A52017cfinalforweb

ARCHAEOLOGY & TRAVEL
Wonderful Holidays, Historic Wonders
Exploring the history and prehistory of
Europe and the Mediterranean.
2017 Tours

• Informed Travel
• Beautiful Locations
• Small Groups
• Local Airports
Relaxed and varied itineraries exploring
famous sites and lesser­known gems.

WELCOME TO
HIDDEN HISTORY TRAVEL
Fascinating journeys into history, prehistory and the ancient world.
Welcome to an expanding collection of superb tours and holidays exploring the
archaeology and history of Europe and the Mediterranean. Each one is a
delightful odyssey full of interest, an enjoyable journey through time and place.
They are all in beautiful locations with great hotels, small groups, unhurried
itineraries, expert guides and some hidden-away gems.
Join us for an enriching travel experience and enjoy our unique blend of leisure
and interest - everyone is welcome.
GLORIES OF GREECE
The cradle of western civilisation and a
profoundly satisfying experience.
MALTA'S MILLENNIA
A small, friendly island with a surprisingly
rich heritage from history and prehistory.
APHRODITE'S CYPRUS:
NORTH & SOUTH
A haven for archaeological travel and a
unique look at both sides of the island.
POMPEII & THE BAY OF NAPLES
A gorgeous mix of world-class archaeology,
fabulous scenery and local life.
MINOAN CRETE & SANTORINI
Deep significance and stunning landscapes
create an unforgettable experience.
SICILIAN CIVILISATIONS
Discovering the dazzling cosmopolitan
heritage of a succession of civilisations.
ROMNEY MARSH:
THE FIFTH CONTINENT
Hidden churches and lost villages in a
landscape coloured by the sea.
EAST ANGLIA:
ORIGINS OF ENGLAND
A live excavation and the uncovering of the
creation of Medieval England.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Friendly Specialists
As a specialist tour operator, we focus on content and quality, achieved by our
thorough research and planning, and our personal, flexible service. We are a
team of travel professionals, archaeologists, historians and guides with the
knowledge and experience to create the most enriching and enjoyable of travel
experiences. We have been doing so for nearly 20 years.
"Exactly what I was looking for...I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end"
(customer feedback from our Cyprus tour).
Our Tours
We like to provide well-informed, realistically-paced and reasonably-priced
tours. Itineraries are not too rushed or intensive, just nicely balanced with time
to get off the beaten track and to relax and absorb it all. They include a host
of fully guided excursions and interesting talks to add context and
understanding, and excellent hotels (usually 4-star) that offer some luxury and
charm. Meals are often included but sometimes it is good to explore local
restaurants, so we try not to include them all.
Our Groups
No prior knowledge is required and everyone is welcome, whether travelling
singly or with a partner. Our guides and speakers bring it all to life; they are
knowledgeable and friendly, and often add illustrated lectures as well.
Our group sizes are quite small,
usually between 10 and 20 people.
This ensures good communication
and personal service, and more
freedom to explore and discover those
hidden gems that make all the
difference.
There are rarely any long or difficult
walks so anyone with a reasonable
level of mobility will enjoy our tours.
We will be happy to advise you when considering a tour - call us for a chat.

Archaeological Travel
Like a foreign country, the past is full of difference and interest, and it
underlies the character and identity of everywhere. It is also the wider
story of humankind and so holds relevance and meaning for us all.
The world's ancient and historic sites are full of human stories, great
discoveries, profound insights and unsolved mysteries. This is why
archaeological travel is so fascinating. It brings significance and
authenticity to our travels, unites culture with adventure, and gives depth
of insight into our world and its peoples.
Flights and Extended Stays
We give you complete freedom of choice of departure airport, airline,
flight times and length of stay by adding flights on a personal basis rather
than including group fares in all our prices. We will be pleased to book your
flights for you, and any extended stays, and we can recommend preferred
flights but you are free to book your own if you prefer. All flights booked
through us give you full ATOL protection for the whole tour package.

