Archaeological tour operator Andante Travels recently expanded its Study Day collection for 2022 due to continued demand for unique, UK-based trips led by its expert guides.
Study Days are day-long, expert-led experiences unlike any other. As part of a small group, guests enjoy special access to museums, galleries and archaeological sites that are otherwise closed to the public, where they will encounter lectures, handle artefacts and learn about their chosen subjects.
Study Days for Andante have always been immensely popular, but over the past year they have become even more prominent due to people wanting to dip their toe back into travel without venturing too far amid the ever-changing rules.
There are eight brand new Study Days in Andante’s portfolio for 2022, which take place in England and Wales, and examine themes that range from ancient glass-making to the Cotswolds’ Roman history, and from the story of Christianity in the north of England to the secrets of Stonehenge.
This fascinating day out takes place in the ancient Roman town of Caerleon in Wales and is led by Dr Andy Fear, a lecturer in Classics at the University of Manchester. In addition to an introduction to Roman inscriptions, this day includes a practical session where guests will make a ‘squeeze’ of a historic inscription as well as a tour of the National Roman Legion Museum’s gallery and a guided walk, which takes in the amphitheatre, Roman barracks, Caerleon’s Roman fortress, and its baths. 12 March or 15 October | £165pp
The Body in the Bathhouse – Falco at Fishbourne with Lindsey Davis
Grab a chance to see not only one of the UK’s great archaeological sites – Fishbourne Roman Palace – in the company of a specialist archaeologist, but also to join author Lindsey Davis and to hear her speak about creating her fictional detective, Falco. The day includes exclusive early entry to Fishbourne and a tour of the site from Andante guide Oliver Gilkes, a finds and handling session with the site’s curator, and a talk from Lindsey. 13 April or 12 November | £195pp
Explore the visible remains of Roman Cirencester and the nearby palatial villa at Chedworth, which is home to truly incredible mosaics, in the expert company of Mark Corney, former contributor to Channel 4’s Time Team and landscape archaeologist. Guests will also visit the Corinium Museum and the Roman amphitheatre. 27 April or 4 June | £165pp
Ancient Egypt at the Bristol Museum
This Study Day will begin with Egyptologist Lucia Gahlin giving a lecture on the colourful circus strongman Giovanni Battista Belzoni’s discovery of the most splendid tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, the tomb of Pharaoh Seti I. Guests then have special access to a selection of ancient Egyptian artefacts not usually on display. Following lunch, there’s a guided tour of the Ancient Egypt gallery and the day ends with a discussion in front of David Roberts’ wonderful 1841 oil painting of the Egyptian Temple of Dendera. 14 May or 18 June | £185pp
The Skills & Secrets of Ancient Glass-Making
Roman glass specialist and expert Dr Denise Allen will lead this unique Study Day in Quarley, Hampshire. Guests will join Denise along with glass-makers Mark Taylor and David Hill at Project Workshops. Mark and David previously supplied glass to Ridley Scott for his blockbuster Gladiator and they have also made glass for Outlander and feature film The Favourite. After an introductory talk from Denise Allen about ancient glass-making, there will be demonstrations and more. 17 May | £150pp
Power and Pilgrims: In the Footsteps of Saints at Durham Cathedral
Academic, author and broadcaster Dr Emma Wells will lead this new day, which explores the story of Christianity in the north of England through architecture, art, saints and pilgrims. Guests will enjoy a guided tour by Emma that includes the 14th century monks’ dormitories, medieval great kitchen and chapter house, a ‘central tower tour’ and a guided tour of Durham Cathedral Museum. There will also be a very special private organ recital in the 17th century carved wooden choir stalls. 8 July or 8 October | £165pp
Daily Life in Ancient Britain at Butser Farm
This day offers a chance to experience a fragment of Iron Age life and the opportunity to learn new skills as guests will make both a pewter pendant and cordage necklace to take home. On arrival, there will be a guided tour with Maureen Page, one of the two Site Directors at Butser Ancient Farm. Later, there will be an authentic Saxon lunch and the aforementioned hands-on workshops. This day has a small group limit of 12 participants. 14 July or 1 September | £175pp
Inside Stonehenge in the Morning – Secrets of the Stones
Revel in the opportunity to examine this landscape in detail – and in the expert company of archaeological guide Peter Berridge – starting with the chance to walk inside the great stone circle itself. We also explore the round barrows on King Barrow Ridge, Woodhenge and the Durrington Walls, where recent excavations have provided new evidence about the builders of Stonehenge. There will also be a visit to Salisbury Museum, where guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour. 13 August | £220pp
View the Study Days brochure for 2022 by clicking here. Or contact www.andantetravels.co.uk, or 01722 713800
