2017 Newsletter and Full Availability archaeological tours Led by noted scholars | superb itineraries | unsurpassed service
From the AT office...
Inside This Issue
Dear Fellow Travelers,
• Featured 2017 Tours
I can’t quite believe we’ve arrived in 2017, but here we are. Aside from planning our 2017 tours, there have been a few changes in our office itself. We bid farewell to some wonderful staff at the start of the year, but have welcomed some great new faces that you may have spoken to recently.
• Notes from Mongolia
“Overall, 2016 was quite a year wasn’t it? From new archaeological discoveries; to political surprises at home and across the pond.” We’re sure there are a lot of people who would gladly put 2016 behind them – but we shared so many memorable adventures with you that we never want to forget. For those of you who have not made travel plans for 2017 – don’t worry – we’ve got plenty of places still available on a wide range of tours. Take a look at our featured selection of European tours on page 4 – which covers everything from the
• Iran Tour Report ancient Etruscan civilization to the cultural treasures of Classical Greece, and Cathar castles dotted across the French landscape. If those fascinating sites don’t take your fancy, we’re sure you’ll find something suitable on our full availability section on pages 6 & 7. If you’re the sort of person who likes to plan further ahead, you’re in luck too. You’ll find a sneak peek into future tours on the back of our newsletter. As always, if you have any questions about traveling with Archaeological Tours or would like more information about any of our 2017 tours – get in touch. We’ll be happy to help however we can. See you on tour, Lisa Cliadakis Customer Care Manager Archaeological Tours www.archaeologicaltrs.com
• Availability in 2017
A Big Year: Archaeology News from 2016
Tour Report - Mongolia
The Lost City of Egypt At the end of the year, archaeologists in Egypt unearthed a city dating back more than 5,000 years. The site – which lies by the River Nile, close to the Temple of Seti the First in Abydos – containing houses, tools, pottery and huge graves. The city is thought to have been the former home of important officials and tomb builders.
This is one of the world’s most sparsely inhabited regions, but the beautiful land is absolutely crammed with interest. Written by Terry Richardson
Sacred Sites and Supermarkets Archaeologists working on a site in Mexico City, first unearthed two years ago when a mid-century supermarket was demolished, discovered a circular temple built more than 650 years ago. It was built for worship of the wind god Ehecatl-Quetzacoatl, and among the offerings were bird bones, figurines, and even a human infant.
One of the country’s least understood ancient remains are its deer stones. Clusters of these granite megaliths – usually carved, as their name suggests, with highly-stylised deer motifs – dot the empty, rolling steppe-lands of Mongolia. Dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, they were probably erected to honor nomadic tribal chieftans and formed just one element of elaborate burial grounds. There’s plenty to be read (some of it rather far-fetched!) about deer stones on the internet, where striking images of these mysterious stones abound. Yet nothing can beat an in-situ viewing. The standing stones lit by a setting sun, shadows slipping into the folds of the empty hills — this magnificent sight greeted me on my recent recce to fine-tune our Summer 2017 tour.
Credit: Alex Cruz/EPA
You can stay up-to-date with news from the Archaeological Tours office and the wider archaeological community by signing up to our mailing list. Never miss an email – visit: www.archaeologicaltrs.com
“The standing stones lit by a setting sun, shadows slipping into the folds of the empty hills — this magnificent sight greeted me” Yes, this is a tour of many highlights, but if I had to pick just one? That would have to be the nomadic pastoralism that has survived here on such a gigantic scale. Over half the nation’s meagre population of three million live in gers, and more than thirty percent rely on livestock for their livelihoods. Mongolia is vast (two and a quarter times bigger than Texas) and appears quite empty. In reality, though, you are never too far from a shepherd and his flocks, or his homely ger, giving visitors such as myself the chance to witness a way of life little-changed since the Bronze Age. Terry Richardson is a writer and contributor to The Telegraph and the Rough Guides series. He has designed and led numerous tours across Central Asia. June 24 – July 11, 2017 Find out more on our website.
