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.

Exceptional new tours of South and Central America

Scenic Tours have just released their new 2012 South America brochure showcasing exceptional journeys which combine luxury land touring with unique cruising experiences.
As many places in South America are only accessible by ship, Scenic Tours have created a range of unique itineraries, taking guests to some of the most incredible places on earth. All ships are like luxury floating hotels featuring fine dining, elegant décor, impeccable hospitality and exclusive private balconies suites. Choose from a luxury wilderness expedition to the far reaches of the Amazon jungle, cruise to the Galapagos Islands - the greatest wildlife sanctuary on earth, explore the majestic beauty of dramatic Antarctica, discover the spectacular Chilean Fjords and Cape Horn, or journey through the famous Panama Canal.
By land, Scenic Tours itineraries offer a unique insight into South America first hand. Guests can choose from a fantastic range of activities, such as an inspiring Peruvian cooking class, a visit to a local Andean village school and exploring the Brazilian Tijuca Forest by jeep. An array of magnificent scenery will also delight the senses and the famous icons of Iguazu Falls, the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the vibrant cities of Rio and Buenos Aires won’t disappoint.
Each Scenic Tours hotel is selected to enhance the holiday experience, with properties chosen for their luxurious accommodation and amazing location. One such special stay is the Hotel das Cataras by Orient Express. This remarkable hotel is perfectly situated at Iguazu Falls and is the only hotel located within the National Park and offers spectacular views.
Scenic Tours portfolio of luxury journeys range from 20 to 35 days duration and deliver the ultimate touring experience of South America. To celebrate the release of their new 2012 South America brochure, Scenic Tours are offering Partner Fly Free Return including taxes deals to South America on selected tours, hurry offers ends 31 October 2011.

Machu Picchu tests the body and mind

We rode our horses up the adjacent cliffs along grassy hillsides and fields of maize until we arrived at Moray. Moray is a deep, amphitheaterlike structure carved out of the earth. Many researchers believe it to be some form of an Inca crop laboratory. Each leveled terrace is a microclimate all determined by the elevation and angle of the sun. Visitors are allowed to climb down each terrace at leisure and venture all the way to the bottom.

The end of our ride led us to the village of Maras and a personal walking tour by our guide. We were introduced to two researchers who were finding ways to improve irrigation techniques and help farmers in the area be self-sufficient and profitable. Throughout the village we were greeted by friendly Peruvians, including Albizu's father, who were very hospitable and honored we had spent time learning about their culture.

Machu Picchu

The excursion to Machu Picchu begins in the small village of Aguas Calientes. A three-hour train ride from the outskirts of Cuzco takes you to this tiny town nestled between the Andes along a winding river gorge. The only point of entry to Machu Picchu caters to tourists. Colorful restaurants and souvenir shops are stacked on top of each other to create a maze of entertainment along the banks of the river. Backpackers stroll leisurely through steep cobblestone walkways. Michael and I immediately bought two days' worth of tickets to Machu Picchu - one for the afternoon and another to watch the sunrise and see the fog lift the next day.

The bus trip up the mountain to get to the ruins is not for the faint of heart. The unpaved switchbacks are often muddy and have no guardrails to offer protection along steep cliffs. Once you "survive" the bus ride and wait in the entrance line, the ruins are all yours to explore.

Machu Picchu is surrounded by mountains of lush vegetation and is nestled at an elevation of 7,900 feet between steep peaks. The site was abandoned and forgotten, but never discovered by the Spanish. It was rediscovered by American archeologist Hiram Bingham, who was guided to it by local residents in 1911. Researchers believe the area must have been of high importance due to the intricate architecture and massive size of the city. The Temple of the Sun, the only round building in the ruins, was built for astrological purposes. The Intihuatana stone determined precise dates of the solstices and equinoxes. Structures such as the Temple of the Condor, House of the High Priest and Sacristy were used for ceremonial rituals. One must reserve an entire day to truly appreciate each section of the ruins.

Wayna Picchu

On day two of our Machu Picchu exploration, Michael was determined to get me to hike up Wayna Picchu, the famously steep mountain that serves as the beautiful backdrop to Machu Picchu. We heard the climb was difficult and only for the physically fit. After meandering through the ruins in the morning fog and drizzle, I did not want to chance the nearly 1,200-foot climb up to Wayna Picchu. The trail is slippery, muddy and on that morning, cloaked in fog. The trail isn't supported with rails; a few cables are attached to the side of the mountain and are used for support in the steepest areas of the climb.

To add to the scariness of the climb, only 400 visitors are allowed during the day - 200 in the morning and 200 in the afternoon.