GLORIES OF GREECE
Dates:
21 - 30 April 2017 (£1595)
30 September - 09 October 2017 (£1495)
Enjoy a wealth of eminent archaeology and
fabulous scenery exploring the classical world
and the foundations of western civilisation.
A profoundly satisfying experience enlightened
with Delphic wisdom, Olympian mythology
and iconic art and architecture.
An unhurried 10 day
journey honed through
years of experience into
a perfectly engaging and
relaxed classical tour.
10 days
from only
£1495
per person
Price includes:. Nine nights 4-star hotel accomodation (4 nights in Athens, 2 nights in
Nafplion, 2 nights in Olympia and 1 night in Delphi); all breakfasts, plus five evening
meals (four evenings free to enjoy local Greek restaurants); all excursion transport,
entrances and guiding; Specialist tour director; lectures; airport transfers. Single
supplement £250. Flights added on a personal basis from as little as £150 return.
Famous Sites and Hidden Gems: Visit iconic sites such as the Athenian Acropolis,
the oracle at Delphi and the home of the Olympic games, and get off the beaten track
to discover the beauty of Greece and its deeper heritage at sites such as Tyrins, Bassae
and Eleusis. Expertise: A knowledgeable tour director and a local guide will help you
get the most from the tour. Flexibility: Choose the flights to suit you.

“Thank you for an
exceptional tour – you made
history and sites come alive.”
ITINERARY
Day 1: You are met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel in Athens.
Your tour director can help you get
acquainted with your surroundings.
Day 2: We will return to Athens for
our final three nights. First we get to
know ancient Greece, starting by
uncovering the mysteries of Eleusis,
walking the streets of Ancient
Corinth, and visiting Nemea, where
mythology placed the slaying of the
lion by Hercules. Your base for the next
two nights is the charming historic
town of Nafplion, with its cobbled
streets and picturesque waterfront.
Day 3: Let myth and reality converge
as you explore the Bronze Age palaces
of Mycenaean kings and heroes of the
Trojan War, visiting both Mycenae and
Tyrins, and concluding at the superbly
preserved theatre at Epidaurus.
Day 4: Get off the beaten track on a
spectacular journey through the
mountainous countryside of Arcadia,
part of old, unspoilt Greece. Visit
Megalopolis and Bassae, both rare
treats missed by most travellers, before
settling into your hotel in Olympia for
the next two nights.
Day 5: A whole day devoted to
Olympia with ample time to explore
the origin of the Olympic Games
through extensive archaeology and
wonderful museum treasures.
Day 6: A very scenic coastal drive
brings you to Delphi, famed for the
wisdom of its oracle. We stay overnight
here, with the afternoon and following
morning to experience this profoundly
beautiful place.
Days 7 to 10: Stay in Athens for three
nights as the finale to your Classical
tour. Through a mixture of guided and
free time you can enjoy the wealth and
significance of its famous heritage.
Entrance to all the main ancient sites is
included, and you can also opt to visit
Cape Sounion, or relax on a day cruise
around the Saronic Islands (payable
locally). Finally, you will be transferred
from your hotel to the airport for your
flight home. Or why not stay longer?

MALTA'S MILLENNIA
Get to know Malta, a uniquely friendly place
with a variety of interest from history and
prehistory alike. Discover a multi-cultural
heritage of amazing Stone Age temples, a
magnificent legacy from the Knights of St
John, and a celebrated wartime history.
Dates:
04 - 11 May 2017 (£1295)
12 - 19 September 2017 (£1255)
Enjoy a balance of
leisure and interest on
this small, sunny
Mediterranean island
and explore its
surprising number of
World Heritage sites.
8 days:
from only
£1255
per person
Price includes: Seven nights 4-star hotel accommodation; all breakfasts, six evening
meals, plus two lunches in local restaurants; all excursion transport, entrances and
guiding; Specialist tour director; lectures; airport transfers. Single supplement £160.
Flights added on a personal basis - local airports and extended stays available.
Variety: Fascinating insights into a distant Neolithic world; Phoenician and Roman
influences; the Medieval gem of Mdina; the baroque masterpiece of the Knights of St
John in Valletta; and the Grand Harbour, a strategic naval base for centuries. Expertise:
Visits and talks led by a specialist tour director and a local guide. Easy pace: The small
size of Malta allows for easy travelling from a single hotel base. We have chosen the
perfect location and picked-out its best 4-star hotel.

