2016 main brochure | US edition

Journeys into theAncient World

2016

arranged by andante travelsexpert-led archaeological and cultural tours since 1985

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Aegean Coast of Turkey

Special access on every tour in 2016!

See page 146 for details

Go behind-the-scenes at the Roman houses at Ephesus...

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Ian Finlay, PresidentAndante Travels

WELCOME

Dear Traveler,

It is with great pleasure that I present our full catalog for 2016 and welcome travelers - old and new to dive in and get down to the difficult business of choosing your tour (or even tours) for next year. This year, for the first time in our 31 year history, we have been able to offer special access to sites, museums and monuments on every single tour in this catalog. These are some really tremendous experiences. We have some headline-grabbing stuff: out of hours access to the Sistine Chapel and the Hagia Sophia; getting up close to Stonehenge and the Terracotta Warriors. And, equally worthy of mention, we have also arranged countless opportunities to meet local archaeologists, visit excavations, handle finds and go behind the scenes with museum curators. These are the moments an excavator describing the moment she unearthed a rare find: holding a flint hand-axe once wielded by our most distant prehistoric ancestors that are at the heart of what Andante does. If you are new to Andante, I would recommend turning to the next page to get a taste of our ethos. As you will see, we welcome everyone on Andante vacations; you dont need to be an expert, just curious about the past and with a healthy sense of adventure! If you have questions about any of our tours please dont hesitate to get in touch.

With best wishes for happy travels.

Discover the best of the ancient world in 2016


putting archaeology first Founded and run by archaeologists, Andante Travels is one of the worlds leading specialist tour operators. In 2013 we were awarded 3 prestigious British Travel Awards. Our tours have also been named Trips of a Lifetime by the National Geographic Traveler five years in a row.

expert guidesOur tours are conceived, planned and led by articulate experts: archaeologists, historians, writers and broadcasters. Drawing on the ancient sites we visit, our Guide Lecturers are able to build up a vivid picture of life in the past with knowledge, good humor and skill. professional tour managers Our tours are also accompanied by a professional Tour Manager. Efficient and charming, our Tour Managers ensure that all the practical details of your vacation are taken care of. They are also excellent company and include linguists, writers, ornithologists, botanists and fellow travel enthusiasts.

exclusive special accessEver wanted to go behind the scenes at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg? Visit the trenches of a working excavation or stand amongst the stones at Stonehenge? Each of our tours features exclusive access to some of the greatest sites, monuments and museums the world has to offer.

small groupsAndante Travelers are interesting, intelligent people leading all manner of different lives - we aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere. Our maximum group size ranges from 14-25 guests, with the average group size currently 18.

value for moneyUnless otherwise stated all our tours include: Guide Lecturer, Tour Manager, all meals, hotel, wine, local travel, entry to all sites, field notes and tips. We also guarantee not to pass on any surcharges - the price of your tour will stay the same, no matter what the price of the pound, dollar or euro.

great hotels & fabulous food We hand-pick the hotels you stay in. The vast majority are 4*, but the occasional excellent 3* or 5* could appear along the way. Over and above the star-rating, we endeavor to offer guests an authentic hotel of character. Some of our choices are amongst the best in the world, whilst some are simple, but ideally located for visiting the sites. Most of our tours include all meals, and we have some spectacular special meals, from dinner on the roof of the Reichstag, to picnics in the flower-strewn hills of Sicily.

vacations everyone can enjoy Our groups include people of all ages and from all walks of life. Some travel solo, some as couples or groups of

with Andantetraveling


friends. All you need is enthusiasm and an enquiring mind. We have had wonderful tours, traveling with engaged guests of all ages. Please note that all our tours are moderately active and involve walking so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

peace of mindWhen you travel with us, you will be looked after around the clock. In the unlikely event of an emergency, Andante staff will be on hand to help you both on tour and in the US. We are experts in dealing with the unexpected. We have a 24-hour emergency number and you will be accompanied by Andante staff throughout.

full financial protectionAll our holidays are fully bonded and protected. The air holiday packages in this catalog are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organizers License granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3552. ATOL protection does not apply to all vacation and travel services in this catalog. Vacations without flights are protected by ABTOT. This means that in the unlikely event of our insolvency, your vacation would be completedor refunded.

for further advice, information and to book,ask our in-house experts

[email protected]

UK: +44(0)1722 713800Australia: 02 9191 2623

many prices heldWe want to ensure that your travels dont just offer the best archaeological experiences but the best possible value too. With that in mind, many of our returning 2015 tours have been held at the same price in 2016. We want our single travelers to get a great deal too, so we keep our single supplements as low as possible.

Follow andantetravels


from the UStraveling

experience more by linking your tour...If youre boarding an international flight, why not make the most of your airfare?

We have scheduled many of our tours to make it easier for you to link one with another we have tried to link them thematically and geographically.

Start your Spring with John Shepherd in the Via Julia before joining him to uncover the incomparable Pompeii;

Embrace British Summer time and visit Andantes home town by linking our Wessex tours;

Stretch out your Short Break in Berlin in the Fall and explore Prehistoric Czech Republic too;

Or enjoy the Holiday season in Rome before welcoming the New Year with festive food in Bologna.

You can find many more linking tour suggestions on our brochure pages. If youd like more information, please get in touch. We will be happy to help you with any and all arrangements.

if two tours are too much... You could always enjoy a few more days of exploration (or relaxation) alongside your tour instead.

We can book extra nights at the groups hotel at the beginning, end or both sides of your vacation. We can also arrange private transfers to and from the airport.

Please note that we only make bookings at the handpicked hotels we use on tour. We do not charge any extra for this service - we simply pass the cost of any additional elements on to you in US dollars.

We are delighted to announce that we moved into a new US office earlier this year. When you call, youll get through to our New York base. We are available Monday to Friday 95 ET to answer your calls.

flying from the us? The tours listed in this catalog do not include flights - but we are happy to organize international travel to suit you. Just let us know where and when you wish to fly from and we will do our best to meet your needs:

We can book flights from your local US airport to wherever your tour is starting and back again If you decide to travel from Europe instead of the US, we can arrange flights to your tour starting point Or we can organize flights from the US to UK so that you can join any booked group flights

If you do decide to arrange your own flights, we will organize a meeting point for the start of our tour prior to departure.


how do i pay? You can book and pay for any tour in this brochure in either US dollars or Pounds Sterling. We are happy to accept bookings through our website or over the phone. For more information about booking and payment, please see our Essential Booking Information on p.168.

who travels with andante?Guests from all over the world travel with Andante and more often than not, you will find American guests on tour. We send a guest list out to you, prior to departure to give you an idea of who will be traveling with you.

do you offer alumni travel?We work with many US universities, including Florida International and the University of Oklahoma. If you wish to travel with fellow graduates, or are an alumni or group organizer looking to plan tours in 2016 or 2017 please get in touch to discuss our private programs.

If you have any more questions or would like some advice about traveling from the US please call our toll free num-ber or email us - our US Customer Care Manager, Martin Adams, will be more than happy to help with any queries you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Excellent lecturer...knowledgeable and personable. The trip went off without a hitch - totally smooth. The hotels also were excellent. Dianne Damos, Illonois

There were so many things that we loved: not having to make any arrangementswe could just sit back and relax and enjoy and let the tour leaders take care of everything. The painless learning that our Guide Lecturer, John, supplied. All we had to do was listen and look. And the hotel the room itself was just right, and finding a kettle with my green tea in the room was such an unexpected treat. Judith and Nick Rummo, South Carolina

Its always a pleasure doing business and traveling with you. Your itineraries, co-ordination and people are awesome, impeccable and outstanding in their fields. What joyous and unforgettable journeys providing amazing opportunities for hiking, relaxation, companionship and mental stimulation! Mary Hill, Missouri

what our US guests say...


special access 2016

Explore further than you could as an independent traveler and discover an unforgettable view of the past...

Does the past have anything new to offer? Of course it does. Take a look at our extra special 2016 tours...

We like to think that the Special Access we offer sets us apart from all other travel companies. We werent satisfied with just offering it on a select few of our tours - we want every tour you take with us to be unforgettable. So weve added an exclusive extra to every tour...

