13 Ancient Trade Routes You Can Still Travel Today

Travel shaped civilization long before passports and boarding passes. Caravan tracks became cities. Sea lanes stitched together cuisines, languages, and ideas. Many of those old paths haven’t vanished—they’ve morphed into rail lines, hiking trails, highways, and ferry routes you can still follow, piece by piece. Here’s how to experience 13 historic trade routes today, with practical tips that make them more than a history lesson.

1. The Silk Road (Central Asia)

No trade route captures the imagination like the Silk Road: a mosaic of paths linking China, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Today, the most rewarding entry point is Central Asia, where ancient oasis towns and caravanserais line routes that feel surprisingly intact.

Start in Uzbekistan with the Timurid blue domes of Samarkand and Bukhara, then hop to Khiva’s city walls and across to Kazakhstan’s Almaty or Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek for mountain breaks. Marshrutkas (minibuses) and modern trains connect the dots efficiently, and guesthouses keep costs sane without sacrificing atmosphere.

• Best time: April–June and September–October (mild temperatures, clear skies).

• Time needed: 10–21 days across two or three countries.

• Getting around: High-speed trains (Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara), shared taxis, marshrutkas.

• Visas/permits: Uzbekistan offers e-visas; Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for many; check requirements for each country.

2. Via Appia (Italy)

Rome’s “Queen of Roads” once funneled legions, merchants, and letters to the Adriatic port of Brindisi. Large sections survive, and the stretch through the Appia Antica Regional Park is one of Europe’s most evocative urban escapes.

Walk or cycle the cobbled lanes south from the Baths of Caracalla, passing aqueduct fragments, tombs, and fields that feel impossibly rural for being so close to Rome. Beyond the city, modern roads often shadow the ancient route through Terracina and Benevento before reaching the coast. Even if you only taste a day’s worth, the sense of continuity is powerful.

• Best time: March–May, September–November.

• Time needed: Half-day in Rome, or 5–10 days to trace major segments.

• Getting around: Walking/cycling in Rome; regional trains for longer hops.

• Practical tip: Sundays are car-free on the park’s main stretch—bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

3. Incense Route of the Nabataeans (Jordan and the Negev)

Frankincense and myrrh once traveled by camel from Arabia’s southern coast to the Mediterranean, passing through Nabataean strongholds that taxed and protected caravans. You can still trace that flow across Jordan and Israel’s Negev Desert.

Jordan’s King’s Highway (see Route 10) overlaps the incense trade, but for a more focused experience, hike or drive between Petra, Little Petra, and the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum, where sandstone valleys echo with caravan history. Across the border, Israel’s Negev features UNESCO-listed desert cities—Avdat, Mamshit, Shivta—connected by marked trails ideal for multi-day hikes.

• Best time: October–April.

• Time needed: 5–8 days across key sites.

• Getting around: Car rental for flexibility; guided multi-day hikes in the Negev are excellent.

• Practical tip: Evening light transforms Petra and Wadi Rum—plan sunrise/sunset visits.

4. The Spice Route (Indian Ocean)

The spice trade knit together Indian, Arab, East African, and Southeast Asian worlds via monsoon winds. While a full sea journey isn’t realistic, you can stitch together a modern version by flying and ferry-hopping between hubs shaped by centuries of trade.

A classic triangle: Kerala’s Kochi (Fort Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets and spice warehouses), Sri Lanka’s Galle (Portuguese/Dutch fort and cinnamon heritage), and Zanzibar’s Stone Town (Omani-Arab architecture, clove plantations). Spice plantations still operate in Kerala and Zanzibar; dhow excursions along the Swahili coast echo older voyages.

• Best time: November–March for Kerala/Sri Lanka; June–October for Zanzibar (dryer).

• Time needed: 10–16 days for the triangle; longer if adding Oman or the Maldives.

• Getting around: Short-haul flights, local ferries, tuk-tuks, and taxis.

• Practical tip: Visit spice farms early in the day when heat and humidity are lower.