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Today’s Mongols are largely Buddhist, and a side-trip to the remote Tovkhon Monastery, set on a limestone outcrop in the midst of dense pine forest, was a real highlight. Another was the Yolyn Am gorge, where a narrow fissure of a valley pierces the volcanic rock of a jagged mountain range, cute big-eared rodents known as ‘pika’ scuttle in the undergrowth, and vultures soar overhead.
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Tour Report - Iran Before you depart on our tours, we take a reconnaissance trip to ensure that the vacation you take is the best it can be. Written by Mariana Silva Porto It seems inevitable, when approaching somewhere you have wanted to visit for many years that you will feel a mixed sense of excitement and fear. Will the reality live up to the expectation? This is how I felt on our walk up to the great platform of Persepolis. As the it grew in front of me, and I grasped the sheer scale of the site, I knew that Iran wouldn’t disappoint me.
“To anyone with even the smallest passing interest in archaeology, Iran is perhaps the most obvious destination to visit.” everything they told me and everything I’ve read was proven true. I had heard of the almost overwhelming friendless of the people, although no amount of reading can full prepare you for the reality of how welcoming Iranians are. I was expecting fresh lovely food, but not the beautiful breads, regional biscuits or the many delicious pistachio and rose water ice-creams our driver prided himself in finding for us. These were two exhilarating weeks, filled with all the awe inspiring sites I expected and much more. From the highly impressive state of conservation of the Chonqa Zabil ziggurat rising out of the dessert, whose scale contrasts beautifully with the tiny cuneiform scriptures of its bricks; to the huge domes of the Sassanid palace at Firouzabad.
Iran has captured my imagination since I was a child – I will never forget the moment that I saw the gigantic capitals of Susa’s great hall displayed in the Louvre. Later, it was the images of Esfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square that captivated my interest. I have spoken with many people who have been and fallen in love with the Iran, and
There was, of course Persepolis, where the details of the procession dignitaries shown climbing the stairs of the Apadana palace made me smile for far longer than expected, and the awe-inspiring reliefs at Naqsh-e-Rostam. At the highly atmospheric site of Takt-e Soleiman, Sasanian palaces and Il-Khanid buidings gather around a deep lake surrounded by hills. Then there were the tiles – it is hard to
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tell which of the many beautiful tiled mosques stand out, as just when you think you have seen the best example of Islamic architecture, the next visit is likely to take your breath away. Yet, what surprised me the most about Iran had be the overwhelming contrast between familiarity and otherness, and the life and enthusiasm of its people. It is hard not love, or feel a sense of familiarity in the way family and friends will gather in the even the tiniest, or most isolated patch of grass, and pass the time eating and talking.
“Just when you think you have seen the best example of Islamic architecture, the next visit is likely to take your breath away.” Mariana Silva Porto is the Program Manager for Archaeological Tours. She has a Classics and Archaeology background; and loves to showcase the countries she is passionate about through our itineraries. Iran – April, August & October 2017 Find out more on our website.
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Ancient Europe... A varied landscape of archaeology is just waiting to be discovered across Europe. From Bronze Age burial mounds, to Cathar castles – there’s something for every interest...
Malta, Sardinia & Corsica Enjoy spectacular scenery, blue skies and delicious local food and wines in the heart of the southern Mediterranean. The insular cultures that evolved on Malta, Sardinia and Corsica tell distinct tales but also show interconnections and early influences from as far east as the Aegean world. During our tour, you’ll discover more about the civilizations who fought over these islands, ruled over them and left their indelible marks in the monuments
and cultures of the people living there today. A visit to the excellent new Sartene Archaeological Museum – in the heart of Corsica’s most megalithic monument-rich region – is a real highlight of our tour.
April 19 – May 4, 2017 $7,495 (exc. international airfare)
Etruscan Italy
Viking Age Scandinavia
Caves & Castles
Follow the fortunes of the Etruscans along their former home — the dramatic Tyrrhenian coast of western Italy.
