Archaeology and History Tours 2018
Wonderful Holidays, Historic Wonders
• Informed Travel • Beautiful Locations • Small Groups • Local Airports
Relaxed and varied itineraries exploring famous sites and lesser known gems.
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WELCOME
Wonderful Holidays, Historic Wonders Fascinating journeys into history, prehistory and the ancient world.
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Welcome to Hidden History Travel. Our name reflects the hidden nature of the past, and how travel can help us uncover the meanings, mysteries and insights behind its material remains—those ancient ruins, ARCHAEOLOGICAL historic buildings, exquisite artefacts and magnificent landscapes we encounter on our travels
Fascinating journeys into hist
The past, like a foreign country, is full of difference and interest. It underlies the character and identity of everywhere, and is also the wider story of humankind. Welcome to Hidden His hidden nature of the past the to meanings, mysteries an This is why archaeological travel is so fascinating and why, at Hidden History Travel, we are dedicated ruins, providing an expanding collection of superb tours and holidays exploring the world's ancient and historic historic buildings landscapes. sites. We unite culture with adventure in beautiful locations with great hotels, small groups, unhurried itineraries, expert guides and some hidden-away gems. I hope you will join us for an enriching travel experience, a journey through time as well as place.
Dr Simon Butler, Director of Hidden History Travel
Stay in touch: Stay informed of new destinations and developments with our free email newsletter. Sign up at www.hiddenhistory.co.uk Or email enquiries@hiddenhistory.co.uk
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Stay in touch: Stay informed of new destinations and
2018 TOUR CALENDAR Contents What to Expect Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North & South Malta’s Millennia Sicilian Civilisations Pompeii & Bay of Naples
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march
June
September
Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North & South 8 days; 21–28 March
Romney Marsh: Fifth Continent 5 days; 04–08 June 5 days; 18–22 June
Pompeii & Bay of Naples 8 days; 07–14 September
July
Minoan Crete & Santorini 9 days; 20–28 September
April Malta’s Millennia 8 days; 08–15 April Sicilian Civilisations 12 days; 16–27 April Pompeii & Bay of Naples 8 days; 28 April–05 May
May Glories of Greece 10 days; 08–17 May Minoan Crete & Santorini 9 days; 17–25 May Pompeii & Bay of Naples 8 days; 26 May–02 June
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Glories of Greece Minoan Crete & Santorini Romney Marsh: Fifth Continent East Anglia: Origins of England How to Book
Page 5 8 10 12 14
Romney Marsh: Fifth Continent 5 days; 02–06 July 5 days; 16–20 July East Anglia Origins of England 6 days; 22–27 July 6 days; 29 July–03 August
August Romney Marsh: Fifth Continent 5 days; 06–10 August 5 days; 20–24 August
Glories of Greece 10 days; 18–27 September
October Sicilian Civilisations 12 days; 01–12 October Malta’s Millennia 8 days; 09–16 October Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North & South 8 days; 17–24 October
WHAT TO EXPECT
Well-informed, realistically-paced and reasonably-priced
Our Itineraries
What’s included
The emphasis is on both the cultural interest and the nature of the experience. This means that our carefully planned itineraries aim at a satisfying balance of enrichment and leisure—‘seeing it all’ balanced with time to absorb it all, and to simply relax. They are designed to be comprehensive and focused without being too intensive or rushed. Each day has plenty of interest but is not overfull or too long, and we like to get off the beaten track a little when we can, often arranging special access to hidden away gems.
Each itinerary is unique but always includes: high standard hotel accommodation with breakfasts; a number of evening meals or lunches; a full programme of excursions with comfortable transport, entrance fees and guides; a knowledgeable tour director; airport and hotel transfers abroad; financial guarantee.
Accommodation and Meals We use hotels of 4-star or good 3-star standard, and we look for local character and charm, good facilities and good location, preferably well integrated into their surroundings. We normally include at least some evening meals or lunches. This can make life easier on a tour but sometimes it is also good to explore local restaurants, so where possible we leave some evenings free. Lunches tend to be taken independently but occasionally it is good to organise something special.
Flights and Extended Stays We give you complete freedom of choice of departure airport, fares, flight times, airline and length of stay by adding flights on a personal basis rather than including group fares in all our prices. We will be pleased to book your flights for you, and any extended stays, and we can recommend preferred flights but you are free to book your own if you prefer. All flights booked through us give you full ATOL protection for the whole tour package. Please note that you should not book your own flights until we have confirmed the tour and your place on it.
