Andante Travels, Far-flung adventures

far-flung adventures archaeology, culture & history

“STILL ON A VACATION HIGH, WHAT A GRAND EXPERIENCE” – GUEST, AUGUST 2018

The famous Machu Picchu, Peru

It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you our long-haul Andante Travels programme. Andante guests have come to expect iconic archaeological sites, a wealth of history and immersive cultural encounters within our tour itineraries, and this latest offering of departures truly delivers. One of the best things about the age we live in, is the fact that there has never been better access to countries around the world, and our far-flung trips are designed to engage all five senses and put you right at the heart of the experience. Whether you want to tick off a site on your bucket list or lose yourself in a place you’ve only ever read about or seen on screen - embark upon a new adventure with us, fulfil your dreams and create lifelong memories.

The Diverse Americas 10 14 18 22 26

Native American Pueblos Mexico | The Maya Belize & Guatemala Peru | Machu Picchu & the Nazca Lines Chile & Easter Island

African Adventures Sculptures in CopĂĄn, Honduras

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Egypt | Land of the Pharaohs Egypt | New Year Discovery Ethiopia | The African Empire Namibia | Rock Art in the Wilderness

Experience Asia & Australia

Prehistoric bushman engravings in Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Ruins at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

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Israel & Palestine Jordan | Petra & the Desert Fortresses Armenia & Georgia | NEW FOR 2019 Uzbekistan | Along the Silk Road India | NEW FOR 2019 Sri Lanka | NEW FOR 2019 Cambodia & Vietnam China | Beyond the Great Wall Japan | A Land of Contrasts Japan | An Exploration of its Arts Australia | NEW FOR 2019

NEW FOR 2019 & 2020 From shrines and serendipity in Sri Lanka to North India’s striking Amber Fort, and not forgetting the amazing complex of monastic buildings cut into the slopes of Georgia’s Mount Gareja – we have some incredible experiences on offer in the New Year that will take you even closer to the history and culture of far-flung destinations...

Sri Lanka

Witness a magical evening ‘puja’ ceremony, attend a colourful festival with elaborately adorned elephants and see the huge Avukana Buddha, which stands at over 40ft tall.

See on page 70

Skyline of Colombo, Sri Lanka

India

View UNESCO-listed sites including the Taj Mahal, a boat trip along the Ganges’ sacred ‘ghats’ and Khajuraho’s temple await.

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The famous Taj Mahal, India

Armenia & Georgia

Tour Tbilisi, marvel at the ancient rock-carved settlement of Uplistsikhe and admire Armenia’s Graeco-Roman Temple of Garni.

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Mount Ararat and Yerevan at sunrise, Armenia

why travel with andante • Travel in the company of an expert, whose passion and knowledge will enhance your tour • Enjoy special access to archaeological sites across the globe • Stay in a selection of hand-picked hotels and sample regional cuisine 5

“A varied, truly dazzling archaeological travel adventure” – Guest, August 2018

“This was our first tour with Andante, it was excellent and fulfilled our expectations” – Guest, August 2018

“tell me more...”

1. Are your escorted group tours suitable for solo travellers? What should I expect from the experience?

On an Andante tour, you can be as involved or as independent as you wish - all you need to do is meet your transport at the right times. With that in mind, it goes without saying that solo travellers are more than welcome to join us. Many of our guests explore the world alone, making friends and enjoying the company of likeminded people along the way.

2. How physically fit do I need to be in order to book a place on your tours and to get the most out of it?

All of our tours are immersive - you won’t be admiring sights from behind a coach window - so it makes sense that you’re able to walk comfortably. Many of our travellers bring sticks or walking aids, and when faced with the opportunity to climb to the top of an ancient Maya monument, awe often overcomes hesitation. Expect to spend much of each day on your feet, but the days will be so rewarding.

3. What are your average group sizes – and ages – like?

I’m interested, but I’m curious about who I’ll be with.

Well, that always differs from tour to tour. However, we can tell you that our tours depart with an average of 18-20 guests and we try to keep it at a maximum of 25 guests. We want our guests to feel comfortable in the group and this seems to be the sweet spot.

Sometimes there are fewer people, but never more. As for age, most of our guests are ‘silver’ travellers, but there are always exceptions!

how to book When you’ve found an itinerary that enchants you or one of your bucket-list destinations leaps at you from the pages, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call our friendly team. We’ll take care of the rest.

01722 569541

tours@andantetravels.com www.andantetravels.com

The rock-cut city of Petra, Jordan

the diverse americas Trek jungles in search of the Maya civilisation, soar above the Nazca Lines and stand before the enigmatic monoliths that are found on Easter Island. A continent filled with wonder and mystery, the Americas really does have it all. From Arizona to the Atacama Desert, experience it for yourself.

enigmatic archaeology - ancient civilisations - rich biodiversity

Temple of Kukulkan at ChichĂŠn ItzĂĄ, Mexico

let the americas astound you

Peruvian woman weaving colourful alpaca wool

Native traditions, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable sites await in the Americas. Have dinner with the renowned archaeologist David Sedat, climb the highest Maya temples in Tikal as their ancient histories are brought to life by our expert guides, and pay a visit to the stunning plateau of Atacama in Chile - renowned for being the world’s driest desert.

gastronomic delights The cultural melting pot of the Americas is reflected in its many foods and flavours. Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean and Creole all influence the cuisine of this continent, although there is a difference between the foods of both North and South America. Indulge in Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, eat empanadas in Chile or tuck into a delicious feast in New Mexico. If you’re a foodie, this is a great part of the world to visit.

Red chillies growing in Chile

climate changes The sheer size of the Americas means that the climate there tends to be incredibly varied. The weather you’re likely to experience on our Native American Pueblos tour, for example, should average 24 degrees celsius in September, but Palenque in Mexico should be closer to the 30 mark when the trip departs in November.

Boats by the Bosque Azul Lake in Chiapas, Mexico

our top highlights • View the Aztec Templo Mayor and Frida Kahlo’s famous Blue House • Climb to the highest temples in Tikal at daybreak and explore the extensive ruins of Copán • Visit world-famous sites, including the iconic Machu Picchu • Discover extraordinary rock art amid lunar-like landscapes in Chile Toucan in the Guatemalan jungle

native american pueblos 18th - 31st May 2020 | 14th - 27th September 2020 | 14 Days £5,295 (single supplement £995) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Albuquerque | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Boca Negra Petroglyph National Monument

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Chimney Rock

T

he ancestral Pueblos of the American Southwest left us an extraordinary archaeological legacy in their magnificent dwellings, cliff palaces, towers, shrines, and petroglyph panels.

Once the hubs of an expansive civilisation, these sites were already abandoned when the Navajo peoples moved in after 1300, and so they simply described them as the ‘ancient ones’ or Anasazi, and left the deserted ruins well alone. Their civilisation continues today in the Native American Pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona, stretching across the so-called ‘Four Corner States’. Our tour of these pueblos includes exclusive special access affording us real insight.

highlights Visit the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, Mesa Verde

guide lecturers Dr. Stephen Lekson is Curator of Archaeology and Professor of Anthropology at the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a leading authority on the rise and fall of Chacho Canyon, Mesa Verde and the subsequent migrations to the Indian Pueblo.

Dr. Lekson has directed more than 20 archaeological projects in the southwestern USA, working on a wide range of sites across the region. Steve is particularly interested in the domestic and household archaeology of this region, and in tracing possible migrations around and through this harshly beautiful landscape.

See Albuquerque and Santa Fe - Pueblo-Spanish in style, authentic cities of New Mexico Enjoy a scenic boat ride down the deep canyons of the San Juan River Journey to Chaco Canyon, capital of the vast region around the ‘Four Corners’ of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona

Utah

Colorado Hovenweep

petroglyphs of mesa prieta

The availability of water nearby and its huge dark volcanic rocks have served as a perfect canvas for rock art drawings here, with over 100,000 examples estimated to exist in the preserve. The site is also home to many other archaeological features such as shrines, water control systems, check dams, lithic scatters, ceramics, field houses, grid gardens, and ancient and historic trails. This site’s remote location means it is rarely visited and therefore remains unspoilt.

Bluff Mesa Verde Monument Valley

Durango Taos Pueblo

Chaco Canyon Canyon de Chelly Acoma Pueblo

Arizona

Santa Fe Albuquerque

New Mexico

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Chaco Canyon

itinerary Day One | London - Albuquerque

On our first day, we fly to Albuquerque from London. On arrival in the evening, we make our way to our hotel and after check-in, we meet as a group for our first dinner together.

Hotel: Hotel Chaco Meals: Dinner included

Day Two | Albuquerque

In the morning, we drive out from Albuquerque to visit the Petroglyph National Monument. Stretching 17 miles along Albuquerque, New Mexico’s West Mesa protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago, these images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers. In the afternoon there is free time to relax at our hotel, or to explore Albuquerque’s “Old Town” and museums. Founded in 1707, the Old Town is the city’s cultural centre with most of the architecture being adobe in the Pueblo-Spanish style reflecting the first settlers. Despite centuries of change, the Old Town retains its charm and is pleasant to walk around and spend time in.

Hotel: Hotel Chaco Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Albuquerque

Today, we visit the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in Albuquerque, part of the University of New Mexico campus.

The museum houses and displays artefacts from Ancestral Puebloan cultures from over 11,000 years of history. After lunch, we visit Acoma Pueblo with a Pueblo Indian guide. A federally recognised Indian Tribe, Acoma Pueblo has a land base over 430,000 acres. The 250 dwellings atop Acomas 75 metre tall sandstone mesa are the ceremonial and spiritual home for 4,800 tribal members, one of the oldest continually inhabited communities in the United States of America.

Hotel: Hotel Chaco Meals: All meals included

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Day Four | Albuquerque - Durango

For our next day of adventure, we drive out to the remote Chaco Canyon — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — to visit the monumental ruins of 1,000-year-old Pueblo Bonito, the largest great house surviving from Chaco culture, and the other great houses of Chetro Ketl and Casa Rinconada.

Chaco was a regional centre — some say, capital — for a vast region around the “Four Corners” of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Later on, we continue to the “wild west” town of Durango, which is our base for the next two days. The surrounding landscape of Durango is diverse and often dramatic, spanning from the red sandstone bluffs of the Animas River Valley to the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, a few of which rise to heights of over 4,000 metres.

To the west lie arid desert lands, and to the north, lies the southern border of the vast two million acre San Juan National Forest.

Hotel: Strater Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Chimney Rock

Today we drive to Chimney Rock, one of Chaco’s far-flung ‘outlier’ great houses, perched on a knife-edge ridge, 360 metres about the Piedra River. This archaeological site and the nearby towering “chimney rock” are key landmarks for some Native American communities. It covers seven square miles and preserves 200 buildings, some of which have been excavated for viewing and exploration: a Great Kiva, a Pit House, a Multi-Family Dwelling and a Chacon-style Great House Pueblo. Later on, we drive to, then walk among Aztec Ruins (also an UNESCO World Heritage Site): the remains of a 900-year-old Ancestral Puebloan structure with 400 masonry rooms, which rose when Chaco fell, replacing Chaco as the regional centre.

Hotel: Strater Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Mesa Verda National Park - Cortez

We visit Mesa Verde today, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its famous cliff dwellings. For over 700 years, Ancestral Puebloans lived high up in structures they built here. The park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites which are

some of the most notable and best-preserved in the United States. We visit Cliff Palace, other sites, and also spend time in the Park’s Chaplin Mesa Archaeological Museum. The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Puebloan life. There are also many exhibits of prehistoric artefacts, a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan culture as well as other items related to the park. Later, we drive onto the town of Cortez in Colorado.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cortez Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Cortez - Bluff

We drive out to Crow Canyon, where we have special access to the laboratories of the research centre. Located on a site of 170 acres, it is best described as a ‘living classroom’ and the mission of the centre is to empower present and future generations by making the human past accessible, and relevant through archaeological research, experimental education and knowledge. One of the highlights of our tour, here we can also talk to the archaeologists and visit excavations if they are taking place. After lunch at the centre, we drive on to the town of Bluff, Utah, stopping en route at Hovenweep, which is a complex of 6 prehistoric towers, constructed in the 13th century.

Hotel: Desert Rose Inn Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Bluff - Monument Valley

This morning we have a very special scenic boat ride down the deep canyons of the San Juan River to admire the magnificent views, ancient petroglyphs and appreciate the waterway that was the lifeblood of the region for the prehistoric people. After a picnic lunch, we continue our drive onto the incredible Monument Valley, whose scenery is world-famous for featuring in many western films. This northeast corner of Arizona is an incredible red-sand desert region — vast, wild and sun-baked — characterised by its sandstone buttes, which reach over 1,000 feet!

Hotel: Gouldings Lodge Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Nine | Canyon de Chelly

We drive to Canyon de Chelly and have a relaxing morning.

After lunch, we have a special tour in off-road vehicles to explore the Canyon de Chelly’s cliff dwellings and prehistoric rock art. Pueblo people lived in the spectacular canyons here for over 5,000 years, and today, it is the home of many Navajo Indian families who raise livestock, farm the land in the canyons and still live in their traditional ‘hogans’.

Hotel: Thunderbird Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Canyon de Chelly - Santa Fe

We drive across the Navajo Reservation and past Mount Taylor — sacred to several tribes — to Santa Fe, with plenty of rest stops and points of interest. Arriving in the early afternoon, there is some free time to relax, or choose to explore Santa Fe’s plaza and art galleries.

Hotel: Hotel Santa Fe Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Santa Fe

Today we visit the beautiful town of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s colonial (and current) capital. The oldest and highest capital city of the US, it was founded as a Spanish colony in 1610 and is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture. Although relatively small in size, it is bursting with history, arts and culture. In the morning we visit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Laboratory of Anthropology). The museum’s collections include 80,000 archaeological, ethnographic, fine art objects and more than 10 million artefacts from almost 12,000 carefully excavated archaeological sites across New Mexico. As part of the Laboratory of Anthropology, the museum interprets the history and contemporary life of the Pueblo, Navajo, Apache and other indigenous cultures of the Southwest. The afternoon is free to either further explore Santa Fe, or rest back at our hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Santa Fe Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Mesa Prieta & Taos Pueblo

We have a very special morning visiting the petroglyphs of Mesa Prieta. The volcanic rocks here served as the perfect canvas for rock art drawings as well as other archaeological features including shrines, water control system and gardens.

This site’s remote location means it is little-frequented by tourists. In the afternoon, we tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taos Pueblo, with a guide from the Pueblo.

Taos has iconic terraced, multi-storied houses around a central plaza and has been continually inhabited for many centuries. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and share the highlights of our tour.

Hotel: Hotel Santa Fe Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Albuquerque - London

On our final day, we return to Albuquerque for our return flight to London, arriving back the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast included

Skyline of Albuquerque

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mexico

The Maya

4th - 19th November 2019 | 16 Days £4,595 (single supplement £625) What’s Included Outbound Flight from London to Mexico City; Inbound flight from Cancún to London Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | All local travel | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Ruins of Palenque

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Santa Lucía Church, San Cristóbal de las Casas

O

f all Mesoamerican civilisations, the Maya have enjoyed the most enduring hold on the popular imagination. For a long time, their jungle-clad ruins remained intriguing yet shrouded in mystery. However, recent progress in the decipherment of Maya writing has unlocked many of their secrets, revealing a society as complex and fascinating as their art and architecture had previously suggested. This is one of Andante’s most adventurous tours, starting with the superb museums of Mexico City, travelling via the uplands of Chiapas and along the great river Usumacinta, before heading north-east across the Yucatan peninsula. All in all, a thrilling journey through the varied and colourful landscapes of Mexico.

highlights View the Aztec Templo Mayor and Frida Kahlo’s famous Blue House Travel by boat and 4x4s to remote jungle sites

guide lecturers David Drew is an archaeologist, writer and broadcaster.

Having excavated in Peru for many years, he has been closely involved with a British NGO, the Cusichaca Trust, working with Andean farming communities to improve their agriculture through restoring ancient systems of irrigation canals and agricultural terraces. With local people around the town of Ollantaytambo he has helped to establish a community museum of archaeology and indigenous material culture. He has made many television documentaries for the BBC, including a series transmitted in the USA by the Arts and Entertainment Channel, which followed the stories of the early adventurers who ‘discovered’ many well known sites.

Explore ‘lost cities’ with spectacular temples and palaces View the vast Maya ball-court and Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá Encounter enduring Maya traditions among the Chiapas communities

bonampak

The famous Maya site of Bonampak is best known for the remarkable preservation of its vividly painted murals within the three rooms of one particular building. These depict narratives of courtly behaviour and pageantry, including musicians, dancing lords, the presentation of the heir to the Bonampak throne, the meetings of dynasts from different cities alongside violent battle scenes and depictions of blood-letting and human sacrifice.

Mexico City

Mexico

Izamal Ek Balam Mérida Chichén Itzá Cobá Uxmal Kabah Campeche Tulum Edzna Palenque Chamula

Yaxchilán Bonampak

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Day Six | Toniná - Palenque

We drive east to Toniná, a spectacular site perched in the hills above the fertile Ocosingo valley. On the periphery of the Maya area, it seems to have been one of the longest lasting Maya cities, possessing the very latest Maya ‘Long Count’ date known, from 15 January 909 AD. Other hieroglyphic evidence points to Toniná having engaged in sporadic warfare with Palenque, some 100 kilometres to the north and the direction in which we are heading.

Hotel: Hotel Villa Mercedes Meals: Box breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included Colonial Campeche

itinerary

Day One | London - Mexico City

We fly in to Mexico City and transfer to our hotel close to the Plaza de Armas in the Spanish Colonial centre.

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City Meals: Snack for late evening arrival included

Day Two | Mexico City

The day begins with exploration of the remains of the Templo Mayor, once the sacred heart of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, combined with a visit to the excellent museum. In the afternoon we walk a short distance to the National Palace to see Diego Rivera’s magnificent murals.

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Mexico City

Firstly, to the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the finest museums in the world, with collections spanning every era of Mexico’s richly-textured past. After lunch at the museum, we go to the district of Coyoacan, to the ‘Casa Azul’, the home of artist Frida Kahlo. Here she spent most of her short life, much of it with Diego Rivera.

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City Meals: All meals included

Day Four | San Cristóbal de Las Casas

This morning we fly south to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, on the edge of the beautiful Chiapas Highlands. Stopping for lunch in Chiapa de Corzo, we drive on to the handsome Colonial town of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, the great centre of traditional Maya culture. Later in the afternoon we can take a look at the products of the many hundreds of local Maya weavers who come in here from nearby villages.

Hotel: Hotel Casa Mexicana Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Palenque

A full day amongst the ruins of Palenque, beautifully positioned on the lower slopes of a range of jungle clad hills and with magnificent views across the floodplain of the Usumacinta River. The city possesses art and architecture of remarkable quality, most famously in the well preserved ‘Palace’ complex and the ‘Temple of the Inscriptions’, where Palenque’s greatest king, Pacal, lies buried in a massive sarcophagus. Abundant hieroglyphic texts here have been crucial in piecing together the story of Palenque’s rulers, a dynasty that lasted from c. 430 to 800 AD. Hotel: Hotel Villa Mercedes Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Bonampak - Yaxchilán

This morning we travel in 4x4s first to the famous Maya site of Bonampak, best known for the remarkable preservation of its vividly painted murals. From Bonampak we continue to the Usumacinta River and a journey by motor launch downriver to the jungle site of Yaxchilán, constructed within a horseshoe bend in the river. It is a remote and atmospheric place, many of the buildings well-preserved though devoid of some of its famous carved lintels. A number of these were removed by the British explorer Alfred Maudslay in the 1880s and are now to be seen in the ‘Mexican Gallery’ of the British Museum.

Hotel: Hotel Villa Mercedes Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Campeche

Today we drive north to the coastal city of Campeche, founded

by Spanish settlers in 1540 and with a fine Colonial centre which we will explore in the afternoon.

Hotel: Hotel Plaza Campeche Meals: All meals included

Day Five | San Cristóbal de Las Casas

A full day begins with a visit to Chamula, one of the most fiercely independent of all Maya towns. Here, famously, the local community have been largely left to run their own affairs. The use of the church of San Juan is a symbol of this.

The Catholic clergy are absent most of the year and instead traditional Maya priests or shamans minister to the local population. On most days the interior of the church is packed with chanting priests and their clients. Candles flicker, pine needles cover the floor and on occasion a chicken will be sacrificed. We return to San Cristóbal for lunch with some free time to enter Santo Domingo church, stroll along the cobbled streets of the local market or visit a small new museum devoted to Maya textiles. In the early evening we visit the museum at the Casa Na Bolom, where we also have dinner.

Hotel: Hotel Casa Mexicana Meals: All meals included

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Usumacinta River

Day Twelve | Mérida - Chichén Itza

We remain in Mérida in the morning to visit the new Mundo Maya Museum. This very good and comprehensive museum covers the history of the Yucatan from earliest times to the Colonial period. It has some splendid exhibits, such as an arresting, larger than life-size ‘chac-mool’ sculpture from Chichén Itza, depicting a reclining warrior with head twisted dramatically sideways and with a large receptacle for offerings in his belly. This afternoon we head for Izamal to visit the impressive Franciscan Monastery, built on top of a large Maya pyramid, which is most famous as the home in the 1550s and 60s of the great Spanish chronicler and extirpator of Maya ‘idolatries’, Diego de Landa.

Hotel: Hotel Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itza Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Chichén Itza

Tulum ruins by the Caribbean Sea

Day Ten | Edzna - Sayil - Kabah - Uxmal

We begin our day with a visit to the still remote site of Edzná.

It has a very grand plaza, a five-storey main temple complex or Acropolis and it also originally possessed a complex system of dams and canals constructed as early as 150 BC. The city endured until the time of the conquest but was then abandoned and lay undiscovered until 1907. Our next stop is Sayil, a ruined Late Classic city extensively mapped in the 1980s which led to estimates of a peak population here of some 12,000 at the city’s height around 850 AD. John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood came here and were impressed by the seemingly Old-World style and proportion of the architecture, especially the multi-roomed palace structures, their façades decorated with pillars and clusters of columns.

Before travelling on to Uxmal, we finish the day at Kabah, a small site best known for its ‘House of the Masks’ – a structure whose façade is decorated with hundreds of stone masks that probably represent the long-nosed Maya Rain God Chaak.

Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Uxmal Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Uxmal - Mérida

We devote the morning to Uxmal, especially renowned for the elegance of its architecture and the exceptional state of preservation of the buildings, commented upon by visitors from the 16th century onwards. John Lloyd Stephens was greatly impressed and felt that it formed a completely ‘new order’ of architecture, ‘not unworthy to stand side by side’ with the architectural traditions of the Old World. The tallest structure, looming above the site, is the so-called Pyramid of the Magician, built in five separate stages. But the city’s two major glories are the so-called ‘Nunnery’ quadrangle, made up of 4 rectangular range structures with multiple doorways around a central courtyard, and the magnificent House of the Governor, constructed on a broad platform and at a different angle to other structures, facing east towards the most southerly rising point of Venus as Morning Star. A recently deciphered inscription above the central doorway confirms this purposeful astronomical orientation. In the afternoon we continue to Mérida, the Yucatán’s cultural capital, where we will have some free time to investigate the city centre.

Hotel: Gamma Mérida El Castellano Meals: All meals included

Today we encounter one of the most visited and impressive of all Maya cities: Chichén Itzá. It is a vast and still mysterious site where archaeological work has been ongoing for many years. We will enter early in the day to marvel at the immense Ball Court and the ‘Castillo’ or Temple Pyramid at the heart of an enormous plaza and to follow the great stone causeway to the sacred ‘Cenote’ or well. Into this natural sink hole in the limestone the Maya cast jades, precious metalwork and sacrificial victims which lay undiscovered until the early 20th century, even though the site was known and marvelled at by early Spanish visitors, including Diego de Landa. After lunch we continue to the walled city of Ek Balam, a lesser-known site, but where major discoveries have been made over the last decade or so. These demonstrate that Ek Balam was a major power in northern Yucatan in the Maya Classic period and may have had close ties to Chichén Itza. Here one can climb the steps of the largest pyramid for a marvellous view of the surrounding jungle.