Travel through Scandinavia’s spectacular and varied landscape, and learn how it come to shape life in the Viking Age.
Discover 30,000 years of cave art and centuries of castle-building across beautiful areas of Spain and France.
The origins of the Etruscans may be lost to prehistory, but remains of this ancient people lie scattered across the landscape and displayed in impressive museum exhibits. Enriched by the mining and commerce of metal, Etruscan civilization reached its peak in the 6th century BCE. Follow the fortunes of the Etruscans through their former home — along the dramatic Tyrrhenian coast of western Italy.
This distinctive tour through Sweden, Denmark and Norway places the Viking Age in the wider context of European history, and in Scandinavian history, from the Bronze Age to the modern day. Through this tour of archaeological sites, objects and landscapes, Norse gods and Viking heroes will come alive once again. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Swedish capital, Stockholm, independently.
Our Caves and Castles tour explores the depths of the early human mind and the turbulent flow of medieval life. FrancoIberia possesses an incomparable deep history. To our incredibly good fortune, the historical sites of our tour are found in an area renowned for fabulous food and wine. Enjoy stays in lovely, luxurious paradors, fine cuisine and excellent local wines in these gastronomic regions.
May 3 -17, 2017 $6,450 (exc. international airfare)
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July 9 – 25, 2017 $7,485 (exc. international airfare)
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September 11 – 25, 2017 $7,695 (exc. international airfare)
Or Farther Flung Climes Outside of the Western world, a wealth of sites lie in wait for eager travelers. Discover regal tombs, Inca fortresses, Islamic architecture, and so much more...
Splendors of Ancient Egypt From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, discover the glorious splendors of ancient Egypt. Popular interest in Ancient Egypt is often limited to pyramids and mummies. There is so much more to this wonderful land. Exploring outstanding archaeological sites alongside our notable scholar, you will gain unmatched insight into the culture of ancient Egypt and discover the profound influence it has had on the West. We 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. We also a special tour of the mummy room at the Egyptian Museum, courtesy of animal mummy specialist Dr Selima Ikram. November 3 – 19, 2017 $5,995 (exc. international airfare)
Peru Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes on a journey that takes in the very best of Peru — to Machu Picchu and beyond. At its peak, the Inca Empire stretched from central Chile north to the present Ecuadoran-Colombian border. Our tour will encompass the major pre-Inca and Inca monuments of the Peruvian coast and highlands. These legendary remains of the Inca Empire are the physical evidence for the most intricate and complicated society
and state structure in the New World. Travel to remote sites, taking train and car through breathtaking river valleys; explore the extensive, newly excavated settlement of Caral; and tour Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. August 4 – 20, 2017 $6,695 (exc. international airfare)
Japan: Archaeology & Tradition Escape into Japan’s past on an exploration of early castles, samurai mansions, and pleasure quarters. This “off the beaten path” tour explores outlying areas like Tohoku in northern Honshu and the Sea of Japan coast on the north side of Honshu. We will experience Japan as it was in the 19th century before modernization forever changed its landscapes and cities. Explore famed temples, including Nagano Prefecture’s
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Zenkoji; encounter the beauty of imposing castle towns developed by the daimyo and the Tokugawa shoguns; and visit Shima Chaya, an elegant 19th century teahouse exhibiting traditional musical instruments and geisha tools. October 5 – 22, 2017 $8,750 (exc. international airfare)
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Full 2017 Calendar A full list of all our tours, check our website for any updates
January
March
Guatemala & Belize
Central Mexico
February
April
Ghana, Togo & Benin
Iran
January 6 – 20 Led by Prof William Saturno