5. The Persian Royal Road (Türkiye focus)

The Achaemenid Royal Road once linked Susa to Sardis, with mounted couriers relaying messages in days. Much of modern Türkiye overlays that route, and several walkable segments sit near Izmir and Manisa.

Base yourself in Selçuk (for Ephesus) and modern Manisa (near ancient Sardis), then travel east to Ankara, Sivas, and Erzurum along rail or bus lines that parallel historical corridors across Anatolia. Museums in Ankara and Istanbul round out the imperial story with Achaemenid and Hellenic artifacts.

• Best time: April–June, September–October.

• Time needed: 7–12 days.

• Getting around: Intercity buses are frequent; Türkiye’s expanding rail network is comfortable and scenic.

• Visas: Many nationalities can get an e-visa; verify before arrival.

6. The Amber Road (Baltic to Adriatic)

For millennia, fossilized Baltic resin—amber—was prized from Rome to Egypt. Traders moved it south along routes that roughly connect Poland, Czechia, Austria, and Italy. The modern version is a dream rail trip.

Begin in Gdańsk, where amber shops still line the old town, then drop to Toruń and Kraków. Cross into Czechia for Olomouc or Brno, swing to Vienna’s museums and coffeehouses, and finish in Trieste or Venice, both historic outlets to the sea. It’s a cultured sweep of Gothic brick, Baroque plazas, and imperial architecture.

• Best time: May–October.

• Time needed: 8–14 days.

• Getting around: Excellent rail links; seat reservations recommended on long legs.

• Practical tip: Learn to spot genuine amber; many museums offer short workshops or guided talks.

7. Trans-Saharan Caravan Route (Morocco and Mauritania segments)

Caravans once moved salt, gold, and enslaved people across the Sahara, guided by stars and wells. Political realities make full crossings unwise, but Morocco and parts of Mauritania offer safe, guided slices that honor the route’s spirit.

In Morocco, follow the Draa Valley from Ouarzazate through palm oases to Zagora and M’Hamid, then venture into the Erg Chigaga dunes by 4×4 and camel with a Berber guide. Experienced travelers add Mauritania’s Adrar region (Chinguetti, Ouadane) with a local operator—desert libraries and ksour feel timeless.

• Best time: October–April (avoid summer heat).

• Time needed: 4–7 days in Morocco; 5–8 days in Mauritania.

• Getting around: Private 4x4s with guides are safest and most efficient.

• Practical tip: Sand and temperature swings are real—pack layers, sun protection, and a scarf.

8. The Tea Horse Road (Chamagudao, Southwest China)

This high-altitude network carried Pu’er tea from Yunnan to Tibet in exchange for sturdy warhorses. Portions remain intact as cobbled mule paths snaking through snow-capped ranges and minority villages.

Base in Lijiang or Dali, then follow the old road to Shaxi (a restored market town), Shangri-La (Zhongdian), and the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Some hikers continue north through Tibetan areas of Sichuan like Kangding and Litang. Expect wooden bridges, caravan inns turned guesthouses, and steaming bowls of noodle soup at 3,000 meters.

• Best time: April–June and September–October.

• Time needed: 6–12 days for Yunnan segments; longer if adding Sichuan.

• Getting around: Buses, private transfers; hiking is the point in many sections.

• Practical tip: Altitude can creep up—build rest days, hydrate, and ascend gradually.

9. Grand Trunk Road (South Asia)

A backbone of South Asian commerce since antiquity, the Grand Trunk Road linked the Bengal delta to the Khyber Pass. Today’s GT Road is a modern highway, but you can still travel its historical cities by rail and road.

The classic Indian run is Kolkata–Varanasi–Allahabad (Prayagraj)–Agra–Delhi–Amritsar, where caravanserai remnants and Mughal gardens survive amidst the bustle. With planning, some travelers add Lahore and Peshawar in Pakistan, pairing Mughal architecture with famed bazaars. If crossing borders proves complex, treat the Indian and Pakistani sections as separate trips.

