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Led by Experts. Crafted for Explorers.

NEW FOR 2026

Essential & Relaxed COLLECTIONS Discover archaeology and history at your own pace - with expert Guide Lecturers

RATED EXCEPTIONAL WITH OVER 2,000 REVIEWS

A new way to discover with Andante Travels

For over 40 years, Andante Travels has brought the ancient world to life through expertly guided journeys that reveal the stories beneath our feet. For 2026, we’re introducing two new ways to travel – each offering the same insight, expertise and quality that define every Andante Travels tour, but tailored to how you like to explore. Our new Essential Collection combines expert guidance with time for independent discovery. With central hotels, select group meals and generous free time, these tours balance archaeology, culture and flexibility. Explore the forgotten civilisation of the Etruscans, the layered histories of Rome, or the hidden treasures beneath Verona – with an expert Guide Lecturer always on hand. For those who prefer a gentler pace, our Relaxed Collection invites you to settle into one carefully chosen hotel and take your time. Led by a Guide Lecturer and Tour Manager, they blend expert-led excursions with free time in evocative settings such as Syracuse, Nice, Trier, Split and Kyrenia. Both collections share the hallmarks of an Andante Travels experience: small groups, exceptional expertise and a deep connection to history. However you choose to travel, there’s now more than one way to see the past come alive with Andante Travels.

Get in touch with an expert

If you are interested in joining one of our tours and want to know more, please give our Specialist Travel Executives a call today. They are ready to help with all of your questions.

01722 705 229 andantetravels.co.uk

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

Images: St. Jean Cap Ferrat

The Freedom to explore with the

EssentialCOLLECTION

Our new Essential tours are designed for those who seek the perfect balance between expert guidance and personal freedom. Offering the same depth of insight and quality that define every Andante Travels experience, these tours provide excellent value, easy access to remarkable sites and time to explore at your own pace. You’ll travel in the company of an expert Guide Lecturer, whose passion and knowledge bring each destination vividly to life. Each programme includes guided site visits alongside some free time for independent discovery - whether that means revisiting a favourite site, finding a quiet café, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere. Comfortable, centrally located hotels, breakfasts and selected dinners complete the experience, ensuring both structure and flexibility. Our Essential Etruscans, uncover one of Italy’s earliest civilisations in the rolling landscapes of Tuscany and Lazio – from an ancient necropolis to hilltop towns alive with echoes of the past. Essential Rome reveals the layers of history that make the Eternal City incomparable, from senatorial grandeur to mercantile wealth. Meanwhile, Essential Verona offers an alternative view of northern Italy, where Roman theatres, medieval lanes and Palladian villas capture the beauty and continuity of centuries. Whether you’re travelling on a budget, joining your first Andante Travels tour, or simply looking for a little more independence, our Essential Collection opens the door to a world of discovery on your terms. Images: Sirmione and Orvieto

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

EssentialETRUSCANS Ancient people of Tuscany

Moderate

7 DAYS FROM £2,490pp

The Etruscans are one of the great forgotten civilisations. Conquest by the Romans meant that the Etruscans only appeared as incidental participants in early histories, but they had in fact flourished throughout the first millennium BCE in a group of prosperous city states which were sophisticated, cosmopolitan and influential. Their settlements, their artefacts and even their cemeteries testify to this and as we travel through the lovely countryside of Tuscany and northern Lazio, the Etruscans are abundantly on show, if you know where to look.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Discover the beautifully painted tombs of Tarquinia with scenes of dancers, musicians and fabulous beasts

Oliver Gilkes

Admire the remarkable Etruscan collections of the Villa Giulia Museum

One of our longest-standing Guide Lecturers, Oliver has worked as a field and museum archaeologist in the UK, Albania and Italy.

Explore the atmospheric Banditaccia cemetery, a real ‘city of the dead’ with tombs like terraced houses Visit Chiusi, famous in antiquity as the city of Lars Porsenna, the Etruscan King who almost captured Rome

Day One | UK - Rome

Day Four | Orvieto

We fly from London Gatwick to Rome and transfer to our hotel in Orvieto.

Today is free to explore Orvieto or relax. From here, it’s easy to take a train to nearby towns or cities. Alternatively, you can opt for an unguided excursion to Siena, one of the most renowned Tuscan Renaissance city-states.

