archaeological tours Led by noted scholars | superb itineraries | unsurpassed service
2017 program Stimulating, inspiring and erudite study tours all over the world
How to Book You can guarantee your place(s) on any Archaeological Tour with a $750 deposit payment. If you haven‘t traveled with us before we will also require personal details of you and any traveling companions. We then ask for a balance payment 20 weeks before you depart (see pg.58 for further details and conditions). After you book your place we will send you many more details of your trip, including reading material, practical information and just about anything else you might need to prepare you for a wonderful time on tour. As always, if you‘d like to discuss anything else with one of our friendly team, please don‘t hesitate to get in touch. Give us a call or shoot us an email at the contact details below, or even drop in to our Madison Avenue office and say hello!
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Welcome Hello Travelers, After our last topsy-turvy, multi yearspanning catalog – which brought you priced 2016 tours and a taste of things to come in 2017 – things are a little more straightforward with our fully-priced 2017 brochure! Of course, straightforward doesn’t mean unremarkable... How does a trip to the white sand-fringed spice island of Zanzibar sound? What about getting up close and personal with millennia-old Egyptian mummies with a world expert? Or finding yourself in the court of the Ashanti king in Ghana? As otherworldly as it seems, it’s all well within reach on an Archaeological Tour. When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we’re firm believers that — as the song goes — it ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it. With exclusive special visits to sites normally closed to the public, expert guidance from a host of incredible scholars, and a hand-picked list of the best hotels in each destination, an Archaeological Tours getaway is an archaeology lover’s vacation like no other.
That’s not to say, of course, that the sites themselves aren’t still the stars of the show. Whether this is your first foray into the world of Classical cities and prehistoric monuments, or you’re a seasoned traveler of the ancient world, you’re bound to find somewhere to jet off to next year. From iconic wonders like Machu Picchu (p.44), the Pyramids of Giza (p.10), and Persepolis (p.24) to lesser-known Lalibela in Ethiopia (p.12), the Flaming Cliffs of Mongolia (p.40), and Oman’s lost city of Ubar (p.42), there’s sure to be something to inspire your next getaway in these pages. If so, as ever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be delighted to help you choose your next vacation. We hope to see you soon on tour! Lisa Cliadakis Managing Executive of Customer Care
About Us What can you expect when you travel with Archaeological Tours?
Superb Itineraries
If it’s on our itinerary, it has been personally researched and visited by at least one of our team. This way, we can ensure that when you travel to distant lands, you will be rewarded with deep insight into the archaeology, history and culture of your destination. This is just as true whether you are touring local villages in the Ghanian savannah, or walking the prehistoric landscapes around Stonehenge.
Depth and Breadth
Ranging from 12 to 21 days, our tours allow you time to totally immerse yourself in the places we visit. For many of us, a trip to Ancient Egypt, Burma or Central Asia is a once in a lifetime experience. We plan not only archaeological but art, music and cultural visits into our programs. You can’t go all the way to Malta and miss seeing the Caravaggio hidden away in one of the Churches of Valletta. Equally, you don’t want to miss the chance to hear the unique tones of Classical Indian music - as intrinsic to the country’s history as the Taj Mahal.
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Noted Scholars
Travel with distinguished faculty members of respected universities. Our guides are chosen not only for the breadth and depth of their knowledge, but also for their ability to fascinate their listeners, and share the passion they have for their chosen subject. A great number of our lecturers have toured with us for many years and are very much attuned to the subtleties of what makes a stand-out tour.
Camaraderie of Fellow Travelers
Most of our tours have around 18 participants, and we think this number of travelers is ‘just right’. Small groups which offer sociability, companionship and a sense of shared experience but most importantly don’t crowd you, or make you feel like part of the herd.
A Sense of Adventure
Travel broadens the mind. It stimulates, educates and inspires. At Archaeological Tours we never limit our ambition and seek out first-rate archaeology and history wherever it can be found. In 2016 you will
find tours to Ghana, China, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Japan as well as Latin America and Classical Europe. Even in the modern age of globalization, there are still a wondrous variety of cultures, landscapes and histories waiting to be discovered beyond our own shores.
Highly Personalized Service
The kind that only a small, dedicated company like ours can provide. We’re here for you whatever you need: personto-person advice, ideas, insights, or specialized arrangements (hotel bookings or other travel arrangements). You can really count on us to give you reliable advice - every member of our staff is also one of our experienced tour escorts and know our destinations inside out.
4* & 5* Hotels at the Highest Standard These days, there is no reason to sacrifice comfort or convenience while you travel the world! We seek out the very best hotels for you. Our international standard hotels are well-located for our touring,
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restaurants and culture. You can find details of all our hotels at the end of each day in the tour itineraries. If you would like any more information or have any questions please get in touch.
Your Safety First
The security and political stability of every country we visit is carefully considered and monitored throughout the year. We keep in constant touch with our local experts ‘on the ground’ all over the world to remain informed. Every tour is accompanied by a member of the Archaeological Tours staff who has your safety as their highest priority.
Flights at Excellent Prices
More than 50% of our travelers choose to book their flights with Archaeological Tours. All of our dedicated staff are specialists in organizing air travel. They are very happy to make arrangements for you, from airports across the country.
The Archaeological Tours team
Lisa Cliadakis studied Environmental Science and Archaeology at Hunter College and has been working at Archaeological Tours for over 11 years. Her favourite areas of travel include South and Central America. Outside work, she enjoys hiking and photography.
Olivia Oberndorf received her MA in Mediterranean Archaeology at University College London. She spent three summers excavating on the beautiful little island of Menorca and is particularly interested in the prehistoric people and megalithic architecture of the Mediterranean.
Suman Shetty has a great love for travel, sparked by her childhood vacations within India. This led her to take up a career in organizing and escorting groups to different countries in the Far East — the perfect background for working with Archaeological Tours!
Rafael Fleming was born on the north coast of Honduras. He also traveled most of the Caribbean while in the US Coast Guard - his unit was awarded a presidential citation for their work during Hurricane Katrina. He is particularly interested in ancient civilizations with creationist theories.
Martin Adams studied French and Spanish at the University of Exeter in the UK, and also speaks Catalan as a result of living in Barcelona for a year. In his spare time he is a keen walker and has previously hiked the length of the ancient border between England and Wales: 177 miles in 13 days!
Mariana Silva Porto has a Classics and Archaeology background, having studied at the Universities of Glasgow and Cambridge. She is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French and English and loves to showcase the countries she is passionate about through our itineraries.
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2017 Calendar A full list of all our tours, check our website for any updates
January
May
August
Led by Prof. Nancy de Grummond.........p30
Led by Prof. Daniel Sandweiss................p44
Guatemala & Belize Jan 6 – 20
Etruscan Italy May 3 – 17
February
Classical Greece May 7 – 22
Iran Aug 29 — Sep 17
June
September
Led by Dr Gordon Noble.........................p52
Led by Prof. David Rupp.........................p18
Led by Prof. Bill Saturno.........................p20
Ghana, Togo & Benin Feb 7 – 22
Led by Prof. Trevor Marchand................p14 Splendors of Ancient Egypt Feb 10 – 26
Led by Prof. Lanny Bell...........................p10
March
Central Mexico Mar 11 – 24
Led by Prof. Bill Saturno.........................p38
April
Iran Apr 4 – 23
Led by Dr Sophy Downes........................p24 Malta, Sardinia & Corsica Apr 19 – May 4
Led by Dr Clive Vella..............................p36
Led by Prof. Gerald Schaus.....................p16
Scotland & Its Islands Jun 18 – Jul 5
Peru Aug 4 – 20
Led by Dr Sophy Downes........................p24
Greek Islands Cruise Sep 1 – 16
Mongolia Jun 24 – Jul 11
Ireland Sep 6 – 21
July
Caves & Castles in Spain & France Sep 10 – 24
Led by Prof. Craig Benjamin...................p.40
Led by Dr Roy Larick..............................p48
Russia Jul 4 – 17
Led by Prof. Ori Soltes.............................p46
Greek Islands Cruise Sep 15 – 30
Led by Dr Veronica Kalas.......................p18
Vikings Jul 9 – 25
Led by Prof. Kenneth W. Harl.................p50 Iceland Jul 31 – Aug 15
Led by Prof. Charles Doherty..................p26
Bulgaria Sep 21 – 7 Oct, 2016
Led by Prof. Nikola Theodossiev.............p8
Led by Prof. Kenneth W. Harl.................p22
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October
November
Led by Dr Roy Larick..............................p48
Led by Prof. Lanny Bell...........................p10
Caves & Castles in Spain & France Oct 1 – 15
Splendors of Ancient Egypt Nov 3 – 19
Iran Oct 3 – 22
Led by Dr Sophy Downes........................p24 Japan: Archaeology & Tradition Oct 5 – 22
Led by Dr Christine Guth.......................p34 Sicily & Southern Italy Oct 7 – 22
Led by Dr Gerry Schaus..........................p32 Oman & Zanzibar Oct 13 – 29
Led by Dr Trevor Marchand..................p42 Israel With Optional Jordan Extension Oct 14 – Oct 29 or Nov 3
Led by Prof. Jodi Magness.......................p28 Ethiopia: Ancient Kingdoms & Legends Oct 14 – Oct 31
Led by Dr Jackie Phillips.........................p12
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Bulgaria
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Discover an astonishing wealth of ancient ruins, architecture and art, left behind by a mosaic of cultures
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Travel through the rugged landscape of the Rila Mountains to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Rila Monastery • Hunt for the perfect souvenir in the traditional craft bazaars of Veliko Tarnovo’s picturesque Old Town • Visit the huge proto-Bulgarian bas-relief carved into an almostvertical cliff, the exceptional Horseman of Madara 8
Meals: All breakfasts, all lunches & 8 dinners September 21 – October 7, 2017 17 Days $5885 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $620
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LED BY Prof. Nikola Theodossiev is senior assistant professor in the Department of Archaeology, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. Professor Theodossiev has directed excavations at various Thracian sites since 1990. He is on the Editorial Board of Ancient West & East and is Bulgarian Editor of Fasti Online.
ITINERARY September 21 & 22: Arrive in Sofia on Friday afternoon. Hotel: Grand Hotel Sofia.
Churches, reached by a climb of about 200 steps. Hotel: Danube Plaza Hotel, Ruse.
September 23: SOFIA Our walking tour begins via the Eastern Gate of Serdica to the National Archaeological Museum, housed in a 15th-century former mosque. We stop at St. George Rotunda and then walk via the Western Gate of Serdica to the Sofia Synagogue. Lastly, we visit Banya Bashi Mosque and the Turkish baths. Hotel: Grand Hotel Sofia.
October 4: RUSE We visit Ruse’s Archaeological Museum and tour the site of Roman Sexaginta Prista overlooking the Danube. We travel to the fortress at Cherven, also reached by over 200 steps, and stop at the Roman city of Nicopolis ad Istrumand. Hotel: Hotel Yantra, Veliko Tarnavo.
September 24: SOFIA We begin at the National Museum of History, which houses one of Europe’s richest collections of ancient gold and medieval ecclesiastical art. We also visit the Boyana Church, renowned for its 13th-century frescoes. Finally, we stop at the city’s eponymous St. Sofia Basilica. Hotel: Grand Hotel Sofia. September 25: RILA We travel through wild landscapes of forests and granite cliffs to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Rila Monastery, founded near the site where St. John of Rila lived and worshiped. We visit the monastery and its museum. Hotel: Dedeman Trimontium Hotel. September 26: PLOVDIV We explore the Archaeological Museum and the Late Antique Basilica. We visit the Forum of Philippopolis, the Roman Odeon and see the Late Roman mosaics in Trakart Center. We later visit the National Revival quarter, impressive Left Page. Ruins of St. Sophia Church in Nesebar 1. Burial chamber mural paintings at Kazanlak 2. Remains of the settlement at Perperikon 3. Fresco depicting Jesus in Rila Monastery
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Roman Theater and partly excavated Roman Stadium. Hotel: Dedeman Trimontium Hotel. September 27: PERPERIKON We travel into the countryside and spend the day in Perperikon, a Roman settlement and Byzantine fortress. Excavation has revealed evidence of a huge palace, temples and living quarters from the Roman era. This site requires considerable climbing. We also visit Alexandrovo Thracian Tomb. Hotel: Dedeman Trimontium Hotel. September 28: STAROSEL Touring begins at the Thracian beehive tomb at Starosel and continues to Diocletianopolis, a Late Roman spa town. The day ends in the Valley of the Thracian Kings, with visits to 3 of the 15,000 burials. Hotel: Palace Hotel, Kazanlak. September 29: KAZANLAK We begin at the Archaeological Museum which houses the Thracian finds from the area’s tumuli. At Stara Zagora we see a group of Neolithic dwellings, and the new Archaeological Museum. We stop in Karanovo to see the Thracian chariot tomb and the Karanovo Tell. Hotel: Palace Hotel, Kazanlak.
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September 30: NESEBAR Today we drive to the Black Sea coast, where our visit will be to Nesebar. Here we examine the well-preserved ancient and medieval fortifications, the Archaeological Museum and several medieval basilicas. Hotel: Capital Hotel, Varna.
October 5: ARBANASI We tour the little church of Nativity in Arbanasi and continues at the interesting 17th century Konstantsalieva House. We return to Veliko Tarnovo in time to explore the craft bazaars in the Old town and the Archaeological Museum. Hotel: Hotel Yantra, Veliko Tarnavo.
October 1: VARNA We visit the Archaeological Museum, home to an extraordinary collection including Greek Odessos and Roman funerary sculpture. We move on to the excellent Ethnographical Museum and the well-preserved Roman Thermae. Hotel: Capital Hotel, Varna.
October 6: VRATSA We depart for Vratsa to view the famous Rogazen Treasure hoard, an outstanding collection of Thracian artifact. We meet for our farewell dinner tonight. Hotel: Grand Hotel Sofia.
October 2: PLISKA We stop at Pliska, the magnificent capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. We tour the site and visit the small Archaeological Museum. Next we visit the Horseman of Madara, a huge protoBulgarian basrelief carved into a cliff. We continue to the Preslav Museum, home to First Bulgarian Kingdom-period artifacts. Hotel: Danube Plaza Hotel, Ruse. October 3: SVESHTARI Our day begins in Sveshtari where we visit several outstanding Thracian tombs. We also travel to Ivanovo and visit its UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn
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October 7: SOFIA We travel to the airport for flights home.
Romania Ruse
Bulgaria Sofia
Ivanovo
Kazanlak
Varna
Stara Zagora Plovdiv
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The Splendors of Ancient Egypt
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, discover the glorious splendors of ancient Egypt
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Enjoy a five-day river cruise on one of the most luxurious vessels plying the Nile, and soak up the scenery as we sail serenely past • Visit Edfu’s beautifully-preserved Temple of Horus, and the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri • Enjoy a special tour of the mummy room at the Egyptian Museum, courtesy of animal mummy specialist Dr Selima Ikram 10
Meals: All breakfasts, 13 lunches & 10 dinners February 10 – 26, 2017 November 3 – 19, 2017 17 Days $5995 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $885
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LED BY Prof. Lanny Bell received his Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught Egyptology and was curatorial assistant at the University Museum for 12 years. During that time he was also Field Director of the University’s Theban Tomb Project in Luxor.
ITINERARY February 10 & 11: We arrive in Cairo on Saturday. Hotel: Mena House Hotel, Giza. February 12: MEMPHIS We begin our tour in Memphis, the first capital of a united Egypt, and Sakkara, the necropolis of Memphis. We visit Sakkara’s newly opened museum and tour the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, which predates the Giza pyramids. Hotel: Mena House Hotel, Giza. February 13: GIZA We examine the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. We also view the remarkably preserved remains of the Solar Boat of Cheops. Hotel: Mena House Hotel, Giza. February 14: CAIRO: We spend the morning at the Egyptian Museum, viewing the highlights including objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Dr. Selima Ikram, the leading expert on animal mummies will give us a special tour of the mummy room. After lunch we visit the Citadel, famed as the stronghold of Salah el-Din. The day ends with a stroll through one of the largest suqs in the Middle East. Hotel: Mena House Hotel, Giza. February 15: ABUSIR We trace the rapid development of the pyramids following their creation at Sakkara. At Dahshur, Snefru completed the Bent Pyramid using the lessons learned at Meydum. In the Red Pyramid, he perfected this architectural Left Page. The Pyramid of Khafre at Giza 1. Hieroglyphs at Kom Ombo Temple 2. A felucca on the Nile, near Aswan 3. Karnak Temple at Luxor
February 23: ASWAN We sail to Aswan to tour the Quarry, where an unfinished obelisk remains embedded in stone. We also view Philae, a Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Isis. Hotel: Sonesta St George 1, Cruiser.