Hotel: Hotel Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itza Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen| Cobá - Tulum

We spend our morning at the ruins of Cobá, which was once a very important city. More than 30 carved stelae have been found here, some with images of Cobá’s rulers. But the limestone is very soft and very few inscriptions are readable.

Thus, the details of its history are lost to us. The site is characterised by clusters of buildings linked together by sakbes or stone causeways. At the end of one of these is the tallest Pyramid here, known locally as ‘Nohoch Mul’ or the ‘Big Hill’.

At its summit is a temple structure with a stucco image of a figure plunging to earth, known as the ‘Diving God’. Further Diving Gods are to be seen at the small walled coastal site of Tulum, which we visit in the afternoon. Tulum seems to have been an important port late in the Maya period and is described from the sea by the first Spaniards who sailed along here in 1518, just before the conquest of the Aztecs. We spend our last night here in a hotel on the beach not far from Tulum.

Hotel: Hotel Los Lirios Tulum Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Tulum - Cancún

A leisurely morning at our beach-side hotel, before we transfer to the airport in Cancún for our flight home.

Meals: Breakfast & light lunch included

Day Sixteen | Cancún - London We arrive in the UK.

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belize & guatemala 12th - 25th February 2019 | 19th November - 2nd December 2019 | 14 Days Feb: £4,995 (single supplement £750) | Nov: £5,195 (single supplement £795)

Last few spaces remaining on our February departure

What’s Included Outbound flight from London to Guatemala City; Inbound flight from Belize City to London Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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The ruins at Tikal

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View of the Agua Volcano outside Antigua, Guatemala

E

xplore the enduring mysteries of a magnificent civilisation that arose from the impenetrable jungles of Central America.

A diverse range of landscapes await us in this part of the world.

From lush jungles to the prolific soils of soaring volcanoes, powerful sunlight and plentiful water have long provided a dramatic habitat for colourful wildlife, the teeming, very colourful Maya peoples, and, over the past five centuries, Old World settlers too, both conquerors and slaves. The region’s dramatic history, vibrant colonial cities, archaeological treasures housed in museums and the stories found among ancient remains and cultures — we get to experience it all.

highlights Climb to the highest temples in Tikal at daybreak Tour the well-preserved buildings of Antigua

guide lecturers Dr Elizabeth Baquedano is a specialist in the Archaeology of Mesoamerica, and a Senior Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, where she is the Co-ordinator of Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory.

Dr Nicholas James has worked on the archaeology of American Indians for more than 35 years.

He graduated from Oxford and is now a consultant in management of historical resources, an avid exponent of extra-mural study, and a veteran leader of tours in Latin America.

Observe howler monkeys, macaws and even eagles on this trip Visit an array of enigmatic archaeological sites in glorious locations

Altun Ha

Examine amazing artefacts at fascinating regional museums

Tikal Flores Peten

Topoxte

San Ignacio

Yaxha

Xunantunich Caracol

an evening with david sedat

David Sedat is a renowned archaeologist and the former Copán field director for the University of Pennsylvania’s archaeology museum.

During our tour, we spend an evening with David that includes dinner at his house and a one-hour presentation on Copán’s fascinating royal tombs, which he helped excavate, as well as some of the site’s amazing, lesser-known discoveries. David will also gladly answer any questions we may have.

Belize City

Belize

Guatemala

Quirigua Copán

Antigua

Guatemala City

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viewed – not to mention their many incredible sculptures.

Occupied for more than 2,000 years, Copán developed rapidly around AD 450, and is thought to have had a population of at least 20,000 at its peak. We wander the extensive stone ruins, viewing ancient tombs, the grand Monument Plaza, and the magnificent ball court, where an early precursor to the modern game of basketball was played – a site of great cultural and spiritual significance.

Hotel: Hotel Marina Copán Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Five | Copán - Peten

Macaw in the jungle

itinerary Day One | London - Guatemala City

This morning, we depart from London aboard a flight via the US to Guatemala City. Upon landing, we transfer to our hotel in Antigua and enjoy dinner together as a group.

Hotel: Hotel Camino Real Antigua Meals: Dinner included

Day Two | Antigua

Today is all ours to explore the beautiful city of Antigua, Guatemala’s vibrant capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we receive an exciting introduction to the region, in a city renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, and encircled by volcanoes. Today’s Antigua is the third incarnation of the city, established on this land in the 16th century after the first incarnation was uprooted by native uprisings, and the second devastated by volcanic mudflow. From markets to churches, with tales of ground-breaking earthquakes in between, we learn all about Antigua’s colourful past.

Hotel: Hotel Camino Real Antigua Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Antigua - Copán

We leave Antigua this morning for a short and scenic drive east to the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in Guatemala City. This museum was first founded in the late 19th century, and houses one of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican artefacts in the world – over 20,000 pieces in total, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Guatemalan cultures past. A permanent exhibit on the development of Mayan culture strengthens this fascinating overview of ancient Central America. Next, we drive to Rio Hondo for lunch and then cross the border into Honduras to arrive in Copán.

Hotel: Hotel Marina Copán Meals: All meals included

Today we head back across the border for a tour of the city of Quirigua, a Mayan archaeological site in southwestern Guatemala, best-known for its gigantic carved stelae. Once the vassal state to Copán, Quirigua came to prominence when its ruler ‘Cauac Sky’ captured his overlord, ‘18 Rabbit’. The Great Plaza here is the largest known public space in the entire Maya region. The reason behind the city’s decline remains a subject of much speculation. Later, we drive to Flores and then continue to Peten.

Hotel: Hotel Casona del Lago Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Six | Peten - Tikal

Our focus for today is nothing less than the mighty Tikal, an incomparable Maya metropolis which was occupied continuously from 800 BC to AD 900. For long periods Tikal was the most powerful political force among the Maya, boasting a lengthy list of dynastic rulers that included the revered Chak Tok Ich’aak I, or Great Jaguar Paw, whose name appears on numerous recovered ceramics and stelae. The Tikal National Park is an enormous site – its central section alone contains over 3,000 buildings – and in this full day tour we cover many of the park’s prized features, and visit the museum which offers plenty of extra historical and archaeological insight on hand to bring this ancient civilisation to life.

Hotel: Hotel Casona del Lago Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Tikal

Today, we continue our discovery of Tikal. Toucans and parrots caw from hanging vines, wild turkeys scrub around the bush, monkeys howl from the tropical canopy, and crickets vibrate in unison, while the rest of the forest’s exotic flora and fauna awakes. We take ourselves straight to the heart of this enchanting spectacle, climbing the highest jungle temple.

A welcome opportunity to imagine life as an ancient Mayan, and discover the secrets of this glorious natural habitat. We have the afternoon to relax at our hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Casona del Lago Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Copán

Our expedition is well underway today, as we explore the extensive ruined city of Copán. Though initially discovered in 1570, the ruins of Copán were not excavated until the 19th century. They are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and are much admired for their Hieroglyphic Stairway – upon which the longest inscribed Mayan text can still be

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Ancient Maya site of Copán, Honduras

Colonial houses in Antigua, Guatemala

Day Eight | Yaxhá - Belize

This morning we drive to the once thriving city of Yaxhá, a former ceremonial centre of the pre-Columbian Maya. The name of this area derives from the Mayan word for ‘bluegreen water’, and this is what we will see from the tops of the temples, as we survey a vista of rainforest and lakes. After a picnic lunch, we enjoy a boat trip to the important Mayan site of Topoxte, first discovered in 1904. We visit the archaeological ruins here, for a Middle Preclassic encounter. After our full day of exploration, we travel across the border into Belize.

Hotel: San Ignacio Resort Hotel Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Nine | Caracol

Today we venture deep into the forests to the Vacau Plateau, where the impressive Maya city of Caracol invites more ancient exploration. There is evidence of life here dating back as far as 1200 BC – with a peak population estimate of 120,000 or more.

Caracol is home to some truly awe-inspiring temples, including the ‘Canaa’ or ‘Sky Palace’, the tallest man-made structure in Belize. We get up close to a number of palaces and tombs, and learn about the city’s turbulent history as a rival to Tikal.

After a light lunch, we take a scenic route back to out hotel.

Hotel: San Ignacio Resort Hotel Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner included

Day Ten | Xunantunich - Belize City

Following breakfast we travel to Xunantunich, with its wellknown Mayan stucco friezes depicting dancing figures, and ropes thought to signify those held by women in labour.

Our next stop of the day is to the Classic period site of Cahal Pech, by the banks of the Macal River. Cahal Pech is the oldest known site in the Belize River Valley, and is thought to have been a palatial home for an elite Mayan family. Its ruins are strategically perched above the nearest town, and offer staggering views of the surroundings. We continue on to Belize City, the country’s only major urban area, where we visit the collections of the National Museum of Belize. Housed in what was once Belize’s main jail, the museum’s exhibitions include stunning examples of Mayan jade, as well as a number of recovered sculptures and ceramics.

Hotel: Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Belize City - Lamanai

Our action-packed day begins at Altun Ha, just a few miles from the Caribbean Sea, for a tour of the temples where sacrifices and blood-letting rituals were performed long ago.

Traces of Mayan mathematics and astrology also remain here for us to discover. After some thorough exploring we board a motor-launch to Lamanai (also known as the ‘Place of the Submerged Crocodile’), and cruise through acres of luxurious vegetation, teeming with birds and jungle creatures – including a part-submerged crocodile or two! Tonight we stay in the area’s delightful eco-jungle lodges, falling asleep amidst the rumour of howler monkeys and other intriguing forest noises.

Hotel: Lamani Outpost Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Lamanai

We’re in for a real treat today, as we wander the remote jungle remains of Lamanai, which spread along the shores of the New River lagoon. The exceptionally long and uninterrupted occupation of Lamanai from 1200 BC to the time of the conquest makes this a most unusual site to visit.

Highlights here include the extraordinary Mask Temple, decorated by a 13-foot high stone mask of a Mayan king, and the High Temple, the summit of which offers uninterrupted views across the landscape. Later on, we enjoy some free time in our jungle lodge and its gardens – the perfect spot in which to reflect on our day.

Hotel: Lamanai Outpost Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Belize City - London

Our last full day in Central America begins with a last boat ride from Lamanai to Belize City. Back on dry land we head to the airport and check in for our flight back to London, via the US. Meals: Breakfast included

Day Fourteen| London We arrive back in the UK.

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peru

Machu Picchu & the Nazca Lines

24th April - 11th May 2019 | 18th September - 5th October 2019 | 18 Days £5,995 (single supplement £995) What’s Included: Return scheduled flights from London to Lima | Internal flights | Flight over the Nazca Lines Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Machu Picchu

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Bird’s eye view of the Nazca Lines

M

achu Picchu, Cuzco, the Colonial jewel of Arequipa and the enormous, enigmatic Nazca Lines — this is the classic tour of some of Peru’s major archaeological and cultural attractions. Explore the world-famous sites of the Inca alongside the intriguing remains of their lesser-known predecessors, as we climb from the Pacific into the highlands to the ancient centre of the Inca Empire. From intriguing lines in the arid coastal deserts to royal estates on the Urubamba river on our descent to the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu, from colonial cities to breathtaking golden artefacts left by the earliest Andean civilisations, this is an epic adventure.

highlights Fly over the astonishing Nazca Lines Visit world-famous sites, including Machu Picchu

guide lecturers David Drew is an archaeologist, writer and broadcaster.

Having excavated in Peru for many years, he has been closely involved with a British NGO, the Cusichaca Trust, working with Andean farming communities to improve their agriculture through restoring ancient systems of irrigation canals and agricultural terraces. With local people around the town of Ollantaytambo he has helped to establish a community museum of archaeology and indigenous material culture. He has made many television documentaries for the BBC, including a series transmitted in the USA by the Arts and Entertainment Channel, which followed the stories of the early adventurers who ‘discovered’ many well known sites.

Discover the Inca heartland around their capital of Cuzco Explore the amazing biodiversity of Peru Observe the area’s wonderful endemic wildlife Lima Machu Picchu

the nazca lines

During a 30-minute flight in a 12-seater aircraft, we fly over a series of straight and gently tapering lines, etched into the desert and thought to have been used by Nazca communities in professional ways.

Often orientated towards what may have been perceived as sacred hilltops inland, they all famously include naturalistic images such as spider, humming bird, monkey, a tree and a strange creature known as the ‘astronaut’. Flying over these is a truly remarkable experience.

Nazca

Ollantaytambo

Peru

Cuzco Tipon Raqch’i

Puerto Inka

Arequipa

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port, from where in Inca times coastal products were shipped to Cuzco along a road that is still visible heading off into the interior. We have a late lunch here before investigating elements of this very unusual place that has wonderful views across the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: Hotel Puerto Inka Meals: All meals included

Day Six |Puerto Inka - Arequipa

Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa

itinerary Day One | London - Lima

We fly from London to Lima and upon arrival this evening, we transfer to our hotel.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores Meals: Dinner included

Day Two | Lima

The day is spent in Lima. In the morning we visit the National Museum of Anthropology & Archaeology and, after lunch by the sea, enjoy a walking tour of some of the highlights of the Spanish Colonial capital.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Lima - Nazca

This morning we depart from Lima and drive south along the desert coast to the city of Ica. Here we tour the Regional Museum, which houses a wealth of ancient coastal artefacts, notably some very fine pots from both the Paracas and Nazca cultures. Ica is a fertile agricultural area and produces some of Peru’s best wine. Later in the afternoon we continue south to the modern town of Nazca.

Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Nazca Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner included

Day Four | Nazca

Our day begins with a drive across the desert to the extensive Nazca ceremonial centre of Cahuachi. Featuring some 40 mounds that originally formed the bases to mud brick structures, Cahuachi is thought to have been a pilgrimage site, maintained by a small permanent population but visited at certain ritually important times of the year by people from throughout the Nazca area. After lunch back in the town, we visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Nazca material, including pots, some intriguing architectural models and Nazca mummies, remarkably well preserved in the dry coastal environment.

Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Nazca Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Nazca – Puerto Inka

First thing in the morning we have the opportunity to fly over the Nazca Lines in a small plane. This is purely optional, but for those who decide to go it is a remarkable experience and the best way to gain an appreciation of the scale and extent of these extraordinary pre-Columbian ‘geoglyphs’. We return to our hotel for breakfast before heading on south to the coastal site of Puerto Inka, a little visited but extensive and important ancient

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With various scenic stops along the way, we drive on further south and then inland to the city of Arequipa, at a height of 2,300m and dramatically surrounded by volcanoes. Arequipa’s Spanish Colonial centre is deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is there much to see in Peru’s second largest city, but it also possesses a famous regional cuisine, which we will have ample time to sample.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Arequipa

Our day in Arequipa begins with viewing the extraordinarily extensive and well-preserved Santa Catalina Monastery, which has been long been Arequipa’s most famous attraction.

Founded in 1575, the convent is a small town within a city, enclosed by lofty protective walls. It has its own streets, tiny individual houses, kitchens, storerooms, refectory, cloisters and a number of chapels, most of the fabrics of all these structures are vividly painted. We continue to the ‘Museo Santuarios Andinos’. The museum houses archaeological material from the region but it is most famous as home to some marvellously preserved mummies of the Inca period, found among the glaciers of nearby mountains. Afterwards, there will be time to wander around other parts of Colonial Arequipa, to visit the Jesuit and other churches and some of the impressive Colonial houses.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Day Eight |Arequipa – Cuzco

In the morning we fly to Cuzco. Upon arrival there is time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude, before taking an optional walk through the Inca capital.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Cuzco

We start out with a walking tour of Cuzco in the morning, during which we see the Coricancha - or Temple of the Sun, the Incas’ most sacred shrine. After this we make our way to the extensive Inca Museum, very close to Cuzco’s main plaza. This afternoon, we explore the great fortress of Sacsayhuaman, its massive walls constructed from huge blocks of limestone that were dragged from nearby quarries by thousands of workers, paying their labour tax to the Inca state. From Sacsayhuaman we travel a short distance to the site of Q’enqo, built of comparably worked stone but a smaller, sacred site where observations were made of the movements of planets and stars.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Cuzco

We first make our way to Tipon, south of Cuzco, to see this beautifully positioned archaeological site, which has extensive and well-built Inca terrace systems. After lunch, we see the Temple of Viracocha at Raqchi, built largely of mud brick on stone foundations. This is Inca in date, but is surrounded by other structures, notably a large series of storehouses that have recently been discovered to be much earlier.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Sacsayhuaman, Cuzco

Day Eleven | Cuzco

In the morning, we travel to the beautiful site of Chinchero.

Originally the private estate of the ruler Topa Inca, it possesses impressive carved rock outcrops, sweeping Inca terrace systems and a painted early Colonial church that incorporates a large Inca hall. We also make a specially arranged visit to a local family to witness a demonstration of traditional weaving.

Later, we descend to the Urubamba Valley or ‘Sacred Valley’ for lunch and proceed to Ollantaytambo, where we walk through Inca terraces into the town.

Hotel: Hotel Pakaritampu Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Cuzco

Today we spend time exploring the main Ollantaytambo ruins, which enjoy impressive views across the Urubamba to the ancient quarry site. From here, we then drive up through the Patacancha Valley, past a number of ancient settlements, to the Inca site and Colonial church located at Marcacocha. Here, we stop for a picnic lunch before returning to Ollantaytambo, where we can visit other parts of this uniquely well-preserved Inca town.

Hotel: Hotel Pakaritampu Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Thirteen | Cuzco – Machu Picchu

We board the train in Ollantaytambo for Machu Picchu and travel along the Urubamba river to Aguas Calientes. This small town is situated directly below Machu Picchu and, in the afternoon, we catch a bus up to the legendary site and will spend the rest of our day here. Despite being hugely popular with tourists, the remarkable quality of the stonework and the stunning location of the site still take the breath away.

Hotel: El MaPi Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Cuzco

A further day to explore Cuzco, concentrating initially on the Spanish parts of the city. We follow a walking tour that takes in the Cathedral, the church of San Blas, the Casa Cabrera and the main Colonial buildings around the Plaza Nazarenas After lunch we visit the Casa Concha Machu Picchu Museum. The rest of the day is left for us to spend as we wish. Perhaps visit the Martin Chambi Museum, or simply relax in a local cafe.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Day Sixteen | Cuzco

This morning we drive to the small colonial village of Pisac to experience its lively local market. We will also briefly view part of the extensive Pisac ruins after lunch.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Day Seventeen | Cuzco - Lima

Today we take an early morning flight to Lima, where we visit the magnificent Larco Herrera Museum. The collections here include objects from all the ancient cultures that we have encountered on this tour. We stop at the museum for lunch and then make our way back to Lima airport for our flight home.

Meals: Lunch included

Day Eighteen | Lima - London

After an overnight flight, we arrive in the UK this afternoon.

Day Fourteen|Machu Picchu - Cuzco

We set off early this morning to complete our exploration of Machu Picchu, before returning to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Aguas Calientes. Later, we return up the valley by train to Ollantaytambo and thence to Cuzco.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cuzco Meals: All meals included

Peruvian girls in traditional attire

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chile & easter island 2nd - 18th July 2019 | 2nd - 18th September 2019 | 18 Days £7,295 (single supplement £895) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Santiago | Internal flights | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Additional departure dates for 2019

Moai statues at the Rano Raraku Volcano, Easter Island

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City of Valparaiso

T

his is an adventure indeed - travelling across the globe with an international expert to see some of the most enigmatic rock art in the world, situated in vast and often remote landscapes.

Doing so involves travelling down the coast of northern Chile and into the Atacama desert, before flying over the Pacific to a tiny speck of land - the iconic Easter Island.

We shall be discovering places seldom visited, which our ancestors chose to decorate with huge earth pictures and complex rock art.

Some of the sites we see are simply extraordinary - their gigantic scale makes us ask why and for whom such things were created.

guide lecturers Dr. Elizabeth Baquedano is a specialist in the Archaeology of Mesoamerica, and a Senior Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, where she is the Co-ordinator of Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory. Elizabeth also gives regular gallery talks at the British Museum, and has also led many tours to Mexico and Latin America.

highlights Discover extraordinary rock art amid lunar-like landscapes Encounter the imposing Moai statues on the iconic Easter Island Enjoy a memorable tour led by an expert Visit fascinating regional museums in a variety of locations

Arica

Traverse the striking Atacama Desert, declared the world’s driest

Azapa Valley Ariquilda

Iquique

San Pedro de Atacama

easter island

The most remote piece of land inhabited on the planet, Easter Island — its indigenous name being Rapu Nui — is a Chilean island located at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle in the Pacific ocean. Famous for its archaeological site, it boasts more than 900 monumental stone figures called maoi, created by the Rapu Nui people from the 10th to the 16th century. On this memorable tour, we have created the opportunity to see this unique cultural phenomenon.

Chile

Atacama Desert

Vinã del Mar

Easter Island Hanga Roa

Valparaiso

Santiago

Rano Kau

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Day Five | Iquique

We start our day with a boat trip into the Pacific from Iquique harbour, with the opportunity to spot pelicans, sea-lions and endangered Humboldt penguins. Next, we visit the excellent Regional Museum in Iquique, where archaeological collections feature two Chinchorro Mummies and an illuminating exhibition on the history of the saltpetre extraction in northern Chile. After lunch, there is an atmospheric tour of the ‘ghost town’ of Humberstone, a former saltpetre mining town itinerary that was abandoned in 1960, and has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a unique opportunity to peer back through the sands of time.

Hotel: Hotel Terrado Cavancha Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Iquique - San Pedro de Atacama Abandoned building in Humberstone

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Santiago

We fly overnight from London to Santiago and land in the morning of Day Two. Upon our arrival, we have a short transfer to the hotel. After a welcome lunch, we have the rest of the afternoon to simple relax and recover from our flight, or join a guided walk around Santiago, Chile’s capital city since the colonial era. On foot is the perfect way to take in the culture and local atmosphere as we discover its many parks, winding streets and eclectic buildings, admiring the fusion of colonial, Art Deco, and neo-gothic styles.

Hotel: Hotel Magnolia Meals: Lunch & dinner included

Day Three | Santiago - Arica

After breakfast we catch a flight to Arica, a seaside port and town in northern Chile, just a few miles south of the Peruvian border. Here we visit the San Miguel Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Chinchorro Mummies, preserved for several millennia by the dry heat of the desert. Modern analysis of the mummies has revealed them to be semi-nomadic people subsisting on the sea. Astonishingly, the oldest body predates the Egyptian mummies by some 3,000 years. Later we cross the stark oasis of the Azapa Valley to view the spectacular rock art still visible on the hillsides — a vivid assortment of human figures and animals.

Hotel: Panamericana Hotel Arica Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Arica - Iquique

This morning our journey takes us through the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world according to studies by NASA. Parts of this region have never received even one drop of rain. We stop at Chiza and Tiliviche to see the sprawling human and llama geoglyphs here, thought to have been created as a guide to caravans descending from the mountains to the coast. We also visit the Ariquilda petroglyphs, where a rich variety of human, animal and geometric figures can be seen.

Finally, we travel to our hotel in Iquique, stopping en-route to explore El Gigante del Atacama, the world’s largest prehistoric depiction of a human.

Hotel: Hotel Terrado Cavancha Meals: Breakfast & light lunch included

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After breakfast we drive to Cerros Pintados to view geoglyphs scattered for miles along the hillsides. More than 450 figures have been discovered here, with over 60 restored so far; the largest collection of its kind in South America. Once we have finished observing the numerous geometric shapes and figures here, we visit Quillagua and its small museum before continuing to San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis village surrounded by spectacular volcanic scenery – one of Chile’s most beloved destinations.

Hotel: Hotel Altiplanico Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| San Pedro de Atacama

Today we drive to the petroglyphs at Yerbas Beunas, located in Chile’s geographical centre. More than 1,000 images are visible here, left by the Altacameno people. The afternoon is free to spend how you wish, either stay in San Pedro de Atacama or join an option excursion, such as the Atacama Salt Flat Tour.

