Archaeological tours 2020 Brochure - Travels through Antiquity

archaeological tours

2020 Travels through Antiquity

SAVE UP TO $400 PER PERSON

if you book by September 30, 2019

12 INSPIRING NEW TOURS

Take a memorable journey into the ancient world The Archaeological Tours team is absolutely delighted to present this exciting new program for 2020. Drawing on my expertise and connections from my past in academia (PhD, University of Cambridge), I have been working hard on revamping our existing tours alongside creating new content for the new year. We have also introduced a number of new Expert Scholars to our program, all of whom are experts in their fields and passionate educators.

I am happy to reveal that this year’s range is bigger than ever – including 12 brand new tours – and with more chances than ever before to book your ultimate archaeological adventures at a date that suits you.

The tours that you will find on the following pages were created in collaboration with some of the best archaeologists in the world, all planned and operated out of our office in New York City. All that remains now is for you to choose your preferred destination and give us a call - we will take care of the rest. Make 2020 your most memorable year yet by booking with Archaeological Tours.

Dr Rosalind Wallduck Product Manager

We have extended our early booking offer.

You will see a discount applied to each tour throughout this brochure. But hurry, these special prices are only valid until September 30th, 2019.

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The Temple of Hercules, Amman

Contents Central & South America

Europe

Central Mexico:

Scandinavia:

Mesoamerican Mysteries........................................pg 10

Norse Gods & Viking Warriors ...............................pg 24

Mexico:

Scotland:

Secrets of the Yucatán............................................. pg 14

Megaliths & Mythologies.........................................pg 28

NEW

Northern Peru:

Land of the Cloud Warriors.....................................pg 18 NEW

Peru Lite:

Essence of the Andes...............................................pg 22

North Africa and Middle East NEW

Northern Morocco & Southern

Spain: Moors & Conquistadors............................................pg 92 NEW

Morocco:

The Gateway to Africa............................................. pg 96

Egypt: Pharaohs & Pyramids............................................pg 100 NEW

Egypt Cruise:

In the Wake of the Pharaohs............................... pg 104 NEW

Lebanon & Jordan:

Travels through Antique Lands......................... pg 108

Israel:

NEW

Scotland:

Courts & Castles.........................................................pg 32 NEW

England:

Henry VIII & his Wives............................................ pg 36

Ireland: At the Edge of the Ancient World......................... pg 40

France & England: Standing Stones to Medieval Monuments....... pg 44

Austria & Germany: The Great Museums of Vienna & Berlin............ pg 48 NEW

Prague, Vienna & Budapest:

Jewish Heritage in the Heart of Europe.............pg 52 NEW

Italian Alps:

Romans, Rock Art & the Iceman.......................... pg 56 NEW

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii

Ancient Maritime Powers...................................... pg 60

Sicily & its Islands: The Jewel of the Mediterranean......................... pg 64

With the Oriental Institute................................... pg 112

Malta, Sardinia & Corsica:

Asia

Greece:

Armenia & Georgia:

An Odyssey of Islands............................................. pg 68 Myths & Monuments................................................. pg 72 NEW

Greece Cruise:

Colors & Contrasts of the Caucasus...................pg 116

In the Wake of the Ancient Greeks.......................pg 76

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan:

Cyprus, Crete & Santorini:

In the Footsteps of the Traders........................... pg 120

Bhutan & Ladakh: The Himalayan Kingdoms....................................pg 124

Mongolia: Archaeological Treasures of the Eastern Steppes ......................................................pg 128

Ancient Aegean Kingdoms.................................... pg 80

Crete: Wine & Archaeology................................................. pg 84

Russia: Culture, Art & History.............................................. pg 88

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What’s NEW for 2020...

Lebanon & Jordan: Travels through Antique Lands A tour that we are particularly excited about for 2020 is our new, multi-center exploration of Lebanon and Jordan. These intriguing destinations make a perfect pair for anyone fascinated by history and archaeology, and with ample time in both countries, you’ll never be far from something truly enchanting. Traces of biblical tribes, ancient Islamic caliphates, Roman legions, and Christian crusaders await on this 13-day adventure, and we go in search of them through site visits, tours of temples, and the chance to visit cities that are known the world over. Stand before the rock-carved façades of Petra and gaze in awe at their collective magnitude. Discover Byblos, the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence. Experience weightlessness in the legendary Dead Sea. All this and more is waiting in the Near East.

See page 108 for more details

The Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek

Scotland: Courts & Castles Join us in magical Scotland next year for an Edinburgh-based stay that takes in stunning castles, lochs, and palaces. Uncover historic tales of royals, tyrants, and legends in the most magnificent of settings on this 10-day tour. From archaeology to architecture, and from fact to folklore, heritage, legacy and stories are at your fingertips. Highlights of this unforgettable Scottish encounter include: a visit to the fantastic Edinburgh Castle, the most besieged place in all of Britain; time to explore Holyrood House, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland; and the chance to wander around the popular film location of Doune Castle, which has doubled as Winterfell in “Game of Thrones” and has been featured in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” as well as in “Outlander”.

See page 32 for more details

Views over Edinburgh

What else is new for 2020?

• Egypt Cruise | In the Wake of the Pharaohs Traveling by water, visit both lesser-known and iconic ancient sites. See page 104 for more details.

• England | Henry VIII & his Wives - Follow in the footsteps of this king and the women who married him.

See page 36 for more details.

• Greece Cruise | In the Wake of the Ancient Greeks A masterclass in classical antiquity and Roman conquest, ending with the Christian empire of Byzantium.

See page 76 for more details.

• Italian Alps | Romans, Rock Art & the Iceman Trace northern Italy’s Roman history through visits to ruined villas and sites, and stand before mummified Ötzi. See page 56 for more details.

• Morocco | Gateway to Africa - See 6,000 years of art, architecture, and archaeology in this land of contrasts.

See page 96 for more details.

• Morocco & Spain | Moors & Conquistadors - The shared Phoenician, medieval, and Moorish histories of these countries are brought to life on this unique tour.

See page 92 for more details.

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• Northern Peru | Land of the Cloud Warriors Temples, pyramids, and incredible ruins tell the captivating stories of pre-Inca civilizations.

See page 18 for more details.

• Peru Lite | Essence of the Andes - Hike the legendary landscape of Machu Picchu, visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, and more on this seven-day extension.

See page 22 for more details.

• Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii| Ancient Maritime Powers - Explore the bucket-list archaeological site of Pompeii, climb the crater of Mt. Vesuvius, and tour ancient villas in nearby towns. See page 60 for more details.

• Prague, Vienna & Budapest | Jewish Heritage in the Heart of Europe - Visits to synagogues and museums with illuminating collections of religious and cultural artifacts will shine a spotlight on Jewish history throughout this tour. See page 52 for more details.

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii If you’re considering a tour of the bucket-list archaeological site of Pompeii in Italy, we have three brand new expert scholars joining us there in 2020.

View of Pompeii, Italy

We have three new scholars joining us in Italy next year Dr David Guinee Having lived in both Rome and Siena previously, Dr David Guinee has led many tours throughout Italy over the years. He earned his PhD in Classical Philology at the University of Michigan and his research is particularly focused on Latin poetry. At the Center for Hellenic Studies’ Sunoikisis project, David developed collaborative inter-institution courses in both Greek and Latin literature. At the moment, he is the Edwin Miar Professor of Classical Studies at DePauw University in Indiana, where he coordinates the Latin program and also teaches Latin and Greek at a variety of academic levels. When he’s not traveling the ancient world, David enjoys playing the five-string banjo and fly-fishing.

Dr Glenn Bugh An associate professor of Classical Studies and Byzantine History at Virginia Tech, Dr Glenn Bugh earned his PhD from the University of Maryland and has also been a fellow at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. Glenn has published an array of articles as well as two books, entitled “The Horsemen of Athens” and “The Cambridge Companion to the Hellenistic World”. He teaches courses on Greek language and culture, and Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Venetian, and Balkan history, and has also previously lectured on Smithsonian Journeys. In 2013, Glenn was the recipient of the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in International Education, which is the highest award given by this university.

Dr Pedar Foss Professor of Classical Studies at DePauw University in Indiana, Dr Pedar Foss earned his PhD in Classical Art and Archaeology from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He has edited the “Journal of Roman Archaeology” and also co-edited “The World of Pompeii” (Routledge 2007). Pedar is interested in the relationships and connections between ancient peoples and their landscapes, and has worked at a number of sites around the Mediterranean – including the mighty Pompeii itself. The subjects Pedar teaches range from archaeology and art, to ancient history and literature, and he also conducts courses in Latin. Other sites that Pedar has worked at include Carthage in Tunisia, Corinth in Greece, Troy, and Castiglione del Lago in Italy.

Remains of Pompeii, Italy

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The Archaeological Tours experience

Highly personalized service Let us offer you the service that only a small, dedicated company like ours can provide. We’re here for you regardless of what you need, from person-to-person advice and ideas, to insights and specialized arrangements. You can count on us to give you reliable information as our product and operations teams are based in our New York City office and know our destinations inside and out.

Like-minded fellow travelers Our tours are limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, and there are typically between 1018 participants. Our groups offer sociability, companionship, and a sense of shared experience, without crowding you or making you feel like you are a part of the herd.

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Lipari Island, Sicily

Customize your tour Extensions If you’re interested in one of our tours, but would like some extra sightseeing before or after your trip, our team will be more than happy to assist you. We may have the perfect extension already waiting for you in our Lite series.

Upgrade your room Fancy a room with a view or perhaps a suite with a bathtub? Simply inquire with our customer care team and they will be happy to assist you.

Extra nights pre- or post-tour If you want to make your trip a little longer, we can arrange for you to add on extra nights either before or after your tour begins.

Book international flights Want to take the stress out of traveling? Simply call our friendly team for a quote and we will be able to book your flights for you for a small $25 fee per person.

Personal travel arrangements If you are making your own travel arrangements, please get in touch with us beforehand to confirm that your plans will allow you to join the group comfortably.

Athina Pronaia temple, ancient Delphi

What’s included Expert scholar Our expert scholars are what make Archaeological Tours top of the game. They are experienced academics and educators; not only experts in their field, but also fantastic storytellers.

Local guide / Tour manager Our Lite series does not feature an expert scholar, but all of our tours are accompanied by a local guide and/or tour manager. Depending on group size and destination, this role may be fulfilled by the same member of staff.

Hotels at the highest standard All the hotels you stay in are carefully hand-picked. From luxury hotels to Mongolian gers, a trip with us will always include a comfortable stay.

Local transportation All of your local travel is included - from the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave. We’ll see that you move from site to site, and back again with ease.

Entries & tips Something you don’t have to worry about on an Archaeological Tours adventure is bringing extra money for tips and entries to sites.

Meals The number of meals included vary from destination to destination. Full details can be found in each itinerary.

Study aids, lectures & accessories In collaboration with our expert scholars, we provide a study book and reading list for our regular tour series. You can also expect to receive a lecture every three to four days while on tour. Each traveler will also receive an Archaeological Tours luggage strap and two luggage tags.

Your safety first The security and political stability of every country we visit is of paramount importance to us. We use the best ground operators and keep in constant communication with our local partners all over the world to remain informed.

For more details, visit archaeological-tours.com or call +1 (844) 368-7682

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Frequently asked questions

Buddha statue in Thimphu, Bhutan

How do I book?

You can book either by telephone (844-368-7682), email (info@archaeological-tours.com), or online. We are happy to hold your spot on our tours without commitment for 2 days. After this, we require a deposit to confirm your place. Payments can be made by card, bank transfer, or check (payable to Archaeological Tours). We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

There is no credit card fee for guests. We do not accept post-dated checks, nor do we keep your card details on record.

For overseas bank transfers, all fees must be paid by the guest(s).

What is your price promise?

In a world dictated by supply and demand, we have decided to be upfront about our pricing structure so that our guests can take advantage of the best deal possible. It is our principle that the earlier you book, the lower the price you pay. When we launch our new tours, our lowest prices are made available to give you the very best value for money, and prices can increase as the departure date approaches. It really does pay to book early.

What is an Expert Scholar?

Often distinguished faculty members of respected universities and museums, our lecturers 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 an outstanding tour.

Can I add extra visits to the itinerary?

We would be happy to discuss any additional sites that you would like to see that aren’t on our itineraries, but we cannot edit our tour program. There may be logistical reasons why this isn’t possible as part of a group, but we would be happy to arrange some bespoke pre- or post-tour sightseeing for you.

Which hotels will I stay at?

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 and our international standard hotels are well-located for our touring, great restaurants, and cultural experiences.

You can find the most-up-to-date hotel information on our website or by contacting our customer care team. If you would like more information or if you have any questions, please just get in touch.

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Do I have to share a room?

We welcome single travelers, but your place on tour is subject to an additional supplement. For those traveling alone but who prefer to share with another, we will endeavor to work out congenial rooming arrangements.

I am not sure if I am fit enough Our tours vary in the degree of activity required and in how strenuous they are. Check out our activity rating on each tour page. Our travelers are usually between 50-75 years old, so, if you fall within the average range, we will have a tour for you!

However, you must be able to walk unassisted and will most likely have to stand for extended periods of time. If you are over 80, please don’t be offended if we ask you to fill in a doctor’s note – your safety and well-being is our top priority.

Easy-going Limited walking and time to relax

Moderate Moderate walking and long days

Challenging Extensive walking, challenging environments and long days

What do I need to bring?

Once you book a tour, and leading up to departure, we will send you a number of useful documents. Look out for our travel guide, which contains a handy packing list.

What if I need to cancel?

We would be sorry to hear this, but we understand that sometimes plans change. Our deposits are non-refundable and we ask that you let us know as soon as possible, so we can cancel your reservations. If you have already paid your balance, the refund due to you changes depending on the time before departure. Check out our terms and conditions for more information.

Moroccan courtyard, Chefchaouen

Will you cancel my tour?

If we cancel your tour prior to the date of departure, due to either low passenger numbers or to changes in circumstances outside of our control, you will have the option to transfer to an alternative tour (and pay/receive a refund/credit in respect of any price difference) or receive a full refund.

