Archaeology
Archaeology expeditions bring with them a sense of intrigue, mystery, and discovery—a rare and treasured quality for avid world travelers. We have designed our archaeology adventure tours to include some of the world’s most exciting historical destinations, be it Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Djémila, with some of the finest Roman ruins in North Africa; or the impressive Alhambra, the most celebrated example of Moorish architecture. Those seeking adventure travel with an archaeology bent may find themselves in Muscat, Oman, touring the exquisite Zawawi Mosque and the Bait al Zubair private museum, housing traditional Omani jewelry, weapons, and artwork. Or perhaps you’ll cruise the Black Sea, visiting Greco-Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas, and Ottoman mosques. Or, a lovely spring afternoon may find you in Sicily, surrounded by the Temples of Juno, Concord, and Hercules, as well as the Temple of Zeus, a particularly heady archaeology adventure tour.
Our in-depth archaeology expeditions are led by a superb team of leaders and lecturers, many of whom are archaeologists themselves. They illuminate our journeys with discussions and daily re-caps—and will answer every question that might come up along the way. Archaeology eco travel, combining the mysteries of the past with the beauty of the present landscapes, is magical; join us!
The itineraries we offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming archaeology-focused expeditions.
Africa
Mali, Burkina Faso & Ghana with Timbuktu
Our 15-day Mali, Burkina Faso & Ghana expedition, with Timbuktu, aims to introduce you to several of the unique ethnic groups that reside in this stunning region, which spreads from the Sahara Desert in the north to the Atlantic Ocean to the south. By private aircraft, we wing our way to meet the Tuareg, Timbuktu’s exotic Blue Men of the desert; the Gouruonsi people; and the Ashanti, who will be celebrating Akwasidee, the culmination of their 42-day religious calendar, while we are there.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
North Africa's Roman Legacy: Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily & Greece
Delve into the cultural extravaganza that combines Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Greece on this Mediterranean adventure travel expedition. Aboard the casually elegant, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, we visit Byzantine churches in Tunisia, traverse the Corinthian Canal on our way to Athens, and explore Algeria’s notable Roman sites, undoubtedly the centerpiece of our tour. In fact, no fewer than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included in our Mediterranean expedition.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Asia
Five 'Stans: Hidden Heart of Asia
Join us as we follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and the Silk Road merchants on this Western Asia expedition to the Five ’Stans. Gaze at river-studded plateau steppes in Kazakhstan and the snowcapped mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Imagine camel caravans navigating around rushing rivers and silver lakes in Uzbekistan. And glimpse the wide expanse of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert.
Upcoming Departures
Mongolia: Land of Chinggis Khaan
From fossilized dinosaur bones to wild horses thundering across grassy steppes, you’ll soon understand why Mongolia adventure travel is a journey to the “Land of Blue Sky.” The recreational and anthropological pursuits are countless, from horseback and camelback treks to visits with local families to learn about their traditions and customs, and the fragility of their nomadic lifestyles.
Upcoming Departures
Myanmar & Laos: Land of a Thousand Temples
Journey with us into some of the least-explored regions of Indochina—Myanmar and Laos—where countless regal temples, lovely minority tribes-people, and stunning gardens await. Your in-depth Myanmar and Laos adventure travel experience includes visits to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon at sunset, a truly ethereal sight; the whitewashed Mon Temple in Bagan; the floating gardens of Inle Lake; and more monuments, temples, and markets than imaginable.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Europe
Azores with Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira
We follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus as we take on this Azores expedition, including a Canary Islands tour. Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar; delight your senses in Moroccan bazaars; and set sail for the Canaries, Madeira, and the splendid Azores.
Upcoming Departures
Baltic Odyssey: Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia & Russia
During our in-depth Baltic tour, we sail aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey to nine countries: Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, and Russia. As we explore the Old Towns of Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn, and tour the World Heritage Site of Visby on our Northern Europe expedition, the history and legends of the region come to life. Our Baltic expedition also includes visits to windswept Sylt Island, the charming villages of Bornholm Island, and stunning St. Petersburg with its opulent palaces, churches, and theaters, among other highlights.
Upcoming Departures
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Board the elegant, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey for this in-depth Ireland expedition. As we maneuver the waterways of the region, our Emerald Island adventure travel tour will include visits to Dún Aengus; the passage tombs of Knowth; the cliffside monasteries and defense lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and Dublin, Wicklow, Cork, and Killarney. We explore the dramatic landscape on foot and by Zodiac, taking us to the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway or to remote islands to commingle with fascinating seabirds.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of Sicily
Join us for our most in-depth Sicily expedition ever as we delve into one of the most fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. In Malta, visit Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece. Follow ancient trade routes aboard the Clipper Odyssey, charting a course for the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Amerina, and Lipari. And, of course, no Sicily and Palermo tour is complete without food and wine! We stop at several vineyards, sample olive oil straight from the press, visit local outdoor markets, and savor the best local cuisine.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
Our Black Sea expedition features all of the countries rimming this infamous sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the company of our expert leaders, explore lands with centuries upon centuries of history, rich architecture, contemporary cultures, and stunning landscapes. As we venture forth from Istanbul for our Black Sea tour, we discover four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Romania’s winding Danube Delta and several archaeological masterpieces. Enjoy a local Georgian dining tradition, visit busy bazaars, and sample regional wines.