Taking you through beautiful natural landscapes, including part of the largest salt flat in Chile, we will see native fauna and flora, visit the Flamencos National Reserve, Lake Chaxa and the village of Toconao.

Hotel: Hotel Altiplanico Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Eight | San Pedro de Atacama

Our morning is spent among the amazing lunar landscapes of the Valle de la Luna, which is a colourful and textured valley that contains unusual wind-carved formations and dry lakes that gleam with salt. This afternoon we fly back to Santiago.

Hotel: Hotel Magnolia Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Santiago

We make our way over to Vina del Mar to visit the Museo Valle de la Luna in San Pedro de Atacama

de Arqueologico e Historia Francisco Fonck. The museum has a rich collection of wooden carvings, striking displays of archaeological material from other parts of Chile and an unforgettable exhibit on the process of shrinking heads!

After lunch we embark on an informative walking tour of Valparaiso, a quirky city famed for its maze-like streets, vibrant colonial architecture, and richly artistic heritage. Not for nothing has this lively place been nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’.

Hotel: Hotel Magnolia Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Santiago - Easter Island

The next part of our adventure begins as we fly across the ocean to enigmatic Easter Island, one of the most isolated locations on the planet. Our explorations start with a preliminary walk around Hanga Roa, the island’s capital and harbour, as well as its only town. This calm and compact settlement is home to most of the islands 5,000 inhabitants.

Hotel: Hotel O’tai Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Easter Island

Our first full day on Easter Island begins with a trip to our first moai at Ahu Tahai, where these monolithic human figures stand – one with its giant coral eyes replaced. Three ceremonial platforms remain on this site, which was restored by the late American archaeologist, Dr William Mulloy. He and his wife are both buried here. We continue on to the nearby Museo Antropologico Sebastian Englert to learn the story behind the moai and their discoverers. Here we see the only female moai to have been discovered, as well as an original moai eye. This afternoon is free for us to enjoy at leisure.

Hotel: Hotel O’tai Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Easter Island

After breakfast we journey to the quarry at Rano Raraku, where many unfinished moai are still standing in situ. The site was in use until the 18th century, supplying stone for around 97% of the island’s moai over a time frame of approximately 500 years. The biggest moai in existence lies here incomplete, and measures a staggering 21.6 metres from end to end.

Following this we visit the longest line of standing statues at Tongariki, the largest Ahu on the island, where we find the world’s heaviest re-erected moai, weighing in at an almost inconceivable 86 tonnes. After a picnic lunch at Rano Raraku, our day concludes with a viewing of the rock carvings at Papa Vaka. Here we see marine petroglyphs carved into the basalt, including a remarkable depiction of a squid.

Hotel: Hotel O’tai Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Easter Island

We continue to explore further moai sites around the south coast today. There is Ahu Vaihu, where the moai lie face down with broken necks; Akahanga, an unrestored platform near which the island’s first king is said to be buried; Hanga Tetenga, where tumbled statues rest amidst scattered rocks; Te Pito te Kura, the site of a bizarre magnetic stone as well as the largest moai to be transported from Rano Raraku; and, lastly, but by no means least, the detailed carved figures of the royal platform of Ahu Nau Nau. After a barbecue lunch, we make our way to Anakena Beach with its white coral sands, where we have the afternoon free to relax.

Hotel: Hotel O’tai Meals: All meals included

Humboldt Penguins in Iquique harbour

Day Fourteen| Easter Island

This morning we head out to the ruined platforms of Vinapu which feature the finest stonework on the island. After lunch we visit Ahu Hari a Urenga, (an inland platform with an astronomical orientation and a single moai with four hands); then the quarry at Puna Pau, an extinct volcano and source of the huge red cylindrical stone top-knots seen on the heads of many maoi. The rock here is soft, easy to carve and is given its colour by the high iron content. A climb to the sides of the crater rewards us with wonderful views of Hanga Roa. Our next stop it Ahu Akibi, another inland platform whose seven identical statues seem to have been carefully placed to mark both spring and autumn equinoxes. Finally, we walk to the lava cave at Te Pahu, a tunnel formed many thousands of years ago, during the last local lava spill. After a picnic lunch here, we make our way to the restored moai in the harbour of Hanga Piko, and to Ana Kai Tangata (the name of which translates to ‘cannibal cave’), situated directly on the sea-front. We continue to Rano Kau, a wide volcano within which lies a crater lake, as well as a fertile landscape nurturing figs and luscious vines. Here we visit the Orongo ceremonial village, perched magnificently on the crater’s edge, beside a sheer 300-metre cliff. Looking out across the water we see the offshore islet of Motu Nui, final destination for competitors in the annual Birdman swimming race, the first prize of which was to rule Easter Island for a year.

Hotel: Hotel O’tai Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Fifteen | Easter Island - Santiago

After a morning spent at leisure, we transfer to the airport and catch our return flight to Santiago.

Hotel: Hotel Magnolia Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Sixteen & Seventeen | Santiago - London Our last full day in this exciting capital begins with a visit to the Museo de Arte Precolombino, which houses a world-class collection of Latin American antiquities. Begun by Chilean architect and antiques fanatic Sergio Larraían García-Moreno, it displays many interesting artefacts that have been selected specifically for their aesthetic qualities. Highlights here include Mapuche funeral carvings and an entire room of beautiful prehistoric textiles. In the afternoon we make our way to the airport for our return journey to the UK, arriving in London on Day Seventeen.

Meals: Breakfast & light lunch included

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african adventures A continent rich in history, punctuated by the most stunning landscapes and populated by incredible wildlife – Africa is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. From Egypt’s iconic monuments and Namibia’s rock art, to Ethiopia’s surprising archaeology – an African adventure awaits.

unique archaeology - amazing wildlife - unforgettable landscapes

Blue Nile Waterfalls, Ethiopia

personal encounters in africa The tours we offer in Africa include a range of special experiences that will bring you even closer to its culture and heritage. From the chance to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu’s inner chambers and an invitation to visit the Africat Foundation in Namibia, to a tour of the enigmatic and prehistoric Tiya burial complex in Ethiopia – encounter something truly memorable with Andante in Africa.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Egypt

traditional tastes Different African countries tend to draw influences from other cultures where their cuisine is concerned, so anticipate sampling some delicious fusion meals on your trip.

Thick broths made with okra, well-seasoned rice dishes and tasty varieties of meat are typically enjoyed here, but lentils and flatbreads will often be found on everyday tables.

Traditional Egyptian flatbread

a diverse climate From the dry, arid desert of Africa’s north, to the central and southern rainforest regions – this part of the world has much to offer its visitors.

Having such a varied – and hot – climate allows for unique vegetation and endemic animals to thrive here comfortably. Elephants, rhinos and wildebeest all call this part of the world home, and you will be able to see an exciting array of flora in the countries we visit.

Rhino drinking in Etosha National Park, Namibia

our top highlights • Special out-of-hours openings, exclusively for our group, at the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza • Discover rarely-visited sites in Western Thebes, such as the tomb of intriguing Pharaoh Ay • Explore the labyrinthine churches and palaces of Aksum, Lalibela and Gondar • Enjoy game drives in the amazing Etosha National Park Ethiopian man in Lalibela

egypt

Land of the Pharaohs

8th - 18th March 2019 | 18th - 28th October 2019 | 8th - 18th November 2019 | 11 Days £3,295 (single supplement £645) What’s Included Outbound flight from London to Cairo; Inbound flight from Luxor to London, via Cairo Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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The Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza and the Sphinx

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Feluccas on the River Nile

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yramids, tombs and mummies – the archaeology of ancient Egypt is one of the most instantly recognisable of all the great civilisations. This is a narrative of power, vision and ambition. The monuments of Egypt are much more than dry and dusty stones – through the real expertise of our Guide Lecturers, we ‘meet’ the real ancient Egyptians: from legendary Pharaohs to the humble workers, who built their tombs and palaces.

highlights Enjoy special out-of-hours openings, exclusively for our group, at the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo Travel through Middle Egypt to explore the rarely-visited sites of Beni Hasan and Armarna Explore remains of the royal cemetery of Egypt’s most intriguing Pharaoh, Akhenaten, and his powerful wife Nefertiti

guide lecturers Dr. Luigi Prada is a member of academic staff at the Egyptology Department of the University of Oxford, England. He is a member of archaeological expeditions to Egypt and Sudan, and he has published widely on many aspects of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Lucia Gahlin is a specialist in the archaeology of Ancient Egypt and has been leading archaeological tours here for over 20 years. She is an Honorary Research Associate at University College London’s Institute of Archaeology. Lucia also has worked at the Petrie Museum.

Seti I’s temple at Abydos, off the beaten track but home to the most beautiful raised relief in Egypt Escape the crowds and visit fascinating, but rarely-visited sites such as El Kab Giza

special access

At the Egyptian Museum in Cairo we have special, private access to the collections and the many treasures to be found here. A unique opportunity to pore over artefacts and enjoy the captivating exhibit in the company of our expert guide. At the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, we also have special access to it evocative inner chamber. Located above the Grand Gallery, the 100ft void links the King and Queens Chambers.

Egypt Bani Hasan

Cairo Saqqara Dahshur Minya Tell el-Amarna

Karnak Valley of the Kings

Dendera Luxor Deir el Medina

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Day Four | Cairo - Minya

We set off early for Minya this morning, stopping en route at Meidum, to see a collapsed three-step pyramid. Its ruinous state helps us understand its ancient transformation from a step pyramid to a ‘true’ (i.e. un-stepped) pyramid shape. It has been noted that certain aspects of the pyramid’s walls and interiors appear unfinished, adding weight to the idea that this major project was never completed. Our drive south takes us to Beni Hasan, a cemetery of Middle Kingdom tombs cut high in the cliffs overlooking the gleaming Nile. Some of these rock-carved tombs bear their original inscriptions, as well as painted scenes of ancient life.

Hotel: Mercure Nefertiti Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Minya - Asyut

Ancient ruins of Karnak Temple, Luxor

itinerary Day One | London - Cairo

We depart from London and arrive in Cairo; the buzzing, energetic, metropolis that is Egypt’s extraordinary capital – a city that Egyptians admiringly refer to as ‘the Mother of the World’. The rest of our day will be spent getting to know one another better before our adventures begin.

Hotel: Marriott Mena House Hotel Meals: Dinner included

Day Two | Cairo

We start our day with a visit to Saqqara, a vast necropolis to the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. This compact location is ideal for the time we spend here. We discover the incredible Step Pyramid of Djoser and the smooth-sided Pyramid of Unas, the Mastaba of Mereuka and the Imhotep Museum, home to unique exhibits found during excavations nearby. After lunch we enjoy special access to the remarkable collections of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where the world’s most extensive exhibitions in pharaonic artefacts can be seen. Among the many treasures on display are the solid gold mask of Tutankhamun, and the Narmer Palette, thought to depict the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Hotel: Marriott Mena House Hotel Meals: All meals included

Today we spend our time exploring Tell el-Amarna, generally thought to be the most significant city site surviving from ancient Egypt. The original name of the city was Akhetaten, the ‘Horizon of the Aten’, a title corresponding to the actions of the so-called ‘heretic Pharaoh’ Akhetaton, who built it to honour his newly chosen god Aten after abandoning his worship of Amun. The city itself was abandoned after the Pharaohs death, only 20 years or so after its creation. The full and thorough excavations of Tell el-Amarna’s expansive grounds mean there is much here to see on our visit.

Hotel: El Watania Palace Hotel or Cemex Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Asyut - Luxor

After an early breakfast we head to Abydos, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest locations. Rising from the sand here is the remarkable Temple of Seti I, a memorial to the otherwise often overlooked King Seti. Inside we find towering columns, elaborately carved, alongside vividly painted hieroglyphs and scenes of the pharaoh worshipping the gods. Behind this temple is an intriguing subterranean structure known as the Osireion, a megalithic monument built in dedication to Osiris, the god of the dead. Its moated design seems to mimic that of an island surrounded by water – and the nearby presence of the Nile still keeps it lined with water. Continuing on to Dendera we view the Temple of Hathor, with a grand layout built to include several halls and shrines – and even a laboratory. The temple is famed for its depictions of Cleopatra VII and Caesarion, excellent examples of Ptolemaic Egyptian art. Our day draws to a close at Luxor, a city often cited as ‘the world’s largest open-air museum’.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Cairo

Today we continue on to Dahshur. Here we discover several pyramids, two of which – the aptly named Bent and Red Pyramids – are widely considered to be the earliest and best preserved examples in the country. This afternoon we visit the pyramid complexes on the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramid – a true wonder of the ancient world. We also explore the Solar Boat Museum, which houses an original pharaonic ship and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, whose limestone form has occupied this spot for more than 4,000 years. For our final stop of the day, we have special access to the inner chambers of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, where atmospheric passageways lead to royal chambers and the breath-taking grand gallery.

Hotel: Marriott Mena House Hotel Meals: All meals included

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Lucia lecturing at the Temple of Hathor

Day Nine | Luxor

We rise early to visit the tombs of El Kab, one of the oldest settlements of Upper Egypt. We seek out hidden rock-cut tombs with colourful interiors, and find traces of inhabitants from the New Kingdom era. We continue south to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This is a site simply bursting with superlatives. We step into one of the country’s most magnificently preserved shrines, the construction of which is thought to have spanned an incredible 180 years, from the 3rd to the 2nd century BC. Towering at a jaw-dropping 37 metres, its pylon, or gateway, is the highest among all of Egypt’s surviving temples, and is decorated with vivid scenes of King Ptolemy VIII destroying his enemies before Horus. The complex even houses a Nilometer, a structure made to measure the depth and clarity of flooding Nile waters.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Luxor

Egyptian spice market

Day Seven | Luxor

This morning we travel by motorboat and then by coach, to visit the famous Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank at Thebes. These two enormous statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III stand at a towering 18-metres high, and were erected to guard the entrance to the pharaoh’s vast and opulent memorial temple. Alas, only traces of that once-great temple remain. We move on to the Valley of the Kings. This was the final resting place of royals and nobility for almost 500 years, with excavations dating the site back as far as the 16th century BC. Its most notable occupant is, of course, King Tutankhamun, so famously discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, and since returned to his original grave where he now lies undisturbed. The wonders of the region continue to amaze us this afternoon, as we proceed to the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri, a stunning shrine which has largely been restored to its former glory.

The temple is cradled by the dramatic natural sculptures of neighbouring cliffs.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

This morning we lose ourselves in the captivating complex of Karnak. Here we encounter the cult temple of Amun-Ra, chief of the deities of the New Kingdom. This is a spectacular multi-period location with wealth of religious and historical inscriptions at every turn. Chapels, gateways, halls and obelisks stand side by side. Sturdy pillars touch the African sky. Palm trees shimmer, reflected in the waters of the Sacred Lake.

Following this, we enter Luxor Museum, a masterfully arranged collection of archaeological artefacts, and home to many celebrated works of art. Highlights include the famous statue of Tuthmosis III, an extraordinarily realistic figure carved out of greywacke. We round off the day by exploring Luxor Temple, with its avenue of sphinxes, military reliefs and gorgeous papyrus columns. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner, and recount the highlights of what has been a truly memorable tour.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Luxor - London

The modern world is calling us home. We take our leave from Egypt and catch our return flights back to London.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day Eight | Luxor

We pay a visit to Deir el Medina this morning. This ancient village on Luxor’s West Bank is the former home to the workers who constructed tombs nearby in the Valley of the Kings. These artisans were operating at the height of their profession, and substantially better off than the average workers in Egypt at that time. That is until the conditions of their employment began to deteriorate, and many turned to looting the graves they had made. Our next stop is the Ramesseum, with its fallen colossus of Ramesses II, an astounding testament to the Pharaohs reign – and the inspiration behind Percy Bysshe Shelley’s masterpiece ‘Ozymandias’. After lunch, we journey on to Medinet Habu, arguably the best preserved temple of the New Kingdom, filled as it is with a wealth of exemplary paintings, carvings and sculptures. In total, the precinct contains over 7 square kilometres of decorated reliefs. After a day spent roaming the sunlit ruins, we enjoy an hour’s motorboat ride along the Nile, which will take us directly back to our hotel.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included Temple of Horus, Edfu

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egypt at new year 27th December 2019 - 4th January 2020 | 9 Days £3,795 (single supplement £495) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Luxor; Inbound flight from Cairo to London Nile cruise on the MS Farah | Private Coach| Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager Entry to all sites and museums | Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Great Hypostyle hall at the Temples of Karnak

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Temple of Isis, Philae

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emples, tombs and mummies - ancient Egypt’s archaeology is among some of the world’s most revered and it is a great place to welcome in the new year with colourful streets, local entertainment and lavish food.

Starting our adventure in the heart of ancient Thebes, we sail south through Upper Egypt, before exploring ancient Egypt’s southern border. As New Year’s Eve falls during our Nile cruise, we will celebrate in style. The grand finale of this journey will be our visit to Egypt’s most impressive temple site, Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nassar.

highlights Privileged access to the Valley of the Kings and Queens Explore rarely-visited sites in Western Thebes, such as the tomb of intriguing Pharaoh Ay

guide lecturers Lucia Gahlin is a specialist in the archaeology of Ancient Egypt and has been leading archaeological tours here for over 20 years. She is an Honorary Research Associate at University College London’s Institute of Archaeology. Lucia has worked at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at UCL, and continues to teach with objects in this museum, one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities. She has been a Trustee of the Egypt Exploration Society, is Chair of the Friends of the Petrie Museum and Co-Director of Bloomsbury Summer School at UCL. Her areas of special interest are Ancient Egypt’s social history, settlement of archaeology and the rituals of daily life.

Discover Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temple sites Cruise the Nile aboard the MS Farah, while visiting the beautifullypreserved temples of Upper Egypt

special access

Included in our tour, we visit two of the most impressive tombs to survive from ancient Egypt. Seti I’s tomb is the longest and deepest in the Valley of the Kings. Re-opened in 2016, it is still one of the best decorated despite earlier damage. Nefertari was the favourite wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II and this reflected in the decoration of the tomb he built for her — the largest and most lavishly decorated in the Valley of the Queens.

Giza

Cairo

Egypt Karnak Valley of the Kings

Dendera Luxor Edfu Aswan Dam

Abu Simbel

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Day Three | Luxor

After breakfast we travel by boat and coach across the west bank to visit the Valley of the Kings. This was the final resting place of royals and nobility for almost 500 years, with excavations dating the site back as far as the 16th century BC. Its most notable occupant, of course, is King Tutankhamun, whose tomb was famously discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. We visit this famous burial chamber, followed by special access to the Tomb of Seti I. After stopping for lunch, we continue to the Valley of the Queens, where we also have special access to the Tomb of Nefertari, who was the wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Luxor - Nile Cruise

Today is comprised of an unusually comprehensive day of visits to the Temples of Karnak, where we will discover the three temples of the Theban Triad (three Egyptian gods).

This spectacular, multi-period location has a wealth of historical and religious inscriptions at every turn. During our time here we will also see the Temples of Amun and Khonsu in the morning before checking into our next hotel - a boat - where we will stay for the next four nights. After lunch aboard our boat, we return to Karnak to explore the Temple of Mut - Amun’s consort and mother of their divine child Khonsu. There will be a captivating lecture in the evening, followed by our first dinner onboard the MS Farah.

Hotel: MS Farah Meals: All meals included

Day Five | West Bank

Temple of Seti I

itinerary

We take in rarely visited sites on the Theban west bank this morning, including the Tomb of Ay in the Western Valley and the Temple of Seti I (the Qurna Temple). Ay was prime minister during Tutankhamun’s reign, how he succeeded to the throne on the death of the boy-king is shrouded in mystery. It is a rare treat to visit both the tomb and Theban Temple of the Great Pharaoh Seti I, father of Ramessus II. We return to our boat for lunch before an afternoon of cruising, before another evening lecture and delicious New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

Hotel: MS Farah Meals: All meals included

Day One | London - Luxor

In the afternoon, we travel from London to Luxor via Cairo.

Often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, this vibrant town on the banks of the Nile is simply extraordinary. Upon our arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: Late snack supper in your hotel room included

Day Two | Luxor

We take into consideration our late night arrival and begin our day of visits at a leisurely pace, starting with the fantastic Luxor Museum. A masterfully arranged collection of archaeological artefacts and home to celebrated works of art, including the famous statue of Tuthmosis III - an extraordinarily realistic figure carved out of greywacke. Our morning continues with a visit tot Aboudi’s bookshop, which is the world’s best English language Egyptological bookshop. We return to our hotel after lunch for a lecture from our Guide, Lucia, to prepare us for our next temple visit. Ahead of this, there is an opportunity to stroll through the city’s souk. At Luxor Temple, we explore its avenue of sphinxes, military reliefs and papyrus columns, made all the more atmospheric by coinciding with the sunset.

Hotel: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Meals: All meals included

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Temple of Horus, Edfu

Pharaohs at Abu Simbel

Day Six | West Bank

In the morning, we make our way to the Temples of the gods of Upper Egypt, starting with the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

One of the country’s most magnificently preserved shrines, the construction of which is thought to have spanned an incredible 180 years, from the 3rd to the 2nd century BC. Towering at a jaw-dropping 37 metres, its pylon - or gateway - is the highest among all of Egypt’s surviving temples, and is decorated with vivid scenes of King Ptolemy VIII destroying his enemies before Horus. The complex even houses a Nilometer, a structure made to measure the depth and clarity of flooding Nile waters. This afternoon we explore the Temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder at Kom Ombo and the site’s museum.

Hotel: MS Farah Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | West Bank - Abu Simbel - Cairo

It’s an early morning start as we transfer to Aswan airport and fly to Abu Simbel, located on the shores of Lake Nassar. Here, we make the most of our last day exploring what is considered to be Egypt’s most impressive temple site, home to the temples of Ramesss II and Nefertari. After lunch, we fly to Cairo and transfer to our hotel, where we will enjoy our final dinner together as a group.

Hotel: Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Cairo - London

This morning we make our return journey from Cairo back to London.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day Seven | West Bank

Today, we disembark and make our way to ancient Egypt’s southern border and visit the impressive Temple of Isis in Philae. The flooding of Lake Nasser caused the whole complex to be moved from its original location. After, we move onto the Aswan Dam and then head back to the boat for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the unfinished obelisk, which is still attached to granite as it was abandoned during its creation process. Later, we enjoy a sunset felucca ride to the Botanical Gardens on an island, where we enjoy a gentle stroll and a drink. Dinner will be back on board our boat.

Hotel: MS Farah Meals: All meals included

Boats on the River Nile at Luxor

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ethiopia

The African Empire

27th October - 9th November 2019 | 14 Days £4,995 (single supplement £595) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Addis Ababa | Internal flights | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Monolithic church of St. George, Lalibela

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Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

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guide lecturers

highlights

Dr Jacke Phillips is a specialist in the archaeology of Ethiopia, from prehistory to the medieval period. She is currently a Research and Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where she is involved in a field project exploring the area around the famous rock cut churches in Lalibela. Jacke was previously Assistant Director of the Aksum Archaeology Project, and has also worked to protect Ethiopian archaeology for future generations by raising awareness of archaeological sites, and developing a public history programme for schools.

thiopia is a land of striking contrasts, defined by the peaks of the Simien mountain plateau and the depths of the Rift Valley, home to the modern city of Addis Ababa and the granite stelae of Aksum, landlocked and yet refreshed by the waters of the Blue Nile. Modern history records the hard-fought independence of Ethiopia in the face of colonial powers - ensuring that this land retained its distinctive and enthralling cultural riches.