When should I book my flights Please hold off until we can confirm that your tour is good to go. We will not be liable for any costs incurred in the event that we cancel a tour if you do not follow this advice. Please be sure to pay close attention to the arrival and departure destinations of your tour, as they may not always be the same

I have a medical and/or dietary condition This usually will not be a problem, but it does depend on the severity of the medical and dietary condition. We understand that this may be a sensitive subject, but, if you are worried that it will inhibit or hinder your travel, please inform us and we will go the extra mile to address any requirements. When we provide meals, we will always endeavor to make sure that our suppliers meet your dietary needs. However, it may be difficult in more remote destinations to cater to all needs. If you need to carry medication with you, please check that there are no customs restrictions – you may need to bring proof such as your prescriptions or a doctor’s note.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that all travelers have comprehensive travel insurance and do not travel against medical advice.

You should organize insurance immediately when you book to ensure you have coverage against possible cancellation charges, medical treatment, and repatriation.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our team today +1 (844) 368-7682 or visit archaeological-tours.com 9

CENTRAL MEXICO

Mesoamerican Mysteries

You don’t always have to cross oceans and continents to discover the world’s finest archaeological sites. Journey through the lands of the ancient indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica as we cross frontiers of time into lost pre-Columbian worlds, whose dramatic histories and great monuments can fuel the imagination and open doors to new worlds.

The Aztec Empire, along with the preceding Toltec and Olmec cultures, is at the heart of this tour and the formidable legacy that they have left behind will be sure to impress archaeology lovers.

The mighty Aztecs dominated the region for 200 years with their vivid culture and their highly organized society until the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 16th century and brought the Empire to a sudden and brutal end. We will also visit a panorama of provincial towns further south in Oaxaca, each built upon regional cultural traditions with ancient pre-Aztec roots — none more impressive than the vast Zapotec site of Monte Albán.

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Dates and prices 14 days Jan 11 - 24 | $6,095 $6,195 SAVE $100 Dec 05 - 18 | $5,995 $6,195 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,150 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures by our expert scholar

Atlantean statues of the Toltecs, Tula

MEXICO CITY - TEOTIHUACÁN - POZA RICA - XALAPA - PUEBLA - OAXACA Tour highlights Trace the captivating stories of the ancient civilizations of the Aztec, Toltec, Olmec, Zapotec, and Mixtec civilizations amid the wide horizons of central Mexico Uncover the elaborate reliefs carved into the columns and friezes at El Tajín, considered among Mexico’s most important Classic-era sites Enjoy a remarkable performance of the Danza de las Voladores de Papantla, a dizzying high-flying ritual dance Stroll through legendary Teotihuacan – ‘birthplace of the gods’ – and explore the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon Journey through jungle ruins and immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Mesoamerican Mexico

Expert Scholar Dr William Saturno William Saturno received his BA from the University of Arizona and his PhD from Harvard University. He has conducted research in Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.

In 2001, William discovered the remote archaeological site of San Bartolo and the oldest intact Maya murals found to date, while directing the San Bartolo Regional Archaeological Project. The project was dedicated to understanding San Bartolo’s role in this largely unexplored region during the period when the Mayan civilization was forming. His academic interests include the evolution of complex society, particularly among the ancient Maya, Mesoamerican religions, iconography and epigraphy.

William has been leading tours with us for over eight years.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City We arrive in the vast metropolis of Mexico City and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free and a group dinner follows.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Mexico City Today, we visit the National Museum of Anthropology. Its grounds cover 20 acres and the museum features one of the world’s largest collections of archaeological, ethnological, and anthropological artifacts from Mexico and the surrounding Mesoamerican area. Two of the many fascinating exhibits are the monolithic Stone of the Sun, thought to be a 16th century Aztec calendar, and the Olmec heads.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Mexico City We have an early start this morning as we drive to the archaeological ruins of the pyramid site at Tula, once a major city that reached its zenith as the capital of the pre-Aztec Toltec Empire from about 900 to 1150 CE. Here, we learn about the legends that surround Tula as we explore the Temple de Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli - on which stand the giant basalt figures representing the plumed serpent god Quetzalcóatl (dressed as a Toltec warrior), especially linked to Tula and one of the primary deities in the ancient Mesoamerican pantheon. After lunch, we return to Mexico City for an afternoon in the city’s main square, the Zócalo, and the surrounding area.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Mexico City Today, we return to the Zócalo to unravel the history of the Templo Mayor archaeological site and museum. Here, in the 15th century opening ceremony alone, Aztec priests offered 4,000 prisoners to the Aztec gods as human sacrifices. The temple was torn down by the Spanish Conquistadors in 1521 to make way for the new cathedral.

In contrast, at the colonial-style National Palace nearby, we study vivid reminders of Mexico’s turbulent past as depicted in the vast murals of artist Diego Rivera’s highly politicized “The History of Mexico” series. After lunch at the Zócalo, we have free time for personal exploration.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Mexico City - Teotihuacán This morning, we drive to the capital’s Tlatelolco district, site of a ruined Aztec city – where, after the massacre of thousands, the final Spanish conquest of the Aztecs took place in 1521. A mass grave

dating from the period was unearthed here in 2009. We now head 30 miles northwards to visit Teotihuacán. Originally an abandoned city stumbled upon by the Aztecs, Teotihuacán at its peak became the largest and most influential city in the pre-Columbian Americas, thriving for about 700 years until between 300 and 600 CE. On arrival, we take in the scale and atmosphere of the complex before checking in to our hotel outside the site and catching up over dinner.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Teotihuacán Our day is devoted to ancient Teotihuacán’s magnificent site.

Following its “main street” – the “Avenue of the Dead” – we visit three awe-inspiring structures: the Temple of Quatezalcóatl (the Plumed Serpent), the great Pyramid of the Sun (the world’s third largest pyramid), and the smaller Pyramid of the Moon. The last two have extensive views from their summits, reached by steps. In the afternoon we visit the Mural Museum, which showcases original murals and reconstructions from the site. The remainder of the day is free to explore Teotihuacán or to relax at our nearby hotel.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Teotihuacán - Poza Rica This morning, we enjoy a scenic drive east to the state of Veracruz and the imposing jungle ruins of El Tajín, the long-abandoned city of the Totonac people. The temples, palaces, ball-courts, and pyramids of this sacred “City of the Thunder God” embody a distinctive architecture characterized by elaborately carved reliefs on columns and friezes. Our exploration here includes a visit to the informative modern museum. Later, we enjoy a traditional Totonac pole-flying (and gravity-defying) dance performance by the amazing “Voladores de Papantla” before we transfer to our hotel in nearby Poza Rica.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Poza Rica - Xalapa We turn south this morning to Xalapa, capital of Veracruz, where we visit the Museo de Antropologia de Xalapa, surpassed in reputation only by its Mexico City counterpart. The collection’s focus is on the main pre-Hispanic civilizations from the Gulf coast, principally the Olmecs, the Totonacs, the Huastecs, and Classic Veracruz. Set amid a 10-acre hillside garden, the museum houses 3,000 archaeological finds, with its amazing centerpiece – the 17 colossal Olmec heads from San Lorenzo, Teotihuacán.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Xalapa - Puebla After breakfast we travel west on to Puebla, with a stop at Cantona ruins. A fortified city occupied for around 400 years until approximately 1000 CE, this archaeological site was one of the largest urban settlements ever discovered in Mesoamerica. Here, in a breathtaking desert-and-mountain setting, we trace its story amid a series of small pyramids, multiple ball-courts, private residences, and a network of cobbled roads. After lunch, we drive down to Puebla for our two-night stay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Mexico’s oldest cities, with a rich colonial heritage and a wealth of well-preserved architecture in its center - at its most distinctive in the 16th century cathedral.

Breakfast included.

Mexico

Day 10 | Puebla This morning we travel to one of Mexico’s most unusual ancient sites – nearby Cacaxtla, whose vividly-painted murals depicting military life over 1,300 years ago are among the best-preserved of their kind from the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican world. After lunch, we explore Puebla’s superb Museo Amparo, an attractive historical

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

The archaeological site of Cantona

museum housed in an 18th century baroque hospital that outlines the history of Mexico by means of an excellent collection of preColumbian artifacts and colonial Mexican art. We then continue to the city’s “Barrio del Artista” (Artists’ Quarter), once part of a bustling colonial-era market, and is now home to painting studios, exhibition halls, and cafés. The remainder of our day is ours to spend at leisure in Puebla.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 11 | Puebla - Oaxaca

Day 13 | Oaxaca Our final full day opens with a visit to Monte Albán, which, for almost a thousand years until its mysterious decline, was the sociopolitical center of the Zapotec world. Today its extensive array of hilltop ruins puts Monte Albán among Mexico’s most prominent archaeological sites. We visit the site museum, featuring original stone carvings and a wealth of other discoveries from the complex, before our return to Oaxaca for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we meet up for a special farewell dinner at our hotel.

All meals included.

We leave Puebla this morning on the 200 mile drive to Oaxaca – a long but scenic ride, broken by stops along the way. After an afternoon arrival, we begin with an orientation visit to the city’s Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, whose displays bring the history and culture of Oaxaca to life. Of special interest will be the Mixtec hoard, a dazzling discovery of royal jewels, carved bone, and crystal goblets, retrieved from nearby Monte Albán. After, there’s time to relax or to explore Oaxaca. A UNESCO-listed site, the city has retained many of its native roots amid the fine colonial architecture.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Depart Oaxaca

Day 12 | Oaxaca

Activity Level

This morning we take a short drive to Yagul - one of just four locations named as Natural Monuments by the Mexican government and occupied from around 500 CE until the arrival of the Spanish.

Highlights include several multi-chambered tombs, a beautiful “juego de pelota” ball-court, and the stunning views from the hilltop fortress ruins. After lunch we continue to neighboring Mitla, which rose to preeminence after nearby Monte Albán was abandoned, only to be largely dismantled later by the Conquistadors. Famed today for its intricate and symbolic mosaics and fretwork, Mitla (meaning “Place of the Dead”) was an important Zapotec religious center whose high priests almost certainly performed human sacrifices.

Our afternoon ends with a visit to nearby Teotitlán del Valle village to watch a fascinating demonstration of local weaving skills.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We transfer to Oaxaca airport for our individual flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information

We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 4 nights in Mexico City: 5* Sheraton María Isabel

1 night in Xalapa: 5* Hotel Posada Coatepec

2 nights in Teotihuácan: 3* Villas Teotihuacán Hotel & Spa

2 nights in Puebla: 4* Hotel NH Puebla

1 night in Poza Rica: 3* Hotel Fiesta Inn

3 nights in Oaxaca: 4* Hotel Quinta Real

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/mec

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MEXICO

Secrets of the Yucatán Why, after reaching the peak of their power in the 6th century CE (the ‘Classic’ period), did the great Maya city-states of Mesoamerica fade into dramatic decline, leaving most of their huge stone cities abandoned by 900 CE? A definitive answer remains elusive, despite extensive excavations that have exposed the sites of towering Maya ruins whose temples and palaces (many in distinctive stepped pyramid shape and enhanced by elaborate reliefs and inscriptions) bear evidence of ritual human sacrifice. Though the unique Maya civilization is long gone, its pervasive influence remains embedded here in the landscapes and lifestyles of Mexico’s Yucátan peninsula.

With extensive exploration of the forested northern lowlands, our tour will attempt to unravel some of these many enigmas, introducing you to the Maya skills in hieroglyphic writing, architecture, mathematics, astronomy - and more! We’ll discover some of the Classic period’s finest architecture at Palenque, Yaxchilán, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, as well as visiting other lesser-known but equally impressive sites.

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Dates and prices 14 days Mar 07 - 20 | $5,790 $5,990 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,200 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures by our expert scholar

The Maya city of Uxmal

CANCÚN - CHICHÉN ITZÁ - UXMAL - CAMPECHE - CALAKMUL - PALENQUE SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS - TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ Tour highlights Wander through evocative ancient ruins, including those of vast Calakmul, lost in thick jungle and known as the ‘Kingdom of the Snake’ Relax on a memorable river trip up the Río Usumacinta, amid tree-forest draped with vines and orchids Discover amazing Uxmal, the Yucatán peninsula’s most spectacular ancient Maya city Look out for colorful parrots and macaws flying overhead and monkeys scampering through the trees of the nature reserves Explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, one of the largest Maya cities and one of the most visited sites in Mexico today

Expert Scholar Dr William Saturno William Saturno received his BA from the University of Arizona and his PhD from Harvard University. He has conducted research in Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.

In 2001, William discovered the remote archaeological site of San Bartolo and the oldest intact Maya murals found to date, while directing the San Bartolo Regional Archaeological Project. The project was dedicated to understanding San Bartolo’s role in this largely unexplored region during the period when the Mayan civilization was forming. His academic interests include the evolution of complex society, particularly among the ancient Maya, Mesoamerican religions, iconography and epigraphy.

William has been leading tours with us for over eight years.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Cancún We arrive in Cancún, a popular international beach resort, and transfer to our hotel. There is ample time to relax before meeting up for our first group dinner later this evening.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Cancún - Chichén Itzá Our second day begins with a trip to the Museo Maya de Cancún.

This fascinating museum holds a priceless collection of Yucatán artifacts, including ceramics and jewelry, as well as exhibits on the modern-day Maya community. From here, we make our way to the ruins of Ek Balam, a once flourishing Maya kingdom surrounded by jungle, where we find a selection of stelae and reliefs, as well as a towering acropolis. As the day draws to a close we arrive at our hotel near Chichén Itzá, where we have dinner.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Chichén Itzá - Uxmal Today, we will divide one of the world’s greatest wonders into New Chichén and Old Chichén, for a fully immersive encounter with this remarkably well-preserved Maya complex. This morning it’s in with the new, as we tour buildings that date from the Toltec period of 1000-1200 CE, while the afternoon sees us exploring the older Classic structures. Together, we wander among skullcarved platforms, stop to admire iconic pyramids, peer into the sacred cenote, and hear fascinating tales of Chichén Itzá’s thrilling, extensive, and sometimes bloody past.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Uxmal

the buildings here date mainly from the 9th century CE. After lunch we make our way to Labna, a Mesoamerican ceremonial center situated in the forests of the Puuc hills. More carvings of the hooknosed god Chaac can be found here, along with the remains of both a two-storey palace and a decorated archway. Later today we drive to Campeche, a city founded by the Spanish in 1540 CE. All meals included.

