UNITED KINGDOM (UK)
The British Isles have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Evidence has been found from The Palaeolithic and Mesolithic (10,000 to 4,500 BC) periods, also known as the Old and Middle Stone Ages. Join us on a journey from then, through to Neolithic and Bronze Ages (4500 to 600 BC), Iron Age (1200 BC to 600 AD), Classical Period (when the Romans invaded), Medieval period to today!
Great Britain, or Roman Britannia, became the target of great general Julius Caeser, before he was rudely interrupted by political turmoil back in Rome, leading, ultimately to his brutal assassination on the Ides of March in 44 BC. Emperor Claudius returned 100 years later to complete what Caesar had started.
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TARAS' TIPS:
“Follow in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, from his first arrival off the coast of Dover, where he first encountered the Britons. Recent excavations have located the precise landing point of Caesar’s ‘invasion’ forces; the University of Leicester has conducted these excavation. Visit the site near Ramsgate guided by me and Clio to find out more! ”
Begin your trip by sailing along the coast of Dover, just as Caesar did, until you reach Ramsgate and Pegwell's Bay, where he landed. Then travel onwards to the mouth of the River Thames, visiting Richborough, Canterbury, Rochester, and then Colchester en route.
Following the path of the Roman development throughout the British Isles, leading you to London, the South West and beyond.
Stonehenge
THE UNITED KINGDOM
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ArchaeoMuse is proud to be an official Tour Operator for the Great West Way®!
We have launched our anticipated and dedicated Great West Way page (click here), full of exciting and compelling experiences!
Feature Trips for 2022
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History, Literary, and Culture.
May/June/July/August
Based in Wiltshire, Bath, and Dorchester, enjoy 9 days of exploration of the poetry and prose of Thomas Hardy and Jane Austen, two writers with strong connections to the Great West Way.
Visit the places mentioned in their works as well as the places that inspired them. Sample works:
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Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Bath
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Hardy’s Jude the Obscure
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Hardy’s poetry
We will also visit museums, archaeological sites, and galleries.
8 Nights From:
Including breakfasts, 4 dinners, educational materials, guides, coordinator for all transport, transfers, and accommodation.
Thomas Hardy Experience
May to October
Based in Dorset and Wiltshire, with an optional extension to Bath.
Join ArchaeoMuse Academy and Wessex Museums on this fascinating and immersive experience discovering how archaeological sites influenced Hardy’s writings. We will visit “the largest collection of Thomas Hardy objects ever displayed at one time. Take a fresh look at the life and literature of the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, in the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our museum collections...”
Together we will explore his memorabilia including personal letters, art and more. See how his love for ancient archaeological sites see into his work.
3/4 Nights From:
Including breakfasts, 4 dinners, educational materials, guides, coordinator for all transport, transfers, and accommodation.
The ancient origins of modern Britain.
May/June/July/Aug
Join Clio (Muse of History), Calliope (Muse of Literature and Architecture), and your knowledgeable guide, for 6 nights, on the fascinating path from Ancient Bronze Age Britons, Iron Age Celts, Romans, Medieval Anglo-Saxons, and Normans to Modern Great Britain.
This fascinating adventure is based around Stonehenge and the surrounding countryside! This is the best way to understand the rich and provocative context of this important monument. Thalia, Muse of leisure and entertainment, will suggest traditional great pubs where you can have a break and enjoy a taste of Britain. Also, some wonderful, insightful, and awe-inspiring museums.
6 Nights From:
Including breakfasts, 3 dinners, educational materials, guides, coordinator for all transport, transfers, and accommodation.
SCROLL THROUGH SOME OF OUR MUSES' SUGGESTIONS
ENGLAND
England is famous for its long history, and afternoon tea! Also, its Royal Family and the stunning Windsor Castle, the oldest royal residence still in use.
Did you know that England was settled by humans for at least 500,000 years? Or that Amesbury in Wiltshire has been confirmed as the oldest UK settlement, including Stonehenge. Wiltshire has been continually occupied since 8820BC,
Explore Winchester, the first capital of England, from 827 to 1066., or visit the first capital of Roman Britain, Colchester.
Marvel at picturesque and quintessentially English villages and explore England's Medieval past.
SOUTHERN ENGLAND
Discover The Great West Way®
ArchaeoMuse is proud to be an Official Tour Operator for 'The Great West Way®'. An ancient route that meanders through charming idyllic towns and quaint villages that have been inhabited for hundreds of years.
Immerse yourself in stories of the past with so much extraordinary history such as the timeless Stonehenge. Travel back to ancient Briton, to the Romans, and beyond.
See our dedicated Great West Way® page!
