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If you're yet to travel but you're feeling ready to get back out there, why not treat yourself to a place on one of our November and December archaeological tours? We have a selection of fascinating holidays on offer this winter, which can take you from familiar destinations such as Rome and Pompeii to far-flung places like Lebanon and Mexico. So, if you want something to look forward to, why not consider one of the following expert-led experiences.
Winter is the perfect time for an archaeological adventure
30 July 2020
Tunisia: The Punic Wars
Departing on both the 3rd and 11th November, this tour starts in Tunis and also visits Kairouan, El Djem, Sousse, Kerkouane, Nabeul, Dougga and Bulla Regia. Throughout this nine-day exploration of glorious Tunisia, you will marvel at magnificent mosaics, explore the UNESCO-listed site of Dougga and Kairouan, and spend time at the awe-inspiring amphitheatre of El Djem. There will also be opportunities to discover the little-known sites of Bulla Regia, Mustis and Ain Tounga, and explore the beautifully preserved Phoenician site of Kerkouane. The 3rd November departure is led by Dr Eireann Marshall and the 11th November date is led by Tony O'Connor. There is also Tunisia: The Punic Wars at Christmas.
Mexico - The Maya
Departing on 2nd November (and with a Christmas tour departing on 23rd December), this is a 16-day adventure that will take you from Mexico City to San Cristóbal de Las Casas and from Palenque to Tulum. Explore jungle-clad ruins, discover the iconic site of Chichén Itzá and encounter enduring Maya traditions among the Chiapas communities. You'll also journey in a variety of transport, driving in 4x4s and then by motor launch boat to reach the remote site of Yaxchilán, which is famous for its remarkable architecture.
Byzantine
This tour departs on 16th November and takes in the sights and sites of vibrant Istanbul. Led by expert Terry Richardson, you will enjoy very special out-of-hours access to the majestic Hagia Sophia, there will be a boat ride up the continent-dividing Bosphorus Strait with marvellous views back of the skyline of the old city and a tour of the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, a museum once the meeting-place of the ‘Whirling Dervish’ Mevlevi order. Elsewhere, there is free time to soak up the culture and atmosphere of this memorable destination and you can indulge in tastes of regional cuisine throughout this tour.
Lebanon
Departing on 22nd November and 27th December, this is an 8-day tour that will offer the chance to discover a wealth of history in this intriguing country. Explore the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world at Byblos, tour the Roman remains at Tyre including the Hippodrome and monumental streets, and the great temple of Jupiter Heliopolis in Baalbek. You will also discover the sarcophagus of Ahiram with the earliest Phoenician inscription in the National Archaeological Museum and visit the temples of the Roman period at Niha. Tony O'Connor and Terry Richardson will lead the 22nd November departure, and Tony O'Connor will lead the 27th December departure.
Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania
If you're looking to explore the iconic site of Pompeii and finally tick it off your archaeological bucket list, why not visit in winter? With typically fewer visitors than in the summer months, this is a great time of year to discover it. Departing on 9th November and again on 14th December, you will enjoy private access to the Theatre of Herculaneum, private access to the Cave of Sejanus and the adjoining villa of Pausilypon, and chances to visit off the beaten track villas at Stabiae. You will also explore newly opened houses in Pompeii and be treated to special access to the store rooms at Paestum, where you'll see Lucanian painted tombs normally closed to the public.
Rome: The Heart of the Empire
We have special access to the Colosseum and the world-renowned Capitoline Museum on this unique tour that will see you follow in the footsteps of slaves and Ceasars, and saints and sinners of over 2,000 years of Roman history. You'll visit the sprawling villa of Emperor Hadrian at Tivoli and the series of classical sculptures – known as the Torlonia marbles. Elsewhere, explore the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill, including the Cryptoporticus and the Roman Forum. This tour departs on 4th December.
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Winter is the perfect time for an archaeological adventure was published on 30 July 2020