Explore the labyrinthine churches and palaces of Aksum, Lalibela and Gondar, Ethiopia’s great imperial cities Visit the site of Yeha and the prehistoric Tiya burial complex with its enigmatic symbols Pore over artefacts at museums, including the National Museum if Ethiopia, best known for its fossilised remains of early hominids Stand before the majestic Blue Nile Falls waterfall and visit Emperor Fasiladas’ atmospheric Epiphany Pool Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, take in the culture and sample Ethiopia’s traditional cuisine

Yeha Dungur

Mekele

Gondar

“Ethiopia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, with historical roots dating from the early 1st millennium BC. Lalibela’s 12 rock-hewn churches are both symbolic and deliberately representative of Jerusalem. Gondar served as the capital of the Ethiopian empire for more than two centuries and the city, sometimes known as the “Camelot of Africa”, boasts a host of royal castles to explore. Aksum is Ethiopia’s holiest city and remains its religious capital and still harbours the Ark of the Covenant.” - Dr. Jacke Phillips

Bahir Dar Blue Nile Falls

Lalibela

Debre Birhan Addis Ababa Adadi Maryam

Ethiopia

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Day Five | Lalibela

A day in Lalibela to visit the iconic medieval rock-hewn churches and monasteries. The city is almost a work of art completely carved from the rock. The Zagwe ruled at a time when the pilgrimage to Jerusalem was impossible, so they built their own. The churches are organised in two groups- those of “Earthly Jerusalem” on the northwest side of the river Jordan, and those of “Heavenly Jerusalem” on the southeast side.

These eleven monolithic structures are a testament to the skills of Ethiopia’s stone masons and were understandably declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. We visit a whole series connected by dark tunnels, wide plazas, and steep worn steps.

Hotel: Menzena Lodge or Tukul Village Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Lalibela - Bahir Dar

Holy Mass at the orthodox Ethiopian church, Lalibela

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Addis Ababa

We arrive in Addis Ababa after an overnight flight from London. After checking in to our hotel and having lunch, we can either take time to relax and acclimatise, or take a local guided walk. As the capital of the African Union, Addis Ababa is as you might expect, the country’s commercial and cultural hub, but it is also a sprawling city of extraordinary contrasts, some of which we discover during our time here.

Hotel: Sheraton Addis Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Addis Ababa

This morning we travel south to the Paleolithic site of Melka Kunture in the Upper Awash Valley, where finds dating back over 1.7 million years have been unearthed. This lies on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and an extraordinary series of levels including butchery and occupation floors together with preserved footprints have been preserved. We continue to the 600 year-old rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam with an extraordinary story. Buried in the 16th century to preserve it from the invasion of Emir Gragn of Harrar, it was uncovered and is now the most southern of the series of rock-cut churches.

Then to the pre-historic burial complex at Tiya, noted for its remarkable stone stelae, many of which bear mysterious symbols, especially swords and knives. We return this evening to Addis Ababa.

Hotel: Sheraton Addis Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Addis Ababa - Lalibela

An early morning flight with potential stunning views across the rugged highland landscape takes us to Lalibela, centre of the Zagwe dynasty of medieval kings. Here we visit the Cultural Centre and exhibits include ancient manuscripts, cultural artefacts and archaeological finds from local sites.

After lunch we drive on to explore the Medieval cave monastery of Yimrehanne Kristos, with its preserved church and royal lodge of the 12th century. Still maintained by monks it remains a centre of worship and seasonal pilgrimage for modern Ethiopians.

Hotel: Menzena Lodge or Tukul Village Hotel Meals: All meals included

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A day long drive today, as we cut through the Ethiopian countryside on dirt roads to Bahir Dar, modern capital of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. This area was the focal point of the medieval Christian empire, resulting in a wide variety of archaeological sites from the pivotal period in Ethiopian history. Bahir Dar is a lakeside city known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees, its variety of colourful flowers. It is located on the south shore of Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile. The largest lake in Ethiopia, it is situated at 1,800m above sea level, and is crossed today by both the modern craft and the traditional red boats of the region.

Hotel: Avanti Blue Nile Resort Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Bahir Dar

This morning, we travel across Lake Tana by boat, to explore some of the lake’s islands and churches. There are more than twenty churches scattered across the islands of the lake, the oldest dating to the 14th century, although some may have Pre-Christian origins. These are still fully functioning monasteries with staffs of priests, monks and novices. The interiors of the great circular wooden churches are lavishly painted with biblical stories and Ethiopia’s own pantheon of saints. After lunch, we make a visit to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, which while not always in full flood, involves a walk over an ancient Portuguese bridge and then via a solid modern suspension bridge which takes us over the gorge of the falls.

Hotel: Avanti Blue Nile Resort Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Bahir Dar - Gondar

We journey north today, passing Guzara Castle where the emperor Susenyos tried to introduce Catholicism, offering spectacular views of Lake Tana. Our destination is the imperial splendour of Gondar, the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, in the foothills of the Simien Mountains. This afternoon, we visit Emperor Fasiladas’ Epiphany Pool, where the populace we reconverted to Orthodoxy, still used today for huge ceremonies of baptism and cleansing.

Hotel: Goha Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Gondar

Our destination this morning is the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, with its remarkable painted walls and ceiling.

Originally built by Emperor Iaysu the Great it was renewed by Iaysu II in the 17th century and given a unique decorative cycle.

After lunch, we visit the Imperial Palace complex at Gondar.

The Palace consists of six castles, built by a series of emperors and empresses in the 17th and 18th centuries with help from Portuguese engineers. They include the palaces of Fasilidas, Iyasu the Great and the chancellery of Johannes.

Hotel: Goha Hotel Meals: All meals included

Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia

Day Ten | Gondar - Aksum

Today, we fly to Aksum, a city founded as early as the 10th century BC and reputed as the one-time home to the Queen of Sheba. The empire of Aksum was one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, and contemporary of Rome and Byzantium lasting until the 7th century AD, and whose empire straddled the Red Sea. The city is most famous for its large stelae, including one solid granite stela 23m in height which still towers above the stelae field. These mark the tombs of Aksumite kings. We visit the Aksum Archaeological Museum, which hosts a wide range of artefacts dating to the Aksumite Empire that flourished until the 7th century AD. We also explore the Tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, as well as the Mai Shum reservoir, also known as the Queen of Sheba’s bath. Later, we discover St. Mary of Zion Cathedral, the oldest church in Africa. According to long tradition, the Treasury houses the Ark of the Covenant.

Hotel: Sabean International Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Aksum

Our day begins with a visit to the Lioness of Gobedra, a fascinating rock sculpture carved into the relief a few miles outside Aksum. We also see the neighbouring quarry, from which it is believed that the stone used to fashion the city’s renowned stelae was sourced. We then explore the palace complex at Dungur. This excavated site, of 16th century AD date, was undoubtedly the semi-fortified residence of one of the great nobles of Aksum though today it is better known as the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, even though she lived some 200 years previously.

Hotel: Sabean International Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve |Aksum - Mekele

This morning, we drive east from Aksum through the dramatic rock formations of Tigre to the site of Yeha. This was the power centre of a state that existed around 700BC and here we will see the Pre-Aksumite Saba‘an Temple of the Moon. Dating back to the 8th century BC, the Temple is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia but still stands 12 metres high. Nearby lies a palace complex, and royal tombs. In the afternoon, we visit the Wukro Archaeological Museum, which opened in 2015 and is home to hundreds of artefacts, including many from the Saba’an site of Meqaber Ga’ewa.

Hotel: Planet hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Mekele - Addis Ababa

On our final full day, we fly back to Addis Ababa, where we explore some more of the city. We shall visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, a modern but architecturally fascinating structure, home to the tomb of Haile Selassie and his wife. We venture to Mount Entoto, on the outskirts of Addis, for its breath-taking views panoramic views of the city. This is where emperor Menelik, who reunited Ethiopia in the 19th century built his Palace. Returning to the city, we explore both the National Museum of Ethiopia, best known for its fossilised remains of early hominids, including Lucy, the ancestor of us all and the Ethnological Museum, located within Haile Selassie’s former palace. As our tour draws to a close, we enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, with the opportunity to share each of our personal highlights of our time spent in Ethiopia. Late this evening we start our journey home.

Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen| London We arrive in the UK.

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rock art in the namibian wilds 14th - 29th October 2019 | 16 Days £5,995 (single supplement £495) What’s Included Outbound flight from London to Walvis Bay | Inbound flight from Windhoek to London Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Wildlife engravings at Twyfelfontein

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Cheetah at the Africat Foundation

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he rock art of the Khoisan people is a tradition that has continued over thousands of years. This aspect of an ancient culture is brought to life with exciting immediacy by stunning surroundings.

Landscapes almost unchanged by humanity are still populated by the same wild creatures depicted in the earliest art.

Leading us is Dr. Paul Bahn, the authority on rock art, and local Namibian guides, whose knowledge of the wildlife, parks and reserves is unrivalled. This tour will be dedicated to experiencing all that Namibia has to offer.

highlights Incomparable ancient rock art sites among incredible landscapes

guide lecturers Dr. Paul Bahn is the leading expert on prehistoric rock art world-wide, and is certainly one of our bestknown archaeologists. Paul led the team which discovered the first Ice Age cave art in Britain in 2003. He is not only a leading academic but a great exponent of popular and accessible archaeology, and he has been leading tours for Andante Travels since 1997, inspiring and enthusing our travellers in the famous caves of France and Spain, in open air rock shelters in Portugal, and in Chile and Easter Island. Paul was also vice-president of the Australian Rock Art Association for eight years.

Game drives in the amazing Etosha National Park Travel with an expert on rock art, Dr. Paul Bahn Visit and get involved in the Africat Foundation in Okonjima An immersive tour of Namibia, a truly memorable experience

Etosha National Park

Peet Alberts Koppie Burnt Mountain

Okonjima

TWYFELFONTEIN

Twyfelfontein is one of the few places in Southern Africa with both paintings and petroglyphs. This sprawling site — its name means “Doubtful Spring” in Afrikaans — was discovered by Maack and has almost 5000 petroglyphs made on almost vertical exposed slabs of soft sandstone, weathered to a red colour. It is also the most thoroughly studied petroglyph site in Namibia, being exceptional for the quantity and variety of its images.

White Lady Rock

Ai Aiba

Swakopmund Walvis Bay

Windhoek Ameib

Namibia

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Wildlife in the Etosha National Park

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Walvis Bay

We depart from London and fly overnight to Walvis Bay, via Johannesburg. Arriving in the afternoon, we travel to Swakopmund and check in to our hotel. There will be time to unwind at leisure before we meet for dinner in the evening.

Hotel: Hansa Hotel Meals: Dinner included

Day Three| Swakopmund

This morning, we leave our hotel to explore the Swakop River bed, a major river in the western part of Namibia, reaching the sea at the southern edge of the city Swakopmund. The area around the river mouth and the surrounding dunes are rich in both bird life, and unusual plant species. The afternoon will be free for us to explore Swakop Museum, where on display there are a variety of indigenous plants, animals, minerals, an archaeological exhibition, the transport system of old, and an array of cultural and historical objects to help us understand more about this part of the world. The exhibition “People of Namibia” highlights the rich cultural history of Namibia’s people with an insight into their traditions and everyday life. Alternatively, you may choose to take part in an optional excursion to the Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Plains, take a private flight over Sossuvlei and the Namibia Desert, or join a boat trip for dolphin spotting.

Hotel: Hansa Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Swakopmund - Ameib - Ai Aiba

Today we drive from Swakopmund to Ameib for the start of two full days in the Erongo Mountains. Upon arrival, we take a break for lunch and then explore the impressive granite rock formations at Ameib, including Phillip’s Cave, an old cave of the San people where they created many interesting rock paintings, including the popular white elephant. Afterwards, we continue to Ai Aiba.

Hotel: Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

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Day Five | Ai Aiba

We start our day with a visit to the “Living Museum”of the Ju/Hoansi-San (also called Bushman). Here, we will gain an insight into the ancient hunter-gathered culture, the lifestyle of traditions of the San. After lunch, we continue to the rock shelter of Ekuta. Considered to be one of the best rock art sites in the whole region, it contains detailed depictions of animals and people carrying equipment, such as bows and arrows.

Hotel: Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Ai Aiba

Our accommodation in Ai Aiba is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the mountain range Steeped in history, these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. We spend our entire day on a guided walk to thoroughly explore the local rock art here.

Hotel: Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Ai Aiba - Brandberg

We spend our day in Omandumba West. The rock art in this area includes rare and valuable paintings, such as the Swarm of the Bees and Torch. After lunch at the farm here, we travel to our next hotel, the Brandberg White Lady Lodge. Once we have checked-in, we explore along the Ugab River, which provides water for the rare desert elephant, as well as giraffe, mountain zebra and the black rhinoceros, which hopefully we will spot during our afternoon here.

Hotel: Brandberg White Lady Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Eight| Brandberg - Twyfelfontein

We drive up the Uis in the Brandberg Mountain Range, which includes Königsstein, Namibia’s highest mountain and famous for its numerous rock paintings. Here we see the “White Lady” rock painting, which was discovered by Reinhard Maack in 1917, considered to be the most famous rock art figure in southern Africa. This afternoon, we drive up to the Twyfelfontein area, one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa, and it was approved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Hotel: Mowani Mountain Camp & Camp Kipwe Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Twyfelfontein

We have the opportunity to experience a thrilling game drive along the Aba Huab River Valley to view the local fauna and the native wildlife. So far on our travels, we have seen different species of birds, and at this location, we could spot Monteiro’s hornbill, the Benguela long-billed lark and Ruppel’s Korhaan.

Heading next to visit Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, we view the fascinating late Stone Age petroglyphs, which depict native fauna and hunter-gathered activities. Prehistoric rock engravings here include the Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes.

Hotel: Mowani Mountain Camp & Camp Kipwe Meals: All meals included

Yellow-Billed Hornbill credit to Dr. Paul Bahn

Day Ten | Etosha National Park

After driving to Kamanjab, we arrive at the rock art site of Peet Alberts Koppie, one of the Dorsland Trekkers and a former owner of Farm Kamanjab. As the second largest rock engraving site in Namibia, we see the giraffe, the largest engraving in Namibia. After lunch, we journey to Etosha National Park. Home to abundant wildlife, it is undoubtedly one of Africa’s great game viewing locations. This afternoon we head to Okaukuejo, where we observe a variety of wildlife congregating and interacting at a flood-lit waterhole, which is sure to result in a memorable sighting.

Hotel: Etosha Safari Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven & Twelve | Etosha National Park

Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres, the Etosha National Park’s size justifies spending more time here. During our extended game drives on both days, we will see many fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles and plants endemic to this part of the country. Combine this with breath-taking scenery and dramatic sunsets, we will have enjoyed two very special days in the park.

Hotel: Mushara Bush Camp Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Okonjima

Today we drive south to the reserve at Okonjima, famous for its ‘Africat’ programme. Founded in the 1990s, the Africat Foundation focuses on ensuring a sustainable future for Namibia’s large carnivores, such as leopards and cheetahs, through their conservation efforts. This afternoon we will be tracking some of these animals, a truly unique experience.

Hotel: Okonjima Plains Camp Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen | Okonjima

We spend more time today in the area of the Africat programme, with further opportunities to track these incredible animals. In addition to the leopards and cheetahs, we will be on the look out for wild dogs and hyenas. In the evening, we enjoy our last dinner together and take time to look back and recount the many highlights of our tour in this incredible country.

Hotel: Okonjima Plains Camp Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen & Sixteen | Windhoek - London

This morning we leave Okonjima and drive down to Windhoek International Airport, where we catch an overnight flight to London via Johannesburg. We arrive in the UK on Day Sixteen.

Meals: Breakfast included

Natural stone arch in the sunrise, Spitzkoppe

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experience asia & australia Ancient examples of human creativity engraved on rocks in remote areas, stunning temples where age-old rituals are still performed and regions that are home to biblical stories make these continents remarkable. Architecture, history and culture abound here, and we’ll bring you to the heart of it all.

time-honoured traditions - incredible rock art - iconic monuments

The iconic Great Wall of China

live like the locals

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

Discover the stories behind the sites we visit thanks to the expertise of our guide lecturers, who know the history, heritage and culture of our destinations inside and out. Float like the locals in Jordan with a dip in the Dead Sea, experience the spiritualism of Sri Lanka in temples home to impressive statues of Buddha, and take part in an authentic tea ceremony during a captivating tour of Japan. The local ways of life await your discovery...

flavours to savour The cuisine on offer throughout Australia and Asia is wildly different, and each kind reflects the respective continents as well as the produce that is most widely available there. In Asia, sample fragrant, well-seasoned dishes that are often accompanied by rice. Ginger, garlic and soy flavours are popular, but tastes vary from country to country. In Australia, barbecues are common and meat is a core part of the diet here.

Example of traditional Sichuan food

whatever the weather From Japan’s temperate weather, where all four seasons can be enjoyed, to Israel’s Mediterranean climate – Asia and Australia offer very different experiences depending on the chosen destination.

Summers are hot on both continents, so loose clothing is advisable. We recommend reading up on the weather you’ll encounter on your tour so that factors like China’s pollution or Sri Lanka’s monsoons can be considered prior to travel.

Waterfall in Kakadu National Park, Australia

our top highlights • View the underground army of China’s life-sized Terracotta Warriors - one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world • Visit UNESCO’s Samarkand, Shahrisabz and Bukhara in Uzbekistan • Old & New Delhi - where the ancient and modern blend seamlessly together • Spend two days in Darwin’s Kakadu National Park, a biodiverse nature reserve Woman walking past traditional Uzbekistan architecture

israel & palestine 24th September - 4th October 2019 | 11 Days £3,895 (single supplement £895) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Tel Aviv | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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The ruins of Bethesda Pool

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here are few places on earth that can boast such a rich, varied and important archaeological heritage as both Israel and Palestine. Over the millennia, this ancient land has felt the tread of conquerors and settlers: Canaanites, Israelites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans and even Imperial Britons, all of whom have left their signature.

Discover the incredible archaeology of Jerusalem - the most holy of cities - and uncover the tragedy of Masada, before visiting one of the oldest cities in the world, Jericho.

highlights Explore an abundance of iconic ancient sites on this fascinating trip

guide lecturers Nick Jackson graduated in archaeology from the prestigious Institute of Archaeology UCL in London, and later took up a research post at the University of Cambridge. Nick is an archaeologist and historian with over 20 years of excavation and guiding experience for Andante. His varied archaeological excavations in the Middle East have focused on the Bronze Age, specifically the developments in the region of the late 2nd Millennium - a crucial period for the birth of Israel archaeology.

Visit one of the world’s oldest cities, Jericho Spend three days in Jerusalem, where a wealth of history awaits Learn more about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran

Tel Dan

Discover Masada, one of the greatest archaeological sites in Israel

Tiberias Tzipori

dead sea scrolls

Qumran is an archaeological site in the West Bank, best known as the location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The first discovery was made in 1947 by a Bedouin herder who found clay jars containing scrolls that had been wrapped in linen for almost 2,000 years.

Thereafter, over 900 scrolls were found in a series of caves around the settlement with text written in Hebrew, Greek, Nabateans and Aramaic, including a scroll containing a biblical text.

Jezreel Valley Belvoir Tel Megiddo

Caesarea Maritima

Beth She’an Akko Tel Aviv Jericho Jerusalem

Israel & Palestine

Tel Arad Dead Sea

Masada

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itinerary Day One | London - Tel Aviv

We fly from London to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel located in northern Israel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. We have a welcome night’s rest before starting our adventure tomorrow.

Hotel: Nof Ginosar Hotel Meals: Light snack in hotel room included

Day Two | Ginosar - Tel Meggido

We spend our first morning in Israel exploring the Roman and Byzantine city of Beth She’an, thought to have been occupied since the 6th to the 5th millennia BC. The city flourished under the Pax Romana, and continues to thrive thanks to its location as a junction between the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. We pay a visit to the 6th century synagogue of Beth Alpha, which was discovered in the 1920s and features colourful wall panels depicting scenes such as the Binding of Isaac, and a beautiful Greco-Roman zodiac. After lunch, we delve into Jezreel Valley, a fertile “land of milk and honey”. Here we explore the ancient city of Tel Megiddo, better known as Armageddon. Its location, on a narrow pass along a vital trade route, led to Tel Meggido being of great strategic importance in the ancient world, and the site of many significant battles. Recent excavations have unearthed no less than 26 layers of ruins.

Hotel: Nof Ginosar Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Ginosar

We begin the day at the archaeological site of Tel Dan, the most northerly Israelite city, where a remarkable Bronze Age mud-brick gateway still stands in place, surrounded by verdant countryside. We continue to Tel Hazor, once the largest fortified city in the country. Its surviving ramparts are considered to be the foremost examples of their type in the region. After lunch by the Sea of Galilee, we continue to Belvoir Crusader Fortress, one of the best preserved Crusader Fortresses in Israel. This site was a bastion of the Knights Hospitallers until it was eventually besieged and captured by Saladin’s forces in 1189. Lastly but by no means least, we view the ‘Jesus Boat’ in the grounds of the Nof Ginosar Hotel. This recovered fishing boat dates from the 1st century AD, and this is the type of vessel that Jesus and his disciples may have used.

Hotel: Nof Ginosar Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Ginosar - Tzipori - Akko

This morning we drive to Tzipori, a fortified city perched on a mound in the Netofah Valley. Thanks to extensive excavations in the area we are able to view an ancient synagogue, Jewish homes lining a cobbled street, a Roman villa, and a number of intricate 5th century mosaics, depicting images such as the famous “Mona Lisa of Galilee”. In the afternoon we continue to Akko, or Acre, on the sunny shores of Haifa Bay. Akko features in Egyptian, Biblical, Greek and Persian mythology, and is the holiest city of the Baha’i faith. We discover striking Ottoman aqueducts, Medieval churches, and city walls established by Crusaders.

Hotel: Nof Ginosar Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Ginosar - Jerusalem

Today we explore the national park and Roman harbour city of Caesarea Maritima, constructed by Herod the Great. The city was described by 1st century historian Josephus as: “adorned with the most magnificent palaces”. Among the many remnants here now are a well-preserved theatre, a double

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Salomons horse in Tel Meggido National Park aqueduct, and a limestone block on which the name of “Pontius Pilatus” is inscribed. We spend the afternoon at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the largest museum in the country. It is here that we encounter the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Biblical and extra-Biblical manuscripts known to man, which were discovered in caves on the west bank of the River Jordan in the late 1940s. A thrilling glimpse into Israel’s holy past.

Hotel: Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Jerusalem

We spend a full day on foot in Jerusalem – the perfect opportunity that takes us right to the heart of this city. Our walking tour takes us along the Via Dolorosa, believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion, and to the Medieval Lions’ Gate, a part of the old city walls. It is believed that its name does not derive from the big cats on its crest – these are, in fact, leopards – but the dream of King Selim I, in which his promise to build a city wall spared him from being torn apart by lions. Other stops include Bethesda Pool in the city’s Muslim quarter, which fits the description of a pool in the Gospel of John, and is widely considered an ancient place of healing. After lunch we visit the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, home to artefacts dating from prehistory to the Ottoman period.

Hotel: Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Jericho

We drive to Jericho this morning, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and visit the Herodian Winter Palace complex. Dating from the Second Temple period of 516 BC to 70 AD, here we find evidence of luxury on a grand scale, with traces of swimming pools, bathhouses, orchards and gardens – and three palace buildings of increasing magnificence.

We continue by cable car to the Monastery of the Mount of Temptation, said to have been built on the spot at which Satan tempted Jesus during his 40-day fast. Prepare for incredible views across the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley. In the afternoon we explore the remains of the settlement of Tel es-Sultan, site of Kathleen Kenyon’s excavations, where the world’s oldest city wall still stands, alongside the Tower of Jericho. Our day draws to a close at Hisham’s Palace, a significant early Islamic construction, where we find the famous “Tree of Life” mosaic in the audience room of the bathhouse.

Hotel: Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites Meals: All meals included

Scenic view of the Masada stronghold

Day Eight | Jerusalem

Our exploration of Jerusalem continues today, beginning with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site of the Christian faith. It is believed that housed within this church is the site of Jesus’s crucifixion, as well as his empty tomb, now encased within an 18th century shrine. From here we walk to the ruins of the City of David in the Arab neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh, a site of Canaanite and Iron Age remains, commonly identified as the urban centre of old Jerusalem. Here we view Warren’s Shaft – thought to have once supplied the city with water – and the Pool of Siloam, a rock-cut pool fed

by Gihon Spring which has been in use since around 700 BC. This afternoon we visit Bethlehem and the Herodium, a wellexcavated hill on which we find a tomb said to be that of King Herod, as well as the remains of a palace, bathhouse, theatre and synagogue.