Day 6 | Campeche - Calakmul We spend the morning at Campeche’s Archaeological Museum.

Located in an 18thcentury fortress beside the Gulf of Mexico, within the museum’s majestic walls, we learn about an array of discoveries from regional excavations, and relics from Calakmul, including two impressive jade death masks. We bid farewell to the city and make the long but scenic drive inland to Calakmul itself. Tomorrow, we explore all that this exceptional site has to offer.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Calakmul This morning we take in the ruins of Calakmul, also known as the “Kingdom of the Snake”. Situated in thick jungle near the Guatemalan border, Calakmul was once one of the largest Maya lowland cities in Mexico and covered an area of around 27 square miles. Highlights include Yucatán’s tallest pyramid, and an amazing array of stelae and murals. Following lunch, we go wild on a tour of the Calakmul Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest areas of protected land. This is our chance to spot native fauna such as tucans and howler monkeys.

All meals included.

Following breakfast we venture into the jungle for a full day’s encounter with Uxmal, a late-Maya World Heritage site famed for its Temple of the Magician, an imposing yet graceful structure with an origin story shrouded in mystery. At the height of its influence, Uxmal was home to around 25,000 inhabitants. It was also allied with Chichén Itzá, making it the most powerful site in all of western Yucatán. Here, we discover a host of pre-Hispanic ruins, carefully laid out in accordance with astronomical phenomena.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Calakmul

Day 5 | Uxmal - Campeche

Day 9 | Calakmul - Palenque

This morning we pay a visit to Kabah, best known for its Palace of the Masks, a structure decorated with masks of the rain god Chaac.

Though the site was inhabited as far back as the 3rd century BCE,

We begin this morning at Balamkú, a small site that contains the longest surviving Maya frieze in the world: over 52 feet of painted stone reliefs depicting the surface of the Earth. This epic site dates back as far as the 6th century and had remained undiscovered until the 1990s. We depart the area and drive south to Palenque in preparation for our next two days of archaeological adventures.

All meals included.

Our first destination today is Becán. Occupied from around 550 BCE until the 1200s CE, Becán has a long history as a ceremonial center and holds some of the oldest defenses in Mexico. The nearby Xpuhil is our second and final stop of the day. Though not as well-known as Becán and Calakmul, it too enjoyed a long period of occupation, and features ruins of elaborate structures. Xpuhil is also another great place to look for some of this area’s protected animal species.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Palenque Our busy day begins at Bonampak, an Early Classic site famed for the richly-decorated interiors of its temple. View vibrant murals showing ritual scenes, performances, and gory representations of death. From here we make our way to Frontera, where we board a

Mexico

Chichén Itzá

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Bas-relief carving in the ancient Maya city of Palenque

boat to take us up the Usumacinta River, once an important trade route for the Maya civilization. Cruising through the tropical forest, we arrive at Yaxchilan, the ancient city which once dominated this region, and dealt in dyes and resin.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Palenque Today is all about Palenque, one of the most outstanding ceremonial centers we will see during our trip. Rising out of the jungle, Palenque’s fine set of ruins includes a stately observation tower, as well as the tomb of King Pacal the Great, who ruled these lands for an incredible 68 years from the start of the 7th century CE. What has so far been revealed serves as a jaw-dropping testament to the former might of the Maya. The site yields more to us this afternoon by way of the Palenque Museum, which displays statues, reliefs, an ancient throne, and a copy of the lid of King Pacal’s sarcophagus.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Palenque - San Cristóbal De Las Casas We leave Palenque this morning, embarking on a journey to the Central Highlands, and San Cristóbal de Las Casas. We stop at the Classical period site of Toniná, where we admire groupings of pyramids and monuments bearing evidence of the city’s previous status as a rival to Palenque. Its tallest structure – a complex of temples and staircases – easily dwarves the majority of its contemporaries, and peaks at an astonishing 240 feet. In the afternoon, we arrive at the gleaming colonial city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas and enjoy a leisurely walking tour of its historic center.

San Cristóbal is a gathering place for the region’s many indigenous cultures, and there is much here to keep us all wandering in wonder.

All meals included.

Day 13 | San Cristóbal De Las Casas The final full day of our tour takes us to San Juan Chamula, a Tzotzil Maya town famed for its unusual church: a place carpeted with pine

needles, that glows in the light of hundreds of colorful candles.

Animal sacrifices take place here to this day. We also pay a visit to the charming town of Zinacantán, another modern-day indigenous settlement, where both Catholic and Maya traditions show their influence. We return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas in the afternoon, where we use our free time to explore the city at our own pace.

Browse through local handicrafts at the market, marvel at the 18thcentury cathedral, or delve into the Maya Medicine Museum, to learn more about the history and practice of its healers.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 14 | Depart Tuxtla Gutiérrez This morning, we transfer to the airport for our individual flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 1 night in Cancún: 4* Presidente Intercontinental

3 nights in Calakmul: 4* Hotel Puerta or similar

1 night in Chichén Itzá: 4* Hotel Mayaland

3 nights in Palenque: 4* Hotel Villa Mercedes

2 nights in Uxmal: 5* Hotel Hacienda

2 nights in San Cristóbal de Las Casas: 4* Hotel Casa del Alma

1 night in Campeche: 4* Hotel Gamma Fiesta Inn

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/mex

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NEW NORTHERN PERU for 2020 Land of the Cloud Warriors The evocative southern ruins of Machu Picchu are, of course, what will draw most travelers to the fascinating destination of Peru. However, this can mean that the country’s north is often overlooked. A journey to Northern Peru will be filled with vast archaeological sites, diverse landscapes, and incredible UNESCO-listed ruins. Along the way, we will encounter decorated friezes that tell historic tales, follow in the footsteps of the ancient Mochica, and get to explore parts of sites that tourists never reach with our expert scholar, who has personally excavated there.

We will also go in search of the Sicán, an ancient civilization that developed in northern Peru between 800 and 1300 CE. To experience this part of South America is to see a side of Peru that most explorers will miss. Pyramids dot the horizon, amazingly preserved pre-Inca cities await discovery, and gravity-defying cliff tombs simply beg for skyward glances.

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Dates and prices 14 days May 04 - 17 | $6,270 $6,470 SAVE $200 Nov 02 - 15 | $6,270 $6,470 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $900 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Lima - Jaen • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures by our expert scholar

The lost city of Kuelap

LIMA - CHACAPOYAS - CHICLAYO - TRUJILLO - HUARAZ - LIMA Tour highlights Visit the UNESCO-listed site of Chavín de Huántar with the site director, our expert scholar John Rick, and explore underground spaces no tourists can get access to Explore Chan Chan, the biggest city ever built in adobe bricks Experience the Citadel of the Cloud Warriors – Kuelap, known as the “Machu Picchu of the North” Learn about the important political and religious headquarters of the Moche at the Sun and Moon temples Visit lesser-visited sites like the Tucume pyramids and Huanchaco Pampa, the largely intact northeast capital of the Inca Empire

Expert Scholar Professor John Rick Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropological Sciences at Stanford University, Curator of Anthropological Collections, and past Director of Standford’s Archaeology Center. His teaching concentrates on South American archaeology, including the lost city of the Incas. For the last 13 years, John has directed fieldwork at Chavín de Huánter, a monumental World Heritage Site dating to around 10,000 BCE. His interests there concentrate on understanding how early religious cults strategized the beginnings of political authority in the Andes. A previous long-term project focused on early hunter-gathered cave sites in the grasslands of Peru, but he has also done archaeological fieldwork throughout South America.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Lima We arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of our day will be spent at leisure, so why not use this time to rest before our tour begins early tomorrow morning.

Breakfast included.

Day 2 | Chacapoyas This morning, we fly to Jaen and onto Chacapoyas. Upon arrival, we visit Karajía. This funerary site hosts six sarcophagi perched high upon a sheer cliff face. Each long-faced tomb is constructed from wood, clay, and straw, and is shaped like a stylized forlorn individual.

Today, however, we can see stone ruins scattered among the fields.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Chiclayo

Day 3 | Chacapoyas After breakfast, we visit the Kuélap, the architectural wonder of the Chachapoyas. Kuelap is surrounded by a colossal wall almost 2,000 feet (600m) long and 65 feet (20m) tall. Inside, we find public and private buildings, the majority of which have circular designs and decorative friezes. We finish the day with a tour of Chachapoyas.

All meals included

Day 4 | Chacapoyas We drive to Yerbabuena and walk for two hours to get a close-up view of a colorful cliff tomb. This site is perched on a yellow cliff and the tombs are like mini houses with red pictographs that date back to 1200 CE. Later, in Leymebamba, we visit the community museum that houses 219 mummies and other artifacts recovered in 1997 from cliff tombs that overlook the Lake of the Condors.

All meals included.

The Bosque de Pomac, located 22 miles north of Chiclayo, is our first visit of the day. This vast forest of algarrobo trees on the old grounds of the Batan Grande sugar cane hacienda is dotted with dozens of ancient pyramids belonging to the Sican culture, descendants of the Moche. The Sicán were an ancient civilization that developed in northern Peru between 800 and 1300 CE. This site was first excavated in 1978 by the Japanese archaeologist and anthropologist Izumi Shimada, but it wasn’t until 1992 that his team discovered a tomb of an elite member of Sicán society. From this grave, 1.2 tons of precious metals in the form of jewelry and religious artifacts were removed, which are now stored in the National Sicán Museum – our next port of call. Located in Ferreñafe, this museum showcases the different aspects of daily life of the Sicán culture. In addition, the National Sicán Museum houses a display of Sicán nobility tombs.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Chiclayo - Trujillo

Day 5 | Chacapoyas - Chiclayo Today we travel from Chachapoyas to Chiclayo. During our lengthy journey, we see the Utcubamba river and after Bagua Grande, we cross the Marañón River and the Andes by the lowest pass in Peru – Porculla (2145m above sea level). This route will help us to appreciate how the greenery of the forest changes to the deserts.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Chiclayo Upon our arrival in Chiclayo, we will be welcomed and taken to our hotel, enjoying a lecture on the local area as we go. Later, we begin our tour of the region by visiting the remaining traces of the ancient Mochica, an important culture that achieved unmatched levels of

Peru

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sophistication in the Americas. The first destination is the Complejo Arqueológico Huaca Rajada (Cracked Pyramid Archeological Complex), a funerary complex located 22 miles (35 km) from the city of Chiclayo, where the tomb of one of the Moche ruling elite, the Señor de Sipán (Lord of Sipán), was found. Next, we visit the Museo Tumbas Reales (Royal Tombs Museum), which was built specifically to house the greatest archaeological discovery of recent times – the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. After lunch, we continue our visits at the Pirámides de Túcume (Túcume Pyramids), a magnificent complex of 26 adobe pyramids that once formed part of an extensive urban center, perhaps once the capital of the realm of Sicán.

All meals included.

Today, we travel to the city of Trujillo. On the way, we make a detour near the Magdalena de Cao District to visit the El Brujo pyramid complex, rising about 98 feet above the surrounding desert and covering an area of roughly 100 by 100 metres. The Huaca Cao pyramid is known as such due to the discovery of the tomb of the Señora de Cao (Lady of Cao), a member of the Moche Royalty who was around 25 when she died. In the on-site museum, you will be able to see her mummy, with its skin covered in snake and spider tattoos.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Trujillo This morning we begin our discovery of this charming city, which is also known as the Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera (City of Eternal Spring) due to its exceptional climate. We admire the magnificent Plaza de Armas (Main Square), considered one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the country, the Monumento a La Libertad (Freedom Monument), and La Casa de la Emancipación (House of the Emancipation), a Republican Neoclassical architectural treasure.

We also visit the Archaeological Museum of “Universidad Nacional de Trujillo”. Next, we travel to the Temple of the Dragon. Built for religious and ceremonial purposes by the Chimú people, who lived in northern Peru from about 900 CE to the 1400s, the adobe pyramid is known for its intricate frieze murals. After lunch, we continue our journey and drive to the seaside town of Huanchaco, where we watch the local fishermen on their traditional “Caballitos de Totora”. We then delve deeper into northern Peru’s pre-Colombian history as we visit Chan Chan (meaning Sun-Sun), the social and administrative center of the Chimú civilization.

All meals included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Chan Chan Ruins, Trujillo

Day 10 | Trujillo Our day begins at the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Sun and Moon Pyramids), considered the most important Mochica ceremonial center in the region. Explore the interior of the Moon Pyramid and admire its amazing reliefs of the many Mochica anthropomorphic deities, expertly carved into the walls by the pyramid’s builders.

Upon visiting the site’s museum, we bear witness to the Moche people’s great artistic sensibility, which is expertly reflected in their textile, ceramic, metal, and wooden creations.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Trujillo - Huaraz Today we drive from Trujillo to Huaraz. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day to relax or explore before settling in for the final fascinating lecture of our trip.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Huaraz Today we head out on an excursion to Chavin de Huantar, the ceremonial center that best represents high Peruvian culture.

John Rick, our expert scholar, excavates here so we will have the privileged chance to explore parts of the complex that no tourists ever get to see. In our ascent to the Cordillera Blanca, we’ll visit Lake Querococha. After crossing the Cahuish tunnel, we’ll go down to the Mosna River Valley to reach the Chavin archaeological complex, which we spend time discovering. We have lunch in Chavin, and in the afternoon we’ll visit the Chavin National Museum, home to a collection of significant archaeological artifacts from Chavin culture.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Huaraz - Lima Today we return to Lima and upon arrival, we sit down to enjoy our final dinner together.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Depart Lima We depart Lima for our flights home or onward travel. For those of us taking the Essence of the Andes extension, the local guide will arrive to get this southern adventure going.

