Culture & Heritage Holiday Packages from South Africa (2026): Europe, Turkey, Egypt & More

Overview: This page brings together Travelwings' culture and heritage holiday packages from South Africa — 29 guided tours built around landmarks, history and world-famous sites across the UK, Turkey, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Bali. Itineraries run from four to twelve nights, mostly in comfortable three- and four-star hotels with daily breakfast and guided sightseeing, and lead-in prices currently start from ZAR 8,150 per person on a double-sharing basis. Flight inclusion varies by package, as noted below. Below you will find what each tour is best for, what is included, flight and visa guidance, and answers to common questions. To book, call +27 12 006 0003 or email sa.care@travelwings.com.

Why book a culture and heritage holiday from South Africa with Travelwings?

A heritage tour is the kind of trip where a good guide and a well-planned route make all the difference — from the historic cities of Britain and the ruins of Greece to the medinas of Morocco and the monuments of Egypt. These packages are designed for travellers who want to come home having seen the landmarks properly, with the hotels, transfers and sightseeing arranged in advance.

• World-famous landmarks: London and Edinburgh, the Acropolis, Rome, Istanbul, the Giza pyramids and Moroccan medinas sit at the centre of every itinerary.
• Guided sightseeing: City tours, expert local guides and key sites are built into the packages, so you see and understand more.
• A wide choice of destinations: Twelve countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia mean there is a heritage trip for almost any interest.
• Everything arranged: Hotels, daily breakfast, transfers and guided touring are organised for you, with a clear inclusion list on each package.
• Transparent pricing: Lead-in fares are shown per person on a double-sharing basis, with flights, meals and entrance fees spelled out before you commit.

Which culture and heritage packages can you book?

Travelwings runs 29 culture and heritage holiday packages from South Africa, grouped here by region and ordered by lead-in price. At a glance:

• Istanbul Turkey — 4 nights, from ZAR 8,150 · land-only
• Turkey Escape — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 18,500 · land-only
• Istanbul & Cappadocia: Turkish Odyssey — 7 nights, from ZAR 32,499 · flights included
• Türkiye: The Land of Wonders — 11 nights, from ZAR 43,699 · flights included
• Greece Heritage Discovery — 4 nights, from ZAR 14,350 · land-only
• The Magical Greece — 5 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 15,000 · land-only
• Greece Grand Explorer — 9 nights, from ZAR 40,950 · land-only
• Classic Spain Cultural Trail — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 25,500 · land-only
• Through the Capitals of Europe — 8 nights, from ZAR 41,999 · flights included
• An Epic Holiday of France by Rail — 9 nights, 3-star, from ZAR 48,200 · flights included
• Europe Grand Discovery — 9 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 48,500 · land-only
• The Wonders of Italy — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 43,200 · flights included
• UK Highlights Explorer — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 32,500 · land-only
• Perfect London & Grand Surrounds — 5 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 37,999 · flights included
• London & Wales Explorer — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 39,599 · flights included
• A Journey Across Great Britain — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 41,599 · flights included
• Explore the Majesties of Britain — 12 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 52,500 · flights included
• Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh & Nile Cruise — 9 nights, from ZAR 29,000 · land-only
• Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise — 10 nights, from ZAR 32,000 · land-only
• Amazing Marrakesh — 5 nights, from ZAR 37,000 · flights included
• Historical Morocco & the Blue City — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 43,000 · land-only
• Discover the Great South of Morocco — 7 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 45,500 · flights included
• Gems of Saudi Arabia — 7 nights, from ZAR 42,999 · flights included
• Tales of Arabia — 8 nights, from ZAR 52,999 · flights included
• A Blessed Biblical Tour — 10 nights, 3-star, from ZAR 64,000 · flights included
• Heritage Odyssey: Israel & Jordan — 12 nights, 4-star, from ZAR 70,000 · flights included
• Beautiful Thailand — 10 nights, from ZAR 25,999 · flights included
• A Balinese Retreat — 8 nights, from ZAR 22,299 · flights included
• A Balinese Getaway — 7 nights, from ZAR 27,999 · flights included

The write-ups below explain what each tour is best for. All prices are per person on a double-sharing basis and reflect the current offer. Most of these heritage trips are city-led — London and Edinburgh, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Cairo and Marrakesh — so if it is the cities themselves you are drawn to, our city breaks from South Africa gather the shorter, urban-focused escapes.