Ever wanted to nose around in the Vatican Secret Archives? What about a wander through the Popes private gardens? Maybe youd rather row a Viking longship. Or perhaps youd like to measure up against a Terracotta Warrior? How about a visit away from the crowds at the Sistine Chapel? We also have some extra special access we cant reveal just yet

terracotta warriorsGet up close to the Terracotta Warriors - the funerary art sculptures buried with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife. Enjoy a tour of the iconic statues alongside the specialists who curate and conserve them.See it on: China, p.28

sistine chapelWe enjoy a private viewing of the masterly Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel, the place where Renaissance art created individuality. See it on: Rome with Sistine Chapel, p.82

barberini gardensWalk through the Popes private BarberiniGardens in Castel Gandolfo. Not usuallyopen to the public, the gardens have beenin papal hands since 1596.See it on: Renaissance Villas, p.90

ephesusThe conservators working on the Romanhouses at Ephesus - one of the worldsmost famous ancient cities - will give atalk, enlightening us on excavations.See it on: Aegean Coast of Turkey, p. 146

lake of the condors mummiesDiscover more about the famous mummies from the Lake of the Condors with special access from the founder of the Leymebamba Mummies Museum.See it on: Northern Peru, p.122


Andante Archaeology AwardCalling all archaeologists! Is your site interpretation lacking resources? Are there some radiocarbon dates youd give anything to know? Do you have a valuable volunteer who needs training to become a fully fledged member of your team? Maybe youre ready to start an excavation, but lack the right tools? Or perhaps your post excavation work requires a specialist? Andante Travels might be able to help

Every year, we offer funding to an archaeological project which needs an extra bit of help. We want to see entries from sites and scholars who already have a specific use for the funds in mind. For more information, please visit our website or email: [email protected]. The closing date for applications is the 25th September 2015.

ongti templesWe have special permission to visit the temples, which were painstakingly restored by a team of dedicated monks. We will also meet the monks who are carrying out the ongoing work.See it on: Mongolia, p.118

nefertaris tombEnjoy privileged access to a collectionof tombs in Middle Egypt, includingNefertaris Tomb - the largest and mostspectacular in the Valley of the Queens.See it on: Egypt - Queens & Nobles, p.36

sterkfontein cavesEnjoy a private tour of the caves, led by the scientists working to record the early human remains found there. We also have special behind the scenes access to the excavators warehouse.See it on: South Africa, p.128

piscina MirabilisEnter the usually closed to the public Piscina Mirabilis at Misenum. The gigantic cistern stored water for the Roman fleet and fed the towns of the Bay of Naples. See it on: Pompeii, Herculaneum &Classical Campania, p.78

book of kellsDiscover the illuminated Book of Kells during a private tour of Trinity College. You can also explore the impressive long room of the library, established in 1592.See it on: Ireland, Boyne Valley & the Burren, p.72


Our Guide Lecturers accompany you from morning until night. These are the people who make our tours unique...

Archaeologists, writers, broadcasters and historians, a constellation of expert guides able to bring the past to life.

Guide LecturersEXPERT

dr denise allenis Andante Travels Director of Archaeology, and a specialist in Roman glass. She has excavated all over the UK, including at Stonehenge, and overseas.

dr edward bisphamis a Classical historian and Associate Professor in Ancient History at Oxford University. His research crosses the divide between archaeology and history.

peter berridgeis a researcher and museum archaeologist. He has a wealth of experience, from major research at Stonehenge to being Head of Colchester Museums Service.

dr julian bennettOur man in Turkey, Dr Bennett is Prof of Archaeology at Ankara University. He specializes in Roman and Byzantine archaeology and has published widely.

dr tertia barnettis an Honorary Fellow at Edinburgh University and specialist in rock art. She has immense passion for her subject and has worked in Europe, Africa and the UK.

dr paul bahnis an expert in prehistoric rock art. He has authored many books and discovered the UKs only confirmed example of Paleolithic cave art.

brian ayersis an archaeologist and Honorary Lecturer at the University of East Anglia. He specializes in Viking towns on the North Sea and has excavated widely.

dr damian evansis expatriate Director of the University of Sydneys Research Center in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where he is a co-director of the Greater Angkor Project.

doru bogdanis a researcher and lecturer at the University of Alba Iulia, Romania. He specializes in Roman archaeology and has supervised excavations across Europe.

david drewis a writer, archaeologist and broadcaster specializing in ancient Latin America. He studied at Oxford and UCL and has led numerous tours to Mexico and Peru.

dr paul croftis an expert in Cypriot prehistory who lives and works on the island, managing the Lemba Archaeological Center. He has many contacts with local archaeologists.

ian colvinHas been researching Georgian history and archaeology since 1992, and has directed excavations in Georgia since 1998 at the ancient city of Nokalakevi.

prof john collisis a leading expert on the European Iron Age who has excavated and published widely on this period. He is Emeritus Professor at Sheffield University.

prof tim championis Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at Southampton University. He spent some years working in Galway, and has an enduring interest in Irish prehistory.

dr thomas broganhas excavated in Crete for over 25 years and is Director of the Aegean Prehistory Study Center. He is one of the worlds foremost experts in Minoan pottery.

martin brownis an experienced archaeologist and regular broadcaster. He has undertaken Great War-related excavations in Britain, France and Belgium.


dr andrew fearis a lecturer in Classics at the University of Manchester. He specializes in Roman and Early Christian Spain, and also has a sneaking interest in the Peninsular Wars...

dr neil faulkneris a Research Fellow at Bristol University. A specialist in military history and Roman archaeology, he is the author of works including Rome - Empire of the Eagles.

prof mike galatyis Professor of Anthropology at Mississippi State University. He has led excavations in Greece, Albania and the USA and is the author of numerous books.

oliver gilkesis one of the UKs foremost experts on Albanian archaeology. A true Renaissance man, he also worked at the British School at Rome for many years.

nicholas jacksonis an archaeologist with several strings to his bow: he is a specialist in both the history of Berlin (where he lives) and the archaeology of the Middle East.

dr rick jonesis a Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. He specializes in the social structures of the Roman Empire, especially in Pompeii.

dr christina hatzimichael whitleyis a tutor in Greek Archaeology at the Cardiff Center for Lifelong Learning. She specializes in Minoan Crete, and is co-director of the Praisos Excavation Project in Crete.

dr ioannis georganasholds a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Nottingham. His research interests include weapons and warfare in Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Greece.

prof john hinesis a Professor in the School of History and Archaeology at Cardiff University. He is a specialist in the archaeology of the early Medieval period.

dr gai jorayevis a researcher at the Archaeological Institute, UCL. He is Deputy Director of the Ancient Merv project, investigating every aspect of this great silk road city.

dr eireann marshallwas raised in a 15th century villa in Vicenza, so was born to history! She lectures and researches in Classical Civilization in Italy and North Africa.

dr mary macleod rivettis Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of the Highlands and Islands. She is a Viking and Norse Period specialist, and lives in the Hebrides.

dr alexander macgillivraryis a specialist in Minoan Crete. He worked at Knossos for over 20 years and now lives just outside Athens. He has excavated at Sparta, Paros, Kythno as well as on Crete.

prof tony kinglectures in archaeology at the University of Winchester, specializing in animal remains. He has excavated extensively in Britain and abroad, including in Italy.

malcolm mcneillis a lecturer for SOAS, University of London. He has also worked at the British Museum and lectured for Asia House, Christies, and the V&A Museum.

dr john mcnabbhas been a Senior Lecturer in Paleolithic Archaeology at Southampton University since 2010. He has researched widely within South Africa.

lucia gahlinlectures in Egyptology for University College London, Bristol and Exeter. She has also worked at the archaeological site of Tell el-Amarna in Middle Egypt.

rosetta ferrarilived in Italy for many years and speaks Italian. She has a great interest in food and culture and is a member of the exclusive Italian Society of Cheese Tasters.


EXPERT Guide Lecturers

dr judith tomsis an Honorary Research Associate at the Institute of Archaeology in Oxford and has taught widely on the Etruscans and other Mediterranean civilizations.

dr nicholas vellais Head of Classics and Archaeology at the University of Malta. He is the author of many works and papers on the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean.

prof alastair smallis Emeritus Professor at the University of Alberta, Canada, and Professorial Fellow in Classics at the University of Edinburgh. He specializes in the history of South Italy.

dr nick slopeis an archaeologist with an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge, from prehistory in the Near East, to uncovering remains of Nelsons sailors in Egypt...

dr gillian shepherdis Director of the Trendall Center for Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe, Australia. She returns as often as she can to Italy, where her research is based.

john shepherdis an archaeologist who has excavated all over Europe and the UK. He was a curator at the Museum of London for many years, setting up their Roman galleries.

dr peter sharrockis a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS, University of London. He researches Imperial politics through the sacred art of the Khmer civilization in Vietnam.

dr rita roussostaught Archaeology and Art History at the American University of Athens. She has worked on many archaeological projects in Greece.

terry richardsonhas a background in Ancient History and Classical Civilization and lived in Turkey. He is the author of the Rough Guides to Turkey and Istanbul.

julian richardsis a Wessex-based archaeologist and broadcaster with a passion for Stonehenge. He was the presenter of the long-running BBC2 series Meet the Ancestors.

dr carrie murrayis Assistant Professor of Archaeology at Brock University, Canada. She has previously taught at Brown University and the University of Cambridge.

tony oconnorhas excavated widely in Britain, Italy and Africa, and is now a museum archaeologist. He is one of our most popular guides to Pompeii and Tunisia.

dr anna simandiraki-grimshawis an archaeologist with over 20 years of experience. Anna works for a number of institutions, including the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Kent and Bath.

prof paul nicholsonis Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University. He has a passionate interest in Mongolian archaeology, and has traveled extensively around the country.

dr karen ruebensis a Paleolithic archaeologist who completed her PhD at the University of Southampton, specialising in Neanderthal studies.

dr milena melfiis a Lecturer in Classical art and archaeology at Oxford University. She is also Curator of casts of Greek and Roman sculptures at the Ashmolean Museum.

dr iain morleyis a lecturer at the University of Oxford. He specializes in the Paleolithic, particularly the emergence of ritual and religion, and the evolutionary origins of ancient music.

dr katya melamedworks at the Bulgarian National Institute of Archaeology and has directed many excavations, especially at Bulgarias many fascinating lost Medieval churches.


