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93 Ruins & Archaeology trips. Compare tour itineraries from 15 tour companies. 882 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
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Top Ruins & Archaeology Attractions
From ancient ruins to cultural treasures, our archeological tours promise captivating experiences that allow you to delve into the rich heritage of each destination, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
- Reaching the end of a long trek to savor your first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise
- Visiting Mexico's Chichen Itza to marvel at the ancient Mayans' command of astronomy
- Wandering the vast ruins of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex ever built
- Participating in a dig in the Utah desert, hunting for dinosaur bones
- Stopping at Egypt's ancient Luxor during a Nile River cruise to gaze in awe at the mammoth temples
- Passing through a narrow canyon to come upon your first view of Jordan's ancient Petra and its unforgettable red-rock Treasury
- Joining professional archaeologists on a tour through Arizona's Agua Fria National Monument, searching for prehistoric Native American artifacts
- Paying an early morning call to one of the remote, crumbling sections of the Great Wall of China
- Discovering the mystery behind Stonehenge, England
- Exploring the Caves of Longmen Grottoes in China
- Strolling through the ruins of the Roman Forum
- Exploring the temple and pagodas of Bagan, Burma
Ruins & Archaeology Tours & Travel Guide
Ruins & Archaeology Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Archaeological treasures, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflect the finest cultural achievements of ancient civilizations around the world.
The archeological and historical sites — Machu Picchu, Ephesus, Chichen Itza, the Parthenon, Angkor Wat, the Roman Forum, Luxor, Petra, Stonehenge, and Pompeii — are often associated with myths and legends, making them even more attractive for tourists around the globe.
Many history and archeology tours include these and other famous ruins and sites in their itineraries. Many such tour packages offer travelers opportunities to engage in some amateur archaeology themselves. Whether you "dig" ancient ruins and sites figuratively or literally, you can find a tour to breathe new life into your appreciation of their cultures, history, and heritage.
Top Archaeological Sites in Europe
Explore the rich European history and culture through the top archaeological sites of the continent. From the iconic ruins of ancient Greece to the architectural wonders of Spain and the captivating landscapes of Britain and Ireland, embark on a journey through time as you explore these remarkable destinations.
Following are some of the iconic sites you shouldn't miss during your archeological vacation in Europe:
Greece: The Acropolis (Athens), the island of Delos, Delphi, Epidaurus, Marathon, Mycenae, Olympia, Temple of Poseidon (at Cape Sounion)
Italy: The Colosseum, Forum, and Ostia Antica (Rome), Hadrian's Villa, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Agrigento, the old city of Siracusa, and Taormina's Greek theater (Sicily)
Britain: Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall
Ireland: Skellig Michael (island), Carrowmore
France: Lascaux caves (replica)
Spain: The Alhambra (Granada), The Great Mosque (Cordoba)
Croatia: Emperor Diocletian's Palace (Split)
Top Archaeological Sites in Asia
From the majestic temples of Cambodia to the ancient wonders of China, delve into the diverse cultures and civilizations that have left their mark on Asia's landscape. Exploring Asia's rich archaeological heritage is incomplete without these top sites spanning the continent.
Cambodia: Angkor Wat (Siam Reap)
China: Terracotta Army (Xian), The Great Wall
Japan: Kyoto's temples, Kasuga Shrine (Nara)
Indonesia: Borobudur
India: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Nepal: Lumbini, Changu Narayan
Top Archaeological Sites in the Middle East
The ancient civilizations of the Middle East have left a significant mark on the rest of the world. From the legendary city of Petra in Jordan to the historic sites of Israel and the ancient ruins of Turkey, immerse yourself in this region's rich history and cultural heritage at these sites.
Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Ummayad Palace
Israel: Temple on the Mount & Dome of the Rock, Old Jaffa Port, Western Wall, Old Jerusalem, Akko, Be'er Sheva
Turkey: Ephesus, Pergamo, Gobekli Tepe, Troy, Hattusha, Aphrodisias
Top Archaeological Sites in Africa
Uncover the ancient mysteries of Africa as you journey through its remarkable archaeological sites. From the majestic Pyramids of Egypt to the awe-inspiring ruins of Great Zimbabwe, each of the following places offers a glimpse into the continent's rich history and cultural heritage.
Egypt: the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, Temples of Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Abu Simbel (Aswan)
Tunisia: Roman amphitheater (El Djem)
Zimbabwe: Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Tanzania: Olduvai Gorge
Benin: Royal Palaces of Abomey
Top Archaeological Sites in Central and South America
Journey through the heart of Central and South America, from the legendary Machu Picchu in Peru to the enigmatic Moai statues on Easter Island in Chile and the towering pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala.
Peru: Machu Picchu
Chile: The Moai (Easter Island)
Guatemala: Tikal
Top Archaeological Sites in North America
Uncover the secrets of North America's rich heritage on your archeological vacation in the H3: Why You Need a Qualified Guide on Your Archaeology Vacationregion. From the towering pyramids of Chichen Itza to the ancient cliff dwellings of Canyon de Chelly, each site offers a fascinating glimpse into the continent's pre-Columbian civilizations.
Mexico: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Teotihuacan
United States: Cahokia Mounds (Illinois), Capitol Reef National Park and Horseshoe Canyon (Utah), Canyon de Chelly and Agua Fria National Monument (Arizona)
Canada: Writing on Stone Provincial Park (Alberta)
Why You Need a Qualified Guide on Your Archaeology Vacation
Unless you're a qualified expert in the exact sites you're visiting (and chances are, you're not), getting information on archaeological sites can be challenging. You should visit historical sites with a qualified tour guide knowledgeable about the sites on your itinerary.
Since the historical sites were built such a long time ago, you can barely imagine the context, and the wear and tear of time can also make them unrecognizable from their glorious past.
Going on an archeology tour with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to connect with the historic (and sometimes prehistoric) places.
Guided tours to ancient ruins and archaeological sites around the globe offer some of the best introductions to the often remarkable achievements of past cultures.
With a guide, you will be able to answer questions like:
- How did the ancient Mayans uncover their startling insights into astronomy that enabled them to predict when the spring and fall equinoxes would appear and produce special effects to mark the occasion?
- How did the ancient Egyptians build the Pyramids without modern technology?
- What evidence proves that dinosaurs once roamed the American West in great numbers?
- Are there still more ruins likely to be uncovered at the Roman Forum?
- How did ancient Easter Islanders move multi-ton stone statues miles away from their quarries?
- What is the mystery behind England's Stonehenge?
The possibilities are almost limitless, and you can make the most of your archeological tour in any part of the world with an expert guide.
Why Consider Joining an Archeological Tour?
Joining an archaeological tour offers numerous advantages — one of the most significant ones being the presence of a knowledgeable guide. Another benefit is connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about history, ancient civilizations, and cultural exploration.
Traveling with fellow enthusiasts fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides a forum for engaging discussions and shared experiences.
Additionally, archaeological tours often provide access to exclusive sites, behind-the-scenes experiences, and special events not available to independent travelers.
Participants can also benefit from the convenience of organized itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and logistical support, allowing them to focus on immersing themselves in the wonders of the past without the stress of planning and navigating on their own.
Ruins & Archaeology Reviews & Ratings
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...
Response from Odynovo February 2020
Dear Australian Traveller, Thank you for your trust and support! At Odynovo, we place customer sa...A
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...
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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?...
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fine, does what it says on the tin
An amazing experience, better than expected. The 2 days in Petra were fantastic and we saw everything. Just exploring Petra it is so vast. we had 2 leaders becaus...
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A week in Jordan
Excellent Trip - fulfilled all my expectations - our Guide Zuhair was superb. on our second day in Petra spending time chilling at the tea shack by the High Place o...
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