Feature: Top archaeological digs

You might not have thought about archaeological holidays as the perfect combination of sun and history. Well, you’re not alone. We were rather surprised by the vast selection of archaeology holidays that offer perfect sunshine as well as thought-provoking historical insights. Admittedly, many of us are now looking beyond the traditional beach holiday, instead we look for alternatives that offer adventure and inspiration.

Archaeological tours can range from bargain basement coach trips around the ruins of Greece to exotic adventures around the Mayan sites of Guatemala. As these trips are growing ever more popular with a large group of holidaymakers we thought that it was about time to look more closely at these tours. Who knows, we might actually learn something!

Human history has laid its mark on every region of the world and now we’re finding out how you can explore such marks. There have been colossal wars that have threatened the very ground we walk on. The vast achievements of civilisation from the great Pyramids of Egypt to the classical architecture and culture of the Renaissance have been an inspiration to the future countless times. World tourism now thrives on these sites.

Are these archaeological sites sunny you ask? But yes of course! It’s no coincidence that we call ourselves iWantSun.co.uk!

The ancient world revisited
Surprise, surprise…our dig into (no pun intended) archaeology holidays kicks off with the Pyramids of Egypt. The largest-made structures in the world and one of the most poignant and fascinating symbols of ancient civilization. Numbering around one hundred, the stone monuments located across the Nile valley date back as many as 5,000 years. A visit to the Pyramids is a must for everyone who has ever marvelled at the long history of this unique site.

After the recent unrest in the country, tour operators are slowly returning to the destination and Responsible Travel is offering a holiday that promises an insight into this fascinating ancient civilisation by taking travellers beyond the classic archaeological sites. Places such as Al Fayoum, the impressive workmen’s village on Luxor’s West Bank and the funerary temple of Ramses III are all included in the itinerary.

Work in progress
The north of Peru is only slowly opening up to tourism and doesn’t figure in most people’s idea of a Peruvian holiday. But that is all going to change if the number of sightseeing opportunities is anything to go by – and if we have a say in it! We can assure you that the reason for the lack of tourism in this part of the country is not for lack of things to see and do but more because when you’re up the road, so to speak, from Machu Picchu and Cusco it can easily be ignored.

But as people start to realise some of the unexplored gems there are to visit when you travel the ‘wrong way’ up the Pan-American highway. The north is definitely the place to be for history buffs as the whole sweep of Peruvian history is easily visible here, from pre-Inca Chan-Chan through to colonial Trujillo. While excavations at Huaca de la Luna and Chan-Chan are well underway, in places like Huaca del Sol they haven’t even started. So, here you can be part of a work in progress! The Real Peru is one of the few tour organisers travelling to this northern part of the country.

Once upon a time in Mexico
Although not the largest Mayan site in the region, some of the finest sculptures, architecture and bas-reliefs of the civilisation can be found at Palenque in Mexico. The vast complex in the state of Chiapas is filled with many large palaces and temples that are bound to transport you right back to the Mayan era. Surrounded by dense jungle, a trip to the spectacular temple ruins will also give you a chance to take in the mountainous valleys and visit the waterfalls at Agua Azul.

Last Frontiers is offering adventurous travellers the chance to explore many different aspects of Mexican culture by taking them beyond Mexico City and the excavations at Palenque. The two-week itinerary includes visits to a number of Indian villages, Maya ruins as well as the Caribbean coast.

And since you’re in Mexico why not head off to Cancun for some well-deserved relaxation-time on a sun lounger by the beautiful sea?

Angkor what? Oh, Angkor Wat…
The astounding temples of Angkor in Cambodia have marvelled visitors for several hundred years. A monumental experience and according to the experts, the Angkor Wat is a sight you must witness at least once in your lifetime. And you can do exactly this with Travel Indochina’s five-day tour of Angkor. Yes, five days – gives you plenty of time to explore some of the wonderfully pristine beaches of Cambodia! On this short journey you can watch the sun coming up over the majestic temples, near the lesser used eastern gate, to avoid the crowds of tourists. Also, off the beaten trail you will uncover the ruins of tree-covered Ta Prohm and imposing Bayon, as well as the highlights of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

This ancient Khmer civilisation dominated Southeast Asia in the ninth to 15th centuries. And this vast complex of ruins reveals just how sophisticated the culture actually was. Prepare to be both astonished and inspired!

It’s all Greek to me…
Greece has been home to one of the oldest civilisations in history and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Every civilisation has left a mark on this land, whether visible to the eye today or not, archaeologists have a very special interest in Greece and all the treasures it holds within – that’s why an archaeological holiday to Greece is the ideal way to discover the world that has been and learn a bit of ancient history! As an increasing number of people are interested in Greece’s rich culture and history, there are even more travel operators helping people to explore the secrets within this country. And Greeka.com is one of those operators!

From the ancient city of Athens, which hosts a large part of the archaeological sites you can visit in Greece, to the famous site of Delphi with the renowned oracle ‘the navel of Earth’, Greece is home to more archaeological sites that you will ever be able to pack into one holiday. So, why not take two Greek archaeological tours?! We haven’t even mentioned the Greek islands which also host many archaeological places, with the most famous being Delos, located opposite to Mykonos Island.