Archaeology & History Tours 2020 Fascinating journeys into history, prehistory and the ancient world Informed Travel Small Groups Expert Guides Personal Service Interesting itineraries exploring famous and lesser known places The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there The immortal first line to L. P. Hartley’s ‘The Go-Between’ (1953) wistfully condenses the nature of history, travel and the accord between the two. Bulgaria Welcome... to Wonderful Holidays, Historic Wonders Our name, Hidden History Travel, reflects the hidden nature of the past, and how travel can help us discover its many meanings, mysteries and insights. The past is found hidden in the world’s diverse archaeological sites, historic buildings, museum artefacts and cultural landscapes. It underlies the character and identity of everywhere and, like a foreign country, is full of difference and interest. It is also the wider story of humankind, with a universal relevance for us all. This is why archaeological travel is so fascinating and why, at Hidden History Travel, we are dedicated to providing superb tours exploring the world’s ancient and historic sites. Our tours unite culture with adventure in beautiful locations with small groups, great hotels, unhurried itineraries, expert guides and some hidden-away gems. I hope you will join us for an enriching travel experience, a journey through time as well as place. Dr Simon Butler, Director of Hidden History Travel Contents Your Friendly Specialists ............................... 5 Pompeii & Campania .................................... 20 What to Expect .................................................. 6 Sicilian Civilisations ...................................... 22 Andorra & Occitania ....................................... 8 Malta’s Millennia ............................................ 24 The Makings of Asturias ............................... 10 Romney Marsh: Fifth Continent ................. 26 Bulgaria: Old Europe ..................................... 12 East Anglia: Origins of England ................. 28 Glories of Greece ............................................ 14 Ridgeway Hillforts ......................................... 30 Minoan Crete & Santorini ............................ 16 Hellfire Corner ................................................ 32 Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North & South ........... 18 How to Book .................................................... 34 2020 Tour Dates APRIL Andorra & Occitania Andorra & Occitania 10 days; 22 June - 1 July 10 days; 4 - 13 September Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North & South Romney Marsh: Fifth Hellfire Corner 8 days; 7 - 14 September 8 days; 1 - 8 April Continent 5 days; 29 June - 3 July Minoan Crete & Santorini Sicilian Civilisations 9 days; 10 - 18 September 12 days; 20 April - 1 May JULY Makings of Asturias MAY Romney Marsh: Fifth 8 days; 11 - 18 September Continent Bulgaria: Old Europe Malta’s Millennia 5 days; 13 - 17 July 8 days; 3 - 10 May 12 days; 12 - 23 September East Anglia: Origins of Malta’s Millennia Bulgaria: Old Europe England 8 days; 20 - 27 September 12 days; 9 - 20 May 6 days; 19 - 24 July Pompeii & Campania Pompeii & Campania East Anglia: Origins of 8 days; 19 - 26 September 8 days; 11 - 18 May England 6 days; 26 - 31 July Hillforts of the Ridgeway Sicilian Civilisations 4 days; 13 - 16 May 12 days; 28 September - 9 October Minoan Crete & Santorini AUGUST Glories of Greece 9 days; 14 - 22 May Romney Marsh: Fifth 10 days; 29 September - Continent Makings of Asturias 8 October 5 days; 3 - 7 August 8 days; 22 - 29 May Romney Marsh: Fifth OCTOBER JUNE Continent 5 days; 10 – 14 August Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North Romney Marsh: Fifth & South Continent 8 days; 14 - 21 October 5 days; 8 - 12 June SEPTEMBER Hillforts of the Ridgeway Romney Marsh: Fifth 4 days; 2 - 5 September Continent 5 days; 15 - 19 June 4 Your Friendly Specialists We have a passion for archaeology, history and travel, and we want to share it with you. As a specialist tour operator, we focus on content and quality, achieved by thorough research and a personal, flexible service. Hidden History Travel first appeared in 1998 when its founder, Dr Simon Butler (pictured below), began leading tours to places of archaeological interest in Britain. Simon’s career began in field archaeology and academic research, and he holds a PhD in archaeology from the University of Sheffield. His interests in heritage tourism developed from his travels as an archaeologist and guide, and he has gained a wealth of experience in many destinations over many years. Hidden History Travel has correspondingly grown into a network of longstanding colleagues in travel, archaeology and history, who are now all contributing to