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Discover the UK’s incredible history
FLEXIBLE VACATION BOOKINGS TRANSFER FOR FREE IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND (2021 VACATIONS)
BOOK RISK-FREE All bookings for our 2021 departures are flexible, meaning you can transfer up to eight weeks before departure should you change your mind
Something to look forward to The recent news that travel will be able to resume later in 2021 came as a huge relief and we simply can’t wait to get going again. One of the most exciting parts of any travel experience is the planning stage. There’s nothing better than sitting down with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and flipping through pages in brochures in hopes of finding a tour that catches your eye – how we’ve missed it! Now that the time has finally come to start turning those vacation daydreams into realities, we thought we would send you a new brochure to help get you on your way. We’ve spent a lot of time exploring our own local areas over the past year, so we decided to create a collection of tours that would showcase what’s on offer here in the United Kingdom. As a destination, the UK is home to an incredible wealth of history, culture and archaeology, and we are excited to show you what’s on our doorstep – from ancient sites to captivating museums. Led by our wonderful Guide Lecturers, the itineraries we can offer throughout the rest of this year cover everything from military history, architecture, literature, history and – of course – archaeology. Whether you’ve visited the UK before or are yet to explore our shores, there is always something new to learn here – and even familiar sites can be encountered in a whole new light if you have a fantastic guide at the helm, leading the way. We have 11 brand new UK tours on offer for 2021, which you can find out more about on pages 6 and 7, and our Tour Manager Mary Reynolds has shared her thoughts on the prehistoric and Viking sites in the UK that she finds most impressive on pages 10 and 11. We even have a few hand-picked highlights from four of our Guide Lecturers on pages 8 and 9. You may also be interested to know that all bookings for tours departing in 2021 are flexible as they come with the option to amend or transfer your booking up to eight weeks before you travel. And, as always, Andante’s tours offer fantastic value for money – including an expert Guide Lecturer, a professional Tour Manager, accommodation and local travel throughout (where applicable), most meals as per the itinerary, and all visits to sites and museums. We’ve covered as much as possible so that you can just enjoy the experience. Now that spring is here, there’s much to look forward to and we hope this brochure inspires your future travel plans. Best wishes, Jackie Willis CEO
Winners at the Prestigious British Travel Awards The British Travel Awards are regarded in the industry as the Oscars of the tourism world. In 2019, Andante Travels brought home silver for Best Special Interest Holiday Company and bronze for Best Holiday Company to the Italian Peninsula, and we also won prizes in the same two categories the year before. As always, we want to say thank you for voting for us and we are looking forward to more celebrations in the future.
Winners of the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2021 Earlier this year, we won the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo. This means that over the past year we’ve achieved at least 50 reviews at a rating of at least 4.5 stars out of 5. Ordinarily, this would have granted us “Gold Award” status, but due to the fact that we’ve reached this milestone for three years running we’re now a Platinum winner, which shows that you’ve genuinely enjoyed your ancient-world adventures with us – thank you.
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine award‑winners Our expert-led archaeological adventures also saw us win Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’s annual Readers’ Travel Awards in 2019.
Wanderlust World Guide Awards Your votes helped our very own Dr Eireann Marshall win Top History & Culture Guide.
FLEXIBLE BOOKING OFFER ON 2021 TOURS In these uncertain times, if you change your mind about traveling, you can transfer your place to another tour or date without penalty up to eight weeks before departure. Valid for bookings on 2021 tours only.
Images: Kirkwall, Chichester Cathedral, Old Cliff Baths of Enniscrone County Sligo in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, St Andrews Cathedral & Cawdor Castle
Contents Agatha Christie & the English Riviera........................... pg.12 Agatha Christie & Max Mallowan in London.................pg.13 Great Cathedrals of the Southwest.............................. pg.14 Wartime Britain................................................................ pg.15 Roman Sussex................................................................... pg.16 Edge of Empire.................................................................. pg.17 Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent.................................. pg.18 Colchester - Capital of Britannia................................... pg.19 York - From Roman to Viking...........................................pg.20 The Kingdom of Northumbria.......................................... pg.21 London Through the Ages................................................pg.22 History & Horticulture.....................................................pg.23 Archaeology & Ghosts in East Anglia............................pg.24 Mary Anning & General Pitt Rivers................................pg.25 Alfred’s Camelot...............................................................pg.26
Falco’s Britannia with Lindsey Davis.............................. pg.27 The Archaeology of Macbeth..........................................pg.28 Henry VIII with Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb....................pg.30 Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall............................................ pg.31 Walking Hadrian’s Wall....................................................pg.32 Prehistoric Rock Art & Landscapes ..............................pg.34 The Archaeology of the Isle of Man...............................pg.35 The Picts in Perthshire & Angus.....................................pg.36 Highlights of Orkney........................................................ pg.37 Orkney & Shetland............................................................pg.38 Highlights of Shetland.....................................................pg.40 The North of Ireland......................................................... pg.41 Prehistoric Ireland...........................................................pg.42
How to book your place on tour If you are interested in joining one of our tours and want to know more or have any questions, please get in touch with our sales team. They’re ready for your call.
Alternatively, if you have already booked a place on one of our tours and require further information, please call our experienced and friendly Customer Care team.
Call today: 1-888-413-2327 Call today: 1-866-391-7019 All of our tours are also available to book online.
Visit our website: andantetravels.com 4 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Images: Jarlshof & Edinburgh Castle
The Andante Experience Find out what makes our tours award-winning and unique
Travel with esteemed experts to wonderful ancient sites both iconic and lesser-known If you’ve ever visited an archaeological or historical site, you’ll know that there are sometimes plaques to read or headsets to listen to as you explore. This is great and often informative, but there’s nothing like discovering ancient ruins or observing artifacts in the company of an expert Guide Lecturer. All of our tours are led by esteemed experts. From archaeologists and broadcasters to academics and historians, they will accompany you every step of the way, putting sites into context and helping you get the most out of your ancient-world adventure. In addition to this, our well-paced itineraries are created by a team of experts who know the sites and their respective histories inside and out. Their understanding of archaeology, first-hand experience and passion for the subject means that whether you’re visiting a legendary destination or an unusual site somewhat off the beaten track, you’ll be treated to captivating insights that you won’t get elsewhere. What’s more, a number of our tours include
special access or the chance to go behind the scenes, taking you right to the heart of it all. Our tours offer fantastic value for money as not only will you travel alongside an expert Guide Lecturer, you will also be joined by a professional Tour Manager and your tour will include most meals as per the itinerary, entry to all sites, accommodation throughout and local travel on our UK-based itineraries. There is no one way to journey back to the ancient world, which is why we also offer a range of tour types. If you’re pushed for time or prefer compact vacations, we have short breaks on offer. If you’re interested in history, we have some historical tours that might be just what you’re looking for. And, if you’re hoping to explore the United Kingdom on your first trip back after lockdown, we have our dedicated collection of UK-based tours, which you can find within the following pages.
Keeping you safe on tour As the world begins to open back up and we prepare for that first tour after what feels like a lifetime of being at home, you’re probably wondering how to stay safe on your travels.
flexible booking, giving you the option to transfer or amend your booking up to eight weeks before departure – ideal should you change your mind about traveling as your tour approaches.
We want to reassure you that while the situation continues to improve, we will strive to do everything we can to put your health and wellbeing first while you’re in our company, no matter how far you travel.
Then, we also want to remind you that our departures all operate under our industryleading action plan.
What does this mean exactly? Well, all bookings for 2021 departures include
accommodation, and opportunities for social distancing wherever possible. No tour operator is doing more to preserve your peace of mind and enable you to book and travel with confidence, and you can find out more about our initiative here: andantetravels.com/keeping-you-safe/
The steps include free ‘travel safe’ kits with daily face masks and hand sanitizers that will be sent out to you ahead of your tour, new hygiene protocols for all of our
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 5
Looking for a unique way to explore the UK this year? These are our new tours for 2021. Home to the likes of Shakespeare, King Henry VIII and Mary Anning, the United Kingdom boasts a wealth of heritage, history and culture. Glorious gardens, evocative archaeological sites and world-class arts await in this small, yet mighty country – and an expert-led tour here with Andante Travels will show you just how much there is to be discovered.
history you may already be familiar with vividly back to life. We have a fantastic selection of brand new UK-based tours on offer for 2021, which can take you all over the country and through many different eras. Whether you’re intersted in architecture, military history, rock art or Roman mosaics, we’re bound to have a trip for you among our new collection.
How about a journey into a remote part of Scotland to observe rock art created 5,000 years ago using only stone tools? What about an exploration of York focused on its Viking past? Or, perhaps it’s time to hike alongside Hadrian’s Wall and bring the
Agatha Christie & the English Riviera
Agatha Christie & Max Mallowan in London
This tour will focus on Agatha’s life in Devon. We explore a number of sites that provided a source of inspiration for many of her books, such as the Imperial Hotel and Greenway House, and we also spend time at the Torquay Museum, which is currently home to the only permanent gallery devoted to her life and works.
Gain an introduction to the places in London that inspired some of Agatha Christie’s most well-known books. This tour also sheds light on her husband, Max Mallowan, a famous British archaeologist. Delve into his archaeological work, follow in Agatha’s footsteps and enjoy visits that include the fantastic British Museum.
6 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Image: York Shambles Street & Winchester Cathedral
Colchester - Capital of Britannia
Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent
Wartime Britain: Dogfights & Double Agents
Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the historically unique city of Colchester, the backdrop of the Boudiccan revolt and the first Roman capital of Britannia. Notable highlights on this unique three-day tour include the foundations of the massive temple of Claudius and a truly exceptional collection of mosaics.
Embark upon a special behind-the-scenes tour of this region, which focuses on the east of today’s county. We will visit two Saxon Shore Fort sites, namely Reculver and Richborough, and we also explore the Classis Britannica fort and naval base at Dover. The tour ends in Canterbury, the civitates capital of Roman Kent.
Explore the nerve centers of the Battle of Britain on this fascinating tour. Visiting Bentley Priory, the Uxbridge Bunker and the ultra-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, this short break will see our expert Guide Lecturer tell the incredible stories of heroic double agents and code-breakers.
Roman Sussex
Great Cathedrals of the Southwest
Alfred’s Camelot
With privileged behind-the-scenes access to Fishbourne Roman Villa and a visit to admire the stunning mosaics at the Bignor Roman Villa, this tour explores the complexities of whether sites of this nature were farms or great houses, and whether their owners were RomanoBritish or instead absentees.
Join us in the heart of England’s southwest for a whirlwind tour of some of this country’s most glorious cathedrals. With privileged behind-the-scenes access, this trip demonstrates how the extraordinary construction of the cathedrals was so intricately laced with England’s political, social, economic and cultural history.
Beginning life as Roman Venta Belgarum, Winchester has a strong claim to being Britain’s ancient capital city. Associated with Arthurian legends, our tour of this historic city will delve into its rich past, walking the streets that Alfred laid out and visiting the site of his final resting place, as well as those of other kings.
Edge of Empire: Romans in South Wales
York - From Roman to Viking Prehistoric Rock Art & Landscapes
Southeast Wales, the most westerly part of the Roman Empire, presents some of the UK’s finest Roman remains. From a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon to Caerwent with its impressive Roman wall, this tour invites us to consider the lives of citizens in a Romano-British town.
A unique city tour of beautiful York awaits. Explore the area, looking in great detail at both the impact and legacy of its Viking settlers. Consider what it was like before their arrival and how it was transformed by the influx of triumphant Scandanavians into a city of culture and learning, epitomised by the work of Alcuin.
Located on Scotland’s west coast, the mystical Kilmartin Glen is home to one of the richest and best preserved prehistoric landscapes in Britain. The concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age burial monuments, standing stones and rock art in the glen and surrounding hills testifies to its importance 5,500-3,500 years ago.
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 7
Discover the archaeological sites our Guide Lecturers are most excited about in 2021 After a year spent at home, it’s no wonder that our Guide Lecturers are perhaps more excited to get back out into the ancient world than ever before – and there’s a lot to discover. The United Kingdom is home to rich history and incredible remains, and exploring them in the company of experts offers an experience unlike any other. To travel on an Andante tour is to encounter the past in real time. Through the expertise, passion and knowledge demonstrated by our Guide Lecturers, history will be brought vividly to life in a variety of ways. Whether you are handling artifacts, enjoying behind-the-scenes access or listening to lectures as you go,
our guides will be on hand to ensure your experience on tour is both memorable and immersive. From leading archaeologists to broadcasters and esteemed historians, the experts leading our tours will put sites into cultural context, share fascinating insights and make your journey to the past simply unforgettable. Four of our guides have written about the sites, cities and stories they are most looking forward to sharing with guests later this year, and these include the majestic Salisbury Cathedral as well as the archaeological site at Sutton Hoo, which was the focus of a recent original film on Netflix called The Dig.
Peter Yeoman The Picts are often portrayed as a shadowy and mysterious people of Scotland’s darkest of Dark Ages, between 300 and 900. They were rightly famed and feared through Late Antique Europe for covering themselves in tattoos and threatening the might of Rome – no wonder they got their own Asterix book! History sees the time after the fall of Rome as a descent into barbarianism. But for Scotland and other parts of Europe this was a time of political and artistic achievement and creativity – where state formation began, with law codes, and seismic societal and economic change. Great skills and imagination were applied to metalwork and sculpture, as well as to many other materials now lost to us, like fabrics and wood. New ideas were coupled with the conversions to Christianity in the 600s, which in itself is linked to the single greatest innovation, writing – the ability to express complex ideas and concepts in a way impossible before. All elements mentioned above will be illustrated on my Picts in Perthshire & Angus tour through visits to key sites and museum collections in southern Pictland – in Fife, Perthshire and Angus. When you see these beautiful, rich agricultural lands, you can immediately appreciate the basis of the power and wealth of the Pictish aristocracy and kings. And it was this wealth from the land that was translated into exquisite gilded brooches, manuscripts and expressive sculpture. Here were their farms, estates and monasteries, overlooked by hilltop forts – kingship was underpinned by forts, only now being excavated and finally giving up their secrets. 8 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Image: Chichester Cathedral
Dr Simon Elliott One of the fabulous things about being a Guide Lecturer for Andante Travels is being able to impart information to our amazing guests about archaeological sites that not only do I know well, but truly love! For me, in the context of Roman Britain there are many such places that have this wow factor. These range from magnificent sites like Hadrian’s Wall and the legionary fortresses of Caerleon, Chester and York, through to the amazing villa sites at Fishbourne, Chedworth and Lullingstone. However, my personal favorite is one that forms a key part of my new tour for Andante Travels this year and next, Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent, due to run in June and September as well as in ‘22. This site is the Saxon Shore fort site at Richborough near Sandwich, well known today due to its three quarters complete wall circuit. However, the story of this important site is far more complex given it is, in effect, a time machine showing the entirety of the Roman occupation of Britain. In the first instance, Richborough was a key site for the AD 43 Claudian invasion of Britain, unsurprising given its location at the south-eastern exit of the Wantsum Channel, and proximity to Pegwell Bay and the broad expanses of fine beach at Deal and Walmer (where in the mid 1st century BC Julius Caesar most likely landed). It therefore tells the story of the very beginning of Roman Britain, this evidenced by the exposed sections of defensive ditch within the later fort site that formed part of
Claudius’ beachhead. Richborough later became a sizeable port supplying the east coast of Kent, and there is also evidence of a Classis Britannica regional fleet presence. It then became the Imperial Gateway to Roman Britain after Domitian had a monumental arch built at the site to celebrate the ‘conquest’ of the whole of the main island of Britain after Agricola’s campaigns in the far north in the early AD 80s. Later, as Britain came under threat from the predations of north Germanic raiders from the mid 3rd century AD, the monumental arch became a watch tower with a triple set of ditches dug to protect it. Thus this amazing site, which I can’t wait to show in detail to Andante Travels’ guests, marks not only the beginning of Roman Britain, but its end.
Dr Emma Wells Sprinkled throughout many European towns and cities stand behemothic symbols of the past. Feelings of awe reflect their size and engineering achievements, and mystery surrounds the sacred significance of these impressive structures. They offer visitors solace in times of strife, hope amid despair, and vital assistance for daily conduct and religious expression. These prominent yet curious living, breathing organisms of stone are intertwined with a motley crew and their rollercoaster of dizzying highs and terrifying lows, varying fortunes and losses. They are houses of God; glorious ships transporting souls between Heaven and Earth. They are our historic churches—both great and small. The stories visited in the Great Cathedrals of the Southwest tour I will lead reveal how these physical embodiments of Heaven on Earth helped shape modern Europe and changed the world. As we rattle through these heavenly Herculean spaces, we bring to life the figures embedded deep within the masonry; those carved upon the façades, as well as the creators to whom their existence can be thanked. For buildings are books without words—but through their stones the dead speak. Take your Pevsner in hand, stuff a sketchbook and pen below your arm and allow your eyes to read the fabric as you turn the pages of each and every stone.
Oliver Gilkes Sutton Hoo is one of the great sites of British archaeology, at least in what it represents, and we will explore it as part of my upcoming Archaeology & Ghosts of East Anglia tour. Great Britain, and England in particular, is the result of millennia of development beginning with the Kings of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes who arrived in the 5th century AD. Exactly how they arrived, how many of them there were, what language they spoke and how they interacted with the Romano-Britons (not all blood and thunder) continues to be debated. The excavations at Sutton Hoo uncovered an undoubtedly royal burial, the only one of this heroic age of kings so far known. The connections of the finds made at the site and the lore of the Anglo-Saxons we know from heroic poems such as ‘Beowulf’ have told us a huge amount about the nature of early kingship and the creation of England. Yet, the identity of the King buried here remains less certain, though it is almost certainly Redwald, who ruled between 599 and 624 AD. The discovery made here unlocked the door into an almost unknown age and now we have a good picture of the England of the seven kingdoms before the triumph of Wessex. To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 9
Tour Manager Mary Reynolds reveals her top prehistoric and Viking sites in the UK If you’ve traveled with Andante before, you may have had the pleasure of touring in the company of Mary Reynolds, one of our Tour Managers. 2021 marks Mary’s 20th anniversary with Andante Travels and, in that time, she has accompanied over 55 tours, carried out several research trips and visited an impressive grand total of 43 different countries. Talking about her highlights with Andante over the past two decades, Mary mentioned “unexpectedly coming across members of the Herero tribe as we drove through a dusty, empty river bed” in Namibia, “blinking in the torchlight inside Maeshowe, picking out the graffiti left by Vikings who took refuge here while they waited out a storm” in Orkney and “sipping (sipping? Who am I kidding?) gin and tonics on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan while fantasising about spending the winter there, Agatha Christie style” in Egypt. Her stories are wonderful, as you might imagine. She is particularly interested in what the UK has to offer and has written a great piece on the country’s prehistory and Viking past. Over to you, Mary!