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form. We are granted special permission to visit Abusir, where most of the 5th Dynasty pharaohs built their pyramids. Hotel: Mena House Hotel, Giza. February 16: LUXOR We fly to Luxor, the ancient city built on the east bank of the Nile. Here, we visit the sanctuary of Amun-Re at Karnak. This fascinating temple’s maze of monumental gateways, obelisks, pillared halls and subsidiary shrines is reached via an avenue lined with fantastic beasts. We also visit Luxor Museum. Hotel: Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor. February 17: LUXOR We cross the Nile to visit the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Among the many tombs we see is that of Tutankhamun. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, at Deir el-Bahri, one of Egypt’s most spectacular monuments. Hotel: Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor. February 18: LUXOR We return to the west bank of the Nile to visit the tombs of the Nobles, spread over two square miles. We move on to the ancient village of the artisans, Deir elMedinat. We receive a specially arranged tour of the Oriental Institute’s Chicago House this afternoon. Hotel: Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor.
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February 19: DENDERA We travel to Abydos,to tour the Temple of Seti I, viewing the famous List of Kings and beautiful painted reliefs surviving from Pharaonic times In Dendera, we visit the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, music and wine. Hotel: Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor. February 20: RAMESSEUM Our last visit to the west bank will include the Ramesseum, where the fallen statue of Ramesses II inspired Shelley’s famous poem “Ozymandias.” We conclude the morning, at the rarely visited tombs of Kheruef and Ankh-Hor. We explore the Temple of Luxor in the afternoon before boarding our cruise ship. Hotel: Sonesta St George 1, Cruiser.
February 24: KALABSHA We begin at the Kalabsha Temple today, built on the site of an earlier sanctuary founded by Amenhotep II. The temple was dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. In the same antiquities park we will visit the shrine of Ramesses II, from Beit el-Wal. End the day at the Nubian Museum, before our farewell dinner. Hotel: Aswan Mövenpick Hotel. February 25: ABU SIMBEL We fly to Abu Simbel, where the rockcut temples of Ramesses II and his favorite queen, Nefertari, have been saved from the rising waters of the Nile. The temples were built to honor the deified royal pair and to awe the Nubians. Hotel: Holiday Inn, Heliopolis Hotel. February 26: CAIRO We transfer to the airport for our flights home.
February 21: ON THE NILE Enjoy time at leisure: you explore the local suq, hire a felucca to sail the Nile or just relax at the pool. Hotel: Sonesta St George 1, Cruiser. February 22: EDFU We begin at the Temple of Edfu, a preserved Ptolemaic temple of the falcon god Horus. This afternoon we visit Kom Ombo, often called the Acropolis of Egypt, dedicated equally to two gods: Horus the Elder and Sobek. Hotel: Sonesta St George 1, Cruiser.
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Cairo Sakkara
Giza Memphis
Egypt Abydos Dendera Edfu
Luxor Kom Ombo Aswan
Abu Simbel
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Ethiopia - Ancient Kingdoms & Legends
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Follow the full arc of Ethiopia’s history, from Palaeolithic settlements, via Medieval churches, to recent colonial clashes
• • • •
• Embark on a breathtakingly scenic drive through the peaks and gullies of the Simien Mountains National Park • Explore the marvelous rock-cut churches and labyrinthine tunnels of Lalibela, carved by the kings of the Zagwe dynasty • Luxuriate on Laka Tana on a full-day boat trip, taking in several of the lake’s islands with their distinctive round churches 12
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 16 lunches & 16 dinners October 14 – 31, 2017 18 Days $5995 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $1340
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LED BY Dr Jackie Phillips is a specialist in the archaeology of Ethiopia, from prehistory to the medieval period. She is currently a Research and Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where she is involved in a field project exploring the area around the churches of Lalibela.
ITINERARY October 14 & 15: ADDIS ABABA: Independent departures from home cities on Saturday. Arrive into Addis Ababa Sunday evening and transfer to our hotel. Hotel: Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa. October 16: ADDIS ABABA: After an orientation lecture by Dr. Phillips, we begin at the National Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums. After lunch, we continue to St. George Cathedral and museum, which displays the country’s best collection of ecclesiastical materials. Hotel: Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa. October 17: ADDIS ABABA: Today takes us south of Addis Ababa to the site at Melka Kunture, where continuing excavations uncover exciting evidence of early man. In the fields outside the small village of Tiya, we find a wonderful group of menhirs (standingstones), many of them carved. We will end the day in the capital built by Emperor Menelik II. Hotel: Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa. October 18: MEKELE: This morning we fly to Mekele. There are numerous rock-hewn churches that are elaborately decorated. Among the churches we visit is the 10th century Abraha Atsbeha, renowned for its lovely 17th and 18th century murals and valuable artifacts. We will venture into the Danakil Desert, where we might see caravans of Afar nomads bring slabs of salt from the Danakil Depression. Hotel: Gheralta Lodge. Left Page. Megalithic stone pillars at Tiya 1. Religious manuscript, St Mary of Zion church 2. The rock-cut Church of St George, Lalibela 3.Flora of the Simien Mountains
to relax and enjoy our lakeside hotel. Hotel: Kuriftu Resort & Spa.
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October 19: AXUM: We drive to Axum via Adwa, site of the decisive battle that saved Ethiopia from colonization. These great granite stelae, some decorated with doors, windows and beams to resemble multistoried palaces, rank among the largest stones ever used by man in building. They marked the royal cemetery, where the tombs of the kings are still being excavated. Hotel: Sabean International Hotel, Axum. October 20, 21 & 22: AXUM: We spend three days touring in and around Axum, starting with the new Archaeological Museum and Palace of Queen of Sheba. Lastly, we visit a new excavation area and explore tombs and monuments around Axum. We take a day trip to Yeha to visit the ruins of a Sabaean city. The temple, now enclosed in a church, is built of huge sandstone blocks inscribed with Sabaean inscriptions and sacred ibex reliefs. We also visit sites being excavated by colleagues of Dr. Phillips. Hotel: Sabean International Hotel, Axum. October 23: Simien Mountains National Park: Our drive through the Simien Mountains affords spectacular vistas and breathtaking landscapes. According to Homer, these mountains were so beautiful that they became the gods’ playground. We arrive at
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our lodge near Debark in the afternoon. Hotel: Simien Lodge, Debark. October 24: GONDAR: This morning we explore the area with an opportunity for a light hike. After lunch depart for Gondar arriving late afternoon. Hotel: Ghion Goha Hotel, Gondar. October 25: GONDAR: Gondar, formerly Ethiopia’s capital, was the site of great building of castles and churches by the emperors of the 17th and 18th centuries. Today we visit the imperial precinct, home to five castles — the oldest, the 17th century Castle of Fasilades, reflects Axumite, Portuguese and Indian influences. Our touring continues at the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie which is beautifully decorated with paintings by the artist Haile Meskel. Hotel: Ghion Goha Hotel, Gondar. October 26 & 27: BAHIR DAR: Drive to New Gorgora, where we board a boat for a full day on Lake Tana, visiting several islands and their distinctive round churches, decorated with reeds woven into intricate patterns and colorful paintings. We disembark in Bahir Dar. Friday morning we visit the impressive Tisisat Falls and stop near one of Haile Selassie’s palaces, where we can view the source of the Blue Nile. There will be time
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October 28 & 29: LALIBELA: A wonderful flight over vast desert and mountain landscapes into Lalibela, where we spend two days exploring the unique churches that recall the ancient Axumite architectural tradition. These buildings, along with the maze of tunnels, were carved from the rock by the kings of the Zagwe dynasty. We drive to the countryside to visit Ne’akuto Le’ab Church, built into the side of a cliff, and visit the new museum. Hotel: Mountain View Lodge. October 30: ADDIS ABABA: We fly to Addis Ababa. This evening we meet for a farewell dinner at one of the city’s fine restaurants. Hotel: Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa. October 31: The full day is free to explore the city’s galleries and marcato or return to the museum. This evening we transfer to the airport for our flights home. Our hotel will be available to us for day use as the international flights depart this evening.
Aksum Gondar
Mek'ele Lalibela
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
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Ghana, Togo & Benin
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Witness the meeting of thriving traditions, ancient past, and forward-looking present in incomparable West Africa
• • • •
• Visit the remarkable Royal Palaces of Abomey, an extensive and unique relic of the now-vanished Kingdom of Dahomey • Encounter African royalty at the colorful Akwasidae Festival, held at Manhyia Palace and attended by the Ashanti King • Get a glimpse of monkeys, elephants, hippos and other primates on a game drive at Ghana’s Mole National Park 14
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, lunches & dinners February 7 – 22, 2017 16 Days $7495 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $760
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LED BY Prof. Trevor Marchand, Professor in the Department of Anthropology at The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. An enthusiastic, awardwinning scholar with a passion for indigenous architectures, Marchand has traveled and worked extensively in East Africa and India.
ITINERARY February 7 & 8: We depart the USA on Tuesday and arrive in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday. Hotel: Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. February 9: ACCRA We visit the Archaeology department of the University of Ghana for a lecture on Ghanaian Archaeology and a visit to the museum where the finds from their projects across the country are stored. We continue to Brazil House. The day ends at the Mausoleum and Museum of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah. Hotel: Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. February 10: ELMINA We depart Accra for our tour along the ‘Gold Coast’. We stop at a coffin-making workshop. Funerals are one of Ghana’s most important social gatherings. Ghana’s slave trade was conducted from solid forts, and we visit one such fort today — Cape Coast Castle. We also view Ft. Amsterdam, the center of the British slave trade until it was destroyed in 1811. Hotel: Coconut Grove Hotel, Elmina. February 11: KUMASI We begin by walking through Elmina’s old town, fishing harbor and fort. We stroll down narrow streets where the wealthy Dutch merchants built their houses in the 1840s. We also see a number of posuban, the colorful pirogues in the fishing harbor and a vibrant market. Hotel: Kumasi Golden Tulip Hotel. February 12: KUMASI We attend Akwasidae Festival, where the Ashanti King greets his subjects Left Page. Cape Coast Castle, Ghana 1. The Sudanic-style Bole mosque 2. Memorial to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah 3. African elephants in Mole National Park
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outside the Manhyia Palace. We spend the rest of the day at Manhyia Palace Museum and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum. Hotel: Kumasi Golden Tulip Hotel. February 13: KUMASI Today, we tour Kejetia market and the villages around Kumasi. We find two Ashanti Shrines: Besease and Atia Kusia Kwame, and visit craft villages including Adanwomase, Pankrono and Ntonso, famous for Kente weaving, pottery production and Adinkra cloth, respectively. We also visit the wood carvers at Ahwia. Hotel: Kumasi Golden Tulip Hotel. February 14: MOLE NATIONAL PARK Driving to Mole National Park, we stop at Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. We get a close-up of rare black-andwhite colobus. Local taboo against killing monkeys dates back 200 years. Hotel: Zaina Lodge. February 15: WA We enjoy a game drive at Mole National Park during the morning. Traveling across the rich grassland savannah, we should see elephants, hippos and primates. In Larabanga, we see our first mud-andthatch mosque. We continue to Wa where we visit Wa Naa’s Palace. Hotel: Upland Hotel, Wa.
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February 16: BOLGATANGA Our first stop today is Lawra, famous for its handcrafted xylophone. We hear a short recital before traveling to Gwollu. We meet with a traditional bone setter, and learn how the tradition has been passed down within the Najiriwia clan and is still practiced today. Hotel: Ex-tee Crystal Hotel, Bolgatana. February 17: BOLGATANGA We begin at Sirigu, a village known for its elaborate mud compounds. We later visit the mud-brick Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows in Navrongo. Hotel: Ex-tee Crystal Hotel, Bolgatana. February 18: TONGO We visit Tongo, home to Tallensi people. We visit the Chief ’s sprawling honeycomb-like configurations of interconnected dwellings and ancestral shrines. The rocky outcrops surrounding the village house caves, shrines and sanctuaries. We later stop in Wulugu to see Zayaa Mosque. This afternoon we take a flight back to Accra. Hotel: Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. February 19: TOGO We journey to Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, via Togo’s capital, Lomé, where we stop to visit a fetish market and Aneho. Hotel: Azalai Plage Hotel, Cotonou.
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February 20: PORTO NOVO & GANVIE We travel to Benin’s capital Porto Novo, to visit the museum of Ethnography and admire the colonial Portuguese architecture, including the colourful baroque churches now converted into a mosques. In the afternoon we continue to Ganvie, described as the ‘Venice of Africa’, before returning to Cotonou Hotel: Azalai Plage Hotel, Cotonou. February 21: ABOMEY We spend the morning at the Royal Palaces of Abomey, where crafts were developed and treasures stored. We continue our touring of Abomey before our return to Cotonou – where we will meet for a farewell dinner in the evening. Hotel: Azalai Plage Hotel, Cotonou. February 22: OUIDAH Ouidah is the focus of today’s tour. We see a number of altars and temples scattered about this colonial town. We visit the Temple of the Pythons, dedicated to snake god, Dagbe, and home to serpents of many shapes and sizes which are revered locally. We witness a Vodun ceremony before our transfer to the airport for our evening flights home. Benin Togo
Wa Mole National Park
Ghana
Kumasi Accra
Ouidah Lomé
Abomey Porto Novo Cotonou
Elmina
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Classical Greece
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Explore the splendors of ancient Greece from the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi to the great healing center at Epidauros
• • • •
• Explore the Acropolis of Athens, lasting symbol of classical civilization and of the glorious Age of Pericles • Take an afternoon at leisure to discover Nauplia’s myriad charms, following narrow cobbled alleys and bougainvillea-lined streets • Walk a stretch of one of the great highways of the Roman Empire, the 2nd century BCE Via Egnatia 16
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 12 lunches & 7 dinners May 7 – 22, 2017 16 Days $5995 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $945
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Gerry Schaus is Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada, where he began teaching in 1978. He has a BA and MA from Dalhousie University in Halifax, and a PhD in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania.
ITINERARY May 7 & 8: We arrive into Athens on Monday. Hotel: Athens. May 9: THE ACROPOLIS We spend the day exploring the Acropolis, the lasting symbol of classical Athens. We stop at the Theatre of Dionysus and newly opened Acropolis Museum. We also visit the Agora, containing the Theseion and Stoa of Attalos. Hotel: Athens. May 10: ATHENS Today’s tour takes us to the National Archaeological Museum and its unrivaled marble and Mycenaean collections. After lunch, we tour the Kerameikos Cemetery and complete our city tour with the Arch of Hadrian and the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Hotel: Athens. May 11: CORINTH We begin our tour of the Peloponnese, stopping at Corinth, an important Roman mercantile center. The afternoon is spent at Epidaurus, one of ancient Greece’s most renowned medical centers. Its theater is considered the bestpreserved of its kind in the Greek world. Hotel: Grand Bretagne, Nauplia. May 12: TIRYNS We begin in Tiryns, and explore its system of fortification walls. We continue to fabled Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks against Troy, and his treacherous wife Clytemnestra. We enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Nauplia. Hotel: Grand Bretagne, Nauplia. Left Page. Ruins of the Temple of Apollo 1. The bronze Charioteer of Delphi 2. The Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion 3. Kerameikos Cemetery, Athens
palace, that Alexander was born. We continue to Vergina and Levkadhia to visit royal Macedonian tombs and magnificent treasures at the museum. We end today at the palace at Aigai. Hotel: Electra Palace Hotel.
and the stadium. We visit each in turn before studying the rich collection. Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Delphi.
May 20: KAVALA We tour the Old Town of Kavala, with its Ottoman houses, ramparts and aqueducts built in the 16th century under Suleiman the Magnificent. After visiting the museum we proceed to the ancient city of Philippi, a mainland colony of Thassos. Hotel: Electra Palace Hotel.
May 17: KALAMBAKA We travel to Kalambaka, to visit Meteora. Its spectacular monasteries are perched precariously atop huge columns of gray rock. Although hermits have occupied the caves of Meteora since the 11th century, it wasn’t until Serbs invaded in the 14th century that the first monastery was built, by St. Athanasius. Hotel: Kalambaka.
May 21: THESSALONIKI We begin at the Archaeological Museum, with its array of luxury vessels in precious metals, including the unparalleled Dherveni Krater and continue at the church of St Demetrius and Palace of Galerius. This afternoon we enjoy some time at leisure before gathering for our farewell dinner. Hotel: Electra Palace Hotel. May 22: We fly from Thessaloniki to Athens to connect with our flights home.
May 15: OLYMPIA Today’s touring is devoted to the Panhellenic sanctuary of Olympia, where every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE Greeks from the world over came to participate in the Olympic Games. We conclude with a visit to the museum. Hotel: Amalia Hotel, Delphi.
May 18: DION We continue north today, stopping en route at the foot of Mount Olympus to visit the ancient city of Dion and its fine museum. We continue to Thessaloniki, Macedonia’s most important port in ancient times. Strategically located on the Via Egnatia, Thessaloniki was the seat of Macedonia’s Roman officials, and the city played host to both the Greek and Roman games well into the 3rd century CE. Hotel: Electra Palace Hotel.