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interest in the destination or theme, is ab Our Groups be independent when apart. Our groups Our group sizes are quite small, usually between 10 a large, and people's diverse backgrounds ensures good communication, a more personal service, a interest—some people travel half way rou No prior knowledge is required and everyone is welcom singly or with a partner. It is all quite informal and every consi interest in the destination or theme, is ablePhysical to co-operate None of our tours are especially challeng be independent when apart. Our groups sizes are sociab of mobility, large, and people's diverse co-operation backgrounds and and independen different standing, often over interest—some people travel half wayuneven round ground, the worldbut to t Our guides and tour directors frequent. Generally speaking you should b for at least 30history minutesand before standi We have a passion pace for archaeology, Physical considerations two hour period onOur yourguides feet. Steps and travel,None and we want to share it with you. of our tours are especially challenging but do requi actually different demands on differe and tour directors are nothave only knowledgeable of mobility, co-operation and independence. There is ple it is often possible to find individual solut and experienced professionals also but thethe most standing, often over uneven but ground, pace is quite first. Small coachesskilled do notinalways have friendly and open ofit people. They frequent. Generally speaking you are should be able to mainta are usually available no more than two hou bringing subject to30 lifeminutes in a way that standing suits most paceafor at least before at rest and b people’s of interest, to make two level hour period on yourjust feet.enough Steps and inclines are freq Ourtour guides andwitto everyone feel included and enlightened. Most actually have different demands on different days and, We have a passion for archaeology, histor directors have academic credentials and will add it is often possible to find individual solutions—please cal with you. Our guides and tour director context to the tourcoaches throughdo interesting it first. Small not alwaystalks. have on-board toilet experienced also the m are usually available no more professionals than two hoursbut apart. Financial Protection They are skilled in bringing a subject to l levelisofa member interest, just the enough to make eve Hidden History Travel Travel Our guidesofand tour directors Most tour directors have academic creden TrustWe Association. This that we provide have a passion formeans archaeology, history and travel, and through interesting talks. the strongest available are in not only with you. consumer Our guidesprotection and tour directors the experienced travel industry—complete financial professionals but 100% also the most friendly an protection forskilled any travel arrangements make They are in bringing a subjectyou to life in a way Fin that Hidden History Tra with level us. Any paymentjust youenough make to us is protected of interest, make everyone feel includ Association. Thisadd m Most tour directors havetoacademic credentials and will by the association in order pay for your holiday consumer protect interesting talks.we fail to provide or to through reimburse you should it. industry—complete travel arrangements Financial Protect make to us is protec Hidden History Travel is a member for your holiday or Association. This means that we p provide it. consumer protection available industry—complete 100% financial travel arrangements you make with u make to us is protected by the associ for your holiday or to reimburse yo provide it.
“Exactly what I was looking for...I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end” Our Groups Our group sizes are quite small, usually between 10 and 20 people. This ensures good communication, a more personal service, and greater flexibility. No prior knowledge is required and everyone is welcome, whether travelling singly or with a partner. It is all quite informal and everyone simply shares an interest in the destination or theme, is able to co-operate in a small group and be independent when apart. Our groups sizes are sociable without being too large, and people’s diverse backgrounds and different ages all add to the interest—some people travel half way round the world to join a tour!
Physical considerations None of our tours are especially challenging but do require a reasonable level of mobility, co-operation and independence. There is plenty of walking and standing, often over uneven ground, but the pace is quite gentle and stops are frequent. Generally speaking you should be able to maintain a normal walking pace for at least 30 minutes before standing at rest and be able to complete a two hour period on your feet. Steps and inclines are frequent but most tours actually have different demands on different days and, with your co-operation, it is often possible to find individual solutions—please call us for a chat about it first. Small coaches do not always have on-board toilets but comfort stops are usually available no more than two hours apart.
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“Pace and time exploring were ideal”
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APHRODITE’S CYPRUS Uniquely, this two-centred tour stays in both the Greek south and the Turkish north of Cyprus, allowing fuller appreciation of the island’s fascinating World Heritage. Explore 10,000 years of human history amid the charms of Aphrodite’s island, with its ancient connections to the Near East, to Greece and to the Crusades. Dates & Prices:
21–28 March 2018 17–24 October 2018 Length: 8 days Tour price: £1345 (April) £1395 (October) Single supplement £195
Includes:
• Seven nights hotel accommodation (four in Limassol, three in Kyrenia). • All breakfasts and all evening meals. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and local Cypriot guides. • Airport and hotel transfers in Cyprus.
