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Huayna Picchu rises high behind the Machu Picchu ruins during your Peru tour

Archaeological Site Visits & Tours

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From the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca civilizations of Latin America to the ruins of Greece, Rome, and the Mediterranean, to the pyramids of Egypt and the mysteries of Asia, these tours immerse you in history as you explore the ancient cultures and what remains of their societies on these tours that shine a light on archaeological exploration. Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the expansive complex at Angkor Wat, the Tikal Ruins, and the Great Pyramid are just a few of the fascinating destinations that await you on these entrancing archaeological adventures into the past. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your adventure!

Top 10 Archaeological Tours for 2025-2026

Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands

Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles

Edinburgh - Bergen
9 Days from $11,990
Prepare your binoculars and cameras to capture the stunning scenery of the nature and wildlife in both Norway and Scotland.This 9-day adventure aboard National Geographic Endurance truly brings out the best of the Arctic.
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St.Blaise Church, Dubrovnik

Italy, Montenegro & Croatia

Rome to Venice
12 Days from $3,070
Explore the Eastern Mediterranean on this 12-day cruise aboard the luxury tall ship the Royal Clipper. This round-trip cruise departs from Rome, Italy, and visits Montenegro, Sicily, Croatia, and Greece. You'll see the architectural highlights and historic ruins, snorkel in the Pontine Islands, and enjoy the delicious and varied local cuisine.
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Hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu

7 Days from $2,276
This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the Inca capital of Cusco, the Sacsayhuamán Ruins, and Sacred Valley before taking the train to marker 104 km and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (no advance 4-day trail permit required!).
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Explore Machu Picchu

Classic Peru Group Tour

Small Group Departure
7 Days from $1,334
Get to know other travelers on this seven-day Peruvian group trip. Begin in Lima, visit the Sacsayhuamán Inca ruins near Cusco, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, and finish in the city of Ollantaytambo. Finally, take a train to Machu Picchu and explore the spectacular Inca ruins for two days.
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Walking in Santorini

Southern Cyclades

Roundtrip Piraeus
8 Days from $2,410
Set sail for 8 days on the Star Flyer, exploring historic Aegean ports from Piraeus to Rhodes and Bodrum while enjoying stunning views in Santorini and Hydra. Experience local culture, cuisine, and relaxation, culminating in a memorable return to Piraeus.
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Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador

Ecuador North to South

8 Days from $1,957
This tour of Ecuador offers visitors some of the most stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity on the continent. Wander the cobblestone streets of colonial Quito, experience indigenous cultures near Cotopaxi and Quilotoa volcanoes, ride the panoramic Nariz del Diablo train, explore Inca ruins and colonial Cuenca before finishing our trip in Guayaquil.
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The towering cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

Mediterranean & Morocco: Palma de Mallorca - Casablanca

Palma de Mallorca - Casablanca
10 Days from $8,020
This 10-day cruise starts in the gorgeous city of Palma de Mallorca and sails all the way to the enchanting city of Casablanca. Discover the historical legacy, architecture, and culture of this unique region as you explore World Heritage Sites, old cities, and the beaches along the Spanish coast.
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Handling an urchin while snorkeling at Turneffe Flats

Belize Explorer

Ambergris Caye
8 Days from $2,403
On this spectacular 8-day tour of Belize, you'll explore the Belizean rainforest spotting wildlife, visiting Mayan ruins such as Tikal, caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, and end your Belize vacation relaxing on the beach and snorkeling at Ambergris Caye.
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Boats on a Phuket beach

Best of Thailand

10 Days from $2,238
Your 10-day Thailand adventure begins in Bangkok, then covers the main highlights of the region including temple visits, local markets, the Elephant Nature Park, city tours, and a beach stay in Phang Nga Bay. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonder of this country.
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Ta Prohm in Angkor Wat

Siem Reap Highlights

4 Days from $541
Explore the temples of Siem Reap on this 4-day extension tour of Cambodia, from the boutique Natura Resort. Visit the Roluos Group temples, along with the forested Ta Prohm and Banteay Srey. Conclude your trip with an excursion to legendary Angkor Wat and the ruins of the magnificent Khmer Empire in the heart of a lush jungle.
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Top 6 Archaeological Sites and Ruins in Peru

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Machu Picchu views

Machu Picchu
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destination
Camping along the Inca Trail

Inca Trail
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Ollantaytambo Ruins in Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley
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Open grave cemetery in Nazca

Nazca
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Ollantaytambo ruins in the Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo
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Choquequirao

Choquequirao
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Peru Archaeological Tours & Ancient Sites Travel Guide

Exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Travel Guide 2022

This article explains what you should know before visiting Machu Picchu in 2025. Including the newly established tourist circuits, COVID-19 protocols, entrance tickets, and prices.
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Machu Picchu Highlights

Don't miss these mind-boggling ruins within Machu Picchu:
  • Intihuatana - hitching post of the sun
  • Sacred Plaza
  • Main Gate (original entrance) & Quarries
  • Dry Moat & Long Staircase
  • Temple of the Sun & Royal Tomb
  • Mortars & Temple of the Condor
Gallavanting around Peru