Day Two | Orvieto We explore Orvieto, perched on a high tuff plateau typical of southern Etruscan cities. In the morning, we visit the Belvedere temple podium and two archaeological museums. Terracotta roof decorations from the Belvedere temple are displayed in the main museum, while the Museo Claudio Faina, a private collection in a charming town house, retains some original furnishings. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Optional visits include ‘underground’ Orvieto, with its tuff plateau honeycombed with tunnels, silos, and wells from various periods. Other options include St. Patrizio’s Renaissance well and the spectacular duomo – the ‘Golden Lily of Cathedrals’.

Day Five | Orvieto - Tarquinia Before leaving Orvieto, we visit the small Etruscan Crocifisso del Tufo cemetery, laid out on a grid with family names carved above each tomb entrance. We continue to Tarquinia, known in antiquity as ‘Tarchuna’ and one of the most powerful Etruscan states. Our first stop is the Archaeological Museum in a Renaissance palazzo, housing an excellent collection of Etruscan artifacts. After lunch, we explore painted tombs at Monterozzi cemetery, dating from the 6th–1st centuries BCE, with scenes of banquets, music, dancing, and athletic games honouring the dead.

Day Three | Bolzarno & Chiusi

Day Six | Sutri & Villa Giulia Museum

In the morning, we visit the extraordinary Bosco Sacro de Bomarzo, commissioned in 1552 by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. This unique Mannerist garden intrigues visitors with enigmatic symbolism and dark romanticism, featuring grotesque stone monsters like dragons, giants, elephants, and the famous Orcus mouth – a massive stone face visitors can walk through. In the afternoon, we travel to Chiusi, renowned as the city of Lars Porsenna, the Etruscan King who nearly captured Rome. Its excellent archaeological museum showcases Etruscan urns, from early ‘canopic’ forms to later chests with sculpted reclining figures.

We visit the archaeological park at Sutri, located on a volcanic plateau overlooking the Via Cassia. Its monuments, carved into tufa rock, have been preserved for millennia. In the afternoon, we head to Rome’s outskirts to visit the Villa Giulia Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Etruscan artifacts, including life-size terracotta figures from the Portonaccio temple at Veio and the famous sarcophagus of the married couple from Cerveteri. We then return to our hotel in Tarquinia.

tumuli and rows of tombs like terraced houses. Many tombs are furnished with beds and chair cut into the rock, and one even has painted stucco household equipment and pets displayed on its walls. Onto the modern town for lunch, after which we visit the small archaeological museum to see material from the tombs. After this last visit we transfer to the airport in Rome to fly to London Gatwick.

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT GUIDED TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • • • •

Expert Guide Lecturer Entries to all sites as per the itinerary Andante Field notes All taxes & gratuities to local staff (drivers, waiters, site custodians)

Included travel • Return flights from London Gatwick, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 4 nights' in the Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, Orvieto and 2 nights' in the Hotel Villa Tirreno, Tarquinia

Culinary inclusions • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person

Day Seven | Cerveteri - Rome - UK

Date

Twin/Dbl Share

We make the gentle drive down the coast to the great site of Cerveteri. We spend the morning in the remarkable and atmospheric Banditaccia cemetery, a real ‘city of the dead’ with streets lined with vast

1st - 7th Mar

£2,490

£370

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/aeet Images: Orvieto

EssentialROME Caesars, Citizens, Senators & Slaves

Moderate

6 DAYS FROM £1,950pp

£0 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT PLACES AVAILABLE

Rome was once the most powerful city in the Mediterranean, sending out soldiers, administrators and traders to order the affairs of provinces as far apart as Britian and Mesopotamia. On this tour archaeologist and Italiophile, Oliver Gilkes, is on hand to help you unravel this complex web of history. Exploring with Oliver, we meet the Romans at every level of society from the senatorial grandeur of the Forum to sailors and merchants at the once bustling harbour at Ostia.

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Oliver Gilkes

Admire the unique Pantheon, so influential to Renaissance architects in later millennia

One of our longest-standing Guide Lecturers, Oliver has worked as a field and museum archaeologist in the UK, Albania and Italy. Oliver is still involved in projects in Albania and is considered one of just a handful of experts on Albanian archaeology in the UK.