Prehistory Who doesn’t love a detective story? With no written records to help point the way, the study of pre-history, the 900,000 years when the bulk of our human history takes place, remains a challenge thousands of years after the first monoliths were erected and ditches were dug. The remains of our prehistoric past come in all shapes and sizes – stone circles, long barrows, barrow mounds, henges, causewayed camps, passage graves, hill figures and hill forts. They are some of the most enigmatic reminders of the fact that people walked this land thousands of years ago and the sites that have intrigued us for centuries. Over the last 30 years, new scientific techniques have revolutionised our understanding of this time period and with the guidance of our experts, you can learn to sort your passage grave from your long barrow or your dolmen from your cromlech. And then there’s Stonehenge, a henge that’s not a henge. We take a journey from initial excavation of these sites to contemporary understanding of the peoples that built them. Badbury Rings, Dorset (Mary Anning & General Pitt Rivers tour) A place of legend, claimed as the location of Mons Badonicus, the place where Arthur took his decisive stand against the Saxons. The fact that the site is actually an iron age hill fort probably constructed by the Duotriges tribe does not detract from the sense of mystery of this special place. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn (Highlights of Orkney tour) A magnificent feat of Neolithic engineering where, for around the
weeks either side of the winter solstice, the setting sun illuminates a section of the back wall. In the 12th century, Vikings spent some time redecorating and left the largest collections of runic inscriptions outside of Scandinavia. Grimes Graves (Archaeology & Ghosts of East Anglia tour) Not graves but a Neolithic flint mine, 350 shafts literally picked out with antlers and animal shoulder blades. Makes digging the vegetable patch seem a lot less onerous! You can descend a 30-foot shaft and view seven radiating galleries here. Kilmartin Glen (Prehistoric Rock Art & Landscapes tour) Here you wll find one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 150 prehistoric monuments in the area including the 5,000-year-old cup and ring markings at Achnabrek, one of the finest examples of prehistoric rock art in Britain. Legananny Dolmen (North of Ireland tour) This 5,000-year-old dolmen with a capstone over 3m long is held aloft by unusually tall uprights measuring up to 1.8m high. It sits on the lower slopes of the Slieve Croob mountain, fracturing the skyline like a coffin on stilts.
The Viking Age Our perceptions of these waterborne people has changed over the last century, but the Viking Age and its legacy still retains the power to intrigue. The Vikings
influenced the culture of every nation they collided with, from architecture to language, poetry and place names, food and clothing, warfare and ship-building. They traded extensively with the Muslim world and fought as mercenaries for the Byzantine emperors of Constantinople.
Norweigan rule in the western Isles, so named because he took up kilt-wearing. This is the site of several extraordinary finds, including the 10th century grave of a woman buried with a cache of silver coins, which is now on display in the Viking Gallery at the Manx Museum.
The classic debate whether the Vikings were bloodthirsty aggressors or peaceful settlers or both is almost as fierce as their reputation. Were the Vikings victims of history because their history was written by their victims? Were they all tall and blonde? Recent DNA sequencing says apparently not. Were they all filthy and savage? Apparently not – they wore silk and combed their hair. Were Viking men all fearsome warriors? It seems probable that most were more used to the scythe than the sword. The revisions and counter arguments will continue to roll on, but the Viking story is a fascinating one, warts and all.
Underhoull (Highlights of Shetland tour) Recent excavations at the Underhoull longhouses produced some wonderful finds, beautifully made soapstone items, spindle whorls, loom weights and whetstones. But the site itself steals the limelight, situated as it is on the sloping green cliffs overlooking over the beach where they hauled their ships.
Lindisfarne (Kingdom of Northumbria tour) This tidal island, made famous by Viking raids, the cult of St. Cuthbert and the Lindisfarne gospels, has drawn visitors for centuries, from the first pilgrims to modern-day birdwatchers and walkers. Crossing the causeway is a pleasure in itself and the ruins of the priory a poignant reminder of the monks who studied here nearly 1,400 years ago.
Jorvik Center (York - From Roman to Viking & Kingdom of Northumbria tours) The remarkable finds from the Coppergate dig were a crucial turning point in our knowledge of Viking life and the start of their makeover from bloodthirsty raider to resourceful traider. The site formed the basis of the new Jorvik Viking Center, where the dig itself is both chronicled and displayed.
Peel Castle (Archaeology of the Isle of Man tour) A fortification built on the order of Magnus Barefoot (or Barelegs), who consolidated
Mortuary Chests at Winchester Cathedral (Alfred’s Camelot tour) Wessex was once the last remaining stronghold of Viking resistance and the lovely city of Winchester its capital. In the city’s medieval cathedral, six mortuary chests are thought to contain a collection of England’s Anglo Saxon and Danish kings, including King Alfred’s dad and King Cnut, King of England, Norway and Denmark. The bones got muddled up, however, and analysis continues to sort out who is who.
Images: Lindisfarne Castle, Badbury Rings & Legananny Dolmen
11
NEW FOR 2021
AGATHA CHRISTIE & THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
Gain insight into the life of this famous crime novelist 4 Days
From $1,115pp
Departing Aug ‘21, May & Jun ‘22
Activity Level
Everybody has heard the name Agatha Christie, the world-famous murder mystery writer whose works have been translated into at least 103 languages. During this tour, we will focus on Agatha’s life in Devon and explore the sites of the area which she used as a source of inspiration for many of her fantastic books.
Tour Highlights • Travel alongside our Guide Lecturer, who developed the Agatha Christie exhibition at the Torquay Museum • Visit Greenway House, the Gregorian mansion that Agatha Christie and Max Mallowan called home for many years • Explore the coast of Devon and the sites that Agatha used to spend time at and used as inspiration for her writing Day One | Torquay We meet in Torquay this afternoon for an introduction to Agatha Christie. Learn about her life and work, and particularly the inspiration she drew for her novels from the Torquay area and further afield in South Devon. Day Two | Torquay This morning, we stroll through Torquay and along the picturesque promenade to see some of the places the ‘queen of crime’ spent time as a young woman, such as Princess Pier, where she roller-skated with friends, and the Pavilion, where she attended many concerts. We will see some particular places that feature in her novels such as the Princess Gardens, where the mysterious figure of Alexander Cust, in the A.B.C. Murders, contemplates a series of murders, and the Imperial Hotel, in its splendid clifftop location, visited by both Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple in the novels Peril at End House and Sleeping Murder. In the afternoon we visit Torquay Museum to see the only permanent gallery devoted to the life and work of Agatha Christie.
Day Three | Greenway House & Burgh Island Today, we journey to Greenway House, the residence of Agatha and her second husband, the archaeologist Max Mallowan. They spent many years living here and Agatha used the estate as inspiration for her novels Dead Man’s Folly and Five Little Pigs. The house and the surrounding area also played parts in several other books. This afternoon, we spend time at Burgh Island. The beautiful Art Deco style hotel here named after the island was used by Agatha as the setting for her book And Then There Were None and the Hercule Poirot story, Evil Under The Sun. Day Four | Torquay On our last morning in Torquay, we stroll along the coast to view further sites associated with Agatha Christie. These include the Royal Yacht Club, where her father, Frederick Miller, would spend a great deal of time, and Beacon Cove, which in the early 1900s was the Ladies Bathing Cove and where Agatha frequently swam and on one occasion very nearly drowned.
12 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Peter Berridge An archaeologist with an interest in a wide range of subjects, Peter has worked on excavations in the UK.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Grand Hotel, Torquay
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
4th - 7th Aug ‘21
$1,115
$150
5th - 8th May ‘22
$1,115
$155
30th Jun - 3rd Jul ’22
$1,155
$155
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aacd
Image: Agatha Christie & Greenway House - geograph ©Derek Voller
AGATHA CHRISTIE AND MAX MALLOWAN IN LONDON
NEW FOR 2021
Archaeology as inspiration for history’s best-selling novelist 3 Days
Departing Aug ‘21
Activity Level
From $1,005pp Tour Highlights • View finds from Max Mallowan’s excavations in the British Museum • Follow in Agatha Christie’s footsteps on a walking tour of London • Discover the inspiration for some of Agatha Christie’s most famous books Agatha Christie, the ‘queen of crime’ and the best-selling author of all time, also went by the title Lady Mallowan and had a deep passion for archaeology. Her second marriage was to Max Mallowan, a famous British archaeologist who she met during a visit to the excavations at Ur, near Baghdad. During their life together, Agatha accompanied Max to several of his excavations in the Middle East. Here, she gained inspirations for some of her most popular novels such as Murder in Mesopotamia and her autobiographical account Come, Tell Me How You Live, where she wrote about her experiences on excavations and travels in Syria and Iraq in the 1930s. This tour sheds light on the archaeological work of Max Mallowan, showcasing finds from his excavations that are on display in the British Museum, and also Agatha Christie’s life in London, where we will visit some of the places she lived, worked at or used as inspiration for settings in her many books.
Guided by Peter Berridge An archaeologist with an interest in a wide range of subjects, Peter has worked on excavations in the UK.
Price includes
Accommodation
• Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
• Accommodation at the Grange Beauchamp Hotel, London
Included travel • All local transport
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 1 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
9th - 11th Aug ‘21
$1,005
$305
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aanm
Agatha Christie and Egypt The history and mystery of the ancient world were a lifelong source of fascination for Agatha Christie, and her passion for seeing its treasures uncovered presented both a rich seam of literary inspiration and an introduction to her second husband, the archaeologist Max Mallowan. Though she traveled extensively around the Near East, particularly during Mallowan’s digs in Syria and Iraq in the 1930s, it was Egypt that really entranced the world’s bestselling author. Christie’s love affair with Egypt seems to have begun with a stay in Cairo in 1910 as a 20-year-old. Three months at the Gezira Palace Hotel inspired her first, unpublished novel Snow Upon the Desert (1910), which was set in the Egyptian capital. A little over a decade later, Howard Carter’s successful search for the tomb of the boy-pharaoh Tutankhamun
Image: British Museum
had hit headlines around the world and drew vast numbers of well-heeled travelers to the Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. This was the backdrop for Christie’s 1923 short story The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb. Christie and Mallowan married in 1930, the start of a decade which would see the publication of her most famous Egypt-set novel Death on the Nile (1937), which was supposedly written during a stay at Luxor’s ‘grande dame’ Old Winter Palace Hotel. Some of the book’s scenes are set among the monumental temples of Abu Simbel, others on aboard a Nile steamer and at Aswan’s luxurious Old Cataract Hotel. The appeal of Death on the Nile endures, with a major film adaptation set for release in 2021. And Egypt was the setting for Christie’s most unusual novel, 1944’s Death Comes as an End – a whodunnit, but one which takes place in
Ancient Egypt, based on the discovery and translation of the 4,000-year-old papyri known as the Heqanakhte Letters, to which Christie was introduced by a friend, the Egyptologist Stephen Glanville. Andante Travels’ Egypt tours encompass the ancient highlights which so inspired Agatha Christie, but one itinerary in particular captures the romance and glamour of Christie’s Egypt – the brand new Golden Age of Travel: Egypt tour includes stays at the iconic Old Winter Palace and Old Cataract hotels, as well as the historic Mena House Hotel in Giza and a deluxe Nile cruise. Follow in Agatha Christie’s footsteps and stay where she stayed on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Visit andantetravels.com/ tours/aega for full details.
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 13
NEW FOR 2021
GREAT CATHEDRALS OF THE SOUTHWEST
Romanesque to Gothic 3 Days
From $845pp
Departing Sep ‘21, Mar & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
This tour in the heart of south-western England offers an architectural journey through a collection of some of our most glorious cathedrals. From the Norman Conquest to the 16th century Reformation, we will tour the breadth of the Middle Ages, with behind-the-scenes access to these magnificent edifices.
Tour Highlights • Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the art and architectural of magnificent national treasures • In Salisbury, we see the best-preserved of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta in the Chapter House of the cathedral • Embark on expert guided tours of three extraordinary cathedrals to explore their unique artifacts and histories Day One | Salisbury Today we meet in Salisbury in the afternoon and after settling into our hotel we will have an evening lecture about the extraordinary cathedrals and treasures we will be seeing on this tour. Day Two | Salisbury & Winchester This morning, we will embark on an expert led tour of Salisbury Cathedral, built in the 13th century and made extraordinary because of its enormous spire, as well as its treasures. In addition to the cathedral, we will explore the cloisters and chapter house, where we will see the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. We will also climb a spiral staircase to the triforium, the highest balcony, to get a unique glimpse into the cathedral’s past. Following this, we will have the option of either doing a tour of the tower, where the ancient scaffolding can be seen, or the stone masons’ yard. After lunch, we will explore the extraordinary Winchester Cathedral, first built in the 11th century and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Its royal connections date even further back than
Alfred, who made Winchester his seat of power; it is where Henry the Young was crowned, Mary I was married and where the funeral was held for William II. After visiting its treasures, we will have some free time to explore the exhibit on the Winchester Bible. Day Three | Wells The last of the cathedrals beckons us today when we explore the Wells Cathedral, considered the first wholly Gothic cathedral in Europe. Our expert Guide Lecturer will show us aspects of the cathedral not normally viewed, including a special interest tour of the Gothic architecture, stained glass and carvings. After lunch, we will embark on a behind-the-scenes ‘High Parts’ tour, where we will climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of cathedral masons. Alternatively, choose to take a tour of the Chained Library for a behindthe-scenes look at a special space which is not generally open to the public. Our tour ends back in Salisbury.
14 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Dr Emma J. Wells A historian of architectural history at the University of York, Emma is also the author of many publications.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Red Lion Hotel, Salisbury
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
2nd - 4th Sep ‘21
$845
$170
24th - 26th Mar ‘22
$905
$160
1st - 3rd Sep ‘22
$930
$175
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asca Image: Salisbury Cathedral & Wells Cathedral
NEW FOR 2021
WARTIME BRITAIN
The inside story of the code-breakers and the Battle of Britain 3 Days
From $1,045pp
Departing Jun ‘21, Apr & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
This tour explores the nerve centers of the Battle of Britain; at the HQ of RAF Fighter Command, Bentley Priory and the Uxbridge Bunker, from where Air Vice-Marshal Park controlled the fight to protect London and the southeast of England. We begin, however, at the ultra-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park.
Tour Highlights • Guided tour of Bletchley Park grounds where the ‘huts’ used by the codebreakers have been reconstructed • Visit Air Chief Marshal Dowding’s office at Bentley Priory, from which he masterminded the air defense of Great Britain • See RAF Fighter Command’s No.11 Group Operations Room Bunker, the nerve center of the Battle of Britain Day One | Milton Keynes & St. Albans Today we meet at our hotel, where our Guide Lecturer Colonel Paul Beaver will give a welcome lecture on double agents prior to dinner. Day Two | Bletchley Park We spend all day exploring Bletchley Park, where we will discuss the history and the ingenuity of the code-breakers who worked in this, the center of the Government Code and Cypher School. It is estimated that the so-called ultra intelligence gathered in this Victorian country house, separated from the outside world, shortened the war by at least two years. With the development of Colossus, the first programmable electronic digital computer, the work carried out here also paved the way for the digital world that followed the war. We will visit the huts where the Enigma and Lorenz cypher machines were cracked as well as the National Museum of Computing housed in Block H, the latest of the huts built in Bletchley that housed a number of Colossus computers developed by Tommy Flowers. Dinner will feature a special guest presenter.
Day Three | Stanmore & Uxbridge This day is dedicated to the fateful Battle of Britain, whose success helped to determine the outcome of the war. We start in Stanmore, at the Bentley Priory Museum, once an Augustinian priory, subsequently an estate designed by Sir John Soane and the headquarters of the RAF Fighter Command during the Second World War. Here, we explore its role during those fateful summer and autumn months in 1940 during the Battle of Britain, when ‘the Few’, the fighter pilots under the command of ACM Sir Hugh Dowding, spearheaded the defense against the German attacks. After lunch, we travel to Uxbridge to visit the Uxbridge Battle of Britain Bunker, which housed the RAF Fighter Command’s No. 11 Group Operations Room Bunker and was the nerve center of the Battle of Britain. We will explore this remarkable piece of living history as well as the museum of the Battle attached to it.
Image: Bletchley Park & Battle of Britain underground operations room, Uxbridge © Andrew Curtis
Guided by Colonel Paul Beaver A member of No 601 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Paul formerly worked as a freelance war correspondent.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the St. Michael’s Manor Hotel, St. Albans
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
7th - 9th Jun ‘21
$1,045
$245
4th - 6th Apr ’22
$1,155
$260
12th - 14th Sep ’22
$1,155
$260
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asdd To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 15
NEW FOR 2021
ROMAN SUSSEX
Bignor, Fishbourne and the Roman sites of Chichester 3 Days
From $910pp
Departing Jun & Aug ‘21, Jul & Aug ‘22
Activity Level
Villas were one of the major features of the Romano-British landscape and remain a constant source of fascination and debate. Questions remain about whether they were latifundia or great houses, and whether their owners were Roman British or whether they were absentees. This tour explores some of these complexities.
Tour Highlights • Enjoy a privileged, behind the scenes access to Fishbourne Roman Villa • Visit the wonderful Novium Museum, which preserves the Roman Baths in Chichester
Guided by Oliver Gilkes
• Admire the stunning mosaics of the Roman Villa at Bignor
One of Andante’s longest-standing Guide Lecturers, Oliver has also worked as a field and museum archaeologist.
Guided by Dr David Rudling Day One | Chichester Our tour of the Roman villas in Sussex starts today when we gather at our hotel in Chichester and meet our expert Guide Lecturers. Day Two | Chichester Today we spend the day exploring the historic city of Chichester, or Noviomagus Reginorum, whose Roman layout can be seen by its four main streets and by the remains of its ancient forum. We first view the well-preserved remnants of the Roman walls and then proceed to the stunning 12th century cathedral, where, in addition to a number of treasures, we see the remains of a Roman mosaic which once graced a public building. After lunch, we visit the Novium Museum, purposebuilt in order to display the remains of the Roman bath complex uncovered in the end of the 20th century and housing a recently refurbished Roman gallery. We continue to the 15th century Central Market Cross, which stands in the intersection of the four principal and once Roman - streets of the city. From here, we explore the remnants
of the amphitheater, one of the main hallmarks of a Roman city, before ending the day at the Roman cemeteries built outside the city walls. Day Three | Fishbourne & Bignor The morning takes us to Fishbourne Roman Villa, the sumptuous palace built only 30 years after the Roman invasion, perhaps for Togidubnis. Here we admire the scale of the villa, the largest Roman dwelling in Britain, as well as remarkable mosaics, including the very well-preserved dolphin mosaic built in the 2nd century AD when the palace was refurbished. We have special behind-the-scenes access to the villa, which allows us a privileged view of the archaeology of the site. After lunch we visit Bignor Roman Villa, a Roman courtyard residence which is on a much smaller scale than Fishbourne and, built in the 3rd century AD, is much later in date. Here we see some of the bestpreserved mosaics in Britain, including a well-preserved mosaic of the Rape of Ganymede and an intricate mosaic of Medusa.
16 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Academic Director of the Sussex School of Archaeology, he is a Visiting Lecturer and Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton.
Price includes • 2021 - Two Expert Guide Lecturers who will split the tour between them & Professional Tour Manager • 2022 - Expert Guide Lecturer David Rudling (July), Oliver Gilkes (August) & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in Chichester
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
18th - 20th Jun ‘21
$910
$250
20th - 22nd Aug ‘21
$910
$250
1st - 3rd Jul ’22
$1,030
$275
5th - 7th Aug ’22
$1,070
$275
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asrs Image: Chichester Cathedral & Coins of Constantine
NEW FOR 2021
EDGE OF EMPIRE – ROMANS IN SOUTH WALES
Life in ancient Caerleon & Caerwent 3 Days
From $885pp
Departing Sep ‘21, May & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
The most Westerly part of the Roman Empire, south-east Wales presents some of the finest Roman remains in the UK, boasting both Caerleon and Caerwent, which invite us to consider not only the lives of soldiers but the lives of ordinary people in a provincial Romano-British town. Discover excavated remains, fascinating history and artifacts with stories to tell.