Tour Overview The ancient Greek association of Cyprus with the birth of Aphrodite was in recognition of the island’s beauty, fertility and early connection with civilisations of the Near East. The island has attracted people to its shores for more than 10,000 years, as a stepping stone between Asia and Europe, a link amid ancient networks of seaborne trade, and as a strategic foothold for rival foreign powers from east and west. Cypriot archaeology and history are correspondingly rich and significant. By staying four nights in Limassol and three in Kyrenia, this unique tour allows better appreciation of both the Greek south and Turkish north of the island. With your tour director and local guides you will see one of the world’s best preserved Neolithic villages, discover the copper centre of the Bronze Age Mediterranean, stroll around the ruins of once flourishing Greek and Roman cities, admire the world famous mosaics of Paphos, and follow the story of the Crusades in superblysited castles.
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“Having been touring archaeological sites for some 50 years, I can honestly say that your Cyprus tour was outstanding in my experience”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Limassol. Your tour director can help you get acquainted with your surroundings. Day 2: We begin with 9000-year-old Khirokitia, one of the world’s best preserved Neolithic villages. Continuing to Larnaca, we explore the ancient Phoenician remains and visit the Pierides Museum, which gives a fine introduction to Cypriot archaeology. Day 3: This morning is dedicated to Kourion, one of the most impressive and extensive archaeological sites of Cyprus with an abundance of Greek and Roman remains, and a beautiful setting overlooking the sea. We include the famous Sanctuary of Apollo. After a lunch break in the old town of Limassol, we conclude the day with a visit to nearby Amathus, one of the most important Iron Age kingdoms of Cyprus. Day 4: A feast of World Heritage today at Paphos, including: magnificent Roman mosaics which rank amongst the best in the world; the elaborately sculpted Hellenistic ‘Tombs of the Kings’; and the revered Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaeopaphos, possibly the most significant religious site on the island. We also see the famous rock where legend placed the birth of goddess Aphrodite.
Day 5: Transfer to North Cyprus today, travelling via the island’s present capital of Nicosia. Still a divided city but now more relaxed than ever, we include a tour of its historic Old Quarter, impressive Venetian walls and treasure-filled Archaeology Museum. Crossing the famous ‘Green Line’ we complete the short drive to our hotel in beautiful Kyrenia. Day 6: Kyrenia has a delightful setting on the north coast, nestling around its old harbour and castle. We also visit two nearby sites which epitomise the medieval heritage of Cyprus: the precariously-perched St Hilarion Castle, once home to the Crusader kings of the island; and the beautiful Bellapais Abbey, a Gothic treasure in a peaceful mountain village. Day 7: Heading east we explore the ancient city of Salamis, founded as far back as the Trojan Wars, and one of the largest city kingdoms of ancient Cyprus. We also visit the earlier Bronze Age site of Enkomi, and we conclude the day in Famagusta where Venetian fortifications and Gothic churches are interwoven with present Turkish culture as living testament to the ‘east meets west’ heritage of Cyprus. Day 8: You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, or why not stay longer?
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MALTA’S MILLENNIA Get to know Malta, a uniquely friendly place with an eventful past and a variety of interest from history and prehistory alike. Enjoy a balance of leisure and interest on this small, sunny Mediterranean island and explore its surprising number of World Heritage sites, from Neolithic temples to knight’s palaces and wartime defences. Dates & Prices:
08–15 April 2018 09–16 October 2018 Length: 8 days Tour price: £1255 (April) £1295 (October) Single supplement £160
Includes:
• Seven nights 4-star hotel accommodation. • All breakfasts, six evening meals and two lunches. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and a local Maltese guide. • Airport transfers in Malta.
Tour Overview The central Mediterranean location of Malta, and its magnificent harbours, have attracted seafarers, traders and imperialists for thousands of years, resulting in a very multi-cultural heritage. The Islands are most readily associated with the Knights of the Order of St John, who valiantly defended Christendom from here in the 16th century and who built Valletta, one of the grandest cities of the early baroque. But Malta’s deeper heritage includes a remarkable prehistoric fluorescence—the megalithic temple culture of around 3000 BC, whose startling art and architecture give us fascinating insights into a distant Neolithic world. Over the millennia there have been Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish influences and, finally, as a British Crown Colony, Malta’s famous Grand Harbour was home to the Mediterranean Fleet and played a vital role in both World Wars. Easy pace: The small size of Malta allows for easy travelling to all the sites from our perfectly located 4-star hotel. Relax and enjoy an unhurried programme of interesting excursions and lectures revealing Malta’s unique cultural and natural heritage from prehistory onwards.