• Best time: October–March.

• Time needed: 8–14 days for the Indian section; 5–8 days for Pakistan.

• Getting around: Trains are the sweet spot; book in advance (2A/3A classes).

• Visas: India and Pakistan have specific visa policies; Wagah border crossing requires preparation.

10. The King’s Highway (Jordan)

Older than Rome, the King’s Highway climbs Jordan’s plateau from Amman to Aqaba, overlapping portions of the incense and spice trades. It’s one of the region’s most scenic road trips, strung with crusader castles, Byzantine mosaics, and Nabataean wonders.

Begin in Madaba for its mosaic map of the Holy Land, detour to Mount Nebo, then continue to the canyon-cut city of Kerak. South of Dana Biosphere Reserve, make time for an overnight hike before arriving in Petra. End with Wadi Rum’s sandstone labyrinth and a swim in the Red Sea at Aqaba.

• Best time: March–May and September–November.

• Time needed: 5–8 days.

• Getting around: Rent a car or book JETT buses and local taxis; a licensed guide enriches Petra and Rum.

• Practical tip: Consider the Jordan Pass, which bundles visa fees and key site entries.

11. Via Egnatia (Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, Türkiye)

Rome’s eastern counterpart to Via Appia, the Via Egnatia crossed the Balkans from Durrës to Thessaloniki and the Bosporus. Quiet villages, Ottoman bridges, and Roman milestones make this an atmospheric, less-trodden traverse.

Start with Durrës’ amphitheater, cross Albania’s hills to Elbasan, continue to Lake Ohrid’s monasteries, and descend to Thessaloniki’s Byzantine churches and waterfront. Hikers can follow marked sections developed by enthusiasts; others can bus between towns and walk choice segments. If time allows, push onward to Alexandroupoli and Istanbul.

• Best time: April–June, September–October.

• Time needed: 7–12 days.

• Getting around: Buses are frequent and cheap; taxis fill gaps.

• Practical tip: Carry offline maps—signage varies by country and section.

12. Hanseatic Trade Route (Baltic Sea)

From the 13th to 17th centuries, the Hanseatic League’s merchant cities turned the Baltic into a highway of herring, timber, furs, and textiles. Today, this is one of Europe’s most pleasant rail-and-ferry journeys.

Begin in Lübeck, the league’s “Queen,” then ride the coast to Wismar, Rostock, and Stralsund, whose brick Gothic skylines and ship museums set the tone. Cross to Poland’s Gdańsk for amber workshops, then fly or ferry to Riga and Tallinn, where medieval guildhalls still rule the old towns. The food scene—rye breads, smoked fish, juniper-laced dishes—connects past and present.

• Best time: May–September.

• Time needed: 7–12 days.

• Getting around: Regional trains plus ferries (e.g., Tallinn–Helsinki add-on).

• Practical tip: Museum passes in Lübeck, Gdańsk, Riga, and Tallinn can save money.

13. The Salt Roads of the Ligurian Alps (Italy–France)

Salt once moved from the Ligurian coast over the Alps into Piedmont and beyond, feeding livestock and preserving food. The “Via del Sale” family of trails now forms one of Europe’s most scenic multi-day hikes, with gravel roads suitable for e-bikes in summer.

Popular itineraries start near Limone Piemonte or Cuneo and cross high ridgelines to the coast at Ventimiglia or Sanremo, dipping through old customs houses and fortifications. Wildflowers, sweeping sea views, and hearty mountain fare at rifugi are the draw. Several variants mix hiking and 4×4 tracks; choose the one that matches your fitness.

• Best time: Late June–September (after snowmelt).

• Time needed: 3–5 days for core segments; day hikes are easy from base towns.

• Getting around: Trains to Cuneo and Ventimiglia; bag transfers available through local outfitters.

• Practical tip: Weather swings quickly at altitude—check forecasts and carry layers.

