Historical Tour News
All the latest historical, archaeological and battlefield news brought to you by The Cultural Experience.
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This week in history: 19th July 1870
The Prussian victory over Austria in just seven weeks in 1866 asserted Prussian precedence over their German neighbours, but it was the alliance they gathered and led against the French in 1870 that led to the unification of Germany. The cause of the Franco-Prussian War centred on competing candidates for the Spanish throne and pitted French fears against German ambitions in a rivalry that would echo throughout the continent for the next 75 years. Read more
This week in history: 6th July 1917
There were British concerns about Aqaba on the Red Sea coast – Ottoman occupation threatened its flank in the Middle East and it becoming a port for German U-boats would be disastrous in the Mediterranean. However, it was not with British support that T.E. Lawrence joined Sherif Nasir, Nesib el-Bekri and Auda Abu Tayi in crossing hundreds of miles of desert to surprise the Turks from the rear. Though the battle was fought 40 miles from the city, the Arab victory made a triumphal entrance into it possible. Read more
Fresco reveals tastes of Pompeii’s wealthy
The city of Pompeii is divided into nine districts and recent excavations in the central Regio IX have revealed some enlightening frescos. While we may consider pizza to be a simple and frugal meal, a flatbread depicted alongside fruits and a wine goblet on a silver tray imply a wealthy diner’s meal. As well as the ancient city – entombed in volcanic ash in AD 79 – being UNESCO-protected, so too is the dish of nearby Naples. Read more
This week in history: 19th/20th June 1944
In a bid to counter the American invasion of Saipan, Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa’s four aircraft carriers of the Mobile Fleet targeted Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher’s Task Force 58. For Imperial Japanese Navy Admiral Soemu Toyoda, Commander of the Combined Fleet, “The fate of the Empire rests on this one battle”, but for American gunners, it became the “Marianas Turkey Shoot” as 315 of 423 carrier-borne aircraft were shot down. The devasting defeat included the loss of the carriers Shokaku, Taiho and Hiyo. Read more
This week in history: 18th June 1815
Returned from exile, Napoleon hoped for one more decisive victory to shatter the European allies. Read more
This week in history: 12th June 1944
On 12 June 1944, near Ningthoukhong in Burma, ‘B’ Company of the 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles was ordered to halt the enemy’s advance when it came under heavy machine-gun fire from infantry and tanks. Read more
This week in history: 19th May 1935
Born in north Wales in 1888, Thomas Edward Lawrence was an archaeologist and photographer before the Great War, but his studies and that conflict took him far from home. Read more
This week in history: 15th May 1760
Following a siege of over a fortnight, as the sun set on 15th May 1760, Quebec’s British defenders saw Commodore Colville appear with five Royal Navy ships. Read more
This week in history: 14th February 1945
As American forces approached Manila in the closing stages of World War Two, the rocky Corregidor Island fortress – the “Gibraltar of the East” – was estimated to be held by just 600 Japanese troops. The opening bombardment began on 14th February and two days later paratroopers began to land. However, Japanese defenders numbered 6,000 and they were well protected from the shelling by a network of tunnels. Fierce hand-to-had fighting ensued including “banzai” night attacks, but any concerted defence was eliminated by 2nd March.