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“We would certainly use Hidden History again as we had a fantastic holiday.”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Qawra. Your tour director can help you get acquainted with your surroundings. Day 2: After a welcome meeting this morning we head out to explore Malta’s exceptional prehistoric archaeology. We visit the 5000 year old stone temples at Tarxien, definitive of the Maltese Neolithic, and we travel even further back in time to the Ice Ages at Ghar Dalam cave. Time for lunch will be made on the attractive harbour front at Marsaxlokk. Day 3: A day enjoying the archaeology and scenery of the southern coast. We visit the megalithic structures at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, and we get off the beaten track to examine the cart ruts at ‘Clapham Junction’, Malta’s greatest, unsolved mystery. During our lunch break time will be made for an optional short boat ride to the famous Blue Grotto to see the dazzling, clear blue waters. Day 4: A day in the islands capital, Valletta, a World Heritage site with beautifully coherent Baroque architecture. Our walking tour includes the Grand Master’s Palace, Cathedral and National Archaeological Museum, and fantastic views of the famous Grand Harbour, which featured prominently in both World Wars. Lunch is included in a city restaurant today.
Day 5: A morning’s walking tour of the ‘Three Cities’, exploring the historic streets clustered around Galley Creek, where the Knights of St John built their first base in Malta. We include a visit to the Malta at War Museum, which brings the island’s wartime experiences to life and, after time for lunch on the attractive waterfront, we visit the mysterious underground complex known as the Hypogeum, one of Malta’s most important Neolithic sites. Day 6: The island of Gozo has a character and beauty all of its own, and a day spent enjoying its quiet charms is always fondly remembered. We visit its lovely coastal bays, its fine citadel in Victoria, and its Neolithic temples at Gigantija, whose massive stone monoliths are older even than Stonehenge. Lunch is included today. Day 7: A half day enjoying Mdina, Malta’s medieval gem and a tiny city of winding alleys and noble palaces. Its remains date back to Roman times, as you’ll discover in our visits to an excavated Roman house and the early Christian Catacombs of Saint Paul. Day 8: You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, or stay longer and make the most of your time in Malta.
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SICILIAN CIVILISATIONS A wealth of ancient and historic treasures awaits you in an enchanting land of sun-drenched vineyards, sparkling clear seas, vibrant cities, sleepy villages and unrivalled cuisine. Famous for its colourful culture and seductive charms, Sicily has something for everyone.
Dates & Prices:
16–27 April 2018 01–12 October 2018 Length: 12 days Tour price: £1745 Single supplement £190
Includes:
• Eleven nights 4-star hotel accommodation. • All breakfasts and seven evening meals. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and local Sicilian guides. • Airport and hotel transfers in Sicily.
Tour Overview This fertile island has flourished through a succession of civilisations to create a dazzling, cosmopolitan heritage with some of the finest art and architecture in the entire Mediterranean. Sicily’s diverse treasures include: magnificent ancient Greek temples; rare Phoenician cities; stunning Roman and Byzantine mosaics; multicultural Arab-Norman art and architecture; and numerous baroque masterpieces. They all create a wonderful archaeological and historical journey. Our complete circuit of the Mediterranean’s largest island begins on the south-east coast at Syracuse, where we stay for three nights before travelling along the south coast, staying two nights in Agrigento and two in Mazara. This is where we get to grips with ancient Sicily, with its fabulous temples and mosaics, and we set the scene for our next stay—Palermo, Sicily’s capital since Arab-Norman times. We continue around the north-east of the island for our last two nights in the attractive seaside town of Acireale, close to Mount Etna. Along the way we see all of Sicily’s most important sites and impressive landscapes at a comfortable pace that minimises daily travel distances.
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“Length of tour and variety of visits were perfect.”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met on your arrival at Catania and transferred to your hotel in Syracuse (45 min) for 3 nights with dinners included. Day 2: A guided tour of Syracuse, once the most powerful of all the Greek cities of Sicily and now a beautiful, honey-hued mix of ancient and historic buildings. Day 3: A scenic morning in Syracuse’s hilly hinterland, visiting the ancient Greek city of Akrai, followed by a relaxed afternoon in Syracuse with a visit to its excellent archaeological museum. Day 4: A treat in store at the huge Roman villa of Piazza Armerina, world-famous for its stunning mosaics. Nearby, the charming site of Morgantina has a fine Greek agora. Continue to your hotel in Agrigento for 2 nights with dinners included.
Day 7: A short boat trip to the island of Motya for a rare chance to see an excavated Pheonecian city, and a visit to nearby Marsala, famous for its wine. Day 8: Moving on from Sicily’s south coast, visit a magical mountain temple at Segesta and the revered Norman Cathedral at Monreale before settling into your hotel in Palermo for 2 nights with breakfast only. Day 9: A day exploring Sicily’s colourful capital, Palermo, with its splendid Norman and Baroque heritage. Day 10: A scenic drive along Sicily’s north coast, visiting the Norman Cathedral at Cefalu as you transfer to your hotel in Acireale for the final 2 nights with dinners included.