No matter how frightened I was, something inside me told me I needed to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Michael was thrilled. He gave me a reassuring hug and we walked up to the entrance. The little confidence I had built up quickly vanished after I was required to sign my name in the thick roster at the gate.

I started to shake. It was our turn to hit the trail after numbers 90 and 91 took the first steps. The hike started out easy enough. A simple walk across connecting trails to Wayna Picchu gave a beautiful view of the path ahead. Then we approached steep, slippery steps, followed by shear drop-offs. I concentrated on each step, dodging hikers coming back down the mountain. I often used my hands and knees to climb, grabbing the cables during difficult turns. I stopped once to sob and once to breathe. After an hour, we were finally to the top. The fog hadn't yet lifted, so we waited for the clouds to move, and for a few short seconds had an amazing view of the ruins.

As I climbed down the mountain with my legs shaking, a feeling of serenity came over me. Perhaps I became one with the spiritual world on that mountain top. I pushed the strength of my mind and body to the limit. My thoughts turned to the amazing Peruvian adventure we had experienced thus far. The friendly and proud Peruvian people drew us into their culture and in turn, changed my life for the better.

Canatur announces the 28th edition of Peru Travel Mart

Peru´s Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) has just released the details of the 2011 Peru Travel Mart (PTM), to be held in Lima between 15-18 May. The event will highlight the relevance of the Centenary of Machu Picchu on July 7th, in terms of expected number of visitors, hotel openings, and general industry developments. According to Peru’s Hotel Society (SHP), hotel investments will reach a historic record in 2011 totalling $482.5 million, a 324.5% rise compared to 2010.

Peru’s Tourism Board coordinator for Asia Pacific, Rosana Guinea says that Peru is undertaking a process of change, and becoming South America´s leading destination in new markets within the Asia Pacific. The country has just released a new global branding image, which aims to establish a brand for Peru internationally, promoting not only tourism, but also commerce and foreign investment.

“The investments and consequent developments undertaken by Peru in the last three years have opened doors for new markets focused on luxury travel or upmarket adventure with a cultural touch. These are exciting times for Peru, and the 2011 Travel Mart will be a good opportunity to showcase what our country has to offer internationally”, said Rosana.

Peru Travel Mart is the country´s most important promotional event, and a key meeting point for the Peruvian tour operators and representatives from all over the world.

“Peru Travel Mart 2011 will showcase new tourism products, and we invite Australian tour operators to join us and learn about new destinations within Peru, which will provide exciting alternatives to their product range”, added Rosana.

Lima, Peru: The 'City of Kings' reigns again

Once a place to leave as quickly as possible, Lima, the capital of Peru, is now showing off its many colonial and pre-conquistador glories, says Hugh Thomson.

Lima must have one of the most fabulous sunsets in the world. It helps, of course, that the city faces due west across the Pacific, so the setting sun can flood into the beaches and pick out the last surfers elegantly essaying a few lines.
Up above on the cliffs, paragliders spiral past the smoked-black windows of the nearby hotels, many of which have infinity pools on their rooftops.
It all seems very Californian. The crowds promenading along the seafront eating ice cream and taking in the spectacle have a prosperous feel. And Lima has been booming in recent years. Even the taxi drivers no longer have anything to complain about.
Peru, like neighbouring Chile and Brazil, has largely missed out on the worldwide recession, helped by strong mineral exports and a surprisingly conservative banking system. The Shining Path years – when the country was terrorised by Maoist revolutionaries – seem a distant memory.

Package touts 100 years since Machu Picchu’s unveiling

This summer marks 100 years since U.S. academic Hiram Bingham brought international attention to the Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru’s Andes mountains, and to celebrate the anniversary, Peru’s Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas chain is offering a special package.

Book one night at Libertador’s Palacio del Inka resort in the historic city of Cusco and two nights at Tambo del Inka, a new resort and spa in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, and you get an extra night free at Palacio del Inka.

The “100 Days” package offer also includes a full day tour of Machu Picchu, departing from Tambo del Inka’s onsite train station, as well as a spa treatment at Tambo del Inka in the valley and dinner for two at Palacio del Inka’s restaurant in Cusco.

The offer is valid for travel from June 1 to Sept. 9, for bookings made by July 30.

Rates for the package – including four-nights stay, tour and other amenities — start at $1,034 per person.

Tambo del Inka opened April 2010 as part of Starwood resort chain’s luxury collection, offering 128 rooms and suites, a full-service spa, two heated pools, its own train station to facilitate trips to Machu Picchu and views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River. The designer was Miami-based Arquitectonica.

Palacio del Inka is located in the heart of Cusco in front of the Koricancha or Sun Temple. It offers 254 rooms and suites, the Inti Raymi restaurant, a business center, shops, cafe, gym and other amenities.

To book the anniversary package, use code 100DAYS.