A Guide to Historical Tours in Europe

‘A Real Pain’, for which Kieran Culkin has just won the Screen Actors’ Guild and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, navigates the historical and personal trauma of the Holocaust with both sensitivity and wit. Following two American Jewish cousins on a tour to Europe, it explores how shared experiences, particularly through travel, can enhance our understanding of history, identity and family. With that in mind, our editors have selected some historical European tours that offer thought-provoking insights into events and places that have shaped the continent.

Córdoba, Spain

A masterpiece of both Moorish and Christian architecture, the Cathedral-Mosque of Córdoba stands as one of Spain’s most significant landmarks. Originally constructed in the 8th century, it was a hub of Islamic learning and one of the largest mosques in Europe. After the Christian siege of Córdoba in 1236, it was captured and transformed into a cathedral. The site juxtaposes Islamic arches with Gothic and Baroque additions, reflecting the city’s rich, layered history. With daily tours available, it is a must-see for ASMALLWORLD Members interested in the intersection of culture, religion and design. For a truly historic stay, we'd recommend staying at Hospes Palacio del Bailío, a 16th-century hotel built over a 1st-century Roman ruin.

KIERAN CULKIN AND JESSE EISENBERG IN ‘A REAL PAIN’. COURTESY OF UPI MEDIA.

Wittenberg, Germany

For history buffs, Wittenberg is where Martin Luther ignited the European Reformation in 1517 by nailing his 95 Theses to a church door, challenging the Catholic Church’s corruption and reshaping Christianity forever. His former home, now the Lutherhaus Museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers fascinating exhibits and guided tours on his life and legacy. A 35-minute train ride or an hour and a half by car from Berlin, Wittenberg makes for a compelling day trip to explore the town, cathedral and streets where history was made. At the end of your day, unwind at Orania.Berlin in Kreuzberg, a stunning Art Deco hotel with an exceptional restaurant.

MONUMENT OF MARTIN LUTHER IN WITTENBERG

Boboli Gardens, Florence

Across the Arno from the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens were created in the 16th century by the infamous Medici family who pioneered and advanced an Italian garden style that influenced many European courts. This botanical oasis, punctuated with Renaissance statues, offers a peaceful escape that is great for picnics and reading in the dappled shade – E.M Forster’s ‘A Room with a View’ is an excellent novel about Florentine adventure. Accessible with a joint ticket to the Uffizi, the expansive green avenues and tiered gardens are a welcome antidote to the crowded galleries and churches. For a memorable stay, the Hotel Lungarno, a renovated mansion overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, features Michelin-star dining and a remarkable art collection.