Top USA Archaeology Tours

Explore the Canyon de Chelly area with a certified guide who is from the region to get an insider’s take on the history and sites. You will travel in a 4x4, and even visit your guide’s home, where the family members still live in the traditional Navajo way. Hear stories of canyon life, including weaving, ranching, and farming. This is a locally owned small business, so you will be supporting them.

Get more out of your time in Portland with this two-for-one adventure: a city trolley tour and lighthouse visit. You'll start with a narrated trolley journey, witnessing the most beloved sights of the Portland peninsula. After catching the Portland Observatory, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and more, you’ll then visit the city’s most famous landmark: Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest—and most photographed—lighthouse.

Get your bearings of Newport on a guided trolley tour of the city, which fills you in on Newport's history and contemporary culture as you travel among city sights. From restored homes on Ten Mile Ocean Drive to the legendary mansions of Bellevue Avenue, this tour introduces you to Newport with class and charm suitable of this historic city.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Step into the past and be amazed by the natural world on this small-group or private tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Located in the heart of Washington DC, the museum is home to more than 126 million artifacts, including the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, and a living coral reef. Spend time immersing yourself in the collection's stories and objects, and come away from the museum with new knowledge.

With more than 2 million artworks spanning 5,000 years, the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be overwhelming. This express small-group tour covers the basics in just a couple of hours, from ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian masterpieces to highlights from the contemporary art world. Explore with a guide who can delve deep into the stories and histories behind each piece.

Meet at our office in Durango, located at **360 South Camino del Rio, Suite 200**, approximately 20 minutes before departure. From there, you'll travel to Mesa Verde National Park in one of our comfortable touring vehicles with 15 passengers or fewer. This five hour experience is primarily a driving tour, giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scenery while your guide shares the archaeology, history, oral traditions, and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Along the way, you'll stop at one or two carefully selected overlooks or archaeological sites before continuing to the highlight of the day, **Cliff Palace**. Your tour includes the hard-to-get tickets for the National Park Service ranger-led tour, allowing you to spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the largest cliff dwelling in North America. After your visit, relax on the scenic drive back to Durango with a deeper appreciation for one of America's most remarkable national parks. Remember, we meet in DURANGO, not the Park.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument has over 2,700 archaeologcal sites located in the heart of the Navajo Nation. Guests will see prehistoric ruins, rock art such as petroglyphs and pictographs. Rock formations, fauna and floral provides a perfect backdrop to your tour. At each site you will hear the symbolic interpretations of petroglyphs and rock art, occupation dates, archaeology and associated prehistoric and historic events of the canyon and its inhabitants including associated oral histories. All guides are Navajo and have strong ties to the canyon and will provide you with an experience that will last a lifetime.

This evening stroll will give an entirely different take, look and feel to the oldest Capital City. “The absolute best tour we've ever taken and we travel the world” “Great way to start the day and visit to Santa Fe” This is performance and experience NOT to be missed and an absolute must do tour. Get one of the most in-depth understanding of Santa Fe, the surrounding area, and the state of New Mexico at large. Victor Romero has deep family roots to northern New Mexico dating back before the arrival the of Spanish over 400 years ago. A truly outstanding New Mexican storyteller of his people, their culture and experience of New Mexico Victor will leave you in awe and laughing as you make your way through this historic and culturally packed city. Victor is a true gem and ambassador of the city of Santa Fe. This tour is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *A high paced tour as to help acclimate our guest to the 7,200 ft elevation. Drink plenty of WATER the week of travel to help.

Get an in-depth introduction to the renowned Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History during this interactive two-hour guided tour. Head straight to the museum's highlights, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Listen to kid-friendly insights from your guide as you tour the vast collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts, from dinosaur fossils to prehistoric tools. Following the tour, feel free to continue visiting at your own pace.

The first national park to “preserve the works of man,” Mesa Verde stands alone as a national park, archaeological site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this half-day tour, you’ll skip the search for parking and go straight to exploring the ancient cliff dwellings with a guide, learning about the park’s flora and fauna, geology, and human mystery—these ruins were abandoned around the year 1300.