Restored House of the Vettii in Pompeii reopens in after two decades
Following extensive restoration, the House of the Vettii has reopened to the public for the first time in 20 years. The newly-restored remains of the opulent house, known as Pompeii's Sistine Chapel, belonged to two former slave brothers who became rich through the wine trade. The residence offers visitors an exceptional glimpse into domestic life in the doomed Roman city. Read more
Britons can apply once again for eVisas for Indian travel
Following travel restrictions introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, last year India announced that nationals of 156 countries would be allowed again to apply for eVisas. However, the UK was not among that number. Consequently, additional visa processing centres were opened in London and Glasgow London to process in-person applications. The extension of the eVisa process to eight more countries – including the UK – was announced on Monday and an increase in bookings for travel to India is expected almost immediately. Read more
This week in history: 23rd-25th November 1863
After the Confederate triumph at Chickamauga in September 1863, the victorious General Braxton Bragg sought to starve the besieged Union troops at Chattanooga in November Read more
Ancient board game revealed after 50-year mystery
Hundreds of small stones discovered in Akrotiri, Santorini in the 1970s have caused debate among researchers for decades. Were these Bronze Age pebbles accounting tools or weapons, perhaps? Read more
'Contested Memories: The Vietnam War Fifty Years On'
Are our interpretations coloured by today's politics and society, and do our memories evolve or develop a new life with new generations of soldiers and historians? Read more
This Week in History 1st October, 1918 - Lawrence of Arabia captures Damascus
On this day, October 1st 1918, a force of Arabian cavalrymen Led by Emir Feisal, son of Sherif Hussein, now to be King of Syria, and his British companion Lawrence, entered and captured the city of Damascus. This signaled the completion of the liberation of the Arabian Peninsula and cemented the reputation of T.E. Lawrence as a legendary British soldier and a hero amongst the people of the Arabic world. Read more
The Link Between Richard III And The Princes In The Tower
One of the most mysterious murders in British history relates to the public disappearance of the boys known as “the Princes in the Tower”. Read more
Archaeologists Discover Ancient Coin Collection In Phanagoria, Greece
The coins date back to the sixth century and were housed in an amphora which had been buried under ashes from a fire which had occurred centuries earlier. Read more
Roman Shipwreck Discovered Off The Coast Of Sicily
The ship is believed to have been carrying jars containing wine when it sank, close to Isola delle Femmine off the coast of northwestern Sicily. Read more
Secrets Of Wine Trade In Islamic Sicily Revealed By Pottery Chemistry
Researchers at the University of York have discovered chemical traces of the wine trade in Sicily between the 9th and 11th Centuries, when Sicily was led by Islamic rulers. Read more
Spitfire pilot's Battle of Britain medals auctioned for £110,000
A Spitfire pilot's medals have recently been auctioned for £110,000. Read more
World War 1 Cave Shelter And Artifacts Uncovered By Melting Glacier
Experts have recovered a number of intriguing artifacts dating back to World War 1 from a cave in northern Italy. Read more
Remains of Napoleon's Soldiers Killed In 1812 Campaign Buried In Smolensk
A ceremony was recently held in Vyazma, a town in Smolensk, to bury the remains of soldiers killed during Napoleon’s 1812 campaign in Russia. Read more
New Maps Give New Insight To Appearance of Culloden Battlefield
Experts at AOC Archaeology have used electronic mapping techniques to form an accurate recreation of the Culloden battlefield. Read more
Researchers Discover Bodies Of German Soldiers Trapped In Tunnel For A Century
The bodies of over two hundred German soldiers who had though to have been lost in the First World War have been discovered inside a tunnel. Read more
Archaeologists Discover Unique Ceremonial Vehicle Near Pompeii
Archaeologists have found a Roman ceremonial carriage which had been located in a villa close to Pompeii. Read more
Archaeologists To Begin Excavation Of Ancient Beach At Herculaneum
Archaeologists will soon begin the excavation of a beach at Herculaneum, the ancient site which was entombed in the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Read more
Napoleon's Battle of Austerlitz Account Is For Sale
A manuscript written by Napoleon after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz has been put on sale in Paris for 1 million euros. Read more
Recent Cambridgeshire Floods Reveal Outline Of English Civil War Fort
Following heavy rains in Cambridgeshire which caused flooding, the outline of a moat which was part of an English Civil War fort has been revealed. Read more
Stolen Ancient Coins Returned To Italian Museum By Thief
Over 200 coins have been returned to the Paestum archaeological park in Italy after being stolen years earlier. Read more
Churchill's Treasure Trove From World War Two Discovered By Divers
Archaeologists have discovered silver which had been thought to be lost following the end of World War Two. Read more
