AITO companies tend to be specialists and enthusiasts, and amongst the membership are several of the foremost operators of tours with a heritage and cultural content. Some of them organise entire themed holidays, while many others will incorporate a day trip or two out to sights of particular interest as part of a longer holiday.

• Step into history and with a trip to the ancient land of the Pharaohs, visiting the temples of the Valley of the Kings and the museums and Pyramids of Cairo
• Visit Italy, the home of the Renaissance, on a special art history trip to Florence, or a tour of Italy’s major Opera houses.
• Explore the Mayan ruins of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala by day, taking time out for tequila at night
• Cross the roof of the world to Tibet, visiting the Potala in Lhasa, the former home of the Dalai Lama
• Escape to Greece, the land of myths, legends and oracles, as well as one of the world’s most idyllic coastlines

If you want to add a cultural flavour to a regular holiday, check with your tour operator to see if there are any special religious or cultural dates to be aware of, or festivals to be visited; they could enhance your trip greatly, although prices may be higher.