May 16: DELPHI This wonderful day will be spent exploring Delphi, the ‘center’ of the Greek world. The ancient sanctuary is divided into three sections — Marmaria, the oracular sanctuary of Apollo proper,
May 19: PELLA Today is devoted to Alexander the Great and his father, Philip. We begin at the museum and site of Pella, where pebble mosaics were introduced. It was here, in the still-unexcavated
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May 13: LERNA We continue to ancient Lerna, the scene for one of the ‘Labors of Hercules.’ We visit the ‘House of Tiles’, stop at Tegea to see the sanctuary temple of Athena and continue to Mystras, a medieval city rising up along the slopes of Mt. Taygetos. We view the remains of Frankish castles and lavishly decorated Byzantine churches. Hotel: Sparta. May 14: MESSENE Today we visit Ancient Messene, where we will see a number of ancient public and private buildings within its fortifications, including an Asklepieion and Stadium. Hotel: Olympia.
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Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
Kavalla
Greece
Philippi
Thessaloniki
Meteora
Delphi Athens Olympia Nauplia Mystras Sparta
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Greek Islands Cruise LED BY Prof. David Rupp is an experienced field archaeologist, academic, and permanent resident of Athens. He served as a member of Brock University’s Department of Classics for thirty years, before becoming President of Athens College in Psychiko-Attikis, Greece, in 2005. Gulet cruising allows you to experience a completely different side to the Aegean - enjoy a great atmosphere on board.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Take to the waves and reach fascinating places impossible to access by land on our gulet cruise across the Aegean
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Discover ancient Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, with its abundance of evocative ruins and statues • Sail to Kos and explore the Asklepeion, an ancient medical center dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius • Spend a relaxed afternoon walking the streets of Kos’ Old Town, buzzing with life and lined with small shops and cafés 18
Meals: All breakfasts, 11 lunches & 9 dinners September 1 – 16, 2017 September 15 – 30, 2017 16 Days $7495 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $4500
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Dr Veronica Kalas is an art and architectural historian as well as an archaeologist specializing in the ancient and medieval Byzantine periods of the east Mediterranean. She has taught and presented research in the US and abroad and has also enjoyed filming for the History Channel.
ITINERARY September 1 & 2: We meet in Rhodes, our first Dodecanese island. Here, we board our luxury gulet and embark on our spectacular tour of the Aegean. Accommodation: We spend the duration of our tour aboard the Halis Temel. September 3: RHODES We explore the beautiful town of Rhodes, including the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, and the Archaeological Museum. We also visit the magnificent Acropolis of Lindos, with a carved relief of an ancient Greek warship at its entrance. If we are lucky, we may see a Greek Orthodox procession make its way through the historic city. September 4: SYMI We sail to Symi, where the natural harbor is surrounded by colorful neoclassical houses. We stop at the main harbor Gialos during our tour. We continue our cruise to Nisyros this afternoon. September 5: NISYROS We devote a full day to exploring the volcanic island of Nisyros. We visit the beautiful village of Emboria, and the ancient acropolis Paleokastro, home to some impressive fortifications. September 6: ASTIPALEA This morning we sail to Astipalea, a beautiful island of whitewashed villages and sandy beaches. We explore an array of archaeological treasures, including Chora, the island’s capital town, Kylindra Infant Cemetery and a Roman bath complex. Left Page.the Halis Temel — our gulet 1. Ruins of the Asklepeion on Kos 2. Our home for the tour’s duration: Halis Temel 3. Castle of the Knights, Rhodes
statue. We also view impressive finds from the Neolithic period onwards and a grand collection of Early Cycladic artifacts housed in the Archaeological Museum.
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September 7: SANTORINI We leave the Dodecanese islands behind for the Cyclades, setting sail for Santorini. We visit Oia, a cliff-top village offering spectacular views over the volcano. We hope to arrange a wine tasting to finish off our day on this fascinating island. September 8: SANTORINI We continue our exploration of Santorini today, taking in Fira and discovering a treasure trove of Minoan artifacts from Fira’s ancient history. We also visit the Minoan Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, beautifully preserved by a volcanic eruption of c. 1627 BCE. Detailed frescoes and a wealth of objects survive here. September 9: SIKINOS We visit ancient Thera, the sprawling ruins of a fascinating ancient city first occupied by the Dorians before setting sale to the secluded island of Sikinos. This afternoon we explore the verdant countryside and discover Episkopi Monastery, a grand Roman tomb monument later converted into a Christian site. Sunday September 10: PAROS Today we glide across the Aegean to Paros, an island of architectural delights. We visit Panagia Ekatontapyliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, one of the oldest Byzantine monuments in Greece. We also
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visit the Archaeological Museum, seeing artifacts from across the island, including Roman mosaic floors. September 11: SYROS This morning we sail to Syros, where we explore the sprawling archaeological reserve of Halandiani of Castri, an ancient settlement surrounded by a triple wall and a vast ancient cemetery rich in grave goods. This afternoon we set sail for Delos, the heart of the Cyclades and mythical birthplace of the god Apollo. September 12: DELOS We spend a remarkable day exploring the now uninhabited sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we walk across an island like no other, we find a myriad of significant archaeological sites from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. Stroll through the remains of Doric temples and houses decorated with mosaics, and discover the quintessential Terrace of the Lions statues.
September 14: AMORGOS We sail to Amorgos, a magnificent island of dramatic mountainous landscapes. We visit the ancient site of Minoa where a wealth of discoveries have been uncovered, and the Chora. We discover the impressive 11th century Hozoviotissa Monastery. The complex boasts a spectacular white facade, portrait-lined walls, and glorious views of the Aegean. September 15: KOS We wake to views of the beautiful island of Kos. Today we explore the island, beginning with a visit to the imposing Castle of the Knights, a fortification of the Knights Hospitaller. After lunch we explore the Asklepeion, a healing temple dedicated to the god Asclepius, and walk along the quaint lanes of Kos’ Old Town. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and our last night aboard our gulet. September 16: Disembark in Kos where we end our tour.
Wednesday September 13: NAXOS This morning we sail to Naxos, once a cultural center of classical Greece and home to mountain villages, ancient ruins and golden beaches. Explore the Kastro, an impressive pentagonal castle of the 13th century, visit the Temple of Apollo and discover an Archaic Greek Kouros
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
19
Guatemala & Belize
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Go on the trail of Mesoamerican civilizations in the lush forests, rugged foothills, and modern cities of Guatemala and Belize
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Explore Tikal National Park, home to an extensive ancient Maya citadel, its temples, pyramids and palaces fringed by jungle • Take guided walks through the rainforest and travel by boat to reach remote — and rewarding — ancient sites • How many species will you spy? Binoculars at the ready for the chance to see Belize’s national bird, the yellow-breasted toucan 20
Meals: All breakfasts, 13 lunches & 12 dinners January 6 – 20, 2017 15 Days $6495 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $1150
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Bill Saturno is Assistant Professor of Archaeology at Boston University. He received his BA from the University of Arizona and his PhD at Harvard University. Professor Saturno has conducted research in Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.
ITINERARY January 6: GUATEMALA CITY Arrive in Guatemala City. Hotel: Camino Real Hotel.
altars and a sophisticated reservoir and terracing of this Classic period city. Hotel: San Ignacio Resort, San Ignacio.
January 7: GUATEMALA CITY After an orientation lecture, we visit the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, and its wonderful collection of Maya treasures. We continue to Popul Vuh Museum, which houses extraordinary examples of Maya art and ceramics, as well as fine religious art. The museum name is taken from the sacred book of the Quiché Maya people. Hotel: Camino Real Hotel.
January 18: LAMANAI We leave the lush mountains for the Orange Walk, where we board our boat for a trip on the New River to Lamanai. Totally hidden from river traffic by vegetation, Lamanai was continuously occupied from 1500 BCE until the late 16th century. Keep your binoculars to hand — there is incredible biodiversity here. Hotel: Lamanai Outpost.
January 8: ANTIGUA We travel to Antigua, Guatemala’s colonial capital. Today’s touring takes us to the colonial sites of Antigua, resplendent in their 17th and 18th-century architecture. Our visits include the Monastery of San Francisco and the church of La Merced. Hotel: El Convento Boutique, Antigua. January 9: ANTIGUA We continue to explore Antigua’s sites today. After lunch, there will be time to explore this charming city on our own. You may also wish to enjoy an adventure outside the city limits, or taste the famous local chocolate. Hotel: El Convento Boutique, Antigua. January 10: COPÁN Crossing the border into Honduras, we visit Copán, one of the greatest Maya cities of the Classic period. Copán is particularly exciting due to ongoing research which brings new discoveries to light each year. We visit the Great Plaza Left Page. The Mask Temple, Lamanai Ruins, Belize 1. The colorful facade of La Merced church, Antigua 2. The former Maya site of Topoxte 3. The Great Blue Hole, off the coast of Belize
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and Hieroglyphic Stairway, silhouetted against the verdant jungle. Hotel: Hotel Marina, Copán. January 11: COPÁN ACROPOLIS We continue touring at Copán Acropolis and the Sepulturas section of elite residences. We also visit the tunnels, where excavations have revealed beautiful early period architecture. Hotel: Hotel Marina, Copán. January 12: QUIRIGUÁ Early departure to drive to Tikal. On the way we stop at the Classic Maya site of Quiriguá, noted for its sculptured monuments depicting surreal creatures of the underworld. Hotel: Camino Real, Tikal. January 13: TIKAL The full day will be spent exploring the magnificent ancient city of Tikal. One of the largest Maya cities, Tikal has been under excavation and reconstruction since 1950. Our visit to Tikal will include steep pyramids, huge plazas, temples, shrines and paved causeways. Hotel: Camino Real, Tikal. January 14: YAXHÁ We journey into the Petén jungle through to Yaxhá, a seldom-visited Classic period city that competed with Tikal.
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This site is particularly interesting for its Solstice Observatory. We will also cross Lake Yaxhá to Topoxte, which was a particularly important site in the Postclassic period. Hotel: Camino Real, Tikal. January 15: TIKAL Our final visit to the pyramids and palaces of Tikal continues today. The finds from these vast excavations are housed in two museums we will visit. There will also be free time to explore the site on our own before our return to the hotel for an evening lecture. Hotel: Camino Real, Tikal. January 16: XUNANTUNICH We cross into Belize and the frontier town of San Ignacio. Beginning at Xunantunich, one of the largest ancient cities in the Belize River valley. The site has three adjacent plazas, dominated by El Castillo. After lunch, we have the option of visiting a center for traditional Maya medicine. Hotel: San Ignacio Resort, San Ignacio. January 17: CARACOL We travel into the Chiquibul Rainforest to Caracol. Dominated by its 136-foot temple, Caracol was once one of the major cities in the Maya world. Excavations have revealed plazas, unusual circular stone
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
January 19: LAMANAI The excavations at Lamanai have freed the ruins of the ancient city from the jungle, revealing royal residences, temple pyramids and ball courts. After visiting the site, our last afternoon will be at leisure to explore the area. This evening we will toast our adventure at our farewell dinner. Hotel: Lamanai Outpost. January 20: An early start brings us back to Orange Walk. We transfer to the Belize City airport for our flights home. Mexico
Lamanai Tikal
Belize City San Ignacio Caracol
Belize
Guatemala City
Copán Honduras
Antigua
Tegucigalpa
El Salvador
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Iceland
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Travel Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’, discovering breathtaking natural wonders, Viking settlements, and more along the way
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Explore the excavations of the Mosfell Archaeological Project, where discoveries from the Viking Age onwards are ongoing • Meet some of Iceland’s most enigmatic — and largest! — residents on an unforgettable evening of whale-watching • Take a free afternoon to discover the delights of the world’s most northerly capital — colorful, cultural Reykjavík 22
Meals: All breakfasts, 13 lunches & 12 dinners July 31 – August 15, 2017 16 Days $8250 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $1475
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Ken Harl is Professor of Classical and Byzantine History at Tulane University, having received his B.A. from Trinity College and M.A. and PhD. from Yale University. He has published on the history and coinage of the Roman world with an emphasis on the Greek cities of Asia Minor.
ITINERARY July 31 & August 1: Departures from our home cities on Monday. We arrive on Tuesday. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 2: REYKJAVÍK Enjoy a day touring the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavík. We discover Old Reykjavík, anchored by the small Tjörnin lake; and visit the National Museum of Iceland. After lunch, we continue to the Reykjavík Settlement Exhibition, and end the day at the Culture House, home to millennia-old artifacts and incredible Icelandic art. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 3: KEFLAVÍK We travel to Viking World this morning. Based in the town of Reykjanesbær, the main attraction is the magnificent reconstructed Viking ship built using authentic materials and methods. We see Iceland’s wildlife in their natural environment during an unforgettable whale-watching experience this evening. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 4: REYKJAVÍK Touring Reykjavík’s Saga Museum, we experience history brought to life through realistic waxworks and soundtracks. This afternoon, enjoy some free time exploring other Reykjavík highlights. Though small, this fiery capital’s creative spirit ensures there is always entertainment on offer. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 5: MOSFELLBÆR The Mosfell Archaeological Project, which hopes to construct a picture of human Left Page. Thingvellir National Park 1. Traditional houses in Skogar 2. Reconstruction of a shelter in Reykholt 3. View of glaciers from Hofn
August 12: HÓLAR We travel to Hólar, a community of just 100 people. We visit the Cathedral — built in 1763 from stone taken from Hólabyrða, which towers above Hólar — and Thingeyrar, the site of legislative assembly during the Icelandic Commonwealth. Hotel: Hotel Laugarbakki. 1
habitation and environmental change in the region, is our first stop. We continue to Thingvellir, a national park and “protected national shrine for all Icelanders” since 1928. We also stop at Lögberg, the former of the country’s Althing parliament. Hotel: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel. August 6: SKÁLHOLT For eight centuries from 1056, Skálholt was one of the most important places in Iceland, and remains a crucial religious center. We discover the Þorlagsbúð longhouse, a recreated turf-house. This afternoon we visit Geysir geothermal area, which boasts Iceland’s most active geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Hotel: Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel. August 7: HELLA We begin our day at the reconstructed farmstead of Stöng, in the Thjorsardalur Valley. The excavated farm is believed to have been destroyed in the Hekla eruption in 1104. We travel to the manmade cave at Hellnahellir, whose almost 50 meters of wall is covered with engravings. Hotel: Hotel Skogafoss. August 8: HOFN We discover a collection of 15,000 regional folk craft artifacts and six historical buildings during our visit to the folk museum in Skógasafn this morning.
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We continue to the Icelandic fishing town of Höfn, where we view the Falljökull glacier tongue in Skaftafel National Park. Hotel: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. August 9: JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON We start the day with a boat tour over the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park before continuing up the coast eastern coast of Iceland, stopping at picturesque fishing villages along the way. Hotel: Hotel Bláfell. August 10: MYVATN LAKE We begin with something different — a tour of Mývatn, a eutrophic lake whose surrounding wetlands have a rich fauna of waterbirds. On to Baldursheimur, where a hnefatafl (chess) set was found in a Viking graven – the king made from whalebone. Hotel: Hotel Skúlagarður. August 11: AKUREYRI We start the day at Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, then tour Akureyri, an important port and fishing center. We visit the museum and see the Eyjafjörður fjord, then continue to Gasir, the main trading post of northern Iceland during the Middle Ages, mentioned in old Icelandic sagas. Hotel: Hotel Mikligarður.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
August 13: ERIIKSTADIR This morning we explore one of the most historically significant locations in Iceland — the reconstructed house at Eriikstadir, starting point for all westward expansion by the Vikings. We continue to Reykholt, former home of ancient historian, poet, and politician Snorri Sturluson. We visit the Heimskringla Museum, dedicated to Icelandic sagas and scaldic poetry. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 14: REYKHOLT During our final day on tour we enjoy some free time in the Icelandic capital, during which you may wish to join an optional glacier excursion in Langokull. We gather tonight for our farewell dinner. Hotel: Hotel Borg, Reykjavίk. August 15: Depart for home.
Hólar Akureyri Eiriksstadir Iceland Hofn
Thingvellir Skálholt Reykjavík Hella
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Iran
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Discover the beauty and majesty of Iran’s long-passed empires, early modern dynasties, and timeless scenery
• • • •
• Visit Persepolis, the impressive ancient city which served as capital of the Achaemenid Empire for over two centuries • Travel to no fewer than ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Tehran’s magnificent Golestan Palace • Find the perfect souvenir, or simply soak up the atmosphere on a morning visit to Yazd’s lively central bazaar 24
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, lunches & dinners April 4 – 23, 2017 | August 29 – Sept 17, 2017 October 3 – 22, 2017 20 Days $7995 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $1250
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Dr Sophy Downes is an archaeologist whose research interests combine two worlds, in particular the interaction of the classical and Hellenic west and Persian east. Sophy has traveled to study the sculptures of Persepolis and held a fellowship in Tehran, as well as in Athens and Rome.
