The Etruscans developed an impressive society which lasted for nearly 1000 years. The prosperous city-states were independent political entities linked by a shared language and culture - aristocratic dining and leisure, religion, art and architecture. Rich farmland, a long coastline and substantial metal deposits created wealth, and the people were fine engineers, builders and craftsmen.
The palaces of Minoan Crete still lie in a ruinous state in the countryside of this beautiful Aegean island. Excavations have shown them to have been not just royal residences, but also centres for public ritual, markets and workshops. Our archaeological journey is in part a quest to understand the people we now know as Minoans, and to understand the cultures which replaced theirs - but also to enjoy the food, wine, flowers and dramatic landscapes. We include a day-visit to Santorini and a journey into the mountains to see the sacred Diktean Cave, legendary birthplace of Zeus.
Sicily has some of the best archaeological sites anywhere, lying in picturesque ruins in the beautiful scenery of this Mediterranean island. Andante knows the terrain well, and we have selected the best Greek temples, Roman villa with mosaics and Norman cathedrals (also with glorious mosaics) for this one week journey. Based in Syracuse, Agrigento and Palermo, there will be lots of choice for restaurants, and time to explore a few extra sites too.
‘Albania, a land which all admire yet many dread to view’ wrote Lord Byron in the early 18th century, and even today it remains a mysterious and secretive land. However, it is changing fast and a way of life is passing. This is an opportunity to see it before it vanishes in entirety.
Explore the city where the roots of democracy, Classical art and architecture and literature still lie. The modern public transport system around the city is splendid, making exploration easy, and we have chosen a comfortable little hotel in the Plaka (historic city centre) as a base. There are also two days spent away from the city to visit the famous sanctuaries at Delphi and Sounion - both spectacularly situated. This is a lovely ‘winter’ holiday and a perfect introduction to ancient Greece.
All the great sites of Ancient Rome including trips to Hadrian's villa at Tivoli and Rome's harbour at Ostia Antica - now a peaceful and deserted inland site
Between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD Rome was the largest and most powerful city in the Mediterranean. She sent out soldiers, administrators and traders to order the affairs of provinces as far apart as Britain and Mesopotomia. Spend some time getting to know and understand the ancient city, its environs, and how it worked, based in a comfortable hotel right in the centre. There is plenty of scope for independent exploration of sites and trattorie.
An extraordinary insight into Roman life, not just the seaside cities, but luxury villas and working farms were "frozen". Lovely little hotel with pool on the coast, easy access.
‘Of the many catastrophes which have afflicted mankind, few have given greater pleasure to posterity’ said Goethe in 1897 - and this is still the lasting impression left by wandering the steets and houses of Pompeii, Herculaneum and the other many villas and farms destroyed and buried in AD 79. Instead of being tidied away, worn out, disposed of, recycled or built over, their private possessions, dwellings and even their mortal remains have been arrested and preserved at one particular moment to provide a snapshot of life nearly 2000 years ago.
Private entry actually inside the stones after they are closed to the general public, in the company of a prehistorian and with the chance to explore the surrounding prehistoric landscape - unforgettable!
Don’t miss this opportunity to walk within the stones of Stonehenge before any visitors arrive, to venture into the religious landscapes of two of Britain’s most spectacular prehistoric sites and to have the latest ideas and archaeological discoveries described and put into the context of the monumental remains. Based within the Cathedral Close in Salisbury.
Far less used to tourism than neighbouring Jordan, Syria nonetheless boasts some of the most important monuments of the ancient world. Our journey here takes in the most impressive and significant sites and crosses basalt and sandstone deserts, Mediterranean wooded hills and reaches the dead Byzantine cities of the north. You will also have time to explore alone and discover modern Syrian life in the souks.
Two full days in Petra; full day in Wadi Feinan with prehistoric houses, Bronze Age copper mines and a Roman citadel, that night in a candlelit eco-lodge. Highlights for past guests.
The very best of the spectacular sites of Jordan, including a journey into the Wadi Feinan, and a night at the eco-lodge there, lit only by (locally made) candles. Travel is by coach and 4x4 vehicles, and meals are independent where possible. Last year the guests gave this tour an average score for overall satisfaction of 9.6 out of 10.
Eight days, Two hotels, and some of the most beautiful and evocative sites of the Classical world. Central to it all is the story of Troy and the Trojan Wars as recounted by Homer.
All the great sites of Byzantium/Istanbul from a gem of a hotel in the heart of the old quarter, with a boat trip along the Bosphorus. Quieter and atmospheric time to visit.
The monumental remains of the cities of Tripolitania are spread in their entirety along the undeveloped Mediterranean beaches of western Libya. The ephemeral nature of Empire can perhaps be felt more powerfully here than anywhere else in the world. This short visit to Libya takes in all three of the cities of ancient Tripolitania - Leptis, Sabratha and Oea (modern Tripoli). The infrastructure for tourism is still in its infancy here, but the astonishing ancient sites and the friendliness of the people make this an enjoyable destination.
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By Dr Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones.
Almost hidden out of sight, at the rear of the great platform of Persepolis, tucked away at the side of the museum are the remains of multiple chambers connected by long service corridors. Today the outlines of these rooms are easy to spot since they have…
‘Albania, a land which all admire yet many dread to view’ wrote Lord Byron in the early 18th century, and even today it remains a mysterious and secretive land. However, it is changing fast and a way of life is pass...
National Geographic Tour of a life time 2010
Everyone should see this - "a day in Roman life" 2000 years ago: bars with pickled eggs on the counter, walls of grafitti, stylish homes, markets, brothels... all of Roman life was here...
The ancient province of Hispania Tarraconensis, with its capital at Tarragona, roughly corresponds with the area of present day Catalonia. This is at the heart of Rome’s story in Spain. It was here at Emporium that the Roma...
Bare Bones Tours
By Dr Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones.
Almost hidden out of sight, at the rear of the great platform of Persepolis, tucked away at the side of the museum are the remains of multiple chambers connected by long service corridors. Today the outlines of these rooms are easy to spot since they have…
