History & Archaeology Tours

Knowledge and insight from history, prehistory and the ancient world.

Coronavirus Message:
We hope that all of you in our community of ‘Hidden Historians’ will experience the least possible disruption from the coronavirus situation. For an outline of our current procedures for both overseas and UK tours, and how these might affect your own decisions, please read our latest News post by clicking on the button below.

Coronavirus News

Guided Tours

An expanding collection of superb holidays exploring the archaeology and history of Europe and the Mediterranean. We ensure the content and quality for a wonderful holiday and a worthwhile experience in one. And at great value for money too!

Leisure with Enrichment

Fascinating content, expert guides and small groups provide an enriching travel experience. Together with relaxed itineraries, great hotels and beautiful locations they are perfect combinations of leisure and interest.

Expertise

Hidden History is owned by Dr Simon Butler, who started leading archaeology tours 20 years ago as an extension of his work in professional archaeology. He combines archaeology and travel into the most enriching and enjoyable experiences for all.

Personal Service

As independent specialists we provide a more dedicated, personal service with flexibility and bespoke planning. Backed-up by the buying power and respected authority of the Travel Network Group and Travel Trust Association.

Featured Tours

The ingredients are travel, archaeology, history, landscape and culture. We combine them to create wonderful holidays and worthwhile experiences with a satisfying blend of leisure and enrichment.

Bulgaria: Old Europe From £1675

Discover Bulgaria, one of Europe’s richest areas for archaeology and one of its oldest mainsprings of culture. Our tour travels from capital to coast through the country’s impressive ancient sites, historic towns and unspoilt Balkan landscapes.

Departs 12 September 2020 and 08 May 2021.

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12 days

The Makings of Asturias From £1675

Celts and Visigoths, a rugged coast and spectacular mountains combine as two academics from Oxford University guide you through Celtic castros and pre-Romanesque architecture in this hidden gem of northern Spain.

11 September 2020 and 21 May 2021.

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8 days

Living with the White Horse From £645

A professor from Oxford University guides you through the latest research and excavation in one of England’s most significant ancient landscapes, where history and prehistory are etched into the soft, green, downland hills of a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Departs 26 July 2020, 02 September 2020, and 12 May 2021.

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4 days

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Confirmed Departures

Tours have minimum and maximum numbers of participants, so the earlier you book the earlier we can confirm your tour to run, and then places become limited. Each tour page indicates which dates are already confirmed, so we recommend prompt booking to secure a place on these. Here are just some of our tours already confirmed to run this year.

Minoan Crete and Santorini. From £1595

Stunning landscapes and superb archaeology create an unforgettable experience. Discover the Minoans, named after legendary King Minos, and marvel at the views from Santorini, one of the world's most amazing places. Our itinerary is perfectly designed to explore Minoan archaeology’s fascinating array of Bronze Age sites, artistic wealth and deep-rooted mythology.

Departs 10 September 2020 and 06 May 2021.

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9 Days

East Anglia: Origins of England. From £875

Explore the rich lands of Norfolk and Suffolk, an area steeped in the tribal origins of England and brimming with an unmatched medieval heritage. Join Dr Martin Locker as he uncovers the story of the Anglo-Saxons, Norman lordships, Christian saints and pilgrims, and the creation of medieval England.

Departs 19 July 2020 and 26 July 2020.

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6 Days

Andorra & Occitania From £1745

History, rural traditions and natural wonders abound in this pastoral, romantic and remote part of Europe. Dr Martin Locker, a Pyrenean specialist, reveals the picturesque Cathar castles, Carolingian heritage and prehistoric cave art of the hidden valleys and glistening peaks of the Pyrenees and the Languedoc.

Departs 22 June 2020 and 04 September 2020.

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10 days

Living with the White Horse From £645

Departs 26 July 2020, 02 September 2020, and 12 May 2021.

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4 days

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What our customers say

We would certainly use Hidden History again as we had a fantastic holiday.

Hidden Historian,

Malta's Millennia, 2017.

Length of tour and variety of visits were perfect.

Hidden Historian,

Sicilian Civilisations, 2017.

More than met my expectations. It was well thought-out and well paced. The tour notes were excellent.

Hidden Historian,

Pompeii & Bay of Naples, 2017.

An excellent and very enjoyable tour, covering a wide span of Malta’s history with an emphasis on the archaeological sites.

Hidden Historian,

Malta’s Millennia, 2016

We went on three short UK tours this year and undoubtedly enjoyed this one the best.

Hidden Historian,

Romney Marsh, 2016

Having been touring archaeological sites in many parts of the world for +50 years, I can honestly say that your Cyprus tour was outstanding in my experience.

Hidden Historian,

Aphrodite’s Cyprus, 2016.

We recently went on the Hidden History tour of Crete and Santorini and would recommend it to everyone.

Hidden Historian,

Minoan Crete & Santorini, 2016.

Country Profiles

Use our country profiles to get a feel for the archaeological and historical interest of different destinations. You can follow things up through our Reading Lists and explore travel itineraries through our Tours pages.