Breakfast included.

For guests looking to visit or revisit Machu Picchu or Southern Peru, we have a seven-day extension tour.

If booked in combination with this tour, we offer a $200 linking discount.

Please see page 22 for more details.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 1 night in Lima: 4* Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport 3 nights in Chacapoyas: 3* Hotel Estandar 3 nights in Chiclayo: 4* Casa Andina Select Chiclayo

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/per

3 nights in Trujillo: 3* Costa del Sol Trujilllo 2 nights in Huaraz: 3* Andino Club Hotel 1 night in Lima: 4* Innside Lima Miraflores

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Machu Picchu

PERU LITE

Essence of the Andes

Dates and prices 7 days May 16 - 22 | $2,820 $2,895 SAVE $75 Nov 14 - 20 | $2,820 $2,895 SAVE $75 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $600 Deposit: $750

Experience the highlights of this magnificent country on this compact seven-day exploration. Taking in archaeological sites, cultural encounters and even a meeting with local people, this trip offers a memorable introduction to Peru’s history and heritage.

Discover the legacies left behind by the ancient Incas, uncover the heart of Peru’s modern-day people and let the landscapes enchant you. From the legendary site of Machu Picchu to small artistic towns, join us on this whirlwind adventure into Peru’s unforgettable stories.

Tour highlights

• Local guide • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Lima - Cusco & Cusco - Lima • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary

Tour Information

Pay a memorable visit to the bucket-list site of Machu Picchu, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World back in 2007 Learn about ancestral methods and techniques used to produce traditional textile art from the locals

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Price includes

Discover the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo Get a taste of local life during a walk through the lively San Pedro market Gaze upon the dramatic Golden Temple, dedicated to the Sun God

Activity Level 2 nights in Lima: 4* Innside Lima Miraflores 1 night Sacred Valley: 5* Casa Andina Premium Valle

1 night Machu Picchu: 5* Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo 2 nights Cusco: 5* Casa Andina Premium Cusco

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

LIMA - SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO - LIMA

Day 1 | Arrive in Lima We are greeted at the airport in Lima upon our arrival and, from here, we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 | Lima Today, we take a tour of the city’s main avenues, boulevards, and squares. This orientation walk starts with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we stop off at the Main Square to get a chance to explore it on foot and we will admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall – all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will then pay a more in-depth visit to the Cathedral of Lima, where a wander through its numerous chapels will help us travel back to the past and show us various architectural styles (from Renaissance to Neo-Classical), while learning about the religious history of Peru. After, we make our way to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. The Santo Domingo Convent awaits us next – a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country.

Breakfast included.

Day 3 | Lima - Sacred Valley This morning, we continue the trip towards Awanacancha. Here, we learn about the various types of camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos) that live in the Andes region. Additionally, the local villagers will teach us about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their traditional textile art. A few miles along, we will reach Pisac – a beautiful place where Inca and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and create a unique way of life for local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets that sell extraordinarily fine jewelry along with ceramic and textile craftwork.

All meals included.

Inca Fortress in Ollantaytambo comfortable train, we depart from Aguas Calientes, and then later we take a bus to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures make it a breathtaking bucket-list destination. Here, we follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we explore this magical citadel. We return to Cusco via train from the Aguas Calientes station. Upon arrival, our private transfer service will be waiting to take us back to our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Cusco

This morning, we will continue our trip towards the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site’s system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the advanced levels achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature. The journey continues on until we reach the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Inca times, is amazing – the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. Finally, we visit one of the last remaining Inca towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once strongly guarded by a massive fortress. We discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers, which were used to protect the citadel from potential invasions.

All meals included.

We explore the artistic and bohemian neighborhood of San Blas today, which is home to many renowned artists. Through narrow streets, we arrive at the main plaza of San Blas, which is surrounded by many well-known artisan workshops, such as Mendívil, Olave, and Mérida. We will take our time to visit some workshops and contemplate the artists’ work. Next, we continue to the San Blas Church, built in 1563 on top of an Inca sanctuary. The church is a simple structure, famed for its beautiful pulpit carved from one single cedar tree – representing one of the most exquisite works of wood carving in the Spanish churrigueresque style and done by indigenous hands. Stroll along its cobblestone alleys as we make our own way toward Hatum Rumiyuq Street (which in Quechua means “Of the Old Rock”), which is home to the famous TwelveSided Stone. We continue our exploration of the Imperial City with a visit to the San Pedro Market, which being the city’s main street market, will give us an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming us with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region. Just a few blocks away, we discover one of the most impressive buildings of Inca Cusco – the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple), a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. We complete the day with a walk through the Main Square, where we visit the cathedral to admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 | Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 7 | Depart Lima

A visit to the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu) awaits us this morning. Aboard a

We fly to Lima airport from Cusco for our individual flights home.

Breakfast included.

Day 4 | Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/pex

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SCANDINAVIA

Norse Gods & Viking Warriors This tour places the Viking Age in the wider context of European history, and in Scandinavian history from the Bronze Age to today.

The coastline of Scandinavia has seen much change and it has played a significant role in the region’s past. Stone Age hunters first walked to Scandinavia from southern Europe during warm epochs, but, with the retreating of glaciers and ice sheets came the rising of sea-levels and the Mesolithic culture, abound with ritualism, animalism and shamanism. With the adoption of agriculture, metalworking spread to Scandinavia and distinct local cultural traditions once again took over.

But the most famous of all of Scandinavia’s cultures is arguably that of the Vikings; whose seafaring warriors dominated warfare and trade for three centuries, and whose influence and invasion attempts spread throughout Europe to North America. Stand where Beowulf wrestled with the monster Grendel and where the heroes of Hrolf Kraki made their famed last stand against the hordes conjured up by the jealous god Odin. Through the archaeological sites, objects and landscapes, Norse gods and Viking warriors will once again come alive on this unforgettable adventure.

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Dates and prices 16 days Jul 06 - 21 | $11,850 $12,050 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $2,500 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Stockholm - Visby - Copenhagen • Sea ferries: Stockholm - Visby & Copenhagen - Oslo • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures by our expert scholar

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

STOCKHOLM - VISBY - COPENHAGEN- SLAGELSE - AARHUS - COPENHAGEN - OSLO Tour highlights In Stockholm, stand before the mighty Vasa warship which sunk on its maiden voyage at the city’s fantastic Vasamuséet Gaze upon the naturally mummified bog bodies of Huldremose Women and Grauballe Man on display at Moesgaard Museum - among the most spectacular discoveries from Denmark’s prehistory Travel back in time to the age of the Vikings at the UNESCOlisted ancient city of Birka, just a boat ride away from vibrant Stockholm Travel from Sweden to Denmark via the architectural marvel that is the Öresund bridge, an experience for any visitor Discover the folklore, traditions, and stories in and around magnificent Scandinavia

Expert Scholar Professor John Hines Professor in the School of History and Archaeology at Cardiff University, John is a specialist in the archaeology of the early medieval period, particularly the material culture and literature of the Vikings. By combining research in literature, language and archaeology, Professor John Hines researches the relationship between texts and objects in Viking society, and he uses these different sources to investigate changes in society and culture during the tumultuous period. John is particularly interested in the continued legacy of Viking literature in Iceland and Viking history.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Stockholm We arrive in Stockholm, the dynamic capital city of Sweden. Known as the city of 10,000 islands, it is the most populous of the Nordic capitals. An evening lecture and dinner awaits us.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Stockholm Our tour begins at the Historiska Muséet (The Museum of National Antiquities), which has an excellent Viking gallery and an impressive gold room. We then continue to the Vasamuséet, home to the Vasa warship, which was built in 1628 and sunk on its maiden voyage.

After lunch, we walk through the old town (Gamla Stan), which is comprised of the original site of Stockholm, its law courts, and the Swedish Parliament buildings. Strolling along cobblestone streets, we stop to visit the Great Church, which is used for royal weddings and coronations; the Great Square, scene of the “Stockholm Bloodbath”; the Cathedral, and other historic buildings.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Stockholm We venture out of the capital city today and drive to Uppsala. We visit Valsgärde, an Iron Age funerary site, where traces of about 80 graves can be seen as mounds or oblong depressions. These are the remains of chamber tombs, cist tombs, cremation burials, and boat burials. Next, we move to Gamla Uppsala in order to visit three huge royal burial mounds that legend attributes to kings Aun, Egil and Adlis. The beautiful Gamla Uppsala kyrka (church) stands over the site of a great temple, where it is believed that sacrifices to the Norse gods Thor, Frey, and Odin took place. Legend and history intertwine as we visit tinghög (parliament hill) and the Gamla Uppsala Historical Center, which displays the artifacts from the excavated mounds. We also visit Domkyrkan, Sweden’s largest cathedral, and the manuscript room of the University Library. We return to Stockholm via Sigtuna, home to Sweden’s oldest street with the ruins of two 12th century churches and several rune stones.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Stockholm Today, we take a boat to the island of Björkö (meaning ‘Birch Island’) to explore the UNESCO-listed Viking town of Birka. Founded in the year 750, it benefited from its strategic location and became an important Viking trading center until 975, when Gotland and Sigtuna took over the Russia-Byzantine trade. A silver ring from a Viking-era grave in Birka is the first with Arabic inscription from

that era to be found in Scandinavia’s center. 700 people lived at Birka when it was at its largest, and 3,000 graves have been found.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Stockholm This morning, we view the Ramsund carvings that depict several sagas about Sigurd, and we also visit Anundshög, the largest royal burial mound in Sweden where standing stones are arranged to represent two ships and a rune stone. This afternoon, we visit the fairytale like castle of Gripsholm before returning to Stockholm.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Stockholm - Visby An early morning ferry brings us to the ancient Baltic island of Gotland. We spend our day exploring the medieval walled town of Visby, its historic buildings and the fabulous Gotlands Fornsal Museum. Most notable among the museum’s collections are the Hall of Picture Stones with displays of large keyhole-shaped stones richly decorated in runic inscriptions, people, animals and ships, and the Viking Treasury. This collection includes a hoard of unique gold and silver treasures brought from as far away as Central Asia and Persia.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Visby This morning, we explore the excavations at Frojel and the Frojel Church. A cluster of buildings surrounded the harbor with its jetties, and in the small houses the craftsmen produced their wares, including imported goods such as wine and salt from southern Europe, precious metals from Arabia, and amber from Poland and the Baltic states. The archaeological excavations at the site are among the most extensive that have been carried out on a Viking harbor and trading place. Inside Frojel Church, we see several frescoes dating from the early 14th century, that depict dragons, deer, lions and griffins, as well as an angel and a bishop. Our afternoon is at leisure, so why not unwind with a ‘fika’ (a traditional Swedish coffee) or one of Gotland’s specialty saffranspannkaka, a saffron pancake with red berries and cream.

Breakfast included.

Day 8 | Visby - Copenhagen Today, we fly back to the mainland and move on to Copenhagen.

We stop in Lund to see its cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Later, we take the Öresund bridge into Denmark and arrive in Copenhagen.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 9 | Copenhagen The National Museum awaits this morning, displaying material that covers Danish prehistory, including the fascinating Mesolithic Period, the Gundestrup cauldron, the Trundholm chariot and a series of Bronze Age coffined burials, as well as collections of Near Eastern and Classical antiquities. Its ethnographic galleries of nonEuropean cultures are among the most important in the world.

Breakfast included.

Norway Sweden

Denmark

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Day 10 | Copenhagen - Slagelse Our first stop today will be the fabulous royal chapels in Roskilde Domkirke, the burial place of Denmark’s kings and queens. We then continue to the Viking Ship Museum, which houses five wonderfully preserved ships excavated from the Roskilde fjord. Before returning to Copenhagen, we visit Gammel Lejre to see the excavations of a Viking ship burial. To end the day, we visit the huge Trelleborg Fort, one of seven Viking ring castles, before checking into our hotel.

All meals included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Nordic stones with Viking inscriptions, Sigtuna

Day 11 |Slagelse - Aarhus Today, we begin our journey to Aarhus, one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe. We stop en route at Trelleborg for the Viking Festival and Odense for a walking tour. Our next stop is Jelling, the 10th century royal seat chosen by Viking Kings, Gorm the Old and his son, Harald Bluetooth. Their burial mounds and two rune stones, known as the Jelling stones, are still visible.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Aarhus - Copenhagen A tour of the city of Aarhus today includes the cathedral and the Viking Museum, which is housed in the basement of a bank. We also visit the cathedral and the historic park of Den Gamle By. We then depart for the Silkeborg Museum, which houses the famous Tollund Man. This afternoon, we travel back to Copenhagen.

Breakfast included.

Day 13 | Copenhagen - Sea Ferry to Oslo After a morning to relax and explore the city on our own, we transfer to the pier and board an overnight ferry to Oslo.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Oslo Our touring today in Oslo will begin at the Kulturhistorisk Museum (cultural history museum), which houses amid its Viking and early medieval wing several magnificent Stave Church portals decorated with fantastical dragons and beasts. We will spend the afternoon walking in the city center, noting several important landmarks including the cathedral, Stortinget (parliament), and the Rathaus, decorated with scenes from Norse mythology.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 15 | Oslo Today, we will visit the Bygdøy peninsula as well as four incredible museums. We will begin at the Vikingskipshuset, specially

constructed to house three 9th century Viking ships excavated from burial mounds. The clay soil of these mounds is responsible for their excellent state of preservation. At the Frammuseet, we will see the Fram (the ship that carried Roald Amundsen to the South Pole) and, at the Kon-Tiki Museet, we see Thor Heyerdahl’s famous ship, a particular treat for those of us who have visited Easter Island.

There is a fine Stave Church in the Folk Museum as well as a huge ethnographic collection. This evening, we will meet for our farewell dinner at one of Oslo’s fine restaurants.

All meals included.

