Andante guests often favour the early months of autumn to embark on an archaeology tour and little wonder. By September, the summer crowds have melted away and the hot days have given way to the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the myriad of fascinating historical and archaeological sites that dot our continent and beyond.
Discover our five brand new tours, that will take you from Roman Portugal and Spain, and spectacular Italian mountains and cities to wild Bulgaria and Turkey. We’ve also included many old favourites, as well as new departure dates for 2024 on our bestselling archaeology tours to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Classical Campania, Macedonia and Wild Thrace.
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Our Autumn Tours
Roman Lusitania
Rome first ventured into the Iberian Peninsula in 218 BCE, campaigning against Hannibal and the Carthaginians. By the time of the Emperor Augustus, 200 years later, all of Spain and what was later to become Portugal, was in Roman hands. The province of Lusitania included much of Portugal and western Spain, and its capital, Mérida, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Europe. Join us in Roman Lusitania.
![Roman Lusitania](/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Roman-Temple-of-Diana-in-Evora-shutterstock_1426305434.jpg?format=auto)
The Samnites
The Samnite Wars were fundamental for establishing Rome’s control over the Italian peninsula. Set amongst spectacular mountains, ancient cities, castles and abbeys, this tour reaches to the heart of Italy and considers early Italians who were so important for maintaining the might of Rome. Discover The Samnites.
![The Samnites](/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/venafro-green-door.jpg?format=auto)
Bulgaria
Discover the Thracian treasures and mountain monasteries in Bulgaria. The forests, mountain ranges and vast plains of Bulgaria remain in places as spectacularly beautiful as when the Thracians inhabited them thousands of years ago. Following a golden age for archaeological discoveries, Bulgaria is now one of the culturally richest countries in Europe.
![Bulgaria](/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/02/Sofia-shutterstock_792033289.jpg?format=auto)
Wild Thrace
East of Thessaloniki are the mountains and plains of Thrace. Its ancient kingdoms were alternately at war and allied to Persians, Greeks and Macedonians. Discover the strategic cities that grew up in the wake of passing conquerors Phillipi, Mesembria with its Romano-Thracian chariot burials, and catch a glimpse of the city of Amphipolis. Thrace’s landmark archaeological sites and Byzantine, Medieval and Ottoman monuments add to its rich cultural heritage. This wild land is notable for the peaceful coexistence of Christian and Muslim traditions. Join us to explore Wild Thrace.
![Wild Thrace](/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/imagelibrary/THR/shutterstock_453924694.jpg?format=auto)
Turkey
Explore Turkey: from Çatal Hüyük to Göbekli Tepe. This tour takes you on a kaleidoscopic journey through the heartlands of Turkey from Çatal Hüyük, arguably the earliest city in the world, to Göbekli Tepe, a remarkable early Neolithic complex in upper Mesopotamia. We discover the otherworldly geology of Cappadocia, a bizarrely beautiful landscape matched by its unique archaeology, underground cities and vividly frescoed churches, and the elaborate ritual sites of the ancient kingdoms in Southeast Turkey.
![Turkey](/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/imagelibrary/CSE/Gobekli%20Tepe%20shutterstock_1729155442.jpg?format=auto)
Why Choose Andante Travels?
- Keeping it small with a maximum group size of 18
- Insider knowledge garnered from nearly 40 years of touring
- Quality time on site – we don’t cut corners
- We only see the very best on tour and only add free time when it is in the best interests of guests to do so
- Tour Managers as well as Guide Lecturers so they can focus on informing
- Calibre of our Guide Lecturers – highly sought after for their in-depth knowledge
- Carefully thought-out programmes that follow a theme
- Excellent value – inclusive of meals and wine at dinner, no passing around a hat for tips as these are all included
- 24hr practical assistance
- Individuality – we never treat you like a number, make you wear a badge or wave an umbrella at you
Knowledge you won’t find elsewhere
What makes an Andante Travels tour a cut above the rest? The simple answer is our expert Guide Lecturers. They are not just guest speakers who rely on local guides to point the way. Our outstanding team of engaging presenters will lead you through the sites you see, focusing on the detailed indicators of the past, explaining how things work and what a miracle of human ingenuity they represent. And they are your travelling companion, part of the group, there at all times to join in the laughter and chat, your expert on hand to converse with and put those all important questions to. Guests who travel with us frequently tell us that it is not only the high quality of guiding they receive but also the informality and easiness of travelling with an Andante lecturer which keeps them coming back.
![Knowledge you won’t find elsewhere](/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/imagelibrary/POM/1.%20Dots%20tour%20photos/03%20-%20Pompeii/Pompeii-72.jpg?format=auto)