Day 5: A whole day to enjoy the Valley of Temples at Agrigento, renown for its Greek temples, together with the museum and the pleasant modern town, with its interesting historic streets and churches.
Day 11: A relaxed morning enjoying the attractive town of Taormina with its dramatically-sited ancient theatre. A free afternoon with options for further exploration, such as Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Day 6: The ancient city of Selinunte flourished in the 5th century BC and is now one of Sicily’s most impressive and extensive archaeological sites, enhanced by a wonderful coastal location. After lunch continue to Mazara del Vallo for 2 nights with breakfast only.
Day 12: You will be transferred to Catania airport for your flight home, or why not extend your stay?
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POMPEII & THE BAY OF NAPLES This is archaeology at its most vivid and compelling. Enjoy extraordinary insights into Roman life, fabulous scenery and a vibrant local culture on this scholarly introduction to Pompeii and the magnificent Bay of Naples region, a landscape where nature and culture are spectacularly interwoven. Dates & Prices:
28 April–05 May 2018 26 May–02 June 2018 07–14 September 2018 Length: 8 days Tour price: £1195 Single supplement £190
Includes:
• Seven nights hotel accommodation with breakfast. • One included evening meal. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and local Italian guides. • Airport and hotel transfers in Italy.
Tour Overview In Roman times the Bay of Naples area was known for its beautiful scenery, fertile soils and rich cultural heritage. Within a day’s ride of Rome, it was the favoured outof-town retreat, the Roman Riviera—a playground for the rich and famous, studded with grand villas and fine works of art, and bustling with thriving towns and busy harbours. It was also volcanic. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD devastated the region, burying Pompei, Herculaneum and large swathes of the landscape. That single, tragic event created an archaeology of unparalleled value, with new discoveries of breathtaking detail still being made. It is unarguably one of the world’s most stimulating destinations for archaeological travel. The itinerary is a well thought-out balance of visits exploring not only the story of Pompeii but also its regional setting and the wider context of Roman archaeology. There is time to do more or just relax, as you please, and the freedom to enjoy some of the famous Italian culture and cuisine.
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“More than met my expectations. It was well thought-out and well paced. The tour notes were excellent”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your tour director can help you get acquainted with your surroundings. Day 2: Visit Paestum for a magnificent introduction to the archaeology of the region. Its splendidly preserved Greek temples are amongst the finest from the ancient world and testimony to the Greek influence on Roman culture. In the evening enjoy an included dinner in the hotel and an illustrated lecture from your tour director. Day 3: Herculaneum, like Pompeii, was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We get intimate insights into a colourful, close-knit community enjoying life in a favoured seaside location. The nearby Villa Oplontis has stunning wall frescoes, and likely belonged to the emperor Nero’s second wife. Day 4: Pompeii is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and our comprehensive guided tour will bring it vividly back to life. We dedicate the whole day to Pompeii so you will also have time to explore independently, wander through the ancient streets and fully enjoy the experience of being there.
Day 5: Naples reached its zenith as a royal capital of Renaissance and Bourbon kings and is now a fascinating, teeming metropolis. We pay particular attention to the wonderful exhibits in the National Archaeology Museum, principal home for the antiquities from Pompeii and the region. Day 6: In Roman times Pozzuoli was the largest town of the region and its amphitheatre is particularly interesting. The coastline from here to Cape Misenum was the most prestigious and fashionable part of the Bay of Naples, and the main naval base for the Roman fleet. Pliny the Younger witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius from here, and Robert Harris’s novel on Pompeii found inspiration from the huge water cisterns. At Baiae we see one of the grand villas that the rich and famous had built here. Day 7: With so many things to see, a free/optional day works very well - your tour director can help with ideas such as joining an excursion to Capri, Vesuvius or Amalfi. Or just relax and enjoy the area. Day 8: You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, or why not stay longer in Italy?
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GLORIES OF GREECE Enjoy a wealth of eminent archaeology and fabulous scenery exploring the classical world and the foundations of western civilisation. A profoundly satisfying experience enlightened with Delphic wisdom, Olympian mythology and iconic art and architecture.
Dates & Prices:
08–17 May 2018 18–27 September 2018 Length: 10 days Tour price: £1545 Single supplement £250
Includes:
• Nine nights 4-star hotel accommodation. • All breakfasts, plus five evening meals. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and a local Greek guide. • Airport transfers in Greece.