They possess an extraordinary array of talents and are helpful, convivial travel companions. A small selection are featured below...

These wonderful people accompany you on tour, to make sure that everything runs efficiently for a happy vacation.

Tour Managersour

alex casey

anne chowne

angela bentley

stasa bailey

joe shingles

odeh shobaki

mary reynolds

jennie robson

sarah mayer

lois ferguson

As always the tour was well managed and ran smoothly Guests in 2015

miranda spitha

dr philippa waltonis a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and works at the Ashmolean Museum. She was previously a National Finds Adviser at the British Museum.

dr keith wilkinsonis an archaeologist specializing in the Southern Caucasus and the Mediterranean. He has led survey and excavation projects in Greece and Corsica.

tony wilmottis a Senior Archaeologist with English Heritage. He has directed numerous excavations and was Current Archaeology Archaeologist of the Year in 2012.

prof ruth whitehouseis Emeritus Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at UCL. She is also part of the Faculty of Archaeology, History and Letters at the British School at Rome.

peter yeomanrecently retired as the Head of Cultural Heritage at Historic Scotland. He has traveled extensively in Italy, studying the archaeology and history.

caroline wickham-jonesis a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. She has directed excavations on early sites on Orkney, as well as Rum and Skye and on the mainland at Applecross and in Fife.

dr jennifer wexleris an independent researcher and consultant in archaeology. She was Bronze Age Index Manager for the British Museum portable antiquities scheme.


ALBANIALand of the Eagles .......................... 18

Via Egnatia ...................................... 20

AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND & GERMANYHallstatt to La Tne ........................ 22

THE BALTIC STATESBaltic Amber Trail ....................... 24

BULGARIAThracian Treasures ......................... 26

CAMBODIA & VIETNAMCambodia & Vietnam .................... 28

CHINABeyond the Great Wall ................ 30

CROATIADalmatia & Dubrovnik ............... 32

CYPRUSThe South ........................................ 34

CZECH REPUBLICPrehistoric Czech Republic ........ 36

EGYPT Queens & Nobles ............................ 38

Land of the Pharaohs ..................... 40

FRANCEThe Via Julia ....................................42

Corsica - Neolithic to Napoleon ...44

Dordogne - Prehistoric Cave Art ..46

Cathars & Crusaders .....................48

GEORGIAGeorgia .........................................50

GERMANY Roman Germany ............................52

Short Break in Berlin ......................54

GREECE The Peloponnese ............................. 58

Thessaloniki ................................. 60

Crete & Santorini ............................ 62

Dalmatia & Dubrovnik

Baltic Amber TrailDiscover The Dodecanese

by countrytours NEW


Meet The Greeks............................. 64

Discover the Dodecanese ........... 66

Wild Thrace .................................. 68

Islands of the Cyclades .................. 70

IRELAND Boyne Valley & Burren .................. 72

ISRAEL & PALESTINEIsrael & Palestine ............................ 74

ITALYPompeii & Herculaneum ............... 78

Rome with the Sistine Chapel ...... 82

Meet The Romans ........................... 84

The Etruscans .................................. 86

Sicilia Antiqua ................................ 88

Renaissance Villas .......................... 90

Apulia .............................................. 92

Sardinia ............................................ 94

Sicily Revisited ............................ 96

Latium - The Roman Rich ............. 98

Samnites - Enemies of Rome ... 100

The Ice Man & His World ........... 102

Bologna .......................................... 104

Basilicata & Calabria .................... 106

Umbria ........................................... 108

Ravenna & Aquileia ..................... 110

JORDANPetra & the Desert Fortresses ...... 112

MALTAMalta & Gozo ................................ 114

MEXICOThe Maya ....................................... 116

MONGOLIAMongolia........................................ 118

PERUNorthern Peru ........................... 122

Peru & Bolivia ............................... 124

ROMANIAThe Frontier Lands ....................... 126

SOUTH AFRICASouth Africa ............................... 128

China Beyond the Great Wall Samnites

Sicily Revisited


Festive Food in Bologna

Walking Prehistoric Wessex Menorca Balearic Bliss

SPAIN Romans, Visigoths & Viziers ...... 130

Menorca - Balearic Bliss ........... 132

Rock Art of Altamira.....................134

Roman Province of Lusitania...... 136

SWEDENRock Art of Scandinavia........... 138

Meet the Vikings .......................... 140

TUNISIAThe Punic Wars..............................142

TURKEY The Aegean Coast..........................146

Walking Istanbul .......................... 148

The Hittites ................................. 150

North-East Turkey ........................ 152

UKWalking Prehistoric Wessex ........ 154

The Story of Wessex ..................... 156

Scotland: Highlands & Islands ... 158

Orkney & Shetland ....................... 160

UZBEKISTANThe Silk Road ................................ 162

by countrytours NEW

17

all inclusive

low single supplement

small group

special access just one hotel

by rail

cultural excursion

christmas & new year

historic churches

great cities

conflict

the new worldroman

vikings

medieval

easterngreeks

egyptians

prehistory

rock art

As you flick through the pages in this catalog you will see we also include the symbols below as a guide to the types of archaeology you see on tour. Some pop-up in rather surprising places (the Ancient Greeks really did get about). No prior knowledge is required to enjoy any of our vacations, just enthusiasm and an enquiring mind...

Themes & Civilisations

No need to pack and unpack! One hand-picked, charming hotel for the whole tour.

Prefer not to fly? We have a number of tours by rail in France & Germany.

Touches that turn tours into real vacations... from truffle hunts to dinner on the Reichstag roof.

Expert-led holiday vacations exploring the ancient world - what could be more festive?

All meals included, with wine where stated, except on traveling days.

Any vacation where the single supplement is 10% or less of the total cost.

For those tours restricted to 16 or 18 guests.

To sites, monuments & museums - details are highlighted in green in the catalog.

practicalities

A guide to the signs & symbols youll see on the following pages... using this brochure

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ITINERARYDay One We arrive in Tirana and drive to our hotel in the heart of the city.

Day Two We begin with a full day in Albanias lively capital, Tirana. We visit the National Historical Museum, the early 19th century Ethem Bey Mosque, and the National Gallery.

Day Three We drive to Apollonia, founded by the Corinthians in 588 BC, one of the largest ancient cities on the Adriatic. Today the ruins lie romantically covered by olive trees with grassy banks hinting at what is still buried. This afternoon we drive along the beautiful Ionian coast, skirting the Mountains of Thunder before we reach our hotel at Saranda this evening.

Day Four We spend the day at Butrint, Albanias best-known site. Guide Lecturer Oliver Gilkes has directed excavations at Butrint for many years. It is one of the most striking archaeological sites in the Mediterranean: a breathtaking setting on the shores of the Ionian Sea, within sight of the island of Corfu. Walking the site, we chart Butrints rise and fall through the centuries - from the Bronze Age to the Napoleonic Wars.

Day Five We travel over the mountains to the town of Gjirokastra, a mountain stronghold, dramatically set amidst the limestone peaks. Here we visit the medieval fortress.

Day SixWe continue north through the rugged and changing landscape to the ruins of the remote city of Byllis (pictured top right). According to legend the city was founded by warriors led by the son of Achilles, returning from the Trojan wars. Archaeologists have yet to find evidence of Homeric heroes but have uncovered a Hellenistic era stadium, theater and fortifications. We continue to Berat.Day Seven Today, we travel from Classical to

Medieval times in the attractive town of Berat. The lower city along the riversides was the preserve of the Muslim inhabitants, while by agreement the Christians held the citadel. There are both Byzantine churches and mosques to visit, as well as the Onufri Museum. After lunch, those who wish can visit the Ethnographic Museum.