Tour Highlights • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon in the expert company of Dr Mark Lewis • Visit the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon, one of only three permanent fortresses in Britannia • Explore Caerwent with its impressive Roman wall, often described as the most significant in all of Britain Day One | Caerleon We meet in Caerleon in Wales. After settling into our hotel, our expert Guide Lecturer will give a lecture on the archaeological finds of south-east Wales. Day Two | Caerleon We spend the morning exploring the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon, one of only three permanent fortresses in Britannia. Here we see the barracks of the Legio II Augusta, one of the most intact legionary barracks in the Roman Empire, as well as defensive towers. We proceed to the amphitheater, which once held 6,000 people and may well have been constructed for the benefit of the soldiers as well as civilians living in nearby settlements, cannabae. After a coffee break, we venture to the fortress bath house, which includes a sizeable outdoor swimming pool, a natatio. In the afternoon, we will have a special behindthe-scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in the fine company of Dr Mark Lewis, who will offer an in-depth analysis of the archaeological finds from the area. Image: Caerleon Amphitheater & Caerwent wall
Day Three | Caerwent Our tour continues to Caerwent, ancient Venta Silurum, on the road that leads from Caerleon to Gloucester, which was established in AD 75 to settle the Silures and was expanded in the Hadrianic period. Here we see what have often been described as the most significant Roman walls in Britain, reaching the height of five meters. We continue to the site of the forum and basilica at the center of the ancient city, and thence to an ancient temple from the late antique period and to the remains of houses and shops excavated recently. Our last visit is to the Roman Temple at Lydney, built on the seafront in two different stages, in the Hadrianic and late antique periods. Once situated in an unexcavated settlement, we see the remains of a hypocaust and a number of well-built rooms. We return back to our hotel in Caerleon at around 16.30, where this tour will come to an end.
Guided by Mark Corney An archaeologist, broadcaster and former Senior Landscape Investigator.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Priory Caerleon
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
24th - 26th Sep ‘21
$885
$265
13th - 15th May ’22
$975
$275
2nd - 4th Sep ’22
$975
$275
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asse To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 17
NEW FOR 2021
BEHIND THE SCENES IN ROMAN KENT
Exploring Roman Kent, Canterbury, Dover and the ‘Saxon Shore’ forts 3 Days
From $880pp
Departing Jun & Sep ‘21, Jun & Jul ‘22
Activity Level
Roman Kent formed the vital link between the often-wayward province of Britannia and the continental Empire, with the English Channel as the vital connective route between the two. This is a special behind-the-scenes tour of the region led by Dr Simon Elliott, which explores the new excavations taking place.
Tour Highlights • Explore the well-preserved Saxon Shore fort at Richborough • Special access to the Painted House in Dover, where we will hear more about the archaeology of the site • Admire the stunning fort at Reculver, so beautifully set on the Kent coast
Day One | Canterbury Today we gather at our hotel base in Canterbury in the early evening. Dr Simon Elliott will give a lecture of Roman Kent before dinner. Day Two | Reculver & Richborough On our first morning, we travel northeast to Reculver on the north Kent coast where Dr Simon Elliott will give a tour of the Saxon shore fort site and St. Mary’s Church (built within the walls of the Saxon Shore fort with stone recycled from the earlier Roman structure). We then travel to lovely Sandwich on the east Kent coast for lunch, before visiting paying a brief visit to St. Augustine’s cross, the landing place of the Saint in postRoman Britain. On to Richborough in the afternoon, where we will explore the Claudian invasion defensive ditch, the monumental foundations of the grand triumphal arch built by Domitian and finally the well-preserved Saxon Shore fort. Archaeological investigation continues to this day. In the evening before dinner, Dr Elliott will give a lecture about the Roman and the Saxon
Shore forts built after its demise in the 3rd century AD. Day Three | Dover & Canterbury Today we travel to Dover and first visit the famous Painted House, a mansio official hostel for those traveling on business in the Roman period. The site is also famous for the walls of the later Saxon Shore fort built straight through its living quarters. While here, we will be given an exclusive talk by those who investigated the site. Later in the morning, we visit Dover Museum, in particular its fine Roman collection, and the well-known Bronze Age Boat Exhibition. After lunch, we then travel to Canterbury where Dr Simon Elliott will give us a tour of the Roman remains in today’s city. Time-permitting, we’ll also visit the Canterbury Roman Museum before the tour concludes with a visit to a regional archaeological unit to view Roman remains not currently on display and to enjoy a talk on the latest discoveries in the region.
18 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Dr Simon Elliott A best-selling author, Simon has written books on a variety of classical history subjects.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in Canterbury
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
4th - 6th Jun ‘21
$880
$230
24th - 26th Sep ‘21
$880
$230
3rd - 5th Jun ’22
$1,045
$275
1st - 3rd Jul ’22
$1,045
$275
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asrk Image: Reculver Towers & Richborough castle roman fort - ©Rob Farrow
NEW FOR 2021
COLCHESTER – CAPITAL OF BRITANNIA
Britain’s oldest town through the ages 3 Days
From $790pp
Departing Jun & Oct ’21, Jun & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
Colchester is filled with history. The first Roman capital of Britannia, it boasts some of the most important archaeological remains that survive from Roman Britain. Walking through the historic town, we find notable highlights that include the foundations of the massive temple of Claudius, the earliest Roman town walls, as well as truly exceptional mosaics.
Tour Highlights • An in-depth exploration of the historically unique city of Colchester, the backdrop of the Boudiccan revolt • Explore the Roman Circus, the only one in Britain, alongside the Director of the Colchester Archaeological Trust • Visit Colchester Castle, built on the foundation of the Temple of Claudius, and admire the museum’s fine Iron Age artifacts Day One | Colchester We gather in Colchester for the start of the tour, meeting at our hotel. Before dinner, our Guide Lecturer Peter Berridge will give a lecture on Colchester that will help set the scene. Day Two | Colchester With begin our discovery of Colchester with its famous castle. In this historic setting, Peter will give a talk on Roman Colchester, from its role as the first capital to Britannia to the Boudiccan revolt. We proceed to an exploration of the castle, built on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius. We then visit the Colchester Museum, housed in the castle, where we see its fine Iron Age artifacts. Whilst in the castle park, we venture to the so-called Duncan’s Gate, one of the two surviving gates belonging to the Roman wall, before exploring the remains of the Roman theater, one of two found in the city. After lunch, we venture to the Firstsite art gallery to see the Berryfield Mosaic, once decorating the triclinium of a 3rd century AD domus, restored to its former glory near where it was found. Image: Colchester Castle & Holy Trinity Saxon Tower - ©Christian Etheridge
After viewing the Church of St. John from the outside, we continue to see more sections of the well-preserved Roman wall before viewing the Butt Road Church, founded at the end of the 4th century. Our final visit today is to the Balkerne Gate,a 1st century AD gate and the largest of its kind in Britain. Day Three | Colchester We begin with a lecture on late antique and Saxon Colchester before we set off to St. Botolph’s Priory. Next, we visit St. John’s Abbey Gateway, where we have special access to this former Benedictine abbey, built in the Norman period on the foundations of a Saxon church. We proceed to the Roman Circus, the only one of its kind in Britain, and meet Philip Crummy, Director of the Colchester Archaeological Trust, who will tell us about excavations carried out here. After lunch, we explore the Holy Trinity Saxon Tower, Colchester’s only surviving Saxon building. We have afternoon tea at Tymperleys, then view the exterior of St. Mary’s Church. The tour comes to an end at the council chambers and Moot Hall, the Norman remains of the historic Town Hall.
Guided by Peter Berridge An archaeologist with an interest in a wide range of subjects, Peter has worked on excavations in the UK.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Accommodation • Accommodation at the GreyFriars Hotel
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
25th - 27th Jun ‘21
$790
$235
1st - 3rd Oct ‘21
$790
$235
24th - 26th Jun ’22
$875
$275
30th Sep - 2nd Oct ’22
$875
$275
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/ascb
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 19
NEW FOR 2021
YORK - FROM ROMAN TO VIKING
The transforming city – Eboracum, Eoforwic and Jorvik 3 Days
From $980pp
Activity Level
Departing Aug ‘21, Mar & Aug ‘22
On All Saints Day, 1 November 866, the great Viking army attacked and captured Eoforwic, capital of Northumbria – modern day York. Led by a former York City archaeologist we will explore the city, considering what it was like before the Vikings arrived and looking in detail at the impact and legacy of the Viking settlers.
Tour Highlights • Enjoy a special visit to the world class Jorvik Center, which includes behindthe-scenes access • A special access visit of the Yorkshire Museum for an in-depth view of its unique artifacts • Visit the stunning York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe Day One | York Today we meet in York and start our exploration of the city with York Minster. Beneath the Minster are the remains of the Roman legionary headquarters building – the place where in all probability Constantine the Great was acclaimed emperor after the death of his father. Today, York Minster holds perhaps the greatest and most accomplished example of medieval stained glass in the country, namely the Great East Window. Day Two | York This morning we will venture to the world-class Jorvik Center, built in order to recreate the Viking city on the basis of the incredible excavations carried out in the 1970s, which uncovered a section of the city along with a plethora of artifacts, including organic materials preserved in the wet clay. We are privileged to have a behind-the-scenes visit here, which includes a handling session. After lunch we will have a walking tour of the city, starting with the ancient city walls and the 15th century Church of St. Cuthbert, located
in Peaseholme Green. We continue to the wonderful Church of St. Denys, built on the site of a Saxon church and possibly a Roman temple. The walking tour ends with York Castle, whose keep, commonly known as Clifford’s Tower, was the site of the massacre of 150 Jews in 1190. Day Three | York We spend the morning in the fantastic Yorkshire Museum, which houses the most important artifacts from the region, including the York Helmet and the Ormside Bowl. We will have a special access visit duing which we are given in-depth talks about some museum’s items. After lunch, we have another walking tour of the city, starting with St. Mary’s Church in Castle, built in the 11th century and renovated in the 15th century. We proceed to the Church of St. Mary’s Bishophill Junior then continue to Holy Trinity, a medieval church with a 15th century stained glass window and to Tanner Row, named after the artisans who plied their trade here, before ending our tour in the historic North Street.
20 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by John Oxley Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, John is a former York City Archaeologist.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Accommodation • Accommodation in York
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
13th - 15th Aug ‘21
$980
$250
25th - 27th Mar ‘22
$1,115
$295
12th - 14th Aug ’22
$1,115
$295
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asvi Image: Clifford’s Tower & York Minster
THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBRIA
Kings & clerics of the north 5 Days
From $1,655pp
Activity Level
Departing Jun & Sep ‘21, Jul & Sep ‘22
In an era of warfare, raiders and ruthless kings, northern England occupied a place on an international stage that positioned it alongside the great powers of the continent. The kingdom of Northumbria dominated the north and under its kings Edwin, Oswald, Ivar the Boneless and Eric Bloodaxe, it held primacy over Anglo-Viking Britain.
Holy Island
Jarrow
Escomb
Tour Highlights
Hexham
• Explore the landmark buildings of medieval York and admire the Norman architecture of Durham Cathedral
Durham
• View the abbey of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow, once home of the Venerable Bede, “The Father of English History”
Brompton
• Journey to the Holy Isle to visit the famous monastery of Lindisfarne, raided by Vikings in AD 793 Day One | York We arrive independently in York and gather in our hotel. This afternoon will be spent exploring the heart of the medieval city, capital of Northumbria. We walk to see York Minster with its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows. Before dinner, we will enjoy an introductory lecture from our guide. Day Two | York - Durham This morning we walk through the city of York and explore its medieval walls. We continue to the Yorkshire Museum to view its superb collection of finds from Roman Anglian and Viking York, and from the golden era of medieval York. In the afternoon, we will walk to Coppergate and the Jorvik Center, where ground-breaking excavations in the 1970s uncovered rich evidence for the early city. In the afternoon, we journey on to Durham and enjoy a city walk before we head to our next hotel. Day Three | Hexham - Durham In the morning we will drive to Hexham Abbey. After our return to Durham, we will visit the Norman magnificence of Durham Cathedral, one of the best Image: Lindisfarne Castle
preserved Norman buildings in all of Europe. Inside the building with its piers and towers are the tombs of St. Cuthbert and St. Bede. In the afternoon we visit Durham Castle, where the bishop, the Royal warden in the north, held power from the 11th century. Day Four | Jarrow - Lindisfarne We drive to Jarrow to visit the remains of St. Paul’s Monastery, once Bede’s home monastery and where, amazingly, some of the original buildings remain standing around the later church. In the afternoon, we journey to Holy Isle, Lindisfarne, where St. Cuthbert’s community produced masterpieces such as the Lindisfarne gospels. Day Five | Escomb - Brompton - York On our journey back to York, our first stop will be at Escomb Saxon Church. We then drive to Brompton. Here in the churchyard are the famous hogbacks – Anglo-Viking tombstones formed in the shape of an early medieval longhouse or hall being savaged by fierce bears. Around lunchtime we will be back in York, where the tour comes to an end.
Coppergate York
Guided by John Oxley Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, John is a former York City Archaeologist.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Grange Hotel York & the Best Western Beamish Hall Hotel
Culinary inclusions • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
7th - 11th Jun ‘21
$1,655
$270
20th - 24th Sep ‘21
$1,655
$270
4th - 8th Jul ’22
$1,785
$300
19th - 23rd Sep ’22
$1,785
$300
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/anub
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 21
LONDON THROUGH THE AGES
Discover a wealth of intriguing history 3 Days
From $1,410pp
Activity Level
Departing Sep ‘21
The City of London and Southwark have a history that extends back over 2,000 years. On a walking tour, we will explore this complex and beautiful area from its earliest beginnings and will focus on the city’s Roman and medieval past before coming face-to-face with the modern city.
The British Museum
Tour Highlights • Walk along the remains of the London wall and discover other Roman sites hidden beneath modern street level
Tower of London London
The Shard
• Visit the remains of the Rose Theater, a site that our expert guide was personally involved in preserving • Get a glimpse of medieval London during a cruise along the River Thames
Day One | London We arrive independently in London and meet at our hotel. This evening, we will start our tour with an introductory lecture from John Oxley FSA, former York City Archaeologist, which will set the background for the visits over the next few days. Day Two | London We start our day with a visit to the British Museum. The Weston Gallery holds some of the most important objects from Roman Britain. We will go on to explore Roman London, looking at remains of the London wall, the Roman amphitheater and the site of the original Roman London bridge. After lunch, we continue to All Hallows by the Tower, where we will view the Saxon and Roman finds on display in the Crypt Museum, as well as part of a Roman pavement. We will then go into the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most iconic structures. Afterwards, we will board a river cruiser and follow the Thames to Westminster.
Day Three | London We start with an ascent of the Shard for an excellent overview of London. Southwark was the center of theatrical London in the 16th century. We will visit the remains of the Rose Theater where we can look at Shakespeare’s London and also discuss the ethics of archaeological preservation. In 1989, our expert guide John Oxley was a key adviser to Southwark Council when the controversy over the Rose Theater made national and international headlines. We will then make our way to Smithfield where we will begin our exploration of this part of the East End of London on foot. Arriving in Spitalfields, we pay a visit to the Dennis Severs’ House. We will then continue our exploration of Smithfield and Whitechapel, taking in the historic streets and buildings, and paying a visit to the Ten Bells pub, famed for its association with a victim of Jack the Ripper. Our tour ends this afternoon and we travel home independently.
22 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by John Oxley Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, John is a former York City Archaeologist.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Grange Beauchamp Hotel
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
1st - 3rd Sep ‘21
$1,410
$315
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/alta Image: London
HISTORY & HORTICULTURE
Hampton Court & the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 4 Days
From $1,315pp
Activity Level
Departing Sep ‘21
Our love of horticulture has a long history and can be retraced for thousands of years. We have combined the old and new with visits to the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which will be held in September for the first time in its 108-year history, and Hampton Court Palace, where the first small knot garden was laid out in the early 1500s by Cardinal Wolsey.
Tour Highlights • Discover the latest garden designs and enjoy uplifting displays at RHS Chelsea Flower Show • Admire the Triumphs of Caesar – nine huge Renaissance paintings that are on display at Hampton Court • Explore, relax or lose yourself in the world-famous maze during a visit to Hampton Court Gardens Day One | London We arrive independently in London at our hotel. This evening, we come together as a group for dinner. Day Two | Hampton Court We spend the day exploring the house and gardens at Hampton Court. There really are two palaces at Hampton Court – the original palace built for Cardinal Wolsey but appropriated by Henry VIII in 1529 is a Tudor masterpiece of red brick, tall chimneys, and wooden panelling, while the second, attached to the older building, is an elegant Christopher Wren-designed celebration of the Baroque. We will explore both parts of the palace before venturing into the gardens. Embedded with 500 years of history, primarily formal in nature, there are over 60 acres to explore including the Privy Garden and Orangery, The East Front Fountain Garden, the Wilderness and Tiltyard, the Rose and Kitchen Gardens. Highlights include the long herbaceous borders, world-famous maze and Great Vine.
Day Three | RHS Chelsea Flower Show A full-day visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show awaits, which holds a rare position as a great British tradition and is an exciting source of inspiration and advice. One of the highlights of the horticultural calendar, the show was once described as ‘the World Cup of Gardening’ and has run almost every year since 1913 – and one or two of those original contributors are still exhibiting today. In successive years, Chelsea has continued to mirror changes in society and horticultural thinking, from minimalist design to wildlife gardens and sustainability. This year there will be a new RHS category: Sanctuary Gardens, which seeks to highlight the positive impact plants have on our health and well-being. Day Four | London Our tour ends and we make our journeys home, or instead choose to stay on and explore London independently.
Guided by a professional Tour Manager This short tour will be led by an experienced Andante Travels Tour Manager, who will accompany the group throughout the tour.
Price includes • Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites & museums • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Grange Beauchamp Hotel or similar
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
22nd - 25th Sep ‘21
$1,315
$480
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/achh Image: RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 & Hampton Court
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 23
ARCHAEOLOGY & GHOSTS IN EAST ANGLIA
M. R. James & the supernatural 4 Days
From $1,665pp
Departing Nov ‘21 & Dec ‘22
East Anglia’s rich archaeological heritage exists alongside fables, legends and stories, exemplified by the ghost stories of M. R. James. As a Cambridge-based archaeologist, medievalist and curator, James was born and bred in the region, and was privy to both its odd corners and folklore. Join us as we take a peep behind the curtain into pandemonium
Grime’s Graves
Cambridge
Tour Highlights
Activity Level
Bury St. Edmunds
• Explore the Neolithic flint mines at Grime’s Graves
Aldeburgh
Sutton Hoo
• Visit the reconstructed Saxon village at West Stow • Listen to James’ haunting classic ghost stories in atmospheric surroundings • Investigate Sutton Hoo, the burial place of kings and home to Britain’s richest archaeological find
Day One | Cambridge We meet in Cambridge and take an orientation walk around this great university city. An evening presentation on M. R. James includes a reading of Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad, perhaps his greatest story and a warning of the dangers of archaeology. Day Two | Fitzwilliam Museum This morning we visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, where M. R. James was Director, and where he most likely composed Canon Alberic’s Scrapbook – a tale of the dangers awaiting bibliophiles. On to King’s College Chapel, the setting for the story A Night in King’s College Chapel and then, after lunch, we walk past the Cambridge University Library, which James borrowed for the setting of the story The Tractate Middoth, a terrible admonition about returning library books! Next, we pay a visit to the Pepys Library in Magdalene College, the model for all subsequent gentlemen’s libraries so familiar to James. Tonight there will be a reading of the tale, Canon Alberic’s Scrap-Book.