“We had a lovely time; thank you”
ITINERARY
Day 1: You are met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel in Qawra. Your
tour director can help you get acquainted
with your surroundings.
Day 2: Malta contains an extraordinary
story of Neolithic archaeology in its 5000
year-old temples, tombs and artwork. We
explore it today by visiting the megalithic
structures at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra,
and we travel even further back in time to
the Ice Ages at Ghar Dalam cave.
Day 3: The islands capital, Valletta, was
built by the Knights of St John in 1570. Its
beautifully coherent Baroque architecture is
now of World Heritage status. Our walking
tour includes the Grand Master’s Palace,
Cathedral and National Archaeological
Museum, and fantastic views of the famous
Grand Harbour, which featured
prominently in both World Wars.
Day 4: The island of Gozo has a character
and beauty all of its own, and a day spent
enjoying its quiet charms is always fondly
remembered. We visit its lovely coastal bays,
its fine citadel in Victoria, and its Neolithic
temples at Gigantija, whose massive stone
monoliths are older even than Stonehenge.
Day 5: A half-day excursion to look at the
connection between temples and tombs in
Neolithic Malta. The mysterious
underground complex known as the
Hypogeum is thought to be a collective
tomb for those who worshipped at the
adjacent temples of Tarxien.
Day 6: Malta’s medieval gem is Mdina, a
tiny city of winding alleys and noble
palaces. Its remains date back to Roman
times, as you’ll discover in an excavated
Roman house and early Christian
catacombs. Nearby we also see the best
examples of Malta’s enigmatic cart ruts at
‘Clapham Junction’.
Day 7: A mornings walking tour of the
‘Three Cities’ takes us through historic,
hidden streets clustered around Galley
Creek, where the Knights of St John built
their first base in Malta.
Day 8: You will be transferred from your
hotel to the airport for your flight home, or
stay longer and make the most of your time
in Malta.

APHRODITE’S CYPRUS:
NORTH & SOUTH
Dates:
29 March - 05 April 2017 (£1295)
11 - 18 October 2017 (£1245)
Uniquely, this two-centred tour stays in both the
Greek south and the Turkish north of the island,
allowing full appreciation of this haven for
archaeological travel. Explore 10,000 years of
human history amid the natural beauty of
Aphrodite's island.
Now is a perfect time to see
its numerous World
Heritage sites, from early
Neolithic villages to Greek
and Roman cities and
spectacular Crusader castles.
8 days:
from only
£1245
per person
Price Includes: Seven nights 4-star hotel accommodation (4 in South Cyprus, 3 in North
Cyprus); all breakfasts and evening meals; all excursion transport, entrances and guiding;
Specialist tour director; airport transfers; financial guarantee. Single supplement £195.
Rich and significant archaeology: See one of the world's best preserved Neolithic
villages, discover the copper centre of the Bronze Age Mediterranean, stroll around the
ruins of once flourishing ancient cities, admire the world famous mosaics of Paphos, and
follow the story of the Crusades in superbly-sited castles. Expertise: Led by a specialist
tour director and local guides; illustrated lectures. Hotels: 4 nights in Limassol and 3
nights in Kyrenia, both great hotels in great locations. Flight flexibility: Choose your
preferred flight options from as little as £150 return.