Istanbul Turkey (4 nights, from ZAR 8,150)

The most affordable heritage tour here — a four-night stay in Turkey's largest city, where Byzantine and Ottoman history meet modern charm across the Bosphorus. Land-only, with international flights arranged separately.

Turkey Escape (7 nights, from ZAR 18,500)

A seven-night journey through Turkey's scenic landscapes and layered history, staying four-star with daily breakfast. Land-only, with flights booked separately.

Istanbul & Cappadocia: Turkish Odyssey (7 nights, from ZAR 32,499)

A flights-included seven-night tour pairing Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and bazaars with Cappadocia's surreal landscapes. With return airfare built in, much of the trip is arranged before you leave.

Türkiye: The Land of Wonders (11 nights, from ZAR 43,699)

A comprehensive flights-included eleven-night journey deep into Türkiye's history and scenery, from Istanbul onward. The fullest Turkey itinerary on the page.

Greece Heritage Discovery (4 nights, from ZAR 14,350)

A relaxed four-night introduction to Greece by comfortable coach with an English-speaking guide, taking in its classical heritage. Land-only, with flights arranged separately.

The Magical Greece (5 nights, from ZAR 15,000)

A five-night Greece tour blending history and island beauty, staying four-star. Land-only, with international flights booked separately.

Greece Grand Explorer (9 nights, from ZAR 40,950)

A perfectly paced nine-night journey through Greece's classical sites and landscapes. Land-only, for travellers who want a deeper Greek itinerary.

Classic Spain Cultural Trail (7 nights, from ZAR 25,500)

A seven-night journey across Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, staying four-star with daily breakfast and travelling by coach with an English-speaking guide. Land-only, for travellers who want Spain's great cities in one trip.

Through the Capitals of Europe (8 nights, from ZAR 41,999)

A flights-included eight-night tour across several European capitals for an immersive continental experience. A classic multi-city European journey with airfare built in.

An Epic Holiday of France by Rail (9 nights, from ZAR 48,200)

A flights-included nine-night French rail journey opening in Paris, the capital of fashion, with its famous landmarks. A scenic, train-led tour of France.

Europe Grand Discovery (9 nights, from ZAR 48,500)

A well-paced nine-night guided tour across Spain and France, travelling by coach. Land-only, with international flights arranged separately.

The Wonders of Italy (7 nights, from ZAR 43,200)

A premium flights-included seven-night journey through the heart of Italy and its art and history. A polished introduction to Italy's headline cities.

UK Highlights Explorer (7 nights, from ZAR 32,500)

A perfectly paced seven-night journey through the UK's iconic cities and landscapes, staying four-star. Land-only, with flights arranged separately.

Perfect London & Grand Surrounds (5 nights, from ZAR 37,999)

A flights-included five-night stay in London and its surroundings, the world's great financial and cultural capital. An easy, landmark-rich British break.

London & Wales Explorer (7 nights, from ZAR 39,599)

A premium flights-included seven-night rail journey through London and Wales. A scenic tour pairing the capital with the Welsh countryside.

A Journey Across Great Britain (7 nights, from ZAR 41,599)

A premium flights-included seven-night tour linking London and Edinburgh. A classic England-and-Scotland heritage journey.

Explore the Majesties of Britain (12 nights, from ZAR 52,500)

The fullest British itinerary here — twelve flights-included nights across London, Scotland and Ireland. A grand tour of Britain and Ireland's great cities and landscapes.

Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh & Nile Cruise (9 nights, from ZAR 29,000)

A nine-night grand tour combining Cairo's pyramids, Red Sea beach time at Sharm El Sheikh and a Nile cruise. Land-only, with international flights arranged separately.

Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise (10 nights, from ZAR 32,000)

A ten-night Egypt tour adding Alexandria and the Egyptian Museum to the pyramids and a Nile cruise. Land-only, with flights booked separately.

Amazing Marrakesh (5 nights, from ZAR 37,000)

A flights-included five-night break in Marrakesh, with its medina, souks and palaces. A compact, vivid introduction to Morocco's red city.

Historical Morocco & the Blue City (7 nights, from ZAR 43,000)

A seven-night multi-city Morocco tour taking in exotic sights, scenery and the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen. Land-only, with flights arranged separately.

Discover the Great South of Morocco (7 nights, from ZAR 45,500)

A flights-included seven-night journey through southern Morocco's famous cities and desert landscapes. A scenic, in-depth Moroccan tour with airfare built in.

Gems of Saudi Arabia (7 nights, from ZAR 42,999)

A flights-included seven-night tour of AlUla and Riyadh, taking in ancient Nabatean ruins and the modern capital. An emerging heritage destination with the logistics handled.

Tales of Arabia (8 nights, from ZAR 52,999)

A flights-included eight-night journey through Saudi Arabia's cityscapes and heritage. A fuller exploration of the kingdom's history and landscapes.

A Blessed Biblical Tour (10 nights, from ZAR 64,000)

A flights-included ten-night faith-and-heritage journey through Israel's great cities and historic sites. A landmark-rich tour of the region's layered history.

Heritage Odyssey: Israel & Jordan (12 nights, from ZAR 70,000)

A flights-included twelve-night journey through the culture and heritage of Israel and Jordan, including some of the region's most storied sites. The most comprehensive tour on the page.

Beautiful Thailand (10 nights, from ZAR 25,999)

A flights-included ten-night journey from Phuket through Thailand's culture and coast. A relaxed mix of heritage and beach time.

A Balinese Retreat (8 nights, from ZAR 22,299)

An eight-night Bali escape opening in the island's cultural heart with a guided tour before the beaches, flights included. A well-rounded mix of culture and coast.

A Balinese Getaway (7 nights, from ZAR 27,999)

A seven-night Bali holiday through the island's enchanting landscapes and temples, flights included. A scenic introduction to Bali's heritage.

Do these culture and heritage packages include flights?

Flight inclusion depends on the package. Several — including the Turkish Odyssey and Land of Wonders tours, the British rail journeys, the Italy, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Thailand and Bali packages, and parts of the Europe and Morocco range — include return economy airfare. Others, such as the Istanbul, Greece, Spain, Egypt and several European coach tours, are land-only, with international flights arranged separately. Each package's status is shown in the list above, and on the land-only trips the team can quote and book flights alongside the package.

What's included in a Travelwings heritage tour?

Inclusions vary by itinerary, but most culture and heritage packages cover a consistent core:

✅ Hotel accommodation for the nights shown

✅ Daily breakfast

✅ Guided city tours and sightseeing with local guides

✅ Transfers and on-trip assistance as per the itinerary

✅ Return economy airfare on the flights-included packages above

❌ International flights on the land-only packages

❌ Visa fees, unless the package states the e-visa or assistance is included

❌ Lunches and dinners where only breakfast is specified

❌ Entrance fees not listed, optional tours, tips and personal expenses

The exact inclusions and exclusions are listed on each package, so check the detail before booking.

Do South African travellers need a visa for these heritage destinations?

Entry requirements differ widely by destination and nationality. The European tours — the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Greece — typically require a visa for South African passport holders, while Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Thailand and Bali each have their own rules, and some packages help with the paperwork. As always, confirm the current requirements for your passport well before you travel, as these can change.

Are these heritage tours suitable for families?

Many are. The Egypt pyramids, Turkey's landscapes and Bali's temples are genuinely engaging for children, and the guided, hotel-based format keeps travel days organised, though the longer European and Middle Eastern itineraries suit older children and adults more comfortably. If you are travelling with younger children and want beaches and easy sightseeing woven in, our family-friendly holidays from South Africa gather trips built specifically around what younger families enjoy.