February 7 – 22 Led by Prof Trevor Marchand
March 11 – 24 Led by Prof William Saturno
April 4 – 23 Led by Dr Sophy Downes
Malta, Sardinia & Corsica April 19 – May 4 Led by Dr Clive Vella
May Etruscan Italy
May 3 – 17 Led by Prof Nancy de Grummond
Classical Greece
May 7 – 22 Led by Prof Gerald Schaus
June Scotland & Its Islands June 18 – July 5 Led by Dr Gordon Noble
Mongolia
June 24 – July 11 Led by Prof Craig G.R. Benjamin
July Russia
July 4 – 17 Led by Prof Ori Z. Soltes
Vikings in Sweden & Denmark July 9 – 25 Led by Prof Kenneth W. Harl
Iceland
July 31 – August 15 Led by Prof Kenneth W. Harl 6
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November Splendors of Ancient Egypt November 3 - 19 Prof Lanny Bell
December Maya Mexico
December 2 - 17 Led by Bill Saturno
August
October
Peru
Caves & Castles
Iran
Iran
August 4 – 20 Led by Dr Daniel Sandweiss August 29 – September 17 Led by Dr Sophy Downes
October 1 – 15 Led by Dr Roy Larick October 3 – 22 Led by Christine Guth
Japan: Archaeology & Tradition
September
October 5 – 22 Led by Christine Guth
Greek Islands by Gulet
Sicily & Southern Italy
Iran
Oman & Zanzibar
Ireland
Israel
Caves & Castles
Ethiopia
September 1 – 16 Led by Veronica Kalas
September 1 – 20 Led by Dr Sophy Downes September 6 – 21 Led by Prof Charles Doherty September 11 – 25 Led by Dr Roy Larick
Oct 7 – 22 Led by Prof Gerald Schaus
October 13 – 29 Led by Prof Trevor Marchand October 14 – 29 Led by Prof Jodi Magness
Don’t miss out - book now You can guarantee your place(s) on any Archaeological Tour with a $1500 deposit payment. If you haven‘t traveled with us before we will also require personal details of you and any traveling companions. Call, email or visit our website to book your place. Email: info@archaeologicaltrs.com Call:212-986-3054 Toll-Free: 866-740-5130 After you book your place we will send you many more details of your trip, 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; shoot us an email; or even drop in to our Madison Avenue office and say hello!
October 14 – 31 Led by Dr Jacke Phillips
Bulgaria
September 21 – October 7 Led by Prof Nikolai Theodossiev
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Coming soon...
Keep your eyes on your inbox – we’ll announce our winning 2018 tours soon – until then, here is a sneak peek at some firm favorite that will be returning next year.
Maya Mexico It is the blend, and sometimes the clash, of native and European heritages that makes Mexico such a fascinating place. Take a journey through a land which oozes Maya culture and tradition. • Encounter incredible sites, including the dramatic Pyramid of Kukulkan and Kabah’s mask-covered palace • Take a picturesque river trip on the Río • Discover Uxmal, the most spectacular ancient Maya city 16 Days | 2nd – 17th December, 2017 Guided by Bill Saturno
Guatemala and Belize Uncover the ferocious political struggles between the Maya superpowers in the Late Classic period – now evident thanks to newly deciphered Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions. • Go on the trail of Mesoamerican civilizations • Explore Tikal National Park, fringed by jungle • Take guided walks through the rainforest and travel by boat to reach remote — and rewarding — ancient sites 15 Days | 27th January – 10th February, 2018 Guided by Bill Saturno And for those who wish to explore central America further… We are working on an exciting new 2018 tour with Bill Saturno — explore the southernmost reaches of the Maya empire in El Salvador, including the volcanically preserved site of Ceren, and the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, complete with its mysterious stone spheres. March 2018, further details available soon. To book your place on any of our tours, call toll-free on 866-740-5130 or visit www.archaeologicaltrs.com. A deposit of $750 per person is required to book, with final payment due twelve weeks before departure. For full terms & conditions see our brochure.
Words from our guests... “My previous experience with the company gave me confidence that it would be a good experience.”
“I have traveled with Archaeological Tours for fifteen years. I like the organization towards history and having lectures as well as very well informed in country guides.”
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
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