About Us

OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER MATCHED

No one does archaeological touring quite like Andante, the first specialist UK operator to go beyond the surface of cultural travel, to dig deeper into the past and create unique explorations of some of the world’s most important sites. From the relationships we have with local custodians to the way travelling with an expert enhances the experience, and from 24-hour support from our team while you’re on tour to the careful thought that goes into each itinerary, trust Andante for your next ancient world adventure and travel with the best. 

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE GARNERED FROM 40 YEARS OF TOURING

As we celebrate our 40^th anniversary, our longevity in the industry means that not only do we know the destinations and sites we visit inside and out, but we have also fostered strong relationships with the people on the ground who help us bring our carefully curated itineraries to life. This, in turn, enables us to create the most in-depth, all-encompassing, and immersive tours possible for our guests. We know the best way to get you there, the most effective routes to travel around and how to make your visits as memorable as they can be. 

QUALITY TIME ON SITE – WE DON’T CUT CORNERS

When you choose an archaeological tour with Andante, rest assured that your time at sites both iconic and lesser known will be very well spent. We don’t cut corners; you won’t be rushed, and your visits throughout will be at a pace that independent travellers aim for when they explore the ancient world. 

WE ONLY SEE THE VERY BEST ON TOUR AND ONLY ADD FREE TIME WHEN IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF GUESTS TO DO SO

During our tours, there doesn’t tend to be too much down time. While our tours are still holidays, we understand that our guests want to explore the destination they have chosen and really get the most out of their time away. Our itineraries are designed to showcase the best of what’s on offer, travelling between archaeological sites and museums, restaurants, and hotels, so that nothing worth experiencing is missed. 

ADDITION OF SPECIAL SITES KNOWN TO OUR ARCHAEOLOGISTS

One of the advantages of choosing a tour led by an expert archaeologist is the access and insight they offer. For example, a number of our tours include visits to sites made possible only through the knowledge and connections of the Guide Lecturer at the helm. 

TOUR MANAGERS AS WELL AS GUIDE LECTURERS SO THEY CAN FOCUS ON INFORMING

In addition to travelling in the company of an expert Guide Lecturer, you will be accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout your trip, who will be on hand to manage the day-to-day aspects of the overall experience, leaving your Guide Lecturer free to focus on informing and entertaining. 

CALIBRE OF OUR GUIDE LECTURERS – UNLIKE LOCAL GUIDES THEY CAN PRESENT SITES IN A MUCH WIDER HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Unlike local guides, travelling to an ancient world destination in the company of an expert Guide Lecturer means they can present the sites visited in a much wider historical context. You will also have many opportunities to ask questions throughout your tour, with direct access to someone who knows the sites and their stories incredibly well. Among our team of expert guides, you’ll find renowned historians, experience archaeologists, popular broadcasters, and accomplished authors, so you will always be in fantastic hands on an Andante tour. 

CAREFULLY THOUGHT-OUT PROGRAMMES THAT FOLLOW A THEME

Our itineraries are designed by experts and led by them, too. We work closely with our Guide Lecturers from the early tour development stages, and, thanks to their insight, our tours remain engaging and invigorating, as it’s in their warm and skilful presence that the past quickly springs to life. Our programme is diverse and exciting, with each itinerary delving deeper into the stories of an era, a particular civilisation, or the life of a particular individual. 

EXCELLENT VALUE – INCLUSIVE OF MEALS AND WINE AT DINNER, NO PASSING AROUND A HAT FOR TIPS AS THESE ARE ALL INCLUDED

The price you pay for your Andante Travels tour represents excellent value for money. With most aspects of your tour included, from return flights and entry to all sites as per the itinerary, from tips to treats and – more often than not – wine with dinner. There is very little you will need to budget for on holiday except souvenirs and drinks at the bar. 24HR PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE Should you need any help with official form-filling or advice on what to pack, our friendly team is always ready to help here from the office. While you are on holiday, our Tour Manager is on hand to help, at the end of the phone or just a step or two away, should you need them. And with round the clock support from our operations team, we can provide practical assistance at every point of the tour. 

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.