How to Choose and Plan Your Route

Picking a trade route is as much about your travel style as your history interests. A few smart filters help narrow it down.

• Time and distance: Overland routes like the Silk Road and Via Egnatia reward a 1–2 week window. If you have less time, focus on a concentrated stretch (Appia Antica in Rome; King’s Highway around Petra and Wadi Rum).

• Fitness and terrain: Prefer walks with café breaks? Via Appia, Lübeck-to-Gdańsk, and King’s Highway day trips fit. Eager for hikes? Tea Horse Road and Via del Sale shine.

• Culture vs. wilderness: For lively cities and museums, pick the Hanseatic, Amber, or Grand Trunk routes. For desert and mountain drama, choose Trans-Saharan segments, Tea Horse Road, or Jordan.

• Paperwork comfort: Central Asia is streamlined compared to a decade ago; India/Pakistan and Iran require more prep. Always check current advisories and entry rules.

Practical Essentials

• Maps and research: Use a mix of historical maps (many museums and online archives have them) and modern apps (Maps.me, Organic Maps, and local hiking apps). Matching old and new routes is half the fun.

• Transport tactics: On overland routes, try for one “epic” leg—an overnight train, a desert 4×4 traverse, or a ferry crossing—to anchor the story of your trip.

• Guides and local operators: A good local guide unlocks hidden layers—desert wells, caravanserai legends, family-run spice plots. For remote segments (Sahara, high-altitude paths), guides add safety.

• Seasonality: Heat and snow shape these routes. When in doubt, shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are your friends.

• Health and altitude: Tea Horse Road segments touch 2,500–3,500 meters. Build acclimatization days and carry basic meds.

• Money and connectivity: Cash still matters in rural stretches. Download offline maps; cell coverage fades in deserts and mountains.

• Respect and preservation: Many sites sit within living communities and fragile ecosystems. Dress modestly where appropriate, stay on trails, and choose operators who hire locally and minimize impact.

Sample Itineraries to Get You Started

• One-week classic: Rome’s Appia Antica + a quick hop to southern sections near Benevento, with vineyard detours.

• Two-week history and coast: Lübeck–Wismar–Rostock–Stralsund–Gdańsk–Riga–Tallinn, using trains and ferries.

• Two-week desert and stone: King’s Highway from Amman to Aqaba, plus Petra hikes and Wadi Rum overnight; add a Negev caravan city if you can.

• Three-week overland arc: Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva–Nukus (Uzbekistan) with a side trip to Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Bishkek–Karakol (Kyrgyzstan).

Reading the Landscape

The most rewarding part of traveling ancient trade routes is learning to “read” what you see:

• Caravanserai spacing often marks a day’s journey: 25–40 km between rest stops in hospitable terrain, closer in deserts.

• River crossings and mountain passes explain city placement—look for bridges, fords, and bottlenecks.

• Goods leave traces in language and cuisine. Amber in Gdańsk, cloves in Zanzibar, cinnamon in Galle, saffron in Kashmiri recipes—menus become maps.

• Empires layer over one another. A Roman road can carry Byzantine churches, Ottoman forts, and modern cafés. Talk to locals; oral history adds context no signboard can match.

Responsible Route-Following

Ancient routes powered both exchange and exploitation. A thoughtful approach makes your trip part of a better story.

• Support living heritage: Buy from artisans who can explain their craft. Ask where amber, spices, or textiles are sourced and how they’re made.

• Spread the spend: Big hubs are great; so are side trips to smaller towns where your money goes further for the community.

• Go light on footprints: Stick to established paths, especially in deserts and alpine areas, and pack out what you bring in.

• Share carefully: Geotag responsibly, especially for fragile sites, and highlight the local guides and historians who taught you.

These routes still breathe because people still use them—commuters on trains that shadow Roman stones, farmers crossing old passes with e-bikes and goats, shipwrights restoring wooden hulls. Travel them with curiosity and care, and they’ll show you how trade built the world, one footstep, hoofprint, and wake at a time.