13 Feb 7 Of The Most Fascinating Archeological Tours In The World
One of the best ways to learn history is to explore where people used to live. The world has breathtaking archeological sites that immerse you in these influential cultures. From the Americas to Africa, you won’t soon forget your hands-on experiences. Chanel and Stevo certainly haven’t – any regular readers remember their epic adventures through Jordan and Peru? Here are the seven of the best archeological tours worldwide.
Petra
Petra is the most popular destination in Jordan and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site drew over 900,000 visitors in 2022, securing its place among the top archaeological tours. When you visit Petra, you’ll be amazed by the centuries of history surrounding the ancient ruins. From temples to theaters, it’s a must-see historic city.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to see Petra, especially if you travel during the summer. These times provide an incredible backdrop for your views of the ruins. If your family likes hiking, Petra has numerous trails en route to tombs, gorges and other mesmerizing scenery. Soak in your time in the treasury, as it’s among the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever see. Check out Chanel and Stevo’s detailed recommendations here.
Machu Picchu
High in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a world-famous site you’ll encounter in southern Peru. This Inca citadel is an excellent destination if you want to connect with your spiritual side. Spending a day here makes it easy to lose yourself in the mysterious energy in the mountains. Some believe the Inca people built Machu Picchu as a sacred site or for military purposes.
When visiting Machu Picchu, seeing the Intihuatana stone is a must. This clock demonstrates the Inca’s intelligence, considering they likely used it for astrological and agricultural purposes. After touring the Temple of the Sun, head to the Royal Tomb that the Inca reserved for its nobles. Before you leave, try the Pisco sour cocktails and delicious corn snacks in nearby shops (and if you can snap a selfie with a llama, then you’ve got a hat-trick).
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
The most prominent archeological tours may have large crowds during the most popular times of the year. Where can you go for an exciting educational experience and have more time alone? The Great Zimbabwe National Monument is among the best in Africa. Once home to the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, these stone ruins embody the history of the Shona people.
Great Zimbabwe requires multiple days to soak in its greatness. The national monument has three parts — the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins. The Hill Ruins may be the best part of the ancient city, as it contains rubble-stone blocks and the residence of the kingdom’s former chiefs. While inhabitants abandoned the site in the 15th century, it’s worthwhile for archaeology enthusiasts.
Pompeii
Pompeii was once a prominent city in southern Italy, until ash from Mount Vesuvius covered the town. The city lay in the ash for centuries until excavation began in the mid-1700s. Excavation lasted for over four centuries, with advances in excavation technology allowing it to pick up in greater force in the late 20th century without the environmental risk from previous methods.
Now, it’s among the premier archeological sites worldwide. Pompeii demonstrates Roman ingenuity through early urban planning and well-constructed buildings. Of all the archeological wonders, it may be the most advanced. On your Pompeii tour, walk around the amphitheater to see where Romans played gladiator games and socialized. Then, explore the vineyard where Pompeii residents produced its world-famous wine.
Herculaneum
When you visit one archeological site, you rarely get another famous one nearby. Herculaneum is only a short train or bus ride from Pompeii, making it another must-see stop on your Italian vacation. This ancient city is just south of Naples, which is convenient if you need to stay close to the metro area. While underrated, it remains one of the world’s best archeological tours.
Like Pompeii, Herculaneum also fell due to a Mount Vesuvius eruption. The ancient city was famous for being a Roman getaway featuring numerous spas. Tour these buildings to see marble floors, ancient bath systems, and other old luxuries. Another Herculaneum staple is the Casa dei Cervi house, containing murals, statues and a gorgeous courtyard.
Athens
When crafting your archeological bucket list, Greece is hard to leave off. The country has thousands of years of history, centering around Athens. The capital city features weddings with loukoumades, once-in-a-lifetime museum experiences, and ancient ruins. Where should you head on your Greek archeological adventure? From the Acropolis of Athens to Delphi, the options are endless.
The Acropolis of Athens may be the most famous citadel that still stands. This landmark is hard to miss, as it sits atop Greece’s capital. While the trek is steep and challenging, it’s worth your time due to its striking history. Make time for the Theater of Dionysus, where Ancient Greeks watched tragic plays and hilarious comedies. Then, complete your trip with the Parthenon and its stunning white marble columns.
Teotihuacan
While Europe and Asia have a stronghold for ancient ruins, North America has worthwhile sites like Teotihuacan. This Mesoamerican city is just outside Mexico City and is one of the most significant archeological complexes worldwide. You may need a few days to appreciate the greatness of Teotihuacan. From the Temple of Quetzalcóatl to the Pyramid of the Moon, the area is a time machine to the past.
Start your Teotihuacan adventure on the Avenue of the Dead, which contains the homes of pre-Aztec rulers. For a hands-on experience, climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The steep stairs lead to the top, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient city. Before you leave, honor your trip with authentic tequila, considering its history with Mexico and the Aztecs.
Discovering Ancient History in Archeological Ruins
The world features history in every corner and numerous opportunities to travel to the past. Archeological ruins allow you to immerse yourself in ancient civilizations and how people lived. From Pompei to Petra, each site is unique and worth exploring.
Before you go, check the hours and when the crowds are the least prominent. You may enjoy your time more with fewer people on the site. It’s also necessary to check the weather and local climate. If you haven’t experienced Petra’s dryness or Machu Picchu humidity, these conditions may be unwelcoming.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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