Day EightWe drive to Durres, Albanias chief port and the starting point of the Via Egnatia. Here, we visit the 2nd century amphitheater, the largest in the Balkans, as well as sections of the mighty 5th century walls. This afternoon we continue to Kruja, the last bastion of Christianity against the Ottoman Turks and now an interesting town set in beautiful countryside. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum and wander through the Ottoman bazaar.

Day NineWe transfer to Tirana airport for flights to the US or onward journeys.

The mountain stronghold of Gijirokastra.

Ali Pasha of Tepelena, reclining in his boat amongst the reeds...

Albania is like no other country in Europe still very much off the mainstream tourist trail. This is a place where pristine ruins still stand in splendid isolation. In Classical times, the Greeks and Romans built cities overlooking the sparkling waters of the Ionian sea. Centuries later, Byzantine Christians and Ottoman Turks fought over dramatic mountain strongholds.

Our tour is led by Oliver Gilkes who directed excavations in Albania for over 20 years. Oliver has an encyclopedic knowledge of Albanian archaeology and culture and is able to secure privileged access to sites and museums all over the country. From Greek and Roman sites to communist bunkers, this is a fascinating tale.

Two thousand years of untouched archaeological heritage from Classical cities to Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques.

Special access to the Tirana Archaeological Museum and Zekate House, Ottoman Mansion in Gjirokastra, high in the mountains.

Includes a full day at the World Heritage Site of Butrint, where Guide Lecturer Oliver Gilkes directed excavations for many years.

(sgl supp $315)Apr & Oct : $3,0459 days

Guide Lecturer: Oliver Gilkes

Fri 22nd - Sat 30th Apr 2016 Fri 7th - Sat 15th Oct 2016

ALBANIA Land of The Eagles

We enjoy special access to the late Ottoman mansion of Zekate House, one of the grandest examples of its kind.

After lunch, we continue to the Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection and opened especially for our group.


WHATS INCLUDEDWHATS INCLUDED

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BAN

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GUIDE LECTURER

why not link thistour with...

Spring:Cyprus - The SouthThu 14 Thu 21 Apr ............... p34

Autumn:Via Egnatia - Across the BalkansTue 18 Wed 26 Oct................. p20

Oliver Gilkes is a leading expert on the archaeology of Albania, where he has worked for many years. His latest book is Albania: An Archaeological Guide, published in 2013. He has excavated extensively in Albania, directing research at both Butrint and Gjirokastra. He also works in Andantes archaeology department, planning and creating tours.

Tour Codes:April : Fri 22nd - Sat 30th (ALB16A)

October : Fri 7th - Sat 15th (ALB16B)

Tour ManagerLocal Travel - Private a/c coachMeals - All meals included - dinners with wineEntries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels2 + 1 nights in a 4* hotel in Tirana2 nights in a comfortable hotel in theseaside town of Saranda1 night in Gjirokastra with panoramicviews from the restaurant and bar2 nights in 2 charming hotels in Berat

The early Byzantine cathedral at Byllis with its magnificent view over central Albania.

Land of Albania! Let me bend mine eyes on thee, thou rugged nurse of savage men Lord Byron

Kruja

Durres

ApolloniaByllis

Gjirokastra

Butrint

Tirana

Berat

Saranda

Historic ChurchesMedievalRomansGreeksAll InclusiveLow Single SupplementSpecial Access


ITINERARYEDDay One We arrive in Tirana.

Day Two We begin our journey at Durrs, the principal terminus of the Via Egnatia, Albanias largest and most bustling seaport with substantial monuments.

We make our way to Apollonia, a great Corinthian Greek colony which was vital for the Roman conquest of the Balkans. It was the starting point of the Via Egnatias southern branch.

Day Three We travel to Tirana, capital of Albania. We see the Tirana mosaic, all that remains of a late Roman villa in the suburbs of the city. We then explore the National Historical Museum. We

continue via the new road tunnel below the Krabbe Pass to Elbasan, ancient Scampis. We walk through the castrum, with its fine late Roman and Ottoman walls onto the line of the Via Egnatia.

Day Four We enjoy a day in wonderful Ohrid. The ancient city boasts a Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman past with impressive monuments from each era. We explore the 9th century fortress of Tsar Samuel and its unparalleled collection of churches, from the late Roman and 9th century churches of St. Panteleimon and St. Sofia, to the late Byzantine shrines of St. Clement. We stroll to St. Jovan Kaneo, romantically overlooking the lake.

Day FiveWe make our way to the Museum on the water at the Bay of Bones - a partial reconstruction of a prehistoric village. We continue to Lake Prespa and St. Naum, before traveling over the spectacular mountains to Korbinovo by Lake Ohrid. We walk through the wooded landscape to the church of St George, with its fresco cycle of the time of the Commeni emperors and a resurgent Byzantium. Day SixWe start the day in Heraklea Lyncestis. The remains of fine Roman and Byzantine buildings with impressive mosaics can be found throughout. We explore Bitola, which still retains much of its late Ottoman atmosphere, with

very fine 15th century mosques. We also visit the fine Bitola museum, established in an old Turkish military college, where Kemal Ataturk studied.

Day Seven We visit the ancient site and thundering waterfalls in Edessa, which made the city famous in antiquity. We also find the Ottoman bridge that carried the Via Egnatia over the river. In ancient Aigai, the traditional Macedonian capital, we discover the great burial mound which covered the tombs of Macedonian royalty. This was one of the richest finds of grave goods in Europe.

Day EightWe explore Thessaloniki, the original terminus of the Via Egnatia. We visit the Agora and church of St. Demetrius and the remains of the palace complex of Galerius, the Rotonda, his intended mausoleum, and the great arch over the Via Egnatia. We visit the recently redisplayed and very fine Archaeological Museum and the adjacent Byzantine Museum. Day Nine We return home from Thessaloniki today.

One of the Stations of the Cross from St. Clement, Ohrid.

Emperor Galerius vanquishes his foes: details from the arch of Galerius.

The remarkable World Heritage Site of Lake Ohrid, dotted with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman sites.

View the Tomb and golden treasures of King Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.

Receive special entry to the circular Forum of Anastasius where the northern branch of the Via Egnatia began.

Across the BalkansTue 18th Wed 26th Oct 2016

Oct : $3,200

Guide Lecturer: Prof Michael Galaty

9 days

(sgl supp $315)

VIA EGNATIAA journey through time and civilizations, across the dramatic landscapes of southeast Europe. Albania, Macedonia and the Balkans represent one vast patchwork of cultures and civilizations. Our tour takes in the tombs and treasures of Philip of Macedon, the late-imperial glories of Thessaloniki and the beautiful Medieval churches on the shores of Lake Ohrid.

Divided by mountains, the Balkans are united by roads which kept the disparate states and Empires in contact, and conflict. The greatest of these was the Via Egnatia, initially a series of traditional tracks used by the Romans to speed their conquests and formalized as the great highway crossing mountain, river and marsh.

We have special permission to enter the circular Forum of Anastasius where the northern branch of the Via Egnatia began.


WHATS INCLUDED

Via

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atia

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cros

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alka

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Professor Michael Galaty has worked in Greece, Hungary and the US, and was Director of the Albanian Shala Valley survey. He is Professor and Head Research Associate of Mississippi State Universitys anthropology department. In 2011 Michael was named as one of nine academic trustees for the Archaeological Institute of America.

GUIDE LECTURER

Albania Land of the EaglesFri 7th Sat 15th Oct ............... p18

Pompeii & Herculaneum Mon 10th Mon 17th Oct ....... p78

Umbria Mon 10th Mon 17th Oct ..... p108

Tour Code: (VIE16A)


Hotels2 nights in a comfortable hotel on abeach outside Durres2 nights in a lake-side hotel in Ohridoverlooking the old city1 night in a central hotel in Bitola1 night in a friendly and well-locatedhotel on the outskirts of Edessa2 nights in a 5* hotel in Thessalonikiwith pool

The bouleuterion of Apollonia, ancient city of Illyria, near the Adriatic shore.

How highly should we honour the Macedonians, who for the greater part of their lives never cease from fighting with the barbarians for the sake of the security of Greece? Polybius

Tirana

Apollonia

ElbasanKorbinovoLake Prespa

Aigai

Durrs

Ohrid

Bitola

Edessa

Thessaloniki

Romans Historic ChurchesGreeksAll InclusiveLow Single SupplementSpecial Access Medieval


ITINERARYEDDay One We arrive in Salzburg, and enjoy a scenic drive to Mondsee, once the site of Neolithic lake dwellings. We continue to our lakeside hotel in Hallstatt.

Day Two Today we explore the Iron Age Hallstatt Cemetery and Museum, which contains both fabulous elite grave goods and everyday artifacts from the salt mines. Amazingly, leather backpacks and miners shoes have been preserved in the salt.

