Discover iconic locations from popular video game Smasher in-person tours.

Discovering iconic locations from popular video games can be a unique and engaging experience, especially when it involves in-person tours. However, since there isn't a game titled "Smasher" that is widely recognized for its historical or educational content, we will instead explore how a similar concept can be applied using the "Assassin's Creed" series and its educational offshoot, the "Discovery Tour."

What is Discovery Tour?

The Discovery Tour series by Ubisoft allows visitors to freely roam through historical eras such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, and the Viking Age. This series is designed to educate users about the history and daily life of these periods, making it an ideal platform for in-person tours if adapted to real-world locations.

Historical Eras and Locations

Ancient Greece

Key Locations: The Parthenon, the Agora, and other significant landmarks of Classical Greece.
Historical Figures: Meet key figures like Sokrates and other influential Greeks of the time.
In-Person Tour: While the Discovery Tour itself is a virtual experience, a real-world tour could involve visiting museums and historical sites in Greece, such as the Acropolis in Athens, to see the remnants of these ancient structures.

Ancient Egypt

Key Locations: The Great Pyramids of Giza, temples along the Nile, and other Ptolemaic era landmarks.
Historical Figures: Learn about Cleopatra and other significant figures of the time.
In-Person Tour: A real-world tour could include visiting Egypt's historical sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, to see artifacts and structures from this era.

Viking Age

Key Locations: Explore the landscapes and settlements of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in 9th-century Europe.
Historical Figures: Learn about Viking leaders and the daily life of Viking communities.
In-Person Tour: A real-world tour might involve visiting historical sites in Scandinavia, such as the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway, or the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, England.

How to Organize an In-Person Tour

Guided Tours

Historical Context: Hire guides who are historians or experts in the respective eras to provide detailed insights into the history and significance of the locations.
Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements such as reenactments, workshops, or hands-on activities to make the tour more engaging.

Self-Guided Tours

Maps and Guides: Provide detailed maps and guides that highlight key locations and historical points of interest.
Technology Integration: Use mobile apps or augmented reality tools to enhance the experience, offering additional information and visuals about the sites being visited.

Educational Value

Curriculum Integration

Lesson Plans: Develop lesson plans that align with educational curricula, allowing students to integrate what they learn on the tour into their schoolwork.
Collaboration with Experts: Collaborate with historians and educators to ensure the accuracy and educational value of the tour content.

Engagement and Retention

Immersive Experience: The immersive nature of in-person tours can help students retain historical information better than traditional classroom learning.
Real-World Application: Seeing historical sites in person can make the learning experience more tangible and memorable.

Practical Considerations

Logistics

Transportation: Arrange for transportation to and from the historical sites, considering the distance and accessibility of the locations.
Accommodations: Plan for accommodations if the tour involves overnight stays, ensuring that participants have comfortable and convenient places to stay.

Safety and Accessibility

Health and Safety: Ensure that all participants follow health and safety guidelines, especially in crowded or remote areas.
Accessibility: Make sure the tour is accessible for all participants, providing accommodations for those with disabilities.

By combining the educational content of the Discovery Tour with the real-world experience of in-person tours, participants can gain a deeper and more engaging understanding of historical eras. This approach can make learning about history a memorable and impactful experience.