Discover the best museums in the world you must visit

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Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, our carefully crafted holidays offer the perfect balance of top destination highlights, local experiences and the chance to explore some of the world’s finest museums. Check out our selection below of the best museums you can visit during our guided holidays

Dali Theatre Museum - Figures, Spain

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  • Why visit: The Dalí Theatre-Museum is a surreal masterpiece dedicated to the life and work of Salvador Dalí, one of the most influential surrealist artists in history. Built on the remains of a former theatre in his birthplace, the museum was personally designed by Dalí himself, making it an artwork in its own right.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Costa Brava Holidays we'll explore Dalí’s surreal world on a guided excursion, visit Barcelona, enjoy Cava tasting and experience Catalonia’s scenic coast.

The Louvre - Paris, France 

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  • Why visit: The world’s most visited museum, The Louvre is a treasure trove of artistic and historical wonders. Housed in a former royal palace, it boasts over 35,000 works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Seine River Cruise, there will be a full free day to uncover the city of lights at your own pace. Visit the Louvre or see iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, wander through charming Parisian streets

War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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  • Why visit: A powerful and sobering experience, the War Remnants Museum provides an unflinching look at the impact of the Vietnam War. Through photographs, artefacts, and first-hand accounts, it highlights the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Vietnam tours, uncover incredible highlights such as the historic old town of Hoi An, the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the imperial city of Hue, the scenic Mekong Delta, and the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Uffizi, Florence, Italy

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  • Why visit: It has the most impressive collections of Renaissance art in the world. Masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio adorn its grand halls, with The Birth of Venus being one of its most iconic highlights. The museum itself, housed in a historic Medici palace, offers breathtaking views over the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Tuscany tours, you can easily visit the Uffizi Gallery during your days at leisure. On our guided excursions, we’ll explore Florence’s and Pisa’s architectural marvels, stroll through charming medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and soak in the beauty of Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and historic landscapes.

The Met, New York City, USA 

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  • Why visit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a cultural behemoth, offering a dazzling journey through 5,000 years of human creativity. From Ancient Egyptian mummies to Impressionist masterpieces and avant-garde fashion, The Met has something for everyone. Don’t miss the stunning rooftop views of Central Park!
  • Holiday inspiration: On our East Coast USA by Rail, there will be plenty of free time in New York to visit the Met and our local guide will show you the top sights of the Big Apple, including Time Square, the Empire State Building and much more.  

The Vatican Museums

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  • Why visit: Home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, the Vatican Museums house Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s sublime frescoes, and an unparalleled collection of classical sculptures. Every corridor is a work of art in itself, making it a must-visit for history lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
  • Holiday inspiration: Check out our holidays to Rome, where you can visit the Vatican during your free time, explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine in the charming district of Trastevere.

The GEM Museum, Cairo Egypt

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  • Why visit: The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing Egypt’s rich history and breathtaking antiquities. Located near the Pyramids of Giza, it will house an unparalleled collection, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Egypt holidays, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the GEM and witness Egypt’s most treasured artefacts. Our guided tours also take you to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and a relaxing Nile cruise to uncover the wonders of ancient civilisation.

The Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece 

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  • Why visit: Overlooking the legendary Acropolis, this modern museum beautifully showcases the artistic and architectural achievements of Ancient Greece. With a stunning glass floor revealing excavation sites below, and a breathtaking Parthenon Gallery, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in classical history.
  • Holiday inspiration: On select Greece holidays, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Acropolis Museum, and with our local guide, explore Athens’ ancient wonders, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and other historic landmarks that bring Greece’s legendary past to life.

The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain

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  • Why visit: A true icon of modern architecture, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a sight to behold. Designed by Frank Gehry, its striking titanium-clad structure is as much a work of art as the contemporary masterpieces housed within. Outside, the famous Puppy sculpture and the shimmering Maman spider add to the museum’s unique appeal.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Treasures of the Spanish Basque Country tour, there will be guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum, explore the vibrant cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian, savour the region’s renowned cuisine, and indulge in a wine tasting experience in the famous Rioja region.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum, Japan 

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  • Why visit: This unique museum transports visitors back in time to Edo-period Japan, offering interactive displays, life-sized historical reconstructions, and fascinating insights into Tokyo’s transformation from a feudal capital to a global metropolis.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Highlights of Japan tour, along with a guided city tour of Japan, there will be some free time to visit the Edo Museum. Explore Kyoto’s stunning temples and historic geisha districts, visit Nara to see the iconic Great Buddha and friendly deer in Nara Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Osaka. 

The Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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  • Why visit: The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most moving and historically significant sites. Located at Prinsengracht 263, this museum preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary while she, her family, and four others hid during World War II.
  • Holiday inspiration: There will be free time in Amsterdam on select river cruise holidays, allowing you to stroll along the picturesque waterways or relax at a traditional canal-side café, soaking in the city's unique charm.

ABBA Museum, Stockholm, Sweden

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  • Why visit: A must if you're a big ABBA fan! Discover fascinating insights into this legendary band and their incredible journey at the ABBA Museum.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Stockholm Short Break, explore Sweden’s capital with a guided city tour before diving into the world of ABBA. Plus, discover other highlights like Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and the stunning archipelago.

Hotel Viru & KGB Museum, Tallinn Estonia 

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  • Why visit: A fascinating peek into Soviet-era espionage, this small yet captivating museum tells the story of how the KGB operated from a secret floor in the Hotel Viru during the Cold War. You can see original surveillance equipment, clandestine listening devices, and hear about intriguing spy stories.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Baltic Highlights tour, visit three incredible capital cities -Tallinn, Riga, and Vilniu each with its own unique charm and rich history. Enjoy guided tours in each city to uncover their most iconic sights, from Tallinn’s medieval Old Town to Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture and Vilnius’ baroque beauty. Plus, there will be plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

Museum of Hangovers, Zagreb, Croatia 

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  • Why visit: A museum all about the aftermath of a wild night out? Believe it or not, it exists! The Museum of Hangovers takes a lighthearted yet insightful look at drinking culture around the world, featuring interactive exhibits, real-life stories, and even a "drunk simulator" for a truly unique experience.
  • Holiday inspiration: As part of our Undiscovered Croatia, t, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zagreb, followed by plenty of leisure time to explore Croatia’s vibrant capital, often called the “city of museums.” Wander through its charming streets, discover fascinating cultural sites, and soak up the lively café culture. We'll also get to discover Plitvice Lakes National Park, Pula and Rovinj. 

Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Xi An, China 

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  • Why visit: Widely regarded as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, this museum is home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army—an 8,000-strong collection of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots buried over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. The sheer scale, intricate details, and individualised features of each soldier make this an unforgettable sight.
  • Holiday inspiration: On our China holidays, we'll discover the rich history of Xi’an with a walk along its ancient city walls and visit to the legendary Terracotta Army. Visit Beijing to walk along the iconic Great Wall, marvel at the grandeur of the Forbidden City, and experience the serenity of the Temple of Heaven

Belvedere Museum, Vienna, Austria  

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  • Why visit: A dream for art lovers, the Belvedere Museum houses Gustav Klimt’s golden masterpiece The Kiss, alongside an impressive collection of Austrian and European art. The museum itself, set in a stunning Baroque palace, is just as breathtaking as the artworks inside.
  • Holiday inspiration: On select Austria holidays, there will be free time to experience the elegance of Vienna – explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, stroll through its stunning gardens, and savour a traditional Sachertorte in one of the city’s historic cafés. 

Gold Museum, Bogota, Colombia

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  • Why visit: The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) in Bogotá is one of Colombia’s most iconic cultural attractions, housing an extraordinary collection of over 55,000 pieces of pre-Columbian goldwork. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and cultural significance of gold for indigenous Colombian civilizations
  • Holiday inspiration: On our Colombia tours, visit the Gold Museum in Bogotá, then explore the vibrant historic district of La Candelaria. Other highlights include wandering through the colourful streets of Cartagena’s Old Town, discovering the charm of Medellín, and exploring Cocora Valley, with its towering wax palms and breathtaking landscapes.

Cat Museum, Kotor Montenegro

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  • Why visit: A paradise for cat lovers, this quirky museum is dedicated to Kotor’s famous feline residents. Featuring vintage postcards, artwork, and memorabilia, it’s a delightful tribute to the town’s love affair with its furry inhabitants.
  • Holiday inspiration: With plenty of leisure time on our Highlights of the Montenegro Riviera you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through Kotor’s medieval streets, taking in the town’s stunning architecture and centuries-old charm. Enjoy guided excursions to the Bay of Kotor, the coastal beauty of Perast, and the vibrant town of Budva.

Our expertly guided holidays offer more than just iconic landmarks and scenic views. Along with unforgettable excursions, our knowledgeable guides will point you to the best museums in the world, ensuring you make the most of your chosen travel destination

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