ITINERARY April 4 & 5: Depart from our home cities on April 4 and arrive on April 5. We transfer to the hotel for a welcome dinner and lecture. Hotel: Tehran. April 6: TEHRAN We begin with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Golestan Palace, an opulent Qajar-era masterpiece, and the National Museum of Iran’s archaeological and post-Islamic collections. Hotel: Tehran. April 7: ZANJAN Discover the Sa’dabad Complex and see the lavish Green Palace of the Pahlavi kings in the morning, then depart towards Zanjan, stopping to explore the Soltaniyeh Mausoleum along the way. Hotel: Zanjan. April 8: HAMADAN This morning we visit the archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, where we find a wealth of remains including a Zoroastrian temple. We continue to Hamadan. Hotel: Hamadan. April 9: KERMANSHAH We pay a morning visit to Hamadan before traveling to Bisotun, famous for the Bisotun inscription, in which Darius listed his achievements in Old Persian, Elamite and Babylonian. In the evening we also visit Taq-e Bostan, noted for its large Sassanid Era rock reliefs. Hotel: Kermanshah. April 10: AHVAZ We drive to Ahwaz, stopping en route to Left Page. Dowlat Abad Garden, Yazd 1. Citadel of Karim Khan, Shiraz 2. Colorful mosaics at Golestan Palace, Tehran 3. Ceiling art in Golestan Palace, Tehran
April 19 & 20: SHIRAZ We explore Shiraz, starting with the breathtaking Pink Mosque, elegant Narenjestan Palace, and the tomb of the poet Hafez. On April 20, we explore another Achaemenid capital — Persepolis. Grand staircases and complex royal tombs testify to its ancient magnificence. Hotel: Shiraz. 1
view Khorramabad’s impressive fortress and the remains of a Sassanid bridge. Hotel: Ahvaz. April 11: AHVAZ Today we visit the site of Ancient Shush and explore the ruins of the Darius I’s palace complex. After lunch, we discover the remains of the Elamite city of Kabnak and the Ziggurat at Choqa Zanbil. Hotel: Ahvaz. April 12: KERMAN This morning we fly to the desert trading city of Kerman where we explore the beautiful Bagh-e Harandi Gardens, home to a small but interesting museum. Hotel: Kerman.
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April 15: ISFAHAN We leave Yazd and the desert behind and Travel to Esfahan, where we will spend the afternoon exploring Vank Cathedral and the surrounding Armenian Quarter. Hotel: Isfahan. April 16: ISFAHAN This morning we explore the palaces and garden at Kakh-e Chehel Sotun, before continuing to Masjed-e Jameh Mosque in the heart of Esfahan’s old city. We also get a glimpse of the second-largest square on earth, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Hotel: Isfanhan.
April 13: YAZD We begin the morning at Kerman’s central bazaar and hamam museum before driving to Yazd, steeped in Zoroastrian culture. We explore the mud-brick old town, and Masjed-e Jameh Mosque. Hotel: Yazd.
April 17: ISFAHAN On our second visit to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, we explore the monuments that surround it: the tile-work Royal Mosque, the delicate Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, and the charming Ali Qapu pavilion. This afternoon, we take in the intricate decor of the Hasht Behesht palace. Hotel: Isfahan.
April 14: YAZD This morning we explore Zoroastrian burial traditions, visiting the evocative Towers of Silence and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Our last visit is to the beautiful Dolat Abad Gardens. Free time to follow. Hotel: Yazd.
April 18: SHIRAZ We make our way to Shiraz, heart of Persian culture today. En route to our destination, we visit the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, the King Cyrusfounded Pasargadae. Hotel: Shiraz.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
April 21: SHIRAZ Today’s touring takes us to Bishapur, the city founded by Shapur I, famous for his capture of Roman emperor Valerian. Hotel: Shiraz. April 22: SHIRAZ Today we travel to Firouzabad, stopping at the magnificent Qal’eh-i Dukhtar Palace. We return to Shiraz after lunch, enjoying some free time before our farewell dinner. Hotel: Shiraz. Sunday, April 23: We transfer to the airport and part ways. Please note that we are still finalising our hotels in Iran, rest assured we can guarantee we will only use the very best on offer. You can stay up to date with the latest changes by visiting our website. Takht-e Soleymān Soltanieh
Tehran
Kermanshah Esfahan Ahvaz
Iran
Yazd Persepolis Shiraz
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Ireland
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Follow Viking, early Christian, and Iron Age Celtic civilizations on this all-encompassing trip around the Emerald Isle
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Gaze upon the lavishly decorated Book of Kells in the hallowed surroundings of Trinity College library in Dublin • See the beehive huts, grave slabs, crosses and early churches to be found in the impressive glacial valley of Glendalough • Enjoy a foot-tapping evening of rousing traditional Irish music and dance in the historic port town of Kinsale 26
Meals: All breakfasts, 12 lunches & 4 dinners September 6 – 21, 2017 16 Days $5995 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $1145
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Charles Doherty recently retired as senior lecturer in Early Irish History at University College Dublin. Since 2009 he has been president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. He has written numerous articles on the cult of St. Patrick, among many other things.
ITINERARY September 6 & 7: DUBLIN We arrive on Thursday and meet with Professor Doherty for dinner. Hotel: Westbury Hotel, Dublin. September 8: DUBLIN We spend our first morning in the National Museum, home to the largest collection of Bronze Age gold in the world. We also stop at Trinity College to see the beautifully decorated Book of Kells and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Hotel: Westbury Hotel, Dublin. September 9: NEWGRANGE We visit the magnificent prehistoric sites of Newgrange and Knowth. It is believed that the megalithic passage tomb of Newgrange, which boasts a white quartz facade, would have taken a workforce of three hundred some twenty years to complete. We also visit the Hill of Tara, one of the most important royal sites of early Ireland. Hotel: Westbury Hotel, Dublin. September 10: GLENDALOUGH We travel south to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic settlement set in a lovely glaciated valley. Continuing south we stop at Old Kilkullen to view the remains of an Iron Age hill-fort. Lastly, at Browne’s Hill, we find a dolmen with a capstone that is said to weigh 100 tons. Hotel: River Court Hotel, Kilkenny. September 11: KILKENNY We begin at the imposing Jerpoint Abbey, renowned for the 15th-century cloister and unique carvings in the sculptured cloister arcade. Our next stop Left Page. Gallarus Oratory on the Dingle Peninsula 1. Monastery of Clonmacnoise 2. Trinity College Library 3. The prehistoric monument of Newgrange
September 18: BELFAST This morning we drive to Derry, one of the finest intact examples of a walled town in Europe. We examine these seventeenth century fortifications before continuing to the reconstructed circular stone fort Grianan of Aileach on our way to Belfast. Hotel: Europa Hotel, Belfast. 1
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is the famous Cathedral, the Rock of Cashel, once seat of the Kings of Munster. Hotel: Actons Hotel, Kinsale
Europe’s largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs. Hotel: Galway.
September 12: KINSALE We begin the day with some free time in Kilkenny. Afterwards, we depart for Charles Fort, a massive star-shaped fort built in 1677. We continue to Tralee to visit the Bonane Heritage Park. We find a variety of archaeological remains from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages here. This evening we will attend an Irish music and dance show. Hotel: Dromhall Hotel, Killarney.
September 15: GALWAY This morning we sail to the Aran Island of Inishmore, where we visit the island’s spectacular sites beginning at Dun Aenghus, a dramatic dry-stone fort. Our next visit is to Na Seacht d’Teampaill Seven Churches complex. Hotel: Galway.
September 13: KERRY Some of the finest coastal scenery in Ireland is found in West Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula. Our first stop will be the Iron Age Dunbeg Fort, an impressive example of a promontory fort. We examine the 9th-century corbel built Oratory of Gallarus. Finally, we visit Blasket Heritage Center, which tells the fascinating story of this remote island. Hotel: Dromhall Hotel, Killarney. September 14: GALWAY Today begins at Clonmacnoise Monastery, the burial place of the Kings of Connaught and Tara. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven 10th-13th century churches, two round towers and Western
September 16: SLIGO We spend a day at well-preserved Ceide Fields, Europe’s largest Neolithic land enclosure. Recent excavations have revealed Stone Age pottery and a well used primitive plough. Professor Seamus Caufield, the site archaeologist, will be our guide, offering us a privileged introduction to the site. Hotel: Riverside Hotel, Sligo. September 17: SLIGO We begin at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland; the oldest grave dates from 3200 BCE. We continue to Drumcliff and take a literary break to visit W.B. Yeats’s grave en route to Creevykeel, where we see one of the finest Court Cairns in Ireland. Free afternoon to explore Sligo. Hotel: Riverside Hotel, Sligo.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
September 19: BELFAST We tour Belfast, viewing the leaning Albert Memorial Clock Tower and Opera House. We venture a few miles out of Belfast to see our last prehistoric monument of the tour, Giant’s Ring, an impressive earthwork, 600 feet in diameter, with a megalithic chamber thought to date to 3000 BC. Hotel: Europa Hotel, Belfast. September 20: DUBLIN Our last day brings us back to Dublin, with time for an afternoon at leisure. You may like to explore its great galleries, green parks or even the old Guinness factory! We enjoy our farewell dinner at one of the city’s fine restaurants. Hotel: Westbury Hotel, Dublin. September 21: We transfer to Dublin airport. Belfast
Northern Ireland
Sligo
Ireland Galway
Dublin Killiney Kilkenny
Kinsale
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Israel with optional Jordan Extension
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Explore the outstanding sites, museums and holy places of the ‘Bible Lands’, countries steeped in myth and history
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Listen to a special lecture and take a guided tour at the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, Jerusalem • Enjoy a refreshing reprieve from the heat with a dip in the Dead Sea, whose extremely high salinity makes floating effortless • Join our optional Jordan extension and visit magnificent Petra, the great rose-red city carved from desert rock 28
Meals: All breakfasts, 12 lunches & 6 dinners October 14 – 29, 2017 16 Days $5995 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1750
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has extensive field experience, and since 2003 has been the co-director of the excavations in the late Roman fort at Yotvata, Israel.
ITINERARY October 14 & 15: We depart from our home cities and arrive into Jerusalem on Sunday evening where we meet for an opening lecture and dinner. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 16: JERUSALEM Our tour begins at the Mt. of Olives and Mt. Scopus. We view the monuments in the Kidron Valley. Lastly, we visit the Herodian Quarter, the residence of the upper-class Jerusalemites and the Cardo. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 17: THE OLD CITY Today we explore the City of David’s historical layers. We examine Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the Gihon Spring and Pool of Siloam. The day ends at the Wall excavations. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 18: ISRAEL MUSEUM This morning we view Islamic monuments including Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The rest of the day is devoted to the Israel Museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 19: CHRISTIAN QUARTER We have special arrangements for a tour and lecture at the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research. We continue to the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem.
Left Page. The magnificent Dome of the Rock 1. A pillar-lined cardo in Beit She’an 2. The rugged natural fortress of Masada 3. Remains of the ancient city-state of Megiddo
OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION October 30: JERASH We will cross into Jordan and begin touring with a visit to Jerash, an exceptionally well preserved Roman city. Hotel: International Hotel, Amman.
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October 20: THE OLD CITY We begin with a visit to Yad Vashem Memorial to the Holocaust. After lunch, we continue touring the neighbourhood of Ein Karem, with its many churches associated with St John the Baptist. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 21: HERODIUM Our day begins at Herodium, built by King Herod. We continue to the caves of Beit Guvrin, believed to have been dug first for stone to build the Roman coastal cities, and Tel Maresha. Hotel: David’s Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. October 22: DEAD SEA Traveling south, we stop at the Nabatean city of Mamshit, the best-preserved of the desert cities of the Negev. We then descend to the Dead Sea, arriving in time for a swim. Hotel: Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Sodom. October 23: MASADA Visit the great fortress of Masada, where our lecturer once lead excavations. We then travel to Qumran whose library housed the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Tiberias. October 24: BET SHE’AN Touring continues at Roman ruins in Bet She’an, where excavations are still
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under way. This afternoon we will see two synagogues boasting beautiful mosaics, Beit Alpha and Hammat Tiberias. Hotel: Leondaro Plaza, Tiberias. October 25: TEL HAZOR Today we visit Capernaum, the site of Jesus’ three-year ministry, and Tabgha where the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is said to have taken place. On to Sepphoris and its fine mosaics this afternoon, before reaching Haifa. Hotel: Dan Carmel Hotel, Haifa. October 26: HAIFA Returning to the Galilee, our first visit will be to Megiddo, exploring the remains of the ancient city, followed by a visit to the remains of the ancient city and necropolis of Beit Shearim. Hotel: Dan Carmel Hotel, Haifa. October 27: TEL AVIV We will begin our day at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum. We then drive south to the Roman port of Caesarea, built by King Herod. Hotel: Sheraton, Tel Aviv. October 28 &29: TEL AVIV Our last morning in Israel will be spent visiting the Eretz Israel Museum. Free afternoon before we return home. Hotel: Sheraton, Tel Aviv.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
October 31: MADABA We start at the Regional Museum and the hilltop ruins of the Temple of Hercules. We then depart for Petra stopping at Madaba, to view a unique mosaic map of Palestine made c.560 CE. Hotel: Mövenpick Hotel, Petra. November 1: PETRA The full day will be devoted to exploring the breathtakingly beautiful city of Petra, carved into rose-colored sandstone. Hotel: Mövenpick Hotel, Petra. November 2 & 3: THE HIGH PLACE OF SACRIFICE We re-enter Petra and climb to the High Place of Sacrifice. The views out over the city are spectacular. Drive back to Amman. Flights home on November 3.
Haifa Caesarea
Tiberias
Tel Aviv Jerusalem Massada
Israel
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Etruscan Italy
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Follow the fortunes of the Etruscans through their former home — along the dramatic Tyrrhenian coast of western Italy
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Enjoy a special visit to Cetamura archaeological site, where our scholar excavates, and to the lab for an artifact-handling session • Discover the impressive collection of Etruscan art at the Medieval Villa Giulia, home to the National Etruscan Museum • Get lost in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, on an afternoon to spend in the romantic city at our leisure 30
Meals: All breakfasts, 11 lunches & 6 dinners May 3 – 17, 2017 15 Days $6450 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $895
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Nancy de Grummond is M. Lynette Thompson Professor of Classics at Florida State University. She specializes in Etruscan, Hellenistic and Roman archaeology, and is director of excavations for the Cetamura site in Tuscany.
ITINERARY Thursday May 3 & 4: Departures from our home cities on May 3. We arrive in Rome on May 4. Hotel: Hotel Capo d’Africa, Rome. May 5: ROME We spend the morning exploring the rich Etruscan collection of the Vatican Museums. This afternoon we explore the Villa Giulia, and discover a veritable treasure trove of Etruscan art on display. Hotel: Hotel Capo d’Africa, Rome. May 6: TARQUINIA Today we leave the glories of Rome and travel to the southern tip of ancient Etruria, Cerveteri, once the Etruscan site of Caere. We explore the remarkably decorated tombs, dating between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE. This afternoon we visit the Tarquinia Museum, where we discover the famed “Cavalli Alati”, winged horses. Hotel: Villa Tirreno, Tarquinia. May 7: VULCI This morning we visit the Necropolis of Tarquinia, a hauntingly beautiful site with towering graves, noted for the spectacular paintings adorning the tomb walls. Here we discover intricately painted frescoes depicting daily life and activities the Etruscans hoped to enjoy in the afterlife. We travel on to Vulci, a once-powerful Etruscan city, and explore the wealth of Etruscan and Roman ruins that remain. Hotel: Casafrasi Hotel, Castellina. May 8: Castellina in Chianti We begin the day with a visit to the impressive Montecarlvario Tomb, a Left Page. Etruscan ruins in Vulci 1.The Duomo, Orvieto 2.Fresco of Neptune in the Vatican Museums 3.Aerial view of Orvieto
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large tumulus containing four elaborate tombs, and continue on to the museum in Castellina. After lunch we enjoy an exciting trip to our guide’s excavated archaeological site of Cetamura, and visit the site laboratory. We will discuss the site’s importance in understanding the elusive Etruscan culture. Hotel: Casafrasi Hotel, Castellina. May 9: VOLTERRA Today we explore the beautiful ancient Etruscan city of Volterra, famous for its alabaster workshop and 4th century BCE walls and archway. We visit the Porta all’Arco, Roman theater and discover the rich Etruscan exhibit in the Guarnacci Muesum. We travel to Tuscany this afternoon, and have free time to enjoy the striking city of Florence on the Arno river. Hotel: Florence. May 10: MARZABOTTO We venture to the remains of the large Etruscan settlement at Marzabotto. Here we spend a day exploring the remains of Etruscan society. A highlight of the site is ‘the terrace of the temples’, an acropolis considered to be one of the most important Etruscan monuments. Hotel: Florence. May 11: FLORENCE We begin the day with a visit to Florence
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Archaeological Museum, where we explore the impressive collection of Etruscan art. After lunch we visit Fiesole, the northern tip of ancient Etruria, where we discover an Etruscan temple dedicated to Minerva and a 2,000-seat Roman theater, and visit the local museum. Hotel: Florence. May 12: CORTONA This morning we discover the grand Etruscan tombs of Camucia before traveling to the hill town of Cortona. We spend the afternoon exploring the collection of early Etruscan art in the museum before continuing on through beautiful Tuscan hills into Umbria’s medieval capital, Perugia. Hotel: Brufini Palace Hotel, Perugia. May 13: CHIUSI Today’s excursion begins with a city tour of Perugia. We explore the Archaeological Museum, Priors’ Palace and the “Rocca Paolina”, an excavation of 15th century houses beneath the modern city. Out of the city we discover an Etruscan well and the subterranean Tomb of the Volumnii. This afternoon we visit Chiusi, where we find the Etruscan painted tombs of the Poggio Renzo in the Necropolis, Tomb of the Monkey and the Archaeological Museum’s collection of Etruscan artifacts. Hotel: Brufini Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
May 14: ORVIETO We begin the day with a drive to Viterbo, a town founded by the Etruscans. We continue on to Orvieto, a beautiful city rising from a sheer tufa plateau. As we approach, the glittering facade of the cathedral dominates the skyline. This afternoon we explore the Etruscan remains of Orvieto, including the vast necropolis of chamber-tombs. Hotel: Palazzo Piccolomini, Orvieto. May 15: ORVIETO We continue our exploration of Orvieto today, beginning with a visit to the Campo della Fiera archaeological site. This afternoon we explore the magnificent cathedral, the labyrinthine underground tunnels of the Etruscan town, and visit the Museo del Duomo. This evening we gather for our farewell meal in Orvieto. Hotel: Palazzo Piccolomini, Orvieto. May 16 & 17: ROME & HOME We travel back to Rome via our final Etruscan site, Veii, famously featured in Livy’s first pentad. This afternoon we enjoy free time to explore splendid Rome. Hotel: Hotel Capo d’Africa, Rome. On Day 17, we transfer to the airport for departures home or onward travel.
