TEMPLES & SHRINES · TEMPLE TOURS
From a pre-dawn causeway at Angkor to a hillside of torii above Kyoto, these 15 are the temple and shrine days worth building a trip around. Each one is priced, timed and clear about what you have to wear to get through the gate.
Use your PDF voucher to enter Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece beside the Tagus. Explore the cloisters, see Vasco da Gama’s tomb, and visit independently without a guide. Advance tickets help, but they do not remove the outdoor queue.
“The waiting was long which i kinda expected. But it was worth it as it was truly a magical place to wonder”
Start with hotel pickup or meet at Onederz Siem Reap for an eight-hour temple circuit. Choose sunrise or sunset, then visit Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei with an English-speaking guide such as Mr. T, Sen, David, or Chanthy.
“David was absolutely amazing, I loved the sunset tour with him! I learned a lot and would not hesitate to book with David again.”
Spend about nine hours visiting Tlatelolco, the Guadalupe Shrine, and Teotihuacan with an English-speaking guide. You’ll also stop at an obsidian workshop for a tequila tasting. Lunch is optional, and private tours can include hotel pickup.
“Gio (tour guide) + David (driver) were kind and provided thorough information throughout the tour. We chose the à la carte meal option rather than the buffett a the food was more than enough! Very cool to see the historic pyramids + recommend bringing a hat, sunblock & water!!”
Visit four Ayutthaya temple ruins from Bangkok in seven hours, with an English, German, Thai, or Japanese-speaking guide. Guides such as Paul, AJ, Philip, and Jum are known for clear history talks and good humor. The tour includes air-conditioned transport, temple entry, and a Thai buffet lunch on selected options.
“Wonderful day! Our guide Paul was lovely, very knowedlegable and gave good insights in Thai history and culture. Good balance of jokes and information, great at keeping the strucutre and pace. highly recommended. Thanks Paul”
Start before dawn for Angkor Wat, then visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Sen, David, Rith, and Mr T are praised for clear stories, humor, and helpful photos. Choose a shared group or private outing.
“We had the best time! Rith was extremely friendly, funny and informative, and waited for us to get our breakfast this morning lol and it was like having a real harry styles with the singing. We got told the full history of the different temples. We were provided cold water at every stop and the van had air conditioning which took us between each temple. The food stop for lunch was also very good and reasonably priced.”
Ride the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion with an English-speaking archaeologist guide, then enjoy about 1.5 to 2 hours at Poseidon’s Temple. Guides such as Lydia, Angelina, and Dimitra add Greek myths and local history, while the sunset provides the main event. Entry costs an extra €20.
“Great guide Angelina with lots of fun facts, Greek myths and information. Great day in all. Recommend.”
Spend 8 to 10 hours exploring Ubud with a private English-speaking driver-guide. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, a jungle swing, Celuk Village, and an Ubud market. Entrance fees depend on the option you book.
“Amazing experience with Mr. Adik. He was very punctual, polite and professional. He went out of the way to show us wood carving manufacturing place and hand made paintings shop on the way to Ubud. He explained about the places we visited and made our trip very enjoyable one. I was travelling with my elderly father and he made sure my father feels comfortable during the trip. I would love to repeat him as our driver/guide for the future trips to Indonesia as well.”
Travel from central Barcelona to Montserrat in a small air-conditioned vehicle, hear the mountain’s story from an English-speaking guide, visit the basilica, and enjoy two hours of free time. Choose access to the Black Madonna, Boys’ Choir, or basilica, depending on your selected option.
“Visiting Montserrat Monastery was an anmazing experience. I paid extra and took the funicular,to the top, which offered amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery itself is beautiful and peaceful, and seeing the famous Black Madonna was very moving. The scenery from the mountain trails is unforgettable, and the whole visit is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our guide was fantastic and funny. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
You’ll travel by private car with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Atta, Ageng, or I Wayan Top, visiting Tirta Empul, Tukad Cepung, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana, and Tegalalang. The pace can shift with weather, crowds, and your interests, making this a flexible day rather than a rigid group excursion.
“I wayan Top was very nice and kind! Everything was excellent and we enjoyed the trip! He was driving very safely and everything on schedule. He gave us free time to enjoy and many advices and tips!”
Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with an English-speaking guide such as Benz, Ruby, Kwan, or Ann. Visit Mae Kachan Hot Springs, a Karen long-neck village, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Suea Ten, and Huay Pla Kang Temple. Bring earphones for the multilingual audio guide and allow a full, tiring day.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip despite it being a proper 12 hour trip. The guide, Alex was such a funny guy and he taught us some basic Thai phrases we could use. I liked listening to him share some personal stories of his and in all honesty, he seems like a wise man. All his stories had a lesson to it. It felt like he was imparting wisdom to the tourists. The highlight would be me visiting the hill tribes people to learn how they live their lives.”
Ride from Barcelona to Montserrat in a small group of up to eight with guides such as Ramon, Javi, Alba, and Alejandro. Visit the basilica and Black Madonna, walk the serrated mountain, then choose the Sant Joan funicular or museum before returning to your hotel.
“Marcel is a very knowledgeable guide, and professional. We would recommend him to anyone in the future .”
Travel from Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery in an air-conditioned coach with an English, Spanish, or Italian guide. Guides such as Lubo, Kamen, Hristo, and Martin add lively historical context. Allow extra cash for museum tickets, food, and the famous Bulgarian mekitsi.
“Everything is nice! Our guide and driver are professional and friendly, I have a good time :)”
Travel from Athens to Meteora by air-conditioned coach, then explore three monasteries, all eight from scenic viewpoints, and the Hermit Caves with local guides Maria or Clement. The 14-hour trip includes photo stops, optional Greek lunch, audio guide, Wi-Fi, and USB charging.
“Very tiring but 100% worth it. Amazing views, very entertaining and informative. Lunch was simple but nice. Few options to chose from and all of them very tasty. I recommend this trip”
Ride from central Athens along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion, then spend 90 minutes near Poseidon’s Temple before sunset. An escort, air-conditioned coach, photo stop, and audio guide in six languages are included. Entry to the temple costs extra.
“Tour was an amazing experience and George was very funny and made the travel very informative and entertaining”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Sam, Vone, Pheap, or Sok for two full days among Angkor’s major temples. You’ll see sunrise at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Preah Khan, Ta Som, and more, with air-conditioned transport, cold water, and time for photos.
“A fantastic and intense two days. The first day started with a disappointing sunrise - trust nature - but our tour guide, Saying ensured we had an informative and interesting day visiting the more well known (and crowded) temples. We arrived back at 1.30, exhausted but very happy. For me, day two was the better day, visiting the quieter temples. Sam was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable and with a great sense of fun. It was great having some temples almost to ourselves. The day concluded with a beautiful sunset and a 7pm arrival back. I would thoroughly recommend the trip for a great way to see most of the…”
Sunrise, sunset, on foot or by tuk-tuk.
