Large face statues on top of the Nemrut Mountain in Adiyaman, Turkey

Historical

We travel to understand, to break down barriers and change our perceptions. History tells us so much about a destination and its peoples, giving context and perspective.

Whether the battlefields of South Africa or of Kohima in Nagaland, history gives us deeper insight and acts as a poignant reminder. Historical buildings, sites and places often speak for themselves.

Our guides supplement and embroider their rich past with historical anecdotes and stories. Anyone can list a litany of facts and figures, but only the very best storytellers can bring history alive and grant it that human element to really make it resonate.

Inca Doorway, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru
Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

Classic Sites

While we like to take the path less travelled at Steppes, a first-time visit to any country will need to include the iconic ‘must-sees’ – the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu for example. Let Steppes take care of your holiday and you’ll see these famous cultural sites from a different perspective – watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal from the banks of the Yamuna river with a private breakfast picnic, see Angkor from above by helicopter or take the alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

View all our destinations 

Registan Square at night, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is steeped in history, from its recent Soviet history to its rich Islamic past. With its dazzling array of mosques, madrasas, tombs and tales of Tamerlane, Uzbekistan is the perfect introduction to the Central Asian Plateau. Explore the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva – the winding medieval streets of Khiva’s old city, the ancient markets of Bukhara and the intricate tile work of Samarkand’s Registan.

View Uzbekistan holiday ideas

A lone church against a blue-yellow landscape at dawn in Turkey
Ani, Turkey

Eastern Turkey

Home to some of the most important and iconic archaeological sites found anywhere in the world, Eastern Turkey is a fascinating melting pot whose history is bound to both surprise and fascinate you. It is a hidden gem and its historical highlights from the ancient town of Ani to the walled city of Diyarbakir, from Mount Nemrut to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s first temple, are bound to enthral you.

View Eastern Turkey holiday ideas

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Historical

Registan Square

Wander around Samarkand exploring the restored madrasas flanking the edges of Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the countries most iconic images.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Historical

Carpathian Mountains

Hike in the Carpathian Mountains and enjoy the local flora and fauna.

Mount Nemrut Turkey
Historical

Mount Nemrut

Climb Mount Nemrut at sunrise and marvel at the colossal stone heads of Antiochus.

Persepolis, Marv Dasht, Iran
Historical

UNESCO Persepolis

Built by Darius the Great and then sacked by Alexander the Great, Persepolis is an impressive archaeological site.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

It wasn’t part of the script, career plans were quite different but after four global trips visiting such exciting destinations, travel became a passion that eventually led to me entering the industry. The more I have travelled the greater the desire has been to see and do more.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences

View of mosque dome against blue sky.
Stories
Along the Silk Road
Steppes Travel
Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva….wonderfully evocative sounding names that trip off the tongue like a 1001 Arabian Nights. I certainly wasn’t the…

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E