Hotel: Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites Meals: All meals included

Day Nine| Jerusalem - Dead Sea

After a hearty breakfast we travel to the archaeological site of Tel Lachish, a huge Near East city with commanding views over the hills and coastal plains. Tel Lachish features in the Book of Joshua and the ground here has yielded scores of LMLK seals, ancient Hebrew seals dating from the reign of King Hezekiah. We continue to the walled city of Tel Beer Sheba, where we enjoy a picnic lunch amid the ruins of the national park. The most important discovery here was a horned animal altar, the first unearthed in Israel. We stop at the mysterious prehistoric site of Tel Arad, with its altars and standing stones, before continuing to the glittering Dead Sea where, if we have time, we may “swim” atop its famous hypersaline waters.

Hotel: David Dead Sea Resort & Spa Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included

Day Ten | Dead Sea - Jerusalem

Our last day of the trip begins with an ascent to Masada, a rugged Herodian fortress high up on the isolated cliffs of the Judaean Desert. According to ancient sources, the defenders of this fortress committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans in AD 73. This incredible site is one of Israel’s foremost attractions, and achieved World Heritage status in 2001. We continue to En Gedi National Park, with its beautiful oasis – the biggest in Israel – and diverse plant and animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for the elegant Nubian Ibex.

We round off our day with a visit to the remote desert caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, before returning to Jerusalem for a convivial farewell dinner.

Hotel: Mount Zion Boutique Hotel & Suites Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Tel Aviv - London

We make our way from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv airport for our return flight home. We arrive in London this evening.

Meals: Breakfast included

Boat on the Sea of Galilee

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jordan

Petra & the Desert Fortresses

26th March - 4th April 2019 | 8th - 17th October 2019 | 10 Days Mar: £2,995 (single supplement £395) | Oct: £3,295 (single supplement £395) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Amman | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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The Treasury of Petra

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Salt formations from the Dead Sea

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othing can prepare you for Petra: the scale, the colours and the grandeur. Lively, cosmopolitan and rich, with goods from every corner of the known world, Ancient Petra was an extraordinary city. Its streets were swathed in a fusion of Nabataean, and Classical architecture — elaborate tombs, colonnaded streets and temples carved into the red sandstone.

Petra’s tombs and temples are only a fraction of Jordan’s story. We explore traces of biblical tribes, Roman legions, Christian crusaders, and Neolithic villages in this promised land of archaeology and fascinating history.

highlights Tour the exhibits at Amman’s Archaeological Museum

guide lecturers Nick Jackson graduated in archaeology from the prestigious Institute of Archaeology UCL in London, and later took up a research post at the University of Cambridge. Nick is an archaeologist and historian with over 20 years of excavation and guiding experience for Andante. His varied archaeological excavations in the Middle East have focused on the Bronze Age, specifically the developments in the region of the late 2nd Millennium - a crucial period for the birth of Israel archaeology.

Visit Jerash, the best preserved Roman town in the east Spend two days in the evocative rock-cut city of Petra Cruise Wadi Rum’s striking desert scenery in 4x4s Discover the mighty crusader castle at Kerak

special access

On our second day we enjoy a unique tour and introduction to the British Institute in Amman by its director — an opportunity to see the work that British archaeology does abroad. The research carried out at the Institute is varied, ranging from the study of Jordan’s Neolithic heritage, aerial archaeology, forced migration, as well as the history and current impacts of local and international politics.

Umm Qais Jerash

Umm al Jimal Qasr Azraq Qasr Amra Al-Kharaneh

Amman Qasr al-Abd Mount Nebo Madaba Umm al-Rasas Kerak

Jordan Beidha Petra

Wadi Rum

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Day Four | Amman

The morning is spend in Jordan’s modern capital Amman.

Here we visit the Archaeological Museum and the citadel.

The museum is home to artefacts from archaeological sites from across the country, including the Dead Sea bronze scroll written in Aramaic characters. The citadel is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, and we visit the ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the palace of the Omayyad Caliphs. In the afternoon, we make a short drive to the early Byzantine Church of St George in Madaba, where we view the amazing 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land depicting biblical sites of the Middle East from Egypt to Palestine.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Umm al-Jimal

Temple of Artemis, Jerash

itinerary Day One | London - Amman

We depart from London Heathrow in the afternoon and arrive at Amman airport late evening. Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel for a much needed rest.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: Light snack in hotel room included

Day Two | Wadi Seer - Dead Sea - Amman

After a leisurely start, we head to the valley of Wadi Seet.

Here we find the remains of Qasr-al-Abd, a well-preserved Hasmonean and rare Hellenestic period Palace. Hyrcanus of Jerusalem built the palace around 200BC as part of a much larger estate, that is now covered by the village of Iraq al-Emir.

We then spend time both at and in the Dead Sea. The lowest place on earth is also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, over nine times saltier than the ocean. This salinity has created a harsh environment so it is unsuitable for any plants of wildlife, hence its name. It is however, a unique experience to be able to ‘float’ on the Dead Sea, so we make the most of this opportunity. After our time spent here, we return to Amman.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: All meals included

Today we head into the eastern desert to explore the dramatic basalt city at Umm al-Jimal, even the doors are made of huge black slabs and some of them still operate! After lunch we travel on to the desert castles, Qasr Azraq, Amra and al-Kharanah, with far-reaching views over the surrounding landscape. Jordan’s desert castles were so called due to their imposing stature, but they served mainly as agriculture and trade centres, and caravan stations. Examples of both early Islamic art and architecture they represent a fascinating era in the country’s rich history. Later at the Umayyad hunting lodge, Qasr Amra, we view remarkable and unorthodox 8th century frescoes.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Umm al-Rasas - Kerak

We visit the church and spectacular mosaics at Umm al-Rasas.

A Roman and Byzantine site, the mosaics of the churches have fine depictions of the principal cities of the region.

On to the mighty crusader castle of Kerak, one of the largest in the Levantine region. Overlooking the Dead Sea, it was built in 1132 as the first line of defence for the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. It’s position also gave control of important trade routes between Damascus, Egypt and Mecca, and of the Bedouin herders of the region. Our extensive visit here allows time to visit the Kerak Archaeological Museum which displays artefacts from across thousands of years.

Hotel: Mövenpick Resort Petra Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Gadara - Jerash

We explore two Roman Decapolis cities today as our adventure continues. We start off at the ancient city of Gadara (known today as Umm Qais), which offers views over the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee. After lunch we continue to Jerash (ancient Gerasa) for the afternoon, which is set in the pine valleys of the biblical land of Gilead, and is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the east. The architecture is particularly fine, and includes the impressive 2nd century Hadrian’s Arch, the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and the Oval Plaza - framed by a magnificent colonnade - a unique feature of the Forum.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: All meals included

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Neolithic site of Beidha

Natural stone bridge and panoramic view of Wadi Rum

Day Seven & Eight | Petra

Today is the first two full days in Petra, and with the archaeological park spread across 200 square kilometres, we will easily fill out time spent here as there is much to explore.

Located among mountains and rugged desert canyons, this ancient capital of the Nabatean Arabs is carved directly into a mixture of sandstone cliff face, its colours a mixture of red, white and pink hence it is also known as the “Rose City”. We walk into the site each day, both for the sense of discovery, and to experience the famous entrance to the ravine site, the Siq. As wander along the colonnaded streets, we take in some of the ancient city’s most significant structures, such as the worldrenowned “Treasury” (Al-Khazneh), a temple over 40 metres in height with a truly impressive ornate façade. The Nabateans, though essential nomadic, developed a sophisticated water technology, the remains of which we will also see here during our extensive visit. Led by our expert guide, there are optional climbs on both days to Nabatean ‘Monastery’ and ‘High Place’.

Alternatively, on the second day in Petra you can choose to explore more of its magnificence at your own pace.

Hotel: Mövenpick Resort Petra Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Amman - London

We fly from Amman at lunchtime today, arriving back into London in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day Nine | Little Petra - Wadi Rum

This morning we will visit the Neolithic site of Beidha, where 8th Millennium BC houses can still be seen, and the painted tomb at “Little Petra” (Siq al-Bahrid). Thought to have been an important suburb of Petra the site includes temples, tombs, water channels and cisterns carved out of rock. We drive to Wadi Rum, home of the largest Roman copper mine in the empire. Here we take 4x4s through spectatular scenery, made famous by the filming of “Lawrence of Arabia”. There are also several rock art sites to be explored here. Afterwards, we head back to Amman for a farewell dinner.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel Meals: All meals included

Ruins in the Amman citadel

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armenia & georgia 4th - 18th June 2020 | 15 Days £3,995 (single supplement £595) What’s Included Outbound flights from London to Yerevan; Inbound flight from Batumi to London Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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Monastery of Khor Virap and Mount Ararat, Armenia

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The ancient rock-cut city of Uplistsikhe, Georgia

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etween Europe and Asia, the Caspian and the Black Sea, and on the ancient Silk Roads and the Scythian invasion routes stand the republics — ancient kingdoms — of Armenia and Georgia. Until recently cut off by the Iron Curtain, these warm, hospitable countries are but little known to western travellers, yet their names conjure up images of trade and hospitality, the Greek myths of Prometheus, Medea and the Golden Fleece. Their location between great civilisations guaranteed them a pivotal role in world history.

Yet, their varied landscapes are reason enough to visit — Europe’s highest mountains, fertile plains, semi-tropical coastlands and arid steppes are the backdrop to our travels.

highlights Discover the history that created Tbilisi and Yerevan’s urban centres

guide lecturers Ian Colvin is a historian and researcher at the University of Cambridge.

Ian trained in Byzantine history at Oxford and he specialises in the late Roman and Byzantine history of the south Caucasus region. He has travelled to the Caucasus every year since 1998 and regards it as a second home. Ian directs the longrunning Anglo-Georgian Archaeological Expedition to Nokalakevi, in partnership with the Georgian National Museum. He speaks and reads Georgian, and has led Andante’s cultural and archaeological tours to Georgia and Armenia since 2012.

See exquisite metalwork and jewellery from the Bronze Age Dramatic landscapes, from lush sub-tropics to the semi-desert steppes View fortresses, Hellenistic temples and Art Nouveau palaces Gelati Monastery

Learn about the ancient Georgian wine-making tradition

Kutaisi Borjomi

nokalakevi - archaeopolis - tsikhegoji

At the edge of the Colchian plain, between two mountains, the imposing ruins of a large fortress have long identified as the remains of the capital of the west Georgian kingdom of Lazika in the Late Roman period, the Archaeopolis of Roman and Byzantine historians.

Ian Colvin will talk us through finds from the earlier buried layers that show settlement at Nokalakevi to have thrived as far back as the third millennium BC.

Batumi

Uplistsikhe Tbilisi

Haghartsin Dilijan

Yerevan

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optional visit to the moving Genocide Museum and memorial at Tsitsernakaberd (Swallow’s fortress). This impressively curated exhibition records the invention of the Armenian Question over the course of the 19th century, the desperate plight of the Armenians in the face of the Ottoman’s state attack on its own citizens in 1915-1920, and the long aftermath of what is often called the first modern genocide.

Hotel: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Yerevan - Dilijan

itinerary

This morning we travel across the Araxes plain towards Ararat.

Beneath the mountain stands the monastery of Khor Virap.

Here, King Artaxias I founded one of Armenia’s ancient capitals, Artashat, on the advice of Hannibal the Carthaginian.

Gregory the Illuminator was also held captive for 13 years by the Emperor Diocletian’s contemporary King Trdat III. Further south we visit Areni Cave, a fascinating archaeological site that has preserved organic materials from the 5th millennium BC, including an ancient winery and the world’s oldest shoe. We lunch at the medieval monastery of Noravank, an architectural gem in a stunning valley setting. Our day ends with a drive to our hotel in Dilijan, Armenia’s ‘Little Switzerland’.

Hotel: Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan Meals: All meals included

Day One | London - Yerevan

Day Six | Dilijan - Tbilisi

Traditional colourful houses in Tbilisi, Georgia

Upon arrival in Yerevan, we transfer to our hotel in the midst of the bustling city and have time to relax after our flight.

Hotel: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Meals: Light snack in hotel room included

Day Two | Yerevan

Not far from Yerevan on the Araxes plain is the city and Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin. This Cathedral complex, with its richly decorated interior, is the seat of the CatholicosPatriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the spiritual heart of the country. Just outside the city stand the striking ruins of Zvartnots, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 7th century church and ruined palace of the patriarchs dates to an innovative period in Armenian architecture. This afternoon we visit the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Manuscripts and its Matenadaran Museum, which commemorates the creation of the Armenian alphabet at the beginning of the 5th century, and the subsequent achievements of Armenia’s translators, authors, thinkers and scribes.

Hotel: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Yerevan

Today we drive east into the Gegham mountains to visit the World Heritage Site of Geghard. Named after the relic of the Holy Spear that pierces Christ’s side during the crucifixion, the 12th and 13th century monastery is carved out of the living rock. Nearby, perched above the gorge of the Azat, stands the fortress and summer palace of Garni with its Graeco-Roman temple. In the afternoon, we explore Yerevan’s History Museum, a national treasure-house of archaeological artefacts telling the story of Armenia’s long history.

Hotel: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Meals: All meals included

Today we visit three of Armenia’s finest and best-preserved monastic complexes. The 10th-13th century Haghartsin is hidden at the head of the wooded valley outside Dilijan. While the twin World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin are perched on a high plateau above the valley of the Debed River, and the copper-processing town of Alaverdi.

Hotel: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Tbilisi

We begin our Georgian tour with an exploration of the capital, Tbilisi, ancient Tiflis, and for more than a millennium, the most important city in the South Caucasus. This morning we start with a walking tour of Old Tbilisi, taking in the Metekhi Church, the Narikala Fortress, the Baths district, the Great Synagogue, the Sioni Cathedral, and the 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica. After lunch, we visit the Georgian National Museum with its spectacular gold rooms — a testament to the skill of its ancient smiths and the wealth of its kings. Other exhibitions include the Dmanisi skulls of early hominids, its archaeological rooms, with fine Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Iranian artefacts, and an exhibit devoted to the Soviet Occupation.

Hotel: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Yerevan

We begin at Shengavit, a settlement that spans the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age, the 5th millennium to the 3rd millennium BC. We continue to the museum and fortress of Erebuni, the ancient Urartian capital in the Araxes valley in the first half of the 1st millennium BC. This afternoon we have free time to explore Yerevan at our own leisure, or choose to take an

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Nokalakevi Fortress, Georgia

Ruins of Zvartnots temple in Yerevan, Armenia

Day Eight | Tbilisi

We make an excursion over the scenic Gombori pass to Kakheti, the most important of Georgia’s wine-growing regions. The monastery of Iqalto, was founded in the late 6th century, and in the 12th century, David IV ‘the Rebuilder’ founded an Academy here. We continue with a visit to Tsinandali, the 19th century summer palace of the princely Chavchavadze family. Over lunch at a local winery, we sample the local wines and learn about the ancient Georgian ‘Qvevri’ wine-making tradition, which creates its unique taste.

Hotel: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Tbilisi

Our last day in Tbilisi, we start with a visit to the Open Air Ethnographic House Museum. This attractive museum preserves type examples of traditional architecture from Georgia’s many regions. We continue to the Museum of Fine Arts, which displays some of Georgia’s most precious Medieval Christian artwork, including gilded icons, processional crosses, fine embroideries and Queen Tamar’s exquisite bejewelled cross brooch. Free time this afternoon offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the local cafés, markets and bookshops.

Hotel: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town Meals: All meals included

the monastery is also famous for its cycle of frescoes, including a famous depiction of Queen Tamar herself. This afternoon we return to Borjomi via Akhaltsikhe and the Rabati fortress, a centre for Ottoman slaving at late as the 1820s.

Hotel: Borjomi Likani Health & Spa Centre Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Borjomi - Kutaisi

We drive to Kutaisi this morning, Georgia’s second city and historic capital of Imereti. Here, we visit the royal monastery and World Heritage Site of Gelati, with its rich mosaic and frescoes and its medieval Academy. After lunch, we have free time to explore the city.

Hotel: Best Western Kutaisi Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Kutaisi - Batumi

Today we visit our guide lecturer’s site of Nokalakevi. The extensive ruins of a large Byzantine-period fortress stand atop earlier archaeological levels going back through the 1st millennium BC to at least the 3rd millennium. After a tour of the site and the small museum, we lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we drive through the Colchian lowlands towards the Black Sea coast, arriving at Batumi.

Hotel: Batumi World Palace Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Tbilisi - Borjomi

Day Fourteen | Batumi

Day Eleven | Borjomi

Day Fifteen | Batumi - London

We start our day at Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and religious centre. After visiting the 6th century Jvari Chuch, we explore the excavations of the ancient royal citadel of Armazistsikhe. We finish our time here at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. After lunch, we visit Gori for the ancient rockcut city of Uplistsikhe and the Stalin Museum. The latter preserves the museum erected by Stalin’s murderous Caucasian viceroy Beria, making it a fascinating relic of the cult of Stalin and the counterpoint to the exhibition on the Soviet Occupation in Tbilisi’s National Museum. Later, we travel up the Mtkvari gorge to Borjomi and check-in to our hotel.

Hotel: Borjomi Likani Health & Spa Centre Meals: All meals included This morning we drive past the fortress of Khertvisi, to the Medieval cave monastery of Vardzia. Renowned as a mustering point of Queen Tamar’s armies in her wars against the Turks,

Batumi, is the Bathus Limen, or deep water port discovered by Greek settlers of the Black Sea coast in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. The Russians developed it into a major warm water port in the late 19th century, with the help of foreign investors like the Rothschilds and the Nobels. The city retains much of the architecture of this Art Nouveau period, alongside the churches and mosques of its diverse population. After a leisurely walking tour of the city, we visit the Roman playing-card fort at nearby Apsarus, with its small museum. After lunch, there is some free time to explore at leisure. Tonight, we come together to celebrate the success of our memorable adventure.

Hotel: Batumi World Palace Meals: All meals included We transfer to the airport for our return flight back to London.

Meals: Breakfast included

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uzbekistan

Sites & Cities along the Silk Road

5th - 19th April 2019 | 14th - 18th October 2019 | 15 Days Apr: £3,595 (single supplement £395) | Oct: £3,695 (single supplement £395) What’s Included Return scheduled flights to Tashkent | Expert Guide Lecturer Tour Manager | All local travel | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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Mizdakhan cemetery at sunset, Nukus

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Oriental buildings in Khiva

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ear the footsteps of history as we explore the sites and cities of the Silk Road, which once ran all the way from China to Europe, with Uzbekistan right at its heart. The steppes, deserts, mountains and gleaming blue-tiled cities tell a story of trade and conquest. Join us on the road to Khiva, Bukhara and fabulous Samarkand; cities built to dazzle the travellers who have passed by for thousands of years. For centuries this is where not only goods, but knowledge, ideas, and cultures crossed from East to West. Travel in the footsteps of those ancient caravans, from grassy plain to desert, voyaging from city to city, crossing Uzbekistan on an unforgettable journey.

highlights Visit UNESCO’s Samarkand, Shahrisabz and Bukhara

guide lecturers Dr. Paul Wordsworth is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford focussing on the archaeology of the medieval Caucasus and Central Asia. He is currently directing a new archaeological project exploring the remains of a frontier city of the early Islamic Caliphate in Azerbaijan. He has carried out extensive archaeological fieldwork in Central Asia (Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) and received his PhD from the University of Copenhagen on medieval Central Asian trade routes and travel.

See the many ornate palaces in the city of Khiva Observe avant-garde art at the renowned Savitsky Art Museum Enter the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque Sample Uzbekistan’s incredible regional cuisine Ayaz Kala Fortress Toprak Kala Chilpik Dakhma Khiva

Nukus

fabulous samarkand

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was a central point of trade across the region and has passed through all manner of incarnations — ruled not only by Ghengis Khan, it also came under the control of Alexander the Great in 329 BC. The ancient city of Samarkand was a mixture of cultures and religions. Our tour includes a visit to the archaeological site of Afrasiyab, which contains numerous indications of a diverse, medieval society that was once here.

Uzbekistan

Tashkent Shahrukhiyah

Paykent Bukhara Samarkand Shahrisabz

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itinerary Day One & Two | London - Tashkent

After an overnight flight to Tashkent, we transfer to our hotel with time to rest before lunch. During the afternoon we visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan. Founded in 1876, and formerly known as the Lenin Museum, this is one of the oldest institutions in Central Asia, and boasts an epic assortment of artefacts. Highlights include the remains of a primitive man dating from 1.5 million years BC, as well as significant statues and reliefs from the country’s Buddhist period. This evening we enjoy a welcoming meal together.

Hotel: International Hotel Meals: Lunch & dinner included

Day Three | Tashkent

This morning we drive through countryside to the ancient settlement of Shahrukhiyah, an important Silk Road city sacked by the Mongols in the 13th century, and now concealed beneath a verdant mound. We return to Taskhent for a walking tour of the old town this afternoon, exploring ancient mausoleums and beautiful mosques, including Tillya Sheikh.

We will also take in remnants of the city’s Soviet past.

Hotel: International Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Tashkent - Nukus

This morning we fly west to Nukus, located in the Karakalpakstan Republic. Upon arrival we make our way to Gyaur Kala, the “Fortress of Infidels”, a settlement established at the time of the First Persian Empire. Its surviving mud brick walls and towers are indicative of Zoroastrian inhabitants.

After lunch we continue to the Medieval city of Mizdakhan, site of Uzbekistan’s oldest necropolis, first founded some 2,000 years ago. Still a place of pilgrimage and mysticism, the legends surrounding this settlement include that of the “World Clock”, a building that is said to shed just one brick a year. According to legend, when the last brick falls, the end of the world begins.

Hotel: Jibek Joly Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Nukus - Khiva

In the morning we visit the world-renowned Savitsky Art Museum, which hosts the world’s second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art which hangs alongside that of Socialist Realism. There are also archaeological and ethnographic objects on display. Next we travel south along the Amu River to the remote ruined tepe of Chilpik Dakhma, a Zoroastrian “Tower of Silence” used in funerary “sky burial” rituals until the Arab invasion of the 7th century AD. Our final destination for the day is Khiva, an important Silk Road city famous for its role as a slave trading post.

Hotel: Orient Star, Khiva Meals: All meals included

Traditional street market

Day Six | Khiva

The sixth day of our trip begins with an excursion to the mighty fortresses of Ayaz Kala. Dramatically situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kyzylkum Desert, and erected to protect local inhabitants against nomadic attacks, these ancient strongholds were largely destroyed at the time of the Arab invasions. We continue to the abandoned city of Toprak Kala, a complex built by the slave-owning Khorezm, with an extended line of crumbling walls that is visible for miles around. Built in the 3rd century AD, its remains include the residences of Khorezm governors, workshops which formerly manufactured bows, and a palace with three imposing towers.

Hotel: Orient Star, Khiva Meals: All meals included

Day Seven| Khiva

Today we step into a world of “Arabian Nights”, spending a whole day exploring Khiva on foot to enjoy its narrow alleys, graceful minarets and thriving markets. Although it was virtually destroyed by Genghis Khan, much of it what was subsequently rebuilt is impressive. The first of Uzbekistan’s sites to achieve World Heritage status, the city still boasts its original defensive walls and gates, as well as a wealth of ornate mosques and mausoleums. This evening we dine besides Lake Kharrat and watch the sun set over the Kyzylkum Desert.

Hotel: Orient Star, Khiva Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Khiva - Bukhara

We take a long drive through the Karakum Desert, enjoying a picnic lunch en-route. We stop at the widest expanse of the Amu Dayra (River Oxus) to see how its waters have been diverted by the Soviets, causing the Aral Sea to dramatically recede. We arrive at Bukhara mid-afternoon, allowing time to visit the beautifully located Samani and Chashma Ayub mausoleums, and the Bolo Khauz Mosque before we check-in to our next hotel.

