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Celebrate Europe’s literary and scientific heritage with immersive walking tours that bring history to life. From Paris, tracing the footsteps of Hemingway and Proust, to Barcelona’s women scientists and York’s pioneering railway innovations, these tours highlight the minds that shaped culture and knowledge.
Across the continent, visitors can explore iconic cafés, gardens, museums, and laboratories, uncovering stories that often went untold. Coinciding with Nobel Prize Day 2026, these tours honour the achievements of writers, scientists, and innovators whose work has transformed the world, offering travellers a unique opportunity to connect with Europe’s rich intellectual and cultural legacy on foot.
Nobel Prize Day, observed on December 10, celebrates the prestigious awards established by Alfred Nobel. Nobel, a Swedish engineer, chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, signed his third and final will at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris on November 27, 1895, laying the foundation for these prizes. Each year, the day honours his legacy and recognises outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, and other fields that have significantly benefited humanity. The Nobel Prizes remain a symbol of excellence, innovation, and lasting impact worldwide.
Here is a list of some walks and trails around the world which you can add as part of your Nobel Prize Day 2026 bucketlist:
Explore the prehistoric landscapes of south-west England on a gentle walking tour from New Scientist, tracing human history from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Visit iconic sites including Stonehenge, Avebury, Old Sarum, and Maiden Castle, guided by experts who bring ancient earthworks, stone circles, and hillforts to life.
Highlights include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Prehistory Galleries at Wiltshire Museum with a private dinner, and a guided walk in Cerne Abbas led by former New Scientist editor Emily Wilson. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to National Trust and English Heritage landmarks, this immersive tour blends scientific insight with scenic walking, offering a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our prehistoric ancestors while enjoying some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
Did you know Albert Einstein spent six days in Barcelona presenting his theory of relativity? The renowned German physicist and mathematician visited the city in 1923, drawing immense public interest. Today, the Einstein Trail lets you retrace his steps, exploring the buildings he visited, the streets he walked, and even the restaurants where he dined during his memorable stay. The trail covers Einstein’s journey from his arrival on February 22, 1923, to his departure six days later, highlighting key locations connected to his visit. This fascinating route offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in Barcelona’s scientific history and the city’s encounter with one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
Step into the world of Stieg Larsson’s 'Millennium' trilogy on this two-hour walking tour through Stockholm. follow Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist to the suburbs they call home, stopping at Blomkvist’s café, Salander’s favorite tattoo shop, and her stylish apartment. Explore the streets, settings, and hidden corners that inspired the dark, gripping storylines of the internationally acclaimed books. The tour ends at the Stockholm City Museum, where the 'Millennium' exhibition immerses fans further into Larsson’s universe. Perfect for literature lovers and curious travelers, this tour brings the thrilling world of the 'Millennium' series vividly to life in the city where it all unfolds.
Step into the rich literary heritage of Dublin on this 2-hour walking tour, led by author Pat Liddy or an expert guide. Starting just outside the Viking-era Christ Church Cathedral, trace the city’s evolution from its earliest monastic writings to the internationally celebrated works of Dublin’s most famous authors. The tour passes iconic sites including Christchurch Place, Fishamble Street, East Essex Street, Parliament Street, Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library, Ship Street, Le Pole Square, St Patrick’s Park, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Marsh’s Library, Ireland’s first public library. Ideal for book lovers and curious travelers, this tour brings Dublin’s streets, stories, and legendary writers vividly to life, offering a unique perspective on the city that earned UNESCO City of Literature status.
Explore Barcelona through the eyes of the city’s pioneering women scientists on this engaging cultural trail. From the city’s innovative spirit and Mediterranean openness to trade, to its rich tradition of creativity and entrepreneurship, these remarkable women shaped scientific discovery—often without the recognition they deserved. This themed walking tour highlights the scientists’ contributions, their specialist fields, and the institutions and locations that played key roles in their careers. Along the route, learn how these trailblazers advanced knowledge while navigating the social conventions of their time. Perfect for science enthusiasts and curious travelers, this trail celebrates the women who revolutionised science in Barcelona, ensuring their achievements and stories are remembered and honoured.
Discover the engineering marvels and social impact of rail travel on this five-day tour through north-east England, where the first steam-powered passenger train ran in 1825. Explore iconic sites including the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon, home to legendary locomotives such as the Mallard and one of the only two Shinkansen bullet trains outside Japan. Witness live engineering at Darlington Locomotive Works and enjoy a scenic journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, immersing yourself in Britain’s rail heritage. Guided by award-winning railway engineer Gareth Dennis, the tour combines expert talks, museum-led insights, and hands-on experiences, revealing the physics, innovation, and ingenuity that shaped trains and continue to drive rail travel into the future.
Step into a world where science comes to life on this interactive augmented reality walk along the Promenade du Paillon in Nice. Between the Jardin de la Bourgade and the Miroir d’Eau, explore eleven groundbreaking scientific discoveries from Côte d’Azur laboratories. Visitors can uncover the secrets of DNA, sap circulation, aging, and more, all brought vividly to life through immersive 2.0 technology. The tour is a collaborative initiative from Université Côte d’Azur, local research institutions, and the City of Nice, supported by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche and featuring work from CNRS, INRAE, Inserm, IRD, OCA, and UniCA. Perfect for curious minds, this trail blends science, technology, and outdoor exploration, making the invisible world around us visible and engaging.
During the roaring twenties, Paris was the cultural capital of the Western world, drawing artists and writers from across the globe, including celebrated American author Ernest Hemingway. France’s rich literary tradition is reflected in its 15 Nobel Prizes in Literature, more than any other country, underscoring the city’s enduring influence on letters and ideas. On this walking tour, explore the bohemian Latin Quarter, visit iconic cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, and wander the elegant streets and gardens that inspired Marcel Proust, including the Jardin des Champs-Élysées. From Hemingway’s haunts to Proust’s literary settings, the tour immerses visitors in the intellectual energy and timeless charm that made Paris a haven for writers.
Why should I go on a literary walking tour in Europe?
Literary tours let you explore the streets, cafés, and landmarks where iconic writers lived and worked. You gain insight into their lives, inspirations, and the cultural contexts that shaped their masterpieces.
Why take a science-themed walking tour?
Science tours reveal the history of discoveries, innovations, and groundbreaking research. You can visit labs, museums, and historical sites, learning how science shaped societies and the modern world.
Are these tours suitable for all ages?
Yes. Most tours are gentle, informative, and engaging for adults, students, families, and casual travelers alike.
Do I need prior knowledge of literature or science?
No. Tours are designed to be accessible, with guides providing context, stories, and interactive insights for both beginners and enthusiasts.
How long do these walking tours usually last?
Tours can range from 1–2 hours for city highlights to multi-day itineraries for deeper exploration of literary or scientific heritage across multiple sites.