Day Three We drive east to Hallein. Here, mining has been traced back 7,000 years and the name itself is derived from the Greek

word for salt. We visit the impressive Celtic Museum with elaborate La Tne metalwork. Continue to the Hallein Salt Mines. This afternoon, we glimpse domestic life in the Iron Age at the re-constructed Celtic Village. Continue across the border to Germany.

Day Four A day above ground! We visit Manching Oppidum, a Celtic town which became one of the largest settlements north of the Alps by the late 2nd century BC. The many human remains found in certain depositions suggest ancestor worship. We also visit nearby Kelten Museum, home to a miniature golden oak tree found during rescue excavations on the site.

Day Five Today we visit another Iron Age hillfort and town, Kelheim Oppidum. The site is impressively situated on a peninsular between the Altmhl and Danube rivers. We walk the ramparts and admire finds from the fort displayed in the site museum. We enjoy a boat ride on the Danube this afternoon before returning to our hotel in Pfaffenhofen.

Day SixWe climb the hillfort of the Heuneburg, built around 600 BC on a mountain spur, strategically positioned near the source of the Danube. Many of the rich grave goods found at Heuneburg are now on display at Heuneburg Museum, which we visit this afternoon, after lunch in a Celtic style cafe.

Day Seven We pass a relaxing morning in Konstanz a beautiful lakeside town, first settled by the Romans and flourishing ever since. Afternoon visit to the Neues Museum in Biel/Bienne, with archaeological artifacts fromthe region, and displays charting the extraordinary prehistoric pile-dwellings found beneath the lake edge.

Day EightWe take a boat trip on the three lakes to the site of La Tne itself. Continue to Mont Vully Oppidum, destroyed by fire at around the time of the Roman conquest signifying the end of Iron Age dominance. After lunch aboard ship we enter a new era at Aventicum, capital of Roman Switzerland. Day Nine Our final morning is spent at Latenium Museum and Archaeological Park, with eclectic displays including reconstructions of a La Tne house, a Gallo-Roman ship and a Celtic bridge, as well as many original treasures of the La Tne period. Transfer to Geneva for flights to the US or onward journeys.

Salt lamps from Hallein, home of the worlds earliest salt mines, source of Iron Age riches...

Miniature ceramic horses c. 5th century BC in Hallstatt Museum.

Iconic Iron Age archaeology introduced by leading authority Professor John Collis.

Fantastically well-preserved finds, both waterlogged remains and vivid Celtic art and metal work.

We have arranged special access to excavations at the Hallstatt Salt Mines, accompanied by the Director of Hallstatt Museum.

Sun 11th - Mon 19th Sep 2016

Sep : $4,445

Guide Lecturer: Prof John Collis

9 days

(sgl supp $740)

HALLSTATTOur tour of the European Iron Age travels through some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world: huge lakes, craggy peaks, green forests and pretty Alpine towns. This fertile land attracted prehistoric settlers, and provided trade routes through the mountains for vital commodities such as salt, amber, precious metals and, eventually, strong iron.

The early Iron Age Hallstatt culture became wealthy from salt, building huge fortified settlements and rich burials. The later Tne culture, on Lac Neuchatel in Switzerland, is characterized by intricate metalwork. Led by Professor John Collis, an authority on the Iron Age, we delve into this time of traders and tribes.

to La Tne

This afternoon we get even closer to life in the Iron Age, with special access to excavations in Hallstatt Salt Mines with the Director of Hallstatt Museum.


WHATS INCLUDED

Hal

lsta

tt -

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La T

ne

AUST

RIA,

SW

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RLAN

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GER

MAN

Y


Professor John Collis is the leading expert on the European Iron Age. He has excavated widely - working in the UK, France, Spain and Italy throughout his long career. He has published major books on the period, including The European Iron Age, which is the standard introductory text for the subject.

GUIDE LECTURER

Dordogne Prehistoric Cave Art Mon 19th Mon 26th Sep ........ p46

Sicily RevisitedSun 4 Sun 11 Sep .................. p96

Tour Code: (HAL16A)

Tour Manager Local Travel - Private a/c coachMeals - All meals included - dinners with wine Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels2 nights in an idyllically situatedhotel facing the lake in Hallstatt withcharming and comfortable rooms3 nights in a comfortable hotel inhistoric Munich1 night in family-run hotel in the heartof the historic center of Konstanz2 nights in a 4* star hotel overlookingthe harbor in Neuchatel

The market town of Bad Goisern, on Lake Hallstatt.

What do we mean by Celts? People who spoke a Celtic language, or who were members of a political group or a physical type? Without a care we can be led into nonsense. John Collis, The European Iron Age

All Inclusive RomansPrehistory

Salzburg

Manching

Heuneberg

Biel/Bienne

NyonGeneva

HallstattKonstanz

MurtenSwitzerland

Germany

Austria

Special Access


ITINERARYEDDay One We arrive in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. We begin our tour at the Amber Museum Gallery, a 17th century Baroque building that tells the history of the regions amber.

Day Two We spend a day in Vilnius. At the National Museum, we view its collections from Prehistoric to post-Medieval times. We move on to the Ducal Palace, constructed in the 15th century for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After lunch, we stroll around the UNESCO listed Old Town. After exploring Vilnius cathedral, we visit several Orthodox and Catholic churches, marveling at the exquisite baroque architecture that survives.

Day Three We brave the defenses of the island castle at Trakai, built between 1350 and 1377AD. The castle was largely destroyed

during an attack by the Teutonic Knights, but has been rebuilt over the centuries. During the afternoon, we explore the colorful village that grew across the bridge from the castle. Day Four We visit Kernav Medieval Complex which lies in the valley of the River Neris, where hillforts, settlements and burial sites show activity from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages.

We travel on to Kaunas, a historic city located on the banks of the Nemunas River, where we explore the old town and visit the 14th castle.

Day Five In Klaipda we explore Memel Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights. This has been the focus of extensive excavations, which may still be in progress during our visit. We also see the theater balcony where Hitler gave his famous speech in 1939 when the Memel Land was annexed to Nazi Germany. We move on to the picturesque fishing village of Nida, dramatically located on the amazing sliver of white sand marking the westernmost point of Lithuania.

Day SixWe explore the Baltic resort of Palanga. This was once the start of the amber trail and small pieces of amber still regularly wash ashore here. We visit the hill fort and the Amber Museum (in a former palace). This afternoon, wecross into Latvia and visit the Viking burial ground in Grobina.

Day Seven We explore Kuldiga an early member of the powerful Hanseatic League. Here, we walk the narrow streets lined with well-preserved wooden buildings and visit the District Museum. This afternoon we continue to Kandava where we view the foundations of a 13th century castle and 14th century watchtower.

Day EightWe view the old town, museum, cathedral and Lutheran churches in Riga, Latvias capital. Founded in 1201 the old town is a World Heritage Site. After lunch, we also explore Riga Castle. We end our day at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which details the history of the Soviet occupation. Day Nine We depart Riga.Island castle at Trakai, built between 1350 and

1377AD.

Vilnius, Lithuania.

Special Access to the archaeological complex of Kernav, occupied from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. We are introduced to the site by its Curator.

Visit the enchanting Medieval Castle of Trakai; its fairy-tale setting on a lake hides a long and turbulent history.

Trace the story of the Amber trade, encountering traders knights and kings.

Mon 12th - Tue 20th Sep 2016

Sep : $3,820

Guide Lecturer: Prof John Hines

9 days

(sgl supp $400)

BALTIC AMBER TRAILThe Baltic is famous for its amber, both today and throughout history, providing a wonderful focal point for an exploration of Lithuania and Latvia. It was throughout this region, from the Bronze Age onwards, that amber was traded all over Europe in a route known as the amber route.

Although amber is our theme, we visit a range of archaeological sites within this exquisite and evocative land, from prehistoric hill forts, to Viking monuments, to Middle Age castles of the Teutonic Knights. We also touch on the more recent, heart-wrenching history and occupation of these previously Soviet nations. An excellent follow-up for anyone who has traveled with us to Albania, Romania or Bulgaria.

We will be introduced to the site and the museum by the curator, who will tell us about the presentation and development of the archaeological complex.


WHATS INCLUDED

Bal

tic

Am

ber

Trai

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BALT

IC S

TAT

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John Hines is Professor of History and Archaeology at Cardiff University. He specializes in the archaeology, literature and languages of Medieval northern Europe. Combining material culture with runes, myths, songs and epics, John brings a unique perspective to the history and peoples of the Baltic states.