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WALES
Welsh people tend to love the outdoors, obvious why, a love that runs deep. Listen to their passionate national anthem, a sort of love song, for the ancient mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers, and sea.
The land of poetry and traditions gives a sense of identity that is born from the ancient soil beneath their feet. Learn about their Celtic heritage and more!
Discover Wales' brutal invasions, majestic castles, and incredible landscapes. Immerse yourself in the many myths and legends!
One thing is for certain, the story of Wales is a captivating one!
WALES
We offer enlightening experiences in all of Wales:
- Romans in Wales
- Wales, the land of myths and legends
- Travel the ancient smugglers' route
- The Cambrian Way
- Stunning National Trust sites
- Heritage and Cultural sites along the coast
- Myths and Legends
- Poetry and Prose
See below for more information
SCOTLAND
The recorded history of Scotland begins in the 1st century AD when the Romans invaded Britain. Scotland has been invaded and settled many times contributing to Scotland's wonderful culture and society.
Discover the fascinating history of people in Scotland including Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble, powerful ruling monarchs, and even enlightened philosophers.
Go back in time to 10,000 BC known as the Palaeolithic era ( Stone Age). Follow in Roman or Viking footsteps, immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and discover many Scottish myths and legends!
SCOTLAND
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Scotland provides a rich array of experiences activities ranging from the most ancient to this modern, vibrant nation within the UK.
Explore an ancient Neolithic settlement frozen in time on the island of Orkney, roman forts, Scotch whisky distillers, the stately golf courses of St. Andrews and much more.
SCROLL THROUGH SOME SAMPLE ITINERARIES
ENGLAND
SAMPLE ITINERARY INSPIRED BY CLIO
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JULIUS CAESAR IN ENGLAND (4 days)
Caesar initiated one of Rome’s greatest campaigns of expansion, with his establishment of colonies, or satellite settlements of the Roman Republic. He began with the Roman province of Gallia and continued a powerful path of development and civilisation leading all the way to the English Channel. Cassar made the fateful decision to cross the channel and explore the island that would later be known as Britannia, or modern Great Britain.
In the course of his Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar invaded Britain twice: in 55 and 54 BC. In the first invasion, he arrived with only two legions and did not make much progress from beyond a landing on the coast of Kent. This changed dramatically for his second invasion which consisted of 628 ships, five legions, and 2,000 cavalries. Recent archaeological excavations by the University of Leicester have located the precise landing point of Caesar's invasion forces.
Why did Caesar return to Britain in the winter of 55-54 BC? Caesar returned to Britain because of Mandubracius, a prince from the British tribe the Trinobantes required his protection by fleeing to France to ask for Caesar's protection. his father had been killed by a leader called Cassivellaunus, who had been chosen to fight against the Romans By returning to Britain Caesar was protecting a tribe who had asked for the help of Rome so this request made it a ‘just war’ or Bellum Iustum.
Join us at the location where Caesar landed and commenced his exploration of this enchanting island.
STOP ONE
Pegwell Bay - Ebbsfleet (on the Isle of Thanet, Kent)
Caesar claimed he invaded Britain in an act of self-defense, to protect Rome. As he said in his Gallic Wars, 'He made this decision because he found that the British had been aiding the enemy in almost all our wars with the Gauls '.
Explore the geography of the East Kent coastline, and the landing site of Caesar’s first invasion. He was only there for a month and didn't make much ground, but he had crossed beyond the world known to Romans, the Orbis Terrarium, and brought the inhabitants of Britain under the rule of Rome.
Visit the Ebbsfleet ditch. Its defenses appear to be Roman in form. The flat-bottomed ditch is very similar in size and shape to Julius Caesar’s siege works at Alésia, France. At its base of the ditch, pottery of mid-1st century BC was discovered as well as, human and animal bone, and the tip of a Roman spear.
STOP TWO
Ramsgate and Richborough
Explore this stunning stretch of coastline, from Pegwell to Ramsgate, taking in views across the English Channel and passing historical sites. Exploration of the hinterland of Roman Ramsgate, the possible directions for Caesar's forces, and where, in 597AD, the Roman St Augustine landed and re-introduced Christianity to this part of Britain.
Next, discover Richborough's Roman Fort and Amphitheater. See the massive walls and ditches from the various stages of Roman occupation that lasted around 400 years.
STOP THREE
Canterbury and Rochester
Follow the likely path Ceasar took in finding Cassivellaunus. Caesar's account describes two battles he won within a days' march of the coast. Then he forded the Thames and marched in search of Cassivellaunus, whose territory lay north of the Thames.