Explore the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built Discover two sites extraordinary sites outside the city – Tivoli and Ostia Antica

Day One | UK - Rome

Day Four | Rome

We fly from London Heathrow to Rome and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city..

Today is yours to explore Rome as you wish. Options include strolling along the banks of the Tiber, visiting the temples in the Forum Boarium, walking the Circus Maximus, or exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Day Two | Rome In the morning, we’ll walk through Rome’s ancient centre, visiting the Theatre of Marcellus, preserved through its conversion into medieval tenements; the Forum and Senate House, the political heart of ancient Rome; the Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill; and the Column of Trajan, commemorating his Dacian wars. We’ll also explore the Colosseum, Italy’s largest amphitheatre. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.

Day Three | Tivoli Today, we journey outside Rome to Tivoli. Our morning will be spent at Hadrian’s sprawling villa, built in the 2nd century AD as a retreat from the city. This vast estate includes over 30 buildings, such as libraries, bathhouses, theatres, temples, imperial staterooms, and gardens inspired by Hadrian’s travels. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the World Heritage Site of Villa d’Este, celebrated for its Renaissance gardens.

Images: Pantheon

Day Five | Rome This morning, we’ll walk through the Field of Mars, a low plain by the River Tiber, drained by Julius Caesar and developed by Augustus. Its street system remains largely unchanged from Roman times. Highlights include the Pantheon, built by Hadrian with the world’s largest unsupported dome; the Column of Marcus Aurelius, depicting his victories; and the Stadium of Domitian, now Piazza Navona. Our walk concludes at the Trevi Fountain. The afternoon is free for further exploration.

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT GUIDED TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • • • •

Expert Guide Lecturer Entries to all sites as per the itinerary Andante Field notes All taxes & gratuities to local staff (drivers, waiters, site custodians)

Included travel • Return flights from London Heathrow, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 5 nights' in the Albergo Santa Chiara

Culinary inclusions

Day Six | Rome - Ostia Antica - UK We leave Rome this morning and travel to Ostia Antica, the ancient harbour city of Rome close to the mouth of the Tiber. It became a thriving port where goods flowed into the city from every corner of the Empire. The site rivals Pompeii with some of the best-preserved Roman buildings anywhere in the world. We continue from here to nearby Rome Fiumicino Airport to catch our flights back to London Heathrow.

• 5 breakfasts & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

30th Nov - 5th Dec £1,950

SS £330 £0

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/aero

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

EssentialVERONA The cultural landscape of Veneto

Moderate

8 DAYS FROM £2,990pp

While Rome commands attention with its imperial grandeur and Florence dazzles with its Medici legacy, Verona quietly offers something increasingly rare: a picturesque medieval quarter, well preserved Roman sites and dozens of beautiful churches blissfully light on tourists when travelling in the early part of the year. We explore its ancient heart and make excursions into the region beyond, an area which bears the accumulated weight of centuries—Roman theatres, Palladian villas and medieval communes that grew into maritime powers.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Discover three remarkable underground excavations that lie beneath Verona

Dr Eireann Marshall

Visit Sirmione the beautiful lakeside town which sits on a peninsula of Lake Garda

An Honorary Research Fellow for the Open University, Eireann has led many Andante tours. She won the Top History and Culture Guide prize at Wanderlust magazine’s 2019 World Guide Awards.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia in Brescia Admire the work of Giotto at Scrovengi Chapel, undeniably Padua’s most famous historical treasure

Day One | UK - Verona We fly from London Gatwick to Verona.

Day Two | Verona We spend the day exploring Verona's Roman heritage, starting with the magnificent amphitheatre. We then visit three subterranean archaeological sites, beginning with Via San Cosimo, which preserves evidence of Verona's early defences and an imperial-age domus. Next, we see the Arco dei Gavi, a Roman arch marking the start of the Via Postumia, and the Porta Borsari, the gateway to the Roman city. Before lunch, we visit the Cryptoporticus of Corte Sgarzerie. In the afternoon, we explore the Teatro Romano, built in the 1st century BCE on San Pietro hill.

Day Three | Sirmione We drive to Sirmione, a stunning lakeside town on Lake Garda's peninsula. Here, we visit the 14thcentury Castello Scaligero, named after the Della Scala dynasty. A small train takes us to Villa Catullus, northern Italy's largest Roman villa, designed to maximise lake views. In the afternoon, we visit Desenzano Roman Villa, once a grand property, now famous for its vivid mosaic floors depicting cupids, maenads, satyrs, wild beasts, and the seasons.

