It’s one thing to gaze upon archaeological sites, wandering amongst the bones of ancient empires or mysterious prehistoric monoliths. But another, far more rewarding, approach, whether at home or abroad, is to be guided by an expert archaeologist who can bring the sites alive and translate fragments of the past into living history. 
Recommended tour operator: Andante Travels
Andante Travels says
For anybody interested in digging deeper than the standard tour of historical sites, Andante Travels is the leader in archaeological tours. Accompanied by some of the most exciting and respected archaeologists and academics in Britain, we have introduced thousands of people to an interest that lasts a lifetime.
Our range of archaeological journeys spans hundreds of thousands of years of human development across the globe, from Stonehenge to Guatemala and from Syria to Pompeii.
Our newest destination is Albania, emerging from the stranglehold of its recent past after 50 years of isolation. Now is the time to explore Albania’s ruinous classical cities, many in romantic Homeric landscapes, and their pristine flora and flora before the inevitable process of modernisation and development takes a wider grip.
Our 9-day “Land of the Eagles” tour starts in Albania’s capital, Tirana, where past austerity is already giving way to bright colours, as the old grey skyscraper blocks are given to artists for a face-lift.
Explore Apollonia, the Corinthian city founded in 588 BC on the Adriatic coast and one of Julius Caesar’s bases during the Civil War. The Emperor Augustus was studying rhetoric here when news was brought to him of Caesar’s death.
Other highlights include the picturesque medieval town of Berat, home to both Byzantine churches and mosques, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, Epidamnos and Durrës - the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans.
Our expert guide lecturer on this tour is Oliver Gilkes, who has been leading excavations here for more than a decade and speaks fluent Albanian.
Click here for prices and more about our archaeological journeys and our Bare Bones Tours for more independent travellers.