ITINERARY
"Having been touring archaeological sites in many parts
of the world for +50 years, I can honestly say that your
2016 Cyprus tour was outstanding in my experience!"
Day 1: You are met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel in Limassol.
Your tour director can help you get
acquainted with your surroundings.
Day 2: We begin with 9000-year-old
Khirokitia, one of the world’s best
preserved Neolithic villages. Continuing
to Larnaca, we explore the ancient
Phoenician remains and visit the Pierides
Museum, which gives a fine introduction
to Cypriot archaeology.
Day 3: This morning is dedicated to
Kourion, one of the most impressive and
extensive archaeological sites of Cyprus
with an abundance of Greek and Roman
remains, and a beautiful setting
overlooking the sea. We then enjoy a
leisurely afternoon in the old town of
Limassol, with its attractive seafront and
harbour, and interesting castle and
museum.
Day 4: A feast of World Heritage today
at Paphos, including: magnificent Roman
mosaics which rank amongst the best in
the world; the elaborately sculpted
Hellenistic ‘Tombs of the Kings’; and
the revered Sanctuary of Aphrodite at
Palaeopaphos, possibly the most
significant religious site on the island. We
also see the famous rock where legend
placed the birth of goddess Aphrodite.
Day 5: Transfer to North Cyprus today,
travelling via the island’s present capital
of Nicosia. Still a divided city but now
more relaxed than ever, we include a tour
of its historic Old Quarter, impressive
Venetian walls and fascinating
Archaeology Museum. Crossing the
famous ‘Green Line’ we complete the
short drive to our hotel in beautiful
Kyrenia.
Day 6: Kyrenia has a delightful setting
on the north coast, nestling around its
old harbour and castle. We also visit
two nearby sites which epitomise the
medieval heritage of Cyprus: the
precariously-perched St Hilarion Castle,
once home to the Crusader kings of the
island; and the beautiful Bellapais
Abbey, a Gothic treasure in a peaceful
mountain village.
Day 7: Heading east we explore the
ancient city of Salamis, founded as far
back as the Trojan Wars, and one of the
largest city kingdoms of ancient Cyprus.
In nearby Famagusta we find Venetian
fortifications and Gothic churches
interwoven with present Turkish culture
as living testament to the ‘East meets
west’ heritage of Cyprus.
Day 8: You will be transferred from your
hotel to the airport for your flight home,
or why not stay longer in Cyprus?

POMPEII & THE
BAY OF NAPLES
This is archaeology at its most vivid and compelling. Enjoy a
well-informed introduction to Pompeii and to the
magnificent Bay of Naples region, a landscape where nature
and culture are spectacularly interwoven.
A well-paced, scholarly pick of the
region's unrivalled Roman archaeology
with extraordinary insights into
Roman life, fabulous scenery and a
vibrant local culture.
Dates:
27 May - 03 June 2017 (£1245) and 02 - 09 September 2017 (£1195)
8 days
from only
£1195
per person
Price includes: Seven nights hotel accommodation based in the beautiful Sorrento
penninsular within easy reach of local amenities; all breakfasts and one 3-course evening
meal; all excursion transport, entrances and guiding; specialist tour director; lectures;
airport transfers; financial guarantee. Single supplement £190. Half-board option:
Include more evening meals for only £16 per night.
Balanced itinerary: The famous sites and some lesser-known gems in a mix of full and
shorter days with time to do more or just relax, as you please. Expertise: Specialist tour
director and local guides to bring it all together for you. Flexibilty: Choose your board
basis, fly from an airport of your choice and extend your stay.

ITINERARY
Day 1: You are met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel. Your tour director
can help you get acquainted with your
surroundings.
Day 2: Visit Paestum for a magnificent
introduction to the archaeology of the
region. Its splendidly preserved Greek
temples are amongst the finest from the
ancient world and testimony to the Greek
influence on Roman culture. In the evening
enjoy an included dinner in the hotel and an
illustrated lecture from your tour director.
Day 3: Herculaneum, like Pompeii, was
buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
in 79 AD. We get intimate insights into a
colourful, close-knit community enjoying
life in a favoured seaside location. The
nearby Villa Oplontis has stunning wall
frescoes, and likely belonged to the emperor
Nero's second wife.
Day 4: Pompeii is one of the world’s most
important archaeological sites and our
comprehensive guided tour will bring it
vividly back to life. We dedicate the whole
day to Pompeii so you will also have time to
explore independently, wander through the
ancient streets and fully enjoy the
experience of being there.
Day 5: Naples reached its zenith as a royal
capital of Renaissance and Bourbon kings
and is now a fascinating, teeming
metropolis. We pay particular attention to
the wonderful exhibits in the National
Archaeology Museum, principal home for
the antiquities from Pompeii and the region.
Day 6: In Roman times Pozzuoli was the
largest town of the region and its
amphitheatre is particularly interesting.
The coastline from here to Cape Misenum
was the most prestigous and fashionable
part of the Bay of Naples, and the main
naval base for the Roman fleet. Pliny the
Younger witnessed the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius from here, and Robert Harris's
novel on Pompeii found inspiration from
the huge water cisterns. At Baiae we see
one of the grand villas that the rich and
famous had built here.
Day 7: With so many things to see, a
free/optional day works very well - your
tour director can help with ideas such as
joining an excursion to Capri, Vesuvius or
Amalfi. Or just relax and enjoy the area.
Day 8: You will be transferred from your
hotel to the airport for your flight home, or
why not stay longer in Italy?