German Cannon From WW1 Western Front Discovered in Canada
A German cannon from World War 1 which was thought to have been lost has been found in Ontario, Canada. Read more
Mosaic Discovery Uncovers New Information About The Dark Ages
Archaeologists with the National Trust have discovered a large mosaic in Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, which they believe to have been installed in the mid-5th Century. Read more
New and Incredibly Intact Bones Discovered at Pompeii
Archaeologists have uncovered extremely well-preserved bones in a once-opulent villa close to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Read more
Family Shocked To Find That Bathroom Mirror Once Belonged To Marie Antoinette
A family has been shocked to discover that a mirror which had been hanging in their bathroom was once owned by Marie Antoinette. Read more
18th Century Shipwreck Discovered in 'Underwater Pompeii'
Archaeologists have discovered what they have described as an 'underwater Pompeii' containing an 18th Century shipwreck. Read more
Tourist Returns ‘Cursed’ Stolen Artifacts To Pompeii After 15 Years Of Bad Luck
Ancient artefacts have recently been returned to the archaeological site of Pompeii in southern Italy by a Canadian woman, only identified as Nicole. Read more
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a 2,400-year old Dionysus mask
Archaeologists in western Turkey have discovered a well-preserved terracotta mask of Dionysus, the Greco-Roman god of fertility and wine, which appears to date back to the end of the 4th Century B.C. Read more
Heritage Malta Acquires A Letter Written by Napoleon Himself Ordering The Invasion Of Malta
A letter written by Napoleon Bonaparte which contains orders for one of his generals to invade Malta in 1798 has recently been acquired by Heritage Malta. Read more
Archaeologists Find 1,200-Year-Old Soap Factory in Israel
Archaeologists working in the city of Rahat in southern Israel have found the remains of an ancient soap factory, which is the oldest found in Israel to date. Read more
Korean War Soldier Finally Laid To Rest After Almost 70 Years
Almost 70 years after being declared missing in action, William Lee Brown was finally laid to rest this week in southern Illinois by his sister, Dr Clarice Burchell. Read more
Treasure Map Reveals Location Of Hidden Gold In German WW2 Base
A diary, possibly containing a treasure map which highlights the location of 30 tons of gold which was hidden by Hitler’s Waffen SS, has recently been donated to a Polish foundation. Read more
2,700-year-old tax collection storage centre discovered in Jerusalem
Archaeologists have discovered an ancient administrative storage centre in Jerusalem which reveals new insights into tax collection in the period of the Judean kings. Read more
Thousands Of New Graves Discovered At Antietam From Civil War Map
A 150-year old map has recently been rediscovered, which appears to show where 5,800 soldiers were buried in temporary graves. Read more
Archaeologists discover 1900 year old toy mouse at Hadrian’s Wall
Researchers have discovered a leather toy mouse on the site of Vindolanda, an archaic Roman auxiliary fort at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Read more
World War 1 tunnel system discovered in Flanders Fields
Archaeologists have discovered a tunnel system dating back to World War 1 that had been buried by artillery fire. Read more
Photo taken by WW1 German soldier over 100 years ago finally developed
A picture which was taken by a German soldier during WW1 with a camera taken from a British soldier has been discovered.
Explorers find lost WW2 bunker used by Churchill’s ‘secret guerrilla army’ of assassins
A forgotten bunker used in World War 2 by Winston Churchill’s ‘secret guerrilla army’ has been discovered by forestry workers from Forestry Land Scotland and AOC Archaeology. Read more
Archaeologists Analyse Remains of Anglo-Saxon Princess
Archaeologists are currently conducting scientific tests on remains which have been treasured for centuries and kept in a church in Kent. Read more
'Cursed' 2,500-year-old tablets found at bottom of well
Archaeologists have discovered mysterious tablets at the bottom of a 'poisoned well' which was once the site of an ancient burial ground. Read more
Archaeologists have identified the site of a chapel which was destroyed during the English Civil War
Archaeologists have found the long-lost remains of a 14th Century chapel in County Durham, which was destroyed during the English Civil War. Read more
Archaeologists discover sarcophagus linked to Romulus, founder of Rome
Archaeologists in Rome believe that they may have discovered the tomb of the city’s founder, Romulus. Read more
Diary of WW1 Soldier Describing The Battle of the Somme Discovered in Barn
The diary of a British soldier who fought in World War 1 has been found in a barn in Leicestershire. Read more
The Cultural Experience wins the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award
The Cultural Experience are delighted to reveal that we have been awarded the ‘Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award’ for the first time, surpassing the Gold Trusted Service Award status we achieved for the last three years.
We strive to provide every one of our customers with exceptional customer service which is reflected in the positive feedback we continuously receive on the Feefo platform.