Canterbury is a beautiful cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has been occupied since Paleolithic times. There are many historical structures here, including the Roman city wall.
The next exploration is the city of Rochester! Over time it has been occupied by Celts, Romans, Jutes, and Saxons. During the Roman conquest of Britain, a decisive battle was fought at the Medway. The first bridge was constructed early in the Roman period and later, the settlement was walled in stone.
STOP FOUR
Londinium
Visit the settlement that would ultimately arise from Caesar’s visit. Visits to the British Museum, the City of London Museum, and exhibits illustrating the evidence for Caesar’s visit. Enjoy an exploration of Shakespear’s account in his Julius Caesar, and the influence it has exerted over the centuries.
Visit Shakespeare's Globe, and you might be lucky to see 'The Tragedy of Julius Caesar' a history play and tragedy by William Shakespeare first performed in 1599. Exploration of Shakespeare’s account and the influence it has exerted over the centuries.
WALES
SAMPLE ITINERARY INSPIRED ALL THE MUSES
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EXPLORE NORTH WALES
ALONG THE CAMBRIAN WAY!
4-Nights
Explore the north of The Cambrian Way featuring culture and heritage attractions and adventure activity options. The Cambrian Way is a complete north-south journey along the mountainous spine of Wales, running for 185 miles (300km) from coast to coast.
STOP ONE
Llandudno
Explore the stunning Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno. and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Pier, is a Grade II* listed pier and the longest one in Wales. We will visit galleries including Mostyn Art Gallery, Wales’ leading contemporary gallery, and visual arts centre.
Journey on the Great Orme Tramway which is Britain’s only cable-hauled street tramway, and enjoy spectecular views over Llandudno and the Great Orme. Visit the Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines. Most of the Great Orme's rocks are between 339 and 326 million years old. boast over 5 miles of explored tunnels and passageways. In 2005 it was awarded the title of ‘The Largest Prehistoric Copper Mines in the World’ by the Guinness World Records Team. The mine was first worked during the Bronze Age, around 4000 years ago, around the same time as Stonehenge was being built. The area has inspired many artists, poets, and other visitors by its spectacular beauty and setting
Follow the 'Alice in Wonderland Town Trail'. Alice, who inspired Lewis Carroll to write his classic Wonderland books, spent her holidays in Llandudno.
STOP THREE
Conwy
STOP TWO
Bodnant Estate and an optional Whiskey distillerytour
Enjoy a sensational experience at the world-renowned and strikingly beautiful Bodnant Estate built-in 1792 Colonel Forbes built Bodnant Hall.
We will visit both Bodnant Welsh Food Centre and Bodnant Garden on the estate.
Experience Welsh local food at Bodnant Welsh Food Centre with its wonderful range of stone farm buildings dating from the 18th century. Spend lunch at their tea room and coffee shop.
Wander around the stunning Bodnant Garden, owned by the National Trust, with botanical collections from around the globe.
Enjoy a good whisky? We can tour Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd St Distillery and discover the history of Penderyn, the building, and how the whisky is made, followed, of course, by sampling in the tasting bar.
STOP FOUR
Betws-y-Coed
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Our tour of Conwy has ot start with the impressive Conwy Castle! Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, it is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain.
Visit Conwy’s second most well-known building and UK’s most preserved Elizabethan townhouse - Plas Mawr! Complete with ornate plasterwork and fine furnishings.
Step back in time at Aberconwy House, a 14th-century medieval merchant’s house showing daily life from different times in its history.
Visit the quayside is The Smallest House in Great Britain, also known as Quay House. It was built as a one-up and one-down fisherman’s cottage measuring only 1.8m wide.
We will head a little south to visit Trefriw Woollen Mill, a family business producing traditional Welsh bedspreads, tapestries, and tweeds. Take a tour of the working mill museum and turbine house and enjoy hand spinning, weaving, and craft demonstrations.
After all this, you will need a stop for a truly delicious traditional Welsh afternoon tea at the award-winning Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tea Room in the market town of Llanrwst.
Visit Betws-y-Coed, a popular town and the official gateway to Snowdonia.
4 Options for the day you can choose:
1) Quarry Explorer Tour
Experience one of the most extreme landscapes in the UK for the very first time in open-sided 4 x 4 military trucks to the top of Llechwedd’s formidable slate mountains which were largely created by the men and boys who dug the rock out of the mine in the 19th century.
2) The Deep Mine Tour
Travel back in time 500 feet underground with local guides
3) Or a combination of the two above or -
4) Quarry Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour around Llechwedd takes in the historic importance of the slate quarrying site. Be led by a qualified Mountain Leader. The deepest mine is 500 ft! This is a three-hour strenuous circular walk.