Florence Castellina in Chianti Cortona
Perugia Orvieto
Tarquinia Rome
Veii Velletri
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Sicily & Southern Italy
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Explore the sun-drenched home of some of the most beautifully preserved Classical archaeology in the Old World
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Go face-to-face with the mighty Riace Warriors, stunning lifesize Greek bronze statues rescued from the sea • Gain unparalleled insight into everyday ancient Roman life at the eerily complete cities of Pompeii & Herculaneum • Traverse arresting landscapes in search of fascinating sites, from forested plateaus to the cool sea air of the strait of Messina 32
Meals: All breakfasts, 9 lunches & 6 dinners October 7 – 22, 2017 16 Days $6375 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $965
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Gerry Schaus, who has excavated at Cyrene in Libya, and at various sites in Italy and Greece. He recently retired as Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada, where he had taught since 1978. He is President of the Canadian Archaeological Institute in Athens.
ITINERARY September 9 & 10: PALERMO We arrive in Palermo on 10 September. During the evening we will meet for our welcome dinner and an opening lecture. Hotel: Piazza Borsa Hotel, Palermo. September 11: PALERMO We explore the many sites of Palermo today. Our day begins at La Zisa, a Norman-Arab castle housing the Museum of Islamic Art. This cultural gem, inspired by Moorish architecture, was built by Arabian craftsmen in the twelfth century. We continue to the Archaeological Museum, which contains fantastic architectural sculptures. Lastly, we view the Byzantine mosaics in the Cappella Palatina. Hotel: Piazza Borsa Hotel, Palermo. September 12: CEFALÙ Our first stop is the Phoenician necropolis; we continue to Cefalù to visit its Cathedral and to stroll in this charming town before a seaside lunch. The full afternoon will be spent in Monreale, where we visit the single most important Norman monument on the island, the Cathedral and its cloisters. Hotel: Piazza Borsa Hotel, Palermo. September 13: SEGESTA We travel through the countryside to Segesta, where a pretty Doric temple and Greek theater nestle between the mountains. We visit the island of San Pantaleo to tour the Phoenician site of Motya. The day ends at the Marsala Museum, renowned for its reconstructed Phoenician ship. Hotel: Hotel Carmine, Marsala. Left Page. The ruins of Pompeii, Italy 1. Mosaic in Piazza Armerina, Sicily 2.Theater of Taormina, Sicily 3. Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Sicily
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September 14: CUSA Our first stop today is the Museo del Satiro in the church of Sant’Egidio. Our touring continues at Cusa, site of stone quarries used in the construction of the magnificent Selinunte temples, which we next visit. We end our day at the Western Acropolis. Hotel: Colleverde Hotel, Agrigento. September 15: AGRIGENTO We begin at the National Museum, with its reconstruction of the Atlas-like Telamones and outstanding collection of vases. We continue to the Oratory of Phalaris and the Hellenistic and Roman Quarters. Next we visit the temples of Akragas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We begin with the oldest, Hercules, and continue to the beautifully preserved temples of Concordia and Hera. Hotel: Colleverde Hotel, Agrigento. September 16: CASALE Our day begins with a drive through Sicily’s beautiful hills to Morgantina, a Greek city excavated by Princeton University. We travel to the Roman Villa Imperiale at Casale, where fine mosaics of the Roman-African artistic school date from the 4th century. The many rooms of mosaic floors include famous myth and hunting scenes. Hotel: Hotel des Etrangers, Syracuse.
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September 17: SYRACUSA We begin in the Archaeological Park, with its wealth of remains, including a Roman amphitheater; enormous 3rd century Altar of Hieron II; the ‘Ear of Dionysius’ quarry; and a Greek theater, carved out of the rock. We take a walking tour of the Old City of Siracusa, visiting the temple of Athena and the Fountain of Arethuse, famed in poetry. Hotel: Hotel des Etrangers, Syracuse. September 18 & 19: TAORMINA We explore Euryalus Castle, the largest military construction of the Greek world. We later travel along the coast to the medieval town of Taormina to visit the famous Greek theater. The panoramic views of the coastline and snow-capped Mt. Etna are magnificent. You have the day free on Tuesday to travel to Mt. Etna or explore this resort town. Hotel: Monte Tauro Hotel, Taormina. September 20: CALABRIA We take the Messina ferry to Reggio Calabria. A high point of the tour will be our visit to the National Museum to view the spectacular life size “Warriors of Riace,” found in the Ionian Sea and considered the finest bronze statues from the Greek world. We then travel through Sila Massif, covered by extensive forest. Hotel: Savoy Beach Hotel, Paestum.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
September 21: PAESTUM & HERCULANEUM We travel to ancient Paestum to tour its well-preserved Doric temples and extensive ruins of the ancient city. We also visit the site museum, which displays an important group of tomb paintings, including the “Tomb of the Diver”. We continue to Herculaneum, Pompeii’s sister city, buried by Vesuvius. Hotel: Naples. September 22: POMPEII We tour Pompeii, whose remarkably preserved Roman villas and wall paintings capture the city’s spirit before the 79 CE eruption. We will have ample time to see the site in depth. This evening we gather for a farewell meal. Hotel: Naples. September 23: NAPLES The tour ends with a visit to the National Museum, where we will see the wonderful wall paintings and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to soak up Neapolitan culture. Hotel: Naples. September 23: We return home today. Italy Naples Herculaneum
Pompeii Paestum
Monreale Palermo Reggio Calabria Cefalú Segesta Taormina Selinunte Sicily Mt. Etna Agrigento Siracusa
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Japan: Archaeology & Tradition
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Escape into Japan’s past on an exploration of early castles, samurai mansions, and pleasure quarters
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Explore famed temples, including Nagano Prefecture’s Zenkoji — home to the first ever Buddhist statue brought to Japan • Encounter the beauty of imposing castle towns developed by the daimyo and the Tokugawa shoguns • Visit Shima Chaya, an elegant 19th century teahouse exhibiting traditional musical instruments and geisha tools 34
Meals: 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 8 dinners October 5 – 22, 2017 18 Days $8750 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1,165
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Dr Christine Guth is Senior Tutor of History of Design at the Royal College of Art in London. She received her PhD in Fine Arts at Harvard University. She specializes in Asian material culture and design history, and is interested in many aspects of material culture, with Japan a particular focal point.
ITINERARY Friday, October 5 & 6: We depart from the US on Thursday arriving in to Tokyo on Friday. Hotel: Marriott Courtyard Station, Tokyo. October7: TOKYO We begin with a city tour of Tokyo. The rest of the day will be at leisure or you may wish to join a tour of Tokyo National Museum. Hotel: Marriott Courtyard Station, Tokyo. October 8: AOMORI A morning ‘bullet train’ takes us to Aomori. We tour Sannai Maruyama, where prehistoric dwellings and thousands of artifacts have been found. This evening we will gather for a lecture and dinner. Hotel: Hotel Aomori. October 9: HONSHU We travel to Lake Towada, Honshu’s largest volcanic crater lake. Continue to one of the best preserved Jomon megalithic complexes in the north east: the Oyu Stone Circles. We then visit the old castle-town of Morioka, Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan, Morioke New Wing. October 10: HIRAIZUMI We spend the day touring Hiraizumi, home to the Fujiwaras who ruled the Tōhoku region for centuries. We view the temples of Chuson-ji, renowned for extravagant gold and inlay mother-ofpearl in its worship hall; and Motsuji, and its classic preserved Jodo garden. Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan, Morioke New Wing. Left Page. Osaka Castle, Chūō-ku, Osaka 1. Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto 2. Zen Garden, Adachi Museum of Art 3. Village of Shirakawa-go
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October 11: KARASU-JO We explore Karasu-jo, one of Japan’s oldest intact castles. We stop at Nihon Ukiyoe Hakubutsukan, a museum devoted to a comprehensive collection of ukiyo-e, Edoperiod wood-block prints. Hotel: Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto.
Residence District, with its earthen walls, twisting streets and canals and D.T. Suzuki Museum. We also visit the Shima Chaya, an elegant geisha house. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to watch a Noh play or visit Kanazawa’s galleries. Hotel: Kanazawa Excel Tokyu Hotel.
October 12: NAGANO We explore Nagano, where we begin with a visit to the Haniwa terracotta figurines, housed in Nagano Museum. After, we continue to the Zenko-ji, temple and visit the small town of Obuse and Hokusai-kan Museum, dedicated to the leading ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. Hotel: Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto.
October 16: ICHIJOTANI We begin at Eihei-ji an active Soto-Zen monastery. This atmospheric temple has beautiful gardens that climb upto a thickly forested mountainside. At Ichijotani we see the excavated ruins of the castle-town ruled by five generations of the Asakura clan. We continue to Fukui, to visit Maruoka-jo, Japan’s oldest castle keep. Hotel: Hotel Fujita Fukui.
October 13: TAKAYAMA We travel through the Japanese Alps and stop at the morning market and Jinya, the shogun’s headquarters, in the picturesque village of Takayama. We continue to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traditional thatched houses still stand proudly here, preserved by their isolated mountain setting. Hotel: Kanazawa Excel Tokyu Hotel.
October 17: TORIHAMA We travel along the San’in coast of the Sea of Japan, stopping at the Mikata Jomon Museum and a shell midden at Torihama. We continue to Obama, a small fishing village called the “Nara of the Sea” for its ancient temples. We tour Jinguji temple, in which Shinto deities are worshipped alongside Buddhist images. Hotel: Hotel New Otani, Tottori.
October 14 &15: KANAZAWA We spend two days exploring the old quarters and museums of Kanazawa. We stop in Nagamachi, the Samurai
October 18 & 19: YAKUMOTATSU FUDOKI-NO-OKA We continue to Matsue. We start with a visit to the Adachi Museum of Art,
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where great works by such 20th-century Nihon-ga painters are displayed. In the afternoon, we continue to Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-Oka and its site museum. On Thursday, we begin with a visit to the imposing Izumo Taisha Shrine. We spend the remainder of the day visiting the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, where spectacular bronze halberds and other remains are displayed. Hotel: Hotel Tokyu, Matsue. October 20: MATSUE We will complete our touring this morning with visits to Gesshoji temple, Matsue Castle and local sites associated with the expatriate writer Lafcadio Hearn, whose essays popularized a romanticized view of pre-modern Japan. This evening we will met for our farewell dinner. Hotel: Hotel Tokyu, Matsue. October 21: OSAKA We board the train for the port city of Osaka, where we visit the Oriental Ceramics Museum to round off our tour. Hotel: Hotel ANA Crowne Plaza, Osaka. Sunday, October 22: OSAKA This morning we transfer to the airport for our flights home.
Aomori
Hiraizumi
Kanazawa
Japan Yakumotatsu
Nagano Tokyo
Osaka
35
Malta, Sardinia & Corsica
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Explore the wonderfully characteristic geological environments and unique cultural and political histories of these three islands
• • • •
• Discover the megalithic temples of Malta, the nuraghes of Sardinia and the open-air sanctuaries and cult sites of Corsica • Enjoy spectacular scenery, blue skies and delicious local food and wines in the heart of the southern Mediterranean • Visit the excellent new Sartene Archaeological Museum, in the heart of Corsica’s most megalithic monument-rich region 36
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 8 lunches & 6 dinners April 19 – May 4, 2017 16 Days $7495 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $985
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Clive Vella, a US-based Maltese archaeologist with extensive island excavation experience. Clive received his doctorate from Brown University. His research has helped to greatly improve and review our understanding of the material culture of the Maltese Temple Period.
ITINERARY April 19 & 20: We depart from our home cities on Wednesday arriving into Malta on Thursday. Transfer to our hotel in Valetta. Hotel: Phoenicia Hotel, Valetta. April 21: SKORBA Our tour starts in Skorba, one of the earliest continuously inhabited sites on the island. We visit the remains of buildings that may have been shrines or prototemples more than 5,000 years ago. We continue to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, a complex occupying a marvelous site above the sea. We conclude with a tour in the old city of Mdina. Hotel: Phoenicia Hotel, Valetta. April 22: VALLETTA The begin at the Archaeological Museum, which displays a wonderful collection of prehistoric material. We take a short walking tour of the old city, including a visit to St. John’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, we continue to Hal Saflieni, a rockcut catacomb for multiple burials, if this site has re-opened by spring. The last site we visit the temples of Tarxien. Hotel: Phoenicia Hotel, Valetta. April 23: GOZO We travel to the island of Gozo today. The well-preserved temples of Ggantija, here have massive walls, some of which still rise to a height of 17 feet. They are as awesome today as they must have been in antiquity. We also visit the collections at the Archaeological Museum and the Citadel in the Norman town of Victoria. Hotel: Phoenicia Hotel, Valetta. Left Page. Ancient Tharros, Sardinia 1. Mnajdra Temple, Malta 2. Coddu Vecchiu, Giants’ grave, Sardinia 3.C atacombs of St. Paul, Malta
May 1: BONIFACIO This morning we will view Bonifacio’s old buildings remaining from the Pisan and Genoese periods, as well as its fortifications, built in 830 CE by a Tuscan margrave in order to repel a Saracen attack. The afternoon is at leisure; perhaps enjoy a boat or theater trip? Hotel: Hotel Santateresa, Bonifacio. 1
April 24: CAGLIARI We depart Malta for Sardinia, flying via Rome. Late evening arrival into Cagliari. Hotel: Hotel Regina Margherita, Cagliari. April 25: CAGLIARI This morning we explore Cagliari, including its Archaeological Museum, a walking tour of the Old Town with its 13th-century RomanesqueGothic Cathedral, and the Roman Amphitheater. The afternoon is at leisure. Hotel: Hotel Regina Margherita, Cagliari. April 26: NORA Today’s itinerary will take us to several Phoenician sites, beginning with a scenic coastal drive to Nora, where we visit its Punic temple, houses, Roman theater and baths. We then continue to the volcanic island of Sant’Antioco to see a fascinating tophet. Lastly, at Monte Sirai, we will tour a Phoenician mining town. Hotel: Hotel Regina Margherita, Cagliari. April 27: SU NURAXI We examine some of the island’s many nuraghes and remains of temples, fortresses and dwellings. We stop at the megalithic cult center and cemetery of Pranu Muteddu, and continue to Su Naraxi the largest nuraghic village in Sardinia. End the day at ancient Tharros. Hotel: Hotel Mistra II, Oristano.
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April 28: SANTA CRISTINA Today begins at the nuraghic complex of Losa and the sanctuary of Santa Cristina and continues to the complex of Sant’Antine and the rockcut necropolis of Sant’Andrea Priu. We continue to Alghero to spend two nights in the lovely port city, which still retains its Catalan atmosphere. Hotel: Alghero. April 29: SASSARI This morning we visit the Neolithic site of Monte d’Accoddi, a huge megalithic altar set on a base of over ten meters. We spend the rest of the morning in Sassari, a delightful medieval town nestling around its great cathedral. We visit the fine prehistoric Punic and Roman collections at the National Museum, before returning to Alghero for an afternoon at leisure. Hotel: Alghero April 30: LI MURI We travel through mountain villages and along winding coastal roads, visiting the prehistoric cemetery of Li Muri and the giants’ tombs Li Loghi and Coddu Vecchiu. We take a short ferry trip to Corsica where we spend two nights in the lovely port of Bonifacio. This fortified town perched atop the chalk cliffs appears on the Corsican horizon as we approach. Hotel: Hotel Solemare, Bonifacio.