Day Three | Bury St. Edmunds We start by visiting Bury St. Edmunds and the ruin of the great Benedictine abbey. From here, we drive to West Stow, where excavations in the 1980s brought to light a remarkable Saxon village of the migration years. After lunch, we head to Grime’s Graves to visit a Neolithic flint mine. Later, we drive via Great Livermere (where James’ father was rector) to Scole. This evening, we’ll hear a story about the dangers of illicit excavation in burial mounds, entitled A Warning to the Curious. Day Four | Sutton Hoo - Cambridge Our final day begins with a trip to the coast to Aldeburgh, the seaside town that James used as inspiration for last night’s story, among others. We explore some of James’ haunts – the Martello Tower, the White Lion Hotel and the curiosity shop. After lunch, we go on to see some burial mounds at Sutton Hoo, the great royal necropolis of East Anglia – burial place of King Redwald, the richest burial ever found in England – with its new visitor center. We return to Cambridge for our onward journeys.
24 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Oliver Gilkes Oliver has worked as a field and museum archaeologist in the UK, Albania and Italy.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at Hilton Cambridge City Center & Hotel Diss by Verve
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
29th Nov - 2nd Dec ‘21
$1,665
$340
12th - 15th Dec ’22
$1,785
$385
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/amrj Image: The old library and clock tower, Cambridge
MARY ANNING & GENERAL PITT RIVERS
Pioneers in palaeontology and archaeology 6 Days
From $2,870pp
Activity Level
Departing Jul ‘21
Mary Anning and General Pitt Rivers are scientific pioneers who had a huge impact on their respective fields, palaeontology for Mary Anning and archaeology for Pitt Rivers. On this tour, we trace the footsteps of these early pioneers to explore their lives as well as their scientific achievements throughout the glorious south coast.
Oxford London
Tour Highlights • View some of Mary Anning’s discoveries on display in London and Oxford • Take a walk along the coast of Lyme Regis as Mary Anning would have done on her many explorations • See artifacts from Augustus Pitt River’s excavations in the Wiltshire area and also from his private collection
Day One | London Arrive into London independently and meet at our hotel. In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the fascinating Natural History Museum, where we view the Mary Anning Collection, which offers an introduction to the life and discoveries of this pioneering palaeontologist. Day Two | London - Salisbury Before we depart from London, we make a stop at the British Museum, then later we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, a site where Pitt Rivers did some field-walking in 1869. In Salisbury we’ll explore finds on display at the Salisbury Museum, which is also home to the Pitt Rivers Collection. Day Three | Salisbury - Lyme Regis En route to coastal Lyme Regis, we make a stop at the Larmer Tree Gardens near Tollard Royal, created by Pitt Rivers in 1880 as pleasure grounds. On next to the Iron Age hillfort of Badbury Rings. We finish our day in Lyme Regis, once the home of Mary Anning. Day Four | Lyme Regis Our day begins at the Lyme Regis Museum, where we explore the Mary Image: University of Oxford
Anning Wing. In the afternoon, we follow in Mary’s footsteps with a refreshing walk along the beach, fossil hunting as we go! This will make for a perfect introduction to the stunning Jurassic Coast. Day Five | Lyme Regis - Oxford This morning we journey northeast to visit Cranborne Chase, an estate inherited by Pitt Rivers, where he started excavations in the mid-1880s that focused on the Roman and Saxon remains. We move on to Bokerley Dyke, a defensive structure likewise investigated by Pitt Rivers. Upon arrival in Oxford, we visit the Museum of Natural History where another example of an Ichtyosaur found by Mary Anning is on display. Day Six | Oxford In the morning we visit the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. Founded in 1884, the museum received a donation of around 22,000 objects from Pitt’s private collection. After lunch we make our way back to London.
Salisbury
Lyme Regis
Guided by Dr Paul Tubb A landscape archaeologist, Paul has studied southern Britain’s prehistory for 40 years.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in London, Salisbury, Lyme Regis & Oxford
Culinary inclusions • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
6th - 11th Jul ‘21
$2,870
$690
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aapr To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 25
NEW FOR 2021
ALFRED’S CAMELOT
The rich Roman and medieval history of Winchester 3 Days
From $830pp
Activity Level
Departing Jul & Oct ‘21
Winchester is central to the story of Britain in the Dark Ages and early medieval times, closely associated with King Arthur and Alfred the Great, who ruled from a city which he himself transformed. This tour reveals the history of Arthur and Alfred, and reflects on Winchester as a place of pilgrimage, coronation and royal burial.
Tour Highlights • Explore the Hospital of St. Cross, Britain’s most splendid almshouse • Visit Winchester Cathedral and learn the history of the kings buried here • Consider Arthurian legend while viewing the Great Hall’s Round Table
Day One | Winchester We join the tour at our hotel in Winchester. This handsome city began life as Roman Venta Belgarum, before becoming associated with Arthurian legend in the chaos that followed Roman occupation – Sir Thomas Malory identified the city as Camelot. But the city’s greatest prestige came in the 9th century, when Alfred the Great transformed its defenses and its street grid (still evident today) and placed Winchester at the heart of his kingdom. Such was Winchester’s lustre that the city would witness the second coronation of William the Conqueror and the truce between Stephen and Mathilda, and become the final resting place not just for King Alfred, but also King Canute and William Rufus. Before dinner, our expert Guide Lecturer will give a talk on Arthur and Alfred. Day Two | Winchester The day begins with the 12th century Hospital of St. Cross, built to cater to pilgrims venerating the bones of St. Swithun. In what has often been described as the most perfect
almshouse in Britain, we explore the kitchen, brew house and Brethren Hall, as well as the imposing church associated with it. After lunch, we visit the Kings and Scribes Exhibition in Winchester Cathedral to learn about the production of the Winchester Bible, England’s finest 12th century bible, as well as the importance of the city to Early English history, before enjoying a tour of this most splendid of cathedrals. Day Three | Winchester Our tour of Winchester continues to Hyde Abbey, a former Benedictine abbey and the first resting place for King Alfred. We proceed to nearby St. Bartholomew’s Church, whose tower was built with stones from the ruined abbey. The tour then continues with an exploration of a section of the city walls and, after lunch, the Great Hall built by Henry III and immortalised by the medieval Round Table – still to be found there. Our tour ends with a visit to the Winchester City Museum, which houses artifacts that attest to the rich history of this city.
26 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Dr Andy Fear A Lecturer in Classics at the University of Manchester, Andy is primarily interested in Roman history.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites & museums • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
16th - 18th Jul ‘21
$855
$190
8th - 10th Oct ‘21
$830
$190
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asac Image: Winchester Cathedral & Round Table
FALCO’S BRITANNIA WITH LINDSEY DAVIS
Exploring Roman Britain 6 Days
From $3,435pp
Activity Level
Departing Jul ‘21
This tour offers the chance to visit some of the most important sites in Roman Britain alongside both an award-winning novelist and a well-known archaeologist. Our expert Guide Lecturer, Denise Allen, will provide us with cutting-edge commentary on the sites, while author Lindsey Davis will give insights into how she conceived her popular Falco and Albia series. St Albans
Welwyn
Tour Highlights • Explore the luxurious Roman palace at Fishbourne • Visit two superb Roman villas on the Isle of Wight
Old Sarum
• Enjoy the sacred healing complex around the hot springs of Roman Bath
Porchester Isle of Wight
• Discover everyday life in Roman Londinium at the Museum of London and take a tour of other surviving sites in the city
Day One | London Our day starts with a visit to the Museum of London. Here, we view wonderful everyday artifacts such as leather undergarments and a garum amphora. Next, we visit the Billingsgate Roman Baths and Mithraeum. Day Two | Welwyn - St Albans We start with a visit to the Roman baths at Welwyn, just north of the modernday Welwyn Garden City. We proceed to the ancient site of Verulamium, where we visit the theater, the only visible one of its kind in England. Our final visit of the day is to the Verulamium Museum, where we will see its colorful mosaics and displays of everyday objects. Day Three | Butser - Fishbourne We travel to Butser Ancient Farm to explore reconstructed RomanoBritish housing, before proceeding to Chichester, where we see remnants of the heartland of King Togidubnus. We end the day at Fishbourne, the backdrop of a Falco novel, and believed by many to be Togidubnus’ palace, the opulence of which is evidenced by its wealth of extraordinary mosaics. Image: Old Sarum, Salisbury
London
Bath
Day Four | Isle of Wight We venture to the Isle of Wight today and visit Brading Villa, which has some of the most interesting mosaics in Britain, including the intriguing depiction of a man with a cockerel’s head. We continue on to Newport Villa, grand enough to be glazed and to have frescoes as well as a bath complex. Day Five | Portchester - Old Sarum This morning we head to Portchester Castle, the finest preserved Roman fortress in Northern Europe. Built in the end of the 3rd century, it was strategically placed to defend the coast from pirates. We continue to Old Sarum to consider the role this incredible fort played in the Roman period. Day Six | Bath - London The bathing complex in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is intriguing for conflating a bathing complex with a sacred spring to the goddess Sulis. Our final visit is closely linked to the first Falco novel, namely the mines at Charterhouse, whose extraction of silver and lead was important for the payment of Roman soldiers.
Fishbourne
Guided by Dr Denise Allen A specialist in Roman glass, Denise studied archaeology at Cardiff University.
Special Guest Lindsey Davis Lindsey Davis is a novelist best known for her Roman detectives, Marcus Didius Falco and Flavia Albia.
Price includes • • • •
Special Guest Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager Entries to all sites as per the itinerary All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in London, Portsmouth & Bath
Culinary inclusions • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
12th - 17th Jul ‘21
$3,435
$700
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/afbr
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 27
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF MACBETH
Distinguishing fact from fiction in the ‘Scottish Play’ 8 Days
From $3,670pp
Departing Sep ‘21, May & Jul ‘22
Activity Level
There are few plays as captivating as Macbeth, and none more closely associated with Scotland. This tour unravels the mystery of Macbeth and reveals the truth behind the words. We put the play in the context of its time, chronicle Scottish witchcraft and consider the country’s history from the Picts to Macbeth.
Elgin
Tour Highlights • Discover the history of Scottish royalty in palaces such as Glamis, Scone and Holyrood • Explore little-known sites in Scotland such as Birnie Kirk and Spynie Palace • Admire romantic ruins in Scotland, including St. Andrews Cathedral and Dunkeld Cathedral
28 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Dunfermline Edinburgh
St Andrews
Images left to right: Palace of Holyrood house, Ruins of St Andrews Castle & Glamis Castle
Day One | Edinburgh We meet in Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital. The afternoon is spent exploring the National Museum of Scotland, where amongst myriad other treasures we view an important collection of Pictish stones, and we also take a tour of Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the city upon a rocky promontory. This much-besieged fortress was the birthplace of James I and is home to the famous Stone of Destiny, a relic of Scottish kingship from earliest times. Day Two | Edinburgh Today we will be considering the role of James I/VI in history, his obsession with witch-hunting and the turbulent reign of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots. We do this through an exploration of Scotland’s most famous thoroughfare, the ‘Royal Mile’, taking in St. Giles Cathedral (the high kirk of Edinburgh) and John Knox House, owned and inhabited by the Protestant reformer in the 16th century. We continue to the Palace of Holyrood House to visit the Royal Apartments where so many dramatic events in Mary’s life took place, including two of her weddings and the assassination of her private secretary David Rizzio. We end the day with free time, which will allow us to make our own explorations of this enthralling city. Day Three | Dunfermline - St. Andrews - Perth A short journey takes us to Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, founded by Malcolm’s heir, David I, and resting place for many medieval Scottish monarchs. We have lunch at Loch Leven, which offers views to St. Serf’s Island – a location that was made a monastic gift by Macbeth and his queen. The relationship between the monarchy and the church is considered in greater depth during a visit to the ruins of the 12th century St. Andrews Cathedral, formerly the seat of medieval Catholic power in Scotland, and the dramatically situated St. Andrews Castle. We move on to Perth later in the afternoon to begin the next stage of our adventure. Day Four | Perth We spend the morning at Scone Palace, a place drenched in the history and heritage of Scotland. This is the site of the ancient Pictish capital and was later the scene of the crowning of legendary king Robert the Bruce and of Macbeth, as well as the original home of the sacred Stone of Destiny, the key symbol of Scottish Kingship. In the afternoon we move to Dunkeld to explore the partially ruined Gothic Dunkeld Cathedral and to discover the history behind King Duncan and Malcolm. Our day ends back in Perth, where we visit the beautifully carved Pictish Symbol stones at the museum and take a walk through the city’s historic streets. Day Five | Perth - Elgin This morning we visit the Meigle Museum, a small but fascinating exhibition of 27 carved Pictish stones, stopping en route at the Hill of Dunsinane with its ancient hillfort. It is here that Macbeth is told: “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him.” We next explore Glamis Castle, the setting for Macbeth and beloved home of the late Queen Mother, which has been described as the most beautiful castle
in Scotland. We then proceed into the heart of Macbeth’s ancestral territory, where we see the Peel of Lumphanan, the site of a medieval timber castle, along with Macbeth’s Stone, marking the spot where Macbeth is reputed to have been beheaded. Mortlach Parish Church occupies a site of ancient and important religious significance in Macbeth’s day. We end the day in Elgin. Day Six | Elgin Today we take in areas that were at the heart of the life of Macbeth and his mysterious Queen, Gruoch. We visit the important Celtic Christian site of Birnie Kirk, the 12th century church that was the first cathedral of the Bishop of Moray, and Spynie Palace, the residence of the Bishops of Moray for 500 years. We also take in the impressive Pictish Sueno Symbol stone, which stands at 6.5m tall. We return to Elgin to visit the ancient Pictish Burghead Fort, an important base for Macbeth in battling Norse incursions, and the romantic ruins of Elgin Cathedral, so-called ‘lantern of the north’, before a visit to Elgin Museum, which showcases a timeline of the region from prehistory to the present day. Day Seven | Elgin The final full day of our tour is spent exploring the legacy of Shakespeare’s play, how the ‘myth of Macbeth’ has overtaken historic fact, and how that shapes Scotland today. We begin at Cawdor Castle – built some centuries after the death of Macbeth but forever associated with his status as ‘Thane of Cawdor’. We then go on to spend the afternoon at Groam House Museum, home to some excellent examples of Celtic and Pictish art. Within its renowned collections are Pictish carved stones, including the Rosemarkie stone. Day Eight | Elgin - Aberdeen - Edinburgh We begin our journey back to Edinburgh via the ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen, stopping for lunch en route.
Guided by Elizabeth Cory-Lopez Having taught on the archaeology of Scotland, Elizabeth now has 20 years of experience as a professional guide.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh, The Royal George Hotel Perth & The Mansfield Hotel Elgin
Culinary inclusions • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
5th - 12th Sep ‘21
$3,670
$635
15th - 22nd May ‘22
$3,845
$695
3rd - 10th Jul ’22
$4,025
$835
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aame Image: St. Giles’ Cathedral
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 29
HENRY VIII WITH PROF. SUZANNAH LIPSCOMB
The making of a tyrant 4 Days
From $3,130pp
Activity Level
Departing Sep ‘21
Travel with a leading authority on Tudor history - Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb, former curator at Hampton Court Palace – as we chart the rise and fall of Henry VIII. We examine the loves, politics and perils at Henry’s court, along with war, the dissolution of the monasteries, the establishment of the Church of England, and – of course – Henry’s colorful marital history.
London Windsor Castle
Hampton Court Palace
Tour Highlights • Enjoy private access to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle • Travel with award-winning historian and Tudor expert Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb • Discover the fascinating history of Charterhouse, former Carthusian Monastery in London
Hever Castle and Gardens
Day One | London We begin in London with a visit to the Tudor gallery at the National Portrait Gallery to view the magnificent Holbein portraits, including his iconic portrayal of Henry VIII, for which he is of course most famous. We continue to the Charterhouse Monastery and Museum, which after its dissolution was surrendered to Henry VIII in 1537. The buildings were used for storage of the royal tents and pavilions. We spend the rest of the afternoon at the Tower of London, where having moved heaven and earth to be with her, Henry VIII had Anne Boleyn beheaded on 19 May 1536. Day Two | Hampton Court We spend our day at the beautiful Hampton Court. Originally begun by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century, it was later remodelled by Henry VIII, who made many additions to the palace and laid out the overall plan for the gardens, the basic structure of which is still seen today. We examine the architecture, visit the kitchens as well as State Apartments, and discover the Young Henry VIII exhibition to look
at the nature of his court and how the palace functioned. We also trace the stories of Henry’s last four wives through their associations with the palace itself. Day Three | Hever Castle Today we visit Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever Castle, situated in the lovely Kent countryside. Some believe that Anne was born at Hever, though there is little evidence to suggest this. After Anne’s relationship with Henry Percy was abruptly ended, she once again took up residence at Hever and was later visited there by Henry VIII. Anne owned the house until her death in 1557, when it was given to Anne of Cleves as part of the divorce settlement. We take a special guided tour of the house and later explore the extensive award-winning gardens. Day Four | Windsor Castle On our last day, we end with a guided tour of Windsor Castle, finishing up at the perpendicular chapel of St. George’s at Windsor and the simple black marble slab that marks the resting place of Henry and his third wife, Jane Seymour.
30 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb Historian, broadcaster, and award-winning author, Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb is a highly regarded specialist in the Tudor period
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Lensbury
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
16th - 19th Sep ‘21
$3,130
$255
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aqhe Image: Windsor Castle
HIGHLIGHTS OF HADRIAN’S WALL
Explore the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire 6 Days
From $2,330pp
Activity Level
Departing Jun ‘21, Jun & Sep ‘22
Hadrian’s Wall and the history of the Romans in Britain is as fascinating as ever. For those who wish to explore the former Roman frontier, but with less walking involved, we are delighted to offer this alternative tour. Join our expert Guide Lecturer on this unique trip from coast to coast, enjoying unparalleled first-hand insights along the way.
Housesteads Roman Fort Birdoswald Tullie House
Wetheral
Segedunum
Corbridge
Tour Highlights • See the new Hadrian’s Wall gallery at the fantastic Tullie House Museum • Visit the Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh and take a tour of Vindolanda • Explore Hadrian’s Wall and its forts during this more relaxed walking tour
Ravenglass
• View the Walls Castle bath house at Ravenglass, one of the tallest surviving Roman structures Guided by Mark Corney Day One | Wetheral We meet at our hotel this afternoon before we enjoy an introductory lecture and dinner together as a group. Day Two | Swarthy Hill - Ravenglass Today we look at the little-visited western flank of the Hadrian’s Wall frontier. In the morning, we start at the Roman fort Swarthy Hill (milefortlet 21). In the afternoon we drive to Ravenglass, the southernmost fort on the frontier system, where we see the Walls Castle Roman bath house – one of the higheststanding surviving Roman structures in all of Britain. Day Three | Birdoswald - Tullie House We drive along Hadrian’s Wall, pausing at Turret 52a, Banks East and the pre-wall Pike Hill turret. We begin at Milecastle 48, Poltross Burn, and walk one mile to Birdoswald Fort, via Turrets 48a and 48b, the bridge at Willowford and Milecastle 49, Harrows Scar. In the afternoon, we visit Tullie House Museum – one of the two major Hadrian’s Wall museums – and its new gallery. Day Four | Housesteads - Chesters Today, we see the iconic central sector Image: Milecastle 39, Hadrian’s Wall
of the wall. In the morning, we visit the Temple of Mithras at the fort of Carrawburgh, followed by Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum. From here, we walk three miles across the grandiose crags of the Great Whin Sill, passing Milecastle 37 and 39, towards Steel Rigg. Our day comes to an end with a visit to the fort of Chesters. Day Five | Vindolanda - Corbridge The Stanegate was the Trajanic frontier pre-dating Hadrian’s Wall, and today we visit its key sites. We spend an entire morning at Vindolanda, famous for its unique collection of Roman ink writing tablets. We visit the extensive and ongoing excavations and the superb museum. In the afternoon, we travel to the Roman site of Corbridge with its fascinating museum. Day Six | Newcastle On our final day, we drive to Wallsend - Segedunum, to visit the most completely excavated Roman fort on the line, the museum and also the reconstructed bath house. We continue to the museum of the eastern flank of the Wall, the Great North Museum in Newcastle, before our tour ends.