‘Witch bottle’ found in American Civil War fort
A glass bottle which is filled with rusted nails, discovered in Virginia, is thought to be a talisman used by soldiers in the American Civil War to fend off evil spirits. Read more
Two WW2 Veterans Have Passed Away
Two WW2 veterans who had reached their 100th birthdays have recently passed away. Read more
Researchers Use Virtual Reality to Recreate Scene From Holocaust Photo
Researchers have created Virtual Reality imagery based on a photograph which was taken in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War. Read more
103-year-old Veteran Finally Presented With Medals He Never Received
On Monday, a 103-year old veteran finally received his medals for his service in World War 2 in Reading, Massachusetts. Read more
Bronze Age Royal Tombs Discovered In Greece
Archaeologists have recently discovered two royal tombs in Greece which contain gold jewellery and other artefacts dating back over 3000 years. Read more
Civil War Soldiers Used Hair Dye to Improve Appearance In Pictures, Archaeologists Discover
Recent excavations at Camp Nelson in Kentucky have uncovered evidence which suggests soldiers in the American Civil War used hair dye to improve their appearance in photos. Read more
Names of WW2 US veterans on Southampton graffiti wall identified
The identities of over 30 US servicemen who engraved graffiti onto a wall during World War Two have been established. Read more
Evidence Suggests That Invasion, Not Natural Disaster, Wiped Out Minoan Civilisation
After much debate, some archaeologists believe that they have evidence which shows that the Minoan civilisation was invaded, rather than being destroyed by a natural disaster. Read more
2000-year old ‘social media posts’ from Roman Empire found at Pompeii
An archaeologist has discovered ancient inscriptions in Pompeii, which she has described as the ‘social media’ posts of the Roman Empire. Read more
92-Year Old Woman Reunites With Holocaust Survivors Whose Lives She Saved
Sarah Yanai and Yossi Mor, along with their mother and three siblings, were sheltered by Melpomeni Dina in the home which she shared with her sisters after the Nazis invaded Greece. Read more
Pilot Who Lost All His Documents During WW2 Turns 100 Two Years Earlier Than Expected
John Franklin moved to England from Poland after its invasion by Germans and Russians, leaving behind his documentation in his hometown of Sopockinie, which was later destroyed by bombs. Read more
Fresco depicting gladiator battle discovered in Pompeii tavern
Archaeologists working in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii have discovered a vibrant fresco which depicts two gladiators engaging in battle. Read more
New memorial unveiled in Barnet for first British soldier to die in WW1
A memorial has been unveiled in Barnet which commemorates the first British soldier to die in WW1. Read more
World War Two GI baby: 'I discovered my eldest sister was my mother'
Albert Gilmour had always wondered why his mother was reluctant to show him his birth certificate.
Battle of Arnhem: Prince Charles joins 97-year-old parachutist to mark WW2 operation's 75th anniversary
On Sunday, Prince Charles watched as a 97-year old WW2 veteran, Sandy Cortmann jumped out of a plane with a parachute over the same Dutch city which he was captured in 75 years ago. Read more
Battle of Britain Air Show - September 2019
Take a look at some of the images taken during our two days at the Battle of Britain Air Show. The event took place at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on the 21st & 22nd September 2019. Read more
Oldest living American World War II veteran celebrates 110th birthday
Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living American World War II veteran, has just celebrated his 110th birthday at the National WWII Museum in Louisiana. Read more
The Secret Journal Of A Polish Teenager From WW2 Will Be Published After 70 Years
The diary of a Polish teenager, killed by the Nazis in 1942, will be published after 70 years.
Renia Spiegel began writing in her diary, now titled ‘A Young Girl's Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust’, when she was just 15 years old.
Wanted: Shortish Man for Napoleon Impersonator
Wanted: a Napoleon Bonaparte impersonator, French speaker preferred, period costume provided, preferably a resident of St Helena. Read more
Tourists evacuated after Spanish Civil War bomb found at Barcelona beach
On Sunday, tourists who were sunbathing on Barcelona’s Sant Sebastià beach were evacuated after an unexploded bomb was discovered in the water, 25 miles from the shore. Read more
A Sorceress's Secrets Uncovered in Pompeii
Archaeologists working in Pompeii have discovered evidence of a female sorcerer who was a victim of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This evidence includes jewels, lucky charms and sacred amulets.
Amazing Images of Pearl Harbour
This week, we have been sent some amazing images from Pearl Harbour. You can view them here. Read more
Battle of Britain pilot passes away hours after celebrating 100th birthday
Flight Lieutenant Archie McInnes has passed away just hours after celebrating his 100th birthday. His friend and biographer, Jonny Cracknell, tweeted that: “It is with a heavy heart and incredible sadness to advise the tragic news that Battle of Britain hero Archie McInnes sadly passed away last night, just hours after celebrating his 100th birthday amongst friends & family. An inspiration & hero of a man - rest in peace dear Archie’”. Read more
Corporal Lawler’s Long Trip Home
Charles Stanley Lawler was just 19 when he was reported missing by the military near Unsan, North Korea in 1950. Now, almost 70 years afterwards, his remains have finally been brought home.