Tour Overview This is a comprehensive and informed yet balanced and well paced tour, with time to relax and enjoy the beauty and culture of Greece. It offers a bit more than a standard Classical tour, visiting iconic sites such as the Acropolis, Delphi and Olympia, but also getting off the beaten track a little to discover sites such as Eleusis, Tyrins and Bassae. We spend the first night in Athens letting the group gather, and then take a journey around Southern Greece, staying two nights in Nafplion, two in Olympia and one in Delphi, before returning to Athens for our final three nights. This allows us to enjoy the quieter, rural Greece and familiarise ourselves with its ancient history before concluding in the famous capital. Evening meals are included in the hotels outside of Athens, while the evenings in Athens are left free for sampling local restaurants.
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“Thank you for an exceptional tour – you made history and sites come alive.”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Athens. Your tour director can help you get acquainted with your surroundings.
Day 5: A whole day devoted to Olympia with ample time to explore the origin of the Olympic Games through extensive archaeology and wonderful museum treasures.
Day 2: We will return to Athens for our final three nights. First we get to know ancient Greece, starting by uncovering the mysteries of Eleusis, walking the streets of Ancient Corinth, and visiting Nemea, where mythology placed the slaying of the lion by Hercules. Your base for the next two nights is the charming historic town of Nafplion, with its cobbled streets and picturesque waterfront.
Day 6: A very scenic coastal drive brings you to Delphi, famed for the wisdom of its oracle. We stay overnight here, with the afternoon and following morning to experience this profoundly beautiful place.
Day 3: Let myth and reality converge as you explore the Bronze Age palaces of Mycenaean kings and heroes of the Trojan War, visiting both Mycenae and Tyrins, and concluding at the superbly preserved theatre at Epidaurus.
Days 7 to 10: Stay in Athens for three nights as the finale to your Classical tour. Through a mixture of guided and free time you can enjoy the wealth and significance of its famous heritage. Entrance to all the main ancient sites is included, and you can also opt to visit Cape Sounion, or relax on a day cruise around the Saronic Islands (payable locally). Finally, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. Or why not stay longer?
Day 4: Get off the beaten track on a spectacular journey through the mountainous countryside of Arcadia, part of old, unspoilt Greece. Visit Megalopolis and Bassae, both rare treats missed by most travellers, before settling into your hotel in Olympia for the next two nights.
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MINOAN CRETE & SANTORINI Stunning landscapes and superb archaeology create an unforgettable experience. Discover the Minoans, named after legendary King Minos, and marvel at the views from Santorini, one of the world’s most amazing places. Dates & Prices:
17–25 May 2018 20–28 September 2018 Length: 9 days Tour price: £1345 (May) £1375 (September) Single supplement £160
Includes:
• Eight nights 4-star hotel accommodation. • All breakfasts, all evening meals plus 2 lunches. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • A knowledgeable tour director and a local Cretan guide. • Airport transfers in Crete.
Tour Overview This is where European civilisation first emerged around 2000 BC producing a vibrant culture, luxurious palaces and artistic wealth. Integral to the dynamic east Mediterranean world, Minoan civilisation flourished and was remembered in a deep-rooted mythology which includes the birth of Zeus, the Minotaur and Atlantis. The Minoans had a profound influence on classical Greece and Rome, and hence the entire western world. Based for eight nights in a lovely hotel by the sea, our itinerary is perfectly designed to explore Minoan archaeology’s fascinating array of Bronze Age sites, visiting the famous palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, and enjoying special-access to lesserknown sites as we get off the beaten track into Crete’s beautiful, wilder landscapes. The scenic highlight is the island of Santorini, with stunning views of the vast volcanic crater that many regard as the original site of Atlantis.
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“We recently went on the Hidden History tour of Crete and Santorini and would recommend it to everyone”
ITINERARY Day 1: You are met on your arrival at Heraklion and transferred to your nearby hotel (30 mins). Day 2: An introductory lecture followed by a guided visit to the nearby Minoan palace of Malia will get you acquainted with Cycladic archaeology. Then enjoy a scenic drive to the Lasithi Plateau with fabulous views of this beautiful stretch of coastline. Day 3: A guided tour of the magnificent galleries of Crete’s National Archaeology Museum displays the achievements and artistry of the Minoan Age. We also explore Heraklion, present capital of Crete, and have special-access to the Minoan villa at Nirou Khani. Day 4: A day exploring southern Crete, filling-out our picture of the Minoan landscape and visiting the important palace of Phaistos, the attractive seaside town of Matala and the ruins at Gortyn, Crete’s Roman and early Christian capital. Day 5: The preceding days have nicely prepared us for Knossos, the most famous and puzzling of the Minaon palaces. We include an exploration of its peak sanctuary, Mount Juktas, with specialaccess to the temple of Anemospilia and cemetery of Phourni, and an included lunch in the traditional village of Archanes.