Day Four | Verona We explore Verona's connections to the powerful de Scala family. Our morning begins at Chiesa San Fermo, known for its dual structure and frescoes, followed by Chiesa Santa Anastasia, Verona's largest church and a Gothic masterpiece. We finish with a

stroll through Piazza dei Signori, the political hub during the Scalliger era. The afternoon is free to explore Verona or take a fast train to Milan or Venice.

Day Five | Brescia Today, we travel to Brescia, a city rich in history. We visit the Archaeological Park, featuring the bronze Winged Victory, the Capitolium, Roman Theatre, and Republican Sanctuary. We also explore the Longobard complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia and the Museo Santa Giulia. The afternoon is free for independent exploration before returning to Verona.

Day Six | Padua We take the train to Padua and start with the famous Scrovengi Chapel, home to Giotto's revolutionary frescoes. Next, we visit the Museum Eremitani, housing Egyptian artefacts brought by Belzoni. In the afternoon, we explore the Palazzo della Ragione, the Baptistery of the Cathedral, and the Anatomical Theatre, where Galileo once taught.

Day Seven | Vicenza We travel to UNESCO-listed Vicenza. Our first stop is the Roman Cryptoporticus beneath Piazza Duomo. We then see the Basilica Palladiana, transformed by Palladio, the Loggia del Capitaniato, and the Palladio Museum. After lunch, we admire Giovanni Bellini's works in Chiesa Santa Corona and visit Palladio's Palace of Chiericati, now a museum. We end the day at Teatro Olimpico, Palladio's stunning Renaissance theatre.

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

Day Eight | Verona - UK We have some free time this morning before returning to the airport in the afternoon for our return flight to London Gatwick.

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT GUIDED TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • • • •

Expert Guide Lecturer Entries to all sites as per the itinerary Andante Field notes All taxes & gratuities to local staff (drivers, waiters, site custodians)

Included travel • Return flights from London Gatwick, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 7 nights' in the Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel Des Arts

Culinary inclusions • 7 breakfasts & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

2nd - 9th March

£2,990

£845

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/aeve Images: Padua

See more by taking it slow with the

RelaxedCOLLECTION

For those who love the insight and camaraderie of an Andante Travels tour but prefer to travel at an easier pace, our new Relaxed Collection offers the perfect blend of discovery and leisure. Each tour is based in one carefully chosen hotel, with expert-led excursions to nearby cultural treasures and plenty of time to unwind along the way. Expect later starts, earlier finishes and one free day to spend entirely as you wish – perhaps revisiting a favourite site, enjoying a long lunch, or simply relaxing by the pool. Your journey is led by an expert Guide Lecturer, whose knowledge brings history vividly to life and accompanied by a specially trained Tour Manager to ensure everything runs smoothly. Most meals are included, with wine at dinner and all hotels are selected for their comfort, character and location. From the glittering shores of the Adriatic on Relaxed Split, to the flower-scented promenades of Relaxed Nice, each itinerary invites you to linger, savour and connect more deeply with a place. Explore ancient Syracuse, where Greek temples meet sunlit piazzas; stroll through Trier, Germany’s oldest city surrounded by the vineyards of the Moselle; or discover Kyrenia, where Crusader castles overlook the turquoise coast of Northern Cyprus. With time to pause, reflect and simply enjoy, our Relaxed tours are a reminder that the most rewarding journeys don’t need to be rushed – they just need to be meaningful.

Images: Promenade view, Ortygia and Trier

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

RelaxedSPLIT Diocletian’s legacy

Easy

8 DAYS FROM £4,080pp

Split is one of the Mediterranean's most remarkable coastal cities. At its core sits Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that isn't merely a ruin but a vibrant, inhabited city within ancient walls. Wandering its serpentine streets, discovering Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture intertwined, offers a uniquely immersive historical experience unlike anywhere else.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Explore the immense palace of the Emperor Diocletian – one of the best preserved anywhere in the Empire

John Shepherd

Discover Klis fortress, dramatically perched on a rocky eminence between the Kozjak and Mosor mountains

Winner of the Wanderlust World Guide Award - History & Culture 2023, John has worked extensively in the field in Europe.