Ancient Roman Pen With Inscribed Joke Found Under London Streets
Archaeologists restoring finds from under Bloomberg’s new London headquarters discovered more than they were bargaining for when they translated an inscription on an ancient Roman stylus, an inscription which was engraved by someone with a good sense of humour! Read more
WW2 Spitfire Pilot turns 100, revealing amazing journey from Russian prison to RAF hero
Flight Sgt Jan Iwanowski’s experiences of the Second World War is an epic, untold tale of overcoming the odds. One of the last WW2 Spitfire pilots alive in Britain, Jan endured two years in a Soviet labour camp before being transferred to the British and becoming an RAF hero of the skies. Read more
Remains of 1812 Napoleonic General found in Smolensk
The remains, believed to be that of one of Napoleon’s most beloved generals, have been unearthed during excavations in Smolensk, Russia. Charles-Etienne Gudin was killed during the disastrous 1812 French invasion of Russia and is the first of Napoleon’s missing generals to be discovered. Read more
The Cultural Experience Team Up With Osprey Publishing
There is no doubting that we all love history, especially reading about past events, which is why we have been working hard to secure you some great deals on brilliant books by expert historians.
With this is mind, we are delighted to announce we have partnered with world renowned publishers, Osprey, to bring you some great offers. Read more
300-year-old ammunition discovered at 'forgotten' Jacobite battlefield
Rare fragments of shot and shell have been discovered at the often-overlooked site of the 1719 Jacobite Rising. The decisive and chaotic battle marked the end of the ‘Old Pretender’ James Francis Edward Stuart’s ambitions for the throne of Great Britain and stifled the Jacobite cause for the next 30 years. Read more
Last surviving WW1 armoured train rescued
The last surviving armoured train used to transport supplies to the trenches on the Western Front during the First World War has been rescued from the scrapheap and restored. Read more
Rare ‘multi-layered’ Bronze Age settlement discovered in Northwest Bulgaria
A fascinating 3200-year-old settlement has been discovered in Northwest Bulgaria. The settlement shows evidence of being inhabited periodically, with building material and artefacts from the Late Bronze Age, Ancient Thrace, the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. Read more
Korean DMZ excavations reveal US body armour and bone fragments
321 bone fragments and nearly 23,000 items have been unearthed during excavations along the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Some of the items discovered include American body armour, Chinese gas masks and the dog tag of a French soldier. Read more
Missing part of Stonehenge returned
Most of our subscribers know where we are based, but for those that don't, The Cultural Experience is based in the historic city of Salisbury, England. We have so much history on our doorstep, including the tallest Cathedral spire in the UK.
We are also only a few miles from Stonehenge, so when there is news to share about the historic stone circle, we class it as local news.
New discoveries at the largest cathedral in the Ancient World
Previously undiscovered buildings have been uncovered at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, revealing new information about its construction and changing our understanding of the ancient building. Read more
World’s Oldest Shipwreck found off the Southern Coast of Turkey
A shipwreck loaded with 1.5 tonnes of copper ingots, believed to be 3,600 years old, has been discovered in the Aegean Sea off the western coast of Antalya. It is the oldest wreck ever discovered and the most important underwater archaeological discovery in the last decade. Read more
Could a study in the Wadi Rum save the Middle East’s conflict damaged heritage?
Jordan’s Wadi Rum has suffered from decades of conflict and vandalism which is causing the destruction of its mysterious 3000-year-old petroglyphs. However, a preliminary study into the impact of ballistic damage to rock art and, more broadly, the impact of conflict on heritage, has revealed three risk factors that can help predict the severity of rock deterioration and inform damage mitigation measures. Read more
Bulgaria’s largest Thracian Tomb under threat!
