A popular stopping point for boats sailing between China, India and the Middle East, Malacca was already established as a trading port before the Portuguese captured the city in 1511 to trade spices and textiles. Falling to the Dutch after 130 years, and seeing British rule before Malaysia declared independence, the footprint of Malacca's trading history can be found mish-mashed across town, from the ruins of the A Famosa fortress gate and St. Paul's Church to the Dutch, red Stadthuys and Christ Church at the centre of town. Leave it to one of our expert guides to unpick the stories for you on a full day guided tour.

From the tin-mining trade that started the city at a river confluence in 1857 to modern day financial trading inside plate-glass skyscrapers, KL's history has always been based on buying and selling. Few cities reflect Malaysia's mix of cultures, communities and cuisines quite as clearly as Kuala Lumpur, and your guide will show you the highlights during your time here, from the glossy Petronas Twin Towers to the pastel arches lining the streets of Little India. Of course, the global influences are also visible in the cuisine, and you'll taste your way through teh Tarik (sweet milk tea), creamy laksa and nasi lemak rice with fiery sambal as you go. Later, you’ll have time to explore independently, whether that means browsing the Chinatown markets for souvenirs or stopping for a snack along Jalan Alor.

As you travel up the peninsula, break today's drive with a stop at Ipoh – another Malay town whose history is interwoven with a tin mining past. Showcasing 500 years of trading and cultural exchange, Penang’s walking tour will introduce you to George Town, now one of Malaysia’s trendiest cities. Penang's history, however, remains prevalent through its architecture, from Chinese clan houses (kongsi) to working shophouses. Starting with Bengali bread (a Penang speciality) to refuel, your guide will help you explore architecture that helped this city earn UNESCO heritage status in 2008.

You'll also have time to seek out the murals and installations that have become part of George Town's identity, added to walls to help tell the story of local history, after Penang gained UNESCO status.

Even your final beach stop doesn't escape a connection with Malaysia's past. The name Batu Ferringhi itself loosely translates to "the rock where Westerners come ashore", and it’s here that Englishman James Lancaster set up base in 1592 to pillage other vessels. Urbanising in the 1970s, Batu Ferringhi today combines a long stretch of sand with night markets, restaurants and water sports. Away from the shore, there's spice gardens and sculpture gardens to explore.