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May 2: FONTANACCIA Driving into the Tizzano Valley, we visit the megalithic sites of Fontanaccia, Stantari and Renaghju, the best-preserved dolmen in Corsica. We continue to the charming town of Sartine to visit the newly installed Archaeological Museum. Hotel: Hotel Marcina, Propriano. May 3: FILITOSA Touring today begins with Corsica’s most important prehistoric site, Filitosa. Here menhirs, carved 5,000 years ago, represent the pinnacle of achievement for the megalithic artists. We then continue to Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace. Tonight, we meet for a farewell dinner. Hotel: Ajaccio. May 4: We fly to Nice to connect to flights home. Italy Corsica Sicily
Ajaccio Bonifacio Sassari Alghero
Tunisia Gozo Victoria
Ggantija
Sardinia Oristano
Nora S’Antioco
Cagliari
Valletta
Skorba Rabat
Tarxien
Malta 37
Central Mexico
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Follow the ancient civilizations of the Toltec, Aztec, Zapotec, Olmec and Mixtec across the centre of magnificent Mexico
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Enjoy a remarkable performance of the Danza de las Voladores de Papantla, a dizzyingly high-flying ritual dance • Stroll through Teotihuacan — ‘birthplace of the gods’ — and explore the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon • Uncover the elaborate carved reliefs etched into columns and frieze at El Tajín, one of Mexico’s most important Classic-era sites 38
Meals: All breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners March 11 – 24, 2017 14 Days $5795 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1145
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Bill Saturno is Assistant Professor of Archaeology at Boston University. He received his BA from the University of Arizona and his PhD at Harvard University. Professor Saturno has conducted research in Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.
ITINERARY March 11: We arrive into Mexico City and enjoy dinner at our hotel. Hotel: Meridien Hotel, Mexico City March 12: MEXICO CITY After a morning lecture, we depart for the Archaeological Museum. The Museum contains one of the world’s largest collections of archaeological and anthropological artifacts from prehispanic Mayan civilizations to the Spanish conquest. There is so much to see. We will enjoy a full day here. We stop for dinner at a local restaurant this evening, where we enjoy the finest Mexican food. Hotel: Meridien Hotel, Mexico City March 13: TULA We travel to Tula, which reached its height as the capital of the Toltec Empire between the fall of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tenochtitlan. this morning. Upon arrival, we visit the incredible Pyramid site of Tula and its museum. We enjoy lunch in Tula, before returning to Mexico City. We spend the afternoon in the Zocalo, where we visit the Palacio National, to see the Diego Rivera murals. We enjoy a lecture before dinner tonight. Hotel: Meridien Hotel, Mexico City March 14: ZÓCALO We revisit the Zócalo. Prior to the colonial period, it was the main ceremonial center in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. We explore the Temple Mayor and its museum. The rest of the day is yours. You can relax, or enjoy some leisurely exploration of Mexico City. Hotel: Meridien Hotel, Mexico City Left Page. Pyramids of Teotihuάcan 1. Temple of Quetzcoatal III 2. Local crafts in Cancún 3. Temple Mator, Tenochtitlan
are free to spend the rest of your day, exploring at leisure. Hotel: Hotel Quinta Real, Oaxaca
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March 15: TLATELOLCO We depart for Tlatelolco. The square is bounded by an excavated Aztec archaeological site which we explore. Afterwards, we continue on to Teotihuacán, where we stop for lunch. We tour the site of Teotihuacán this afternoon. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon, to re-visit your favourite spots. Hotel: Villas Archaeologicas, Teotihuacán March 16: TEOTIHUACÁN We enjoy a full day touring Teotihuacán. Discover the Serpent Temple, and Temple of the Moon. After lunch we continue to Teotihuacán’s Mural Museum. There will be time to explore the area independently, before we return to our hotel. We enjoy a pre-dinner lecture this evening. Hotel: Villas Archaeologicas, Teotihuacán March 17: EL TAJÍN We travel to el Tajín, one of the largest and most important cities of the Classic era of Mesoamerica this morning, arriving in time for lunch. The remainder of the day includes visits to the museum at el Tajin, and a performance of Danza da la Voladores de Papantla. Hotel: Poza Rica Inn, Poza Rica March 18: XALAPA We explore Xalapa today. After lunch at a local restaurant, we spend the afternoon at
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the Museo de Antropologia de Xalapa. We dine at our hotel’s wonderful restaurant tonight. Your guide will deliver a lecture based on the day’s activities before dinner. Hotel: Hotel Clara Luna, Xalapa March 19: CANTONA We enjoy a leisurely drive to Cantona today. It was a fortified city with a high urbanization level at prehispanic times. We stop for lunch in a local hacienda, before embarking on a long drive to Puebla – birthplace of the chocolate-based mole poblano sauce – in the highlands of south-central Mexico. Hotel: Hotel Quinta Real, Puebla March 20: CACAXTLA We travel to Cacaxtla, a sprawling palace containing vibrantly colored murals painted in unmistakable Maya style. We explore Museo Amparo after lunch. You can continue to Barrio del Artista for a leisurely walk, or enjoy some free time. Hotel: Hotel Quinta Real, Puebla March 21: OAXACA We take a long, scenic drive to Oaxaca – known for its indigenous cultures – stopping at sites along the way. After lunch in Zocalo. Prior to the colonial period, it was the main ceremonial center in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. We continue to the museum, where you
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March 22: YAGUL We visit the Yagul decorated tombs this morning. After lunch we continue to Mitla, the most important of the Zapotec culture. We watch a traditional weaving demo at Teotitlán del Valle and Santa Ana del Valle this afternoon. Hotel: Hotel Quinta Real, Oaxaca March 23: MONTE ALBÁN We travel to Monte Albán, The city from which the ancient Zapotecs ruled Oaxaca’s Valles Centrales. We explore the site and museum here today. Your final afternoon is Mexico is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, we will enjoy a special farewell dinner in hotel with a drinks reception. A wonderful way to toast the end of a journey well spent. Hotel: Hotel Quinta Real, Oaxaca March 24: We depart our hotel, with a boxed breakfast ready for our flights.
El Tajin
Tula Teotihuacán
Cantona
Mexico City
Mexico
Xalapa
Cacaxtla
Monte Albán
Oaxaca Yagul
39
Mongolia
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Chart a historical map of Mongolia from prehistory to present, taking in eternal landscapes, vast horizons and thriving tradition
• • • •
• Travel to key sites that have produced dinosaur eggs and fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period, such as the Flaming Cliffs • Tour the National Museum of Mongolia and discover artifacts of the country’s history, from the Neolithic to now • Discover an array of megalithic Mongolian deer stones, longsurviving examples of megalithic art in Mongolia 40
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 15 lunches & 15 dinners June 24 – July 11, 2017 18 Days $8895 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1,195
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Craig Benjamin, Associate Professor in the History Department at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where he teaches courses in ancient Central and East Asian history, and on the Silk Roads. He has a particular interest in ancient nomadic confederations in Central Asia.
ITINERARY June 24 & 25: Departures from our home cities on June 24. We arrive in Ulaanbaatar on June 25. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel.
regime. We have an afternoon at leisure. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel.
June 26: ULAANBAATAR We enjoy a welcome lecture followed by a visit to the stunning buildings of the Choijin temple Complex. This afternoon we enjoy a walk around Ulaanbaatar, pausing in the grand Sukhbaatar Square, and pay a visit to the National Museum of Mongolia, which houses artifacts from the Stone Age through to today. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel.
traditional hot spring bath. Hotel: Jargal Jiguur Ger Camp.
June 27: ULAANBAATAR Today we explore the sprawling Winter Palace Complex where Mongolia’s last king and eighth living Buddha resided.before discovering the exquisite Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts. After lunch we continue to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel.
June 30: JARGALANT Today we explore the attractively set region of Jargalant. We view the ruins of the Ariin Huree Monastery and visit Terhiin Tsagaan Lake in the Khangain Mountains. The Suman River springs from the eastern end of the lake, snaking around Khorgo Volcano. Hotel: Maikhan Tolgoi Ger Camp.
June 28: MURUN We fly to Murun and visit its important museum, with its ethnographic collection of the traditional dress of Mongolian ethnic groups. We devote the rest of the day to discovering traditional deer stones. Tonight we enjoy our first night in a traditional ger camp. Hotel: Uushgiin Uvur Ger Camp.
July 1: TSETSERLEG We encounter impressively decorated deer stones today as we visit Shivertin sites and Tsatssiin. We also visit Zayayn Gegeenii, a monastery-turned-museum, and the Monument of Maidar Buddha. Hotel: Munkhtenger Ger Camp.
June 29: JARGALANT We complete our study of the region’s deeerstones at Ushigiin, before embarking on a stunning drive to Jargalant, where you have the option to indulge in a Left Page. Mausoleum and statue of Genghis Khan 1. Traditional ger accomodation 2.Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum 3.Deerstones at Hyadagiin
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July 2: ORKHON VALLEY We visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, established by Genghis Kahn. We explore Erdene Zuu’s expansive complex, thought to be the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Hotel: Munkhtenger Ger Camp. July 3: ORKHON VALLEY We begin the day with a visit to Tovkhon Khiid Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, founded by
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Zanabazar – the Khalka’s spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism in outer Mongolia. Hotel: Munkhtenger Ger Camp. July 4: ARKHANGAI This morning is spent exploring the ruins of an ancient citadel of Khar Balgas. We encounter the outer walls, a grand Buddhist stupa and an imposing castle. After lunch we visit the Kultegin Monument on the way to Ugii Lake. Hotel: Ugii Ger Camp. July 5: KHUSTAIN NATIONAL PARK We begin the day exploring the expansive ruins of the Uighar Har Buh Fortress and Ulaan Herem archaeological site. The afternoon is spent in Khustain National Park, a reserve built to protect Mongolian wild horses. Hotel: Hustai Ger Camp. July 6: ONGOT GRAVES We visit the Ongot Graves, gravestones ornately carved with intricately detailed man-like features. This afternoon we drive back to Ulaanbaatar and explore the great dinosaur exhibit in Hunnu Mall. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel. July 7: ULAANBAATAR This morning, we visit the Gandan Monastery, one of the few Buddhist monasteries to survive the Communist
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July 8: GOBI DESERT We fly to Dalanzadgad, then drive to our Ger camp. We travel to Moltsog sand dune for an introduction to life in the Gobi. We also visit the spectacular Flaming Cliffs that have yielded many dinosaur fossils. Hotel: Dream Gobi Ger Camp. July 9: GOBI DESERT Today we travel to the breathtaking Yolyn Am gorge. We visit the entrance museum, and those that wish to can walk up to the gorge for spectacular sights of rocky cliffs and dramatic canyons. Hotel: Dream Gobi Ger Camp. July 10: ULAANBAATAR We return to Ulaanbaatar this morning and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the bustling metropolis before our farewell dinner. Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel. July 11: We transfer to the airport for departures home or onward travel.
Murun Jargalant Ulaanbaatar Kharkhorin khustai National Park
Mongolia
Flaming Cliffs Yolin Am Ice Field
41
Oman & Zanzibar
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Explore a little-visited pocket of the Arab world, from Oman’s otherwordly landscapes to the romantic spice island of Zanzibar
• • • •
• Visit the intriguing waterside capital of Muscat, with its wellpreserved and imposing fortresses and Grand Mosque • Discover the lost ancient city of Ubar, the ‘Atlantis of the Sands’ whose riches were founded on the frankincense trade • Spend a relaxed afternoon at a spice plantation on Zanzibar, and see first hand where the island’s famous cloves are produced 42
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 12 lunches & 8 dinners. October 13 – 29, 2017 17 Days $8395 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1280
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Trevor Marchand, Professor in the Department of Anthropology at The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. An enthusiastic, award-winning scholar with a passion for indigenous architectures, Marchand has worked as an architect in India and traveled extensively in East Africa.
ITINERARY November 13 & 14: We arrive in Muscat on Saturday 14. Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel, Muscat. November 15: BAUSHAR We travel along the Mutrah Corniche to view the residence of the sultan, Al Alam Palace. We visit the Bait alBarandah, now a museum presenting the history of Muscat, and the charming Bait al Zubair, a private museum housing traditional Omani items. Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel, Muscat. November 16: AL-AYN We leave Muscat, stopping first at the preIslamic fort at Nakhl. Continuing through date palm oases, we view the fort of Rustaq, built over a spring and thought to have been founded by the Persians in the pre-Islamic period. We continue to Al-Ayn to visit Bat’s beehive tombs and communal graves. Hotel: Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa. November 17: AL-AYN We begin at Has’t bin Sult, a 20-foot rock covered with engravings of men, women and children. We continue to Al Hamra’s old town, and to Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman. We view Bahla’s huge fort, a World Heritage Site surrounded by miles of mud-brick walls. Hotel: Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa. Wednesday, November 18: NIZWA We begin at Nizwa souk and round tower fort. We travel north via Sumail Pass to visit the falaj and mosque of Samali, and to nearby Akdar, known Left Page. Nizwa Fort, Oman 1. Dome of the Sultan Qaboos, Muscat 2.Stone Town Harbor, Zanzibar 3.Old Fortress, Muscat
wooden doors, no two alike, are a symbol of the once wealthy householders who lived within. After a break, we regroup for a lecture by a representative of the Preservation Society. Hotel: Zanzibar Serena Inn.
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for its traditional pit weaving. We continue to Samad, an oasis town famed for its watchtowers. Hotel: Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa. November 19: SUR This exciting day takes us to the ancient dune system of the golden Wahiba Sands, via Al Mudayrib, where we stop to admire the city gate and beautiful carved doors. We continue to Sur, a historic port which once controlled much trade with East Africa and India. Hotel: Sur Plaza Hotel. November 20: MUSCAT We visit the excavations at Ras al-Jinz and Ras al-Had. We return to Muscat, stopping at the ruins of the Bibi Maryam mausoleum, built by the same woman who built Qalhat’s famous lost mosque. This beautiful enigmatic tomb is all that remains of this once great Arabian city. Hotel: Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat. November 21: SALALAH A spectacular flight over the Wahiba Sands brings us to Salalah in the southern province of Dhofar. After visiting the Salalah Museum, we visit the ancient city of Dhofar (Al-Baleed). We visit Old Salalah and its natural wonders. Hotel: Hilton Salalah Resort.
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November 22: SALALAH We drive into the Jebel Qara escarpment to Job’s Tomb. We continue through the “empty quarter” to Hanun, site of an ancient frankincense storehouse and a small temple dedicated to the moon god Sin. The site is an important transit point en route to Cana and Shabwah. Hotel: Hilton Salalah Resort. November 23: SALALAH We begin at the pre-Islamic port of Sumhuram, beautifully situated on the banks of the Khor Rawri. We will visit the picturesque town of Mirbat and explore Wadi Darbat, known to house prehistoric paintings in some of its caves. Hotel: Hilton Salalah Resort.
November 27: ZANZIBAR We tour the palace at Dunga and the oldest mosque in East Africa at Kizimkazi.before our visit to Unguja Ukuu, the oldest settlement on Zanzibar and the traditional seat of royalty. Tonight, we enjoy dinner accompanied by Taarab music. Hotel: Zanzibar Serena Inn. November 28: ZANZIBAR We begin with a visit to the ruins of Maruhubi Palace. We then travel north through the countryside, we visit Mtoni Palace and Persian Baths. At Fukuchani we explore the remains of a Portuguese settlement. We visit a spice plantation to see where Zanzibar’s cloves are produced, and conclude our incredible adventure with a sunset sail on a traditional dhow. Hotel: Zanzibar Serena Inn. November 29: Transfer to Zanzibar airport for flights.
November 24 & 25: MUSCAT & ZANZIBAR We fly to beautiful Muscat on Tuesday 24 and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. On Wednesday 25, we fly across the sea to the lush, romantic spice island of Zanzibar. We enjoy an introduction to Zanzibar over dinner. Hotels: Grand Hyatt Hotel, Muscat; Zanzibar Serena Inn. November 26: ZANZIBAR We take a walking tour of Stone Town and examine its unique architecture. The marvelous Zanzibari carved
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
Muscat Nizwa
Sur
Oman
Zanzibar
Salalah
Zanzibar Town
43
Peru
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes on a journey that takes in the very best of Peru — to Machu Picchu and beyond
• • • •
• Travel to remote sites, taking train and car through breathtaking river valleys bounded by rugged mountains • Explore what is believed to be the oldest city in the Americas, the extensive, newly excavated settlement of Caral • Tour Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world, and the great Moche tomb of Sipán 44
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 11 lunches & 11 dinners August 4 – 20, 2017 17 Days $6695 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $995
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Daniel Sandweiss is Professor of Anthropology and Quaternary and Climate Studies at the University of Maine. He has a particular interest in the history of the Peruvian coast, the adaptation of historic civilizations to climate change, and the archaeology of the Inca and prehistoric Andean cultures.
