What kind of people travel with us?
Usually very varied and very interesting people. Many of our guests are wary of the idea of travelling in a 'group', but attracted to the idea of an archaeological holiday. We try to make things as 'ungroupy' as possible, and to allow you to make choices about how to spend your time rather than expecting everyone to stick together all the time.
Our 3 different programmes mean that everyone can now discover things in a way suited to them. Single people might prefer Travels in Archaeology, and the more independent singles Bare Bones Tours; couples keen on getting the most out of the planned itinerary would go with Travels in Archaeology, those who wanted free time and didn't set too much store on the hotel would join Bare Bones. New this year are Relaxed Breaks in Ancient Places for those who want a real holiday too - leisurely starts, early returns and just one hotel, but the privilege of your own archaeologist for all or part of each day.
How many people in a party?
There are usually around 19 people in an Andante party, but you may well find that you are part of an even smaller group. There will never be more than 24 other guests. Some of our tours are designed to run on limited numbers.
What level of knowledge is required?
None. Just interest and curiosity. However, we will send you a hefty reading list in case you are really keen and of course it can add to your enjoyment if you find time to get some background reading before you go. However, part of the joy of having your own expert is that he or she will explain it all anyway!
What will the accommodation be like?
Andante goes to great lengths to try to find the kind of places in which we ourselves would choose to stay. On tour, some of our choices are amongst the best in the world, and some are very simple indeed. All will be clean and have ensuite facilities.
We try to choose places which reflect the local ambience and have an air of authenticity. We would choose the quirky town house over concrete modernity every time. Lovely views, friendly staff, good food, careful management – these things matter far more to us than knick-knacks in the bathroom or TV in the bedroom.
We are sometimes forced, because of the remote or unusual situation of a site, to stay somewhere less than perfect, we will make no bones about it and give you an honest assessment – and we will make sure that the next hotel offers every amenity we think you will need.
We also try to choose a range of hotels, so that if you are touring, you come away with a wide feeling for the type of hospitality in the country. Of course if you choose a tour based on just one hotel, you can be sure that we (and previous guests) have rated it as comfortable and enjoyable.
Where you stay, in short, should be part of the experience.
How fit do I need to be?
You do need to be reasonably fit. These are not "coach tours" and are designed to include walking and clambering. We are travelling to see archaeological sites in unusual destinations. We will go to places where the expectations of hygiene and comfort are very different from those in Britain. We will be walking over uneven and potentially hazardous ground.
We may have some very long days and some long journeys. Some of the tours include rides in 4x4 vehicles over very bumpy terrain. There may be walks to some of the sites, as well as scrambling and clambering involved in visiting them.
If you have any problems at all with walking or standing our holidays are probably unsuitable for you, and you certainly need to consider whether you will hold up the rest of the party. The best thing would be to check with the office to make sure you choose the right holiday.
Is Andante suitable for single travellers?
Very much so. We prebook single spaces on every tour and they fill very quickly. ‘The company of my fellow guests’ is often quoted as a highlight on customer questionnaires and since we usually dine together on "Travels in Archaeology" tours, you are unlikely to feel awkward. Many friendships (and a second marriage announced recently!) have formed on Andante holidays.
Can I book my own flights?
Yes, of course - we quote the price with and without international flights. If travelling independently, you may need to make your own way to the hotel on arrival. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements, it is wise to confirm that the tour will definitely run before making any bookings. The same caution also applies if you live overseas.
Is it possible to fly from a provincial airport?
Depending on the airline, we can book connecting flights to London Gatwick or Heathrow at a supplement.
Security
Should the FCO advise against travel to your destination we will cancel the tour immediately and refund any money that you have paid to us. In a group you are better protected than when travelling as an individual, and we have excellent relationships with our local suppliers. You will be accompanied by experienced tour staff who may be assisted by local guides and drivers. There is regular contact with the UK and staff are in a position to repatriate the group if required.
