About Us

The original

Often imitated, never matched. As the UK’s first specialist in archaeological travel, Andante continues to set the standard, offering a real depth of experience.

40 Years of deeper discovery

Our longevity brings more than experience. We know these destinations intimately, and our long-standing relationships built over the years allow us access to exclusive locations. This unlocks a sense of perspective, as we uncover the past from multiple angles. We reveal places and perspectives others simply can’t, adding depth and authenticity to every journey.

Time to truly see

We don’t rush. Our itineraries are designed to give you the time to truly absorb each place, just as an independent traveller would, but with far greater insight, allowing a space for curiosity, reflection and genuine discovery.

A richer understanding

With both a dedicated Tour Manager and an expert Guide Lecturer, every detail is handled while every story is brought to life. Our lecturers don’t just guide, they illuminate, framing each site within a wider historical and cultural narrative that turns moments into meaning.

Purposeful journeys

Each itinerary is shaped around a theme, a story or a civilisation and carefully curated to ensure every excursion adds something new.

Exceptional value, thoughtful inclusions

With flights, accommodation, meals, expert guiding, entries and even wine with dinner included, everything is considered, meaning you can focus on the experience.

Support, every step of the way

From the moment you book to the moment you return home, we’re with you. With dedicated support in the UK and on the ground, you can travel with complete confidence.

So much more to come

As we celebrate 40 years, we remain as curious as ever. Still seeking out new stories, new perspectives, and new ways to connect you with the past. For those who travel with us, it’s never just about where you go. It’s about how deeply you experience it.

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

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!

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.