Day 16 | Depart Oslo Today, we depart for the airport and catch our return flights home.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 5 nights in Stockholm: 5* Nobis Hotel

1 night in Aarhus: 4* Hotel Royal Aarhus

2 nights in Visby: 3* Hotel Lindgarden & Hotel Kalk

1 nights in Copenhagen: 4* Hotel Admiral

2 nights in Copenhagen: 4* Admiral Hotel

1 night sailing: Northlink Sea Ferry

1 night in Slagelse: 3* Hotel Vilcon

2 nights in Oslo: 5* Grand Hotel Oslo

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/vik

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SCOTLAND

Megaliths & Mythologies Amid Scotland’s highlands and islands, framed by dramatic settings of blue-hazed mountains, emerald green valleys and rugged shores, some of Europe’s most ancient standing stones, dating from the Neolithic New Stone Age and Bronze Age, continue to broadcast their voiceless message from millennia long past. One Ancient Greek philosopher even claimed they were the work of a race of giants living on the northern edge of the world. Their purpose (religious or ceremonial perhaps?) largely remains a mystery on which archaeologists can only speculate.

Visit Scotland where this tour guides you through the glorious scenery of the Scottish mainland and beyond to the islands of the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands in pursuit of a deeper insight into the origins and purpose of these monumental prehistoric landmarks and their historical context. We’ll encounter stone circles and megalithic tombs, intricately decorated Pictish stelae in remote locations, towering brochs, stone-built villages, and wild landscapes of peat-covered moors and swift-flowing burns. Equally intriguing are the Iron Age remains, whose warrior-like creators might feature in some of the later Celtic mythology.

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Dates and prices 17 days May 14 - 30 | $7,990 $8,190 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,360 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Lerwick - Glasgow • Sea ferries: Skye - Oban, Scrabster Stromness & Kirkwall - Lerwick • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures by our expert scholar

Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis

STORNOWAY - SKYE - OBAN - EDINBURGH - ABERDEEN - INVERNESS KIRKWALL - LERWICK - GLASGOW Tour highlights Marvel at the impressive site of Skara Brae’s excavated stone-age village where artifacts 5,000 years old have been uncovered Pay a visit to a great Oban distillery, where we learn how single malt whisky is produced – and, of course, we can sample a dram or two Sail the ferry to the legendary Isle of Skye, one of the most scenic and romantic of the Hebridean Islands Take a boat trip to the Shetlands’ Mousa island to see the most complete of Scotland’s 500 ancient drystone roundhouses – brochs

Expert Scholar Peter Yeoman Until recently, Peter was Head of Cultural Heritage at Historic Scotland, with responsibility for the archaeology and the knowledge base for the estate of 345 properties in their care.

Peter wrote the new official guidebooks for Iona Abbey, Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle. He has contributed to the Lonely Planet guide to Scotland and he teaches blue badge guides. Peter has also traveled extensively in Italy, studying the archaeology and history in the course of his work.

Visit fabled Iona island and its abbey, thought to be the first Christian site in Scotland

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Day 1 | Arrive in Stornoway We arrive at Stornoway and transfer to our hotel. We take the rest of the day to relax, before an introductory talk and group dinner.

Dinner included.

There’s ample time to admire the restored medieval abbey, the picturesque ruins of the 13th century nunnery - and to enjoy the peaceful mood of this island haven.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Stornoway

Day 6 | Oban - Edinburgh

A quaint harbor town with its own island flavor and an epicenter of Gaelic culture, Stornoway is the capital of Lewis and Harris.

Highlights include the Callanish Standing Stones, dating from the Late Stone Age and Early Bronze Age, with the later addition of a central cairn. Also on our list is the Iron Age Dun Carloway Broch, constructed about 2,000 years ago and among Britain’s best preserved brochs (sturdy circular stone structures, built as homes and defensive forts). Later, we learn more about Hebridean heritage at the Museum nan Eilean at Stornoway’s Lews Castle.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We leave early on the 110-mile drive through the northern edge of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to Scotland’s Central Lowlands. Here in the Bathgate Hills, the broad summit of Cairnpapple Hill was used and re-used as an important ceremonial and burial site for some 4,000 years from the Late Neolithic period.

After, we visit the sites of two forts along the Roman Antonine Wall – Rough Castle and Kinneil. We then continue on to Edinburgh.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Stornoway - Skye Today we drive 40 miles south to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, no boat is required as both Lewis and Harris are on the same landmass.

We continue another 20 miles to the richly carved tombs at Rodel’s early-16th century St. Clement’s Church before returning to Tarbert for a ferry crossing to Uig on the Isle of Skye, where we stay tonight.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Skye - Oban At 50 miles long, Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, its name (Old Norse for “Cloud Island”) perhaps a Viking comment on the Cuillin Hills’ frequent mists. A drive across the island takes us over the Skye Bridge to the mainland at Kyle of Localsh, where we skirt Lochs Aish and Duich to reach the valley of Gleann Beag, setting of the well-preserved remains of twin Iron Age brochs Dun Telve and Dun Troddan. We continue south to Oban and we visit the Oban Distillery, producing whisky since 1794. Here, we learn how their single malt is made and get to savor a warming “wee dram”.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Oban We take the ferry (45 minutes) to Craignure on the Island of Mull, where an hour’s drive brings us to Fionnphort and the short crossing to the historically-important island of Iona. Though just 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, Iona is a name famous the world over as the place where in 563 CE, after tribal feuds caused his exile from Ireland, St. Columba established a monastic Benedictine community.

Day 7 | Edinburgh Though not among Europe’s largest cities, Edinburgh is certainly one of its most elegant and beguiling. After a morning orientation talk we begin our tour at Edinburgh Castle, before a walk down the famous Royal Mile past splendidly restored historic buildings, among them medieval John Knox House, great St. Giles’ Cathedral and Holyrood Palace and Abbey. We continue to the National Museum of Scotland to see its excellent archaeological collection interpreting ancient Scottish life and culture. Leisure time follows.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Edinburgh - Aberdeen We leave for Aberdeen, entering the ancient realm of the Pictish kingdoms that occupied eastern and northern Scotland from the late Iron Age to the Early Middle Ages – a land of hill forts and stone circles. Our first stop is near Perth at Dunning’s early 13th century St Serf’s Church, site of the Dupplin Cross, a rare carved 9th century monumental stone found at Forteviot, a Pictish royal site and prehistoric ritual center. On our way to Aberlemno, we see four Pictish stones before traveling on to Meigle, legendary burial place of King Arthur’s faithless Guinevere, to see the Stone Museum’s collection of early Christian monuments. Our last stop is Dunnottar Castle, a ruined medieval fortress perched atop rugged sea cliffs.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Aberdeen - Inverness Today, we see the Pictish standing stone near Inverurie known as the Maiden Stone and believed to date from the 9th century. At Rhynie, we see the carved Craw Stane (“Crow Stone”) and three other Pictish symbol stones. We then visit a Pictish fort and well at the coastal town of Burghead, continuing to the nearby Sueno’s Stone, Scotland’s largest surviving Pictish stone of its type, and notable for its strange symbols. The day’s final visit is to Clava Cairns, three Bronze Age burial chambers around 4,000 years old.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Inverness - Kirkwall

Scotland

On our drive to the northernmost shores of mainland Scotland, we visit prehistoric sites that include a series of Pictish cross slabs at Hilton and Shandwick, and the Tarbat Discovery Center, whose award-winning archaeology program explains some Pict enigmas.

After lunch, we continue to The Hill o’Many Stanes and the Neolithic Grey Cairns of Camster. On arrival at Scrabster, a ferry brings us to the Orkney Islands at Stromness, a short drive from Kirkwall.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Kirkwall The main settlement of Scotland’s 70 Orkney islands and one of the earliest Norse trading centers, Kirkwall has an island character

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeen

meriting exploration during our stay. An early start takes us to the Iron Age settlement of Broch of Gurness, beside Eynhallow Sound, overlooking little Rousay island – to which we then cross by ferry to see Midhowe, a waterside Iron Age broch and cairn on the Westness Heritage Walk, Scotland’s most important archaeological mile. Here we have a picnic at the beach, before returning to Kirkwall.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 15 | Lerwick

Day 12 | Kirkwall

Day 16 | Lerwick - Glasgow

After a visit to the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners-of-war during WWII, we drive to nearby Maeshowe - perhaps the most awesome Stone Age chambered burial cairn in Britain, built 5,000 years ago. We visit Kirkwall’s Orkney Museum and free time follows.

Breakfast included.

This morning we fly to Glasgow (75 minutes), where time for independent sightseeing awaits before our farewell dinner.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 13 | Kirkwall - Sea Ferry Our morning is devoted to the Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, where excavations revealed 5,000-years-old stone furnishings, tools and implements. After lunch we visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Stenness Standing Stones, among Britain’s oldest stone circles. We also stop at the Barnhouse Neolithic settlement and the lonely tidal island of Brough of Birsay, whose Pictish and Norse remains offer insights into early-12th century Orkney life. In the evening, we board our overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Sea Ferry - Lerwick After breakfast on board we disembark at Lerwick, to visit Old Scatness, an Early Iron Age broch and village with Viking and Pictish artefacts. At Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, we explore a site spanning over 4,000 years of human history - with archaeological treasures that include late-Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and a Norse longhouse. Our day ends with a short boat trip to uninhabited Mousa, haunting island home of Scotland’s most impressive and best-preserved Iron Age broch.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Visit the reconstructed Clickimin Broch and (weather permitting) the prehistoric site of Stanydale, an intriguing “Neolithic temple” or meeting hall standing amid evidence of prehistoric stone houses.

After touring the Shetland Museum, we have time to explore bustling Lerwick, home to a third of the islands’ population.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 17 | Depart Glasgow We transfer to the Airport for our flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 2 nights in Stornoway: 3* The Cabarfeidh Hotel 1 night in Skye: 3* Hotel Eilean Iarmain 2 nights in Oban: 3* Oban Bay Hotel 2 nights in Edinburgh: 4* The Principal Hotel 1 nights in Aberdeen: 4* Hilton Garden Inn

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/sco

1 nights in Inverness: 4* Kingsmills Hotel 3 nights in Kirkwall: 3* Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments 1 night Sailing: Northlink Sea Ferry 2 nights in Lerwick: 3* Shetland Hotel 1 night in Glasgow: 4* The Grand Central Hotel 31

NEW SCOTLAND for 2020 Courts & Castles Based out of Edinburgh, this tour explores the royal heartland of late medieval Scotland. Considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh’s winding cobblestone streets have many stories to tell, from the macabre tails of Burke and Hare, to lofty accounts of high culture, art, literature, and science. Here, the prominent castle, buildings and monuments that are perched atop crags and overshadowed by cliffs in Old Town Edinburgh, exist alongside a neat neoclassical respectability of buildings and gardens in the New Town, a city ripe for exploration.

Touring close to Edinburgh, we visit all the most important strongholds and pleasure palaces created in the 1500s for the ambitious Stewart kings and queens. This discovery will spotlight not just the stuff of legends and movie locations, but where the power politics of this small yet mighty kingdom were played out at this crucial time.

Our expert scholar has dedicated his life investigating these people and places. He will provide us with unique insights, enabling you to enjoy and further understand this key period in history.

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Dates and prices 10 days May 30 - Jun 08 | $4,730 $4,880 SAVE $150 Sep 18 - 27 | $4,830 $4,980 SAVE $150 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: May - $1,400, Sep $1,500 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Edinburgh Castle

HOLYROOD HOUSE - FALKLAND PALACE - DUNFERMLINE ABBEY LINLITHGOW PALACE - TANTILION CASTLE - DOUANE CASTLE - STIRLING CASTLE Tour highlights Discover the lost towers of Edinburgh Castle, home to kings, princes and tyrants, destroyed in the great siege in 1573 Enjoy the delights of the Renaissance architecture of Falkland Palace, created by James V to make his new French bride feel at home Take the short boat trip across lovely Loch Leven, following the tragic route taken by Mary Queen of Scots to her island prison Visit Dunfermline Abbey, the royal sepulchre of the medieval royals and stand at the grave of the great patriotic hero King Robert Bruce

Expert Scholar Peter Yeoman Until recently, Peter was Head of Cultural Heritage at Historic Scotland, with responsibility for the archaeology and the knowledge base for the estate of 345 properties in their care.

Peter wrote the new official guidebooks for Iona Abbey, Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle. He has contributed to the Lonely Planet guide to Scotland and he teaches blue badge guides. Peter has also traveled extensively in Italy, studying the archaeology and history in the course of his work.

Marvel at the interiors of the royal palace in Stirling Castle, where the Stewart kings achieved the height of their magnificence

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Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh

Day 4 | Edinburgh

Today, we arrive in Edinburgh and enjoy an introductory lecture from our expert scholar. A group dinner follows afterwards.

Dinner included.

The historic location of Falkland Palace is our first stop. James V visited France in 1536, drinking in not only the fine Bordeaux, but also French royal culture and architecture. He returned home with these ideas, which he immediately put into practice here, transforming his private hunting lodge into a home fit for a French queen, with determined efforts to bring Scots Court onto a level with the splendors he encountered in France. Next, we sail across Loch Leven to the island castle, which has been a defended home since prehistory. It has also been visited by key figures in Scottish history as well as a witness to great events – including one that altered the fate of Britain: Mary Queen of Scots’ descent into captivity, abdication and loss. Mary was held captive here for a year from 1568 and was forced to relinquish the crown to her infant son, James VI. Before our day ends, we stop by Lindores Abbey, a whisky distillery, where we can indulge in a dram of Scotland’s finest.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Edinburgh One of the most ancient strongholds in Europe awaits our discovery this morning – Edinburgh Castle. Excavations led by our guide, Peter, have revealed origins that date back to the Bronze Age, around 1000 BCE. Its strategic importance made this the most besieged place in Britain – 26 known sieges and counting. Our tour will include the Honors of Scotland – amongst the oldest Crown Jewels in Europe – as well as St. Margaret’s Chapel, the tiny 12th century spiritual heart of the castle. We also see the Great Hall of James IV who died in 1513, and the Mary Queen of Scots Palace and birthing room, where Mary moved in especially for this event, up from Holyrood Abbey with her great bed. The 1566 birth of the future James VI – a healthy male heir – prompted celebrations by Catholics and Protestants alike, with a royal salute from the battlements and 500 bonfires lit around the hills outside Edinburgh. But within a year, baby James’ father was murdered and his mother imprisoned at Loch Leven Castle, which we also visit. From here, we enjoy spectacular views over the Georgian New Town and to the extinct volcanic peak of Arthur’s Seat, so-called because the legendary King Arthur sleeps under the mountain. Free time follows, but we are granted permission to explore other parts of the castle, including the National War Museum, as well as the prisons of 1780, which held captured American sailors from the War of Independence.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Edinburgh Today, we make our way to Holyroodhouse. Standing at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle, Holyrood stands today as the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. Having been at the center of royal government, with the Augustinian monastery providing educated clerks for the medieval government based in Edinburgh Castle, the old palace is now faced across the road by the new Scottish Parliament. The highlight of our time here is the visit to the preserved apartments of Mary Queen of Scots. Later, we take a walking tour of Edinburgh, which takes us to the hidden medieval closes of the Royal Mile, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the Old Parliament Hall. After, there is a tour of the Museum of Scotland, where we view objects from the 16th century times of Stewart magnificence.