MINOAN CRETE
AND SANTORINI
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.
This is where European civilisation
first emerged around 2000 BC
producing a fascinating array of
Bronze Age sites and a deeprooted
mythology which includes
the birth of Zeus, the Minotaur
and Atlantis.
9 days
from only
£1295
per person
Dates: 18 - 26 May 2017 (£1345) and 21 - 29 September 2017 (£1295).
Price includes: Eight nights 4-star hotel accomodation; all breakfasts and evening meals;
two lunches in traditional restaurants; all excursion transport, entrances and guiding;
specialist director; lectures; airport transfers; financial guarantee. Single supplement £160.
Bespoke itinerary: Perfectly designed to explore Minoan archaeology’s fantastic Bronze
Age sites and artistic wealth, visiting famous sites such as Knossos and Phaistos and
enjoying special-access to lesser-known sites, and a wider exploration of Crete and the
beautiful island of Santorini. Expertise: Led by a specialist tour director and a local
guide. Hotel: Traditional Cretan architecture set in quiet surroundings by the sea with
sandy bays, two pools and a beautiful, spacious garden. Flight flexibility: Local airports
and extended stays available. Flights from as little as £150 return.
Hidden Historians exploring Mount Juktas, Oct 16.

"We recently went on the Hidden History tour of Crete
and Santorini and would recommend it to everyone"
ITINERARY
Day 1: Met on your arrival at Heraklion and
transferred to your nearby hotel (30 mins).
Day 2: An introductory lecture followed by
a guided viist to the nearby Minoan palace
of Malia will get you acquainted with
Cycladic archaeology. Then enjoy a scenic
drive to the Lasithi Plateau with fabulous
views of this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Day 3: A guided tour of the magnificent
galleries of Crete's National Archaeology
Museum displays the achievements and
artistry of the Minoan Age. We also explore
Heraklion, present capital of Crete, and
have special-access to the Minoan villa at
Nirou Khani.
Day 4: A day exploring southern Crete,
filling-out our picture of the Minoan
landscape and visiting the important palace
of Phaistos, the attractive seaside town of
Matala and the ruins at Gortyn, Crete's
Roman and early Christian capital.
Day 5: The preceding days have nicely
prepared us for Knossos, the most famous
and puzzling of the Minaon palaces. We
include an exploration of its peak sanctuary,
Mount Juktas, with special-access to the
temple of Anemospilia and cemetery of
Phourni, and an included lunch in the
traditional village of Archanes.
Day 6: A 2-hour sailing to the volcanic
island of Santorini, one of the most
beautiful and spectacular islands of the
Mediterranean with one of the best
preserved archaeological sites - the recently
re-opened Akrotiri. Our day on the island
also includes a visit to the Thira
Prehistoric Museum to see the famous
Akrotiri frescoes.
Day 7: Enjoy a boat ride and tour
Spinalonga Island, subject of Victoria
Hislop's novel, and relax over lunch in the
small port town of Elounda. We also visit
an archaeological gem at Gournia, a
surprisingly well preserved Minoan town.
Day 8: Our final highlight is a visit to the
Ideon Cave, the highest and most revered
of all of Crete's ancient sites. Considered
the birthplace of Zeus, it is set in majestic
mountain scenery where we also include a
traditional Cretan lunch before an early
afternoon return to the hotel.
Day 9: You will be transferred from your
hotel to the airport for your flight home, or
why not stay longer in Crete?