ITINERARY August 4: We arrive in Lima. Hotel: Crown Plaza Hotel, Lima. August 5: LIMA Touring begins at the Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History We continue to colonial Lima with visits to the area around the Plaza de Armas to see the Palacio de Gobierno and the Archbishop’s Palace. Hotel: Crown Plaza Hotel, Lima. August 6: PACHACAMAC Our touring this morning takes us to preInca Pachacamac, once an important ceremonial center. We examine some of the temples, pyramids and the House of the Mamaconas. We fly to Chiclayo. Hotel: Casa Andina Select, Chiclayo. August 7: CHICLAYO Touring today will include Pomac where we see Batán Grande, a sanctuary of 50 adobe pyramids and five temples dating to 900-1100 CE. At Túcume we see 26 pyramids built by the Lambayeque. Hotel: Casa Andina Select, Chiclayo. August 8: FERREÑAFE We begin at the site where the Sipán tomb was discovered. We visit the wonderful Sicán Museum in Ferreñafe. The remainder of the day will be spent at the Royal Tombs Museum, where artifacts from Sipán are displayed. Hotel: Casa Andina Select, Chiclayo. August 9: EL BRUJO Our drive today takes us south along the Pan-American Highway to Trujillo. Left Page. View over Machu Picchu 1. Archaeological site at Caral 2. Chan Chan ruins, Trujillo 3. Sunday market at Chinchero
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We will stop en route for lunch and visits to the excavations at El Brujo, a ceremonial center for several cultures. Hotel: Hotel Libertador, Trujillo. August 10: CHAN CHAN We visit the Moche pyramids known as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon, and the imperial city of the Chumú, Chan Chan. We will also visit the ‘Rainbow Temple’ — known as the ‘Huaca Dragón’ for its dragon relief — and the Archaeological Museum. Hotel: Hotel Libertador, Trujillo. August 11: CASMA Our scenic drive to Casma passes through the Virú Valley, famous for the 1940s Virú Valley Project, and the fishing port of Chimbote. We will visit the small Max Uhle Museum and the Initial Period site of Cerro Sechín. Our last stop is the early temple-fortress of Chankillo. Hotel: El Farol Hotel, Casma. August 12: CARAL This exciting day takes us to the newly excavated Caral, believed to be the oldest city in the Americas. Archaeologists have uncovered a huge staircase, pyramids, a large sunken amphitheater, residential complexes and countless artifacts from this complex city. Hotel: Crown Plaza Hotel, Lima.
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August 13 & 14: THE SACRED VALLEY After a morning flight to Cuzco, we arrive in the Sacred Valley. During our two-day stay here we will visit the vast site of Pisac, which consists of three hill fortifications of exceptional masonry and is surrounded by extensive well-preserved terraces, and Ollantaytambo, a massive Inca fortress. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley. August 15: MACHU PICCHU We enjoy a spectacular train journey through the Urubamba River gorge to Machu Picchu. Unknown to all but the local villagers until 1911, Machu Picchu remains a somewhat mysterious city. Its fine stonework suggests an important ceremonial center. The reasons behind its abandonment may well be lost in history. Hotel: Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu. August 16: CUZCO This day is completely at leisure. The bus operates to Machu Picchu at regular intervals. You may wish to spend the morning climbing the peak of Huayna Picchu or hiking the spectacular Inca Trail to the Inca settlement of Wiñay Wayna. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection, Cusco.
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August 17: QENKO We visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, built from enormous stones placed with great precision. We continue to the ruins of Qenko, translated as “zigzag,” so named for the large rock that is completely covered with zigzag channels. Lastly, we stop at Puca Pucara Red Fort, and Tambomachay ceremonial spring. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection, Cusco. August 18: CUZCO After a city tour we visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which houses an excellent collection of material from the Larco Museum in Lima. The remainder of the day will be at leisure before we meet for a farewell dinner. Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection, Cusco. August 19: LIMA After a morning at leisure, we fly to Lima, where some may choose to transfer to the airport for their flights home Hotel: Crown Plaza Hotel, Lima. August 20: This morning there will be several airport transfer options, suitable for our flights. Chicklayo Trujillo
Caral
Peru
Lima Machu Pichu Cuzco
Pisac
Bolivia
45
Russia
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Travel Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ on a journey encompassing the country’s political and cultural heart, and its oldest cities
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Discover the Kremlin, the fortified complex in the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River • Glide serenely past the sights and sounds of historic Yaroslavl on a boat trip along the mighty River Volga • Visit the enthralling metropolis of St. Petersburg, encountering high art, impressive architecture and extraordinary history 46
Meals: All breakfasts, 11 lunches & 7 dinners July 4 – 17, 2017 14 Days $5975 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $700
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Ori Z. Soltes, Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University. Professor Soltes’ areas of specialization include Jewish, Christian and Islamic art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics and Graeco-Roman art. He is also a contributor to Russian art exhibition catalogs.
ITINERARY July 4 & 5: Departures from our home cities on July 4. We arrive in Moscow in time for dinner together at our hotel. Hotel: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel, Moscow. July 6: MOSCOW Following an initial lecture on Russia’s history, we venture out for a city tour of Moscow. We take in the Red Square — former setting of high-profile executions, including Peter the Great’s mutinous palace guard Streltsy in 1698; and St Basil’s Cathedral, built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. We also visit Lenin’s Tomb and Coral Synagogue. Hotel: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel, Moscow. July 7: MOSCOW KREMLIN We tour the Kremlin, apex of Russian political power and former center of the Russian Orthodox Church. We explore the entire complex — its palaces, cathedrals, and walls. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Moscow Museum of Archaeology and the State Historical Museum. There are millions of objects in the museum’s collection; everything from relics of prehistoric tribes to priceless artworks. Hotel: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel, Moscow. July 8: SERGIEV POSAD We begin our tour of the Golden Ring — ancient towns and cities which played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. The towns are often referred to as “open-air museums” and are among the most picturesque in Russia. We travel on to Sergiev Posad, a city which grew in the 15th Left Page. Grand Cascade, Peterhof, St Petersburg 1. Museum of Wooden Architecture, Suzdal 2. A colorful church facade in Yaroslavl 3. St Peter and Paul Fortress, St Petersburg
July 14: PETERHOF We discover Peterhof today, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit Alexander-Nevsky Monastery. The complex is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city, and cemeteries which contain the graves of cultural giants from Tchaikovsky to Glinka. Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St Petersburg. 1
century around one of the great Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra, which we visit first. We continue to Suzdal, a former royal capital and monastic center. We explore the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture — practically a village itself. Hotel: Art Hotel Nikolaevskiy Posad, Suzdal. July 9: SUZDAL We continue our exploration of Suzdal this morning. We begin at Suzdal Kremlin — archaeological evidence suggests that it was settled as early as the 10th century, and the fortress itself built in the late 11th or early 12th century. We continue to Krestovaya Palata, the Cross Chamber of the Archbishop’s Palace. We visit St. Ephimius, and hear the ringing of the bells. In Vladimir, we visit the magnificent Assumption Cathedral and Golden Gates. Hotel: Art Hotel Nikolaevskiy Posad, Suzdal. July 10: YAROSLAVL We make our way to Yaroslavl and visit Spassky Monastery. Originally built on the site of a pagan temple in the late 12th century, it has been reconstructed over time. We also visit Ilya the Prophet Church and visit the local museum before our boat trip on the great Volga, Europe’s largest river, before continuing to Moscow for our overnight train to Novgorod.
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July 11: NOVGOROD Our first visit today is to Novgorod Kremlin, which stands on the left bank of the Volkhov River. It was originally the site of a pagan burial ground upon which the first bishop of Novgorod, Ioakim Korsunianin built the Cathedral of Holy Wisdom in 989. We also visit St Sophia’s Cathedral and the Monument to the Thousand Years of Russia. We also explore the Faceted Chamber. Hotel: Park Inn, Novgorod. July 12: ST PETERSBURG We travel to St Petersburg this morning. The city was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and functioned as the imperial capital of Russia for almost 200 years. We stop at the Peter & Paul Fortress, the first structure to be built in St Petersburg. Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St Petersburg. July 13: THE HERMITAGE We enjoy a full day at the Hermitage Museum. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, this one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Its collections are comprised of over three million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. Enjoy some free time to explore independently. Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St Petersburg.
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July 15: YUSUPOV PALACE We explore Moika Palace today, site of Grigori Rasputin’s murder one early morning in December 1917. We enjoy a boat trip on the Neva, before a private tour of the Hermitage Storerooms. Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St Petersburg. July 16: THE TSAR’S VILLAGE We visit the Tsar’s Village and recreated Amber Room at Catherine Palace, decorated with gold leaf and mirrors. Enjoy a free afternoon, before rejoining the group for a special dinner tonight. Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, St Petersburg. July 17: We depart for home.
Saint Petersburg Veliky Novgorod Moscow
Suzdal
Russia
47
Caves & Castles
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Discover 30,000 years of cave art and centuries of castlebuilding across beautiful, hospitable areas of Spain and France
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• View the most spectacular early sapiens imagery ever discovered within the accomplished Chauvet cave replica • Explore the Niaux cave and its Black Salon under the expert guidance of renowned prehistorian, Jean Clottes • Enjoy stays in lovely, luxurious paradors, fine cuisine and excellent local wines in these gastronomic regions 48
Meals: All breakfasts, 10 lunches & 8 dinners October 1 – 15, 2017 | September 10 – 24, 2017 15 Days $7695 (exc. international airfare) Single supp: $975
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Dr Roy Larick, who has worked in the Périgord region of France for more than 10 years as Associate of the Direction des Antiquités Préhistoriques d’Aquitaine. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iowa, with a particular interest in specialized Paleolithic craftspeople.
ITINERARY September 10-11: We arrive into Madrid on Monday and drive to Burgos. After a rest, we visit Burgos Castle, the history of which stretches through from Roman times to the Peninsular War. This evening we meet for a welcome dinner and brief lecture. Hotel: Hotel Abba, Burgos. September 12: ATAPUERCA We begin at Atapuerca, where many skeletons have been found here along with ancient DNA. We head north to Cantabria, stopping for lunch at El Convento, a former Cluniac monastery. This afternoon we visit Monte Castillo cave complex, with archaeological levels 130,000 years old. Inside we come face to face with painted bison and mammoth. Hotel: Parador Santillana de Mar. September 13: EL PINDAL We visit El Pindal, where a beautiful horse is depicted as well as fish and mammoth representations — particularly notable pieces, as fish are infrequently found in Palaeolithic art of this region. We continue to Ribadesella to visit Tito Bustillo, a vast alcove-rich cave and striking new museum. Sealed away for millenia, art up to 40,000 years old survives in a remarkably preserved state. Hotel: Parador Santillana de Mar. September 14: EKAIN We enjoy an excellent visit to the Altamira II replica cave and museum, which has excellent interpretive materials. We then drive east along the Cantabrian coast, known for its mountain-ringed estuaries. Entering the Basque country, we visit the Left Page. St-Betrand-de-Comminges Cathedral 1. Animal depictions in the recreated Chauvet Cave 2. The naturally formed Vallon Pont d’Arc, Ardeche 3. View of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, Dordogne
also get close to Neanderthal skeletons and grave goods at the National Museum of Prehistory, and visit Cap Blanc, a shelter with a unique high-relief sculpted frieze of bison. Here we are accompanied by cave art expert Christine DesdemainesHugon. Hotel: Hôtel Centenaire, Les Eyzies. 1
replica cave of Ekain. Hotel: Parador Hondarribia. September 15: PYRÉNÉES We begin our ascent into the foothills of the Pyrénées, a land of cave art and Cathar castles. Our first stop is SaintBertrand de-Comminges, founded on an important Gallo-Roman city of the Pyrenees. We continue to the evocative Gargas cave, famous for its stenciled handprint alcoves and fissures, drenched with red ocher. Hotel: Hôtel Eychenne, St Girons. September 16: NIAUX Today renowned prehistorian, Jean Clottes, is our guide at Niaux cave. In Niaux’s cathedral-like Black Salon, we find alcoves painted with horse, bison and ibex. We move on to the incomparable site of Mas-d’Azil: Carolingian abbey and crucial Protestant stronghold. As our bus tracks along the Arize River, we explore the gigantic Mas-d’Azil cave. Hotel: Hôtel Eychenne, St Girons. September 17: PECH-MERLE We head northward across the Garonne Valley to Quercy, land of spectacular caves. In Cahors, the Pont Valentré is a pilgrimage route and engineering marvel. After lunch, we explore the immense, flowstone-laden galleries and famous
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decorated alcoves, of Peche-Merle, including the Spotted Horses. Described by Teyssédou as “an art gallery in a palace of nature,” Pech Merle was lost until 1922. Hotel: Château de Mercuès, Cahors. September 18: SOUILLAC We continue northward to the Santiago pilgrimage way-stop of Rocamadour. Here, cliff-side chapels preserve Cluniac frescoes. In Souillac, the Byzantine Romanesque Eglise St. Marie has a rare Cluniac sculpture of Isaiah. In Cougnac, we find a small gallery boasting alcoves painted with Irish elk. We end the day at Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac, our base for the next four nights. Perched on the Vézère River cliffs, this market town lies at the Périgord region’s center. Hotel: Hôtel Centenaire, Les Eyzies. September 19, 20 & 21: These three days focus on Paleolithic caves, important medieval fortifications and beautiful countryside. Our program includes Abri Cro-Magnon, where famous burial finds date back some 27,000 years, the Upper Paleolithic rock shelter at Abri Pataud, and ‘La RoqueSaint Christophe,’ France’s most amazing example of a medieval stronghold,. We also enjoy a miniature train ride to view mammoth, rhino and the incomparable Grand Ceiling at Rouffignac Cave. We
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September 22: DORDOGNE We leave the Dordogne, driving through the beautiful country to Vallon Pont d’Arc. Hotel: Logis Mas Du Terme. September 23: CHAUVET Our tour concludes with a visit to the Chauvet replica cave and museum. Chauvet revealed the most spectacular Paleolithic imagery-hundreds of animals of at least 13 different species including lions and hyenas. The paintings are at least 25,000 years old. After this wonderful visit we will adjourn to one of the area’s best restaurants for a leisurely farewell lunch. Hotel: Logis Mas Du Terme. September 24: Transfer to Marseille airport or train station for flights to the US or onward.
France
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Souillac Chauvet
Bilbao
El Pindal
Atapuerca
Ekain
Niaux
Madrid
Spain
49
Vikings
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Travel through Scandinavia’s spectacular and varied landscape, and learn how it would come to shape life in the Viking Age
• All local travel • Expert Scholar and Tour Manager • Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
• Explore the huge royal burial mounds of legendary Viking rulers at Gamla Uppsala, Sweden’s Norse cultic center • Enjoy a free afternoon in the Swedish capital of Stockholm to take in some haute cuisine, cutting-edge shops, or culture • Stop in Birka and Sigtuna, the market towns from where intrepid Vikings would make the journeys to Russia and Constantinople 50
Meals: All breakfasts, 10 lunches & 4 dinners July 9 – 25, 2017 13 Days $7485 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $1500
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Prof. Ken Harl, who received his M.A. and PhD from Yale University and is now Professor of Classical and Byzantine History at Tulane University. A specialist in numismatics, he is an awardwinning tutor and has been interviewed for specials by the BBC and History Channel.