Breakfast & lunch included.

SCOTLAND

Day 5 | Edinburgh A short drive north from Edinburgh will take us over the River Forth on the new Queensferry Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Our first visit is to Dunfermline Abbey, an exquisite major 12th century church with the shrine of Scotland’s foremost female saint (and Queen) Margaret, who was canonized by the Pope in 1250. This was Scotland’s royal sepulcher with the tombs of many monarchs – including the great warrior King Robert the Bruce – interred here in 1329, victor against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. So, it was fitting to use the abbey church as a filming location for “Outlaw King”. The monks’ accommodation was so grand that it was converted into a Stewart royal palace, where Charles I was born. Our afternoon is at leisure in Edinburgh.

Breakfast included.

Day 6 | Edinburgh Our morning gets off to a royal start at Linlithgow Palace. Like Balmoral Castle is to the present Queen Elizabeth, Linlithgow was a pleasure palace and retreat for the Scottish monarchs, with hunting and fishing nearby. The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542, had been constructed by James IV around 1500, with lovely views over the loch along with a splendid tiered fountain in the courtyard, created by James V in 1538 following his love mission to France to find a queen. Although now roofless, the palace remains aweinspiring. Next, we visit St Michael’s Church. Consecrated in 1242 and dedicated to the archangel Michael, this impressive church stands cheek by jowl beside the fabulous Palace of Linlithgow, the town church also serving as a royal place of worship. The condition of the church deteriorated during the Civil War in 1646 when Oliver Cromwell’s roundheads stabled their horses here. We also go to Blackness Castle, an extraordinary medieval structure. The completeness of this castle is only matched by its brutal appearance, lending itself to feature in movies such as “Mary Queen of Scots”.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Edinburgh The day begins with a short drive east of Edinburgh along the East Lothian coast, which brings us to Muirfield to a pair of astonishing castles – Dirleton and Tantallon. First, we visit the former. At the heart of the castle is the fine residence built in the 1400s for the Halyburton family, important lords and courtiers. Here, we’ll see the grim prisons, the pretty chapel and the cathedral-like kitchens below where sumptuous meals were prepared for royal visits. After, we make our way to Tantallon Castle, which occupies a spectacular clifftop location, looking out across the North Sea. Built by the mighty Earls of Douglas in the 1300s, we will see how even its state-

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Falkland Palace and its gardens, Fife

of-the-art gun tower proved no defense against the royal artillery of James V when he fell out with Archibald Douglas.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Edinburgh After driving for an hour this morning, we arrive at the edge of the Highlands and visit Doune Castle. Known as the most perfect Scottish medieval castle, it was a pleasant choice as the retreat for widowed foreign Queens of Scots, home to Mary of Gueldres (widow of James II), Margaret of Denmark (widow of James III), and Margaret Tudor (widow of James IV). The castle is popular with movie makers, and has doubled for Winterfell in “Game of Thrones”, as well as featuring in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (coconuts are provided!), and “Outlander” (Castle Leoch). From here, we drive another 40 minutes west and arrive at Castle Campbell, also known as Castle Gloom due to its brooding setting above the ravines of Dollar Glen.

Breakfast & lunch included.

an original set that is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Our visits come to an end at the Church of Holy Rude Stirling. This splendid church has stood here for the people of Stirling since at least the 1100s and was largely rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1405. This was the venue for the Coronation of the infant James VI in 1566, for which Queen Elizabeth I of England provided a gold font.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Depart Edinburgh We transfer to the airport this morning for our individual flights home or onwards travel.

Breakfast included.

Day 9 | Edinburgh We’ve saved the best for last on this tour as we end at the finest residence of Stewart magnificence – Stirling Castle. James V and his French queen, Mary of Guise, created the finest Renaissance palace in Britain here around 1540, but sadly, the king never lived to see it completed. Instead, the sumptuous spaces echoed to the cries and laughter of his heir – the infant Mary Queen of Scots. Here, we have a unique opportunity to tour the castle, and to get behind the scenes and learn the secrets of this stronghold of the royal Stewarts, all the while learning more about Mary Queen of Scots and her family. Our expert scholar will reveal how the Stewarts transformed Stirling Castle into an arena for their dazzling court during the first half of the 16th century, with insights only recently discovered by archaeological and historical research. We will see the full glory of James and Mary’s court in the recently recreated palace interior, which includes the Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry series, based on

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 9 nights in Edinburgh: 4* The Principal

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/scc

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NEW ENGLAND for 2020 Henry VIII & his Wives Everyone knows the popular rhyme, “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived”, which refers to the six wives of Henry VIII. The lives of the six women who had the misfortune to marry him are less well-known than their ultimate fates. Catherine of Aragon, who arrived in England to marry Henry’s older brother, failed to bear a healthy son. She ended her life, discarded at Kimbolton Castle.

Catherine was supplanted by Anne Boleyn, who also failed to produce a male heir and was beheaded in the Tower of London on trumped up charges of adultery. Jane Seymour, who had been a lady in waiting to both her predecessors, gave birth to a son at Hampton Court, but died 12 days later. Following Jane Seymour’s death, few wanted to venture into matrimony with Henry VIII. In December 1539, Anne of Cleves arrived to marry the king, but he took an instant dislike to her upon their first meeting at Rochester Castle. His fifth marriage, to Catherine Howard, also ended on the executioner’s block, with the queen reputedly entertaining a lover in the summer of 1541.

Lastly, twice-widowed Catherine Parr married the king, but she died 18 months after Henry at Sudeley Castle. This tour tells the story of Henry’s queens through the places associated with them.

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Dates and prices 14 days Jun 16 - 29 | $8,125 $8,375 SAVE $250 Sep 08 - 21 | $8,125 $8,375 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,650 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Image of Henry VIII at Hampton Court

LONDON - HEVER CASTLE - RICHMOND UPON THAMES THORNBURY - LINCOLN - CAMBRIDGE - LONDON Tour highlights Stay overnight at the historic Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn Fall in love with the splendid surroundings of Hampton Court and visit the state apartments, chapel royal and the gallery supposedly haunted by Catherine Howard Discover the magnificent Mary Rose Museum in the coastal city of Portsmouth, where the story behind this mighty vessel can be explored Spend time at the legendary Windsor Castle, home to Britain’s royal family Visit the graves of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard at the iconic Tower of London

Expert Scholar Elizabeth Norton Historian, academic and trained archaeologist Elizabeth Norton is a meticulous researcher of the Tudor period. With thirteen books to her name, she has developed a particularly strong reputation as an expert in the queens of England. To date, her titles have amassed a plethora of glowing reviews, and include Elfrida: The First Crowned Queen of England, Bessie Blunt: Mistress to Henry VIII, and the groundbreaking book, Anne Boleyn: In Her Own Words and the Words of Those Who Knew Her. Her most recent book is The Lives of Tudor Women.

She is a frequent contributor to historical publications, such as BBC History magazine and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. Her expertise is regularly called upon for television and radio appearances with BBC London.

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Day 1 | Arrive in London

Day 5 | Richmond upon Thames

Upon arrival into London, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy our first group dinner.

Dinner included.

Traveling through the Thames Valley, we will spend the day in the splendid surroundings of Hampton Court, one of Henry VIII’s favorite palaces after he wrested it from the reluctant grasp of the man who built it: his chief minister Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

Henry spent time there with all of his six wives, with his last five particularly associated with the palace. In the palace, we will tour the spectacular Tudor state apartments, including the haunted gallery which the screaming ghost of the doomed Catherine Howard is reputed to haunt. We will also visit the chapel royal, where the King received confirmation of Catherine’s infidelity and where Prince Edward - son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour - was christened. We return to Teddington for the night.

All meals included.

Day 2 | London - Hever Castle After breakfast this morning, we make our way to London’s fantastic National Portrait Gallery and spend time wandering among its magnificent collections. Our afternoon is spent at Westminster Abbey. From here, we make the drive to Hever and enjoy an overnight stay at the historic Hever Castle – Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, which also boasts delightful gardens.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Hever Castle - Richmond upon Thames Following breakfast this morning we explore our glorious surroundings here at Hever Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, this royal building houses tapestries, fine furnishings and an astonishing collection of important Tudor portraits. We will also find two prayer books here that once belonged to Anne Boleyn, and they still contain her inscriptions and signature. From here, we drive 15 minutes to Penshurst Place. One of England’s largest and most palatial stately homes, it was granted to Anne of Cleves following the annulment of her marriage to Henry VIII. The house was later home to the quintessential Elizabethan poet and courtier, Sir Philip Sidney. Our next stay will be next to Hampton Court Palace, so we leave the picturesque Penshurst behind and start the 80-minute drive to our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Richmond upon Thames Our first stop of the day is Eltham Palace. A wonderful fusion of medieval and Tudor, this palace was transformed into an Art Deco haven by its millionaire owners in the 1930s. Here, we find a great medieval hall with a hammer-beam roof, which was built for Edward IV over 500 years ago. In the afternoon, we move on to Rochester Castle in Kent, where Henry VIII met his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, for the first time. Rumor has it that he declared that he had been brought a ‘Flanders Mare’ instead of a woman, when he first met his bride. After our visit here, we drive to our hotel in Teddington/Hampton Court.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Richmond upon Thames After a drive of just over one hour, we arrive at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth’s historic dockyard. Our morning is spent discovering the story behind this magnificent vessel. In the afternoon, we visit the ruins of Titchfield Abbey – one of Queen Elizabeth’s stops during her Royal Progress of 1591. Once we’ve finished exploring this 13th century site, we make our way back to our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Richmond upon Thames - Thornbury This morning will be spent at Windsor Castle, the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world, and home of Britain’s Royal family to this very day. Henry VIII is buried here with Jane Seymour, probably his favorite wife, and he also spent time with his other spouses in the castle. In the afternoon, we drive on to The Vyne, another location that hosted Queen Elizabeth during her progress. It is a particularly fine example of a Tudor manor house with original wood panels and stained glass dating from Henry VIII’s reign. Our hotel for the night is the Tudor residence of Thornbury Castle.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Thornbury This morning, we take a tour of our hotel – the magnificent Thornbury Castle, confiscated by Henry following its owner’s execution — at the king’s orders — in 1521. We enjoy lunch together as a group, before having some free time this afternoon.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Thornbury - Lincoln

England

The historic Sudeley Castle awaits our discovery this morning. The final home of Henry VIII’s sixth and last wife, Catherine Parr, this is where she died in September 1548, after the birth of her only child.

From here, we travel to Lincoln, stopping at the Bosworth Battlefield Center, which witnessed the birth of the Tudor dynasty in 1485 after Henry’s father, Henry VII, killed and defeated Richard III here.

Tonight we stay in Lincoln ahead of tomorrow’s visits.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Lincoln We will drive over to Gainsborough Old Hall in the morning, the well-preserved home of Catherine Parr during her first marriage to Edward Burgh. In the afternoon, we will visit the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace at Lincoln, where Henry VIII and Catherine Howard stayed in 1541. This was one of the places that Catherine secretly met with her lover, Thomas Culpeper. There will also be time to explore Lincoln Cathedral.

Breakfast & lunch included.

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Hever Castle, Kent

Day 11 | Lincoln - Cambridge

Day 13 | Cambridge - London

In the morning, we drive southwards to Peterborough Cathedral, to visit the final resting place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. We then enjoy a tour of Buckden Towers in Cambridgeshire, which was home to Catherine shortly before her death in 1536, which took place in the nearby Kimbolton Castle. Our overnight stay is in Cambridge.

Breakfast & lunch included.

After driving to London, we end our tour at the Tower of London, where both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed. We will visit the scaffold site as well as the graves of the two queens in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula in the Tower. We stay in London overnight ahead of our departures home tomorrow.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Depart London

Day 12 | Cambridge Hatfield House, Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood home and the place that she was staying when she learned of her accession in 1558, is first on our itinerary today. This residence was also home to all three of Henry VIII’s children and during our visit, we explore both the remains of the Old Palace, inhabited by Elizabeth, as well as the Jacobean mansion that now currently occupies the site. Before we return to our hotel in Cambridge, we head into the city for a walking tour.

All meals included.

Today we return to the airport for our independent flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 1 night in London: 4* The Tower Hotel

2 nights in Thornbury: 4* Thornbury Castle

1 night in Bristol: 4* Hever Castle

2 nights in Lincoln: 4* Lincoln Hilton Hotel

4 nights in Richmond Upon Thames: 4* Mitre Hotel

2 nights in Cambridge: 4* The Tamburlaine

Hampton Court

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/hen

1 night in London: 4* The Tower Hotel 39

IRELAND

At the Edge of the Ancient World Although Ireland’s isolated geographical position cut it off from many of Europe’s upheavals until the invasion of the Vikings in the 9th century, it has surprisingly far-flung links. Innovations such as passage-graves may have traveled from Brittany, Spain and Portugal, while knowledge of Christianity, writing and military fortification was most likely introduced through England. No less intriguing are the remains from the Iron Age Celts, whose ancient language and culture are still preserved by their descendants. Our travels will bring us from Dublin, home to the Book of Kells; to the Aran Islands, where vast Celtic defense systems and stone forts perch on 200-foot cliffs; and from the monastic settlements at Clonmacnoise Monastery, the burial place of the Kings of Connaught and Tara; to the great megalithic cemetery at Carrowmore in the north. Throughout, we will study the distinctly Irish remains of these civilizations. The history of Ireland has been turbulent, giving each hill, lough and pile of stones a story.