SICILIAN CIVILISATIONS
A wealth of ancient and historic treasures awaits you in
an enchanting land of sun-drenched vineyards,
sparkling clear seas, vibrant cities, sleepy villages and
unrivalled cuisine. Famous for its colourful culture and
seductive charms, Sicily has something for everyone.
This fertile island has flourished
through a succession of
civilisations to create a dazzling,
cosmopolitan heritage with some
of the finest art and architecture
in the entire Mediterranean.
12 days
from only
£1745
per person
Dates: 25 September - 06 October 2017.
Price includes: Eleven nights 4-star hotel accommodation; all breakfasts and 7 evening
meals (4 nights left free to enjoy local restaurants); all excursion transport, entrances and
guiding; specialist tour director; lectures; airport transfers; financial guarantee. Single
supplement £190. Flights available from as little as £150 return.
Diverse Treasures: Magnificent ancient Greek temples, rare Phoenician cities, stunning
Roman and Byzantine mosaics, multi-cultural Arab-Norman art and architecture, and
Baroque masterpieces all create a wonderful archaeological and historical journey.
Expertise: A specialist tour director supported by selected site guides to ensure you get
the most from your stay. Flexibility: Local airports and extended stays available.

ITINERARY
Day 1: You are met on your arrival at
Catania and transferred to your hotel (45
min).
Day 2: A guided tour of Syracuse, once
the most famous and powerful of the
Greek cities of Sicily and now a beautiful,
honey-hued mix of ancient and historic
buildings.
Day 3: A scenic day in the mountains near
Syracuse, visiting the impressive prehistoric
necropolis at Pantalica and the ancient
Greek city of Akrai.
Day 4: A treat in store at the huge Roman
villa of Piazza Armerina, world-famous
for its stunning mosaics. Nearby, the
charming site of Morgantina has a fine
Greek agora. Continue to your hotel in
Agrigento.
Day 5: A stroll through the Valley of
Temples at Agrigento, renown for its
Greek temples. Plenty of time to enjoy the
site and its museum before moving on to
your hotel in Mazara del Vallo.
Day 6: A short boat trip to the island of
Motya for a rare chance to see an excavated
Pheonecian city, and a visit to nearby
Marsala, famous for its wine.
Day 7: The ancient city of Selinunte
flourished in the 5th century BC and is now
one of Sicily's most impressive and
extensive archaeological sites, enhanced by
a wonderful coastal location.
Day 8: Moving on from Sicily's south coast,
visit a magical mountain temple at Segesta
and the revered Norman Cathedral at
Monreale before settling into your hotel in
Palermo.
Day 9: A day exploring Sicily's colourful
capital, Palermo, with its splendid Norman
and Baroque heritage.
Day 10: A scenic drive along Sicily's north
coast, visiting the Norman Cathedral at
Cefalu as you transfer to your hotel near
Taormina/Naxos.
Day 11: A relaxed morning enjoying the
attractive town of Taormina with its
dramatically-sited ancient theatre. An
afternoon's optional trip the crater of
Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano
Day 12: You will be transferred to Catania
airport for your flight home, or why not
extend your stay in Sicily?

ROMNEY MARSH:
THE FIFTH CONTINENT
This is one of England's most intriguing regions, with a
rugged beauty and rich history filled with famous names,
fascinating stories and strange mysteries since the times of
Julius Caesar.
Local resident and professional
archaeologist, Dr Christopher Cole,
invites you on a unique 5-day tour
based in the famous Mermaid Inn,
Rye. You'll discover lost villages,
hidden churches, ancient ports,
notorious smugglers, literary greats
and much, much more.
5 days
from only
£625
per person
Limited to 15
participants per tour.
2017 Dates: 19 - 23 June, 17 - 21 July, 14 - 18 August 2017.
Price includes: Four nights accomodation; all breakfasts; a 3-course evening meal on the
first night; all transport, entrances and expert guiding. We have an allocation of single
rooms available with no single supplement - ask us for availability.
Character and interest: A unique group of Norman and Medieval churches, each with
their own fascinating story to tell; a prominent role in the defence of England since
Roman times; a distinguished cultural heritage; and a notorious history of smuggling.
Local knowledge: Dr Cole's
passion for and knowledge of
the Marsh, its people and its
history, give this tour an
especially intimate insight.
Hotel: The historic Mermaid
Inn in the heart of one of
England's oldest towns offers
a truly unique experience; an
authentic Tudor buiding
enhanced by modern
comforts, friendly service and
The Mermaid Inn, Rye.
fine food and wine.