Special Dietary Requirements
We will do our best to accommodate these but regret that we cannot be responsible for them. You will need to feel that you are in charge of your own diet, and if necessary take vital foods with you.
Is there a great deal of coach travel?
As little as we can manage. These are not ‘coach tours’ and we dislike spending time in a vehicle if it can be avoided. Occasionally the terrain demands 4x4’s, or boats or even internal flights, but most journeys are undertaken by coach. If there are long journeys, we make sure we find rest-stops or sites to visit enroute and guide lecturers are encouraged to make use of the time with short talks.
What is my luggage allowance?
For international flights the maximum weight is 32kg and for European flights it is usually 22kg. Most airlines now require that your hand luggage is 5kg and is an appropriate size to fit in the overhead luggage compartments. However, some airlines have different allowances - we will confirm the limits in your tour information booklet.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
Yes, there may well be occasions when you have to carry your own luggage, but never very far. Not every hotel offers porterage, and where they do the service can be slow. For this reason, we do not include portarage on our tours, but if you would like to make use of one, your tour manager will be happy to request a porter on arrival, which you should pay for in cash.
You should also be aware that on rail journeys you will have to carry your own case on/off trains and along platforms (some rather long continental ones!) Most journeys involve a change of train, and sometimes even station, where you will be responsible for transporting your own luggage. So please pack accordingly!
Will my tour have a tour manager?
Any Travels in Archaeology tour with 15 guests or more will be accompanied by a tour manager as well as the guide lecturer unless otherwise stated. Bare Bones Tours and Relaxed Breaks are not accompanied by a tour manager.
What is the dress code?
There is no specific dress code on Andante holidays, other than respecting the standards of modesty in each country we visit. Dress is comfortable and casual.
How do I book?
Bookings can be made over the phone or via our online booking forms (located on each tour description web page). We do not have a booking form, but we will send a form for you to fill in some personal details after we have received your deposit payment.
How do I pay?
We can take payment by card, cheque or by bank transfer. We accept VISA, Mastercard and Maestro, but not American Express or Diners. Credit cards incur a 2% charge, but debit cards do not. Cheques should be in sterling, and made payable to 'Andante Travels Ltd'.
Why do you need my passport details?
Your passport details are required for your flight tickets as the name on the ticket has to match your passport and for those hotels which require lists of their guests.
What about insurance?
If you are a resident of the UK, you should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC - previously the E111 form) for travel within Europe, even if you are just passing through a European airport. This entitles you to whatever free medical treatment is provided by the state in the country you are visiting, and some insurance policies are rendered invalid without it.
However, the EHIC is not a substitue for full travel insurance, which should cover you for all medical expenses and repatriation, as well as travel delay, cancellation, loss or theft and personal liability. For full advice, please see the Foreign and Commonwealth Office site: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/travel-insurance/
Late Bookings
Some of our tours book very quickly, so please bear this in mind. We start to finalise our arrangements two months before departure, and for this reason, flights or hotel rooms may not be available at a late stage. In some cases airlines might impose a supplement.
Full payment will usually be required within 24 hours.
What are the field notes?
They are background information created by our guide lecturers to help you enjoy your holiday. Our guide lecturers are experts in their field, and their rôle is to give a detailed insight into the subject of your tour. The field notes also act as an aide-memoire long after your holiday.
How much spending money should I take?
This depends on the tour. On Travels in Archaeology you will not need very much. Meals are not usually included on international travelling days, but most other meals are, there may even be wine with dinner and there is always free water on the coach. On Bare Bones and Relaxed Breaks in Ancient Places you may well need more to cover meals and visits and adventures in your free time - but always take your visa card - the recent ash cloud debacle showed how vital it was to have money when the unexpected struck (the same principle holds for the fabulous carpet you see in Iran; the lovely pot in Nabeul; the obscure book in the Dordogne, etc...)
IF IN DOUBT, RING AND ASK US!
