Travels in Archaeology - since 1985
Original and inspiring programmes
We create original and inspiring programmes which balance visits to world-class monuments on the tourist trail with off-the-beaten-track adventures. Whilst it is the big names of archaeology you may travel to see, it may well be the fascinating little sites which you remember with the most affection.
Working with leading authorities, we would like to help you understand an archaeological site in its setting, giving consideration to the people who built it, the society in which they lived and the world around them at that time.
The human touch
Our holidays are led by Guide-lecturers, many of them leading experts on the area which you are visiting. All are highly qualified, but they are also the kind of people you would want to spend time with. They are your guides, your lecturers and your teachers and wherever we can arrange it (in a few places we are forced to use local guides), it is they who will be showing you around. In this way you will be able to build day by day of the journey upon the story of the past, rather than treating your trip as disjointed "site-seeing".
Most Travels are also accompanied by someone specially trained by Andante to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that your party is able to take advantage of local festivals, new restaurants, fresh cakes and even unexpectedly open new sites or excavations. Their unobtrusive presence makes all the difference to your holiday.
Relaxed, informal and enjoyable
Whether you come alone, or with a partner or friends, you will be travelling with a party of like-minded people. Andante has a reputation for creating an easy and informal atmosphere. There is an average of 18 people in a party - although you may find you are part of an even smaller group - but there will never be more than 24 other guests on your holiday.
Owned and Managed by British Archaeologists
This unique company, owned and managed by British archaeologists, is nationally recognised as a “leading tour operator in archaeology holidays”, offering “relaxed but learned tours” exploring the ancient peoples and cultures (and enjoying the present day ones!) across the globe. 63% of people who have booked with us this year have travelled with us before.
Our Vision
Andante Travels has a vision which has guided us for nearly two and a half decades and which makes our holidays unlike any others. We want to provide an exciting way of approaching the extraordinary story which is our human past. We do this through our unique or unusual itineraries; through using leading scholars who have the gift of communication; through our own understanding of what it is which makes the human past so absorbingly fascinating; and by offering some of the tools of interpretation to you in an informal and enjoyable way.
Above all we do it through ensuring that the story is presented as just that – a continuing narrative on which you build every day, awaking each morning with a sense of anticipation as to the next installment! We would never subject you to a series of dry site visits without context. Many people who come on our holidays as the partner of a more enthusiastic traveller then find themselves happily at the start of a lifelong interest in the past.
Two Different Programmes, both wonderful holidays
And where some travel companies offering specialised programmes led by top names (and there are just a couple of others!) may be tempted to take themselves a little seriously, we never forget that this is also your holiday. Our specially trained tour managers may make you full-blown picnics in the countryside or find local sweetmeats to pass around the coach. You will stay in hotels which we have chosen personally for authenticity, charm, cleanliness, hospitality and good food and wines. Andante will always choose the quirky and fun over the international and bland. That is the tried and tested recipe for our TRAVELS IN ARCHAEOLOGY.
Several years ago we recognised the needs of a more independently-minded type of archaeological traveller, who wanted all the archaeological expertise we offered, and the specialist guidance and logistics of getting around, but who did not necessarily want to spend all their time in a group, nor everything pre-arranged. For them we invented a new kind of holiday: BARE BONES TOURS. On these tours you will be free to find your own meals (or join up with others and the lecturer to find them); set off on your own adventures on the local bus; and do a bit of sketching or exploring in your free time.
NEW this year are our RELAXED BREAKS in ANCIENT PLACES. These are aimed at couples or groups of friends who may be new to archaeology, or just want a more relaxed holiday wrapped around their archaeological experience. These trips are based in one comfortable hotel, and unfold at a gentle pace with time to linger over breakfast and be back in time for an aperitif and a dip (if there's a pool!) Some meals will be included, including one opportunity to dine at a table of 5 with the guide lecturer on one evening.
Join us!
The ancient world is all around you and endlessly interesting. We look forward to introducing you.
