Would you take a tour of a place where thousands of people suffered unspeakable horrors and lost their lives? If your first reaction is to say no, let’s give that more context. Those people lost their lives as unsung heroes, never forgotten for their sacrifices that changed the way of the world.
A visit to the concentration camps and battlegrounds of WW2 allows you to remember these brave souls. But the destinations where history and adventure intertwine take many forms, And they offer travellers an immersive experience beyond that of more typical tourist attractions.
Together, their stories are the chronicles of courage, where history and adventure converge.
1. Normandy Beach, France: Walking in the Footsteps of Heroes
If you have a historical travel bucket list, Normandy in France should definitely be on it. Walking the shores of Normandy’s beaches lets you walk in the footsteps of true heroes.
As the site of the D-Day invasion, when the Allied forces pushed back against Nazi occupation in France, it has many fascinating tales to tell. If you want to explore the shores where history and adventure converge, there are numerous guided tours in the area, including museum visits and stops at memorials.
But for more in-depth insights into the D-day landings at Normandy and the sacrifices that it required, take one of the Band of Brothers Tours.
Do you crave an immersive experience that tells the tales of these fallen heroes? One that gives you fresh perspectives on the events that shaped World War 2? Then one of their Normandy Beach tours is for you.
2. The Great Wall of China: Defending an Empire
From the heart of the South Pacific to the regions bordering the South China Sea, you’ll find many natural wonders and attractions. And quite a few man-made wonders, too.
China played an important role in the silk trade and the spice trade of antiquity. Its influence is still relevant to the world of culinary spices and aromatics today. But China is just as famous for a magnificent feat of engineering known as the Great Wall.
The Great Wall of China was not built all at once. Rather, it was a series of ongoing fortifications that were added to over the centuries by China’s successive emperors. It protected the country from invaders and it preserved the Chinese cultural identity for generations to come.
If you want a historical adventure that combines physical challenges with stunning views, walking the Great Wall on a walking tour is perfect for you.
3. The Alamo, Texas, USA: A Battle That Shaped a Nation
A powerful symbol of resistance in American history, the siege at the Alamo was crucial during the Battle for Texas in 1836. The Alamo was the site where Texan rebels made a stand for their independence.
Relive the Texans’ battle’s high and low points through the live re-enactments and the walking tours that bring the battle to life. Visit the on-site museum and visitors’ centre where you can learn more about this period in US history.
While you’re exploring Texas, take some time to visit the site of the Alamo siege in San Antonio. It’s more than just a step into the past. It shines a light on the enduring spirit of independence.
4. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland: Remembering the Unthinkable
World War 2 was a dark time in Europe’s history, and a large part of that was the persecution and extermination of Jews, known as the Holocaust.
A notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau attracts visitors from around the world (Jews and non-Jews alike) who have pledged to never forget the victims of this atrocity. Although not the only such camp in Europe, Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest.
Today, visitors can pay their respects to the victims, and learn more about the horrors of ethnic cleansing, with a guided tour of this facility. Remember that the focus of such tours is to educate and promote remembrance. Always approach such tours with solemnity and respect.
5. Hiroshima, Japan: From Destruction to Peace
When atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, they killed approximately 80,000 people. Thousands more later died of radiation exposure. However, bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were deemed necessary to defeat Japan’s military actions and end the Second World War.
And it did. Shortly after the bombs brought devastation to Japan, Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s surrender.
However you feel about the use of atomic bombs to bring about peace, a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a powerful experience. It is the only structure that was left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded. And it remains a powerful example of how utter destruction can be a catalyst for lasting peace.
