a classroom is are far more impactful learning experience. Opportunities like that are exactly what we are going to explore in this post - 12 historical sites where world schooling kids get the best education in ancient civilizations through guided tours.
12 Best Ancient Historical Sites for Worldschoolers
We have selected these based on three main criteria:
- Historical and cultural significance
- Accessibility and safety
- Quality of tours
Ready to embrace worldschooling to make your child's education fun and full of adventure? Then get inspired and add these possibilities to your world schooling itinerary!
Disclaimer: Storylines is not affiliated with any of the tours recommended.
1. Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - Cairo, Egypt
Let’s start with arguably the most famous ancient historical events and sites on the list, the Great Pyramids of Giza. These landmarks are over 3000 years old and it’s still up for debate on exactly how they were built without modern technology, making this one of the most fascinating sites for young world schoolers (and students of every age!) to learn about.
Recommended tour: Ramses Tours
As a recipient of the U.N. World Tourism Organisation Award for innovation, Ramses Tours is a trusted leader in Egyptian travel, offering expertly guided tours that blend the wonders of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Discover Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture with Ramses Tours on this unforgettable journey. World schoolers can explore the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, learn about history and the ancient treasures at the Egyptian Museum, and a cultural experience of the bustling energy of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
2. The Colosseum - Rome, Italy
If there's any ancient civilization as famous as that of Egypt, it's the Roman Empire. One of its most symbolic landmarks is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. With much of it still standing, it is a testament to the architectural brilliance and the strength of the Roman arch. A perfect site for student travel and educational adventure, you can tour inside the Colosseum led by guides with in-depth knowledge and learning objectives.
Recommended tour: LivTours
The LivTours Colosseum Tour for Kids offers an interactive and enjoyable exploration of Rome’s iconic Colosseum, featuring exclusive access to the arena floor and tailored for families. With LivTours' engaging activities booklet and expert guide, this tour is perfect for families seeking a memorable and educational experience.
3. Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia
The 12th-century temple complex of Angor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia is a sight to behold. Amidst the awe-inspiring architecture and intricate bas-reliefs, young learners can immerse themselves in the rich history, artistry, and spirituality of the Khmer Empire, uncovering tales of gods and kings, ancient rituals, and the enduring legacy of one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable ancient civilizations.
Recommended tour: Guiding Cambodia's Essential Angkor Family Tour
We love this 6-day package because it has it all. It kicks off with an Angkor Wat walking tour educating you on how it used to be the center of the Asian empire. The family then visits the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity to gain insight into Cambodia's rare and endangered species. Next, how about a leisurely bike ride through Cambodia's countryside, followed by a delightful journey on an oxcart to engage with local communities? If that's not enough, throw in a hot air balloon flight to see the sun rise over the temples!
4. Göbekli Tepe - Anatolia, Turkey
Göbekli Tepe, nestled in southeastern Turkey, stands as one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the world and offers a captivating destination for worldschoolers eager to delve into ancient history. Dating back over 11,000 years (you heard that right), Göbekli Tepe predates the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge, challenging conventional beliefs about the origins of civilization. Dubbed "the zero point of history", world-schooling students can discover how this temple changed everything we thought we knew about ancient humans.
Recommended tour: Göbekli Tours
Göbekli Tours is a great choice because it's run by Taha Ozyavuz, a highly knowledgeable local scholar in the subjects of archaeology, mythology, religions and history. Taha can customize a tour to your liking, including hands-on activities. There couldn't be a better teacher for world travelers and students to learn about Göbekli Tepe.
5. The Great Wall of China - Beijing, China
The Great Wall of China, an iconic symbol of ancient engineering and ingenuity, offers worldschoolers a journey through the history of the East. Stretching over thousands of miles across rugged terrain, this remarkable feat of human endeavor offers insight into China's rich cultural heritage and storied past. Before there was the Berlin Wall in Germany or even Hadrian's Wall in Britannia, China built the most epic barrier of them all to keep people out. Adventurous students and world schoolers can find out all about it by engaging in the tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed site below.
Recommended tour: Wendy We's Beijing Highlight Private Day Tour
This is a great option for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's all done in one day (8 hours) and takes you to three of the most famous and historical sites in China. It is also easily accessible, starting in Beijing with transport and an English-speaking guide taking you to the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, and finally the Great Wall section of Mutianyu. Not only is Mutianyu considered by many to be the most picturesque section of the wall, but it's also the most family-friendly and safe area (and much less crowded than the Badaling Great Wall). Children and parents alike have the option of catching a cable car or hiking up to Mutianyu. And on the way down, you can add another option - toboggan!
6. The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, stands as a timeless monument to the achievements of ancient civilization and offers an unparalleled educational experience for a world school trip. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the city, the "cradle of Western civilization" is not only home to iconic structures such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, but also offers some of the best views of Athens!
Recommended tour: Greeking Me: Acropolis for Family Tour
Designed specifically for families, this award-winning tour takes your entire family on a journey back to the ancient Greek civilization, complete with mythic storytelling. They will discover the captivating stories surrounding the renowned Parthenon temple as the knowledgeable guide delves into its intriguing history. Students are engaged by navigating the hidden pathways of the past with hands-on activities and puzzles to solve.