When is the best time for a cultural tour from South Africa?

The ideal season depends on the region. Egypt and Morocco are most comfortable from about October to April, when the days are cooler for sightseeing, while Europe and the UK are at their best from late spring to early autumn. Turkey and Greece combine warm, dry summers with their classical heritage, and Saudi Arabia and Israel are most pleasant in the cooler months. Because every package is privately arranged, you can travel on the dates that suit you, and the team will flag any peak-season surcharges before you book.

Which of these heritage trips suit a couple's holiday?

Several of these destinations are as romantic as they are historic. The Greek islands, Paris and the French rail journeys, Italy's art cities and the temples and sunsets of Bali all make memorable trips for two — and if you are planning a holiday built around exactly that, our romantic and honeymoon holiday packages from South Africa focus on the destinations and stays that suit couples. The team can also add a romantic island or spa extension onto any heritage tour.

More holiday ideas from South Africa

A heritage tour is often the centrepiece of a wider travel plan. When you are ready to compare these destinations side by side or plan something different next time, our South Africa holidays homepage brings together dozens of destinations as all-inclusive packages with hotels, transfers and guided touring — and the team can tailor any of them with extra nights, upgrades or added stops.

Disclaimer: All prices are lead-in fares per person on a double-sharing basis, shown in South African rand, and reflect the offers available at the time of writing. Fares, inclusions, hotels and itineraries are subject to availability and change, and rates may differ during peak periods, festive dates and special events. Flight inclusion varies by package as noted above. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and remain the traveller's responsibility. Please confirm the current price, inclusions and entry requirements with Travelwings at the time of booking.

Frequently asked questions

1. How many culture and heritage holiday packages does Travelwings offer from South Africa?

There are 29 culture and heritage holiday packages from South Africa on this page, across the UK, Turkey, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Thailand and Bali.

2. Which heritage destinations can I choose from?

You can choose the UK (five tours), Turkey (four), Greece (three), Morocco (three), France (three), Egypt (two), Saudi Arabia (two), Israel and Jordan (two), and Bali (two), plus single tours of Italy, Spain and Thailand.

3. Do the heritage packages include flights?

Many do — including the Turkish Odyssey and Land of Wonders, the British rail journeys, and the Italy, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Thailand and Bali tours — while the Istanbul, Greece, Spain, Egypt and several European coach tours are land-only with flights arranged separately.

4. What is the cheapest heritage tour?

Istanbul Turkey is the lowest-priced, with four nights from ZAR 8,150 per person on a double-sharing basis.

5. Which tour is best for seeing the pyramids?

Both Egypt tours visit the Pyramids of Giza; the Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh & Nile Cruise adds Red Sea beach time, while the Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise adds Alexandria and the Egyptian Museum.

6. Which package is best for the UK?

All five British tours cover the country's great cities; Explore the Majesties of Britain is the most comprehensive, adding Scotland and Ireland over twelve nights.

7. Do I need a visa for these destinations?

It depends on the destination and your nationality. The European and UK tours typically require a visa for South African passport holders, while Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and others have their own rules, so confirm for your passport before travelling.

8. Are these tours suitable for families?

Many are. Egypt, Turkey and Bali in particular engage children well, while the longer European and Middle Eastern tours suit older children and adults more comfortably.

9. How long are the tours?

They run from four nights in Istanbul or Greece up to twelve-night grand tours of Britain and of Israel and Jordan, with most itineraries between five and ten nights.

10. Are meals included?

Daily breakfast is included on every package; lunches and dinners are generally extra unless the individual package states otherwise.

11. Can I combine a heritage tour with a beach stay?

Yes. The Egypt, Thailand and Bali itineraries already mix history with coast, and the team can add a beach extension onto most heritage tours.

12. Can the packages be customised?

Yes. Nights, hotels, flights and added city or beach stops can all be tailored — contact the team with what you have in mind and they will adjust the package.

13. How do I book a heritage tour from South Africa?

Call +27 12 006 0003 or email sa.care@travelwings.com, and the team will confirm the current price, inclusions and availability for your chosen dates.