GUIDE LECTURER

Pompeii & Herculaneum Mon 10th Mon 17th Oct ....... p78

Sicilia Antiqua Thu 22 Sep Sun 2 Oct .......... p88

Tour Code: (AMB16A)

Tour ManagerLocal Travel - Private a/c coachMeals - All meals included - dinners with wine Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels3 nights in a Luxury hotel in the heart of Old Town Vilnius2 nights in an elegant hotel located on the shores of the Baltic coastline in Palanga.1 night in a historic hotel in the Heart of Kuldiga.2 nights in a boutique hotel in the heart of old town Riga

Kaunas Castle, built in the 14th century, is the oldest masonry castle in Lithuania.

Kuldga KandavaRga

PalangaKlaipda

Nida

VilniusKernavKaunas

Trakai

LithuaniaThe stone interior would often hide small undamaged plants and insects, which must also have found their way inside by magic. That sufficed to arouse the curiosity of primitive man, with admiration & respect for this unusual gem.

Elzbieta Mierzwinska, The Great Book of Amber

NEW

Special Access Prehistory Vikings Medieval


ITINERARYEDDay One Arrive in Sofia and transfer to Plovdiv.

Day Two We spend our first day on foot exploring the sites of Plovdiv, founded by Philip of Macedon. Intense Roman activity on this site means that little is left of the early city, but a great deal of the Roman one including the forum, stadium, fortress and amphitheater.

Day Three Drive north to the sleepy village of Hisarya, famed for its hot water mineral spring. We continue to Valley of the Thracian Kings after pausing for a picnic at the site of Kazanlak Mound.

Day Four We visit the tomb of Aleksandrovo, dating from the 4th century BC. Continue this afternoon to Stara Zagora. This seemingly ordinary Bulgarian town hides extraordinary Neolithic houses under the city streets. The dwellings are complete with shelves, pots and hearths.

Day FiveWe begin the day at the huge settlement mound of Karanovo. This tell represents successive phases of occupation from the 6th to the 2nd millennium BC. We then drive east to Nessebar on the Black Sea Coast. Founded by the Thracians, the town later became a thriving Greek trading colony. We visit the old town to view churches and walls. Continue to Varna.

Day SixWe spend the morning in the superb History Museum in Varna housing intricately worked gold found at nearby Copper Age burial sites. After lunch we explore this coastal city including the Roman Baths and Marine Garden.

Day Seven Today, we visit the majestic Madara Horseman rock relief. Dating from the 8th century AD, the horseman rides triumphant, a vanquished lion at his feet. We continue to the Sveshtari Thracian tomb. Here, multi-colored reliefs depict surreal half human, half plant-like figures.

Day EightWe spend all day in Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the Medieval Bulgarian tsars. The town is dramatically situated on a gorge over the river. We explore the large Medieval castle dominating the city, and some early monasteries. Day Nine We drive to the ancient site of Nicopolis ad Istrum. A thriving Roman colony, the town was abandoned in the 5th century AD and eventually replaced by a much more modest Byzantine settlement. We continue to the preserved museum villages of Arbanassi and Etar.

Day Ten We view the collections of the National Museum of History in Sofia before visiting Boyana Church with its remarkable 13th century frescoes. We continue along the walls of ancient Serdica (Sofia), to see St Georges Rotunda and St Sofia Basilica.

Day ElevenWe head into the beautiful foothills of the Rila mountains, to visit Rila Monastery. This iconic (in the literal sense!) masterpiece is one of Bulgarias most famous and most beautiful sites.

Day Twelve We visit Sofias National Institute of Archaeology before flights to the US or onward journeys.

Spectacularly varied history and landscapes introduced by a Bulgarian archaeologist who has excavated all over the country.

From Neolithic houses of Stara Zagora, through Roman Plovdiv, to the exuberantly painted churches high in the Rila mountains.

Visits to no fewer than 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sat 8th - Wed 19th Oct 2016

Oct : $3,595

Guide Lecturer: Dr Katya Melamed

12 days

(sgl supp $395)

BULGARIABulgaria is, in archaeological terms, one of the richest countries in Europe. The previous 10 years have been, almost literally, a golden age for Bulgarian archaeology, with spectacular sites and priceless finds coming to light. Hidden in the hills and forests are some of Europes oldest Neolithic settlements, Thracian tombs, replete with grave goods and exuberantly painted Medieval churches.

At the edge of Europe, in ancient times, Bulgaria was located at the apex of great civilizations. From the south and west Philip of Macedon and Roman Emperor Trajan founded cities here. From the east came Byzantine traders and Ottoman raiders. Dr Katya Melamed introduces the many ages of Bulgaria.

Thracian Treasures

We hope once again for special permission to enter the Kazanlak tomb, which we have obtained on all our previous tours of Bulgaria. The tomb is decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Traditional village at Etar.

Extraordinary chariot burial at Karanovo.


WHATS INCLUDED

Bul

gari

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hrac

ian

Trea

sure

sBU

LGAR

IA


Dr Katya Melamed recently retired from the Bulgarian Institute of Archaeology, but still directs excavations. She has published widely in English and Bulgarian, and specializes in the Medieval period and is particularly interested in the continuity of burial practices. Katya has led many tours for Andante.

GUIDE LECTURER

Via Egnatia Across the Balkans Tue 18th Wed 26th October ... p20

Egypt Land of the PharaohsFri 21st Mon 31st October ..... p40

Tour Code: (BUL16A)


Hotels3 nights in a modern hotel near theMaritsa River in Plovdiv1 night in a hotel in central StaraZagora with views of the Black Sea2 nights in a central hotel with goodviews and modern rooms in Varna2 nights in a comfortable, rustic hotelin Veliko Tarnovo 3 nights in a 4* hotel in central Sofia

Rila Monastery.

Karanovo

MadaraArbanassiNicopolis ad Istrum

Rila

HisaryaEtar

Kazanlak

VarnaVeliko Tarnovo

PlovdivStara Zagora

Soa

Historic ChurchesRomansGreeksAll Inclusive PrehistorySpecial Access Cultural MedievalLow Single Supplement

ITINERARYED


Day OneWe arrive om Hanoi on the morning of Day Two. This afternoon, you can choose to rest in our hotel, or explore the city with our Guide Lecturer and group. Visits include the History Museum, the Temple of Literature and excavations at Hanoi Citadel.

Day Two On our second day in Hanoi we visit the One Pillar Pagoda, and touch on more recent history at Ho Chi Minhs house and tomb. After lunch we fly south to Hue, Vietnams capital until 1945, and view the Ta Duc Mausoleum - a beautiful royal tomb complex. Day ThreeThis morning we travel by dragon boat along the Perfume river to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Back on land, we enter the 19th century walled citadel at the heart of Hue, where the Imperial Forbidden City lies. We end the day at the Fine Arts Museum.

Day FourWe head south along the coast, via the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Pass of the

Mountain Clouds) to Da Nang. Here we visit the Cham Museum, with a superb collection of sculpture from the period. We continue through the Marble Mountains to the well-preserved trading port and World Heritage Site of Hoi An.

Day Five We travel inland to My Son, the religious center of the Cham people from the 4th-14th centuries. This was the burial site of the Cham kings and there are more than 70 Hindu temples and tombs amongst the wooded hills. We spend a full day in My Son before returning to Hoi An this evening.

Day Six Enjoy free time in Hoi An to browse the shop, lanterns and charming old center. We return to Da Nang for a flight to Siem Reap. This evening we meet Dr Damian Evans for a lecture introducing Angkor Wat and the Khmer Kingdom.

Day Seven Our introduction to the Khmer Kings begins at the Roluos group of 9th century temples - some of the earliest Khmer structures found. We continue to the remote temple complex of Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty) with exquisitely detailed carvings on pink sandstone.

Day Eight We drive north through beautiful countryside to Koh Ker, a 10th century Khmer city hidden in the forest and only recently opened to visitors. This afternoon we visit the Beng Mealea Temple complex, again amid the jungle,

with massive tree roots snaking through the architecture.

Day Nine We visit the smaller temples of Ta Som and Preah Khan, Baray Reach Dak, rarely visited by Western tourists. We also spend time in Siem Reap Museum where fragments and finds from the temples are displayed.

Day TenEnjoy a free day at Angkor Wat.

Day ElevenToday, we discover lesser-known temples including: Buddhist monastery Ta Prohm, held together by banyan and strangler fig roots, Ta Nei and Ta Keo. We explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom dominated by giant heads of the Buddha. We return home this evening.

CAMBODIA & VIETNAMForbidden cities, colonial grandeur and above all, the vast magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. We are very privileged to welcome Dr Damian Evans, Director of the Great Angkor Project, to co-lead this tour. Dr Evans has secured special access, not only to Angkor itself, but to the many other temples and cities, deep in the forests which are constantly being uncovered...