ITINERARY July 9 & 10: We arrive into Stockholm on Monday and transfer to our hotel. Hotel: Stockholm. July 11: GAMLA STAN We begin at the Museum of National Antiquities. We continue to Vasamuséet, home to the Vasa warship built in 1628. We walk through Stockholm’s old town, ‘Gamla Stan’, Here we see Swedish parliamentary buildings, Riddarholmen Church and the Great Square. Hotel: Stockholm. July 12: UPPSALA We start the day in Gamla Uppsala, touring the three huge royal burial mounds that legend attributes to kings Aun, Egil and Adlis. In modern Uppsala we visit Domkyrkan, Sweden’s largest cathedral, and the manuscript room of the University Library. Hotel: Stockholm. July 13: BJÖRKÖ We spend today on the island of Björkö. Here we explore the Viking town of Birka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 750 CE. Birka greatly benefited from its strategic location and was once an important Viking trading center. Hotel: Stockholm. July 14: STOCKHOLM Our morning begins at the Ramsund carvings, which depict several sagas about Sigurd. We visit Anundshög, the largest royal burial mound in Sweden, where Left Page. Raised stones in Anundshog, Sweden 1. The Storting parliamentary building, Oslo 2. Traditional Norwegian house with grass roof 3. Copenhagen’s colorful harborside
the Viking Museum. We depart for the Silkeborg Museum, which houses the Tollund Man. If time allows, we will end our day at the Moesgard museum. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Copenhagen. July 22: COPENHAGEN After a morning exploring this famous city, we board an overnight ferry to Oslo. 1
standing stones represent ships and a rune stone. Leisure time this afternoon. Hotel: Stockholm. July 15: GOTLAND We travel to the ancient Baltic island of Gotland and spend our day exploring Visby, its historic buildings and Gotlands Fornsal Museum. Most notable among the museum’s collections are the Hall of Picture Stones and the Viking Treasury with its hoard of gold and silver. Hotel: Strand Hotel ,Visby. July 16: FROJEL We tour the town of Visby, including the excavations and medieval church at Frojel. Enjoy an afternoon of free time to explore Visby at your leisure. Hotel: Strand Hotel ,Visby. July 17: LUND After a morning flight to Malmo, we make out way to the historic city of Lund to see its magnificent Cathedral, considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. In the afternoon we cross into Denmark via the Öresund bridge. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Copenhagen. July 18: COPENHAGEN We visit Copenhagen’s National Museum, which displays material covering Danish prehistory, most notably the
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Gundestrup cauldron. The museum’s ethnographic galleries are among the most important in the world, with many traditional artefacts from Arctic and nonEuropean countries. We tour the city this afternoon, stopping to view Copenhagen’s most important sites. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Copenhagen. July 19: ROKSKILDE We begin in Roskilde and visit the fabulous Roskilde Domkirke and its splendid royal chapels. We continue to the Viking Ship Museum, which houses five preserved ships excavated from Roskilde fjord, and stop in Gammel Lejre, which holds the remains of a Viking ship burial. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Copenhagen. July 20: AARHUS We stop today at the huge Trelleborg Fort, one of seven Viking ring castles We cross the Great Belt Bridge and continue to Ladby to visit the Ladbyskibet Viking Chief burial. Our last stop is Jelling, to view the burial mound of Viking king Gorm the Old. Hotel: Royal Hotel, Aarhus. July 21: AARHUS Aarhus has been designated a European Capital of Culture 2017 — and rightly so. Our walking tour of the old city begins with the cathedral and includes
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July 23: OSLO We begin at the Kulturhistorisk Museum, which houses several magnificent stave church portals. We spend the afternoon walking in the city center, dotted with important landmarks. Hotel: Thon Bristol Hotel, Oslo. July 24 & 25: BYGDØY We visit three museums — Vikingskipshuset, specially constructed to house three 9th century Viking ships; Frammuseet houses the Fram, the ship that carried Roald Amundsen to the South Pole; and the fine Folk Museum. We gather for our farewell dinner on the night of the 24th, flying home on the 25th. Hotel: Thon Bristol Hotel, Oslo. We transfer to the airport for flights home or onward travel. Norway
Uppsala Sigtuna Björkö Stockholm
Oslo
Sweden
Visby
Aarhus
Denmark Jelling
Lund Roskilde Copenhagen
51
Scotland & Its Islands
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Journey through the bonny Scottish landscape on a tour encompassing centuries of culture, from the Picts to the Vikings
• • • •
• Learn the vital elements of Scotland’s past: William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the battle that ‘saved the honor of Scotland’... • Discover stone circles, awe-inspiring tombs, remote Pictish stelae, and towering brochs amid wild scenery • Explore the scenic Orkney and Shetland island groups on bracing, beautiful ferry crossings 52
All local travel Internal flights Expert Scholar and Tour Manager Entries & Tips to all sites in the itinerary
Meals: All breakfasts, 10 lunches & 8 dinners June 18 – July 5, 2017 18 Days $7475 (exc. international airfare)
Single supp: $950
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
LED BY Dr Gordon Noble, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and Honorary Curatorial Fellow to the University Museums at the University of Aberdeen. His team is working on a major Pictish research project, and Gordon has previously excavated Scottish landscapes ranging from the Neolithic to the Medieval.
ITINERARY June 18 & 19: We arrive in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, our base for our first two days. This evening we meet with Professor Noble for an opening lecture and dinner. Hotel: Stornoway. June 20: LEWIS & HARRIS We explore heather-covered moors and brightly painted villages and visit the Stones of Callanish. The site dates from the Late Stone Age and Early Bronze Age and has a central cairn. Hotel: Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway. June 21: ISLE OF SKYE Our second day exploring Lewis and Harris brings us to Tarbert, where we take a ferry to one of the most scenic Islands in the Hebrides, the Isle of Skye. Hotel: Hotel Eilean Iarmain, Skye. June 22 : OBAN We begin by visiting the brochs of Dun Telve and Troddan, two of the bestpreserved and informative brochs in Scotland. We continue to Oban, where we visit Ben Nevis Distillery and learn how single malt whisky is produced. Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban. June 23: ISLE OF IONA We travel across the beautiful Island of Mull to the historically important Island of Iona, where we visit the Early Christian remains and the medieval nunnery. Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban. June 24: ANTONINE WALL We travel to Cairnpapple Hill, where many phases of occupation can be seen Left Page. The Iron Age Broch of Gurness 1. The Neolithic Ring of Brodgar 2. The Italian Chapel on Orkney 3. Iona Abbey, one of Western Europe’s oldest
July 1: KIRKWALL Our last day on this island we stop at the Italian Chapel. We also visit Maes Howe, the most outstanding Stone Age burial cairn in Britain, and the Kirkwall Museum. We enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we board our overnight ferry which takes us to the Shetland Islands. 1
— from evidence of the Late Neolithic to a Bronze Age burial cairn and four graves probably of the Early Iron Age. We also visit two forts along the Roman Antonine Wall: the well-preserved Rough Castle and Kinneil fortlet. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh. June 25: EDINBURGH Our tour begins touring Edinburgh, followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle and a walk down the Royal Mile We continue to the National Museum of Scotland, where we see a range of fine collections. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh. June 26: PICTISH STONES We enter the Pictish kingdom’s center, haunted by hill forts and mysterious stone circles. Our first stop is Dunning Church, one of Scotland’s earliest surviving churches. In Aberlemno and Meigle we see remarkable Pictish stones. Our last stop will be to the wonderful Dunnottar Castle. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Aberdeen. June 27: BUCHAN We travel through the land of Buchan, stopping to inspect the Maiden Stone, one of the finest Pictish symbol monuments. At Rhynie we see the Craw Stane still
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standing in its original position. We also visit Burghead, a spectacular Pictish fort and well with bull carvings. Our final visit is to Clava Cairns. Hotel: Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness. June 28: SCRABSTER We continue along the coast to Scrabster, visiting some of the many prehistoric sites en route, including the Tarbat Discovery Centre, a spectacular series of Pictish cross slabs at Hilton. We take a ferry to the Orkney Islands and its quiet little capital, Kirkwall, one of the earliest Norse trading centers. Hotel: Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall. June 29: SKARA BRAE We explore the Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. We cross to Brough of Birsay to see the remains of Pictish and Norse settlements. Hotel: Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall. June 30: ISLE OF ROUSAY We visit the Iron Age settlement of Broch of Gurness, strikingly positioned beside Eynhallow Sound with views across to the island of Rousay. We take a ferry to Rousay Island to see Midhowe, a fabulous broch and cairn. We also enjoy the Westness coastal walk. Hotel: Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall.
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July 2: OLD SCATNESS Touring begins at Old Scatness, an Early Iron Age broch and village. We move on to Jarlshof, which has remains from the Stone Age to the Viking era. A short boat trip takes us to the uninhabited island of Mousa, where we see the most complete of Scotland’s brochs. Hotel: Queens Hotel, Lerwick. July 3: CLICKIMIN BROCH We explore Clickimin Broch and the prehistoric sites of Staneydale. Our last visit will be to the Shetland Museum. Hotel: Queens Hotel, Lerwick. July 4 & 5: We fly to Glasgow where we have some time at leisure to explore the city before our farewell dinner. On Wednesday we travel to the airport for our flights home. Hotel: Malmaison Hotel, Glasgow. Shetland Islands Lerwick
Orkney Islands
Kirkwall
Stornoway
Skye
Inverness Aberdeen
Scotland
Oban
Glasgow Edinburgh
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Expert Scholars
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Noted archaeologists and professors from renowned institutions
Prof. Lanny Bell received his Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught Egyptology and was curatorial assistant at the University Museum for 12 years. During that time he was also Field Director of the University’s Theban Tomb Project in Luxor.
Prof. Craig Benjamin Associate Professor in the History Department at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where he teaches courses in ancient Central and East Asian history, and on the Silk Roads. He has a particular interest in ancient nomadic confederations in Central Asia.
Prof. Charles Doherty recently retired as senior lecturer in Early Irish History at University College Dublin. Since 2009 he has been president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. He has written numerous articles on the cult of St. Patrick, among many other things.
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Splendors of Ancient Egypt....................p10
Mongolia..................................................p40
Ireland.....................................................p26
Dr Sophy Downes is an archaeologist whose research interests combine two worlds, in particular the interaction of the classical and Hellenic west and Persian east. Sophy has traveled to study the sculptures of Persepolis and held a fellowship in Tehran, as well as in Athens and Rome.
Prof. Nancy de Grummond is M. Lynette Thompson Professor of Classics at Florida State University. She specializes in Etruscan, Hellenistic and Roman archaeology, and is director of excavations for the Cetamura site in Tuscany.
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Dr Christine Guth is Senior Tutor of History of Design at the Royal College of Art in London. She received her PhD in Fine Arts at Harvard University. She specializes in Asian material culture and design history, and is interested in many aspects of material culture, with Japan a particular focal point.
Iran..........................................................p24
Etruscan Italy..........................................p30
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
Tours in 2017
Japan: Archaeology & Tradition.............p34
Prof. Ken Harl received his M.A. and PhD from Yale University and is now Professor of Classical and Byzantine History at Tulane University. A specialist in numismatics, he is an award-winning tutor and has been interviewed for specials by the BBC and History Channel.
Dr Veronica Kalas is an art and architectural historian as well as an archaeologist specializing in the ancient and medieval Byzantine periods of the east Mediterranean. She has taught and presented research papers in the US and abroad and has also enjoyed filming for the History Channel.
Dr Roy Larick has worked in the Périgord region of France for more than 10 years as Associate of the Direction des Antiquités Préhistoriques d’Aquitaine. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iowa, with a particular interest in specialized Paleolithic craftspeople.
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Iceland.....................................................p22 Vikings.....................................................p50
Greek Islands Cruise...............................p18
Caves & Castles in Spain & France........p48
Prof. Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has extensive field experience, and since 2003 has been the co-director of the excavations in the late Roman fort at Yotvata, Israel.
Dr Trevor Marchand is Professor in the Department of Anthropology at The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. An enthusiastic, award-winning scholar with a passion for indigenous architectures, Marchand has worked as an architect in India and traveled extensively in East Africa.
Dr Gordon Noble is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and Honorary Curatorial Fellow to the University Museums at the University of Aberdeen. His team is working on a major Pictish research project, and Gordon has previously excavated Scottish landscapes ranging from the Neolithic to the Medieval.
Ghana, Togo & Benin............................p14 Oman & Zanzibar..................................p42
Scotland & Its Islands............................p52
Tours in 2017 Israel with optional Jordan extension.....p28
Tours in 2017
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
Tours in 2017
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Expert Scholars Dr Jackie Phillips is a specialist in the archaeology of Ethiopia, from prehistory to the medieval period. She is currently a Research and Teaching Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where she is involved in a field project exploring the area around the churches of Lalibela.
Prof. David Rupp is an experienced field archaeologist, academic, and permanent resident of Athens. He served as a member of Brock University’s Department of Classics for thirty years, before becoming President of Athens College in Psychiko-Attikis, Greece, in 2005.
Prof. Daniel Sandweiss is Professor of Anthropology and Quaternary and Climate Studies at the University of Maine. He has a particular interest in the history of the Peruvian coast, the adaptation of historic civilizations to climate change, and the archaeology of the Inca and prehistoric Andean cultures.
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Ethiopia...................................................p12
Greek Islands Cruise...............................p18
Peru.........................................................p44
Prof. Bill Saturno is Assistant Professor of Archaeology at Boston University. He received his BA from the University of Arizona and his PhD at Harvard University. Professor Saturno has conducted research in Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.
Dr Gerry Schaus has excavated at Cyrene in Libya, and at various sites in Italy and Greece. He recently retired as Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada, where he had taught since 1978. He is President of the Canadian Archaeological Institute in Athens.
Prof. Ori Z. Soltes Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University. Professor Soltes’ areas of specialization include Jewish, Christian and Islamic art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics and Graeco-Roman art. He is a contributor to Russian art exhibition catalogs and has a passion for the story of Russia
Classical Greece.......................................p16 Sicily & Southern Italy............................p32
Russia.......................................................p46
Tours in 2017 Guatemala & Belize...............................p20 Central Mexico.......................................p38
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Noted archaeologists and professors from renowned institutions
Tours in 2017
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
Tours in 2017
Prof. Nikola Theodossiev is senior assistant professor in the Department of Archaeology, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. Professor Theodossiev has directed excavations at various Thracian sites since 1990. He is on the Editorial Board of Ancient West & East and is Bulgarian Editor of Fasti Online.
Dr Clive Vella is a US-based Maltese archaeologist with extensive island excavation experience. Clive received his doctorate from Brown University. His research has helped to greatly improve and review our understanding of the material culture of the Maltese Temple Period.
Tours in 2017
Tours in 2017
Bulgaria.....................................................p8
Malta, Sardinia & Corsica.....................p36
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
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Booking Conditions Please read these carefully before booking with us on tour
THE TOUR RATE INCLUDES: Transportation: Surface travel by bus as indicated in the itinerary. Transfers: Arrival transfers on tour date and one group departure transfer. Hotels: In twin-bedded rooms with private bath as listed or similar. Meals: All meals are included table d’hôte as listed. Baggage allowance: One checked suitcase and one carry-on bag that will fit under your seat. Tipping: All gratuities to guides, tour managers, drivers, waiters and porters are included. NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR RATE: International airfare, passport fees, airport taxes, visas, excess baggage charges, insurance, beverages (in some countries) and items not on menus. TARIFFS: Based on rates and airfares in effect May 2015 and subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum of 18 tour participants. A $300 supplement will be added for groups under 20 participants. DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS: A deposit of $750 per person is required to book. Final payment is due twelve weeks before departure.
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RESPONSIBILITY: ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS, a division of LINDSTONE TRAVEL, INC., in accepting bookings for the tour, clearly stipulates that it is not liable for the faults or defaults of other companies and persons that may be used in the carrying out of the tour services; also for accidents, baggage losses, delays, strikes, political unrest, riots and acts of God and war. In the event it becomes necessary or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. The right is also reserved to withdraw this tour; also to decline to accept or retain any persons as members of the tour. No refunds can be made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. IATA carriers concerned are not to be held responsible for acts, omissions or events during the time passengers are not on board. The contract in use by the companies concerned shall constitute the sole contract between the company and the purchaser of these tours and/or passengers.
CANCELLATIONS: In the event of cancellations the charge which will be made varies with the amount of time between Archaeological Tours receiving your written cancellation and the tour departure date. The charges made for our tours are as follows: • Up to 84 days before departure date: $750 (deposit) • 83 – 63 days before departure date: 35% of tour cost • 62 – 42 days before departure date: 55% of tour cost • 41 – 21 days before departure date: 75% of tour cost • 21 days before departure date: 100% of tour cost. Penalties are also levied on the single supplement. Insurance is available and is recommended. By purchasing trip cancellation insurance within 21 days of your initial deposit, Travel Insured International will waive the usual exclusion for preexisting medical conditions.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
A NOTE ABOUT SINGLE ROOMS: For those traveling alone but who prefer to share with another, we will endeavor to work out congenial rooming arrangements. If a single room must be assigned due to the roommate’s canceling or incompatibility, or for any other reason, even if at the last moment or while on tour, the single supplement or prorate thereof must be collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about joining us on tour... Q. Who creates the itineraries for your tours?
Q. How many people will there be on tour?
Q. What kind of hotels will we be staying in?
Q. Can I arrange my flights through Archaeological Tours?
A. If it’s on our itinerary, you can rest assured that it has been personally researched and visited by at least one of our team. This way, we can ensure that when you travel with us, you receive deep archaeological and cultural insights.
A. Most of our tours have an average of 18 participants. We think this small number is ‘just right’ to offer sociability and companionship - without crowding you, or making you feel like part of a herd. These are very much group vacations.
A. There is no reason to sacrifice comfort or convenience while you travel the world! We seek out very best hotels - which are well allocated for touring, restaurants and culture. You can find details at the end of each day in the tour itineraries.
A. Of course you can. More than 50% of our travelers choose to book their flights with us. All of our dedicated staff are specialists in organizing air travel. They are very happy to make arrangements for you, from airports across the country.
Can single travelers share?
What’s included in the price of the tour?
Q. Can I contact you if I have any questions about a tour?
A. Yes, many of our solo travelers do share a room. Just tell us when you book and if there is another suitable traveler also willing to share, we can put you both into a twin bedded room.
A. Each of our tours includes the services of an Expert Scholar and Tour Manager; local travel; any internal flights; and entries & yips to all sites in the itinerary.
A. We’re here for you whatever you need: advice, ideas, insights or specialized arrangements. Just give us a call or send us an email.
Call 212-986-3054 | Toll-free 866-740-5130 | info@archaeologicaltrs.com
For More Information Call info@archaeologicaltrs.com Call 212-986-3054 Toll-free 866-740-5130
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archaeological tours Led by noted scholars | superb itineraries | unsurpassed service
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271 Madison Avenue, Suite 904, New York, NY 10016 212-986-3054 / toll-free: (866) 740-5130 / www.archaeologicaltrs.com / info@archaeologicaltrs.com