A unique, 3rd Century, Middle Eastern-style tower tomb discovered inside Bulgaria’s largest Thracian burial mound is under threat. Despite being promised full government funding, the project could be abandoned as the Bulgarian treasury fails to deliver. Read more
Historic Portuguese Lines of Torres Vedras classed as National Heritage
The historic Lines of Torres Vedras, used by the Anglo-Portuguese Army to repel the third French Invasion of Portugal during the Peninsular War, have been classified as National Heritage by the Portuguese Government. Read more
Path cleared for D-Day memorial to British Soldiers
A memorial to the 22,442 British soldiers who died during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy has been given the green light, with French authorities waiving the planning bureaucracy involved. Read more
New analysis offers insight into Tudor England
Bone analysis of skeletons found on the Mary Rose are offering new evidence that Tudor England was more ethnically diverse than originally thought. Studies carried out on the remains of two crew members show that they may have had roots from as far away as North Africa and the Near East. Read more
The Survivors of Vesuvius - what happened to them?
A new study has managed to trace some of the survivors of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Using evidence from inscriptions found throughout the Roman Empire, archaeologist and historian Steven Tuck has managed to build a picture of what happened to those who managed to escape a fiery end. Read more
The Cultural Experience Receives Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award For 2nd Year In A Row
We are delighted to announce that we have won the Feefo Gold Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences for a 2nd year in a row, as rated by you, our customers. Read more
WW1 grenade found in Hong Kong crisp factory
An unexploded hand grenade from the First World War has been discovered in a crisp factory in Hong Kong. The German made bomb was found in a shipment of potatoes imported from France. Read more
Horrifying new theory suggests that Alexander the Great wasn’t dead, but paralysed
Alexander the Great, one of history’s most masterful generals, could have been alive for up to six days after being declared dead according to a horrifying new theory. Read more
Ancient horse, saddled and ready to run, uncovered at Villa of Mysteries!
The remains of a third horse have been discovered during the excavations of a stable at Civita Giuliana, just outside of Pompeii. The horse was found with the remains of an ornate and expensive Roman parade harness, suggesting that is was being prepared to rescue those fleeing from the volcano. Read more
Hemingway’s unknown Italian saviour found
On July 8, 1918, a young ambulance driver named Ernest Hemingway was distributing supplies to the Italian soldiers along the Piave River when the trench he was walking through was hit by an Austrian mortar shell. Hemingway was left severely injured, but alive because of the unknown Italian soldier standing in front of him. Hardly anything is known about the Italian soldier - until now. Read more
Exciting discoveries at Ancient Philippopolis
The ongoing excavations in the heart of Ancient Philippopolis, better known as modern day Plovdiv in Bulgaria, have unearthed an ancient pantheon temple and a Pompeiian style brothel. The excavations of the six luxury quarters of the ancient city centre have challenged what was previously thought about life during its time as an outpost of the Roman Empire and has raised questions that we are currently unable to answer. Read more
A 200 yearlong treasure hunt - new theory about Napoleon’s hidden gold
A new theory has emerged regarding the location of Emperor Napoleon’s stolen treasure, believed to be hidden during the French army’s retreat from Russia after the disastrous campaign of 1812. For over 200 years there have been rumours that Napoleon’s Grande Armée stole 80 tonnes of gold and valuables from Moscow. Despite treasure hunters’ best efforts, the loot has never been found. Read more
New fresco discovered at Pompeii!
A new fresco has been discovered during maintenance at the ancient ruins of Pompeii, depicting a provocative scene from the myth of Leda and The Swan. It was found following the discovery of an explicit mural of Priapus, the god of fertility, in the same house. Read more
2020 Tour Preview - Register Your Interest Now
We have been working hard to come up with some brilliant tours that we are looking to run throughout 2020. You can register your interest in these tours by filling in the form at the bottom of this page.
By registering your interest in a tour you will be given an exclusive booking window to be able to book a tour before it goes on general sale. Read more
Walking Waterloo - Customer Review
We receive many customer reviews, for which we are very grateful. Your reviews help us to deliver quality tours year after year.
On our recent Walking Waterloo tour was customer Tom Hibberd, who also runs Airsoft Action TV. Read more
The Archaeology of the Bay of Naples - a review by TCE guide, Amanda Pavlick
Earlier this year, popular TCE guide Amanda Pavlick, Professor of Classics at Xavier University, led a tour around the archaeological delights of the Bay of Naples. Read more
Napoleon Crowned Emperor of France
In the illustrious Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. Despite already having absolute power through his position of First Consul for Life, Napoleon chose to hold a lavish and elaborate ceremony as show of strength to cement the legitimacy of his regime and satisfy his allies and the powerful French elite. Read more
Double Delight At 2018 Travel Mole Awards
On Thursday 22nd November 2018, we attended the annual Travel Mole Awards, where once again we were nominated for two awards.