In Vietnam, we explore the lands of the Champa, a maritime kingdom which flourished from the 7th to 10th century, with lavish monuments, temples and cities. Our tour culminates at Angkor, the great city thought to have sustained up to a million people. A testament to human ingenuity and to the ravages of time - that such a metropolis could be lost and swallowed back into the jungle.

Special access: privileged introduction to Angkor Wat - the largest religious monument in the world - with Director of the Greater Angkor Project, Dr Damian Evans.

Forbidden cities, temples and tombs of Vietnam with Dr Peter Sharrock, who was a correspondent during the Vietnam War.

Historic trading ports of Indo-China in Vietnam - lantern-lit river fronts.

Massive stone heads at the Bayon Temple.

Approaching the 9th century temples at Roluos.

We reach the huge complex of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the

world, built by Khmer rulers in the 12th century. Dr Damian Evans provides special access and a unique introduction to the site and the latest discoveries which are constantly being made here.

(sgl supp $835)Aug & Nov : $4,39511 days

Guide Lecturers: Dr Damian Evans & Dr Peter Sharrock

Wed 10th - Sat 19th Aug 2016Wed 9th - Sat 19th Nov 2016

WHATS INCLUDED

BULG

ARIA


Cam

bodi

a &

Vie

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Tour Codes:August: Tue 9th - Sun 21st (CAM16A)

November: Tue 8th - Sun 20th (CAM16B)

Dr Damian Evans has lived and worked in South-East Asia for fifteen years. He is a Research Fellow for the French School of the Far East, based near Angkor Wat. Damian was Director of the Greater Angkor Project and led the team who carried out the ground-breaking LIDAR surveys of the vast Angkor complex.

GUIDE LECTURERS

Dr Peter Sharrock is a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS, University of London. He specializes in the spread of Buddhism across South-East Asia and works on the analysis of temple decoration and architecture. His passion for Indochina began when he was a war correspondent in Vietnam.

Flights - Domestic flights Hanoi to Hue; Da Nang to Siem ReapTour Manager Local Travel - Private a/c coach and river boatMeals - All meals included Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program, porterage and tips included

Hotels2 nights in a boutique hotel in the oldtown of Hanoi2 nights in the heart of Hue city, closeto the Perfume River2 nights in a comfortable hotel in HoiAn on the banks of the Thu Bon River6 nights in one of Siem Reaps besthotels, ideally located for exploringAngkor and surrounding temples

Magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, covering over 1000 sq km.

One of these templesa rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michelangelomight take an honourable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome Henri Mouhot, 19th century explorer of Angkor Wat

CAM

BOD

IA &

VIE

TN

AM

Da Nang

Koh KerBanteay Srei

Hanoi

Hue

Hoi An

Siem Reap Cambodia

Vietnam

Special Access All Inclusive EasternMedievalCultural


ITINERARYEDDay One We arrive in Beijing and transfer to our hotel.

Day TwoThis morning we wander the lakes and gardens of the Summer Palace. On to to Fahai Temple, famed for its vivid frescoes from the Ming Dynasty.

Day Three Today we head to the Forbidden City to explore the Palace Museum. We touch on recent history at Tiananmen Square before continuing to the Temple of Heaven this afternoon.

Day FourWe explore the Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. This afternoon, we visit the Great Wall. The Wall dates back to the 2nd century BC, although it was extended by the Ming Emperors.

Day Five We leave Beijing and fly to Luoyang. This is the traditional sacred center of China. Excavations have uncovered ritual

sites dating back to the Neolithic.

Day SixThis morning, we visit the Shaolin Temple, where monks have practiced a distinct form of Buddhism for over 1,500 years. After lunch we continue to the Longmen Grottoes, home to up to 100,000 Buddhist statues.

Day SevenWe take a train ride to Xian, one of the oldest cities in China. We have free time this afternoon where you could visit the Great Mosque and Bazaar in the Islamic quarter or walk the city walls. Day EightAfter lunch we continue to Banpo Neolithic Village and Museum.

Day Nine

We pay our respects at Famensi Temple, home to relics of the Buddha. On to HanJingdiTomb to view its impressive terracotta figurines.

Day TenWe fly to Chengdu. After lunch, we view the Qingyang Palace, one of the oldest

and largest Taoist temples.

Day ElevenToday we explore the 3,000-year-old settlement at Jinsha. Excavations here have uncovered exquisite jade, ivory and gold artifacts. We continue to Sanxingdui site and Museum.

Day Twelve and ThirteenWe fly to Shanghai Suzhou and enjoy free time in this ancient city. We visit Suzhou Museum and the lovely Garden of the Humble Administrator. We contemplate Nirvana at the Buddhist Lion Forest Garden this afternoon.

Day FourteenToday we reach Shanghai. After checking into our hotel we take a river boat along the Bund (quay) lined with 19th century trading houses.

Day Fifteen

Day SixteenWe depart Shanghai for flights to the US or onward journeys.

Longmen Grottoes - commissioned by empress Wu Zetian.

Bronze Bird Sanxingdui Museum Chengdu Sichuan.

Beyond the Great Wall

Fri 14th - Sat 29th Oct 2016Tue 1st - Wed 16th Nov 2016

Oct & Nov : $6,325

Guide Lecturer: Malcolm McNeil

16 days

(sgl supp $1,035)

CHINAChina has a remarkable history, spanning back over 10,000 years and remnants of its glorious past can be seen at every turn. We journey from Beijing to Shanghai, through vast and varied landscapes and archaeology.

From Buddhist temples, to the gargantuan monuments of imperial ambition, to lesser-known prehistoric settlements, this is the story of not one but many Chinas through the ages. We are delighted to have Malcolm McNeil, an expert on Chinese art and archeology, to lead this tour. Over 17 days, Malcolm puts the great sites we see into their historical context. We see the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Ming Tombs not just as grand relics, but as products of the time, people and places.

See some of Chinas most famous sites in the company of a guide lecturer who will weave them into a narrative of Chinas history.

Come face to face with the famous Terracotta Warriors, as we have special access to the statues and meet the archaeologists who uncovered them.

Discover Chinas remarkable prehistoric archaeology at sites such as Jinsha and Banpo, which tell the story of ordinary people in ancient China.

This morning we enjoy special access to the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army. The 8000 statues were crafted for Emperor Qin Shi Huang. We view the assembled ranks and meet the archaeologists who excavate and conserve them.

We have special access to a collection of objects which reveal the more recent history

of communist China at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center.


WHATS INCLUDED

Chi

na -

Bey

ond

the

Gre

at W

all

CH

INA

how about another long haul tour?

Malcolm McNeil lectures at the History of Art and Archaeology department of SOAS, University of London. A fluent Mandarin speaker, he has presented numerous papers on the art and history of Medieval China. Malcolm has also worked at the British Museum and lectured for Asia House, Christies, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

GUIDE LECTURER

Cambodia & VietnamTue 9th - Sun 21st AugTue 8th - Sun 20th Nov.... ........ p.28

South AfricaSat 19th - Wed 30th Mar ....... p.128

Tour Code: Oct: Thu 13th - Sat 29th (CAN16A)

Oct: Mon 31st - Wed 16th Nov (CAN16B)

Tour Manager Local Travel - Private a/c coachMeals - All meals includedEntries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels4 nights in Classic Chinese courtyard style accommodation in Beijing2 nights in a modern hotel in Luoyang3 nights in a Luxury hotel in Xian2 nights in a hotel in a traditional courtyard-style building in Chengdu2 nights in a stylish hotel located in scenic western Suzhou2 nights in a modern luxurious hotel located in downtown Shanghai

Terracotta Warroiors at Xian.Beijing

Luoyang

SuzhouShanghai

Xian

Chengdu

China

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step Chinese Proverb

NEW

All Inclusive PrehistorySpecial Access Cultural Great Cities Medieval Eastern


ITINERARYDay One We arrive in Croatias capital, Zagreb and enjoy a walk around the Old Town during our first afternoon. We explore the picturesque Medieval Gradec Quarter, and the very fine Gothic and Romanesque, St Marks Church.

Day Two

This afternoon, we continue to the Roman settlement of Aquae Iasae in the town of Varadinske Toplice. The site has been extensively excavated over the past fifty years and was built next to a natural thermal spring.

Day Three We spend the morning at Andautonia Archaeological Park just outside of Zagreb. We explore the remains of a

Roman town that have been uncovered, with inscriptions here suggesting it was the cultural and economic center of the region between the 1st and 3rd century. We drive to Zadar in the afternoon.

Day Four We spend the day in Zadar, an ancient Adriatic city which became a major trading center under Roman rule. We explore the Kalelarga (main street) and visit Romanesque churches of the Middle Ages. After lunch, we stroll along the Zadarska Riva seafront and visit the unique sea organ, played by the wind and waves. Finally, we end the day at the Archaeological Museum of Zadar, which houses finds from prehistory onwards.