Join Mark at Hadrian’s Wall on our 27th June ‘21 & 18th September ‘22 departures.
Guided by Tony Wilmott Join Tony at Hadrian’s Wall on our 26th June ’22 departure.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Crown Hotel Wetheral & the Beaumont Hotel Hexham
Culinary inclusions • 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
27th Jun - 2nd Jul ‘21
$2,365
$405
26th Jun - 1st Jul ’22
$2,415
$415
18th - 23rd Sep ’22
$2,415
$415
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/ahah
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 31
WALKING HADRIAN’S WALL
Discover the archaeological remains at Vindolanda 9 Days
From $3,200pp
Departing Sep ‘21, Jul & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
Crossing wild and beautiful terrain, the Hadrian’s Wall footpath covers the shortest distance coast-to-coast across the country. This is a real walking vacation with up to seven miles traveled per day – a wonderful way to chart the entire length of the frontier, following in the footsteps of the Romans. Pass forts, mile castles and fine museums as we make our way from west to east.
Tour Highlights • Walk along the largest unbroken section of Hadrian’s Wall • Search deeper into the rich Roman history of this unique area • Explore Birdoswald, where we will discover its fort and museum
Whittle Carrawburgh Dene Birdoswald Segedunum Benwell Lanercost Vindolanda Heavenfield Priory Scotswood Wetheral Bowness-on-Solway
• Walk this legendary route in the company of an expert guide, who knows both its stories and history inside and out
32 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Images left to right: Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda, Carrawburgh
Day One | Wetheral Our journey begins in the Cumbrian village of Wetheral, perched high on the banks of the River Eden. We check in to our hotel, where we meet our group and expert Guide Lecturer for the tour. This evening we enjoy an introductory talk about the history of Hadrian’s Wall – an engaging taster of what is to come. Day Two | Bowness-on-Solway & Tullie House Museum This morning we drive to Bowness-on-Solway where our walk begins. We wander along the shore of the Solway Firth toward Burgh-by-Sands. The day ends with a visit to Tullie House Museum in Carlisle. (c 4.5 miles) Day Three | Birdoswald We start at Lanercost Priory, built from stone taken from Hadrian’s Wall, and then stroll via Haytongate, Hare Hill and the Banks Turret to Birdoswald. Later, we explore Roman remains at Birdoswald fort. An auxiliary unit of Dacians (from modern Romania) formed the garrison. (c 5 miles) Day Four | Carvoran We return to Birdoswald and begin walking towards Thirlwell along the longest unbroken section of Hadrian’s Wall. After a short drive, we stop at Carvoran to explore the notable collections at the Roman Army Museum. We continue towards Burnhead to view the quarry. (c 6 miles) Day Five | Vindolanda Our morning begins with a visit to Vindolanda, located in the heart of the Northumberland National Park. The earliest remains of the fort here predate Hadrian’s Wall, and were first established in approximately AD 85 – the timber huts from this era are now buried in the waterlogged soil. The fort was subsequently demolished and rebuilt nine times, and foundations of its stone constructions are still visible for us to explore. Highlights include the well-preserved 3rd century bath house, and the remnants of the only temple dedicated to a Roman deity to have ever been found in a Roman auxiliary complex. After lunch, we drive to Steel Rigg, a dramatic crag with views of the rugged countryside. We pick up our trail and make our way to Housesteads Roman Fort to finish the day, viewing the remains and the museum here. (c 3.5 miles) Day Six | Chesters We lace up our boots and visit the mithraeum at Carrawburgh, our starting point for today. It is thought that this elegant temple was built by Roman soldiers in around AD 200, as its three altars, dedicated to the bull-slaying god Mithras, were all inscribed from commanding officers. A nymphaeum, or natural grotto, was also located here, though no visible traces remain. This afternoon we stride out to Chesters on the bank of the North Tyne River, enjoying the fresh country air and changing views. At Chesters, we are rewarded with a visit to the most complete Roman cavalry fort in the country, Cilurnum. The site, maintained by English Heritage, features an extensive collection of artifacts, a fine bath building and officers’ quarters. (c 6 miles) Day Seven | Corbridge This morning we drive out to Heavenfield and trek to Port Gate, the site of a fortified gateway controlling traffic along Dere Street, the Roman road that ran north to the Firth of Forth. Following lunch, a drive to Corbridge takes us to a once
vibrant Roman town and major military depot. We view artifacts at the museum here and we then take a walk along the River Tyne to Corbridge, where we see the preserved Roman bridge abutment and reused Roman masonry in the Anglo-Saxon church. (c 5 miles) Day Eight | Benwell Starting our tour at Whittle Dene Reservoir this morning, we wander to Heddon-on-the-Wall, where we see a well-preserved stretch of the wall. This substantial structure demonstrates how thick the wall was meant to be, showing it at its original planned width of two meters. A medieval kiln and circular chambers are also visible here. Later, we view the surviving wall that stretches around Denton, before continuing to the Temple at Benwell, dedicated to the local god Antenociticus, a deity thought to have been involved with military affairs. With the majority of our leg-work now behind us, tonight we grab a chance to kick off our hiking gear and enjoy a wellearned dinner to mark the last night of our vacation with the group. (c 4.5 mile walk) Day Nine | Segedunum Our journey from coast to coast is almost at an end. The first stop today is at the Great North Museum, which was built for Northumbria’s natural history collection in 1884. Alongside fantastic fossil galleries and displays about the living planet, we will find a detailed Hadrian’s Wall exhibition, where treasures and stories abound. Next, we venture across to the seaside town of South Shields and visit Arbeia Roman Fort, once a large supply base. Our final destination is Wallsend, where we visit the site of Segedunum, the most completely excavated fort on Hadrian’s Wall, which once housed troops from mainland North Europe. An interactive museum reveals what life would have been like for a cavalry officer at the height of the garrison’s powers.
Guided by Tony Wilmott Senior Archaeologist at Historic England, Tony has directed numerous excavations and is an acknowledged expert on the wall.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Crown Hotel Wetheral & the Beaumont Hotel Hexham
Culinary inclusions • 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
6th - 14th Sep ‘21
$3,200
$650
4th - 12th Jul ’22
$3,320
$670
5th - 13th Sep ’22
$3,845
$870
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/ahad Image: Housesteads Roman Fort
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 33
NEW FOR 2021
PREHISTORIC ROCK ART & LANDSCAPES
In Scotland’s beautiful Kilmartin Glen 4 Days
From $1,345pp
Activity Level
Departing Jul & Aug ‘21, Jul & Sep ‘22
The enchanting Kilmartin Glen, on Scotland’s west coast, plays host to one of the richest and best preserved prehistoric landscapes in Britain. The extraordinary concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age burial monuments, standing stones and rock art in the glen and surrounding hills testifies to the importance of this area 5,500-3,500 years ago.
Tour Highlights • Walk through the prehistoric heart of Kilmartin Glen, with its spectacular Neolithic and Bronze Age burial monuments and standing stones • Visit the prehistoric stone circle at Temple Wood, where spiral carvings await • Observe the largest prehistoric carved rock in Britain at Achnabreck • Discover the elaborate, enigmatic carved rocks at Cairnbaan and Baluacraig • Be part of a small group of just 16 guests Day One | Kilmartin Glen Today we meet in our hotel on the beautiful Argyll coast in Western Scotland. Before dinner, we will have an evening lecture on the landscape and archaeology of this picturesque part of the world. We pickup from Glasgow airport and train station by coach and drive to our hotel, or alternatively you can make your own way to the hotel. Day Two | Kilmartin Glen We begin with a short drive to Baluachraig, where we explore the rock art created 5,000 years ago using only stone tools. Next, we view the Ballmeanoch Stone Alignments, standing stones with a clear NWSE orientation. After lunch, we walk from the museum along Kilmartin Glen to view the Nether Largie Cairns prehistoric burial monuments dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. We continue to the Temple Wood Stone Circles, dating from 3,000 BC, and the Nether Largie Standing Stones, where we see four menhirs arranged in pairs. We end the day at the Ri Cruin Cairns, a set of cairns arranged over 2km dating
to between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago. Day Three | Kilmartin Glen This morning we drive to Kilmichael Glassary to visit Neolithic carvings on the rocky outcrop, which include keyhole motifs not seen in other Kilmartin rock art. We continue to Torbhlaren, which contains two decorated standing stones and three carved outcrops. After lunch in Ardfern, we drive to the 16th century Carnasserier Castle. Not far away, we find more Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art. We proceed to spectacular Dunadd to visit the hillfort that dominates the landscape. In use for more than 2,000 years, it was a stronghold of the Gaelic kings of Dál Riata from AD 500-800 and may have been visited by St Columba. For our last visit of the day, we drive to Cairnbaan to view its Iron Age rock art. Day Four | Kilmartin Glen - Glasgow Today we drive to Achnabreck, where we see the cup and ring symbols familiar to other sites in Kilmartin Glen. We continue to Cairnbaan and explore more examples of rock art that date from 3,500 to 2,500 years ago. After, we have lunch and return to Glasgow.
34 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Dr Tertia Barnett Tertia is an archaeologist specializing in the rock art of Britain, Europe and North Africa.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in Lochgilphead
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
30th Jul - 2nd Aug ‘21
$1,345
$400
6th - 9th Aug ‘21
$1,345
$400
26th - 29th Jul ‘22
$1,435
$415
6th - 9th Sep ‘22
$1,435
$415
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aski Images: Cairnbaan & Kilmartin Glen
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE ISLE OF MAN
Discover a wealth of sites across a wide range of history 6 Days
From $2,320pp
Departing Sep & Oct ‘21, Jun & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
Ellan Vannin – the modern day Isle of Man – boasts a rich archaeological heritage from the Neolithic period and the Iron Age, a Celtic and Norse past, and times under the control of the Earls of Derby, the Dukes of Athol and the British Crown. Add in the Great Laxey Wheel and Archibald Knox, and you’ll wonder why you’ve not explored this unique destination before.
Kirk Andreas
Laxey Wheel
Peel
Tour Highlights
Tynwald Hill
• Discover a Viking ship burial at Balladoole • View striking examples of Celtic and Norse crosses
Douglas
• Pay a visit to Tynwald Hill, one of the island’s most distinctive landmarks • See the world’s largest working waterwheel at Laxey
Day One | Douglas We meet at our hotel in Douglas. There will be a welcome lecture before dinner, which will give us an interesting introduction to the surrounding area. Day Two | King Orry’s Grave - Kirk Andreas This morning we pay a visit to King Orry’s grave, a Neolithic chambered cairn, the Neolithic tombs at Cashtal yn Ard, and finally Ballafayle, which is also a Quaker burial ground. Kirk Andreas houses cross-slabs dating from the 7th to 11th centuries and Kirk Maughold is the site of an early monastery with Celtic and Norse memorials. Day Three | Peel - Tynwald Hill Today, we start with the Neo-Gothic Kirk Michael church, which boasts an impressive collection of Norse crosses. Then we explore Peel Castle, which was originally constructed by Vikings in the 11th century, before moving on to the House of Manannan museum. Here, we will be guided through the island’s fascinating maritime, Viking and Celtic past. We also visit Tynwald Hill, which still plays a prominent role in Manx government, and Saint Trinian’s medieval church at the foot of Greeba Image: Sunrise over Douglas Lighthouse
Balladoole
Hill. This particular structure is known in Manx as the ‘Keeil Brisht’. Day Four | Balladoole - St. Michael’s Isle This morning we visit the Neolithic Meayll Circle, believed to have been built thousands of years ago, and also the village folk museum in Cregneash. Then it’s on to Chapel Hill in Balladoole to see an Iron Age fort, a Viking ship burial and a Celtic/Norse chapel. Afterwards, we visit Castle Rushen in Castletown and Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla, before touring the chapel and Derby Fort on St. Michael’s Isle. Day Five | Laxey Wheel Our day begins at the Great Laxey Wheel – the world’s largest working waterwheel, which is also often fondly referred to as Lady Isabella and was built back in 1854. Moving on via Cronkbourne village, we visit Braddan cemetery and the Old Kirk Braddan to see the Braddan crosses. Afterwards, at the Manx Museum, we will have lunch and some free time to explore. Day Six | Douglas After breakfast this morning, our tour comes to a close. We make our independent journeys home.
Saint Michael’s Isle
Guided by Andrew Foxon Andrew is a specialist on the archaeology and history of the Isle of Man.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Sefton Hotel (June) & the Regency Hotel (September)
Culinary inclusions • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
6th - 11th Sep ‘21
$2,320
$205
18th - 23rd Oct ‘21
$2.325
$205
20th - 25th Jun ’22
$2,555
$210
5th - 10th Sep ’22
$2,555
$210
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aiom
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 35
THE PICTS IN PERTHSHIRE & ANGUS
Warriors, monks & artists 4 Days
From $1,480pp
Activity Level
Departing Sep ‘21
The Picts were long considered to be a mysterious lost people from a very dark age, to the extent that entirely erroneous origin myths were created for them in recent centuries. This tour will explore how, even though they left behind no surviving documents, the Picts helped lay the foundation of modern Scotland.
Portmahomack Burghead Bay
Elgin
Tour Highlights • View the unique collections of Pictish artifacts in the National Museum of Scotland
Meffan Museum
St. Vigeans Sculpture Stones McManus Gallery
• Explore masterpieces of stone carvings such as the Dupplin Cross and the St. Andrews sarcophagus • Experience almost all of the finest monumental Christian sculpture produced by the Picts Day One | Edinburgh We meet at our hotel in Edinburgh in the early afternoon. Our tour starts with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, where we will get a closer look at the Picts’ love of spectacular silver jewelry and can see the Hilton of Cadboll cross slab. Before dinner, we end our introduction with a lecture. Day Two | Edinburgh - East Lomond St. Andrews - Dundee This morning, we leave Edinburgh and travel north. During the morning, we stop at the Pictish fort at East Lomond Hill to hear about the current excavation by one of the lead archaeologists. Afterwards, our journey takes us to St. Andrews, the wonderful medieval city where we’ll inspect the 8th century sarcophagus. We end the day at our next hotel. Day Three | Glamis - Forfar - Aberlemno - Arbroath Today’s touring brings us to the Glamis Manse Stone. We continue to Forfar, where we will explore the Meffan Museum to see more of the stone carvers’ art of the southern Picts.
After lunch, we will view the Aberlemno stones. Our last visit of the day will be to Arbroath, to visit St. Vigeans Sculptured Stones and Museum. An outstanding collection is gathered here from the Pictish royal monastery. Day Four | Dundee - Dunning Edinburgh This morning, there will be some free time to explore Dundee at our leisure. In the McManus Dundee Museum, we’ll confront the remains of excavated Picts, including a woman dubbed “Pictoria” and a man who had been decapitated and then afforded a high status burial. Many of the Pictish churches and monasteries were founded from Iona, with links to Columba’s monastery as seen in some of the designs on the monumental cross slabs. Before we journey back to Edinburgh, we will visit the lovely Perthshire town of Dunning to experience this marriage of styles seen in the fabulous free-standing Dupplin Cross, erected in memory of the mighty Pictish king Constantine who died in 820 in the nearby royal palace of Forteviot.
36 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Dupplin Cross
St. Andrews Edinburgh
Guided by Peter Yeoman Until recently, Peter was Head of Cultural Heritage and then Principal Heritage Researcher at Historic Scotland.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh & the Apex City Quay & Spa Dundee
Culinary inclusions • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
14th - 17th Sep ‘21
$1,480
$295
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/appa Image: Aberlemno Pictish Stone
HIGHLIGHTS OF ORKNEY
Discover Neolithic monuments spread across the landscape of the islands 5 Days
From $1,990pp
Activity Level
Departing Aug ‘21 & Jul ‘22
Our tour includes visits to the four monuments that make up the heart of Neolithic Orkney and these are are unquestionably some of the most important in Europe - the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the giant chambered grave of Maeshowe, the atmospheric Ring of Brodgar stone circle and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Tour Highlights • Admire the megalithic Standing Stones of Stenness and discover the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar • Explore the Stone Age mausoleum of Maeshowe, whose internal walls were later graffitied by Vikings • Climb into the Tomb of the Eagles at Isbister, a stalled cairn built before 3000 BC
Guided by Caroline Wickham-Jones Day One | Kirkwall We meet at our hotel in Kirkwall for an introductory lecture and group dinner. Day Two | Skara Brae & Gurness Broch We start our explorations on the island at Skara Brae, the amazingly wellpreserved Neolithic village occupied for over 600 years. Eight stone dwellings survive and their interior fittings give a glimpse of life as it was in Neolithic Orkney. After lunch, we visit the Brough of Birsay, a small island that can be reached on foot by causeway at low tide. Birsay has been settled continuously since Neolithic times and was once a center of Viking power. We end the day at Gurness Broch, where we explore the remains of the 8-meter tower. Day Three | Scapa Flow & Kirkwall Driving south we cross Scapa Flow, where 52 German warships were scuttled just one week before the Peace Treaty was signed, ending WW1. We continue to the Italian Chapel, which was erected by Italian prisoners of war during WWII and constructed from Nissen huts yet highly decorated within. Our morning ends at the Tomb
of the Eagles on a clifftop at Isbister, South Ronaldsay. Returning to Kirkwall in the afternoon, we spend time in town visiting the Orkney Museum, St. Magnus’ Cathedral and also the Bishop’s Palace. Day Four | Maeshowe & Ring of Brodgar Today we explore Stenness in Orkney’s West Mainland, an area home to some of the best-known ancient monuments. We start at Maeshowe, the largest and most impressive of Orkney’s chambered cairns. After, we visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, two stone circles – henge monuments – each occupying an opposing promontory between lochs. With seasonal excavations underway we will also visit the Ness of Brodgar, where, for over a decade, archaeological excavations have uncovered an astonishing array of Neolithic structures including monumental buildings and hundreds of examples of prehistoric artwork. Day Five | Kirkwall Today we depart Kirkwall and make our independent onwards journeys.
Image: Brough of Birsay & Standing stones of Stenness
Join Caroline in Scotland on our 21st August ’21 departure.
Guided by Peter Yeoman Join Peter in Scotland on our 8th July and 28th July ‘22 departures.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Kirkwall Hotel (28th Jul - 1st Aug ‘22 departure) and the Lynnfield Hotel (21st - 25th Aug ‘21 & 8th - 12th Jul ‘22 departures)
Culinary inclusions • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
21st - 25th Aug ‘21
$1,990
$430
8th - 12th Jul ’22
$2,235
$495
28th Jul - 1st Aug ‘22
$2,205
$315
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aork
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 37
ORKNEY & SHETLAND
From standing stones to chambered cairns 11 Days
From $4,725pp
Departing Jun & Aug ‘22
Activity Level
The islands beyond the northernmost tip of Scotland glory in some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the world, and the area has been deemed an archaeologists’ paradise. During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, the local people among the first in Britain to begin building megalithic chamber tombs and later henge monuments.