Hotel: Zaragon Plaza Meals: All meals included Handmade traditional knotted silk rugs

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Ruins of the ancient Toprak Kala fortress

Day Nine | Bukhara

Day Thirteen | Samarkand

Day Ten | Bukhara

Day Fourteen| Samarkand - Tashkent

Today is all ours to wander brilliant Bukhara, long a great oasis of Central Asia. Formerly part of the Persian Empire, the city was seized by the Samanids in 903 AD, and went on to become a significant centre for intellectualism in the Islamic world.

As part of our tour we visit the Po-i-Kalyan religious complex, an impressive collection of sacred buildings, so transcendent that not even Ghengis Khan could not bring himself to destroy it. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folk show before having dinner.

Hotel: Zaragon Plaza Meals: All meals included We visit the site at one of Bukhara’s predecessors today — the ruined city of Paykent. After a picnic lunch at the Paykent Museum. We return to Bukhara to visit the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, a fine example of Samanid architecture, and the Bolo Haus Mosque, as well as other places of interest as we walk back to our hotel.

Hotel: Zaragon Plaza Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Bukhara - Samarkand

Today we follow the Silk Road route to Samarkand, an extended drive east across the scenic plains of central Uzbekistan. On the way we stop at Rabat-i Malik, an 11th-century caravanserai with an intricate Persian façade matching those found on palace walls at Persepolis.

Hotel: Grand Samarkand Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Samarkand

This morning we transfer to smaller vehicles, travelling via the Takhta Karcha Pass to the turquoise-domed city of Shahrisabz, ancient birthplace of Amir Temur (Tamerlane). Legend states that the city was destroyed by the Khan of Bukhara when his favourite horse died from exhaustion on the steep ascent to the gates. What remains today are the looming towers and delicate mosaics of Tamerlane’s stupendous 14th-century Ak-Saray Palace (or White Palace), and the Dorus Saodat, an outstanding example of Khwarezmian architecture.

Hotel: Grand Samarkand Meals: All meals included We begin our last full day by exploring more of central Samarkand, first visiting the restored Gur-i-Amir Mausoleum complex where Tamerlane was buried. We continue on to the enormous Bibi-Khanym Mosque, with its magnificent columns, portals and minarets – a grand site established during the reign of Tamerlane. We finish our time in Samarkand with a visit to the necropolis at Shah i Zinda, which is a series of grand palatial tombs. We return to Tashkent by high-speed train this afternoon, and upon our arrival we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Hotel: International Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Tashkent - London

We rise early this morning to head back to the airport for our return flight home to London, via Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast included Karakum desert

We wake in fabulous Samarkand, a principal and prosperous city on the Silk Road route, and prepare ourselves for a full day of dazzling discoveries. Among today’s many highlights is the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a 15th century marvel of astronomical research which was unearthed in 1908. Ulugh Beg is widely considered to be one of the finest historical observatories in the Islamic world. We also take a trip to Afrasiyab in the Zerafshan Valley. Here we find Samarkand’s oldest archaeological site, once the location of a Samanid palace, and now linked to an illuminating museum. We also admire Registan Square, an impressive public square bordered by three stunning madrasahs, or Islamic schools. A breath-taking monument to power and learning.

Hotel: Grand Samarkand Meals: All meals included

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india 30th January - 15th February 2020 | 7th - 23rd December 2020 | 17 Days Jan: £4,995 (single supplement £1,200) | Dec: £5,295 (single supplement £1,300) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Delhi | Internal flights & train travel | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites & museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Kandariya Mahadev Temple

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The famous Taj Mahal

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guide lecturers

highlights

Dr. Mehreen Chida-Razvi is a Research Associate in the Department of the History of Art at SOAS, University of London, and Assistant Editor for the International Journal of Islamic Architecture. She is a specialist on the art and architecture of Mughal South Asia and the Islamic World, and has published on aspects of Mughal architecture, painting, history and Mughal-Persianate-European relations. Additionally, she has shared her expertise with a wider audience through her participation and consultation for documentaries on the Taj Mahal, as well as programming on BBC World Service Radio and BBC2.

ndia’s turbulent history and spectacular cultural heritage only means one thing - exotic traditions, fascinating architecture and stunning artwork. Our tour includes carefully planned visits to many world famous sites, monuments and leading museums, which bring a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and cultural synthesis that has evolved between the country’s primary religious civilisations - Jain, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim.

Old & New Delhi - where the ancient and modern blend seamlessly together Be mesmerised by the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal Discover Lucknow - visit the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza and enjoy the city’s famed cuisine Enjoy an early morning boat trip on the holiest of rivers in India - The Ganga View Khajuraho’s amazing sculptures and some of the world’s finest temple carvings, including the Kandariya Mahadev

Delhi

special access

Considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Taj Mahal is India’s most famous mausoleum. Taking an estimated 22 years to built, it is believed that more than 22,000 people were involved in its construction and over 1,000 elephants were used to transport the heavy materials required. Being made of white marble, it takes on a different colour at different times of the day depending on how and when the light reflects off of it.

Jaipur

Agra

Lucknow

Gwalior Varanasi

Orchha Khajuraho

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Day Six | Lucknow

We continue exploring Lucknow today, visiting the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate. We also see the magnificent Bara, Husainabad and Asafuddaula Immambara’s, which reflect the quintessence of Awadhi architecture with its strong Persian influence. The Hussainabad Picture Gallery houses a collection of life-size oil paintings of the Nawabs of Oudh (1882 - 1885) and in the foreground is the British Style Clock Tower built in 1881. Our afternoon includes an insight into Chikankari (traditional hand embroidery).

Hotel: Vivanta Gomti Nagar Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Lucknow - Varanasi

itinerary

After an early breakfast we board a train for Varanasi, arriving at lunchtime. After lunch together, we have free time in the afternoon to spend as we wish. This evening, we enjoy the mesmerizing spectacle of the sunset Aarti on the ghats (steps) of ‘The Ganga’.

Hotel: The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Meals: All meals included

Day One & Two | London - Delhi

Day Eight | Varanasi

The Lal Qila, also known as the Red Fort

We fly overnight from London to Delhi. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have lunch. We take the rest of the day to relax after our flight, before enjoying our first dinner as a group.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Delhi Meals: Dinner included

Day Three | Delhi

We spend our first day in northern India with a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. We begin with the tallest minaret in the world made up of bricks, the Qutub Minar, built by Aibak in 1199 and then we discover why the architectural significance of Humayun’s Tomb makes it a proud sample of the Mughal era building techniques. We get closer to the Indian legacy and witness the journey of India, from a ruled country to a free democracy, by taking time to stop at places such as India Gate, the President’s Palace, Secretariat buildings and the Indian Parliament House.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Delhi Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Delhi

Today it’s time to discover the richness of Old Delhi, starting with the grand red stone marvel, Lal Qila, known as the ‘Red Fort’. Continuing on to the Jama Masjid, built up by Emperor Shah Jahan, this mosque is decorated with plychrome stonework and contains a huge courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. A visit to Birla House, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi helps us to remember this ‘Father of the Nation’ ahead of an afternoon at the National Museum, rich with archaeological artefacts and art from the last 5,000 years.

We also get the chance to experience a rickshaw ride in the markets of Old Delhi.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Delhi Meals: All meals included

What better way to start the day than with a boat cruise on the holiest of rivers to Indians - The Ganga. Our observation of the religious rituals being performed by the locals on the ghat is accompanied by live Sitar music. After breakfast at our hotel we visit Sarnath, one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Lord Buddha delivered the first sermon to his disciples, and the museum here has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures. We also visit Bharat Kala Bhawan, which includes collections of archaeological material, paintings, textiles and costumes, decorative art, personal collections, Indian philately and literary and archival materials.

Hotel: The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Varanasi - Khajuraho

This morning we fly to Khajuraho. Out afternoon includes visits to the Southern Group of Temples — Duladeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Chaturbhuja Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the only temple in Khajuraho devoid of any erotic carvings. The Archaeological Museum has a small but well-presented collection of Khajuraho sculptures representing Brahmacnical Jaina, and Buddhist faiths in its five galleries.

Hotel: Radisson Jass Khajuraho Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Delhi - Lucknow

We fly to Lucknow this morning, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. After free time at our hotel, we meet up in the late afternoon for a walking tour to discover some of the heritage of the city. We start from Gol Darwaaza, and as we wind our way through parts of the city we’ll experience it’s culture, people, and lifestyle before ending at the Akbari Gate, where we enjoy some of the famed cuisine for which the city is widely known.

Hotel: Vivanta Gomti Nagar Meals: All meals included

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Gwalior Fort

Day Ten | Khajuraho

Today is the turn of the Western and Eastern Group of Temples. The Kandariya Mahadev temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group, an artistically engraved shrine with several hundred images of women. The Chaunsath Yogini Temple built in the 10th century AD is dedicated to the 64 yoginis who accompany Goddess Kaali, and Chitragupta Temple or Bharat Ji Temple, is famous for the 11-headed impressive sculpture of Lord Vishnu.

Our temple visits are completed with Vaaman, an intriguing shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Lord Vamana.

Hotel: Radisson Jass Khajuraho Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Khajuraho - Orchha

We travel to Orchha this morning and during the journey, our Guide Lecturer will use this opportunity to deliver a lecture that will enhance out next visit. An old but beautiful town, it is home to a range or archaeological monuments. Inhabited

by Bundela kinds and influenced by the old school Mugha architecture, the creative wisdom of palace and temples is commendable. Many of these structures were carved during the 16th and 17th century and still remain in good condition.

Jahangir Mahal is a noted palace with royal cenotaphs and provides amazing scenes of surrounding locales. Our day finishes witnessing an Aarti (prayed) ceremony at Lord Raja Ram Temple.

Hotel: Orchha Palace & Convention Centre Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Orchha - Gwalior

After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Gwalior visiting Datia Palace en route. Datia Palace stands tall in the historic city of Datia and is a great example of Indo-Islamic architectures. A blend of Rajputani and Mughal styles its exterior is adorned with arches, chhartris, oriel windows and the interior is decorated with Bundela paintings.

Hotel: Taj Usha Kiran Palace Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Gwalior - Agra

Women at work in Orchha take a brief stop at Abhaneri to see the Chand Baori. One of the largest stepwells in the world, it was build over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan.

Hotel: Trident Jaipur Meals: All meals included

Day Sixteen | Jaipur

A short drive brings us to Amber and the magnificent fort that nestles on the rocky hill rising above Maota Lake — a symbol of power and perseverance. After a visit to the Anokhi Textile Museum, we return to Jaipur or ‘Pink City’ to explore the intricately carved marble Old City Palace, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728. Next we visit Jantar Mantar, one of five astronomical observatories built in north India between 1724 and 1730, it truly is a striking geometrical structure.

Hotel: Trident Jaipur Meals: All meals included

Our day starts with a city tour of Gwalior. The city is dominated by its hill-top fort, one of the most redoubtable in the world and within it are some marvels of medieval architecture. Next is the Jai Vilas Palace, a symbol of age-old Indian culture and opulence, preserved in the backdrop of modern-day India. Later, we board the Gatiman Express and travel to Agra.

Hotel: Trident Agra Meals: All meals included

Day Seventeen | Jaipur - Delhi

Day Fourteen | Agra

We depart from Delhi and fly to London, arriving back in the UK this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast included

A royal Mughal city, Agra has many monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is a mesmerizing example of architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. An immense mausoleum in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Today’s visits also include the elegant garden mausoleum of Itimad-ud Daulah and Agra Fort, a walled palatial city built of red sandstone.

Hotel: Trident Agra Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Agra - Jaipur

This morning we journey to Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan state and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. En-route, we stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century to commemorate the birth of his son. We also

After spending the morning driving from Jaipur to Delhi, we check-in to our hotel for our final night. With free time this afternoon, choose to relax or explore more of the city. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together and look back on a truly diverse and memorable tour.

Hotel: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Eighteen | Delhi - London

Udaipur Extension If you wish to stay in India a little longer, we offer a further three night stay in Udaipur.

Day Eighteen - Return to Jaipur to fly to Udaipur.

Day Nineteen - Visit Eklini and Nagda Temples, the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, a local market and take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day Twenty - At leisure.

Day Twenty One - Fly from Udaipur to Delhi.

Day Twenty Two - Fly from Delhi to London.

January departure £795 (single supplement £370) December departure £1,115 (single supplement £595)

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sri lanka 1st - 16th November 2019 | 16 Days £4,995 (single supplement £925) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Colombo | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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Buddha Statues at the Golden Temple in Dambulla

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Sigiriya Rock

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guide lecturers

highlights

Prof. Bilinda Devage Nandadeva Professor Nandadeva, retired from the Fine Arts department of the University of Kelaniya after nearly 40 years, where he taught Art History and Historic Preservation. Widely experienced in the field of Sri Lankan art and architecture, his fellowships and awards range from London (Courtauld Institute), to Japan, a number of institutions in the USA, including the Smithsonian, and to Thessaloniki in Greece and Australia (Canberra University). Among his qualifications he holds a PhD in Art Conservation which specialised in materials and techniques of wall paintings in Sri Lanka (Kandyan schools of mural painting).

mall wonder that Sri Lanka is home to some of the finest World Heritage Sites, with landmark monuments and ancient ruined cities that still stand in homage to the island’s past civilisations and cultures, their unique artefacts and archaeological treasures. Join us on this trip of a lifetime as we learn more about one of the earliest great Buddhist kingdoms, explore ethereal temples, dagoba shrines and catch a glimpse of the fascinating wildlife.

Discover no less than six awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites Climb Kasayapa’s citadel of Sigiriya and enjoy unforgettable views Witness the unique evening ‘puja’ ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Enjoy a free day in Nuwara Eliya, a jewel of a hill station in the cool uplands Share the road with working elephant as you journey through tropical countryside

golden temple of dambulla

The Dambulla cave temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A place of worship dating back to the 1st century BC, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100m2) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues of the Lord Buddha. The statues and art found throughout are truly impressive.

Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka

Habarana Polonnaruwa

Aluvihare Kandy

Nuwara Eliya

Colombo

Ambalangoda Galle

Weligama

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Day Six | Habarana

The story of King Kasyapa’s retreat to his palace, built 180 metres above the surrounding forest on the rock of Sigiriya, is filled with intrigue, murder, revenge and suicide. It took him seven years to build his citadel and its spectacular gardens, pools and pavilions, designed to blend with the natural landscape. This extraordinary complex is no less beautiful today than it was in the 5th century BC. We shall climb Kasyapa’s citadel slowly, stopping to enjoy the water garden terraces, the famous “Sigiriya maidens” painted in a rock gallery, the magnificent views and visit Sigiriya Archaeological Museum. After a full morning of activity, we have the afternoon at leisure. Choose to take the time to continue exploring or unwind before dinner this evening.

Hotel: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Habarana

Avukana Buddha

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Colombo

We depart from London on an overnight flight to Colombo.

On arrival the next day we transfer to our hotel and take time to relax ahead of meeting for dinner in the evening.

Hotel: Galle Face Hotel Meals: Dinner included

Day Three | Colombo

Our day begins at the Gothami Temple which houses beautiful wall paintings that intricately and vibrantly depict the life of Buddha. In the afternoon we visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, where, according to legend, the Buddha converted the earliest inhabitants of Lanka to Buddhism. This temple is also renowned for its richly decorated walls, which include amazing murals painted by two well-known modern artists, Solias Mendis and George Keyt.

Hotel: Galle Face Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Colombo - Anuradhapura

We will spend the full day at the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. A series of great builders – including Vijayabahu I (1055-1110), builder of the first Temple of the Tooth, and Parakramabahu (1153-86), who built a vast number of dams, reservoirs and canals – have provided us with a magnificent, archaeologically rich site that boasts acres of unique architectural elements, delicately engraved columns and wonderful friezes. A tour of the new site museum will end this fabulous and interesting day.

Hotel: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Habarana

This morning we will visit the huge Avukana Buddha, which stands at over 40 feet tall, and the massive 4th century BC reservoir at Kala Wewa, built by King Datusena in 307 BC. We then continue to the great Golden Temple of Dambulla.

The easy ascent rewards us greatly as we will be able to stand before magnificent cave temples that are boldly decorated with paintings and effigies carved out of the living rock. The remainder of our afternoon will be spent at leisure. For those of us who have always wanted to see elephant in the wild there is the opportunity to take an optional safari this afternoon.

Alternatively, you could choose to join a guided walk in the nearby nature reserve to study medicinal plants and wildlife.

Hotel: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana Meals: All meals included

Today we leave Colombo, arriving in Anduradhapura for lunch. This area boasts a wealth of vocative sites and, this afternoon, we pay a visit to Mihintale, which was the site of the island’s first Buddhist sermon and first conversion of a long line of kings. Later, we transfer to our hotel.

Hotel: Palm Garden Village Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Anuradhapura - Habarana

Our day begins at the ancient city of Anuradhapura, royal capital from the late 5th century BC, until it was sacked and burned by Chola Tamils in 993. The power of the Sinhalese kings was then transferred to Polonnaruwa. It will take us the most of the day to examine the remains of 15 centuries of continuous occupation. As we stroll among the ancient buildings we will be awed by the huge dimensions of the three dagobas of the oldest periods and charmed by the unique architecture and moonstone thresholds of its monasteries and temples. We will also visit the site museum, which displays the sculptures, bas-reliefs and other precious artefacts from the site.

Hotel: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana Meals: All meals included

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Temple of the Tooth

Tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Day Nine | Habarana - Kandy

En route to Kandy we will stop to visit Aluvihare, the site where the Buddhist doctrine Tripitaka was finally written down on talipot palm leaves. After viewing the cave temple’s graphic depictions of what awaits sinners, we have arranged an informal discussion about Sri Lankan Buddhism with the chief monk of this important temple. We will also visit a spice garden and stop for lunch at a restaurant created by a popular folk artist. Touring continues in Kandy at the Anglican Cathedral. This evening we will visit the Temple of the Tooth at the time of the puja, or prayer offerings.

Hotel: Mahaweli Reach Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Kandy

Today begins at the three temples of the Kandyan era: Gadaladeniya Viharaya, with its strong southern Indian influences reminiscent of the Hindu art of Vijayanagar, Lankatilaka Viharaya, and finally Kataragama Devale, which is famed for its carved wooden pillars. We return to Kandy to visit a batik workshop and then have time at leisure ahead of meeting for dinner in the evening.

Hotel: Mahaweli Reach Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Before leaving Kandy, we visit the lovely Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, home to more than 4,000 species including orchids, palm trees and plants used for medicinal purposes. Our drive to Nuwara Eliya is along the edge of a lush highland landscape carpeted with verdant tea estates. We will stop to sample the famed Ceylon teas and learn the secrets of fermenting and processing the tea leaves. Tonight, will be spent in Nuwara Eliya, a former British hill station.

Hotel: Araliya Green Hills Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Nuwara Eliya

Today is your own to relax in the ‘cool’ climate of Nuwara Eliya. Perhaps take a stroll in Victoria Park, home to a large variety of plants, trees and several rare bird species, and enjoy relaxing at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the town.

Hotel: Araliya Green Hills Hotel Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Thirteen | Nuwara Eliya - Galle

En route to Galle today we will stop at Mulkirigala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built on a 205-metre high natural rock.

Afterwards, we will arrive in Galle and check into our hotel.

Hotel: Heritance Ahungalla Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen | Galle

Today, we will visit the Martin Wikramasinghe Folk Museum for an excellent overview of traditional life in Sri Lanka. We then tour the historical centre of Galle, including its ramparts and fort, as well as the National Marine Museum and the Marine Archaeological Project. We continue with a visit to the fishing village of Weligama to see a Megalith carved with a figure identified as Kushta Raja, the ‘leper king’, and the Purvarama Monastery, whose image house is considered to be one of the jewels of Buddhist painting. Later, we’ll experience a private performance of the Kolam Dance.

Hotel: Heritance Ahungalla Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen & Sixteen | Galle - London

On our way back to Colombo, we stop at Ambalangoda, known for its wooden mask craftsmen, before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight arriving in London the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast included

Galle Extension If you wish to stay in Sri Lanka a little longer, we offer a further three nights at the Heritance Ahungalla Hotel on a half board basis. An ideal opportunity to relax and unwind before your return flight to the UK. £355 (single room supplement £195)

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cambodia & vietnam 27th March - 8th April 2019 | 13 Days £4,195 (single supplement £675) What’s Included Outbound flight from London to Hanoi; Inbound flight from Siem Reap to London | Internal flights Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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The Temple of Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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The iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia

M

ysterious cities, atmospheric forests and colonial grandeur await in these evocative parts of southeastern Asia. Home to some of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, our expert guide will accompany us during our journey back to the past as we wander ruins temple sites, explore collections houses in great museums and discover breath-taking architecture. Combine this with the fascinating history, culture and delicious regional cuisine of both Cambodia and Vietnam, this tour delivers the perfect introduction to these incredible countries in a unique and immersive way.

highlights See the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple Walk through the landscaped ‘tomb’ of Emperor Tu Duc

guide lecturers Dr. Peter Sharrock specialises in the art and history of Cambodia, Vietnam and Java from 800 to 1400 CE. He lectures at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies on the spread of tantric Buddhism, from Pala India across Maritime Asia as this can be discerned in the monuments of Angkor, Borobudur, Vietnam and the Thai/Malay Peninsula. His research shows the states along the Maritime trade rout were not passive transmitters but were the major, artistic innovators in the cultural link between India and China. Dr. Sharrock was also Reuters’ chief correspondent during the American war in Indochina.

Enjoy enchanting lectures on local culture & history Discover Banteay Srei, home to exceptional carvings Explore the iconic Angkor Wat - a true grand finale!

Vietnam

Hanoi

special arrangements

During our trip, our expert guide has exclusively arranged for the following experts to accompany us In Hanoi, Prof. Le Thi Lien, a top archaeologist who will guide us round the vast ancient citadel, its own site museum as well as the nearby National Museum of Vietnamese History.

In Da Nang, the Former Director of the Cham Museum, Mr Vo Van Thang, will escort us around the museum collection.

In My Son, Mr Train Ky Phuong, a leading historian in Cham art, will accompany us to My Son via Tra Kieu.

Huế

Da Nang

My Son Hội An Banteay Srei Siem Reap

Koh Ker

Cambodia

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itinerary Day One & Two | London - Hanoi

We depart from London in the morning to take our flight via Bangkok to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Arriving on Day Two, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy breakfast as a group.

We take the rest of the morning to acclimatise. After lunch, we spend the afternoon exploring some of the city with our guide lecturer, including a visit to the National Museum of Vietnamese History, which contains bronzes from the Dong Son culture of 3 BC; the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple for scholars which dates from 1070, and also the excavations at Hanoi Citadel.

Hotel: Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Three | Hanoi - Hue

After breakfast our tour of Hanoi continues. We visit the Governor’s Palace, a colonial building constructed to house the French Governor-General of Indochina; the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden temple built to resemble a lotus flower, and the traditional stilt house in which Ho Chi Minh once lived. Following an early lunch we hop on a flight south to Hue, Vietnam’s capital until 1945. Upon arrival, we view Ta Duc’s Mausoleum — one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty designed by the Emperor himself, and built amid frangipani and pine trees.

Hotel: Romance Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Hue

This morning we travel to the Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-storey symbol of the city built in 1601, and home to a mighty bell said to be audible up to 10 kilometres away. Back on land, we enter the 19th century Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty, where the remains of the Forbidden Purple City lie. Little is now left of this once magnificent residence, to which only the emperor, his concubines, and eunuchs were admitted. Before lunch, we have a short transfer by buggy to the renowned Museum of Royal Antiquities, then in the afternoon, we visit the royal tomb of Emperor Dong Khan, the smallest of the imperial tombs of Hue with French influences and terracotta sculptures.

The rest of the day can be spent how we wish.