Day Five We wander around the excavated walls and visit the museum at Burnum Roman Camp. After lunch, we explore Krka National Park, famed for its beauty, preserved natural ecosystems, and remains of Medieval fortresses.

Day SixEnjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline to ibenik. Later, we move on to Trogir, founded by Greek sailors in the 3rd century and later sacked and rebuilt in the Middle Ages. The town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, we travel to Split.

Day Seven We spend the morning in Salona, the

ruins of a remarkable Roman city, and the former capital of Dalmatia. This afternoon we explore Diocletians Imperial Palace. Despite his lowly beginnings, Diocletian rose within the military ranks, and was made emperor in 284AD.

Day EightWe depart from Split to Dubrovnik, enjoying a seafront picnic lunch. The historic Medieval walled town is one of the most famous in Europe. Before embarking on a detailed exploration, we touch on Croatias more troubled recent history at the Croatian War of Independence Museum. Day Nine We spend a full day in Dubrovnik. We walk the city walls, which were built towards the end of the 8th century and were strong enough to defend against a 15 month invasion in the 9th century. We continue to Lovrijenac Fortress. Dubrovnik had a strong maritime culture and this afternoon we visit the old city harbor and Lazaretto, built to quarantine sailors in attempts to protect the city from imported disease.

Day TenTime for final exploration and souvenir hunting before we depart Dubrovnik for flights to the US or onward journeys.

(sgl supp $745)May & Oct : $4,23510 days

Guide Lecturer: John Shepherd

Wed 25th May - Fri 3rd Jun 2016 Wed 5th - Fri 14th Oct 2016

DALMATIA & DUBROVNIKExplore the spectacular archaeology of Croatia, from Zagreb to Zadar, Split to Dubrovnik. Against the backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Adriatic and its islands, we visit villas, temples, churches and palaces. Part of the Illyrian kingdom, the region succumbed to Roman rule around 32 BC. Dalmatia acquired the characteristic trappings of a Roman province: Latin military camps, towns and roads. The province even furnished Rome with an Emperor, Diocletian, who returned in retirement and built a magnificent palace at Split.

Travel with Expert Guide John Shepherd, a Roman specialist and former Museum of London Curator. Let him take you on a leisurely tour through 2,000 years.

Travel through Croatia, viewing Roman cities, red-roofed walled Medieval towns and the sparkling clear blue waters of the Adriatic.

Enjoy Special Access to Zagreb Archaeological Museum - the curator of the museum will take us on a tour of the museum and deliver a special talk.

Spend two days in Dubrovnik, and discover more about the walled citys early beginnings, and its place in more recent history.

Ancient amphitheatre in Split.

The ancient Adriatic city of Zadar.

We begin our day with a special tour of Zagreb Archaeological Museum, followed by a talk from the museums curator.


WHATS INCLUDEDWHATS INCLUDED

Dal

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Dub

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ROAT

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Tour Codes:May : Wed 25th - Fri 3rd Jun (CRO16A)October : Wed 5th - Fri 14th (CRO16B)

GUIDE LECTURER


Spring: ThessalonikiTue 19 Tue 25 May ................ p60

Autumn:The Aegean Coast of Turkey Sat 24 Tue 4 Oct ................. p146

John Shepherd is an experienced archaeologist who has worked in France, Italy and Eastern Europe. He worked at the Museum of London for over 20 years. John specializes in the Roman period, and teaches at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institute on various aspects of European archaeology.

Tour Manager Local Travel - Private a/c coachMeals - All meals included - dinners with wineEntries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels2 nights in a Luxury hotel in the center of Zagreb3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Zadar2 nights in a 4 star seaside hotel in Split2 nights in a Historic hotel located by the gates to Old Town Dubrovnik

Old City Dubrovnik.

If you want to see paradise on earth come to Dubrovnik. George Bernard Shaw

Troy

BurnumSibenik

Aquae

Zagreb

Dubrovnik

Split

Zadar

Croatia

NEW

Special Access Romans Historic ChurchesAll Inclusive


ITINERARYEDDay One We arrive in Larnaca and transfer to our hotel in Limassol.

Day Two We begin our tour at the site of Khirokitia, an exceptionally preserved Neolithic walled village with over 60 stone roundhouses.

After lunch we continue to the Crusader fortress of Kolossi, which stood by the vineyards from which the Knights of St John made their wine. End the day at Limassol Castle.

Day Three All day in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, founded in the BronzeAge, the city has been continuously

inhabited for almost 5000 years. We also visit the Cyprus Museum which houses the worlds most extensive collections of Cypriot archaeology. Free time to walk around the old town this afternoon, including the well-preserved Venetian walls, built in an (ultimately futile) attempt to defend the city from Ottoman invasion.

Day Four We drive into the beautiful Troodos mountains to visit a wonderful series of frescoed Byzantine churches many of which are World Heritage Sites. The lively detail and colors in the frescoes are remarkable. We also stop at the traditional town of Kakopetria, the Medieval streets picturesquely set amid thick forest, on the banks of two rivers.

Day Five Into Classical Cyprus at the ancient city of Kourion which blossomed under the Ptolemies and Romans. Paul will introduce remains including a (reconstructed) Graeco-Roman theater, and Roman houses with superb mosaics. Continue to the important religious center known as the Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis (of the woods). We end the day at the Copper Age site at Souskiou, renowned for its famous cruciform figurines, such as the one seen on the Cyprus Euro coin.

Day SixOur first visit to the World Heritage site of Paphos. Today we explore the

elaborate rock cut Tombs of the Kings which date from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD.

We visit sites in the vicinity including Kissonerga where some of the earliest water-wells in the world have been found. On to Maa, a Late Bronze Age site on a beautiful promontory.

Day Seven Our second day at the ancient city of Paphos, an important Roman city. Remains include a Hellenistic pebble mosaic, but it is the 3rd century AD Roman mosaics which have made the site famous. After lunch we continue to the Paphos Archaeological Museum and the six-domed Church of Ayia Paraskevi.

Day EightBefore we return home, we visit Aphrodites Sanctuary at the World Heritage Site of Kouklia.

The SouthThu 14th - Thu 21st Apr 2016

Apr : $3,365

Guide Lecturer: Dr Paul Croft

8 days

(sgl supp $475)

CYPRUSThis beautiful Mediterranean island has a rich Prehistoric, Classical and Medieval past. Recent research has pushed back the dates for the earliest occupation of Cyprus to over 10,000 years ago, and over millennia the people of Cyprus developed their own distinctive artifacts, buildings, art and culture. From a Bronze Age olive oil factory, to Roman tombs, to vineyards once tended by crusaders, the remains of ancient Cyprus each tell a story.

A very beautiful journey through the land famed as the birthplace of Aphrodite. Dr Paul Croft, who has devoted his career to the study of Cypriot archaeology, leads us from mountain churches to Prehistoric and Classical sites.

A privileged introduction to Cypriot archaeology - special access to sites, introduced by local archaeologists.

Fantastic, diverse archaeology from Neolithic houses, to a Bronze Age oil factory, to the fabulous mosaics at Paphos.

Journey into the unspoilt Troodos Mountains, with traditional villages and some spectacular Byzantine churches.

Gladiator Margaritis in combat, depicted in a mosaic at the ancient city of Kourion.

The rock where Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea...

We have special access to the Bronze Age olive oil factory excavations at Kalavasos, especially opened for our group.

This morning we also have special access to the Lemba Archaeological Research Center, with a handling session led by Paul. The center has been the home of Prehistoric projects in western Cyprus for 30 years.


WHATS INCLUDED

Cyp

rus

- The

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YPRU

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Tour Code: (CYP16A)

Dr Paul Croft is a British prehistorian who lives in Cyprus. He reconstructs ancient buildings, excavates, and is a specialist in zooarchaeology. Paul holds a fellowship at the University of Edinburgh and manages the Lemba Archaeological Research Center. He is also involved with numerous projects in Cyprus and the Near East.

GUIDE LECTURER

Aegean Coast of TurkeySat 2 Tue 12 April ............... p 146

Albania Land of the Eagles Fri 22 Sat 30 April ................. p18

Tour Manager Local Travel - Private a/c coach; minibus to SouskiouMeals - All meals included - dinners with wine. We have a celebratory final dinner in the best restaurant in CyprusEntries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels 4 nights in a seaside vacation hotel onthe edge of Limassol overlooking theMediterranean sea3 nights in a 5* spa hotel just outsidePaphos with access to a beachand plenty of space to absorb thetranquility of the area

The Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis at Kourion.

To Sea-set Kypros [Cyprus] the moist breath of the western wind wafted Aphrodite over the waves of the loud-moaning sea in soft foam. Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, 7th

Documents

2016 main brochure | US edition