Archaeological holidays

Take a step back in time and learn about past civilisations by including a trip to an archaeological site in your itinerary.

Below is just a small selection of archaeological sites you are able to visit on a trip with Audley.

Recommended archaeological sites

Tikal & El Petén

The north of Guatemala, known as El Petén, is an area of lush lowland jungle whose depths conceal countless Maya ruins, half-buried and entwined by tree-roots and lianas.

Xian is much more than a host for the Terracotta Warriors: it’s a throbbing, modern-day Chinese city with preserved Ming architecture, museums and a Muslim Quarter that serves up fresh street food in its lively night markets.

Petra

The hidden city of Petra offers a well-preserved glimpse into the Nabataean Empire. On a visit, you can climb to the High Place of Sacrifice, marvel at the acoustics in the amphitheatre and admire the shifting shades of red and pink in the Siq at sunrise.

El Jem

The ancient amphitheatre of El Jem, the single most impressive Roman monument in Africa, is a dramatic and arresting sight. Each summer, world-famous orchestras and artists perform at the classical music festival here.

Machu Picchu

‘Discovered’ by Hiram Bingham in 1911 although known to local farmers, Machu Picchu’s isolation protected it from the conquistadors. Here, we detail some of the features you can see at the site, as well as short hikes around the ruins.

Temples of Angkor

Exploring the temples at Angkor is a truly memorable experience. Angkor Wat is arguably the most impressive of all the Angkor temples, and reportedly the largest religious structure in the world.

Start planning your historical sites trip

In search of the Maya through Honduras, Belize, Guatemala & Mexico

Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico

22 days from £8,300pp

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Classic Jordan tour: Amman, Petra & the Dead Sea

Jordan

8 days from £3,245pp

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Highlights of Mexico: Mexico City, Mérida & Isla Holbox

Mexico

12 days from £5,050pp

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.