Relax with plenty of free time and enjoy a blend of rich history, stunning coastal scenery and an excellent local food scene

Day One | UK - Split

Day Five | Split & Salona

We fly from London Heathrow to Split and transfer to our hotel.

We explore the lives of ordinary people in the Archaeological Museum, which contains artefacts from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age. Our second site visit is to Salona. Its origins are Illyrian, but it was under Roman rule that the ancient city truly flourished. We have a picnic lunch at this lovely site before returning to Split.

Day Two | Split Today we acquaint ourselves with Split, tracing the walls and monuments of the immense Palace of Diocletian, where Diocletian attempted, not altogether successfully, to avoid being sucked back into the power politics of the Roman world. We also visit the cathedral, where we see Diocletian’s mausoleum.

Day Three | Split This morning, we continue our exploration of ancient Split, descending underground to view the Roman foundations that still support much of the modern city and mimics the emperor’s chambers above. We also look at the chapel over the north gate and the baptistry, which was once a Temple of Jupiter. This afternoon is free to spend as you wish.

Day Four | Trilj & Klis Fortress This morning, we drive north to visit the remains of Trilj in the Cetina River valley. Known as Tilurium in antiquity, it was the site of an important military garrison and guarded crucial Roman roads. After lunch, we continue to Klis Fortress, which commanded one of the most vital strategic passes in Dalmatia for millennia, and throughout the early medieval period served as a royal castle and a pivotal seat for Croatian dukes and kings.

Day Six | Split Today is free to spend as you choose. Take a fast boat to the beautiful island of Hvar and visit the seafront Franciscan monastery; visit the Maritime Museum, Mestrovic Art & Fine Art Galleries or take a stroll along Riva, Split's iconic waterfront promenade.

Day Seven | Trogir We spend most of the day at the picturesque medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage site of Trogir, where Romanesque architecture meets Venetian Renaissance and Baroque fortresses and cathedrals. Our site visits include the crown jewel of Trogir's architectural heritage, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence plus the Benedictine Convent of St. Nicholas, home to the renowned Kairos Collection, featuring a rare 3rd-century BCE Greek relief of the god of opportunity.

Day Eight | Split - UK We transfer to the airport to catch our flights back to London Heathrow.

Images: Splita Cathedral To book tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT GUIDED TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • • • •

Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager Entries to all sites as per the itinerary Andante Field notes All taxes & gratuities to local staff (drivers, waiters, site custodians)

Included travel • Return flights from London Heathrow, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 7 nights' in the Hotel Park Split

Culinary inclusions • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

11th - 18th Apr

£4,080

£655

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/arsp Image: Split Cathedral

RelaxedTRIER Archaeology on the Moselle

Easy

7 DAYS FROM £3,445pp

Nestled in the picturesque Moselle Valley, Trier was an important provincial capital in Roman times, known as Augusta Treverorum; it was the residence of emperors, a centre of trade and the largest market in an ancient wine-growing area. Today, still surrounded by vineyards, this ancient city boasts an extraordinary concentration of remarkably preserved Roman monuments, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Explore the extraordinary Aula Palatina and Porta Nigra, late antique sites which are largely intact

Tony Wilmott

Admire the gladiator mosaic at the Villa Nennig, which depicts bloody scenes from the arena

Senior Archaeologist with Historic England, Tony has directed many excavations, and published several books and many articles in archaeological journals. He specialises in the Roman periods, with a particular interest in the Roman military.

Discover the region’s Celtic origins at Otzenhausen, one of the largest Celtic hillforts in the world

Day One | UK – Luxembourg - Trier

Day Four | Nennig & Borg

We begin our journey, flying from London Heathrow to Luxembourg. En route to Trier, we stop at the recently re-opened villa near Echternach, a lavish Roman residence once boasting up to 70 rooms and featuring a reconstructed Roman garden. Upon arrival in Trier, we settle into our hotel and, if time permits, enjoy an exploratory walk.

Heading south of Trier, we pause at the Igeler Saeule, a 30-metre memorial to the Secundinii family of cloth merchants. At the Roman Villa at Nennig, we admire foundation walls, peristyle remains, and its striking mosaic depicting arena scenes. In the afternoon, we visit the Roman Villa at Borg, excavated in the 1980s and reconstructed in the 1990s.

