Archaeological Diggings

Tour Hosts Review
 by Sheri Leigh - Tour Hosts are in Bold

Time travel is possible, just ask an archaeologist. Imagine digging deep into the mysteries of the past, finding out the dining habits of ancient Romans in Pompeii, or hiking into caves in Spain or France to view prehistoric man’s view of the world, or exploring the lifestyles and trading habits of early European settlers and Native Americans at an 18^th-century fort in Virginia, or uncovering dinosaur fossils in North Dakota. Such fantastic journeys as these and more are guaranteed to satisfy the most serious explorer of science and history.

Two distinct types of archaeological trips exist: the dirty kind and the clean kind. Or to be more exact, those programs that are true hands-on scientific expeditions, complete with digging and lugging dirt and long hours of toil (with the potential reward of dramatic finds), and passive tours to locations of archaeological significance that focus on the history and cultures of the past without active involvement in the scientific process.

The choice of hands-on excavation or organized tour is strictly personal. Hands-on programs can range from a simple weekend to a whole season in one location – usually two to three months, while tours are generally two to three weeks and visit a variety of destinations. Expeditions, depending on the location of the dig, tend to have sparse lodgings and few comforts, which are typical of a working environment. A tour is more “civilized,” with the degree of comfort and accommodations strictly dependent on the company organizing the trip.

Both types of programs are covered in this month’s issue. The choice of involvement and activity level is up to you. Whichever style of trip you prefer, or culture that interests you or destination you enjoy, there’s a perfect archaeological experience out there waiting for you.

Have trowel will travel. EarthWatch has more than 20 archaeological programs around the globe for those who want a true scientific expedition. Most trips require no prior experience, just a desire to explore, learn and create a better world for all. These are working expeditions, not adventure or pleasure holidays, so plan to roll up your sleeves and get dirty! The programs offered include “Prehistoric Pueblos in New Mexico”, “Roman Forts in Europe,” “Mammoth Cave” in Kentucky, “China’s Ancestral Temples” and “Food and Drink in Ancient Pompeii. For a taste of what to expect from an Earthwatch expedition, read Dea Goes to Deya, by Dea Mallin, a former expedition participant and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, this issue’s Museum of the Month.

For a great general overview of what an expedition experience is like, read ArchaeoExpeditions article Touch the Past This company works with individual archaeologists to assist travelers in finding the best dig for their interests. If you want to go digging but don’t know where to start, this is the place to call. The company also offers a couple of ongoing expeditions in Canada, including Rock Art Camp and the Adventures in Archaeology program. The latter is designed to introduce the average person to archaeology by studying the lifestyle of a local Native American Indian village of the late 1500’s. It’s available for either a weekend or a week.

For an in-depth look at the Native American cultures of the Southwest,  Hondoo Rivers and Trails has single and multi-day trips in the Four Corners region. Owner Gary George has a passion for the region’s rock art, (600-1500 A.D.) and has shared his interest with us in this month’s Rock Art Rarely Seen. Custom trips to local Anasazi sites and other archaeological areas of interest are available via horseback, hiking or 4x4 vehicles. All trips are independently arranged and can be customized to your specific interests.

To view the prehistoric rock art of Southwest France, follow “Man’s Quest from Cave Dwelling to Castles” with Travel Plans International. Or study the “Sicilian Heritage” of the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. Among Travel Plans’ many offerings is a small yet highly focused selection of organized archaeological trips. All scheduled trips include visits to multiple heritage sites and are accompanied by exceptional leaders in their field. Many trips also offer specially arranged private museum and heritage site visits. Travel Plans’ 30 years of experience also allows it to offer tours specially arranged for individual departures.

By combining the historical and archaeological past with personal contact with contemporary local people, Far Horizons Archaeological & Cultural Trips provides a balanced insight into the human experiences that shaped the past and form the future. All study leaders are required to be currently working in the destination country, which provides the traveler with access to immediate answers to questions on current events and their relationship to the past. A perfect example of Far Horizons’ commitment to educating its clients on a country and its people is Mary Dell’s article, “A Report from Iran.”’ Far Horizons' dedication to the sites and communities it visits, makes it great choice for "Pick of the Month."

Specifically focused on the Middle East for the last 30 of its 50-plus years, Spiekermann Travel Service Inc. offers both scheduled and custom-made tours. The company prides itself on providing the most complete information available to its clients. Tours are led by noted scholars and no two trips are ever the same. A prior Pick of the Month, Spiekermann Travel Service Inc. is a great medium through which to experience the splendors of the ancient world.

Travel in style with the Archaeological Institute of America. Offering more than 20 separate itineraries, complete with world-renowned lecturers, these tours are sure to please even the fussiest traveler. Two separate round-the-world first-class trips, complete with a private jet, whisk travelers to “Sanctuaries of the Old World” and allow them access to “Rediscovering the New World.” AIA also offers a number of cruise experiences, such as “Venice to the Dalmatian Coast,” “Route of the Vikings” and “Sailing from Crete to Venice.” Many trips visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the “Ancient Splendors of China” which visits this month’s Heritage Site The Mausoleum of the Qin Emperor.

Whether your interest is in archaeology, anthropology or historic discovery, you are sure to find an expedition or experience that will satisfy even the most adamant craving to unearth the secrets of the past. You don’t need a time machine, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.