We are a travel company owned and run by archaeologists.
Started in 1985 from a back bedroom, Andante Travels is now recognised as a, if not the, leading British specialist in Holidays in the Ancient World.
The archaeologists: - guides and those in our office, are unusual in being great communicators, people who understand the importance of an overview, and what fascinates and engages others in the story of the past.
Our trips and tours are put together as narratives (wherever the geography allows it), allowing that particular chapter of the human story to develop organically as you travel. Sites are never considered in arid isolation, but seen as part of the greater story. Our journeys are not itineraries including famous sites, they are created by people who know and understand the past as Journeys through the Past.
For the past 25 years we have been introducing thousands and thousands of people to the amazing stories of our human past; considering the tales and politics of ancient history and viewing sites and artefacts with the scientific focus of archaeology.
It is so easy to get it wrong - boring lists of dates, pompous monologues, "taught" guides who are unable to put their limited learning into a wider context; no overview; stuffy academe. Andante's passion has always been to present the past to people at the highest level, in the simplest and most accessible way, and then to allow them to interact in a way to suit themselves. Sit and stare, learn how to decipher, explore alone, go off with the guide.... 70% of our guests every year are people coming back for more, and some have done more than 30 trips with us.
Good Food, authentic and enjoyable hotels, excercise...
We never forget that these are your holidays and the Andante ethos is strong - hand picked hotels of character, approaching the site on foot wherever possible, local food (restaurants are so often better than hotels), picnics because they save time, but also for the fun of it.... every element of your holiday will have been carefully chosen by us - not handed over to a local agent.
Introducing the Team:
Denise Allen Ph.D. is the Deputy Director and head of Archaeology. Mary Reynolds is in charge of the team of Tour Administrators, with Barnaby Jones (Spanish speaking tours) as her deputy. Therese de Cuevas is our finance manager. The tours are then arranged by Alex Casey (Italian); Gudrun Schmid (Italian, French, German, Mandarin); Pamela Davies (archaeology) and Helen Norstedt Girling (Swedish). The team is assisted by Joe Shingles. Daniel Gradwell is the marketing executive. We will soon be joined by Oliver Gilkes, one of our guides, an archaeologist who has worked in Rome, central Italy and Butrint in Albania. He was formerly with the Institute of World Archaeology, UEA. The company is directed by Annabel K. Lawson Ph.D.,
Field Notes:
All travellers are sent specially prepared field notes to help understand the sites more quickly and to give an overview of the whole tour and its context.
Archaeology, wildlife, flowers
Archaeological sites are often in beautiful and remote places. Even those at the very heart of the tourist trail frequently hide an untouched hinterland. This means that the wild flowers, natural geology and birds and beasts of the area add a special interest to our holidays. Many of our guests are knowledgeable and interested in these subjects, and you may come back with yet another area of interest!
Individuality
Our small size means that we are able to exercise personal control over many aspects of your holiday. Our lecturers are frequently closely associated with the archaeological scene in the area you will be visiting, and may occasionally be able to arrange special access. Guests appreciate and comment on the care and thoughtfulness with which their holiday is planned and run.