Day Two | Trier Our day in Trier starts with the iconic Porta Nigra, the best-preserved 3rd-century Roman city gate north of the Alps, later transformed into two churches. Next, we visit the Cathedral, Germany's oldest church, and the Cathedral Museum, showcasing 4th-century ceiling paintings. After lunch, we explore the Aula Palatina, a vast basilica built by Emperor Constantine, originally heated by a hypocaust system.

Day Three | Trier This morning, we explore the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, home to Germany's finest ancient artefacts. Highlights include the Trier gold hoard depicting 29 imperial family members and the Neumagen wine ship, a funerary decoration for a wealthy wine merchant. In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Baths and the amphitheatre, which once hosted 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests. We conclude the day with a wine tasting, savouring Moselle Rieslings renowned for their depth of flavour and light alcohol content. Images: Liebfrauenkirche

Day Five | Trier Today is at leisure to further explore Trier. Options include visiting lesser-known Roman sites like the Viehmarkt Baths or Barbara Baths, exploring the Karl Marx birthplace museum, or enjoying a boat trip on the Moselle.

Day Six | Otzenhausen - Otrang We visit the Otzenhausen Hillfort, the largest Celtic hillfort of its kind, built by the Treveri tribe. We explore its ramparts and the replica Celtic village at Keltenpark. After lunch, we head to Otrang, a Roman manor complex featuring baths, a heating system, and a temple area.

Day Seven | Trier – Luxembourg - UK Our final day takes us to the Luxembourg National Museum of History and Art, showcasing archaeological finds from Dalheim (Ricciacus) and Titelberg. After some free time exploring Luxembourg's historic Old Town, we return to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow.

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT GUIDED TOUR PRICE INCLUDES • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • Andante Field notes • All taxes & gratuities to local staff (drivers, waiters, site custodians)

Included travel • Return flights from London Heathrow, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 6 nights' at the Hotel Park Plaza Trier

Culinary inclusions • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

7th - 13th Jul

£3,445

£335

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/arti

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

RelaxedKYRENIA Traders to Crusaders

Moderate

7 DAYS FROM £3,990pp

Beautiful Cyprus, traditionally the birthplace of the Goddess of love, Aphrodite, has attracted many unwanted suitors over the years. With the lovely harbour of Kyrenia serving as our base we enjoy a leisurely tour of the archaeological sites of the north of the island. From the ancient port city of Soli with its impressive Roman mosaics to the medieval fortress of St. Hilarion perched dramatically on the Kyrenia mountain range. The landscape itself tells the story of successive civilizations all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean's azure waters and the rugged beauty of the northern Cypriot coast. Day One | UK – Larnaca - Kyrenia We fly from London Heathrow to Larnaca and transfer to our hotel in Kyrenia.

Terry Richardson Terry Richardson has a university background in ancient history and classical civilisation. Terry is the author of numerous renowned guide books on the country, including Rough Guide Istanbul, Pocket Rough Guide Istanbul and Rough Guide Turkey.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Explore the castles of the Templars who sought refuge in the Kingdom of Cyprus in 1291 after the fall of Acre

Day Two | Kyrenia

Visit the lovely village of Bellapais where Lawrence Durrell once lived and wrote

Kyrenia Harbour, a well-preserved medieval port with a Roman-era horseshoe-shaped basin fortified by the Lusignans, awaits our morning stroll. We'll visit the imposing Kyrenia Castle, a stronghold that served various rulers over centuries. Inside, the Shipwreck Museum displays a remarkable 4th-century BCE Greek trading vessel found in 1967, likely sunk by pirates. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing or exploratory afternoon.

Enjoy the wonderful Greco-Roman remains of Salamis situated on the coast

Day Three | Bellapais Abbey & Castle of St. Hilarion

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Discover Famagusta with its medieval churches and the ghost town of Varosha abandoned since the 1970s

Day Five | Kyrenia We enjoy a day of leisure today. Relax at the hotel or stroll to the Ethnographic Museum on the harbour or take a boat trip along the coast. We meet again this evening for dinner together.

Day Six | Salamis & Famagusta

This morning, we head south to Bellapais, the village Lawrence Durrell described in his book Bitter Lemons. We explore Bellapais Abbey, a stunning Gothic masterpiece reflecting enhancements by Lusignan kings in the 13th century. Highlights include the refectory and arcaded cloisters. In the afternoon, we visit the Castle of St. Hilarion, the best-preserved of the three Lusignan strongholds in the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a monastery, it was fortified by the Byzantines in the 11th century to defend against Arabian pirates.