"We went on 3 short
UK tours this year and
undoubtedly enjoyed
this one the best"
ITINERARY
Day 1: Make your way to the charming small
town of Rye, on England's south coast.
Check-in at the Mermaid Inn and meet your
tour leader, Dr Christopher Cole, for an
early evening walking tour of Rye, followed
by a 3-course evening meal.
Day 2: Get a feel for the landscape and
heritage of Romney Marsh with a drive
across its length to explore the eastern half.
We visit the tiny hamlet of Burmarsh,
whose church of All Saints was
commissioned by William the Conqueror’s
half-brother in the 12th century. At
Eastbridge we discover our first lost village
of the Marsh, and at Newchurch we find a
peaceful village green, a leaning church
tower and an important RAF history. Stop
for lunch in St Mary-in-the-Marsh, and
conclude the day with a visit to the colourful
seaside village of Dymchurch, with its
glorious sandy beach, rich history and tales
of smuggling remembered in the Dr Syn
stories of local author Russell Thorndyke.
Day 3: At Fairfield we find the most iconic
of Romney Marsh’s hidden churches,
standing alone in a field and sole survivor of
the lost village it once served. Nearby in the
quiet village of Brookland, the Church of St
Augustine offers a unique octagonal,
wooden bell tower, and a splendid local pub.
In the afternoon we explore the market
town of Hythe, one of the jewels of the
Kentish coast with its historic centre and
Victorian seafront promenade. Of particular
interest is the Church of St Leonard’s,
famous for its crypt housing thousands of
human bones and skulls, the largest
collection in Britain and said to be men
killed at the Battle of Hastings.
Day 4: The landscape history of the Marsh
is a dramatic story of interaction between
people and the sea. The town of Lydd was
once an island and its impressive church is
one of the longest and tallest in Kent. But
it's in the small village of Ivychurch that we
find the so-called ‘Cathedral of Romney
Marsh’. Finally, we explore Old and New
Romney and the lost village of Hope that
lies between them. Romney harbour
disappeared virtually overnight in the Great
Storm of 1287, and the Church of St
Nicholas still has mooring rings in its walls
where ships were once tied up. Founded in
1066, it is one of the oldest Norman
structures in England and may have been
the final resting place of King Harold, after
his death in the Battle of Hastings.
Day 5: Check-out after a leisurely breakfast
and make your way home. Or why not stay
longer and explore some more?

EAST ANGLIA:
ORIGINS OF ENGLAND
Experience a live excavation and explore the rich lands of
Suffolk and Norfolk, an area steeped in the tribal origins of
England and brimming with an unmatched medieval heritage.
Discover England’s ‘Valley of the
Kings’ at Sutton Hoo, its ‘Jerusalem’
at Little Walsingham, and get on site
with archaeologists at Sedgeford.
Unearth the story of the Anglo-
Saxons, the origins of the English
village, Norman lordships, Christian
saints and pilgrims, and the creation
of Medieval England.
6 days
from only
£699
per person
Limited to 20
participants per tour.
Dates: 23 - 28 July 2017 and 30 July - 04 August 2017.
Price includes: Five nights 4-star hotel accomodation with all breakfasts, a 3-course
evening meal on the first night and lunch with the archaeologists on day 4; all transport,
entrances and guiding for excursions; two specialist lecturers and selected site guides. We
have secured a reduced supplement of £175 for single occupancy of double rooms.
A unique opportunity: Includes a fascinating day on an excavation getting to know the
field techniques used and the latest discoveries being made; coupled with a wider
exploration of the region's unrivalled Anglo-Saxon and medieval sites, and a strong focus
on the themes of the period. Expertise: Led by medieval specialist Dr Martin Locker
with extra input from excavation director Dr Neil Faulkner and selected site guides.
Hotel: The St Giles
House Hotel is an
elegant boutique hotel in
a Grade II* listed
building in the heart of
Norwich. It is ideally
located with comfortable
rooms and period
features.
Castle Acre Priory

