Andante Travels

Andante Travels: archaeological tours led by specialists

Andante Travels is a UK-based tour operator specialising in cultural and archaeological travel. The company is part of Specialist Journeys, an award-winning British tour operator. Its tours are led by renowned archaeologists, Egyptologists and historians, and the company states it has over 40 years of experience organising this type of travel.

Approach to travel

Andante Travels' offering focuses on access to sites and experiences that are not usually open to the general public. The company's material mentions private moments in world-renowned museums, behind-the-scenes visits to working archaeological sites, the chance to handle ancient artefacts and encounters with cultural professionals. The tours combine historical context, storytelling and meaning, with specialist guides who connect the past to the present.

Guides and team

Andante Travels' guides are archaeologists, Egyptologists and historians. The company lists among its guides John Shepherd and Dr Eireann Marshall, who have received Wanderlust World Guide Awards. The office team reads traveller feedback and takes it into account.

Destinations and types of tour

Among the most popular destinations the company highlights are the UK, Italy and Greece. The catalogue includes tours to Albania, Egypt, Turkey, Portugal and other regions of the ancient world. Themes cover archaeology, history, Roman civilisation and cruises. The company offers a "tour only" option that allows travellers to choose their own departure airport or extend their stay, joining the group at the hotel on the first day.

Included services and logistics

Tours include selected accommodation, regional meals, expert guiding and dedicated tour management. The company states that flights, entries and tips are covered, and that wine with dinner is included on most tours. Groups are small and the pace is unhurried. The company offers full financial protection through ATOL or ABTOT.

Offers and booking conditions

The website shows an offer of 15% off all 2026 tours, valid until the end of 2026. It also advertises a 10% discount for those who book before 30 September 2026 and pay in full. The company notes that prices are designed to reward early booking and that, once booked, no additional surcharges are added.

Solo travel

Andante Travels organises tours for people travelling alone, with an inclusive and informal atmosphere. Tour staff accompany the group throughout the trip, sharing meals and experiences. The company highlights that lasting friendships are formed among travellers.

Awards

The company has been nominated in the British Travel Awards in three categories: best travel company for guided group holidays, best travel company for art and culture holidays and best travel company for holidays to Italy and the western Mediterranean islands. It has also received nominations in the Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards and the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Historically, its tours have appeared in National Geographic's 'Trips of a Lifetime' list and it has received Feefo's Gold and Platinum Trusted Service Awards, the latter for maintaining at least 4.5 out of 5 stars for three consecutive years.