This morning, we drive east to ancient Salamis, once the leading city on the island for over 1,500 years. Founded after the Bronze Age collapse, legend credits its founding to Teucer, a Trojan War hero. The sprawling Graeco-Roman site includes substantial remains. Next, we visit Famagusta, a major Christian trade hub after the fall of the last Crusader stronghold in the Levant. By the 14th century, it was among the world's wealthiest cities, with a cosmopolitan society and dozens of churches within its strong circuit walls.

Day Four | Soli & Vouni

Day Seven | Nicosia – Larnaca - UK

Today we head west to Soli, one of Cyprus's ancient city-kingdoms. Highlights include a Roman theatre, an early Christian basilica and remains of temples to deities such as Aphrodite and Isis. Next, we visit the cliff-top 5th-century palace complex at Vouni, perched 200m above the sea. Before returning to Kyrenia, we stop at the excellent Güzelyurt Museum of Archaeology and Natural History.

We check out of our hotel and drive to Nicosia to visit the Cyprus Museum, near the historic Paphos Gate within the Venetian city walls. Founded in 1882 during British rule, it has preserved the island's heritage for over 140 years, showcasing over 6,000 years of history. After lunch, we head to Larnaca Airport for our flight to London Heathrow.

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

Included travel • Return flights from London Heathrow, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 6 nights' at The Colony Hotel Arkin or similar

Culinary inclusions • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

13th - 19th Apr 4th - 10th Oct

£3,990 £3,990

£495 £495

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/arky Images: Bellapais Abbey

RelaxedNICE Capital of the French Riveira

Easy

7 DAYS FROM £3,255pp

A few days in Nice, celebrated for its captivating azure coastline, could easily be spent simply people-watching and enjoying its world-famous promenade. Yet, 2,000 years ago, this playground of the rich was situated on the major highway from Gaul to Rome, the Via Julia Augusta, and its surrounds are therefore rich in archaeology and ancient ruins, serving as a wonderful base for a relaxed exploration of the Côte d'Azur.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Enjoy the fragrant gardens and marvellous views of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

John Shepherd

Discover the extraordinary painted ceiling of the 13th-century cathedral at Fréjus

Winner of the Wanderlust World Guide Award - History & Culture 2023, John has worked extensively in the field in Europe.

Cross the border into Italy and discover two wonderful sites on the Ligurian coast

Day One | UK - Nice

Day Four | Beaulieu-sur-Mer

We fly from London Gatwick to Nice and transfer to our hotel.

This morning, we drive to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, once a popular winter resort for the international elite. Here we visit Villa Kerylos, a recreation of an ancient Greek villa from the time of Pericles, complete with period furniture, frescoes and mosaics. Afterwards we ascend to the Trophée des Alpes, a 7th-century monument bult in 6BCE to celebrate the victory of Emperor Augustus over the mountain tribes. Our afternoon is free to either explore more locally or relax back at our hotel.

Day Two | Nice & St. Jean Cap Ferrat This morning we explore the extensive archaeological zone in Nice in the Cimiez neighbourhood, visiting the ruins of the amphitheatre and bath complex and visit the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon we drive to the charming St. Jean Cap Ferrat to discover the villa and gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This glorious pale pink villa, now a museum, contains the eclectic collections of the Baroness de Rothschild and some of the artefacts associated with Marie-Antoinette, including paintings by Monet and Renoir.

Day Three | Fréjus Today we enjoy a lovely drive east along the coast to the pretty town of Fréjus. Formerly Forum Julii, this small town was one of Caesar’s colonies and served as a naval port until the 5th century. We see the Arènes de Fréjus, the late 1st century AD amphitheatre, the remains of the aqueduct, the Porte des Gaules, the best-preserved of the four gates that once marked the city's Roman enclosure, and the excellent Archaeological Museum. Before returning to Nice we also visit the lovely 13thcentury cathedral.

Day Five | Nice Today is free to explore as you wish. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, visit some of the wonderful galleries and city museums or wander the Old Town, where boutiques offer everything from handmade fruit jellies to antique chinoiserie.