On­site with archaeologists at Sedgeford.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Make your way to the fine historic
city of Norwich, capital of Norfolk. Checkin
to your city centre hotel and meet your
tour leader for an introductory lecture and
an included 3-course evening meal.
Day 2: Norwich was one of medieval
England's most important cities and is now
one of its best preserved. Discover it this
morning on a walking tour through its
winding, cobbled streets and visit its
magnificent Norman cathedral and castle.
After lunch head to the nearby Norfolk
coast to see Burgh Castle, one of
England's best examples of a Roman shore
fort built to repel Anglo-Saxon invaders.
Day 3: Today is focused on England's most
important Anglo-Saxon site - Sutton Hoo,
the richest burial ever found in northern
Europe. Dating from the 7th century AD it
is the ancestral burial ground of the warriorkings
who forged the kingdom of England.
Enjoy a guided walk around the burial
mounds and see the excavated treasures in
an award-winning exhibition, including a
full-size reconstruction of the main ship
burial and its glittering crown jewels.
Day 4: A day on site with the archaeologists
at Sedgeford will show you the excavation
process, the field techniques and the latest
discoveries. The excavation's director will
give you a private guided tour of the active
dig, and talk about the aims and significance
of the project. There will be practical,
hands-on sessions with the excavation and
recording of finds and we even include a
picnic lunch with the diggers.
Day 5: Two visits today explore the manors
and monasteries that dominated everyday
life in medieval England. Since 1061
Walsingham has been one of the holiest
places in England. It was one of the four
great shrines of medieval Christendom and
remains a place of pilgrimage to this day. At
Castle Acre the impressive motte-and-bailey
castle, extensive priory ruins and pretty
walled town constitute one of the best
examples of a Norman settlement in the
whole country.
Day 6: The final morning is an opportunity
to see a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village
at West Stow. Rebuilt on the site of their
excavation this collection of timber
buildings is a vivid illustration of the period
and an important centre for experimental
archaeology. Return to Norwich by early
afternoon and make your way home.

HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your place on a tour you can simply telephone or email us.
You can also book online or send us the reservation form by post.
We can then confirm availability and discuss your requirements.
Reservation
You will benefit from early reservation. Tours have minimum and maximum numbers of
participants and we aim to confirm minimum numbers as far ahead as possible. Early
reservation ensures your place, guarantees you the best available price and facilitates
earlier confirmation of the tour. Once a tour is confirmed, further places can quickly
become limited by our group size policy, flight and hotel room availability.
Payment
Early reservation carries no financial commitment as we do not ask for any payment until
a tour is confirmed. Once confirmed we may ask for a deposit of £250 per person to
secure your booking. Payment can be made by telephone with credit/debit card, or by
cheque or online bank transfer. Credit card payments are subject to a 1.5% surcharge.
Financial Protection
Hidden History Travel is a member of the Travel Trust Association. This means that any
payment you make to us is protected by the association in order to pay for your holiday or
to reimburse you should we fail to provide it. It is the strongest consumer protection
available in the travel industry and gives you complete 100% financial protection for any
travel arrangements you make with us. Full booking conditions are available on our
website or by request.
Travel Extras
We can also supply your travel insurance, airport parking and airport hotel.
Online: www.hiddenhistory.co.uk
Email: enquiries@hiddenhistory.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 444 1854
Or mail a completed booking form to:
103 Addison Road, Birmingham, B14 7EP, UK

Book early for our best prices and to ensure your place.
“Everything was
well taken care of”

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WHY HIDDEN HISTORY?
Our name, Hidden History Travel, reflects the hidden nature of the past and how
travel can help us uncover the meanings, mysteries and insights behind its remains.
Dr Simon Butler, the founder of Hidden History Travel,
started leading archaeological tours some twenty years ago
as an extension of his work in professional archaeology. His
research and experience bring a keen understanding of how
to combine archaeology and travel into the most enriching
and enjoyable experiences.
As a specialist tour operator, we focus on the content and quality of our tours to
bring you truly wonderful and worthwhile travel at great value for money.
www.hiddenhistory.co.uk
enquiries@hiddenhistory.co.uk
Tel: 0121 444 1854
/hiddenhistorytravel
@hiddenhistory1
ATOL protected and TTA guaranteed.
103 Addison Road, Birmingham, B14 7EP, UK