Human History

NORTHERN SPAIN AND SOUTHWEST FRANCE TRAVELER FAVORITE

10 DAYS FROM $7,4 5 0

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Atapuerca, where Europe’s oldest known hominin fossils were unearthed.

• Enjoy a specially arranged visit to Lascaux IV at the International Centre for Cave Art.

• Discover Castel-Merle’s prehistoric stone shelters with an archaeologist.

TRIP TYPE: Signature Land

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light/Moderate

DAY 1 | MADRID, SPAIN

Arrive in Madrid, then visit the National Archaeological Museum and Retiro Park on a walking tour. Hotel Wellington | Meals: 1D

DAYS 2–4 | CANTABRIA CAVES/ SAN SEBASTIÁN

In Cantabria, visit the Atapuerca archaeological site. Then encounter some of the oldest artistic representations in human history at Puente Viesgo. Explore Las Monedas Cave, the Altamira Museum, and El Pendo Cave. Spend a night in beautiful San Sebastián. Parador de Santillana Gil Blas; Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra | Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 5–6 | SAINT-ÉMILION, FRANCE/ PECH MERLE

Tour Saint-Émilion, and continue to the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne region. Venture into the caves at Pech Merle to admire prehistoric art and artifacts, and stroll the cliff-top village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie. Hostellerie La Roseraie or Le Centenaire | Meals: 2B, 2D

DAYS 7–8 | LASCAUX IV/CASTEL-MERLE

After a lecture from Christine Desdemaines- Hugon, an expert on Paleolithic Art, tour the National Museum of Prehistory. Later, see the polychrome paintings of Font-de-Gaume. Enjoy a specially arranged tour of Lascaux IV—the most complete recreation of the original Lascaux cave. Join archaeologist Isabelle Castanet at Castel- Merle, a complex of ancient stone shelters, and sit down to a “prehistoric” meal. End the day at the sculpted frieze at Cap Blanc. Hostellerie La Roseraie or Le Centenaire | Meals: 2B, 1L, 2D

DAYS 9–10 | VÉZÈRE VALLEY/BORDEAUX

Explore Rouffignac Cave, known as the “cave of a hundred mammoths,” then continue to Bordeaux. Hôtel de Normandie | Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D

YOUR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT

A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Ana Pinto, Archaeologist

National Geographic Explorer Ana Pinto is a Spanish archaeologist and human evolution expert who has conducted much of her research in caves and rock shelters in Spain, Tanzania, and Kenya. She has worked on archaeological sites in England, South Africa, and Armenia, and received the prestigious Prince of Asturias Prize for her team’s discoveries at World Heritage–listed Atapuerca in Spain. Find the departure(s) Ana will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from April through October, except in July and August.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Cover: A paleoanthropologist studies the ancient cave art of Lascaux in southwest France.

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