History & Archaeology Tours

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

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 £1595

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 11 May 2019 and 28 September 2019.

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12 days

The Makings of Asturias From £1575

Celts and Visigoths, a rugged coast and spectacular mountains all combine in this hidden gem of northern Spain. Two professors of archaeology from Oxford University guide you through Celtic castros and pre-Romanesque architecture as you enjoy some of the most inspiring yet lesser-known sights in Atlantic Europe.

Exclusive to 21 June 2019 only.

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8 days

Andorra & Occitan From £1595

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 14 June 2019 and 20 September 2019.

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10 days

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Late Availability

Places still available for spring 2019. Book now before it's too late:

Pompeii and the Bay of Naples From £1295

This is archaeology at its most vivid and compelling. Get extraordinary insights into Roman life and enjoy the fabulous scenery and vibrant local culture of the magnificent Bay of Naples. We provide a scholarly pick of the region's superb Roman sites in a landscape where nature and culture are spectacularly interwoven. Itinerary: Use the tab menu above for full itinerary and other information.

Departs 07 May 2019 and 29 September 2019.

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8 days

Aphrodite’s Cyprus: North and South From £1495

Uniquely, this two-centred tour stays in both the Greek south and Turkish north of Cyprus, allowing fuller appreciation of this charming island and its fascinating World Heritage; 10,000 years of human history with connections to the ancient Near East, to Greece and to the Crusades.

Departs 10 April 2019 and 16 October 2019.

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8 Days

Malta Through Millennia. From £1295

Get to know Malta, a small, sunny Mediterranean island with a surprisingly eventful past. Our well-balanced itinerary reveals its important World Heritage sites from history and prehistory alike; mysterious Stone Age temples, the magnificent Knights of St. John and a celebrated wartime role. Malta has a unique multi-cultural heritage. Itinerary: Use the tab menu above for full itinerary and other information.

Departs 24 March 2019, 28 April 2019 and 29 September 2019

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8 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.