We will also experience a slice of ancient Irish tradition as we relax with the locals at typical pubs along the way.

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Dates and prices 15 days May 02 - 16 | $8,245 $8,495 SAVE $250 Sep 17 - Oct 01 | $8,345 $8,595 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: May - $1,500, Sep $1,700 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin

DUBLIN - KILKENNY - CORK - KILLARNEY - GALWAY - SLIGO - BELFAST - DUBLIN Tour highlights Follow the trail of Ireland’s past civilizations, from the Iron Age Celts and the Vikings, to the early Christians Visit Dublin’s famous Trinity College library to admire the illuminated Book of Kells, created by Celtic monks and considered to be one of the great treasures of medieval Europe Explore Newgrange and Knowth, both Neolithic passage tombs, forming part of the UNESCO Brú na Bóinne complex Discover monastic settlements, including the burial place of the Kings of Connaught and Tara, and Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery Tour Belfast’s iconic sites and toast the trip with a Guinness or two

Expert Scholar Professor Charles Doherty Charles has recently retired as Senior Lecturer in Early Irish History at University College Dublin. For the past 10 years, he has been president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.

Charles has written numerous articles on the cult of St. Patrick, the concept of the monastic town, the impact of the Vikings upon Ireland, the evolution of settlement in early Ireland, and on the kingship of Tara. He has also lectured at the international medieval congresses at Leeds and Kalamazoo, the University of California Celtic Studies Conference. In 2008, he was the B.K Smith Lecturer in the University of St Thomas, Houston, and in July 2012, Charles gave a keynote address at the International Congress of Celtic Studies in Dublin.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Dublin

Day 5 | Kilkenny - Cork

We arrive into Dublin, the capital of Ireland, and transfer to our first hotel. We have some time to relax before meeting up for a welcome lecture and our first dinner as a group.

Dinner included.

Touring begins today at the imposing Jerpoint Abbey. Built in 1160 CE by the King of Ossory, these ruins are distinguished by the 15th century cloister featured here. Our next stop is the famous cathedral known as the Rock of Cashel. This site is situated on a 200-foot-high outcrop of limestone and was once the seat of the Kings of Munster.

Our day ends in Cork, a historic trading port situated on the River Lee, where we can unwind and reflect on the day’s fascinating visits.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Dublin Our first morning is dedicated to the extraordinary finds exhibited within the National Museum. The museum houses artifacts from 7000 BCE to the 20th century, which include the largest collection of Bronze Age gold in the world. The centerpiece of the collection is the Ardagh Chalice, which dates back to 800 CE. After lunch, we visit some of the major monuments of the city, including Trinity College – where we view the mythical Book of Kells – and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Dublin Today, we head for the glorious countryside of County Meath. We travel about an hour northwest to the green Hill of Tara, once one of early Ireland’s most venerated religious spots and the coronation place of its pre-Christian kings. Here, we explore the site while learning about its impactful past and admiring its traditional Celtic motifs. Next, we visit the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, exploring the passage graves of Newgrange and Knowth. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3200 BCE), which makes it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

It is also known for the dramatic illumination of its passage and chamber, which occurs only during the winter solstice sunrise.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Dublin - Kilkenny Our day begins with a visit to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic settlement set in a glaciated valley. Monastic remains here include beehive huts, grave slabs, crosses, and early churches. After lunch, we make our way to Old Kilkullen and view the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, a round tower, and 9th century crosses. Keeping with our monastic theme, we also see a finely sculpted 9th century high cross and a Franciscan abbey at Castledermot before visiting Brownshill, where we find a dolmen with a capstone that is said to weigh 100 tons. After a day teeming with archaeological wonders, we drive to Kilkenny. Upon our arrival here, we have dinner together.

All meals included.

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

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Day 6 | Cork - Killarney We enjoy a calm morning in County Cork before driving to Charles Fort. This massive star-shaped structure was built by Sir William Robinson in 1677 and it was in use right up until 1921. The fort was constructed on the earlier stronghold of Ringcurran Castle, whose defenses were featured during the Siege of Kinsale in 1601 CE. We enjoy a traditional lunch in Kinsale before we continue to the Drombeg Stone Circle, an impressive group of 14 stones that date back to 100 BCE. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Killarney Some of the finest coastal scenery in Ireland can be found in West Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula. It is also a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area, where traditional ways of life are preserved. Our first stop is the Iron Age Dunbeg Fort, an elaborate example of a promontory fort. We then examine the beehive hut settlements, characteristic of this part of the country, as well as the 9th century corbel-built Oratory of Gallarus. We also visit the Blasket Heritage Center and we round off our day with several other sites on the peninsula.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Killarney - Galway Today begins with a long drive to the Clonmacnoise Monastery, where we explore the burial place of the Kings of Connaught and Tara. This site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven 10th-13th century churches, two round towers, and Western Europe’s largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs. After a break for lunch, we get back on the road to the city of Galway. This evening, we will be warmly welcomed with a night of dinner and traditional Irish music.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Galway Hold on to your sailors’ caps as we travel by ferry to the Aran Island of Inishmore this morning. This island bears a wealth of pre-Christian and Christian features and monuments, and here we view some of the island’s most spectacular sites. We begin at Dun Aenghus, a dry-stone fort set on the edge of a cliff 200 feet above the sea, before continuing on to Na Seacht dTeampaill – otherwise known as ‘the Seven Churches’ complex. Free time in Kilronan follows before we return to the mainland.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Galway - Sligo Our schedule today is packed with the archaeology of Ceide Fields.

Not only is this Europe’s largest Neolithic land enclosure, but it is also the oldest-known field system in the world. If you’re wondering how it has survived for so long, we can reveal that the preservation of this site is thanks to the natural growth of the marshlands that have surrounded the fields for the past 5,000 years. Recent excavations have revealed Stone Age pottery and a well-used primitive plow, highlighting the age of this locale. After dedicating our day to Ceide Fields, we depart on a 90-minute drive to Sligo.

Breakfast & lunch included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Archaeological site of Carrowmore

Day 11 | Sligo

Day 14 | Belfast - Dublin

For our first full day in Sligo, we begin at the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery – the largest in Ireland with over 60 passage-graves, dolmen, a large cairn, and stone circles. We continue to Drumcliff, where, in addition to viewing a high cross (1000 CE) showing fine sculptures of biblical scenes, we will indulge the bibliophiles among us with a visit to the grave of W.B. Yeats. Then, at Creevykeel, where artifacts dated to 2500 BCE have been excavated, we see one of the finest Court Cairns in Ireland – the oldest of which dates from 3200 BCE. Next, we return to Sligo and have the evening to ourselves.

Breakfast & lunch included.

After breakfast, we depart for Dublin. On the way, we visit Mellifont Abbey – the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142.

The Abbey was built by St Malachy, Bishop of Down, who brought in a new group of monks from Clairvaux in France to combat the corruption of the Irish monastic orders. Its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo dating to around 1200 CE. The Visitor Center houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display. Continuing to Dublin, we check into our hotel and spend our afternoon at leisure. Why not explore Dublin’s amazing galleries, its numerous green parks, or even get a pint at the old Guinness factory! Later this evening, we enjoy our last dinner together.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 12 | Sligo - Belfast After breakfast, we depart for Belfast and travel via Derry. On the way, we visit the reconstructed circular stone fort, Grianan of Aileach. Built on the site of an older hill fort in prehistory, it was thought to be a place of sun worship, or the place of hibernation of Gráine, a Celtic sun-goddess. After lunch, we continue to Derry and explore on foot. In 1613 CE, the walls of Derry were built to protect the town from the Gaelic chieftains in Donegal. Today, these walls separate two communities, the Bogside and the Waterside. We then continue to Belfast.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Belfast Northern Ireland’s history is tumultuous and through our walking tour of Belfast this morning, we learn about these troubled times.

We will see sites such as the leaning Albert Memorial Clock Tower and the Opera House, one of Belfast’s great landmarks. We view St. Anne’s Cathedral – also known as Belfast Cathedral – as well as the political murals of West Belfast and the narrow alleys known as The Entries. After lunch, we venture a few miles outside of Belfast to see the last prehistoric monument of our tour, the Giant’s Ring.

This impressive earthwork is 600 feet in diameter and possesses a megalithic chamber in the center thought to date to 3000 BCE. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 15 | Depart Dublin Today we transfer to the airport and take our individual flights home, or continue with our onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Dublin: 5* Westbury Hotel

2 nights in Galway: 4* Galmont Hotel

1 night in Kilkenny: 4* Ormond Hotel

2 nights in Sligo: 4* Glasshouse Hotel

1 night in Cork: 4* Actons Hotel

2 nights in Belfast: 4* Europa Hotel

2 nights in Killarney: 4* Randles Hotel

1 night in Dublin: 5* Westbury Hotel

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/ire

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FRANCE & ENGLAND

Standing Stones to Medieval Monuments Megalithic Brittany and the Salisbury Plain explore a fundamental transformation in European life. During the half-million years preceding the megaliths, nature had limited the resources available to the continent’s early waves of human inhabitants. Around 7,000 years ago in northern Europe, modern humans assembled genetic improvements for a few critical bioresources. Domestication produced new social, political and religious activity, and certain places became very important. As if to celebrate a new earthly layer of life at these places, northerners raised earth’s surface upward with henges and mounds, and standing stones and timbers.

Millennia later, mysterious megalithic landscapes still identify the places. Brittany and Salisbury take us to the best of the regional monuments. Our tour also delights in the more recent past as we learn how historical Celts used standing stones and timber in cathedrals, castles, and parish closes alike. We will explore the picturesque countryside, traditional Breton villages and strikingly beautiful coasts.

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Dates and prices 14 days May 28 - Jun 10 | $8,300 $8,550 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,380 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Sea ferry: Saint Malo - Portsmouth • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Mont Saint-Michel, France

PARIS - CARNAC - QUIMPER - MORLAIX - SAINT MALO - SALISBURY - LONDON Tour highlights Discover the iconic monoliths at Stonehenge and the surrounding prehistoric monuments, powerful witnesses to their Neolithic and Bronze Age creators Visit Mont Saint-Michel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and prehistoric tidal island stronghold View one of the four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta in the historic Salisbury Cathedral Learn how historical Celts used standing stone and timber in cathedrals, castles and parish closes Explore a number of museums across both countries

Expert Scholar Dr Roy Larick Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iowa, Roy specializes in historical tours of Europe. He has worked in the Périgord region of southwest France for more than 10 years as Associate of the Direction des Antiquités Préhistoriques d’Aquitaine. In France, Roy’s research has focused on the role of artists and other specialized craftspeople during the European Upper Paleolithic period. He is interested in climate science, and how climatic changes caused the wax and wane of communities from Ice Age hunters and High Medieval farmers. He has carried out research among contemporary herding and hunting societies of East Africa related to arts and crafts. He is currently exploring sites in East Asia for evidence of the first human inhabitants.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Paris We arrive in Paris, and, after some time to relax in our hotel, we come together in the evening for our first dinner as a group.

Afterwards, our Expert Scholar will present an introductory lecture.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Paris - Carnac After breakfast, we head west to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and visit the Musée d’Archaeologie Nationale, a 12th century palace housing an astonishing 3 million artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. After lunch, we board the train to Nantes, ending the day at our hotel in Carnac, our base for the next three nights.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Carnac We begin our day exploring the Cromlech of Kerbourgnec, a stone circle with free-standing off shoots that rise out of a nearby beach. We proceed to the sites of the Carnac Alignments: long, parallel rows of great standing stones dating from the pre-Celtic era, thought to have been placed here as long ago as 4500 BCE. Before lunch, we continue to Tumulus Saint-Michel, the biggest Megalithic burial mound in all of Europe. Next, we visit Carnac’s Museum of Prehistory, the world’s first museum of the Megalithic Age, displaying finds from local excavations and burial mounds. We return to our hotel along a beautiful country road.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Carnac After breakfast, we take a riveting boat ride across the Gulf of Morbihan to Gavrinis. This small, uninhabited island is famous for its Neolithic passage graves, an amazingly well-preserved set of tombs first excavated in the 1830s. After returning to the mainland for lunch, we set out for Locmariaquer Village, where we discover three world-renowned Megalithic monuments: the Table des Marchand, a large decorated dolmen; Er Grah, a paved tumulus dating from around the 4th millennium BCE, and the stupendous Broken Menhir. Our afternoon continues with more accessible dolmens at Mané Lud and Mané Rethaul.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Carnac - Quimper Today we start at the Kerzerho Alignments – 190 standing stones covering more than a mile overall. In addition to notable dolmens, we take in Tumulus le Moustoir, a chamber tomb in which artifacts

such as jewels and animal offerings have been discovered. Later, we make our way to Pont-Aven where we have a walking tour to learn about this riverside port’s history. After lunch, we proceed to the Breton-Celtic town of Quimper (our base for the next two nights) and enjoy our second walking tour of the day. We see Quimper’s rustic sights while stopping at the illustrious Fine Art Museum.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Quimper Our first stop today is Menez Dregan. The Lower Paleolithic site shows evidence of habitation from as long ago as 500,000 BCE. In the Museum Center, we discover finds unearthed in this area since excavations began in 1991. After lunch, we continue to the Finisterian Museum of Prehistory in Saint-Guénole, which houses full reconstructions of early burial sites, as well as more than 3,000 artifacts recovered from nearby archaeological digs. Later, we visit the charming Church of Notre Dame de Tronoën where excavations have revealed the remains of hundreds of terracotta figures.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Quimper - Morlaix We set off for the elegant village of Locronan this morning, where a walking tour sheds light on a heritage of revered Irish travelers, expert weavers, and Celtic pilgrimage routes. Later on, in the afternoon, we visit the Lagatjar Alignments, rows of white quartz stones said to mirror the sun’s position at the time of the Winter Solstice. Afterwards, we embark on a walking tour of La Faou before traveling to our next hotel.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Morlaix This morning we head for the covered alley of Mougau-Bihan, an extraordinary structure some 45 feet long, comprised of a chamber with stone-slabbed walls and roofs. Later, our group will separate into two as we take turns viewing the little-known site of Roc Toull Cave, as well as Guimiliau’s beloved Parish Close, a 17th century complex featuring an ossuary and ornate bell-tower. Th is afternoon, we visit the Tumulus de Barnenez, one of Europe’s earliest and more artistic Megalithic cairns, as well as the covered alley of CrechQuille, an ancient site first excavated in the 1960s. We end the day at our next hotel in Morlaix.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Morlaix - Saint-Malo Having checked out of our hotel, we continue to La-Roche-AuxFées, a Neolithic passage grave known in English as Fairies’ Rock.