Day 6: A 2-hour sailing to the volcanic island of Santorini, one of the most beautiful and spectacular islands of the Mediterranean with one of the best preserved archaeological sites - the recently re-opened Akrotiri. Our day on the island also includes a visit to the Thira Prehistoric Museum to see the famous Akrotiri frescoes. Day 7: Enjoy a boat ride and tour of Spinalonga Island, subject of Victoria Hislop’s novel, and relax over lunch in the small port town of Elounda. We also visit an archaeological gem at Gournia, a surprisingly well preserved Minoan town. Day 8: Our final highlight is a visit to the Ideon Cave, the highest and most revered of all of Crete’s ancient sites. Considered the birthplace of Zeus, it is set in majestic mountain scenery where we also include a traditional Cretan lunch before an early afternoon return to the hotel. Day 9: You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, or why not stay longer?
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ROMNEY MARSH: THE FIFTH CONTINENT “The world, according to the best geographers, is divided into Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Romney Marsh” (The Ingoldsby Legends by Richard Harris Barham).
Dates & Prices:
04–08 June, 18–22 June 02–06 July, 16–20 July 06–10 August, 20–24 August Length: 5 days Tour price: £675 Rooms available with NO Single supplement
Includes:
• Four nights at the historic Mermaid Inn, Rye. • All breakfasts and one evening meal. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • Dr Christopher Cole as your expert guide. Limited to a maximum of 15 participants per tour.
Tour Overview Situated in the south-east corner of England, Romney Marsh is one of England’s most intriguing regions, renowned for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife and rich history filled with famous names, fascinating stories and strange mysteries since the times of Julius Caesar. This 5-day tour, based in the historic Mermaid Inn in Rye, has been created by local resident and professional archaeologist Dr Christopher Cole, who will also be your guide. His passion for, and knowledge of the Marsh, its people and its history give the tour an especially intimate insight. You will discover lost villages, ancient ports and a unique group of Norman and Medieval churches, each with their own fascinating story to tell. Learn about the Marsh’s prominent role in the defence of England since Roman times, and hear about a host of colourful characters, from notorious smugglers to inspired authors.
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“We went on 3 short UK tours this year and undoubtedly enjoyed this one the best”
ITINERARY Day 1: Make your way to the charming small town of Rye, on England’s south coast. Check-in at the Mermaid Inn and meet your tour leader, Dr Christopher Cole, for an early evening walking tour of Rye, followed by a 3-course evening meal. Day 2: Get a feel for the landscape and heritage of Romney Marsh with a drive across its length to explore the eastern half. We visit the tiny hamlet of Burmarsh, whose church of All Saints was commissioned by William the Conqueror’s half- brother in the 12th century. At Eastbridge we discover our first lost village of the Marsh, and at Newchurch we find a peaceful village green, a leaning church tower and an important RAF history. Stop for lunch in St Mary-in-the-Marsh, and conclude the day with a visit to the colourful seaside village of Dymchurch, with its glorious sandy beach, rich history and tales of smuggling remembered in the Dr Syn stories of local author Russell Thorndyke. Day 3: At Fairfield we find the most iconic of Romney Marsh’s hidden churches, standing alone in a field and sole survivor of the lost village it once served. Nearby in the quiet village of Brookland, the Church of St Augustine offers a unique octagonal, wooden bell tower, and a splendid local pub. In the
afternoon we explore the market town of Hythe, one of the jewels of the Kentish coast with its historic centre and Victorian seafront promenade. Of particular interest is the Church of St Leonard’s, famous for its crypt housing thousands of human bones and skulls, the largest collection in Britain and said to be men killed at the Battle of Hastings. Day 4: The landscape history of the Marsh is a dramatic story of interaction between people and the sea. The town of Lydd was once an island and its impressive church is one of the longest and tallest in Kent. But it’s in the small village of Ivychurch that we find the so-called ‘Cathedral of Romney Marsh’. Finally, we explore Old and New Romney and the lost village of Hope that lies between them. Romney harbour disappeared virtually overnight in the Great Storm of 1287, and the Church of St Nicholas still has mooring rings in its walls where ships were once tied up. Founded in 1066, it is one of the oldest Norman structures in England and may have been the final resting place of King Harold, after his death in the Battle of Hastings. Day 5: Check-out after a leisurely breakfast and make your way home. Or why not stay longer?
