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Archaeology Travel Destinations

Schematic world map.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or you are looking for places to explore for a few days or more, an area’s archaeology and history offers many and varied experiences. Begin with our suggestions for the more interesting places and regions to visit on each continent. Or dive straight in to our destination guides. We may not have every country covered, but we are certainly working on it. If we have overlooked an area that has blown you away or if you just want to tell us where we should consider visiting next, please do get in touch with us. We love following up on our readers’ recommendations to supplement our own research and explorations.

Africa

Africa is anything but the ‘Dark Continent’. From some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites in East Africa to sites at the southern tip of Africa. With the longest record of human history, Africa is the cradle of humanity and culture. Extraordinary rock art traditions the length and breadth of the continent attest to cultures with complex systems of belief. In the north, from 11th century fortified villages in Morocco, to the ancient pyramids and temples of Egypt, with many Roman forts and cities in between, Africa’s architectural heritage is as diverse as it impressive. Different regions of Africa will appeal to different interests.

Asia

An autumnal view of a section of the Great Wall of China, looking along the ramparts to a tower, with the wall continuing in the distance.
Asia is vast. Explorers and traders were not deterred as they established historic routes along which goods and ideas were exchanged for centuries. From the Great Wall created by the Ming Dynasty in the east, to the religious sanctuary of the Khmer Empire at Angkor Wat in the south east, to the city of Petra cut into the rock by the Nabataeans in the west. Asia has some of the most spellbinding sacred spaces and ancient wonders in the world. And there are many other places to explore that we don’t regularly hear about.

Europe

A snowy scene at night of people walking across the Charles Bridge, with its lights lit and the historic building in the background are lit up.
From caves that sheltered Europe’s earliest Hominin inhabitants to Ice Age cave art. From megalithic structures made by the continent’s first farmers to Iron Age hill forts. From temples and theatres made by the ancient Greeks and Romans to abbeys and churches that were built as organised religion spread across the continent. From Medieval battlefields to memorials commemorating two World Wars. Whatever your interests, there is something here for everyone.

North America

North America is, in historical terms, known as the New World. Humanity’s history may very well be younger here than in the Old World, but it is certainly no less interesting or complex. From the arrival of hunters and gatherers in the west many thousands of years ago, to the few early settlements in the north east established by the Vikings around 1,000 years ago, and then the Europeans from the east starting at the end of the 15th century. North America is a melting pot of cultures and traditions probably like no other. Combine history with city breaks in the east and archaeology with adventure travel in the west.

South America

An aerial view of Machu Picchu surrounded by high mountains.
South America is another New World continent. There is as much to experience here as there is on any of the other continents. From the citadel established by the Incas high in the mountains to the intriguing geoglyphs created in the Nazca Desert. Eighteenth century colonial towns, with their distinctive churches and central plazas, combine indigenous and foreign traditions. We are currently researching and putting together information for places to consider in South America. For notifications, sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page.
  • Our researchers are on it ...

Oceania

A panal of Aboriginal rock art, at the centre of which is a white kangaroo.

Oceania is a geographic region made up of the islands of Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Although there is considerable debate as to when the first people arrived in the region, most accept a minimum date of around 60,000 years. Portuguese explorers ventured into the area in the early decades of the 16th century. Easter Island, known for her enormous carved Moai, is culturally Polynesian but is politically part of Chile. Currently we do not have any material for the various islands that make up Oceania.

  • Our researchers are on it ...

FEATURED THEMATIC GUIDES

Rock Art

Megalithic Europe

Roman World

Ancient Egypt

Castles & Palaces

World War II

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