Underhoull
Scalloway St Ninian’s Isle
Tour Highlights
Muness Castle
Lerwick Broch of Mousa Old Scatness
• Marvel at the Neolithic dwellings at Skara Brae • Visit Maeshowe, one of Europe’s finest Neolithic chambered cairns • Admire the megalithic Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar • Discover Jarlshof with its remarkably well-preserved wheelhouses
Midhowe Skara Brae Maeshowe
38 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Kirkwall
Images left to right: Ring of Brodgar, Mousa Broch & Gurness Broch
Day One | Lerwick We meet at our hotel on Shetland. Day Two | Mousa Broch & Scatness We start our exploration of Shetland’s archaeology at Mousa Broch, situated on the uninhabited island of the same name a couple of miles off the east coast of Shetland’s mainland and now an RSPB reserve. Returning to the mainland we drive south to Scatness, an Iron Age broch and village occupied for around two millennia. The site, which was discovered when Sumburgh Airport expanded in the 1970s to accommodate increased air traffic, is now a public heritage project. We end the day at Jarlshof – a spectacular site on the headland overlooking the West Voe. Here, there is evidence of over 4,000 years of human history - Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch, a Norse longhouse medieval farmstead and a 16th century house. Day Three | Unst Today we take two short ferry crossings to reach Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island, where we discover the island’s Viking heritage. A large number of Viking longhouses have been discovered here (at least 60) – the greatest number found anywhere, including Scandinavia. We will visit one of the excavated sites at Underhoull where there is evidence of outhouses, annexes and drains, which have been added to the longhouse during its development. We continue to Haroldswick to see the Skidbladner, replica ship, and reconstructed longhouse. In the afternoon we drive towards Skaw to take in the view of the Muckle Flugga lighthouse perched on the northern tip of Unst. Before catching our return ferry, we will also visit Muness Castle, a late 16th century tower house that was destroyed by French pirates in 1627 and abandoned in the 18th century. Day Four | Shetland Today is our last full day on Shetland and we start with Stanydale Temple on the West Mainland. This extraordinary structure gained its name from its similarity to the megalithic temple sites in Malta. From here we drive to the Scord of Brouster, one of the earliest Neolithic farm sites in Shetland. Returning to Lerwick, we visit the fantastic, award-winning Shetland Museum, which displays over 3,000 artifacts, and we end the day at Clickhimin Iron Age Broch and later wheelhouse, situated just outside of Lerwick. Day Five | St. Ninian’s Isle - Scalloway - Orkney We explore St. Ninian’s Isle where we see the church – a striking white-shell sand spit links the islands. Excavation revealed a fabulous hoard of Pictish silver. Continue to South Voe Croft Museum, an engaging evocation of rural life in Shetland. The afternoon will be spent visiting Scalloway Museum. This evening we will take a ferry to Orkney. Day Six | Stenness Today we explore Stenness in Orkney’s West Mainland, home to some of the best-known ancient monuments. We start at Maeshowe, the largest and most impressive of Orkney’s chambered cairns. A zenith in European prehistoric architecture and accomplishment, this chambered tomb has been a distinctive presence in the landscape for millennia. After, we visit the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, two stone circles – henge monuments – each occupying an opposing promontory between lochs. With seasonal excavations underway, we will also visit the Ness of Brodgar where, for over a decade, archaeological excavations have uncovered an astonishing array of Neolithic structures including monumental buildings and hundreds of examples of prehistoric artwork.
Day Seven | Island of Rousay We travel to the Island of Rousay to explore Midhowe chambered tomb, sealed 4,500 years ago and containing the remains of 25 people. On to the much later Iron Age defensive structure of Midhowe Broch, which stands on the rocky foreshore of Rousay between two inlets and consists of a circular tower with a very thick exterior wall. We end our day at the double chambered tomb of Taversoe Tuick. Day Eight | Kirkwall Today we explore Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall. Highlights include St. Magnus Cathedral, Earl’s Palace and Bishop’s Palace. In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to Tankerness Museum. Day Nine | Skara Brae & Birsay We start our explorations on the island at Skara Brae, the amazingly well-preserved Neolithic village occupied for over 600 years. Eight stone dwellings survive and their interior fittings give a unique glimpse of life as it was in Neolithic Orkney. After lunch, we visit the Brough of Birsay, a small island that can be reached on foot by causeway at low tide. Birsay has been settled continuously since Neolithic times and was once a center of Viking power. We end the day at Gurness Broch where we explore the remains of the 8-meter tower. Day Ten | Orkney Visit the Tomb of the Eagles, a stalled cairn built before 3000 BC. We continue to the Burnt Mound at Liddle and our day ends at the striking Italian Chapel, which was built by prisoners of the war in the 1940s. Day Eleven | Kirkwall Our tour ends today and we make our independent onward journeys. Please note that the order of the itinerary is subject to ferry availability and is therefore likely to change.
Guided by Dr Val Turner Join Val in Orkney & Shetland on our 6th June departure.
Guided by Peter Yeoman Join Peter in Orkney & Shetland on our 27th June & 8th August departures.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at Brae Hotel & Lynnfield Hotel (6th June & 8th August departures), and Brae Hotel & Orkney Hotel (27th June departure)
Culinary inclusions • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 10 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
6th - 16th Jun ‘22
$4,830
$1,000
27th Jun - 7th Jul ‘22
$4,725
$805
8th - 18th Aug ’22
$4,830
$1,000
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/aoas Image: Skara Brae
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 39
HIGHLIGHTS OF SHETLAND
Home to a rich archaeological landscape 5 Days
From $1,755pp
Activity Level
Departing Jul & Aug ‘21
Shetland has long been famous as a mecca for bird enthusiasts and its rich archaeological landscape often goes overlooked. However, the lack of intensive modern farming means that the preservation of its sites and their landscapes is truly exceptional. From the internationally important sites of Mousa and Jarlshof to deserted white-sand beaches, join us here.
Tour Highlights • Climb to the top of Mousa Broch, the tallest example of this unique Iron Age structure standing at 13 meters – the views over the sea are spectacular • Discover Scatness, an extensive settlement site with prehistoric, Viking and Pictish remains built and rebuilt over thousands of years • Explore Jarlshof, constructed by Neolithic farmers c2400 BC and occupied, though not continuously, for over 4,000 years Day One | Lerwick We meet at our hotel for an introductory lecture and group dinner. Day Two | Mousa Broch & Jarlshof Our tour of Shetland’s archaeology starts at Mousa Broch, situated on the uninhabited island of the same name a couple of miles off the east coast of Shetland’s mainland. Returning to the mainland we drive south to Scatness, an Iron Age broch and village occupied for around two millennia, and we end the day at Jarlshof – a spectacular site on the headland overlooking the West Voe. Day Three | Unst Today we take two short ferry crossings to reach Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island, where we discover its Viking heritage. We will visit one of the excavated longhouse sites at Underhoull and then we continue to Haroldswick, where we see the Skidbladner – a replica ship – and a reconstructed longhouse. In the afternoon we drive towards Skaw to take in the view of the Muckle Flugga lighthouse, perched on the northern tip of Unst. Before catching our return
ferry, we will also visit Muness Castle, a late 16th century tower house that was destroyed by French pirates in 1627 and abandoned in the 18th century. Day Four | Shetland It’s our last full day on Shetland and we start with Stanydale Temple on the West Mainland. This extraordinary structure gained its name from its similarity to the megalithic temple sites in Malta. Its origins date between 2500-2000 BCE but it appears to have still been occupied into the early Iron Age. From here we drive to the Scord of Brouster, one of the earliest Neolithic farm sites in Shetland. Excavated in the 1970s, it spans a period from just after 3000 BC to around 1500 BC and comprises several houses and interlinked field walls. Returning to Lerwick, we visit the award-winning Shetland Museum, which displays over 3,000 artifacts, and our day comes to an end at Clickhimin Iron Age Broch and later wheelhouse situated just outside of Lerwick. Day Five | Shetland Today we travel onwards independently.
40 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Guided by Peter Yeoman Peter formerly worked as the Head of Cultural Heritage at Historic Scotland.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Shetland Hotel, Lerwick
Culinary inclusions • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
15th - 19th Jul ‘21
$1,790
$270
16th - 20th Aug ‘21
$1,755
$270
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/ashe Image: Jarlshof & Lerwick
THE NORTH OF IRELAND
A journey through time 5 Days
From $2,595pp
Activity Level
Departing Aug ‘21, Jun & Aug ‘22
Northern Ireland is an area of rich and diverse ancient and historical interest. From great prehistoric sites shrouded in mystery to amazing rugged landscapes, this small corner of the world has a lot to offer its visitors. With Belfast as our hub, this tour will also allow us to experience the warm welcome of the city’s vibrant culture.
Bushmills
Giant’s Causeway
Tour Highlights
Titanic Belfast Belfast
• Gain insight into the past of Ireland from early prehistory up until the modern day • Explore Navan Fort – ancient seat of kings – along with its reconstructed Iron Age dwelling • Experience the impressive geological site of the Giants Causeway, the worldfamous basalt columns of Ireland Day One | Belfast We meet in Belfast at our hotel. This afternoon, our tour starts with a visit to the Ulster Museum, which features significant archaeological finds from Northern Ireland. Before dinner, there will be an introductory lecture. Day Two | Downpatrick Legananny Dolmen Our first visit of the day will be to Giant’s Ring, a Neolithic henge monument situated on the outskirts of Belfast. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Downpatrick. Upon our arrival, we visit Down Cathedral to view the magnificent stained glass windows and St. Patrick’s grave just outside. On our way back to Belfast, we stop at Ballynoe stone circle and the impressive Neolithic Legananny Dolmen, probably the most famous megalithic monument in all of Northern Ireland. Day Three | Navan Fort - Titanic Belfast This mornin, we drive to Armagh to visit Navan Fort, legendary Emian Macha, a large hilltop enclosure assumed to represent an ancient ceremonial site. Back in Belfast this afternoon, we spend Image: Dunluce Castle
time at Titanic Belfast and explore the history of this tragically famous ship. Among the highlights are full-scale reconstructions of parts of the interior and original Titanic artifacts. Our last visit of today will be to the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Day Four | Giant’s Causeway - Bushmill Today we journey north. Situated dramatically on the edge of an outcrop on the craggy Antrim coast, we visit the ruins of Dunluce Castle, seat of the McDonnell Clan. A short drive brings us to probably the most famous geological feature of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway. Before we make our way back to Belfast, we visit the Bushmills Distillery. Here, we will have lunch and enjoy a delicious whiskey tasting. Day Five | Belfast On our last day, we take a walk through Belfast to view some of the most important features of the city. In the afternoon, we gather again and make our way to the airport to make our independent onward journeys.
Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh
Downpatrick Legananny Dolmen
Guided by Jeremy Bennett A British archaeologist, Jeremy is currently studying for his PhD at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Culinary inclusions • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
10th - 14th Aug ‘21
$2,595
$385
21st - 25th Jun ’22
$2,720
$400
30th Aug - 3rd Sep ’22
$2,720
$400
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/anoi To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 41
PREHISTORIC IRELAND
Including the iconic megalithic sites of Newgrange and Knowth 8 Days
From $3,805pp
Departing Sep ‘21, Jun, Jul & Sep ‘22
Discover the prehistory of Ireland on a tour that takes in the monumental passage tomb of Newgrange as well as Dublin, the Boyne Valley, Carrowmore, mystical Galway and Inis Mor. With myriad intriguing archaeological sites and a captivating Celtic mythology, Ireland is the perfect destination for ancient history enthusiasts.
Creevykeel Carrowmore Carrowkeel
Tour Highlights • Take a boat trip to the island of Inis Mor and visit Dun Aengus
Galway
• View one of the largest examples of an Irish Court Tomb at Creevykeel • Admire the collection of prehistoric artifacts at the National Museum of Dublin
Activity Level
Loughcrew Newgrange Fourknocks Dublin
Inis Mor Poulnabrone
• Visit the Hill of Tara with over 30 visible monuments, including the Stone of Destiny
42 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Images left to right: Polnabrone Dolmen in Burren, Dublin & Creevykeel
Day One | Dublin We first have lunch together as a group in Ireland’s vibrant and friendly capital, Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland is a fine place to start our tour, presenting as it does an enthralling overview of Irish history, with an entire level dedicated to archaeology and a dedicated space housing a 14m-long oak boat that dates back more than 4,000 years. Day Two | Fourknocks We travel south of Dublin today to view two mysterious and picturesque stone circles – the late-Neolithic Broadleas and Bronze Age Athgreany. The latter is also known as the Piper’s Stones. According to legend, a group of revellers were dancing to a piper’s tune on the Sabbath and were turned to stone as punishment. The exact purpose of these stone circles is still debated, but the derivation of the name Athgreany (‘field of the sun’) suggests a ceremonial aspect. After lunch we head to the megalithic passage tomb of Fourknocks, built some 5,000 years ago. Fragments of 65 burials were discovered here and just inside the main chamber is a rare and curious Neolithic carving of a human face. Day Three | Newgrange - Knowth We journey this morning to Newgrange, an extraordinarily grand passage tomb from the Neolithic period, pre-dating both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. Along with Knowth and Dowth, two other monumental tombs of the ‘Bend of the Boyne archaeological ensemble’, Newgrange is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its alignment is such that on the Winter Solstice, the rising sun lights the passageway and the chamber. Encircling the burial mound are 97 large stones, some adorned with prehistoric carvings. Similarly, spectacular and contemporary with Newgrange at 5,200 years old, Knowth is our next stop. In addition to a hugely fascinating passage tomb, a third of Western Europe’s megalithic art is estimated to be found in this site alone, with a number of the 127 surrounding ‘kerbstones’ beautifully decorated. Later, we visit the Hill of Tara, a ceremonial and burial site drenched in myth and legend. We wander the Iron Age hilltop enclosure and view the so-called Stone of Destiny, the coronation stone of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. Day Four | Loughcrew - Creevykeel We head for Loughcrew, also known as the ‘Hills of the Witch’, a site of great historical significance. This group of megalithic tombs dates back some 5,300 years. Cairn T, a cruciform tomb aligned to sunrise on the spring and autumn equinoxes, is home to some beautiful examples of Neolithic art. From here, our journey continues to the coastal town of Sligo. This area’s natural harbor once saw trade from the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. Following lunch, we encounter one of the best and largest examples of an Irish court tomb at Creevykeel. This massive wedge-shaped cairn consists of a narrow passage leading to an inner court, estimated to be large enough to accommodate a ritual gathering of up to 100 people. Day Five | Carrowmore - Carrowkeel Today’s highlight is a visit to Carrowmore, considered the largest prehistoric cemetery of Ireland. Set at the heart of an intensely spiritual landscape are 30 monumental tombs, which differ in style to other passage tombs in the region.
The scale of the site was not lost on its surveyor George Petrie: “This remarkable series of monuments, excepting the monuments of Carnac in Brittany, even in its present state of ruin is the largest assemblage of the kind hitherto discovered in the world”. After lunch we will wander around the Carrowkeel complex of 14 tombs, another hugely important Neolithic center and arguably the most attractive of Ireland’s megalithic sites. Day Six | Poulnabone - Galway Galway, a settlement established in the 12th century, awaits discovery today. En route, there are stops to view the impressive Drumanone dolmen and the Celtic Castlestrange Stone, one of four so-called ‘cult stones’ of Ireland adorned with flowing spiral carvings. After lunch we journey to Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren, one of the most iconic archaeological monuments of the island, unusual for its size and dramatic in its situation. In Galway, we view the prehistoric collection in the charming Galway City Museum and tour the area. Day Seven | Inis Mor On the last full day of our tour, we catch a ferry across to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands of Galway Bay, beautiful and home to a wealth of ancient sites and monuments, from prehistoric cairns to the ruins of medieval churches. We visit Dun Aengus – the largest prehistoric hillfort on the Aran Islands and surely the most impressively located – the semicircular enclosure walls stand around a sheer cliff edge facing out onto the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Day Eight | Galway - Dublin We travel back to Dublin and begin our independent onward journeys.
Guided by Jeremy Bennett A British archaeologist, Jeremy is currently studying for his PhD at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation in the Boyne Valley, Sligo & Galway
Culinary inclusions • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners • Water with all meals, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
26th Sep - 3rd Oct ‘21
$3,805
$540
26th Jun - 3rd Jul ‘22
$3,980
$560
31st Jul - 7th Aug ’22
$3,980
$560
4th - 11th Sep ’22
$3,980
$560
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/apir Image: Carrowmore
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 43
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CASTLES
at Dover
1 Day 7th June
ICE AGE ART
at Creswell Crags 1 Day
Guide: Dr Marc Morris
From $190pp
11th Jun & 13th Aug
Guide: Dr Paul Bahn
From $195pp
Tour Highlights • See Britain’s only confirmed examples of Ice Age art
Tour Highlights • Learn about the origins and development of castles in Britain
• A small group of just 12 privileged participants
• Explore this interesting site in Marc’s expert company
• Led by the discoverer himself! Dr Paul Bahn is one of the world’s leading experts in cave art and he led the team that first found the Creswell carvings
What is a castle? On this Study Day, Dr Marc Morris, one of the country’s leading experts on castles, explains everything you need to know during a fascinating tour of historic Dover Castle. With a tour of both the castle’s impressive exterior and Great Tower, this day out offers a chance to delve into the history of castles in a hands-on and immersive way.
Enjoy a unique day out that offers a glimpse into the remote, enigmatic world of our Ice Age ancestors. The limestone gorge known as Creswell Crags is thought to have been occupied by as early as 43,000BC. These caves provided shelter from the harsh conditions of the last Ice Age and the area is home to Britain’s most important collection of occupation sites from this period.
• The day includes a copy of Marc Morris’s book, ‘Castle’
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axdo
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axcc
HUMAN OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY FLINDERS PETRIE & the discovery of Egypt
at Winchester 1 Day
12th Jun & 13th Nov
Guide: Dr Katie Tucker
From $215pp
1 Day
18th Jun & 19th Nov
Guide: Lucia Gahlin
From $180pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• Discover the scientific methods used to determine age, sex, stature and disease in skeletal remains and try them firsthand
• Exclusive special access ‘behind the scenes’ at the Petrie Museum in London
• Learn how bone analysis can enhance our understanding of archaeological sites and social history
• A small group of just 12 participants, with hands-on sessions to both view and handle ancient Egyptian artifacts
• Hands-on, small-group sessions using an an extensive skeletal collection
• Explore one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities
This unique day introduces techniques used in the study of archaeological human remains, through lectures and extensive hands-on sessions with human remains. A rare opportunity to see a skeletal collection at Winchester Museum’s stores, led by Dr Katie Tucker from the University of Winchester. Learn basic skeletal anatomy, how to lay out a skeleton, how to determine age and sex, and how to identify evidence of disease and trauma.
The Petrie Museum contains one of the greatest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology in the world, housing more than 80,000 objects. The collection tells the story of the Nile Valley from prehistory to the rise of the pharaohs, and from the time of Alexander the Great onwards. The day is led by renowned Egyptologist Lucia Gahlin and features a rare chance to handle Egyptian artifacts - a special and unforgettable experience.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axos 44 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axpm Images: Dover castle, Winchester Museum’s & Petrie Museum
ROMAN LONDON
HENRY VIII
What lies beneath
Hampton Court 1 Day Jun - Sep
Guide: Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb
1 Day
From $225pp
Jun to Oct Guide: Dr Simon Elliott
From $175pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• An introduction to the Roman Gallery at the Museum of London led by two people who know the collection best
• Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, a former curator at Hampton Court Palace, leads a full day’s tour of “the English Versailles”
• Special access to the hidden world of Roman London, including the Billingsgate Roman house and baths
• Visit the key parts of the Palace associated with Henry VIII • Entry to the palace and lunch are included
• A visit to the Temple of Mithras, where we will see the recently-opened reconstructed remains and object display
Spend a relaxing day visiting Henry VIII’s palace of pleasure – the extraordinary Hampton Court. Originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, the palace passed to Henry VIII in 1529 and he embarked on an ambitious building program to create a palace to rival Versailles. Trace the stories of Henry’s last four wives through their associations with the palace on this day out.
