Roman Civilisation: The Village that Became an Empire

The Romans are perhaps most well known for their incredible feats of ancient engineering, from their roads and bridges to their mighty aqueducts, tunnels, amphitheatres and colosseums. The fact that many of these monuments are still standing today is testament to their craftsmanship and initiative, and their construction helped secure this civilisation’s dominance for centuries. While there are plenty of these famous landmarks just waiting to be explored, our tours go in search of hidden treasures, seeking out quieter spots such as the impressive villa at Oplontis, which encapsulates otium – a form of leisure that combined relaxing, contemplating, exercise and feasting during this era.

Our exciting range of tours offers a fascinating journey into an ancient world in a range of destinations across Europe and beyond, entering once-bloodied amphitheatres, heading underground to observe hidden remains and letting us treat you to special access at some unforgettable sites.

Join us in the Rome, Pompeii, on the Bay of Naples, Sicily, Croatia, Germany and as far afield as Algeria, Jordan and Tunisia. Each journey dives into the heritage and traditions of each destination with immersive tours of ancient ruins, world-renowned museums and more. The knowledgeable Guide Lecturers will lead you through spectacular sites, focusing on the detailed symbols of the past, explaining how things worked and what a miracle of human ingenuity they represent.

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Knowledge you won’t find elsewhere

Our Guide Lecturers make an Andante tour a cut above the rest. Guests who travel with us frequently tell us that it is not only the high quality of guiding they receive but also the informality and ease of travelling with an Andante lecturer which keeps them coming back. Many of our Guide Lecturers are specialists in the Roman Empire, such as Tony O’Connor, an archaeologist with extensive field experience:

“An Andante tour is special. Travelling with those who have a genuine interest in the past means travelling with a ready-made group of friends. Sharing knowledge of the sites I know and love so well is a joy amongst such company.

I’ve had a wonderful time on tour with Andante in 2024. At the start of the year, I returned to Tunisia where I spent two weeks enjoying a plethora of stunning Roman mosaics, spectacular Roman ruins and the stunning landscapes of the Sahara with my fellow Andante travellers. In the spring, I went to my perennial favourite, Pompeii. On site we enjoyed the newly opened insula of the chaste lovers where the houses and bakery are still being excavated and at the Hotel Scapolatiello, we enjoyed several pre-dinner Negronis while watching the sun go down.

Autumn is always a wonderful time to travel too – admiring the sites in the longer shadows and evening glow that comes early in October and November, with spectacular sites blissfully devoid of tourists. In 2025, I am thrilled to be joining Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania, Classical Sicily, The Romans in Algeria, Tunisia – North & South, Carthage & Roman Tunisia and look forward to discovering Roman treasures together.”

Why Book with Andante Travels?

Unearth history’s treasures with Andante, the pioneering British specialist on in-depth archaeological travels. Venturing beyond mere cultural excursions, we craft extraordinary journeys, granting you access to the world’s most significant historical sites. With 24-hour support from our dedicated team and meticulously planned itineraries, rely on Andante for an unparalleled odyssey into antiquity.