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ToursRuins & Archaeology

Ruins & Archaeology Strenuous Tours & Trips

700 Ruins & Archaeology trips. Tours from 134 tour companies. 751 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Strenuous
Highlights of Albania
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Highlights of Albania

By Explore!
premier
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Berat, Elba, Gjirokaster, Kruja, Tirana

Highlights

  • Travel through Albania while discovering its fascinating history and culture
  • Discover Butrint, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans
  • Stroll along UNESCO-Listed towns and visit hilltop castles

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great trip, great tour leader, thoroughly enjoyable packed a lot into a short time"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$1,980
11 days From$1,610

Health Safety +

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Cambodia Adventure 12D/11N
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Cambodia Adventure 12D/11N

By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Enjoy an amazing guided tour of the vibrant city Phnom Penh Visit the spectacular Hindu temple complex, Angkor Wat Soak up the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Koh Rong Samloem

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-29%$2,432
12 days From$1,737

Generous cancellation

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Recife - Porto de Galinhas - Fernando de Noronha 2022
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Recife - Porto de Galinhas - Fernando de Noronha 2022

By Ada Tours
none
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Fernando de Noronha, Recife

Highlights

  • Recife
  • Porto de Galinhas
  • Fernando de Noronha 2022

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

Trip dates & details
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-12%$6,057
10 days From$5,313

Health Safety

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All Ruins & Archaeology, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Ruins & Archaeology

Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu 2D/1N
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Inca Trail Express Trek to Machu Picchu 2D/1N

By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo

Highlights

  • Traverse the ancient Inca Trail Hike through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu See this magical site in the early morning light

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-29%$1,060
2 days From$757

Generous cancellation

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Exotic Ethiopia: Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient Kingdoms
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Exotic Ethiopia: Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient Kingdoms

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Rift Valley

Highlights

  • With a local naturalist, visit Bale Mountains National Park, home to more endemic species than any terrestrial habitat in the world
  • Learn about the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which some Ethiopians believe were built by angels
  • Marvel at the scenic Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
15 days From$6,349
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Hike the famed Inca Trail from Pisacucho to Machu Picchu
  • Experience the “Lost City of the Incas” through an on-site lecture or an optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu
  • Learn about the remarkable Incan agriculture system in the Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
13 days From$4,349
Price updated 1 year+ ago
More

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Hiking the Scottish Highlands: Castles, Clans and Peaks
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Hiking the Scottish Highlands: Castles, Clans and Peaks

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blair Castle, Edinburgh, Loch Ness

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient but intact ruins of 13th-century Inverlochy Castle, a veteran of two battles that’s been transformed into an open-air museum
  • Learn the history of Scotland as you walk along the iconic and picturesque West Highland Way
  • Keep your eyes open for the fabled Loch Ness Monster as you take a cruise across this beautiful lake

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
10 days From$2,899
Price updated 1 year+ ago
More
The Magic of Italy: A Riverboat Adventure With Your Grandchild
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The Magic of Italy: A Riverboat Adventure With Your Grandchild

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Padua, Venice, Verona

Highlights

  • Learn about – and taste – famous Italian dishes from pasta to gelato during a fun cooking class a field trip to Ice Cream University.
  • Experience the majesty of the Italian Alps as you zip up the mountainside in a cable car.
  • Feel like a sophisticated Italian as you attend an amazing concert in one of Verona’s historic venues.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
10 days From$4,895
Price updated 1 year+ ago
More
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Ruins & Archaeology Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
751  Reviews
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Excellent
93
Great
11
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
3
A

Australian Traveller

Feb 2020

Written on

Excellent tour of Cambodia

We enjoyed a week's tour of Cambodia (Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnon Penh) with Odynovo, with many attractions and activities included. It was easy to book online, a...

Tour:  Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Week in Jordan

Highlight was night in the desert. Trek round Petra also very good. Trip to Aqaba seemed a bit superfluous. Maybe cancel that and have two nights in desert camp in...

Tour:  A Week in Jordan

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Week in Petra

A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it - Petra being the highlight, but Wadi Rum coming a close second. Or maybe Jerash?...

Tour:  A Week in Jordan

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

a week in jordon

full on trip which was very informative and interesting. all sites were good especially Petra, Little Petra and camping in Wadi Rum Eddy was entertaining and engag...

Tour:  A Week in Jordan

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic week, thoroughly recommend

An awe inspiring trip, with something for everyone, and covering all the key sights, sounds and tastes of Jordan. I knew I wanted to see Petra, but didn't really h...

Tour:  A Week in Jordan

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Ruins & Archaeology Tour Selection Trips

  • Travel Tips for Archeological Tours 
    An archaeology vacation offers an exciting opportunity to explore ancient civilizations and uncover hidden treasures. To make the most of your experience, consider these practical travel tips:
    Dress comfortably and wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain of archaeological sites.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements.
  • Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle and replenishing fluids regularly, especially in hot climates.
  • Pack light but include essentials like a camera, binoculars, and a journal to capture memories and observations.
  • Respect the archaeological sites by following guidelines, refraining from touching artifacts, and staying on designated paths.
  • Take breaks to rest and recharge, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without feeling fatigued.
  • Stay informed about local customs, traditions, and cultural norms to show respect for the host country and its people.
  • Be open-minded and curious, embracing the opportunity to learn from expert guides and fellow travelers while exploring ancient history firsthand.

Additional details

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