Destroyed during the rebellion by Boudica in the 1st century AD, Roman Londinium was quickly rebuilt and became a flourishing town. In its heyday, it was equipped with a fort, amphitheater, large public baths, temples and substantial commercial facilities as befitted the capital of Roman Britain. Much has been discovered by excavations over the last 50 years, and the story so far is told in the Museum of London and at particular sites.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axhc
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axrl
THE ANGLO-SAXON AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION and the making of Medieval England 1 Day
22nd Jul & Guide: Dr Neil Faulkner 2nd Aug
From $175pp
Tour Highlights
SPITFIRE STUDY DAY
at Biggin Hill 1 Day
3rd Aug & 7th Sep
Guide: Colonel Paul Beaver
From $235pp
Tour Highlights • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the hangar, led by an engineer who works with the Spitfires here
• Access to the main excavation trench for close-up views of features under excavation as well as chances to handle pottery, animal bone, human remains and other small finds
• Watch as a Spitfire’s engine is started up and enjoy a chance to sit in the cockpit
Dr Neil Faulkner FSA founded the Sedgeford Project 25 years ago. He remains the excavation director today, and he will be the expert guide for this day out. The Sedgeford excavations are at the cutting-edge of academic research into this formative period and work is currently focused on a unique, industrialscale complex of malthouses.
There is no aeroplane more iconic than the Spitfire. Called by many the savior of the Free World, especially during the Battle of Britain, this sleek design is frequently seen at air shows around the world. Get up close and personal with the fighter at one of the world’s leading Spitfire operators - and at the famous Battle of Britain fighter station, Biggin Hill.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axas Images: Hampton Court, Roman London, Sedgeford Project & Spitfire
• Lectures throughout the day from Colonel Paul Beaver, our expert guide who spent six years flying Spitfires personally
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axsp To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 45
HEVER CASTLE
ROMAN CHESTER
Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn 1 Day
6th Aug & 22nd Sep
Ancient Deva Victrix
Guide: Dr Elizabeth Norton From $215pp
1 Day 12th August
Guide: Tony Wilmott
From $175pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• Experience a ‘Hidden Hever’ tour, which looks at parts of the castle not usually accessible to visitors
• A guided tour of Grosvenor Museum led by Tony Wilmott
• Discover the castle’s beautiful gardens
• Special behind-the-scenes access at the museum with Jane Hebblewhite
• Enjoy in-depth lectures from our day’s expert Guide Lecturer
• A walking tour of the city that takes in the Roman walls, the amphitheater and Roman traces beneath ground level
Enjoy a day exploring Hever Castle, the family home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. During a morning visit, we will explore parts of the castle not usually accessible to visitors. There will also be a garden tour, exploring the landscape created by the Astor family, and talks by our guide on the history of the castle and the relationship between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Chester (Deva Victrix) was one of the three permanent legionary fortresses of Roman Britain. As one of the largest legionary fortresses in the Roman Empire, Deva Victrix is characterized by unique and anomalous buildings, and in around AD 100 a 7,000-capacity amphitheater was constructed. Half of it is still standing, allowing us to view both the north and east entrances.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axhe
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axch
ARTHUR AND ALFRED
Legendary Monarchs at Winchester 1 Day
14th August
Guide: Dr Andy Fear
From $190pp
CHIEFTANS TO SENATORS
Iron Age Roman Dorchester 1 Day
20th August
Guide: Mark Corney
From $170pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• Visit the key parts of Winchester associated with Arthur and Alfred including The Great Hall and the Medieval Round Table
• A walk to Maumbury Ring to see the Neolithic henge there
• Led by expert Dr Andy Fear, a Lecturer in Classics who has published on both the Classics and the Dark Ages • Go behind the scenes at Winchester Museum’s stores
• Pay a visit to the most impressive hillfort in southern Britain built in the Iron Age, Maiden Castle • A chance to explore the Dorset County Museum’s stores, which house artifacts not on display in the museum itself • Visit Colliton Park, a well-preserved late Roman town house
Arthur and Alfred are two of Britain’s most iconic kings. They share many things in common: both are seen as saviors and unifiers of the nation, both have a reputation for piety and both have no known grave. We explore why this has happened, how the myths surrounding them grew and how they influenced each other over the ages. There’s no better place to do this than Winchester, in Alfred’s capital and Arthur’s Camelot.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axaa 46 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Based in and around Dorchester, this study day will visit a range of sites dating from the 4th millennium BC to the 4th century AD. From the the remains of the most impressive hillfort in southern Britain at Maiden Castle to a walk that follows part of the defenses of Roman Dorchester, join us on this unique day.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axdc Images: Hever Castle, Amphitheater Chester, Winchester & Maumbury Ring
ROMAN ST. ALBANS
The ancient city of Verulamium 1 Day 4th September Guide: Tony O’Connor
From $175pp
A WESSEX WALK
Explore Wessex’s unique archaeology 1 Day 4th September Guide: Mark Corney
From $95pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• A guided tour of the Verulamium Museum
• Visit Avebury’s vast Neolithic Stone Circle and Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric mound in Europe
• A visit to the museum’s stores with David Thorold, the museum’s curator, where we can see some of the published material from the Wheeler collection
• Led by an expert who has spent over 20 years studying and working to protect the unique archaeology of Wessex
• Time to explore the best preserved Roman theater in Britain
• Homemade packed lunch will be provided
The ancient city of Verulamium grew from an Iron Age settlement, or oppidum, to become a prosperous Roman provincial town. Extensive archaeological investigations have taken place here over the years and this study day will shine a light on the area’s ruins and history, offering special access to museum stores and guided tours of the impressive remains.
Mark Corney will introduce the latest excavations and research projects which attempt to uncover more, not only about the monuments of Wessex themselves but the landscape in which they reside, too. From the great stone circle at Avebury to Silbury Hill and the late Anglo-Saxon church of St. James, join us on this fascinating seven-mile walking tour.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axve
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axww
NORTHUMBRIA ROCK ART DOUBLE CROSS SPIES
Deception, enigma & Bletchley Park
1 Day
10th September
Guide: Dr Tertia Barnett
From $195pp
1 Day
12th October
Guide: Colonel Paul Beaver
From $205pp
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
• See some of the best examples of prehistoric abstract art in Britain in beautiful Northumberland countryside
• Fascinating lectures throughout the day from Colonel Paul Beaver, our expert Guide Lecturer
• Introductory lecture by a leading British expert, with explanations of every site
• Visits to the National Museum of Computing and to the Bletchley Park grounds and museum
• Private coach travel to sites difficult to find without a guide and some bracing walks to reach them, with lunch included Dating back almost 6,000 years, prehistoric ‘abstract’ carvings are found on boulders and outcrops in often remote locations across northern Britain. The meaning of these carvings still eludes us, but recent research has shed new light on who might have created them and why. Head into the wild Northumberland countryside to visit some of the most elaborate and enigmatic carvings known in this country today.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axnr Images: Verulamium museum © Carole Raddato, Avebury, prehistoric abstract art & Bletchley Park
Paul, our expert guide, will tell the amazing story of double agents, sent by Germany to spy on Britain but who actually worked for British Intelligence. Some were captured but most volunteered to ‘come over’ and were then used to send false information to be read in Berlin, often by Hitler. Their success was measured by Bletchley Park’s code breakers as the Germans crowed about their agents’ successes.
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/axbl To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 47
Meet the expert Guide Lecturers who will enhance your journey to the ancient world When you choose Andante Travels, you’re choosing experience, quality and passion. Our Guide Lecturers range from leading archaeologists and knowledgeable historians to broadcasters and academics. While leading our tours, they put sites into cultural context, they open up the ancient world and they offer a level of insight and understanding you won’t find elsewhere.
48 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
Image: Hadrian’s Wall with guests in 2019
Dr Denise Allen
Dr Tertia Barnett
Colonel Paul Beaver
A specialist in Roman glass, Denise began her archaeological career as a digger, working on sites all over the world. She joined Andante in 1999 and is now one of our most popular guides.
An archaeologist specializing in the rock art of Britain, Europe and North Africa, Tertia runs a research project exploring Neolithic rock carvings and is an Honorary Fellow at Edinburgh University.
A member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides, Paul is an expert on the Spitfire, the Battle of Britain, the Dambuster raid, Naval aviation and Cold War operations.
Join Denise on Falco’s Britannia with Lindsey Davis p27.
Join Tertia on Prehistoric Rock Art & Landscapes p34.
Join Paul on Wartime Britain p15.
Jeremy Bennett Jeremy is currently studying for his PhD at Magdalene College, Cambridge. His research focuses on the development of the agrarian landscapes of Malta and Gozo. Join Jeremy on The North of Ireland p41 & Prehistoric Ireland p42.
Mark Corney
Peter Berridge
Elizabeth Cory-Lopez
Peter has published on prehistoric stone tools and Norman castles, and he is interested in Colchester Castle. Join Peter on Agatha Christie & the English Riviera p12, Agatha Christie & Max Mallowan in London p13 & Colchester - Capital of Britannia p19.
Lindsey Davis
Join Elizabeth on The Archaeology of Macbeth p28.
Dr Simon Elliott
Mark works as a freelance archaeologist consultant specializing in landscape, later prehistoric and Roman archaeology.
Lindsey is an acclaimed novelist known for her Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco and for her ongoing series about his daughter, Flavia Albia.
Join Mark on Edge of Empire p17 & Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall p31.
Join Lindsey on Falco’s Britannia with Lindsey Davis p27.
Dr Andy Fear
Elizabeth is an independent Experimental Archaeologist with an MPhil, an MScR and an MA (Hons) in the discipline. She has also taught on the archaeology of Scotland.
Andrew Foxon
Simon is a best-selling author and has written books on a variety of history subjects, ranging from Septimius Severus in Scotland and Roman Legionaries to how the Roman military built an empire. Join Simon on Behind the Scenes in Roman Kent p18.
Oliver Gilkes
A Lecturer in Classics at the University of Manchester, Andy is primarily interested in Roman history and has authored books on the Roman archaeology of Cheshire and Staffordshire.
Andrew has a strong background in archaeology, prehistoric technology and interpretation. He worked as the Head of Professional Services for the Isle of Man’s culture and national heritage agency.
One of our longest-standing Guide Lecturers, Oliver has also worked as a field and museum archaeologist in the UK, Italy and Albania. He is one of just a few experts on Albanian archaeology in the UK.
Join Andy on Alfred’s Camelot p26.
Join Andrew on The Archaeology of the Isle of Man p35.
Join Oliver on Roman Sussex p16 & Archaeology & Ghosts in East Anglia p24.
Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb Historian, broadcaster, and awardwinning author, Suzannah is an esteemed specialist on the Tudor period with five titles to her name, including 1536: The Year That Changed Henry VIII. Join Suzannah on Henry VIII with Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb p30.
Dr Paul Tubb A landscape archaeologist and Mountain Leader originally from the Dorset/Hampshire border, Paul has been studying the prehistory of southern Britain for the past 40 years. Join Paul on Mary Anning & General Pitt Rivers p25.
Caroline Wickham-Jones
John Oxley
Dr David Rudling
John is an independent archaeologist and former York City Archaeologist 1989-2019. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Join John on York - From Roman to Viking p20, The Kingdom of Northumbria p21 & London Through the Ages p22.
Dr Val Turner
David is the Academic Director of the Sussex School of Archaeology. He is also an Honorary Research Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Roehampton. Join David on Roman Sussex p16.
Dr Emma Wells
Val has been Shetland’s Regional Archaeologist since 1986. An expert in Prehistoric and Viking Field Systems, she has project-managed two major excavation projects – Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village and Viking Unst. Join Val on Orkney & Shetland p38.
Tony Wilmott
Academic, author and broadcaster, Dr Emma Wells is a specialist in the ecclesiastical and architectural history of medieval and reformation-era England, and the author of an array of publications. Join Emma on Great Cathedrals of the Southwest p14.
Peter Yeoman
Caroline is an archaeologist living and working in Orkney. She studied archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and has a Masters in Heritage Management from the University of Birmingham.
Tony specializes in the Roman and Late Antique periods, with particular interests in the Roman military and frontiers, in Roman religion, and also in the late and post-Roman transition.
Join Caroline on Highlights of Orkney p37.
Join Tony on Walking Hadrian’s Wall p32.
Peter has worked as an archaeologist in the UK for more than 40 years, directing and publishing major excavations, and also writing books. Join Peter on The Picts in Perthshire & Angus p36, Highlights of Orkney p37, Orkney & Shetland p38 & Highlights of Shetland p40.
To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 49
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS Your package vacation booking is with Andante Travels, The Clock Tower, 4 Oakridge Office Park, Southampton Road, Whaddon, Salisbury, SP5 3HT. Telephone: 01722 713800 email: tours@andantetravels.com Arblaster & Clarke, Historical trips and Authentic Adventures are trading names of Andante Travels Ltd These Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with us and this contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. If you reside in Scotland or Northern Ireland you may choose the applicable law and jurisdiction if you wish to do so. In these booking conditions, “you” and “your” includes all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us” and “our” means Andante Travels. Andante Travels is a subsidiary of Specialist Tours Limited (company number 08395250). Except where otherwise stated, these booking conditions only apply to vacation arrangements which you book with us and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions to “vacation”, “booking”, “contract” or “arrangements” mean such vacation arrangements unless otherwise stated.
KEY POINTS You enter into a booking with us when we issue our booking confirmation/invoice. If you then cancel, there will be cancelation charges. Initially as a minimum this may only be a deposit, but can go up to 100%. In certain circumstances you may be able to make changes to your booking however charges will apply. We can change and cancel your booking. We’ll pay you compensation in certain circumstances. It is a condition of booking that all travelers are covered by comprehensive travel insurance. We are responsible to you for providing your vacation but there are legal limits. ANDANTE TRAVELS holds ATOL number 3552 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. For all other packages, The Association of Bonded Travel Organizers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
1. BOOKING All information provided in the brochure/website is, to the best of our knowledge or belief, correct at the time of publication. We will advise you of any changes that are fundamental to the contract, or which we believe will affect your enjoyment of the vacation. Please advise us if there is any requirement, which you believe is fundamental to your vacation so that we can give you the latest information at time of booking. When you ask us to proceed with a booking you will be required to make a (minimum) deposit payment which will vary dependent on the specific vacation you are booking. This will be advised at the time of booking and confirmed in your booking confirmation. It may also be necessary to collect payment at the time of booking for other (non-refundable) costs e.g. flight tickets, transfers etc. In the case of bookings made after the balance due date, we will require full payment for the vacation. You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking and you guarantee that you have the authority to accept, and do accept, these terms and conditions for all members of the party (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date), and in particular payment for all the persons on the booking. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to refuse to accept any booking without necessarily specifying a reason. A contract is made when we accept your booking and issue our written booking confirmation/invoice. If we cannot accept or confirm the booking, any money paid will be promptly refunded. On receipt of the booking confirmation/invoice it is important to check the details and if there is any inaccuracy this must be notified to us immediately. It may not be possible to make changes or corrections later, or additional costs may be incurred which we will have to pass on to you. Many of our vacations are based on specially negotiated airfares booked in a specific airline booking class. At the time of booking if these fares are not available, we will endeavor to secure an alternative air fare and advise you of any additional cost. Please note that most special air fares are non-refundable and non-changeable.
2. PAYMENT We hold your deposit (and any additional payment required at the time of booking) towards the full cost of the vacation. The balance must be received by us no later than the final payment due date shown on your booking confirmation/invoice, as appropriate to your vacation. If you do not pay the full cost within the time specified we may treat your vacation as canceled by you in which case the cancelation charges shown in point 4 - Cancelation by You, will apply.
Deposit Payments: UK Guests: £250 for tours up to £1,000; £500 for tours over £1,000 Final Balance payment: 10 weeks prior to tour departure date US Guests: $250 for tours up to $1,500; $750 for tours costing $1501-$4,500; $1,250 for tours costing over $4,500 Final Balance payment: 10 weeks prior to tour departure date Flexible balance payment dates: As part of our Covid-19 policy, we will never take a balance payment from you if we know that a tour is unlikely to go ahead as a result of Covid-19 presence or restrictions. In those circumstances, we will flex the balance payment date later until we are confident that the tour can be safely operated. Ways to Pay - we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, (American Express in the US only), check or bank transfer for which no levy is charged by us. Your bank or credit card provider may charge an additional financial processing charge and we cannot be responsible for any such charges. Please Note: if you are paying from an overseas bank account we will charge an additional £10 for overseas bank charges incurred by us. A surcharge of 2.5% will be applied for card payments made with cards registered outside the EEA and USA.
3. YOUR VACATION PRICE a) Prior to booking you will receive a verbal quote based on your specific vacation requirements and travel dates. b) We reserve the right to notify you of any alteration in the advertised or quoted price and any changes in vacation arrangements before accepting your booking. Note: We make every effort to ensure that the most up to date and correct prices are shown on our website. We operate a pricing policy which means that the earlier you book the cheaper the vacation will be. Our very best prices are reserved for those who book early. We also commit that we will not offer the same vacation at a lower price to anyone that has booked after you (or we will refund you the difference between your price and the price they pay). If you do not wish to accept the corrected and actual price of the vacation, we will cancel the booking and provide a full refund of any monies you have already paid. Alternatively you may amend your booking or select an alternative vacation at the applicable and correct price. c) Subject to these conditions, once we have confirmed your booking, the price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any additional ‘surcharges’, which means any increase due to changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties, including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at port and airports or exchange rates.
50 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
d) Prices in our brochures and/or on our website are calculated on rates of exchange linked to those available to us; either based on rates previously secured or our view of currency exchange rates applicable at the time payments are due.Single, Double, Twin Bedded Rooms Single supplements are payable for sole occupancy of a twin/double room. A ‘double’ bed is often two single beds pushed together, sometimes with double bed base linen (although it is not unusual for single duvets to be provided in some hotels for doubles).
What’s Included • • • • •
Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager (as specified by tour) 3–5* Accommodation Meals as per the itinerary, tea or coffee with dinner Entries to all sites and local transport as per the itinerary All taxes & gratuities (as specified by tour)
4. CANCELATION & VARIATION BY YOU Cancelation by You If you or any member of your party wish to cancel your vacation, or if you fail to pay the full cost of the vacation within the specified time you will be liable, as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancelation, in addition to any non-refundable items*. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been canceled. Notification from the person who made the booking must be received at our offices. This can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter. The cancelation charge will be calculated according to the date this is received, or the date upon which your cancelation is treated as occurring because of non-payment. *Non-refundable vacation costs charged including upgraded air tickets, hotel upgrades, extensions, extra nights, transfers etc., will be charged at 100% and the charges shown below will then apply to the remainder of the vacation cost and any amendment charges are not refundable. Additional accommodation costs for reduced occupancy or other components, may be payable in the event that one or more passengers cancels but where remaining passengers still wish to travel. Group Bookings - cancelation charges will apply to any guests in the group who may wish to cancel in the unlikely event of cancelation by the lead passenger. Note: If your cancelation falls within the provisions of your travel insurance policy you may be able to make a claim which must be made direct to your insurance company.