our unique brand of enriching travel experiences. As its director, Simon still loves to lead as many tours as his business commitments allow. Meet some of our other tour directors Professor Gary Lock Dr Christopher Cole Dr Martin Locker Gary is Emeritus Professor of Chris holds a Master’s degree from Martin holds a PhD from University Archaeology at the University of the University of Cambridge and College London and has worked on Oxford. He specialises in the Iron a PhD from the University of York. archaeological projects throughout Age and has directed projects in He is also an experienced tour Europe. He currently lives in many parts of Europe. He also co- director and has strong research Andorra where his research has directed the recent ‘Atlas of Hillforts interests in his home area of led to his latest book “Gods, Spirits of Britain and Ireland’ project. Romney Marsh. and the Pyrenean Complex”. Sally Watson Michael Sibly Dr Nikola Theodossiev Sally is an experienced tour Mike graduated in history from Dr Nicola Theodossiev is a director who studied archaeology Cambridge University and is now senior assistant professor in the at both Athens and Bristol an Emeritus Fellow of St Anne’s Department of Archaeology at Universities. She is particularly College, Oxford. He specialises in Sofia University in Bulgaria. He has familiar with the ancient Greek medieval history, especially the directed a number of excavations world and has excavated in Crete Crusades, and he recently walked in Bulgaria and written numerous and Santorini. the medieval pilgrim route to publications on ancient Thrace. Santiago de Compostela. 5 What to Expect Our Itineraries Our Groups & Guides The emphasis is on both the cultural interest and Our group sizes are quite small, usually between 10 the nature of the experience. This means that our and 20 people. This ensures good communication and carefully planned itineraries aim at a satisfying balance a more personal, flexible service. No prior knowledge of enrichment and leisure—‘seeing it all’ balanced is required, and we supply you with tour notes, with time to absorb it all, relax and enjoy it. They are lectures, expert guides and tour directors. These all focused without being too intensive or rushed, and add context and insight to your tour, and help bring it we like to get off the beaten track too, often arranging all together. Meet some of our tour directors on page special access to hidden away gems. 5. It is very informal and sociable, and everyone is welcome, whether travelling singly or with a partner. Accommodation & Meals People’s diverse backgrounds and different ages all We use hotels of 4-star or good 3-star standard, and add to the interest—some people travel half way we look for local character and charm, good facilities round the world to join a tour! and good location, preferably well integrated into their surroundings. We normally include at least some evening meals or lunches, which can make life easier Fitness Levels on a tour, but we know that freedom to explore local Our tours are not especially challenging but all require restaurants is all part of the experience. a reasonable level of mobility and independence. There is plenty of walking and standing, often over uneven ground with some inclines and steps. The What’s Included? pace is gentle and stops are frequent, often only a We bring you high standards at reasonable prices, few minutes apart. However, some sites require more and with so much included there are few additional walking than others so we have added a ‘Fitness Level’ costs. Each itinerary is unique but always includes: to each tour. high standard hotel accommodation with breakfasts; Level 1 indicates that all sites are very easy, with a number of evening meals or lunches; a full mostly level ground and short distances, while Level programme of excursions with comfortable transport, 3 warns that some sites have longer or steeper entrance fees and knowledgeable guides; an expert walks, perhaps uphill for some 30 minutes tour director; airport and hotel transfers abroad; over rough ground. TTA financial protection (see below). Feel free to call us for a chat; individual Brochure prices are correct at time of print, and early booking is recommended to solutions can usually be found for specific sites. We often use smaller coaches secure these (see page 34). without on-board toilets but regular comfort stops are made. Flights & Extended Stays Financial Protection For flexibility we add flights on a Hidden History Travel is a member of the personal basis, rather than booking Travel Trust Association. This means that we the group onto one particular flight. provide the strongest consumer protection This gives you the freedom to choose when and available in the travel industry—complete how you travel;