Day Six | Albintimilium & Ventimiglia We cross the border into Italy today, where we visit the Roman town of Albintimilium. The remains of this ancient Roman city date back to the 1st century AD and bear witness to a time when this part of Liguria was an important cultural and economic centre in the Roman Empire. Later, we continue to Ventimiglia to visit the archaeological museum, housed in the majestic Fort Annunziata with a spectacular view of the town and the coast.

Day Seven | Nice - UK We return to Nice Airport for our flight back to London Gatwick.

Images: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Included travel • Return flights from London Gatwick, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 6 nights' at the Hotel NH Nice

Culinary inclusions • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

18th - 24th May

£3,255

£625

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/arni

To book a tour today visit andantetravels.co.uk or call 01722 705 229

RelaxedSYRACUSE The ancient heart of southern Sicily

Easy

8 DAYS FROM £3,990pp

With a history stretching back almost 3,000 years, the city of Syracuse has the rare accolade of being classed as a World Heritage Site in its entirety. Founded in 734 BCE, the city grew to become the most powerful Greek polis in the western Mediterranean, rivalling Athens in its cultural achievements and political influence. We follow in the footsteps of the Greeks, Romans and much later civilizations who landed upon these shores and discover not only Ortygia but surrounding sites including the Greek Castle of Euryalus, the Roman Villa at Tellaro and the lovely Pantalica hills, honeycombed with ancient tombs.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE

Explore from our base in historic Ortygia with its glorious piazzas and sea views

Dr Doru Bogdan

Discover Pantalica, beautifully alive with native bird and plant life

A researcher and lecturer at the University of Alba Iulia in Romania, Doru is a specialist in Roman archaeology and has also supervised an array of fascinating excavations

Admire the exceptionally fine mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale Visit the hilltop city of Noto famous for its wonderful Baroque architecture

Day One | UK – Catania - Syracuse We fly from London Gatwick to Catania and drive to our hotel in Syracuse.

could imagine Archimedes standing here with one of his fabulous devices defending the fort against invaders.

Day Two | Ortygia

Day Five | Ortygia

We spend the morning exploring Ortygia’s Greek origins walking from our hotel to the Temple of Athena. We also see the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa and the Great Harbour, where we consider the sea battle fought between Syracusan and Athenian forces in 413 BCE. After lunch the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure.

Day Three | Ortygia & Noto An earlier start this morning as we discover more of this great city at the historic food market on the east coast. Later, we visit the Church of Santa Lucia to see Caravaggio's masterpiece, Seppellimento di Santa Lucia. In the afternoon, we drive south to the UNESCO-listed city of Noto, famous for its Baroque architecture. Out last visit of the day is to the Roman villa at Tellaro which dates from the late Imperial period.

Day Four | Pantalica & Euryalus Castle We drive inland this morning to the hills of Pantalica, where we find an ancient necropolis dating primarily from the Late Bronze Age. After lunch we visit Euryalus Castle, one of the largest military constructions in the Greek world. One

Today is free to explore at leisure before meeting again for dinner.

Day Six | Syracuse We cross to the mainland to visit the very fine Paolo Orsi Museum, boasting collections discovered throughout eastern Sicily. Next, we explore Neapolis Archaeological Park, meaning "New City" in Greek and representing the expansion of ancient Syracuse. We explore the archaeological area surrounding the theatre and the vast stone quarries, the amphitheatre and the Altar of Zeus. Later we return to Ortygia to visit the extensive catacombs lying beneath Basilica of San Giovanni.

Day Seven | Villa Romana del Casale We drive to Piazza Armerina to see the restored UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale with its exceptionally fine mosaics dating from the 4th century. The many rooms of exquisite mosaics floors, from a famous hunt scene and a scene of ten maidens participating in gymnastics to an array of vivid scenes from mythology.

Day Eight | Syracuse - Catania - UK We return to Catania airport for our flight back to London Gatwick.

Included travel • Return flights from London Gatwick, private group transfers to/from the airport and hotel and all local transport aboard a private air-conditioned coach

Accommodation • 7 nights' in the Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri

Culinary inclusions • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person Date

Twin/Dbl Share

6th - 13th Oct

£3,990

£520

For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.co.uk/arni Images: Ortygia

Andante Travels - Essential & Relaxed Collections