travel with purpose
Essential History Expeditions designs and leads immersive, intellectually engaging travel to the world’s most significant historic and cultural sites.
We educate, inspire, and connect guests to the essential stories, people, and places that have shaped our shared human experience.
Cape Town, South Africa
Travel through history and culture to understand the world anew.
Travel with Purpose.
At Essential History Expeditions, we believe that history and culture are inseparable threads in the fabric of human experience.
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Brian DeToy and Sheryl Rankin Shafer, EHE provides immersive experiences led by a professional historian or military strategist. Expeditions always include a dedicated tour director to ensure every aspect of your journey is covered.
Dr. DeToy is a retired US Army Infantry Officer who holds a PhD in European History. He served as the Director of Defense & Strategic Studies at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and has led groups internationally for more than three decades.
"Sheryl and Brian created a life changing experience for us on our tour to Vietnam."
"Brian personalized our experience as we stood on the ground on which my father-in-law served."
Lisa E.
"Just returned from South Africa, where Brian and Sheryl led a phenomenal trip following in the steps of Nelson Mandela."
"This was my second excursion with EHE. Both trips were beyond fabulous!!"
Patricia h.
"Brian has a gift for bringing history to life with exquisite story telling, researching personal accounts, immersing you fully into the past."
"I have met so many wonderful fellow travelers on these trips calling many friends."
EvELINE G.
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans.
For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0263.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.
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