The 14th occurrence of this event rewards the best web, social, mobile and technology in the travel industry & was held on board a City Cruise boat travelling up and down the Thames. Read more
Turning the Tide - the British Capture of Fort Duquesne
Fort Duquesne is one of the most important sites associated with The French and Indian War (1754 - 1763). It’s construction by the French in 1754 was a catalyst for that war as the British and French competed for control of the Ohio Valley. It’s capture by the British in 1758 was a turning point, leading to the British invasion of Canada and the eventual removal of the French presence in North America. Read more
Remembering Our Local Heroes
This weekend, as well as remembering heroes from all over the world, The Cultural Experience have also been looking in to the stories of local soldiers who lost their lives during the Great War. Read more
The Great War 100 Years On
For more than ten years, The Cultural Experience have been exploring the battlefields, stories and soldiers of the Great War. As a result, we have collected some great images of various memorials. Read more
The Mystery of the Unfinished Violin
An unfinished violin, with a secret history has started a journey of discovery after new owner, Folk musician Sam Sweeney, traced its origins after finding a small note dated 1915 inside the violin’s body.
The violin, bought in pieces at auction and restored by Rodger Claridge, was bought by Mr Sweeney in 2009. It appeared brand new, except for a small note, which was identified as a signature.
Was Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo caused by a volcanic eruption?
As we leave the summer behind and embark upon our autumn tours, one tour that never fails to excite is our classic “Walking Waterloo” tour in October. A staple for every Napoleonic enthusiast, the Battle of Waterloo is such an iconic, pivotal and well-debated event that it is unusual to uncover new information. However, that is exactly what has happened. Read more
British Travel Awards Nominee 2018
Thanks to your amazing support last year we won a Travel Mole award for the best branded travel website.
We are delighted to announce that we have now been shortlisted in the category of "Best Special Interest Holiday Company" at the British Travel Awards. Read more
Press Release - The Cultural Experience Awarded Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award
The Cultural Experience has won the Feefo Gold Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers. Read more
Come and see us in 2018
We will be appearing at a number of events in 2018 and we would love to catch up with you or meet you for the first time. Here is a list of events where you can see us. Read more
The defining features and hardships of the Salonika Campaign
The campaign along what is now the Greece-Macedonia boarder, known as the Salonika front, is one of the least studied and explored parts of the First World War. The line was established in 1915 by the allied forces in an attempt to protect Serbia against attacks from the combined Bulgarian, Germans and Austro-Hungarian forces. Read more
SS Iona II: Confederate blockade runner
Launched in 1863, The SS Iona II had not even been in service for a year, but already this state of the art twin paddle steamer built to ferry Scots across the River Clyde had been snapped up for trans-Atlantic clandestine operations by Charles Hopkins Boster of Richmond, VA. On the night 19th January 1864, fully laden with coal and her mysterious cargo, she set sail to travel the short journey across the Irish Sea to Queenstown (Cobh) near Cork, where some say she refueled again Read more
Low Deposit Offer This January
This January you can book any of our tours which have a duration of 6 days or longer from just £100 per person* Read more
2019 Tour Preview - Register Your Interest Now
We have been working hard to come up with some brilliant tours that we are looking to run throughout 2019. You can register your interest in these tours by filling in the form at the bottom of this page.
By registering your interest in a tour you will be given an exclusive booking window to be able to book a tour before it goes on general sale so please do let us know if a tour interests you. Read more
Winners Of The Best Branded Travel Website
We would like to say a huge thank you to all of you that voted for us at the recent Travel Mole awards. We were up against some stiff competition but are delighted to announce that we won "Best Branded Website" Read more
WW1 Memorial in Stourhead
Our operations manager Emma recently took a trip to Stourhead to visit the sculpture trail created by The Scraptors Sculpture Group. It was commissioned by the National Trust to commemorate the effect of World War 1 on the local community. Read more
The Cultural Experience At TankFest 2018
We are delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting at TankFest 2018 in Bovvington, Dorset. Read more
The Battle of Borodino
On the 7th September 1812 the meteoric career of Napoleon Bonaparte reached its apogee and started its precipitous descent towards catastrophe as the Emperor fought the Russians in one of the bloodiest battles of the 19th century. Read more
2018 Tour Programme Now On Sale
After months of planning and designing we are delighted to introduce our new brochure for 2017 / 2018, which is packed with over 45 battlefield tours and cultural experiences. Read more