Experience the thrill of Alaska’s gold mining history at Gold Dredge 8! Start with an up-close look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and discover the story behind its construction and operation. Then, climb aboard a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad and enjoy entertaining stories from the conductor about the thousands of prospectors who flocked to the gold fields during the gold rush. Your scenic train ride delivers you straight to Gold Camp, where you can explore the dredge and try your hand at gold panning—with gold guaranteed! Enjoy complimentary coffee and freshly baked cookies in the gift shop, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of Alaska’s gold rush before returning to the station.

With its 5,000 archaeological sites situated in a striking desert environment, Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a combination of natural and cultural attractions unfound anywhere else in the country. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological preserve and national park with a pro on this guided tour, which takes you to the park's must-see attractions, including the Cliff Palace. This tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Durango.

Explore the fascinating Natural History Museum on a small-group tour. This guided tour traverses the massive domed building and covers over 126 million years of natural history. Admire the famous Hope Diamond in the gems and geology section, get a closer look at mummies from ancient Egypt, and learn about the world’s thousands of species including Phoenix, the famous hanging whale.

This Grand Canyon day trip from Flagstaff or Sedona is limited to a small group ensuring a more personal experience. The tour blends ancient ruins, lava fields, majestic volcanoes, and amazing views throughout Grand Canyon National Park and the remarkable Painted Desert. Highlights include a drive along the South Rim and East Rim and visits to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument.

New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-visit attraction, but its size can be intimidating for visitors. Navigate its galleries with ease on this stress-free small-group tour. Meet your guide at the museum and head right in: Tickets are included. You’ll see artifacts from ancient Egypt, Gilded Age America, the Impressionist movement, Pompey frescoes, Henry VIII's armor, and modern-day America.

Experience spectacular views of the Grand Canyon South Rim without the crowds. With this tour, you'll take the road less traveled to reach the iconic landmark, driving along scenic back roads in a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle and avoiding the busy south entrance gate. Stop to admire the views from Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Canyon, and Duck on a Rock Overlook, then time your arrival to watch the sunset from Grandview Point.

Venture away from the city and explore northern Arizona’s natural landmarks on this full-day excursion. Visit Walnut Canyon and discover ancient dwellings on the upper trail, then it’s on to the Meteor Crater and Space Museum to learn about the intact meteorite impact. Your final stop is Winslow, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and a short guided tour.

No trip to New York is complete without exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But the sprawling collection can be hard to navigate and understand without context. Focusing on the museum’s biblical artifacts, this small-group tour navigates the world of the Old and New Testaments. From Abraham, Moses, and David to Jesus, hear the stories from ancient Israel and behind the museum’s priceless ancient treasures.

Philadelphia’s rich history and iconic landmarks can sometimes feel overwhelming. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your preferences, ensuring you see the places you truly want to experience. Ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour uncovers Philadelphia’s hidden treasures and local stories.

Learn about Savannah’s history from a sixth-generation local who is passionate about sharing the city’s story. Covering six squares in historic downtown, the tour is unique in that it shares the historical perspective of Savannah’s Native American, African, and Irish inhabitants. Discover benches, shady spots, monuments, and restrooms along the route.

The spectacular Monument Valley is inside the Navajo Nation Reservation and you must join a tour to access parts that are not otherwise open to the public. On this small-group tour, explore the valley with local valley guides with intimate knowledge of Navajo customs and traditions. Visit ancient Anasazi dwellings, petroglyph sites, natural arches, and panoramic viewpoints, while learning about the Anasazi people and Navajo culture, history, and traditions.

Explore the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral with a daily guided tour that uncovers its rich history and architectural splendor. This one-hour experience includes visits to the majestic sanctuary, where the grandeur of Beaux-Arts design captivates. Delve into the significance of the Shrines of Nations, which honor the diverse immigrant communities. Your knowledgeable guide provides engaging storytelling about the cathedral's sacred art and history, making every moment enlightening. Ideal for adults and history enthusiasts, this tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can appreciate the beauty of this sacred space. - One-hour guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral - Learn about the architecture and sacred art - Visit the Shrines of Nations honoring immigrant contributions - Wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults over 10 years old