Upcoming Departures
In the Wake of the Vikings: Scotland, Iceland & the Faroes
From picturesque Aberdeen on Scotland’s east coast, to the volcanic Faroe Islands, to the wonderland of fire and ice that is Iceland, our Scotland and Iceland tour is simply unforgettable. We journey in mid-summer aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, sailing into splendid bays, pristine fjords, and remote anchorages. Pipers welcome us to Dunrobin Castle in Inverness and Zodiacs whisk us to viewpoints to see hundreds of thousands of seabirds nesting in the Faroes, including oyster catchers (the national bird).
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Ireland & the British Isles
Enjoy the Emerald Isle like never before on a British Isles expedition which includes a comprehensive Ireland tour. Discover mysterious Dún Aengus; the cliffside monasteries and lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and the 17th – 18th century English fortresses, mansions, and elaborate gardens gracing Cork and Killarney. Rolling green glens are studded with shimmering lakes and dramatic cliffs, busy with breeding seabirds, that reach vertically from the sea.
Upcoming Departures
Norwegian Fjords & Scottish Isles
Our Norwegian Fjords expedition capitalizes on the longest days of summer as we explore Norway’s exquisite, scenic coastline from Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, to the remote and isolated Scottish Isles. Brightly painted villages, vertical cliffs trailing lacey cascades, and serpentine fjords call to the camera; while millions of seabirds—kittiwakes, shags, razorbills, and puffins—call this paradise home.
Upcoming Departures
Sicily with Montenegro, Croatia, Albania & Greece
Archaeology, gastronomy, and culture collide on this 14-day Sicily and Croatia expedition that explores the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Our late-summer voyage begins with a Sicily tour. After visiting Palermo, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets, it’s off to the Greek ruins of Selinunte, wine tasting in Marsala, and the World Heritage sites of Agrigento and Syracuse.
Upcoming Departures
Wild & Ancient Britain
A trio of timeless lands is included in this comprehensive Britain expedition. Come with us as we delve into the lore and landscapes of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. Our expedition vessel, the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, makes it easy to navigate the narrow channels and waterways of the most remote regions of the British Isles. Our Britain tour includes Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, St. Kilda in the Hebrides, and the Neolithic stones of Orkney, among other treasures. Savor a cuppa with the charming residents of remote Fair Isle.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
India and Indian Ocean
Bay of Bengal & the Andaman Sea: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
Our Bay of Bengal expedition is perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, birders, snorkelers, and photographers alike. After touring the bustling city of Chennai, set sail for the Andaman Islands for two days of exploration above and below the warm waters. In Myanmar, visit ancient Bagan, home to over 2,000 pagodas and temples, and Yangon, to see the Shwedagon Pagoda. Snorkel in the Mergui Archipelago and discover idyllic islands off the coast of Thailand.
Upcoming Departures
Southern India by Sea with Sri Lanka
Our India expedition explores the melting pot of language, architecture, and religion that define Southern India and Sri Lanka. We navigate the region aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene fishing villages of the south. Our India tour takes us to the World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island; to Kochi, the “Venice of the East”; and to rubber processing plants in Trivandrum.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Splendors of India with Sri Lanka
From the high Himalayas to lush rain forests and far-reaching deserts, to the World Heritage Sites and Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka, this India expedition highlights the vast geographical and cultural riches of the region. We explore by sea aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, taking us from the peaceful villages of the south to the cacophony of Mumbai. Our Sri Lanka tour includes stops at the fortress of Galle, the Temple of the Tooth and the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Middle East
Crossroads of Empires: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt & Jordan
Our Mediterranean expedition and Suez Canal tour introduce us to the legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. As we visit Crete, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordon, expect to be wowed by archaeological ruins, art, and architecture, from the Palace of Knossos in Crete to the World Heritage Site of Rhodes to the ruins of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus. Mediterranean adventure travel should always include some water time, so plan to enjoy a world-class snorkel excursion over the coral reefs of Sharm el Sheikh’s warm, translucent waters.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Iran: Wonders of Persia
For those seeking an authentic immersion into the art, poetry, architecture, and history of Iran, we offer our Iran: Wonders of Persia expedition. Guided by Middle East expert Gary Wintz, this Iran expedition offers an in-depth view of the turbulent and colorful history of Iran. Formerly Persia, the country’s magnificent ruins and ancient cities, architecturally astounding mosques and citadels, and savory cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. We also include a Tehran tour, visiting the Sa’ad Abad Palace-complex and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Upcoming Departures
Sands of Time: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar & Oman
A popular itinerary, we are pleased to offer this Arabian Gulf expedition. Closed to Westerners for many years, the region is an intriguing juxtaposition of gleaming cities, ancient villages, soaring mountains, and undulating sand dunes. We visit the Sultanate of Oman, several city-states on a United Arab Emirates tour, and the countries of Bahrain and Qatar.
Upcoming Departures
Voyage through the Red Sea
We start our 2012 Red Sea adventure with a two-day Egypt tour where we view the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, along with several of Alexandria’s impressive monuments. We then explore Byblos and Baalbek, Lebanon. After a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, we resume our Egypt expedition with visits to the Monastery of St. Catherine and Luxor. Then, it’s on to Saudi Arabia, then Sudan, Eritrea, and more, as well as the sublime islands of the Dahlak Archipelago with its migrating seabirds and plethora of marine life.