5) Discover the world’s oldest narrow-gauge Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog.
SCOTLAND
SAMPLE ITINERARY INSPIRED BY CLIO
SCOTTISH FORESTS, OLD RUINS, AND MYTHS!
Scotland’s forests hold many secrets! Enjoy stunning walks and hikes to discover Scotland's archaeological sites.
Scotland's written history begins in the first century AD, with the arrival of the Roman Empire when the province of Britannia reached as far north as the Antonine Wall constructed around 142 AD, the most awe-inspiring building project the people of Scotland had ever seen. It is important to remember that prior to Roman times, prehistoric Scotland entered the Neolithic Era about 4000 BC, the Bronze Age about 2000 BC, and the Iron Age around 700 BC. Tribes roamed the Scottish land, living a simple life in stone huts and gathering food from the abundance of crops, still harvested today.
STOP ONE
Baackmuir Woods
This fascinating wood is home to ancient rituals, geology, and mesmerising mountain views. See a fabulous collection of ancient Scottish rocks, walk along the Cat's Back to the Iron Age hill fort of Knock Farril. Depending on your ability, climb up to a remarkable stone labyrinth.
STOP TWO
Craig Phadrig
Learn the history of Craig Phadrig and how it was once a chief stronghold of the Picts. Excavations on the site have recovered pottery from France and a bronze decorative plate dating back to 600AD.
STOP THREE
Loch Ness
A visit to Scotland must include the most famous and mysterious Loch Ness home to the Loch Ness Monster, a cryptid large unknown animal, called Nessie. Spend some time trying to spot the famous monster, she could be anywhere in this large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. Vist Drumnadrochit where the "Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition" examines the natural history and legend of Loch Ness.
Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, that date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Urquhart played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Earls of Ross.
STOP FOUR
Fort Augustus and Fort William and Dun Deardail
First stop, fort Agustus. The Gaelic name, since the early 18th century, for this modern village is Cille Chuimein before that the settlement was called Kiliwhimin. It was renamed Fort Augustus after the Jacobite Rising of 1715.
Next stop Fort William. The earliest recorded settlement on the site is a Cromwellian wooden fort built-in 1654. Used as a base for British troops to "bring peace to Clan Cameron after the Wars of the Three Kingdoms The Fort is named after William of Orange, who ordered that it be built to control the Highland clans.
Now time to jump back to the first millennium BC when Dun Deardail's Celtic and Pictish fort was built. Excavations have revealed the fort may have been occupied and there are suggestions that it has perhaps been rebuilt on several occasions. It has transferred from a Celtic fort to Pictish citadel.
STOP FIVE
Baluachraig Cup And Ring Marks and Isle of Arran
Marvel at one of the best-preserved panels of Neolithic rock art in Scotland. The rock clearly displays cup marks that were created using a pecking technique, popular during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods (c. 4,400 BC – 1,000 BC). These rocks were used as territorial markers, sacrificial altars, or religious symbols.
The next stop is the Isle of Arran, famous for its Neolithic chambered tomb the aptly named 'Giant's Graves'.
Enjoy the stunning nature of this isle with a quarter of its land forested, home to many animals and birds. You will definitely see a red squirrel as Arran is a stronghold, watch their forest activities at dawn or dusk.
STOP SIX
Glasgow
Glasgow has been a settlement since prehistoric times. Journey back in time to modern-day Glasgow. The Romans built outposts in the area and constructed the Antonine Wall (Finds from the Antonine Wall in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow) to keep Roman Britannia separate from Celtic and Pictish Caledonia. It has been an important Medieval City that started around 1119 with the building of the Cathedral on the site of St Kentigern’s first church, the patron saint of Glasgow. Walk the streets of Medieval Glasgow which ran from the river Clyde, up through the Saltmarket, along High Street, and up to the Cathedral. In March 2019, an excavation by ′Stones and Bones′ community archaeologists with a boy named Mark McGettigan unearthed medieval stone carvings at Govan Old Parish Church dating from the 10th and 11th centuries A.D.
Beautiful Britain
More than Fish 'n' Chips, Afternoon tea, and Sheep!
We can tailor-make your travel experiences for you and your desires. We provide experiences for individuals, groups, families, friends, academics, and history buffs (beginners or experts).
We proudly collaborate with historians, archaeologists, locals, experts, and academics to ensure that your needs are met.
“I cannot praise ArchaeoMuse enough. Lucy and Antonio worked tirelessly to tailor-make our Y7 trip to the Bay of Naples; such a wonderful experience for pupils and staff.”
— Lois, Teacher —