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EAST ANGLIA: ORIGINS OF ENGLAND “Explore the rich lands of Suffolk and Norfolk, an area steeped in the tribal origins of England and brimming with an unmatched medieval heritage. See the latest discoveries being unearthed on a live excavation” Dates & Prices:
22–27 July 2018 29 July–03 August 2018 Length: 6 days Tour price: £745 Single supplement: £195
Includes:
• Five nights at the 4-star St Giles House Hotel, Norwich. • All breakfasts, one evening meal and one lunch. • Transport in a comfortable small coach. • Daily excursions with entrance fees. • Dr Martin Locker as your expert tour director. • Excavation field day with Dr Niel Faulkner and his team at Sedgeford. Limited to a maximum of 20 participants per tour.
Tour Overview As the easternmost region of England, with close connections to Europe, East Anglia has been central to the creation of England’s multi-cultural identity. It was one of the most powerful of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms which, in the 10th century, unified to form the single kingdom of England. By Norman and medieval times it was a powerhouse of trade, and a heartland of agricultural and religious activity. Today, East Anglia’s winding lanes, rolling fields, timbered villages, market towns, medieval churches and historic houses present a classic representation of the English countryside, and contain a vital social and cultural history of England. It could be described as the quintessence of historic England. Join Dr Martin Locker and Dr Neil Faulkner as they uncover the origins of England, the English village, Norman lordships, and the lives of Christian saints and pilgrims. This tour will reward you with some of the finest medieval architecture and greatest historical interest from anywhere in England.
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“Talks and guided tours at the various sites were excellent”
ITINERARY Day 1: Make your way to the fine historic city of Norwich, capital of Norfolk. Check-in to your city centre hotel and meet your tour leader for an introductory lecture and an included 3-course evening meal. Day 2: Norwich was one of medieval England’s most important cities and is now one of its best preserved. Discover it on a guided walking tour through its winding, cobbled streets with visits to its magnificent Norman cathedral and castle. Day 3: Today is focused on England’s most important AngloSaxon site - Sutton Hoo, the richest burial ever found in northern Europe. Dating from the 7th century AD it is the ancestral burial ground of the warrior-kings who forged the kingdom of England. Enjoy a guided walk around the burial mounds and see the excavated treasures in an award-winning exhibition, including a full-size reconstruction of the main ship burial and its glittering crown jewels. Day 4: A day on site with the archaeologists at Sedgeford will show you the excavation process, the field techniques and the latest discoveries. Sedgeford is fast becoming a ‘type-site’ for understanding and researching a key moment of transition in English
history - the Middle Anglo-Saxon period. The excavation’s director will give you a private guided tour of the active dig, and talk about the aims and significance of the project. There will be practical, hands-on sessions with the excavation and recording of finds and we even include a picnic lunch with the diggers. Day 5: Two visits today explore the manors and monasteries that dominated everyday life in medieval England. Since 1061 Walsingham has been one of the holiest places in England. It was one of the four great shrines of medieval Christendom and remains a place of pilgrimage to this day. At Castle Acre the impressive motte-and-bailey castle, extensive priory ruins and pretty walled town constitute one of the best examples of a Norman settlement in the whole country. Day 6: The final morning is an opportunity to see a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village at West Stow. Rebuilt on the site of their excavation this collection of timber buildings is a vivid illustration of the period and an important centre for experimental archaeology. Return to Norwich by early afternoon and make your way home.
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YOUR FRIENDLY SPECIALISTS As a specialist tour operator, we focus on content and quality, achieved by thorough research and planning, and a personal, flexible service. We are a team of travel professionals, archaeologists, historians and guides with the knowledge and experience to create wonderful and worthwhile travel experiences. Dr Simon Butler, the founder of Hidden History Travel, started leading archaeological tours some twenty years ago as an extension of his work in professional archaeology. His research and experience bring a keen understanding of how to combine archaeology and travel into the most enriching and enjoyable experiences.
Forthcoming Tours At Hidden History Travel we are constantly looking for interesting and unusual destinations for new tours. Our most recent developments include working with Dr Martin Locker in the Pyrenees, where there is excellent cave art and a rich legacy of Romanesque churches and picturesque Cathar castles set amid spectacular scenery, and with Professor Andrew Poulter in the Balkans, which have a wealth of fascinating archaeology. We hope to be offering these and more in 2018 and 2019. Stay informed with our email newsletter.
Groups and Societies Tailor-Made Tours: We plan and organise tailor-made tours for clubs and societies. Just let us know your interests and requirements and we’ll be happy to help. Speakers: Whether you are travelling with us or not, we have a growing team of tour lecturers and speakers with an expanding geographic scope across England. They are keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for archaeology and travel with any groups and societies. Their talks can also stimulate interest in private group tours, and are great for pre-tour introductions and get-togethers.
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Any payment you 103 Addison Road, Birmingham, B14 7EP, UK make to us is protected by the association in order to pay for your holiday or to reimburse you should we fail to provide it. 25
HOW TO BOOK
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