About Us
Enriched travel
At Andante, we believe travel should do more than take you somewhere; it should transform how you see it.
Every journey is thoughtfully designed around insight and access. From private moments in world-renowned museums to behind-the-scenes experiences at working archaeological sites, our tours open doors that remain closed to most. You might find yourself handling ancient artefacts, standing before masterpieces in quiet galleries, or meeting the minds shaping contemporary culture through intimate, hands-on encounters.
Led by renowned archaeologists, historians and experts, our tours connect the past to the present by layering context, storytelling and meaning into every moment.
Expertly crafted. Effortlessly enjoyed
While our knowledge runs deep, the experience feels seamless.
From carefully selected accommodation and exceptional regional dining to expert-led guiding and dedicated tour management, every detail is considered. Flights, entries and tips are taken care of, so you can fully immerse yourself in the journey ahead.
Because this is more than a tour. It’s your holiday, elevated.
Why Andante?
Travel with the best
Our Guide Lecturers are expert archaeologists, Egyptologists and historians. With 40+ years’ experience, we know who to lead you and where true insight, and stories lie.
Designed for deeper discovery
Small groups. Unhurried journeys. Behind-the-scenes access. Meaningful conversations. Every journey is a story well-told.
Seamless, truly personal travel
Everything taken care of – from transport and meals to gratuities and wine with dinner on most tours. With dedicated support throughout you can focus entirely on your experience.
Testimonials
Your words, not ours
In the Andante office, we make a point of reading every comment sent to us by returning guests and always take your feedback into consideration. Below you will find a selection of recent reviews from travellers who we have taken to sites all over the ancient world, from remote rock art hotspots in Portugal to the legendary remains in Egypt and beyond.
‘It exceeded our expectations and was truly excellent in every way. The sights chosen, the guides, the transportation, the way it had been put together… we were most blessed with two exceptional guides who elevated the whole trip to a magnificent level.’ Egypt – Highlights & Discoveries 14 Jan 2025
‘Spectacular. It was a 12 out of 10. Fantastic hotels, extensive, immersive coverage of sites and museums, Knowledgeable Egyptologist and Tour Guide. Did not want to come home. Loved it. Great value for money.’ Egypt Encompassed 10 Feb 2025
‘We had a lovely time. The rest of the group were great fun and company… Fabulous sites to visit with good food and comfortable hotels. Excellent Expert guide in Tony O’Connor. Our tour manager Sirah was a delight to be with and kept everything running smoothly.’ Imperial Majesty of Ravenna & Venice 19 March 2025
Oliver Gilkes was a superb guide, hugely knowledgeable about the sites we visited, many of which he’s excavated at himself and with a broad and deep sympathy for the country.’ Albania 19 Apr 2025
It was a well thought out tour. The sites and museums were super and the extras provided by our guides a real bonus. Lunchtimes were very efficient so we could make the most of our time. Turkey: from Catal Huyuk to Gobekli Tepe 28 Apr 2025
‘It was excellent in every way! John our expert guide was brilliant – the pace the content the enthusiasm for his subject could not have been better. The hotel, our coach and driver everyone involved including my fellow travellers, made it a brilliant experience.’ Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania 27 May 2025
‘It was a very good tour. Eireann was a typically wonderful Andante guide and Simona kept the daily details on target. The knowledge about the area, enthusiastic guiding, lodging, meals were all A+++. Amazing sites and most without crowds made this tour especially enjoyable.’ Archaeology in the Heart of Italy 27 May 2025
A most enjoyable tour enhanced by excellent weather. The programme was varied with ancient sites, castles and a cathedral included. The views from the tops of the hill forts was magnificent. The early evening boat trip near Skomer was delightful – thousands of birds in the air and the sea and an excellent commentary accompanying the spectacle. Archaeology and Wildlife of the Pembrokeshire Coast 21 May 2025
Our Awards and Accolades
The upcoming year is an exciting one for Andante. We have been nominated in the British Travel Awards in three categories (Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays; Best Travel Company for Arts & Culture Holidays & Best Travel Company to Italy/Western Med. Islands); Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards and Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Historically, we have also seen our tours included in National Geographic’s ‘Trips of a Lifetime’, our expert guides presented with Wanderlust World Guide Awards (John Shepherd and Dr Eireann Marshall) and we received both Gold and Platinum Trusted Service Awards from Feefo. These awards are based on customer reviews and indicate a high level of customer satisfaction with their service- Platinum signifies that we have received at least 4.5 out of 5 stars for three consecutive years.
Here’s to another successful year, watch this space for your chance to vote and support us!
Solo Travel
With us, travel solo but not alone
Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences. It can be daunting when travelling alone but with Andante Travels, you are never alone unless you choose to be.
A COMPANIONABLE EXPERIENCE
Our tours are inclusive, informal and fun and Andante guests are some of the most interesting people you could care to meet. Travelling in a party of people who share your interests is an enriching experience. Friendships are quickly formed – and some last for decades with guests meeting up long after their tour has returned and arranging to travel together on future adventures.
As part of an Andante escorted tour, you will have the reassurance that our tour staff are very much part of the group. Unlike some guides who only engage when leading and make themselves scarce as soon as the opportunity arises, Andante staff are with you every step of the way, sharing the same experiences, enjoying the same meals (and often the same tipple at the bar), and laughing at the same absurdities that can happen on tour (a tortoise holding up the bus springs to mind!). Mealtimes are therefore never solitary, evenings are never dull and our tours are delightfully companionable. Regardless of whether you are travelling with friends, with a partner or solo, rest assured you’ll be at the heart of it all with Andante.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL
We may travel as a group but we always respect the individual. There is no badge-wearing, roll-calling, umbrella-waving or whistle-blowing on Andante tours. And, wherever possible, we build time into our site visits to allow our guests the freedom to explore and make discoveries of their own. So, if you want to spend some time sketching, writing, mediating on a mosaic or settling down for a chat and a coffee with new friends, we are the travel company for you.
Choose to explore incredible sites in the company of our expert guides and you’ll see that our tours are well suited to solos – not only are they inclusive, informal and fun, but your likeminded travellers are likely to be among some of the most interesting people you’ll meet.