7. Tikal - Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Now, this will be an adventurous school trip - Tikal, nestled within the lush rainforests of Guatemala, entices worldschoolers to embark on a mysterious journey through ancient history. As one of the most prominent Mayan archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Tikal offers a remarkable opportunity for young learners to immerse themselves in the mysteries of a bygone civilization, including the giant 'Lost World' (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid.
Recommended tour: Guatemala Jungle Tours
What's great about this tour is they have several options for transfers from Guatemala City, Antigua, Flores and even Belize. The packages also include the entrance fee to Tikal with expert bi-lingual guides and educators. If you want to get a more in-depth education, then you might consider the Maya Wonders Archaeological Tour, a 13-day itinerary exploring several Mayan sites across the country and learning about the customs, traditions and Mayan crafts from locals.
8. The Alhambra - Granada, Spain
Did you know that the Moors (from Africa) ruled much of Spain for almost 800 years? That's just one of the many things you will learn when visiting the Andalucía region in Spain. Known as one of the most beautiful ancient buildings in the world, the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, stands as a magnificent testament to the blending of Moorish and European cultures and offers an enriching experience for worldschoolers eager to explore ancient history and admire such unique architecture.
Recommended tour: Guias Granada
This is one to organize for a group of children (or a few families) as it requires at least 7 people at a cost of 20€ per head. But it's worth it, as you will get professional scholars from the University of Granada as your teachers.
9. Ancient City of Petra - Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan is another exceptional world schooling destination. Known as the "Rose City" due to its stunning rock-cut architecture, Petra offers an extraordinary glimpse into the ingenuity of the Nabataean civilization. As families explore the iconic treasury, the impressive monastery, and the intricate network of tombs and temples, students can delve into lessons on ancient engineering, trade routes, and cultural exchanges. The dramatic landscapes and historical depth of Petra provide an enriching educational experience, inspiring curiosity and a deeper understanding of the ancient world.
Recommended tour: Petra Visitors Center
Exploring Petra is a great way for your worldschoolers to learn about history and the Visitors Center provides a free audio guide for children which is engaging and educational. They are guided through the sites, letting them explore and learn about the people that lived there. Petra definitely needs to be on your family itinerary when traveling to the Middle East.
10. Chichen Itza - Yucatan, Mexico
Back to the Mayans, Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, is a fantastic destination for families and worldschoolers to explore their ancient history in a safe and enriching environment. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization, with iconic structures such as the Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors. Were you aware that the Mayans, renowned as lunar experts, crafted the world's second most precise lunar calendar, second only to NASA? Remarkably, while NASA utilized cutting-edge technology, the Mayans achieved this feat solely through observations with the naked eye! You will learn all about this and much more.
Recommended tour: Chichen Itza Tours
These are great tours with a range of options from basic to premium, and all children under 12 years get free entry, making it an ideal choice for young students. All the tour guides provided are certified and knowledgeable about the site's history, and many are bilingual in Spanish and English.
11. Tower of London - London, England
The Tower of London, a UNESCO site situated majestically along the banks of the River Thames in London, England, offers an unparalleled opportunity for worldschoolers to delve into the annals of ancient history. With a history spanning over a millennium, this iconic fortress has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury, bearing witness to centuries of intrigue, power struggles, and historical events. As worldschoolers explore the medieval battlements, magnificent palaces, and haunting dungeons of the Tower, they are transported back in time to the days of kings, queens, and knights. We're positive they'll love that!
Recommended tour: Yeoman Warder Tours
The Yeoman Warder tours come with the price of admission to the Tower of London. They begin every 30 minutes from opening time at 10 AM, which we highly recommend aiming for as the site is extremely popular and this is the best way to beat the crowds. Moreover, the Tower of London is a large site and there's so much to see and learn that many visitors take a whole day to take it all in.
12. Archaeological Site of Carthage - Tunis, Tunisia
The Archaeological Site of Carthage, nestled on the outskirts of modern-day Tunis in Tunisia, offers a captivating world schooling destination. This ancient city, once a powerful Phoenician trading hub, is rich with history and ruins that tell tales of its storied past, from its founding in 814 BC to its legendary conflicts with Rome. Exploring Carthage, students can wander through remnants of majestic baths, ancient villas, and imposing amphitheaters, bringing their history lessons to life.
Recommended tour: Memphis Holidays Guided Bike Tour of Archaeological Sites
This 3-hour tour is a fun activity for the whole family as a knowledgeable guide takes you on a bike ride through beautiful green scenery and Mediterranean views on the way to the ancient ruins of Carthage. Sites along the route include the Baths of Antoninus, Villas Romaines and Carthage Aqueduct, to name just a few.
About Storylines
Storylines is a luxury lifestyle ship with a like-minded community of globally-conscious citizens traveling the world. We seek unique experiences, cultural events, and humanitarian endeavors while practicing and promoting sustainable travel. Learn more about our globally traveling school here.