Dark & Historical Travel:Uncover the Mysteries of the Past
Journey through history's most significant and sobering sites with expert guidance, respectful interpretation, and meaningful context.
Plan My Historical JourneyFor the Traveler Who Seeks a Deeper Story
Some journeys are not just about the destination, but about the stories, legends, and mysteries that lie hidden beneath the surface. Dark & Historical Travel is for the curious and adventurous soul who seeks to connect with the past in a profound way. At Awaken Travels, we specialize in designing immersive, story-driven journeys into the world of the historic and the macabre, all with our signature concierge-level service and a commitment to respectful, authentic exploration.
The Awaken Travels Difference: Beyond the Ghost Tour
Our approach to dark travel is rooted in history, storytelling, and creating a truly immersive experience. We go beyond simple jump-scares to deliver something much more meaningful.
Expert Curation
We design itineraries that are historically rich and thematically cohesive, connecting you with the authentic stories of each location.
Vetted, Professional Guides
We partner with expert local historians and storytellers who provide deep context and bring the past to life in a compelling and respectful manner.
Seamless & Safe Logistics
From boutique hotel stays in historic districts to private, after-hours tours, we handle every detail to ensure your journey is as comfortable and safe as it is fascinating.
Our Dark & Historical Travel Experiences
We design a wide range of custom journeys for the curious traveler. Our specialties include:
Hosted Trips to Iconic Locales
Join our exclusive, fully-escorted small-group trip to Salem, Massachusetts, to explore the history of the infamous witch trials with an expert guide.
Custom Historical Itineraries
We can design bespoke journeys to destinations rich with dark history, such as Jack the Ripper's London, the catacombs of Paris, or the haunted castles of Scotland and Ireland.
Literary & Cinematic Inspired Travel
Follow in the footsteps of your favorite gothic novel or horror film with a custom-designed itinerary based on locations from Dracula, Frankenstein, and more.
Meet Our Dark Travel Specialist
Our dark and historical travel services are led by our Portland-based expert, Hannah Redwood. Hannah combines her passion for history and mystery with her meticulous planning skills to create truly unique and immersive journeys. She is your dedicated guide to exploring the world's most fascinating and mysterious destinations.
Read Hannah's Full Bio HereOur Preferred Partners in Historical Exploration
Our strong relationships with the world's leading historical and cultural tour operators ensure our clients receive authentic, in-depth experiences led by true experts.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Discover how our expertise in planning unique, complex, and story-driven trips has created unforgettable experiences.
"We were planning our first trip to Scotland & Ireland and the reviews stood out--we made the right choice. An initial itinerary was put together with dates & activities. Our agent was readily available as we tweaked the itinerary to reflect exactly what we were looking for... Our 16 day trip was well planned & we enjoyed it tremendously."
— Jay MacDonald
"Every service went above and beyond, from the tour guides, to the airport shuttles, transportation, flights, hotels, activities... all five stars. I would highly recommend booking Awaken Travels."
— Sydney Stevens
"Our agent was a great partner in planning our family trip... AWESOME! Clearly did her homework and was able to offer tips and local insights on almost all our activities. Our trip was planned and executed very smoothly. The entire family had a blast and our agent made sure all the little 'extras' were in place."
— Nolan M.
Ready to Explore the Unexplained?
Your unforgettable, mysterious adventure awaits. Take the first step by scheduling your complimentary consultation, and let's start designing the journey of a lifetime.
Start Planning Your Mysterious Journey