29 June 2020
We know that many of you are waiting for what feels like the right time to return to what will inevitably be a new world of travel, so we have rounded up some of our favourite tours departing between January and March 2021.
If the beginning of next year feels like a good time to aim for, there are plenty of fascinating destinations to choose from – and archaeology, history and culture to suit every interest.
Starting with two nights in Jordan, followed by a cruise in Egypt onboard the Variety Ship M/S Harmony and then enjoying two nights in Israel – this 12-day adventure by water visits the famous Nabatean kingdom of Petra, the monumental Temple at Karnak, the Pyramids of Giza, the new Grand Egyptian Museum, and the staggering city of Jerusalem.
Tick this awe-inspiring destination off your archaeological bucket list with us in January. At 12 days, this tour offers a chance to experience its incredible history, from the ancient petroglyphs at Al-‘Ula to the Nabatean Rock cut tombs at Hegra and even the historic Roshan in Jeddah. Alongside its history, we will be exploring Saudi’s spectacular desert environments, visiting the evocative Empty Quarter and touring Al-‘Ula Old Town, which was inhabited from the 13th century AD and later abandoned.
Perfect for the first-time visitor, ideal even for the returning guest – join us on our Highlights of Pompeii tour for five days exploring the sites of the Bay of Naples. Discover the ancient town of Herculaneum, spend a full day in Pompeii and wander the ancient ruins, explore the villa at Oplontis that is believed to belong to the wife of Nero, and pay a visit to Naples Archaeological Museum, home to extraordinary finds from the local area.
Make February one to remember and join one of our most adventurous trips, starting with the superb museums of Mexico City, travelling via the uplands of Chiapas, along the great river of Usumacinta, and then driving up the Yucatan peninsula. View the Aztec Templo Mayor, travel in 4x4s and then by motor launch boat to reach the remote site of Yaxchilán, encounter enduring Maya traditions among the Chiapas communities, and discover the mighty site of Chichén Itzá.
At 15 days long, this tour showcases the very best of South India, from its rock-cut temples to its UNESCO-listed sites. Explore sculpted panels and temples in the Elephanta and Badami caves, experience a traditional aarti ceremony at Virupaksha Temple among the ancient ruins of Hampi, and discover the impressive architecture of the Chowmahalla Palace and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad.
Follow in the footsteps of history as we explore the sites and cities of the Silk Road, which once ran all the way from China to Europe, with Uzbekistan right at its heart. The steppes, deserts, mountains and gleaming blue-tiled cities tell a story of trade and conquest. In addition to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisyabz, this tour will also explore the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque and put you before avant-garde art at the renowned Savitsky Art Museum.
If war history is more up your street, this new UK-based short break led by Colonel Paul Beaver is bound to be of interest. Explore the nerve centres of the Battle of Britain – at the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command, Bentley Priory and the Uxbridge Bunker from where Air Vice-Marshal Park controlled the fight to protect London and the South-East of England, and – of course – at Bletchley Park.
If Petra has long been on your dream holiday list, why not tick it off with our expert-led tour? Explore traces of biblical tribes, Roman legions, Christian crusaders, and Islamic caliphates in this promised land of archaeology and fascinating history. You'll spend two days in the evocative rock-cut city of Petra, travel through the lunar-like desert scenery of Wadi Rum in a fleet of 4x4s and explore the the mighty crusader castle at Kerak.
Looking to travel between January and March 2021? Here's where we can take you... was published on 29 June 2020
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