Hotel: Romance Hotel Meals: All meals included

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Stone heads guarding the South Gates of Angkor Thom, Cambodia

Day Five | Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

We begin the day by heading south along the coast, via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, from where we enjoy transcendent views of the Annamite Range and the glittering South China Sea. Arriving in the city of Da Nang, we follow lunch by the river with a visit to the Cham Museum, in the company if its former director. This quaint building houses the world’s best collection of religious sculpture from the Cham culture, dating from the 5th to the 15th centuries. Our journey continues through the Marble Mountains to the well-preserved trading port and World Heritage Site of Hoi An, a delightful city whose patchwork of styles and architecture reflects a rich cultural heritage.

Hotel: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Hoi An

Accompanied by a leading historian in Cham art, we make our way inland to My Son, the religious centre of the Cham people, stopping at the Champa empire’s first capital, Tra Kieu, along the way. My Son is believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina. More than 70 Hindu temples and tombs are nestled amongst the wooded hills here, all dedicated to the goddess Shiva. The site was also a burial place for the Cham kings. We spend a full day exploring these romantic ruins before returning to the sea breezes and bustle of Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Hotel: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort Meals: All meals included

Traditional lanterns Hoi An city, Vietnam

Day Ten | Siem Reap

An early start brings us to Cambodia’s most famous wonder: the outstanding Angkor Wat. We cross the moat into the site just after sunrise to avoid the crowds, and maximise our time exploring this enormous complex, with its assortment of Khmer capital buildings; a testament to the powers of this incredible civilisation. As well as taking in the site’s best-known monuments, we also visit the smaller temples of Ta Som, Preah Khan and Baray Reach Dak, which are rarely visited

by Western tourists. In the afternoon we spend time at the Angkor National Museum, where fragments and finds from the temples are displayed alongside illuminating exhibits about Angkor Wat’s construction and inhabitants.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Siem Reap

We enjoy a free day at Siem Reap today. Given that the world’s largest religious monument is on our doorstep, it is likely that you will want to return to Angkor Wat, where there are always new discoveries to be made. Take the ruins at your leisure on foot, or even by bicycle – an option allowing you to reach the further flung parts of the complex before the day is through.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: Breakfast & dinner included Monk walking past a temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day Seven | Hoi An - Siem Reap

This morning is free to discover Hoi An at our leisure. Browse the shops for local arts and crafts, stroll past the creaking old merchant houses, cross the famous covered bridge, or breathe in the city’s ambience with a local coffee in hand. This afternoon we return to Da Nang for a flight to Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Roulos

Our journey this morning includes a fascinating lecture about Cambodia from Dr. Sharrock who is a Khmerologist, as we make our way to the Roluos group of 9th century temples – some of the earliest Khmer structures ever found, and once the seat of the ancient Khmer capital Hariharalaya.

A magical site fringed with palm trees. Following lunch we continue to the remote temple complex of Banteay Srei (‘Citadel of Beauty’) where exquisite Angkorian frescos shine out from pink sandstone, many as detailed and precise as if they had been carved only yesterday, not several centuries ago. Among the many highlights here are the ornate library buildings, and the three central towers, adorned with deities.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Siem Reap

We make the most of our last day, rising early to discover some of Cambodia’s lesser-known temples, beginning with Ta Prohm, a Buddhist monastery held together by banyan and strangler fig roots. We also stop at the 12th century stone temple of Ta Nei, and the impressive Ta Keo, thought to be the first wholly sandstone temple built by the Khmer. Before lunch we visit the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum and then afterwards we delve into the fortified city of Angkor Thom.

An astounding location dominated by giant stone heads of the Buddha, and which features the stunningly carved ceremonial Terrace of Elephants and the Leper King, the temples of Phimeanakas, Baphoun and Bayon, and the Royal Palace.

This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Siem Reap - London

After breakfast, we transfer to Siem Reap airport for our return journey to the UK. We arrive in London late afternoon.

Day Nine | Banteay Chhmar

This morning we drive through scenic countryside north west to Banteay Chhmar. The Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of Cambodia’s most important and least understood temples from the Angkorian period. The temple complex, its moat, baray and surrounding unspoilt environment, comprises a unique archaeological site and a vital link in Cambodia’s cultural heritage. For these reasons, it is now one of Cambodia’s top priorities for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, we visit the major temple and have the day to explore its nine satellite temples at our own pace.

Hotel: Shinta Mani Shack Meals: All meals included Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic temple in the city of Hue, Vietnam

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china

Beyond the Great Wall

9th - 25th May 2019 | 10th - 26th October 2019 | 17 Days £5,495 (single supplement £995) What’s Included Outbound flight from London to Beijing; Inbound flight from Shanghai to London Internal flights | Private Coach | Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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The outstanding Great Wall of China

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The Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang

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hina 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 China through the ages. The great sites we see are put into their historical context.

highlights In the company of our expert guide, this stimulating destination will be brought to life as we discover China’s most famous sites View the underground army of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world Luoyang - the cradle of Chinese civilisation - home to Buddhist temples from the 1st century at the outstanding Longmen Grottoes

guide lecturers Dr. Kim Hunter Gordon is a historian of late imperial and modern China with an expertise in traditional Chinese theatre. He previously worked as a journalist for five years in Beijing and Shanghai before undertaking long term fieldwork and mentorship in Nanjing studying kunqu, a form of indigenous theatre and singing practice. He was awarded his PhD by Royal Holloway, University of London in 2016 and is currently a Research Fellow at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. In addition to his journalism and academic work, he has edited three travel guidebooks, contributing essays on local history, theatre and Buddhist sculpture. He currently lives in Suzhou with his family.

Explore the incredible Garden of the Humble Administrator - one of Southern China’s finest gardens Forbidden City

Visit the fascinating Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, which exhibits posters from the Maoist period of communist China

China

The Great Wall - Huanghua section

Terracotta Army Xi’an

The critical importance of Huanghua increased when the Ming emperors began to build their ancestral tombs nearby. The task of constructing a wall on the difficult terrain was assigned to the fastidious general Cai Kai in 1580, whose extreme diligence delayed the completion of the project, he was duly beheaded for missing his deadline. The quality of Cai Kai’s construction is such the wall here has escaped the intrusive restoration that mars other sections.

Sanxingdui Chengdu

Beijing

Luoyang

Suzhou

Shanghai

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World Heritage status, which it achieved in the year 2000. In the afternoon we visit a site which not only holds UNESCO status, but the title of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the iconic Great Wall, an unparalleled feat of Chinese engineering.

While the original wall dates back to the 2nd century BC, the majority of the Great Wall was built and extended during the Ming Dynasty in order to keep warring Mongol nomads at bay. We experience the wonders of the wall for ourselves while walking on one of its more accessible sections.

Hotel: Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Six | Beijing - Luoyang

Giant Panda eating Bamboo, Chengdu

We bid farewell to the grandeur of Beijing and travel by bullet train to Luoyang, a city in central China located at the confluence of the Yellow and Luo Rivers. Luoyang was considered the geographic centre of China, and is home to a vast wealth of archaeological findings. Excavations here have uncovered ritual sites dating back as far as Neolithic times – and many fascinating traces of Luoyang’s influential past remain. This afternoon we visit the Ancient Tomb Museum.

Hotel: Mudu Lee Royal International Meals: All meals included

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Beijing

After an overnight flight to Beijing, we transfer to our hotel where we can unwind. Later, we head out for a visit to the Forbidden City - or Palace Museum - China’s biggest and most beautifully preserved collection of imperial buildings. This site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1987 thanks to its stunning architecture and historic significance.

We can view collections that showcase paintings, ceramics and even timepieces here. Beijing is home to six World Heritage Sites and it’s a great starting point for us on this tour.

Hotel: Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Three | Beijing

This morning we touch on recent history at Tiananmen Square. We will then continue with a visit to the National Museum of China, with collections ranging from the very early traces of humans dating 1.7 million years ago to the end of the Qing Dynasty. After lunch, we view the Temple of Heaven, a vast ritual site constructed by the Yongle Emperor.

Hotel: Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Beijing

Our discovery of Beijing continues this morning as we wander the expansive lakes and gardens of the Summer Palace, the largest royal park in China; a must-see destination for any visitor to the capital. Though the origins of the park date back to the 12th century, the grounds were expanded significantly in the 1700s, when around 100,000 labourers were called in to enlarge Kunming Lake. The park’s hills and views offer a dazzling respite from the bustle of the city. Later today we travel to Fahai Temple at the foot of Cuiwei Mountain, a destination famed for its vivid frescoes from the Ming Dynasty, which cover an area of over 230 metres.

Hotel: Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Beijing

We explore the Tombs of the Ming Dynasty this morning, final resting place of thirteen emperors, including the famous Yongle, whose marble mausoleum lies just beyond the ‘Gate of Paradise’. The lavish stonework, dragon motifs, and feng shui layout of these tombs made this site an obvious candidate for

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Watchtower of the Forbidden City, Beijing

Day Seven| Luoyang

After breakfast, we visit the Longmen Grottoes, home to almost 100,000 Buddhist statues, which stand in a terrain of artificial caves and limestone cliffs. These remarkable statues differ wildly in size, ranging from just an inch to up to 17 metres high, and the collection is thought to have first been established at the time of the Northern Wei Dynasty (from 493 to 534 AD). In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the historical Luoyang Museum and spend time here exploring its vast collections. This site is home to cultural relics and interesting artefacts that reflect the area and its heritage.

Hotel: Mudu Lee Royal International Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Luoyang - Xi’an

Our bullet train will whizz us to Xi’an this morning, which is one of the oldest cities in China. This destination is a melting pot of culture and religion, and there is much to discover here.

Our afternoon will be spent at leisure and we can experience the city at our own pace. Wander around the Islamic Quarter, with its Great Mosque and Bazaar, or walk the city walls, an imposing structure that was first established back in the Ming Dynasty.

Hotel: Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Nine | Xi’an

Following breakfast we spend a morning with the jewel in Xi’an’s crown: the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army. The 8,000 statues displayed here were crafted for Emperor Qin Shi Huang in order to guard his tomb, and were discovered as part of a vast necropolis by farmers in 1974. We view the assembled ranks and other elements of the monumental tomb complex.

After lunch we continue to Banpo Neolithic Village and Museum. In 1953, the remains of a 6,500-year old settlement were unearthed here by local workers. The excavations that followed formed the first large-scale archaeological dig of the People’s Republic of China. We view the findings from this 20-acre site, which provide significant evidence of a society led exclusively by women. This evening we enjoy a traditional Chinese dumpling meal.

Hotel: Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Xi’an

Today we visit the Han Jingdi Tomb, the final resting place of Emperor Jingdi (188-141 BC), which is all too often overlooked and considered to be an underrated highlight of the area. Here, we view some of the 50,000 impressive terracotta figurines that have so far been discovered inside of the tomb’s numerous pits, with likenesses including those of eunuchs, domesticated animals, servants and also women on horseback. We complete out day with a visit to the Shaanxi Provincal History Museum, which presents thousands of years of Chinese history.

Hotel: Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Xi’an - Chengdu

We travel by high speed train to Chengdu this morning, capital of Sichuan Province and a hub for the entire southwestern region. After lunch we explore the 3,000-year-old settlement at Jinsha, near the Modi River. Accidentally discovered in 2001, excavations here have uncovered exquisite jade, ivory and gold artefacts, and evidence of a once flourishing civilisation.

Hotel: Buddha Zen Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Chengdu

Our day begins at the enigmatic site of Sanxingdui, where two enormous sacrificial pits were discovered less than a century ago, a direct link back to a culture of around 3,000 to 5,000 years old. A huge museum showcases the hoards of antiquities so far found here, including an amazing bronze statue of a tree measuring almost four metres high. While in Chengdu we have the opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, or alternatively, choose to visit the Sichuan Provincial Museum or visit the tea houses in People’s Park.

Hotel: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar Meals: All meals included

The perfect setting for an exceptional collection. There are few garden names more evocative than the Garden of the Humble Administrator and we spend ample time here wandering around this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site - a title it received in 1997. Widely considered to be one of southern China’s finest gardens, it showcases a range of lovely pavilions, islets and bamboo groves, and a peaceful expanse of water acts as its central focal point. It is the largest and perhaps the most famous in all of Suzhou.

Hotel: Scholar Boutique Hotel or similar Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Suzhou - Shanghai

For the last part of our tour we travel to the city of Shanghai on China’s east coast. Thanks to its location at the mouth of the Yangtze river, Shanghai has been an international hub for foreign trade since it was established as a treaty port in 1842, its population burgeoning in the following decades with the mass arrival of refugees during the Taiping Rebellion. Now a modern marvel of architectural, colonial and contemporary, Shanghai is currently the world’s most populous city with over 24 million inhabitants. Before checking in to our hotel, we take a scenic river boat trip along the Bund — the city’s historic quay along the Hunagpu River — to view its 19th century trading houses from the water.

Hotel: Equatorial Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Sixteen | Shanghai

We make the most of our last full day in China by heading to the leafy boulevards of the French Concession. The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre located here, exhibits a collection of objects which reveal the more recent history of communist China - a thought-provoking insight into life under Chairman. From this fashionable part of the city we have the afternoon free to spend at leisure. Enjoy a walking tour with your guide, or discover other highlights of this vibrant city at your own pace. As the day draws to a close, we come together as a group for a farewell dinner, a chance to share our thoughts on this incredible country.

Hotel: Equatorial Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Seventeen | Shanghai - London

This morning we say our goodbyes to the East and head West, back to the UK on our return flight to London.

Meals: Breakfast included

Day Thirteen | Chengdu - Suzhou

We catch a flight from Chengdu to Suzhou. Located in southern Jiangsu Province, in the centre of the Yangtze Delta, over 40% of the area is covered by water and is therefore home to a vast number of pond, lakes and canals. Known as “heaven on earth”, Suzhou was for centuries, the most prosperous noncapital city of the empire. After lunch we have some free time to explore at our own pace.

Hotel: Scholar Boutique Hotel or similar Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen| Suzhou

Today begins with a visit to the strikingly modern Suzhou Museum, noted for its world-class store of Chinese arts, crafts, and calligraphy, including Ming and Qing Dynasty paintings.

The Garden of the Humble Administrator, Suzhou

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japan

A land of contrasts

8th - 24th November 2019 | 17 Days £7,295 (single supplement £1,250) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Tokyo | Internal train travel | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed | Porterage | Gratuities

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Osaka Castle

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Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site

O

n the far side of the world, the closed society of pre-19th century Japan was the last major civilisation to engage with the rest of the world. Nevertheless, Japanese culture and history have had an extraordinary influence on the progress of the modern world. The archaeological sites of Japan are still difficult to visit, especially as an independent traveller. We are lucky to have an expert in Japanese archaeology leading this tour, giving us access to remarkable monuments from the fiery ceramics of the Jomon Neolithic to temples and Shoguns’ castles. We traverse the astonishingly diverse landscapes in search of the unique archaeology, history and culture of Japan.

highlights Visit Honshu Island’s largest crater lake, Lake Towada

guide lecturers Dr. Ilona Bausch studied Jomon archaeology with professor Tatsuo Kobayashi at Kokugakuin University, read for her PhD at Durham University under the supervision of professor Gina Barnes.

Ilona has lectured at Leiden University, Netherlands and the University of Tokyo.

She is researching the earliest use of jade in Japan, China, Korea, East Siberia and is currently working on a book on Jomon ornaments. Another research interest is the history of Japanese collections in European Museums, which were founded on early Western-Japanese interactions from the 17th century onwards. Ilona is fluent in Japanese.

Travel by bullet train to Himeji Castle and to Hachinohe Pay a visit to the sobering Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki Remarkable monuments - Jomon Neolithic to Shoguns’ Castle Aomori Hachinohe

See one of Japan’s greatest landmarks, Osaka Castle

Akita

Shinano River Nagaoka

japan’s diversity

A journey across a country travelling at times on the legendary Shinkansen bullet trains, will transport us not only across vast distances, but also allows us to explore the diversity in culture and cuisine. The modern skylines of the metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Kyoto give way to remote and almost uninhabited areas, where we will find stunning temples, shrines and remains of ancient settlements.

Miyajima Himeji

Kyoto Osaka Nara

Suwako Tokyo

Japan

Imari Nagasaki

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Oyu stone circles, which give us a little insight into the people who constructed and once used them. From the early to the middle phases of the late Jomon period between 2,000 - 1,500 BC, these two sizeable rings, the largest to have ever been discovered in Japan, have been the site of many an archaeological find, and are now surrounded by reconstructions of numerous period Jomon dwellings. The Oyu Stone Circle Centre here contains numerous artefacts and interesting exhibits, as well as a series of enlightening models.

Hotel: Metropolitan Akita Meals: Breakfast, Bento lunch & dinner included

Day Six | Akita - Nagaoka The wooden tower of To-ji Temple in Nara

itinerary Day One & Two | London - Tokyo

After an overnight flight, we arrive in the metropolis of Tokyo and transfer to our hotel. For the remainder of the day we can take time to rest from our journey, acclimatise, or explore the city at our own pace. This evening we meet as a group to enjoy our first dinner together.

Hotel: Asakusa View Hotel Meals: Dinner included

Day Three | Tokyo

Tokyo will wow us today, starting with a visit to the Fukagawa Downtown Museum – an intriguing glimpse of life in the Edo era, with reconstructed streets and authentic interiors; even a reproduction of a clam peddler’s home, complete with strewn, empty clam shells. The larger Edo-Tokyo Museum is the next stop on our tour. This eye-catching building, modelled on an old storehouse, features impressive exhibitions on the history of Tokyo, and includes life-size replicas of the wooden Nihonbashi bridge, as well as a traditional Kabuki theatre.

Hotel: Asakusa View Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Bento lunch & dinner included

Day Four | Tokyo - Aomori

What better way to make our exit from Tokyo than on the Shinkansen, one of the world’s fastest trains? The spotless bullet train carries us north to Hachinohe, which is home to the Korekawa Archaeological Museum. Within this striking modern building are hundreds of artefacts, including lacquerware items and impressive ceramics from the Jomon period of 3,000 - 1,000 BC. Clay figurines, as well as personal ornaments found in burials from the Korekawa-Nakai and Kazahari sites — the collections here are simply fascinating.

We resume our train journey and head for Aomori, on the north coast of Honshu. Here we visit the well-preserved settlement, the largest and most famous site of Sannai Maruyama, which was occupied by hunter-gatherers between 3,900 and 2,300 BC. The site was only discovered when it was surveyed in preparation for a new baseball stadium – suffice to say the local baseball games are now played elsewhere.

Hotel: Hotel Aomori Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Aomori - Akita

Today we drive to the serene natural landscape of Lake Towada. This is the largest crater lake of Honshu Island: lined with a deciduous forested rim, it sits atop an active volcano and is characterised by two gorgeous extended peninsulas. Later, ancient civilisation beckons us at the mysterious

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We get back on the train today, for a ride to Nagaoka, a bustling university city which borders the Sea of Japan. The untamed coastline acts as our constant companion while we speed towards our destination. Our first stop here is the Niigata Prefectural Museum of History. A highly informative resource on regional anthropology, history and general local folklore, the museum documents the history of rice-making in Niigata as well as showcasing samples of the weird and wonderful Jomon Flame Pottery, for which this area is known. Further examples of these eclectic pots are to be found at the Umataka Site Museum – which is another of today’s many highlights.

Hotel: New Otani Nagaoka Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Bento lunch & dinner included

Day Seven| Nagaoka - Suwa

The Shinano River is the longest river system in Japan, draining most of Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It rises at the foot of Mount Kobushi, in the Japanese Alps of Honshu.

As we drive down part of the riverside it’s easy to see why Simon Kaner, Head of Archaeology and Heritage at the world-renowned Sainsbury Institute, has made this area a key focal point for research, with recent excavations unearthing some of the earliest examples of Jomon Flame Pottery. Our journey leads up into the Tsunan mountains, where we stop at the Tsunan Agriculture and Jomon Experience Museum “Najomon”. Afterwards our scenic journey continue to our hotel through the magnificent Japanese Alps, to the land peaks of Nagano Prefecture.

Hotel: Hotel Beniya Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Suwa

We start our day at the Togariishi Jomon site and archaeology museum, and anyone familiar with the Jomon era will have heard of the Tanabatake Venus, a replica of which is on display here whilst on loan to the a museum in Paris. This small clay statue is dated back to 3,000-2,000 BC, and, unlike its Greek namesake, is remarkable for having all its limbs intact. Yet more sculpted marvels have been discovered at the Shakado Jomon site, where over 1,100 figurines are now exhibited in a local museum. We travel from here, in the midst of Japan’s wine country, on to the Suwa Grand Shrine complex, thought to be one of the oldest shrines in existence.

Every six years the Ombashira (or Honoured Pillars) Festival takes place here, and sees huge cedars felled and ridden down the mountains. Thankfully this isn’t a mode of transport we’ll be using for our own descent.

Hotel: Hotel Beniya Meals: All meals included Skyline of Tokyo and Mount Fuji

Day Twelve | Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s main attractions. We visit it this morning, admiring exteriors lacquered with pure gold leaf, and enjoying the gorgeous views reflected in the lake. It is then a short drive to the Urasenke Tea Foundation Museum, where we will take part in an authentic tea ceremony, an important tradition in Japan. This afternoon is free to spend as we choose. One option is to head a little way out of the city centre to Tenryuji Temple. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, here you can lose yourself in its well-kept gardens, before making your way to the beautiful bamboo grove.

Hotel: Daiwa Royal Hotel Grand Kyoto Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima

The Buddha of Nara

Day Nine | Suwa - Nagoya - Nara

Today we return to the railway for another scenic ride, this time through the southern Alps to Nara, the ancient Heian capital of Japan. This compact city boasts no less than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is well worth taking some quality time to explore. We visit Nara Park, with its herds of roaming wild deer, the splendid Todaiji Temple, the biggest wooden building in the world – home to the famous Great Buddha – and Yakushiji Temple, which was built in the 7th century in a bid to heal the Emperor’s ailing wife. Its construction must have done the trick: she succeeded him as Empress Jito towards the end of the century.

Hotel: Kashihara Royal Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Ten | Nara - Osaka - Kyoto

Our adventure continues today via the amazing Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s mightiest landmarks and site of many a vital battle. The Golden Tea Room here has to be seen to be believed – a truly jaw-dropping sight. Eight floors of displays lead up to an observation deck for wonderful views of Osaka itself. The ancient tumulus clusters of Mozu-Furuichi take our interests underground this afternoon. This collection of rounded keyhole-shaped mounds consist of graves measuring up to 500 metres in length: an awesome spectacle right in the heart of Osaka.

Hotel: Daiwa Royal Hotel Grand Kyoto Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Kyoto

We explore Kyoto today, where a wealth of temples and world-class sites await. We head first for Nijo Castle, an enormous complex that boasts multiple moats and fortifications. Don’t miss the famous nightingale floors, sonamed for the bird-like noise that potential assassins may have made while attempting to sneak their way across them.

Alarms have never looked so attractive! We have free time this afternoon to take in the city at our leisure.

Hotel: Daiwa Royal Hotel Grand Kyoto Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

We take the bullet train to the hilltop Himeji Castle complex, which has stood intact on this site for several hundred years.

Also known as the White Heron Castle, it is regarded as Japan’s most beautiful surviving castle with five of its buildings now designated as official National Treasures. We explore the castle’s sprawling site, including its maze-like paths, originally designed to befuddle potential assailants. Later we take the train to Hiroshima and hop aboard the ferry to the wonderful Miyajima Island, where deer pose tamely for tourists on paths and in doorways. The iconic Itsukushima Shrine is our main stop here – recognisable from many a book on Japan and its great structures. Look out from the shrine’s wooden boards across the water, to the shores of Hiroshima.

Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen| Hiroshima - Nagasaki

This morning the train takes us to subtropical Kyushu, the seaside starting point for a scenic drive to Yoshinogari. Here we find a huge Yayoi period site in Saga, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. One of Japan’s longest moat-encircled settlements, this long-lived site shows evidence of intensive trade with the continent, and in its final stages, it may have been the seat of one of Japan’s earliest kingdoms.

Nearby Imari introduces us to Japan’s history of porcelain production – a valuable export for the country during the 17th and 18th centuries. We pay a visit to the Kyushu Ceramics Museum to view its extensive collection of old Imari and Arita wares.

Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill Meals: All meals included

Day Fifteen | Nagasaki

Today we spend a day in Nagasaki, made famous, of course, for its destruction by an atomic bomb. The city’s Atomic Bomb Museum, built on the explosion’s epicentre, is a harrowing reminder of the legacy surrounding this terrible event. After lunch, we visit Dejima, an important site as it represented the only contact with a European country during the Isolation of the Edo period from 1621-1868. We end our day with time to enjoy a leisurely walk through Chinatown, perhaps sampling some of the delicious fusion food available. From here, we can explore the rest of the city at our own leisure.

Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill Meals: All meals included

Day Sixteen | Nagasaki - Tokyo - London We fly from Nagasaki to Tokyo in the morning and then continue our journey on to the UK. Meals: Breakfast included

Day Seventeen | London

We arrive in the UK this afternoon.

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japan

An Exploration of its Arts

4th - 18th September 2019 | 15 Days £6,995 (single supplement £1250) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Tokyo | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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The Sensō-ji Temple

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Traditional houses in Shirakawa-go

E

xperience the A to Zen of Japanese art and culture on this whirlwind tour through buzzing cities, remote islands and sprawling countryside. We venture from Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Gardens to some of the world’s largest art collections, imbibing tea ceremonies, ancient castles and visiting stunning temples.

An authentic exploration of Japan’s many traditions awaits. With time to take in some of this country’s most leading art galleries, we also participate in workshops that give us unique personal insight.

Try your hand at the delicate practice of origami and the swoops of calligraphy, learn how to make tea, and even put on a kimono.

highlights Marvel at magnificent temples in the company of our expert guide

guide lecturers Prof. Toshio Watanabe is Professor for Japanese Arts and Cultural Heritage at Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC), University of East Anglia. He was also the Founding Director of the Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN) at the University of the Arts London. His research has explored how art of different places and culture intermingle and affect each other. He is currently working among others on modern Japanese garden in a transnational context.

Experience the rich culture through cuisine, workshops & visits Enjoy a private calligraphy demonstration Admire works of art at awe-inspiring art museums around Japan Wear an authentic kimono at a private tea ceremony

Japan

“Japan is a fascinating country. This tour will provide excitingly varied aspects of culture, landscape and life of Japan, ancient and contemporary. Visits will include sophisticated Imperial courts, venerable temples and samurai castles, serene gardens, fabulous farmhouses deep in the mountains, and major national and private museums. We will also experience world-renowned Japanese crafts (some hands-on), traditional theatre, and the hustle and bustle of life in contemporary cities.” - Prof. Toshio Watanabe

Kanazawa Shirakawa

Okayama

Matsumoto Takayama

Tokyo

Kyoto

Noashima Island Honmure village

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itinerary Day One & Two | London - Tokyo

We catch an overnight flight from London to Tokyo. Upon arrival on the morning of Day Two, we transfer to our hotel where we check-in and enjoy lunch. Later, we take a relaxing walk around the Imperial Palace Gardens, an immaculate expanse of lawns, bridges, ponds and cherry blossom trees.

The palace was the seat of the Tokugawa family, whose Shogunate reigned Japan from the early 17th to the mid-19th century and some old guard towers can still be seen.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: Lunch & dinner included

Day Three | Tokyo

This morning we visit the Tokyo National Museum, which boasts one of the largest art collections in the world.

Its collection of East Asian art is also one of the most impressive collections in Japan. After lunch, we enjoy a private calligraphy demonstration. Finally, we round our day off at the Sensō-ji temple, the oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in Tokyo.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: All meals included

Day Four | Tokyo

Our day begins with free time to further explore vibrant Tokyo. In the afternoon, if theatre schedules permit, we visit one of the theatres for a traditional dance performance of classical Japanese musical drama. The Noh theatre, for instance, is a form that originated in the 14th century and combines dance with music to complex storylines.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Tokyo

A visit to the Nezu Museum with its private fine art collection gets our day off to a great start. Not only the collection, but also the garden and renovated buildings are exquisite examples of Japanese sensibility. From here, we visit Gotoku-ji, known as the temple of beckoning cats.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: All meals included

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Japanese lanterns in Kyoto

Day Six | Tokyo - Okayama

This morning, we take the high speed train to Okayama.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and pay a visit to the striking Okayama Castle, known as “crow castle” for its black exterior. The Korakuen garden near the castle is sometimes hailed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

Hotel: Ana Crowne Plaza Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Okayama

We explore Naoshima Island this morning, a paradise for lovers of contemporary art. The island is known for its modern art galleries and open-air creations. We visit the Chichi Art Museum and the Honmura Village. This afternoon we return to Okayama.

Hotel: Ana Crowne Plaza Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Okayama - Kyoto

Today, we drive to Kyoto. In the afternoon, we take a scenic walk through Old Kyoto and experience a traditional, private tea ceremony. We also get the chance to wear a kimono, a traditional garment still worn today on special occasions.

There is a style for both men and women, and a certain amount of skill is required to put it on. Experienced dressers are usually required to help.

Hotel: Hotel: Westin Miyako Meals: All meals included

Day Nine | Kyoto

The Kyoto National Museum opens its doors to us this morning. Another of the major art museums in Japan, it focusses on pre-modern Japanese and Asian art. Later, we see how traditional fabrics are made at the Nishijin Textile Centre.

Production has been taking place here for over 1,000 years and its highly decorative designs are woven into the fabric using different coloured yarns. Finally, we have an origami workshop, an ancient tradition involving creative paper folding.

Hotel: Westin Miyako Meals: All meals included

Imperial palace and city skyline in Tokyo

Day Ten | Kyoto

This morning, we make our way to the Imperial Palace, residence of the Imperial Family until 1868, and take a tour upon arrival. Later, there is free time in Kyoto before dinner.

Hotel: Westin Miyako Meals: All meals included

Day Eleven | Kyoto - Kanazawa

Today, we have an early start as we depart for Kaga and en route we have lunch. The area of Kanazawa is famous for its traditional Japanese crafts and upon arrival, we visit the ancient Kutani Kiln, exhibition hall and Kutani Art Museum.

Here, we will have the opportunity to try our hand at painting some pottery.

Hotel: Hotel Kanazawa Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Kanazawa - Matsumoto

We set off to visit Shirakawa-go, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will see miraculously preserved old style farmhouses. From here, we travel to Takayama, known as ‘little Kyoto in the mountains’, and stop for lunch. After exploring the historic district lined with wooden merchants’ houses, we continue on to our hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Buenavista Meals: All meals included

Traditional Japanese tea

Day Thirteen | Matsumoto - Tokyo

Built in the 13th century, Matsumoto Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Japan and our first visit of the day.

Impressively, this amazing building still retains its original features. After lunch in the area, we make our way back to Tokyo.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen | Tokyo

The chance to explore other museums or just do some shopping is ours today. Tokyo has much to discover and we have ample free time. Tonight, our dinner will be in the form of a Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal where presentation is of upmost importance.

Hotel: Hotel Tobu Levant Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day Fifteen | Tokyo - London

This morning we depart for the airport and after an independent lunch, we catch our flight to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast included View over Tokyo at twilight

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australia

Aboriginal Rock Art

14th - 28th August 2019 | 15 Days £9,995 (single supplement £2,000) What’s Included Return scheduled flights from London to Sydney | Internal flights | Private Coach Expert Guide Lecturer | Tour Manager | Entry to all sites and museums Meals as detailed, including wine with dinner | Porterage | Gratuities

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Uluru, or Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Northern Territory

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Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, Kakadu National Park

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ustralia’s first human inhabitants arrived at least 50,000 years ago. For millennia, they lived an essentially unchanging nomadic lifestyle at one with the land and vast landscapes that surrounded them. They had few possessions, built no permanent monuments or settlements, but possessed an extraordinary detailed knowledge of their land, handed down through countless generations. On this unique tour we’ll encounter this ancient people through their art, which can be found anywhere - from remote Arnhem Land to the Outback. This is a truly privileged introduction, tracing the history, myths and beliefs of one of the world’s oldest people across the vast and ever-changing landscapes of Australia.

highlights A truly remarkable journey: a window on a hunter-gatherer culture which survived for more than 50,000 years

guide lecturers Dr. Paul Bahn is the leading expert on prehistoric rock art world-wide, and is certainly one of our bestknown archaeologists. Paul led the team which discovered the first Ice Age cave art in Britain in 2003. He is not only a leading academic but a great exponent of popular and accessible archaeology, and he has been leading tours for Andante Travels since 1997, inspiring and enthusing our travellers in the famous caves of France and Spain, in open air rock shelters in Portugal, and in Chile and Easter Island. Paul was also vice-president of the Australian Rock Art Association for eight years.

Spend two days in Kakadu National Park, a biodiverse nature reserve Stay at Max Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge in Mount Borradaile, the largest Aboriginal reserve in Australia

Stand before awe-inspiring examples of ancient rock art

Davidson’s Lodge Darwin

Kakadu Katherine

arnhemland safaris, mount borradaile This registered aboriginal sacred site in a remote area, nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment, has a landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs, flood plains, paper bark swamps and monsoonal rainforests. Still owned and managed by its traditional custodians, the Amurdak people whose occupation dates back for 50,000 years, the story of their ancestry is evident in the many tools, ceremonial grounds and rock art paintings - still being uncovered today.

Alice Springs Uluru

Australia

Sydney

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Skyline of Sydney and the iconic Opera House

itinerary Day One - Two | London - Sydney

Today we depart the UK from London and head to Singapore.

Upon arrival in Singapore we change planes and continue on our journey through to Sydney.

Day Three | Sydney

Arriving into the city of Sydney in the morning we’ll transfer to our hotel where we freshen up and enjoy some free time. The afternoon can be spent either at leisure, or we’ll take a ferry ride to Taronga Zoo to view the unique wildlife that is endemic to Australia, much of which we will encounter again, depicted in rock art.

Hotel: The Grace Hotel Meals: Dinner included

Day Four | Sydney

This morning we drive to the area north of Sydney for our first rock art “galleries” during a walk through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park north of the Terrey Hills. Engravings, predominantly of fish and eels, have been made in the horizontal bedrock, reflecting the importance of the river and sea to survival here. There are also huge whale depictions, and a number of human figures. We return to the city for lunch at the top of the Sydney Tower whose revolving restaurant affords 360-degree views of this impressive harbour city. Lunch is followed by a visit to the excellent Australian Museum.

Hotel: The Grace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Five | Sydney – Ayers Rock

We fly from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) the most famous rock in Australia, well-known for its colour changes in different light and weather conditions. Sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area, it is now a World Heritage Site. Arriving at our hotel late morning we’ll have lunch before driving to Kata Tjuta Gorge. Our walk through this valley affords views across the many domes of Kata Tjuta and out into the sacred Anangu men’s area. Our day continues in Kata Tjuta National Park where we’ll enjoy an aperitif while watching the sunset over Uluru, causing the rock to change colour dramatically. Dinner this evening is a delicious barbecue.

Hotel: Sails in the Desert Hotel Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

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Day Six | Ayers Rock – Alice Springs

An early start allows us to watch the sunrise, then we further explore Uluru with a walk around the base of the rock, passing sacred areas and painted panels with a wide variety of motifs.

We travel to Mutitjulu Walk where we are escorted to the waterhole followed by time to see locally-made arts and crafts at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Lunch is at Curtin Springs and then we continue our journey crossing dramatic landscapes of the “red centre” – passing the geographical centre of this huge country before arriving at Alice Springs.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Seven | Alice Springs

One of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in the Northern Territory is in Ewaninga so this is our first visit of the day, we then we continue on to Emily Gap and Jesse Gap with paintings that tell the story of the creation caterpillars who formed this landscape. This afternoon we will enjoy a walking tour of Alice Springs Desert Park which is home to local wildlife including all manner of exotic birds and lizards.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Eight | Alice Springs - Darwin

Today we leave Alice Springs and fly to Darwin the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and a former frontier outpost located on the Timor Sea. Darwin and the surrounding area are home to two national parks, Litchfield and Kakadu, the latter of which we will explore in-depth over the next two days. This evening we head to Stokes Hill Wharf for a buffet dinner cruise in Darwin Harbour whilst watching the sunset over Darwin and the surrounding areas.

Hotel: Mantra on the Esplanade Meals: Breakfast & dinner included

Day Nine | Darwin - Kakadu

Today we drive to the wild and beautiful Kakadu National Park which covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape varying from rocky escarpment that is home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to the floodplains that are abundant with wildlife. Our visit to the park includes the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the

Kangaroo’s in the Australian bush

informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Before lunch we take a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise through wetlands with prolific birdlife (and crocodiles!) to spot, before spending time at Nourlangie Rock, with many panels of very fine paintings, including some “X-ray” depictions of animals and fish.

Hotel: Mercure Crocodile Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Thirteen | Darwin - Sydney

Day Ten | Kakadu National Park

On this last morning of our tour we have free time in Sydney.

You could walk to the Circular Quay to take a ferry ride in the harbour which is home to the beautiful and unique Opera House and the famous bridge, or visit The Rocks Discovery Museum. The choice is yours before we travel back from Sydney to London arriving on Day Fifteen.

Meals: Breakfast included

In the morning we visit the World Heritage area of Ubirr, another prolific rock art site. Here we’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for the view over the surrounding wetlands.

We join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River during which, an Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, we are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. We have lunch back at our hotel before visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Hotel: Mercure Crocodile Hotel Meals: All meals included

After our morning flight to Darwin we explore the collections in the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. After lunch, we fly to Sydney. The rest of the day is at leisure before we meet in the evening for dinner.

Hotel: The Grace Hotel Meals: All meals included

Day Fourteen & Fifteen | Sydney - London

Day Eleven | Kakadu – Mount Borradaile

Today we transfer to Jabiru Airfield for our short charter flight to Mount Borradaile.

Hotel: Max Davidson’s Safari Lodge Meals: All meals included

Day Twelve | Mount Borradaile

We spend a full day exploring the rock art sites of Mount Borradaile. Some of the world’s oldest, most profuse and exceptional indigenous rock art is here, as well as a landscape which supported a hunter-gatherer lifestyle right into the 20th century. Artefacts such as bottle glass for knapping into artefacts and “dilly sticks” still lie abandoned in the rock shelters as a poignant reminder of the recent departure of those who lived this life.

Hotel: Max Davidson’s Safari Lodge Meals: All meals included ‘Caterpillar dreaming’ rock art

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our guide lecturers dr. paul bahn has been leading tours for Andante since 2000 and he is the leading expert on prehistoric rock art worldwide. He is certainly one of our best-known archaeologists.

Join Paul on the following tours Australia | Aboriginal Rock Art p90 Rock Art in the Namibian Wilds p44

dr. elizabeth baquedano is a specialist in the Archaeology of Mesoamerica and a Senior Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, and she is also the coordinator of Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory.

Join Elizabeth on the following tour Belize & Guatemala p18 Chile & Easter Island p26

david drew

for the BBC

is an archaeologist, writer and broadcaster who studied at Oxford and UCL. David has excavated in Peru and has also made many television documentaries

Join David on the following tours Mexico | The Maya p14 Peru & the Nazca Lines p22

dr. kim hunter gordon has recently completed his PhD and is also a journalist and historian of late imperial and modern China. Kim currently lives in Suzhou and is working at the Jiangsu Province Performing Arts Group.

Join Kim on the following tour China | Beyond the Great Wall p78

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dr. ilona bausch is a Visiting Professor at Kokugakuin University, Tokyo.

She specialises in the archaeology of the Japanese Jomon period, particularly with regard to early trade and social interaction. Ilona is also fluent in Japanese.

Join Ilona on the following tour Japan p82

dr. mehreen chida-razvi is a Research Associate in the Department of the History of Art at SAOS. She earned her BSc and BA from the University of Florida before moving to London, where she completed her MA in Art History. Mehreen specialises in the history of Islamic Art. Join Mehreen on the following tour India p66

lucia gahlin is a specialist in the archaeology of Ancient Egypt and has been leading archaeological tours to Egypt for over 20 years. Lucia is an Honorary Research Associate at UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.

Join Lucia on the following tours Egypt | Land of the Pharaohs p32 Egypt at New Year p36

nick jackson is an archaeologist and historian with over 20 years of guiding experience and has been part of excavations in the Middle East, with a focus on the Bronze Age. Nick graduated from the Institute of Archaeology, UCL. Join Nick on the following tours Israel & Palestine p50 Jordan, Petra & the Desert Fortresses p54

From archaeologists and writers, to broadcasters and historians - we have the most highly qualified archaeological team in Britain today. Drawing on the ancient sites we visit, our guides are able to bring the past to life by painting a vivid picture of what used to be.

dr. nicholas james has worked on the archaeology of American Indians for more than 35 years and is the author of ‘Aztecs & Maya’. Nick is a consultant in management of historical resources and is also a veteran tour leader.

Join Nick on the following tour Belize & Guatemala p18

prof. bilinda devage nandadeva retired from the Fine Arts department of the University of Kelaniya after nearly 40 years, where he taught Art History and Historic Preservation. Among his qualifications he also holds a PhD in Art Conservation.

Join Bilinda on the following tour Sri Lanka p70

dr. luigi prada is a member of academic staff at the Egyptology Department of the University of Oxford. He is a member of archaeological expeditions to Egypt and his research focuses primarily on the investigation of ancient Egyptian texts and language.

Join Luigi on the following tour Egypt | Land of the Pharaohs tour p32

prof. toshio watanabe is Professor for Japanese Arts and Cultural Heritage at Sainsbury Institute, University of East Anglia. He is currently working among others on modern Japanese garden in a transitional context.

Join Toshio on the following tour Japan | An exploration of its Arts p86

dr. stephen lekson is Curator of Archaeology and Professor of Anthropology at the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado He has directed more than 20 archaeological projects in the Southwest USA. Join Stephen on the following tour Native American Pueblos p10

dr. jackie phillips is a specialist in the archaeology of Ethiopia, from prehistory to the medieval period. She is currently a Research and Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and is involved in a field project in Lalibela.

Join Jacke on the following tour Ethiopia | The African Empire p40

dr. peter sharrock is an art historian specialising in the spread of Buddhism across Southeast Asia. He is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Peter was also a war correspondent for Reuters.

Join Peter on the following tour Cambodia & Vietnam p74

dr. paul wordsworth is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford focusing on the archaeology of the medieval Caucasus and Central Asia.

Paul has also carried out extensive archaeological fieldwork in Central Asia.

Join Paul on the following tour Uzbekistan p62

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Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours

Staffed by a team of passionate winelovers and travel experts, Arblaster & Clarke offers bespoke wine tours in stunning destinations around the globe.

Sample sumptuous wines in the locations they come from as producers personally welcome you to their vineyards. Each tour is led by a leading wine-industry individual, whether it’s a Master of Wine, a writer or a television personality. What’s more, Arblaster & Clarke’s little black book allows the company to secure special access and experiences you can’t find elsewhere.

New Zealand

South Africa

Chile & Argentina

• Join Master of Wine Bob Campbell on this delicious tour of New Zealand • Pay visits to Cloudy Bay, Te Mata, Stonyridge and Mills Reef wineries • Explore a thermal reserve in Rotorua, with geysers and geothermal pools • Take one of the world’s most aweinspiring ferry rides to Picton Island

• Compare wines from four regions: Stellenbosch, Riebeek, Montagu and Hermanus, tasting as we go • Master of Wine Nicola ArcedeckneButler will lead this wine tour • Enjoy a game drive at the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary • Spend time at a selection of wineries

• Embark upon a stunning journey across the Andes into Argentina • An authentic taste of Chilean life awaits in charming Santa Cruz • Accept invites to amazing wineries • Discover the delights of these amazing countries and their wines with Beverley Blanning, MW

15th Feb - 3rd Mar | From £7,995

26th Feb - 9th Mar | From £3,795

10th - 25th Feb | From £6,495

Operated by Arblaster & Clarke

Contact us today 01722 569541 | www.arblasterandclarke.com

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Based in Fife’s county town of Cupar for the last 25 years, Brightwater Holidays’ mission is to provide quality garden and special interest tours to its valued guests. Helping people to expand their horizons and fulfil their travel dreams is their privilege – if there’s a garden or archaeological site you’ve always wanted to see, Brightwater would love to take you.

What’s more, 2018 is all about the little extras – the porterage, the tips, luscious lunches and drinks at dinner, and the extra stars on your hotel rating.

Gardens of Costa Rica

Flora & Fauna of Madagascar

• Encounter the world’s largest butterfly garden at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and see orchids galore at La Garita • Take a boat around Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge to see subtropical wildlife, such as iguanas, monkeys and turtles • Tour an organic cacao plantation, with the chance to make and eat your very own delicious chocolate • Visit a range of gardens – private and public – in glorious locations, where endangered species and plants thrive

• Visit the Three Bays and walk along a track that runs parallel to an endemic forest of striking baobab trees • Experience a one-hour nocturnal tour, where frog species, the smallest chameleons and tiny lemurs can be observed • See butterflies and insects at the Madagascar Exotic Park • Admire remarkable wildlife and rainforest flora in Périnet, from eucalyptus and rosewood, to water lilies and orchids • Shop for authentic souvenirs at a local crafts market

3rd - 15th Feb | From £3,895

5th - 19th Nov | From £4,995

Operated by brightwater Holidays

Contact us today 01722 569541 | www.brightwaterholidays.com

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2019 spring departures

Andante Travels

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Archaeological Tours

Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours

Historical Trips

Egypt | Pharaohs and Pyramids

2nd - 17th February

Sri Lanka | Shrines & Serendipity

5th - 20th February

Chile & Argentina

10th - 25th February

Belize & Guatemala

12th - 25 February

Dubai & Opera in the UAE

13th - 18th February

New Zealand

15th February - 3rd March

South Africa

26th February - 9th March

Central Mexico | Mesoamerican Mysteries

2nd - 15th March

Sicily & Southern Italy | Classical Crossroads of the Mediterranean

10th - 24th March

Ravenna & Aquileia

18th - 25th March

Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania

19th - 26th March

Japan | Temples, Treasures & Traditions

22nd March - 6th April

Venice

24th - 30th March

Conquering Sicily

25th March - 1st April

Tunisia & Morocco | From the Phoenicians to the Berbers

25th March - 8th April

Cambodia & Vietnam

27th March - 8th April

Cote d’Azur - The Via Julia

30th March - 5th April

Romans, Visigoths & Viziers

31st March - 7th April

Flemish Arts

1st April - 6th April

Classical Sicily

1st - 11th April

www.andantetravels.com | www.archaeological-tours.com | www.arblasterandclarke.com | www.historicaltrips.com

Duce!

2nd - 9th April

Malta, Sardinia & Corsica | An Odyssey of Islands

4th - 18th April

Uzbekistan

5th - 19th April

Relaxed Split

6th - 13th April

Japan ‘Lite’ | Power & Spirituality in Nara & Kyoto

6th - 13th April

Netherlands - An Introduction to Dutch Painters

7th - 12th April

The Etruscans

7th - 14th April

Classical Greece

7th - 16th April

Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania

8th - 15th April

Albania | Land of the Eagles

12th - 20th April

Spain & Portugal | Roman Lusitania

14th - 21st April

Tunisia | The Punic Wars & Roman North Africa

16th - 23rd April

Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan | In the Footsteps of Traders

17th April - 5th May

Classical Greece

21st - 30th April

Dordogne | Cave Art

23rd - 29th April

Crete & Santorini | Rise & Fall of Minoan Civilisation

23rd - 30th April

Peru & the Nazca Lines

24th April - 11th May

North Cyprus

25th April - 2nd May

Wagner - The Ring Cycle in Leipzig

30th April - 6th May

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SPECIALIST Journeys Quality, Specialist Group Travel

Quality Specialist Group Travel ARCHAEOLOGY | HISTORY | WINE | SCENIC GARDENS | CHARITY CHALLENGES | PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

archaeological tours

Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours

To find out more about any of our companies contact us 01722 569541 | www.specialistjourneys.com

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