Cancelation Charges - if you cancel your vacation 2021 Tours: Up to 56 days: Deposit (up to a maximum of $500pp for US guests) | 55-43 days: deposit and 55% | 42-29 days: deposit and 75% From 28 days to departure: deposit and 100% 2022 Tours: Up to 70 days: deposit (up to a maximum of $500pp for US guests) | 69-56 days: deposit and 35% | 55-43 days: deposit and 55% 42-29 days: deposit and 75% | From 28 days to departure: deposit and 100% Covid-19 cancelation: We strongly recommend insurance cover for pre-departure cancelation and return from tour in the event of Covid-19 symptoms. However, if you are not able to claim for pre-tour cancelation for Covid-19, we will endeavor to limit cancelation charges to cover only those service costs which we are unable to recover. We will observe travel advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Should circumstances dictate, you can cancel your booking without paying cancelation charges if the performance of your vacation, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be canceled and for you to receive a full refund. Variation by You
Booking alterations: If, after our booking confirmation/invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes (subject to agreement by our suppliers) but it may not always be possible. Any associated costs of the changes imposed by our suppliers and any extra arrangements will be payable by you and are non-refundable. Quotes normally have a 24 hour time frame before they expire and the price is therefore subject to change. You should be aware that these costs could increase as the departure dates becomes closer and you should contact us as soon as possible. Booking transfer to another person: You can transfer your existing booking to another person suggested by you (subject to agreement by our suppliers)*. Notice be made must be received at our offices, this can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking at least 25 days before departure. The replacement traveler must satisfy and fulfil any conditions that apply to the vacation, and all costs of the original booking, and both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur before the transfer can be made by us. The cost of the transfer will consist of both an administration charge of £50 and any costs which our suppliers impose. * If you are unable to travel, you may wish to check whether cover is provided for your cancelation within the terms of your travel insurance policy as this may incur less cost to you. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be transferable after a reservation has been made, for example, some airlines may require payment of 100% cancelation charges and the cost of a new ticket for ANY variation that is made, and changes to other arrangements may incur a cancelation charge of up to 100%. * If you are unable to travel, you may wish to check whether cover is provided for your cancelation within the terms of your travel insurance policy as this may incur less cost to you. Booking transfer to an alternative vacation: It may be possible at our discretion for you to transfer to another vacation, however this is subject to availability and time frame of departure. You must transfer within 24 hours of notifying Andante Travels and the new departure must be within 1 year of notification. A payment of an administration fee of £50 per person, any associated costs of the change imposed by our suppliers and any extra arrangements (ie flight/room upgrades) will be payable by you. While on vacation: If you decide to cut short your vacation for your own reasons, or not stay at accommodation that has been booked for you, take any prebooked meals, excursions or other vacation components, then we are unable to offer you any refund or cover any costs. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for such curtailment, so we suggest that you check the conditions and requirements of your policy.
5. CANCELATION & VARIATION BY US We start planning the vacations we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed or cancel confirmed bookings, events or activities. Vacations to remote and in some cases, underdeveloped parts of the world carry the risk that parts of the vacation may be subject to alterations beyond our control, sometimes at short notice. While we always endeavor to avoid changes and cancelations, we must reserve the right to do so.
Cancelation by Us: We reserve the right to cancel your booking. We will not cancel your confirmed booking after the final ‘balance due’ payment date, except for unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see point 6) or failure by you to pay the final balance of your vacation. Minimum Numbers - some of our vacations require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them. If the minimum number of bookings To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 51
required for a particular vacation or flight have not been received, we are entitled to cancel it and will notify you prior to the final ‘balance due’ payment date. Please note that in such cases we are not able to accept responsibility for any costs you may have incurred, including costs of other travel arrangements made in association with the canceled vacation, unless booked through Andante Travels. We are happy to give you an indication at any time of the current number of passengers booked on a trip, but this should not be taken as any guarantee whether the vacation will or will not go ahead as booking numbers can fluctuate. There may be certain circumstances when a vacation may operate with less than the minimum number than the advertised group size. If your vacation is canceled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative vacation of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). In the event a refund is paid to you, we will compensate you for reasonable, non-refundable costs (eg flight tickets) which you have incurred, to be mutually agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Cancelation as a result of global travel disruption If it becomes necessary to cancel your tour as a result of global travel disruption, we reserve the right to refund the cost of your tour in the form of credit for a limited amount of time, to be used against any other tour in the Specialist Journeys portfolio. If you do not use this credit within that time, a refund would be payable. This change to the standard booking conditions would only apply if approved by the UK Government and enshrined in the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations (PTRs) as an emergency measure to support tour operators in extraordinary circumstances such as the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak. The exact credit terms and timeframe would be defined by the PTRs. Furthermore, at times of global travel disruption, when we may have thousands of guests to reimburse, refunds may take as long as 12-14 weeks to process.
Variation by Us: It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include a change of airline or aircraft type, alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, change of airports and/or local connecting transport, Tour Manager and changes to supplementary arrangements such as site visit, or change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. Occasionally, we may have to make a significant change. If we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characterizes of the travel services that make up your package, you will have rights set out below.
• We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative vacation, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value) or purchase an alternative vacation subject to availability and applicable cost. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given, your booking may be canceled. • If you choose to accept a refund, we will compensate you for reasonable, non-refundable costs (eg flight tickets) which you have incurred, to be mutually agreed on a case-by-case basis. Very rarely, we may be forced by ‘circumstances beyond our control’ (see point 6) to change or terminate your vacation after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. This is extremely rare, if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain these from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. We do not control the day to day management of your accommodation, and in exceptional cases it is possible that we may be advised that the reserved accommodation has been overbooked. If this happens before your departure or on arrival in a location, we will endeavor to provide accommodation of at least the same standard in the same area. If only accommodation of a lower standard is available we will refund the difference of the vacation price between the accommodation booked and that available, and will pay up to £50 per person for any inconvenience.
6. CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses where the performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of ‘circumstances beyond our control’. In these booking conditions, ‘circumstances beyond our control’ means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences (including suspected terrorist activity and all action taken during any “terror alert”), industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, airport or airspace closures, as well as other air traffic management decisions (that may result in long or overnight delays or cancelations), fire, concert/event changes or cancelation and all similar events outside our control. This list is not exhaustive. BREXIT – at this current time and until negotiations are completed and full details known, it is not possible to foresee any impact, changes or restrictions there may be on flight operations between the EU and the UK or the effect this may have on booked vacation arrangements. Group based vacations and activities - worldwide weather patterns are becoming ever more erratic and unpredictable. If it is not possible to operate certain excursions for this reason, we will endeavor to offer alternatives if this is possible. Such circumstances are totally beyond our control and you therefore should proceed with your booking on this basis. Public Holidays, Sporting & Local Events - in addition to public holidays, many countries host other national or international events or there may be local festivals, which may impact on local/tourist services or travel arrangements, including the reduction or closure of facilities, route diversions etc. during your visit. We have no control over these events, and as dates and details of arrangements are often changeable year on year, it is not possible for us to guarantee to forewarn you of specific details that may be relevant to your vacation, or accept any responsibility for disruption that may be caused. During public vacations, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions may also be closed. Third-Party Information & Websites - your booking is based on the information supplied to you by Andante Travels. We understand you may conduct additional research into your vacation through other third parties and associated websites, but as we have no control over such information this does not form any basis of our contract with you. WiFi - where the provision of Wi-Fi may be indicated in a property description, no guarantee is given or implied that it will be operative during your vacation and its availability is outside our control. Some properties may charge for this service and the areas where it is available may be limited and not necessarily available in guest rooms. In all cases, no compensation or refund will be paid in the event that it is not available for whatever reason. Dietary Requests & Allergies - even nowadays, in some destinations, basic well-known dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, gluten free etc.) are often misunderstood and seldom catered for adequately, despite the best intentions and assurances from hoteliers and restaurateurs. While we are happy to pass on any such requests, we cannot guarantee choice or availability - especially with any airline meal options. We cannot accept detailed lists of specific dietary or food preparation requests and are unable to accept any other requests (eg. personal preferences) that are not for medical or religious reasons. Note: Whilst on tour it is your responsibility to double check and reconfirm any allergy or dietary requirements directly with the various vacation suppliers. Other Hotel Guests - it is not unusual for hotels or other accommodation to receive group bookings (sometimes with large numbers) from guests participating in conventions and conferences or other gatherings. At certain times of the year, there may be an influx of groups such as students on organized educational visits (popular during school vacations), associations or clubs. This may result in hotel facilities being much busier than usual or additional demands on hotel staff and services, but we are unable to accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused by such groups or their activities. Guides - we reserve the right to substitute any named guide, guest lecturer or other escort with an alternative qualified person and this will not be deemed as any significant change to your arrangements. 52 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
7. FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL ADVICE, HEALTH, VISAS & DOCUMENTS a) Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements including, inoculations and health certificates are your responsibility and you should confirm these for all countries to, or through which you are intending to travel and cover all costs for this. Requirements should be checked well in advance of travel and we do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. b) Essential information for British citizens (only), including health, passport and visa requirements along with up to date Foreign Office travel, safety and security advice can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/travelaware. We also strongly recommend that you sign up for the latest email updates as travel and safety information can change at any point without notice. c) If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country or countries to, or through which, you are intending to travel and consult the relevant authority for the latest travel and safety advice for the destinations you are visiting. d) We recommend that you consult your doctor well in advance of travel for the latest advice on inoculations and health certificates. You can also obtain the latest health information ahead of travel by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNac) website https://www. travelhealthpro.org.uk. 8. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Our vacations are not designed for party members to undertake special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise. We cannot accept any liability for any losses or damages arising out of such use or planned use nor for any loss or damage which has special financial consequences. Please note if you do intend to use one of our vacations for such purposes you should obtain adequate insurance in respect of it and any special equipment you decide to bring with you on such vacations.
9. VACATION PARTICIPATION It is a condition of participation on our vacations that you agree to accept the authority and decisions of our employees, tour leaders and agents while on vacation with us. If in the opinion of such a person your health or conduct at any time, before or after departure, appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a vacation, you may be excluded from all or part of the vacation and/or we may terminate your vacation, and any additional costs incurred by you as a result of such exclusion will be your responsibility. In the case of ill health we may make such arrangements as we see fit and recover any resulting costs from you. Note: While there are no age limits or health requirements on our vacations, please note that for certain destinations require a degree of mobility and fitness to get the most out of the vacation, for example getting in and out of boats, ascending/descending steps and standing for a degree of time.
10. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU We make every effort to ensure that the vacation arrangements we have agreed to provide as part of our contract with you are delivered with reasonable skill and care. It is the laws and regulations of the country in which the services are actually provided which apply to your vacation arrangements and not those of the UK or your home country and any resulting complaint or claim will be judged on this basis. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as being properly provided. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care have not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). Also bear in mind that standards of, for example, safety, hygiene, and quality may vary and services and transport your vacation involves may differ to the stringent standards we are accustomed to in the UK or your home country. Including for example, the absence of seatbelts on coaches contracted outside the UK as this is not always a legal requirement elsewhere. Certain vacations involve risks and hazards of travel to and in remote and/or uninhabited areas where injury, illness, death, delay, or unanticipated events may occur as a result of forces of nature, wildlife and adverse weather conditions. Medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible in some parts, and the medical facilities that do exist could be of inferior quality compared to what is available at home. In remote regions risks may include but are not limited to: mechanical breakdown of expedition vehicle(s); becoming stranded in remote and/or uninhabited areas; being subjected to rugged terrain and a harsh climate; encounters with wild animals, insects and pests, and the possibility of illness, injury or death therefrom; the uncontrollable and unpredictable behavior of wild animals in their natural habitat; the possibility of not seeing certain animals; and dangerous weather and climate conditions. You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements (excluding amendment charges). Our liability (if we are found liable to you on any basis) will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:
a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that made up your package. These terms are incorporated into this booking contract; and b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage (there are strict Conditions of Carriage obligations for making claims for missing or damaged baggage that must be followed). We are regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions. You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions from Andante Travels. Where a carrier or hotelier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancelation or delay to flights – see point 11 below. If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights if this is not provided by your airline, in accordance with Regulation 261/2004. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your vacation. Note: this entire clause does not apply to any services which do not form part of your contract with us ie. ‘own arrangements’. This includes for example, any additional services, including excursions, that you organize independently, or services which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where these are not organized by us as part of our contract with you. We recommend that sufficient and appropriate insurance is taken out. In addition, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 53
any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees, or where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) arises out of use of our services for special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise or (4) is connected with any business. We further advise you, and you agree that in the event of any claim against us, that such claim shall be governed by English Law and Jurisdiction shall lie in any Court of Competent Jurisdiction in the United Kingdom and you further acknowledge these requirements and waive any objection(s) thereto.
11. TRAVEL DELAYS & CARRIAGE BY AIR Should delays due to weather conditions disrupt your itinerary, additional costs may be incurred and these would be the responsibility of you, the client. You will be assisted by the airlines in accordance with the airlines’ policy on delay. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in point 6 of these booking conditions (which includes the behavior of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board a flight on time). Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancelation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your vacation cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. You are required to make any claim under this regulation directly with the airline, but if your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority on 0207 453 6424 https://www.caa.co.uk. Where long flight delays result in lost vacation time, we are unable to offer any refunds for unused accommodation or other services as reimbursement will not be made by our suppliers in these circumstances, and hotel rooms are held for delayed arrivals and not re-let. We strongly recommend you have adequate insurance provisions in place to fully cover such eventualities. We are unable to guarantee that all parties will be seated together. With some airlines it is possible to request, or in some cases, reserve certain preferred seats on the aircraft (most airlines will make an additional charge for this). We are happy to assist with this but this is an additional service over and above your contractual arrangement for ‘carriage by air’ with the airline. Airlines reserve the right to make changes to any specific seat numbers for operational or safety reasons either before, or on the day of departure and you will be notified of any such change upon check-in. Where applicable, any additional charge made for pre-booking specific seats, will be refunded. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at https://ec.europa.eu/transport/ modes/air/safety/air- ban_en. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of point 5, “Cancelation and Variation by us” will apply. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings, which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and/or detailed on your booking confirmation/invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration. Flight timings are outside our control. They are set by airlines and are subject to various factors including air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, potential technical problems and the ability of passengers to check in on time. Specific instructions relating to departure and travel arrangements will be sent with your air or other travel tickets approximately 2 weeks before departure. You must check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct and up to date flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. We advise that you keep check on your flights departure information on the day of departure in case of any late flight changes. In accordance with EU legislation, we are required to draw your attention to restrictions concerning the import of food items which cannot be brought into the EU (including the UK), from outside the EU. For details please see http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/personal-imports/ or contact this office.12. INSURANCE It is a condition of booking with us that you and all members of your party obtain travel insurance for all overseas vacations and we strongly recommend insurance cover for all other vacations and that you do not travel against medical advice. The cost of repatriation, medical and other treatment overseas can be high and we are unable to assist in meeting those costs. You should organize it immediately when you book to ensure you have cover against possible cancelation charges, medical treatment and repatriation. Should you have your travel insurance in place we will need to know the details of your policy 6 weeks before departure at the latest. It is a requirement of booking that you provide us with an emergency contact number while you are on vacation stating your relationship (e.g. family member, neighbor, workplace). This is purely for your benefit in the unlikely event of you becoming ill or incapacitated on tour.
13. SPECIAL REQUESTS & MEDICAL CONDITIONS / DISABILITIES If you or any member of your party have any special requests, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavor to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your booking confirmation/invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing that a special request will be provided (where it is possible to give this) where it is important to you. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your vacation or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), you must tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your vacation develops or worsens after your booking has been confirmed. Andante Travels cannot provide individual assistance with boarding coaches or other forms of transport, baggage handling, walking or other personal requirements, etc. and guests should be confident that they can do these tasks unaided. We are happy to give advice and assistance with the choice of your vacation which will be dependent upon the nature of any disability. Our brochures also give a simple guide per tour regarding how active the tour is. In order to ensure your enjoyment of the vacation, we ask all clients to provide full details of any disability or special requirements at the time of booking. Some suppliers such as airlines and cruise lines may request certification from your GP to confirm that you are fit to travel. We regret that we cannot be held liable for any costs you may incur as a result. You are urged to contact our Sales department for further information if you have any difficulty in walking or mobility problems and they will be pleased to advise you on the suitability of any particular vacation.
14. CLIENT BEHAVIOR When you book a vacation with Andante Travels you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of you and your party. Andante Travels reserves the right in its reasonable discretion to terminate the vacation of any member of your party whose conduct is disruptive or detrimental to the enjoyment of other clients, or whose conduct may prejudice the reputation of Andante Travels with our suppliers or hotel owners. In that situation Andante Travels shall have no further 54 To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327
responsibility or liability to you. The departure of a coach, ship train, plane or other modes of transport will be not be delayed for passengers who are not on board by the stated boarding time.
15. COMPLAINTS & ASSISTANCE ON VACATION If you have any reason to be unhappy with any element of your vacation, we would ask you first to bring this to the attention of the person in charge of the relevant service, on the spot. If this is not possible please either contact our local representative or our UK office, using the number provided with your travel documents. It is essential that you do this to enable us to try and put matters right where possible. If a problem remains unresolved during your vacation you should make a complaint which must be received at our offices within 28 days of the completion of your vacation giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. This can be or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking. We will reply to you within 28 days of receipt of your complaint. Please keep your complaint concise and to the point. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint while on vacation we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking. If you’re in difficulty while on vacation and ask us to help, we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault. The terms of this contract are exclusively governed by English Law and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. 16. PROTECTING YOUR MONEY We provide full financial protection for our package vacations.
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Flight inclusive tours: we hold an Air Travel Organizer’s License issued by the CAA (ATOL No. 3552) which provides for your protection in the event of Andante Travels Ltd insolvency. The price of your air vacation packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive vacation from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. Not all vacation or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme as explained below.
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Tours without flights arranged by us: The Association of Bonded Travel Organizers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Andante Travels Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: a) non-flight packages and b) flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet traveled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Andante Travels Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance while abroad due to our financial failure, please call the ABTOT 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company. You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents
17. DATA PROTECTION To process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we need to use the information you provide (such as name, address, passport information,email address, mobile number, any special needs/dietary requirements, etc.). Any such personal data that you provide will be held securely and for the purpose you have provided it, in accordance with both the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies, etc. We will not however, pass any information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/ religious requirements. In making a booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons only. We may need to disclose personal data to a third party within countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for the purpose of providing your vacation. Controls on data protection in your destination may not be as stringent as in the UK. In addition, your data may be disclosed to regulatory bodies or public authorities such as customs or immigration for the purposes of monitoring and/or enforcing compliance with any regulatory rules/codes. We will only send you information about special offers, brochures, new vacations and competitions if you have ‘opted in’ to receive news from Andante Travels Ltd. If you do not wish to receive this information, you can use the ‘unsubscribe’ function at the bottom of any email communication or just let us know. For full details of how we may use your personal information and your rights in relation to your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy on our website: https://andantetravels.com/privacy. By booking online, or over the phone, you are stating that you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy. We are ANDANTE TRAVELS LTD, registered limited company no. 1969761. Registered offices: The Clock Tower, Unit 4 Oakridge Office Park, Southampton Road, Whaddon, Salisbury, SP5 3HT.
The Clock Tower, Unit 4 Oakridge Office Park, Southampton Road, Whaddon, Salisbury, SP5 3HT Tel: 01722 713 800 | Email: tours@andantetravels.com www.andantetravels.com To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 55
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