The Way to Machu Picchu

Most travelers to Peru know about the Inca Trail, but what about the more impressive (and challenging) hikes like the Salkantay trek, the Choquequirao trek, and the Cachiccata Trail were all built by the Incas and used for hundreds of years before travelers arrived.
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Exploring Machu Picchu ruins

Hikes at Machu Picchu: Should I Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu are two of the best places to get a bird's eye view of the magnificent ruins, but which hike is best? Deciding which trail is right for you depends on how much you enjoy physical activity and heights, as well as avoiding crowds.
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Video of Machu Picchu and Inca Empire Archaeological Tour

Top 3 Ancient Sites & Ruins in Central America & Mexico

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Tikal Ruins
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Chichen Itza Pyramid on the Yucatan peninsula

Chichen Itza
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Sunset in ancient Mayan city of Tulum

Tulum
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Archaeological Travel Guide of Central America & Mexico

The central acropolis of the Maya ruin site Tikal

The Famed Ruins of Tikal

Explore the impressive architecture and ancient culture of the Mayan civilization. Here's a look at what you can expect to see and experience on a Guatemala tour to the Mayan ruins of Tikal in the El Peten region. It is a MUST on any trip to this country that is rich with history and heritage.
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The central acropolis of the Maya ruin site Tikal

Guatemala Tours: Fun Facts About Tikal Ruins

Hidden within Guatemala's El Peten jungle is Tikal, the largest ruined city of the Maya Classic Period. The site encompasses at least 3,000 buildings including temples that loom above the forest.
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Tikal Ruins Facts

300 BCE: Settlement began
300-850 CE: High points of Tikal
900 CE: The city is abandoned and the jungle reclaims it.

Tikal was a prominent Mayan metropolis, a hub of politics, science, religion, and society.

Tikal's abandonment: The Maya empire ruled for almost a thousand years, and while Tikal remained the capital for much of that time, other cities vied for control. Although Tikal recovered from multiple disasters when warring Maya royals took governmental power to another city, it was abandoned in the late 9th century.

Greek Archaeological Vacation Video

Angkor Wat Archaeological Trip Video

Asia Archaeological Sites Travel Guide

Angkor Wat's Highlights

Cambodia's sprawling Angkor Wat temples make up the world's biggest religious complex, covering 400 acres and going back to the 12th century. They're one of the most popular places to visit in Southeast Asia.

As soon as you arrive in Siem Reap, you have a few days to explore the area around Angkor Wat to learn about the temple's history, the unique and identifiable Khmer architecture, and the temple's sacred significance in Hinduism.

Angkor Wat translates as "Temple City" in Khmer, and this fittingly titled complex allows tourists to learn about local cultures, traditions, and cuisines.
  • Take in traditional Cambodian music and dance.
  • Pay a visit to a workshop where children are being taught Khmer arts.
  • Take a tuk-tuk ride (motorized rickshaw).
  • Take a stroll through Angkor's night market.
Aerial view of Angkor Wat

Brief Introduction to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is perhaps the most recognizable area of Cambodia. The famous Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious monument in the world, is located here. Once the seat of power for the great Khmer Empire, this area is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Get a first-hand glimpse of Cambodia's history and culture.
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Top 2 Archaeology Travel to Egypt for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Classic Egypt Tour $2,826 8 Apr 22, 2025 Join this 8-day Egyptian journey, starting in Cairo with visits to the Giza Pyramids. Fly to Luxor to explore its temples and tombs before setting sail on a serene Nile cruise. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, Karnak Temple, and more. Sail to Aswan, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu for tours of these iconic temples.
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Nile River Explorer $8,196 10 Apr 22, 2025 Cruise the Nile aboard a luxuriously-outfitted riverboat and visit some of the world's greatest archaeological sites. The Pyramids of Giza are the only survivors of the Ancient World's Seven Wonders.
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Egypt Archaeological Sites Travel Guide

A group of camels rests in front of the Giza pyramids

History and Geography of Egypt

Exploring the intriguing sites of Egypt is a literal trip through ancient history. Just a few examples of what travelers can see are the Great Pyramids, (one of the seven wonders of the world), as well the homes of Tutankhamun, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony.
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Egyptian Ancient Sites

In each city in Egypt, you will see enormous pyramids, temples, and monuments ascending to the heavens in homage to the ancient gods. Your journey will transport you back in time as you explore magnificent locations such as:

Cairo & Giza: As the modern capital of this ancient country, Cairo is home to the vast Egyptian Museum and serves as an excellent base for tours of Giza, which is home to the pyramids and the world-famous Sphinx.
Aswan: Known mostly for the Aswan Dam, this city also has the archaic temples of Philae.
Luxor: Known in ancient times as "Thebes," this was one of the pharaohs' principal capitals, and it is here that you will visit the haunting Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the Nile River's West Bank.
Sail through the Suez Canal, a waterway that connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
Kom Ombu & Edfu: You will see two temples here: the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Kom Ombu, which is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek.

Archaeological Trips Traveler Stories

Machu Picchu
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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Traveling Southeast Asia
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