Heritage Tours
Reconnect with Your Roots
Holt Heritage Tours give adoptees and adoptive families a meaningful opportunity to explore their country of birth, connect with their cultural heritage and create memories that last a lifetime.
A Journey of Discovery and Connection
For adoptees and their families, a heritage tour can be a deeply impactful experience. Tours provide adoptees and their families with the opportunity to explore their birth country, experience the culture firsthand and in some cases reconnect with people and places from their earliest days.
Our heritage tours are designed for adoptees ages 9 and up and include adult adoptees as well as families traveling together. Whether you’re seeking to visit your former orphanage, meet your foster family or simply immerse yourself in your heritage, our experienced guides will help make your journey meaningful and memorable.
Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
Upcoming Heritage Tours
Join us on one of our annual heritage tours to China, Korea, Mongolia or Vietnam. All tours are open to adoptees and adoptive families, regardless of placing agency.
China Heritage Tour
June 18–29, 2026*
On Holt's annual heritage tour of China, adoptees and their families experience the culture, customs and history of China. See everyday life in China, from big cities to rural villages, participate in cultural activities and visit famous Chinese tourist sites. Whenever possible, adoptees also have a chance to visit their former orphanage, foster family and/or sites significant to their adoption story.
Vietnam Heritage Tour
June 20–July 4, 2026*
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Vietnam Heritage Tour participants will experience the diversity and beauty of this ancient and remarkable land. They will visit historic cities, savor Vietnamese cuisine and learn about Holt's work in Vietnam. Whenever possible, adoptees may visit their former orphanage, foster family and/or sites significant to their adoption story.
Mongolia Heritage Tour
July 28–August 9, 2026*
On Holt's heritage tour, adoptees and families will learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Mongolia. When possible, adoptees can visit their orphanages and locations where they were found and meet individuals who may have cared for them before they joined their adoptive families. Together, tour participants will also travel outside of Ulaanbaatar, ride camels and horses, visit historic sites and spend a night sleeping in traditional Mongolian homes.
Korea Heritage Tour
Registration is now closed for the 2026 Korea Heritage Tour.
From Seoul to Gyeongju, Busan and Jeju Island, Holt Korea Heritage Tour participants experience Korea together as they visit national and historic sites, learn about Korea's rich cultural heritage and visit Holt-supported programs. For Holt International adoptees, we can assist with U.S. file reviews and help coordinate birth city tours. For all adoptees, we recommend requesting your Korean file from the NCRC as soon as possible.
Interested in an adult adoptee-only heritage tour? We’d love to hear from you — email us at [email protected].
*All tour dates are subject to change. Contact us for the most current information.
Holt Heritage Tours
Why Travel with Holt?
For more than 50 years, Holt has helped adoptees travel to their birth countries and connect with their heritage. Our experienced staff and guides support you every step of the way.
Thoughtful Planning and Guidance
Before the trip, we work with you to review your adoption file and explore possible visits connected to your adoption story. During the tour, Holt guides take care of logistics so you can stay present.
Shared Community and Support
You’ll travel alongside other adoptees and adoptive families who understand your journey. Many families value the chance to share experiences, support one another and build lasting connections.
Cultural
Experiences
You’ll visit historic sites, participate in cultural traditions, try local cuisine and gain a deeper understanding of your birth country and heritage.
“I did not immediately remember things when I got off the plane in Korea. I did not recognize certain sites. Nothing looked or smelled familiar or like home. What I did find was a sense of belonging. I found some answers to questions that I didn’t even know I had. Answers that started to fill that hole in my heart. I found a connection with other adoptees who had similar experiences to mine. And as I talked with the other Korean adoptees on the trip, I found that hole getting smaller and smaller. These fellow adoptees who may have had different journeys, but all found ourselves in Korea at this exact moment.”
Korea Heritage Tour 2025
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have been adopted through Holt to join a heritage tour?
No, all heritage tours are open to adoptees and adoptive families, regardless of placing agency.
What age range is appropriate for children to join a heritage tour?
Our heritage tours are designed for adoptive families and adoptees ages 9 and up.
Can Holt help me find information about my adoption?
For Holt International adoptees, we can assist with U.S. file reviews before your trip. For Korean adoptees, we recommend requesting your file from the NCRC as early as possible. When circumstances allow, we’ll work with you to help arrange personal visits to places meaningful to your adoption story.
What is included in the tour cost?
Tour costs typically include accommodations, ground transportation, most meals, admission fees and guide services. International airfare is usually not included. Contact us for specific details about each tour.
How large are the tour groups?
Group sizes vary but are typically kept small enough to ensure personalized experiences while large enough to foster community. Most tours have 20–45 participants.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Connect with your heritage on a meaningful journey designed just for adoptees and their families. Space is limited for each tour — register today!