Constructed with 500 tons of stone mined in 3000 BCE, the seeming impossibility of Neolithic man achieving such an architectural feat unaided has earned this site its supernatural name. After lunch, we proceed to Maison-des-Féins, or the Fairies’ House, a woodland grave decorated by two carved pairs of breasts. From here, we make our way to the atmospheric port of Saint-Malo, a historic city founded by the Gauls in the 1st century BCE. We explore the sights within its old walled town before checking in to our next hotel.

Breakfast & lunch included.

England

Day 10 | Saint-Malo

France

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This morning takes us to the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel.

This magical site is UNESCO-listed and is home to a beautiful Benedictine abbey and village. We will learn all about the island’s humble beginnings as a commune founded by an Irish hermit thanks to a guided tour. We will have lunch on the island, taking the afternoon to explore the village at our own pace.

Breakfast & lunch included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Stonehenge, near Salisbury

Day 11 | Saint-Malo - Salisbury This morning we set sail for foreign shores, boarding the ferry for a day-long crossing to Portsmouth, on England’s south coast. On arrival, we transfer to the medieval city of Salisbury, clustered around the mighty spire of its cathedral – the tallest in all of Britain.

This evening, we settle into our hotel.

Breakfast included.

Day 12 | Salisbury Today we visit the world-famous Stonehenge – a major high point of our tour! We also visit Woodhenge, a timber circle dating from the Neolithic period thought to have been used for both ceremonial and defensive purposes. Next, we drive to Old Sarum, Salisbury’s prehistoric predecessor and an Iron Age fort established in around 400 BCE. It was subsequently inhabited by Romans, Saxons, and Normans. We then return to the city for a tour of the majestic 13th century cathedral and view the world’s best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta – one of only four in existence. We finish the day at Salisbury Museum, discovering a host of relics unearthed from the Wessex region, including the remains of an archer who was discovered at Stonehenge.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 13 | Salisbury - London Today, we explore Avebury where we find a Neolithic henge and stone circles – including Britain’s largest. Pausing for a traditional English pub lunch, we carry on to the Alexander Keiller Museum, an engaging collection of archaeological finds, including pottery and tools retrieved from Avebury. We finish at West Kennet Long Barrow, an expansive and accessible tomb in which the remains of some 50 bodies have been found, before heading to our airport hotel.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Depart London After an early breakfast, we head to London’s Heathrow Airport and take our return flights home.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available:

Saint Ronan Church, Locronan, Brittany

1 night in Paris: 4* Hotel Saint James Albany

2 nights in Saint Malo: 4* Hotel Oceania

3 nights in Carnac: 4* Hotel Le Diana

2 nights in Salisbury: 3* The White Hart Hotel

2 nights in Quimper: 3* Hotel Kregenn

1 night in London: 4* Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow Airport

2 nights in Morlaix: 3* Hotel Europe

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/bri

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AUSTRIA & GERMANY

The Great Museums of Vienna & Berlin This tour will focus on the great museum collections of Egyptian, Classical, and Near Eastern art in both Vienna and Berlin. For all who have visited Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and even Syria or Iraq, this tour is an absolute treasure trove of art from their ancient cities. You will be able to see the magnificent monuments that once dominated the sites around them. We will also visit major collections of Christian art as well as museums known for their outstanding paintings.

Guests on this cultural tour will be accompanied by Professor Soltes, whose areas of specialization include Greek and Roman art, Jewish, Christian and Islamic art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics, and Indo-European philology. He is a very popular speaker and has given numerous lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

This itinerary has been designed to ensure there is ample free time to attend cultural events in the evenings.

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Dates and prices 11 days Mar 06 - 16 | $6,595 $6,795 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $970 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Vienna - Berlin • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

The Cathedral of Berlin

VIENNA - BERLIN Tour highlights See the renowned bust of Nefertiti – the famous queen of Egypt – in the Neues Museum, Berlin Gaze upon architectural treasures of the ancient East such as the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin At Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, we can view numerous historical masterpieces curated by the House of Habsburg Visit one of the largest and most important collections of Austrian art at the Leopold Museum in Vienna Take advantage of all the cultural events that these cities have to offer

Expert Scholar Professor Ori Soltes Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University, Ori has also taught in the Classics Department at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland State Universities.

His areas of specialization include Jewish, Christian and Muslim art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics, Indo-European philology, and Greek and Roman art. Ori’s academic honors include an NEH Fellowship in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at ASOR. He has published over 150 books, articles and exhibition catalog essays on a wide range of subjects including the recently published, “Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source and Jewish, Christian and Muslim Mysticism: Searching for Oneness”.

Ori has led many trips for Archaeological Tours.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Vienna

Day 6 | Vienna - Berlin

We arrive in Vienna and are transferred to our hotel, perfectly located within walking distance of many fine restaurants and cultural venues. We have the evening at leisure to relax before we come together as a group tomorrow.

Our morning will be spent with our Viennese guide on a walking tour, where we will explore the area of the city situated between the cathedral and the Danube canal, known as “Old Vienna.” Here, we can wander along the long narrow streets, stopping on the way to visit Stephansdom, Vienna’s magnificent cathedral. Other local monuments we will pass include Mozart’s house, the Hoher Market Square (where remains of the Roman Legion’s camp were recently uncovered), the oldest church in Vienna – Ruprechtskirche, the city’s stunning Am Hof square, and the 14th century former town hall. An afternoon flight brings us to Berlin.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 2 | Vienna Our entire day will be devoted to the enchanting Kunsthistorisches Museum. The extraordinary treasures on display here include the Egyptian gallery’s 18th dynasty sculpture of Thutmosis III and the Old Kingdom Reserve Head. We will also be able to observe the gold of Nagyszentmiklos and the Gemma Augustea cameo in the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman gallery, as well as the many remarkable works in the painting galleries.

Breakfast included.

Day 3 | Vienna Today, we admire finds from Ephesus and Samothrace at the wonderful Ephesos Museum. Its collection includes the Athlete of Ephesus and the Frieze of the Parthian Monument, in honor of Emperor Lucius Verus. The afternoon will be spent at leisure and can be used for relaxing, shopping or exploring the further 40 or so museums located within the city.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Vienna The Naturhistorisches Museum is ours to discover this morning.

The museum houses among its treasures the Venus of Willendorf, the finds from the Hallstatt graves, and a mineral collection that includes the famous “bouquet of jewels”, which Maria Theresa gave to her husband. After lunch at a traditional Viennese restaurant, our tour continues at the Leopold Museum, which opened in September 2001. This fine museum houses an unparalleled collection of works by 20th century Austrians, including the likes of Klimt, Kokoschka, and Schiele.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Vienna

Day 7 | Berlin This morning, we will meet for our first museum visit in Berlin. The Bode Museum houses late antiquity, Byzantine, and early Christian material as well as the sculptural collection from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Berlin Today we return to Museum Island to tour the Altes Museum, home to the antiquities collection that was formerly on display in the Charlottenburg. This includes Greek sculpture, the so-called Berlin Amphora from Vulci, Sythian treasures from Vettersfelde, and treasures from Thyreatis in the Peloponnese. We will also be able to view a collection known as the Hildesheim Treasure from the first century BCE, which is the largest collection of Roman silver ever found outside of imperial frontiers. After lunch, we visit some of the galleries at Museum Island’s fantastic Old National Gallery.

Breakfast included.

Day 9 | Berlin The full day will be spent in East Berlin visiting the Pergamon Museum, which houses antiquities from both the Ancient Orient and the Greek and Roman worlds as well as Islamic galleries. Among

Today’s touring begins at the Upper Belvedere, one of two Baroque palaces built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1717. It served as an imperial painting gallery from 1776 onwards.

After lunch, our touring will continue at the Jewish Museum, where exhibitions tell the story of Jewish life, history, and religion in Austria.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Germany

Austria 50

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna

the architectural masterpieces reconstructed here in their original sizes are the impressive Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Market Gate from the Greek city of Miletus on the Turkish coast, and a huge stone Mshatta Facade from one of the Jordanian desert castles. Our stay in Berlin will provide us with an opportunity to attend some of the many evening cultural events.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Berlin We begin at the Neues Museum, which now unites three of the National Museums’ major collections. It is home to the material formerly kept at the Agyptisches Museum, including its many treasures from the Amarna Period – the famous bust of Nefertiti, the Berlin Green Head, and the Gateway to the Temple of Kalabsha, which was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus and is contemporary in date with the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. We will also visit the museum’s extensive prehistory and early history section, which is where we can find the Treasure of Troy. The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure, so why not visit another museum or return one we have previously explored.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 11 | Depart Berlin Today, the tour comes to an end and we make our individual ways home or continue on for further independent travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna

5 nights in Vienna: 5* Hotel Le Meridien

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/bev

5 nights in Berlin: 4* Hotel H 10 Berlin Kudamm or similar 51

NEW for 2020

PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST

Jewish Heritage in the Heart of Europe One of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, Judaism’s story is one of great tragedy and greater unity, and we delve deeper into it on this brand new multi-center tour.

Traveling between Prague, Vienna and Budapest, we pay visits to fascinating museums, explore synagogues, and discover neighborhoods that boast strong Jewish heritages. In Prague, we visit the small fortress at Terezín, which existed as a way to keep the Prussians out of harm’s way before it became a Nazi work camp.

In Vienna, take part in a memorable Shabbat service. In Budapest, discover more about the life of Hungarian Jewish sculptor, Margit Kovács, at her Ceramics Museum.

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Dates and prices 12 days May 11 - 22 | $7,745 $7,995 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $970 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Belvedere Palace, Vienna

PRAGUE - VIENNA - BUDAPEST Tour highlights Explore Prague, Vienna and Budapest on this illuminating multi-center tour Visit the Upper Belvedere Palace, which is home to a selection of artworks by the celebrated artist, Gustav Klimt Experience a morning Shabbat service at the Vienna City Temple Gaze out across the Danube and the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle from the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest Spend time at a range of synagogues with enchanting interiors and rich histories in each of the three cities we visit

Expert Scholar Professor Ori Soltes Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University, Ori has also taught in the Classics Department at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland State Universities.

His areas of specialization include Jewish, Christian and Muslim art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics, Indo-European philology, and Greek and Roman art. Ori’s academic honors include an NEH Fellowship in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at ASOR. He has published over 150 books, articles and exhibition catalog essays on a wide range of subjects including the recently published, “Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source and Jewish, Christian and Muslim Mysticism: Searching for Oneness”.

Ori has led many trips for Archaeological Tours.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Prague

Day 7 | Vienna

Today, we arrive in Prague and transfer to our hotel. Here, we meet our expert scholar and enjoy a fascinating introductory lecture before moving on to a local restaurant for our evening meal.

Dinner included.

We start our day with a visit to the Jewish Community Center and the Judenplatz. The latter is a town square in the Innere Stadt, which was the Middle Ages’ center of Jewish life and home to the Viennese Jewish community. Here, we will find the Museum Judenplatz, which houses an exhibit on medieval jewelry, the excavations of a medieval synagogue, and Rachel Whiteread’s Shoah Memorial.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Prague This morning we tour the area’s main sights, including Prague Castle, the Old Town Square, City Hall, and the Charles Bridge. We also explore the Jewish Quarter, with our visits taking us to Altneushul, Pinkas Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, and the Spanish Synagogue.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Prague After breakfast, we drive out to Terezin where we visit the former military fortress. In the afternoon, we make our return back to Prague and can enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 4 | Prague - Vienna A coach will take us to Vienna after breakfast. This is Austria’s vibrant capital and is often considered to be the epicenter of classical music. On our way there, we will make a stop at the Jewish town of Trebic, where we pay a visit to the Brno Synagogue.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Vienna Our morning starts at the house of Sigmund Freud – the founding father of psychoanalysis – in the Alsergrund District. This is now a museum with exhibits on display that help visitors to explore his much-studied theories of psychoanalysis. We also wander around the city’s renowned Ringstrasse – where many of Vienna’s monumental buildings are located today. Construction of these buildings took place between the 1860s and 1890s, and they include the Vienna State Opera and Museum of Fine Arts, among others. After, we discover the Upper Belvedere Palace with its collection of artworks

by Gustav Klimt and we visit the extensive Jewish Museum.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Vienna At 9am this morning, we take part in a Shabbat service at the Vienna City Temple. The remainder of our day will be spent sightseeing in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.

Breakfast included.

Day 8 | Vienna - Budapest A half-day trip to Szentendre awaits this morning. This is a charming Hungarian riverside town near to Budapest with a rich artistic heritage, home to the National Wine Museum and boasting great views from the church of Saint János. During our time here, we also visit the Ceramic Museum of the Jewish sculptor, Margit Kovács (1902–1977). Opened in the 1970s, this museum showcases the works – with over 300 pieces on display – of this celebrated artist.

Our afternoon will be spent at leisure in Budapest. There are a myriad of sites to visit here, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Chain Bridge, the Romanesque Matthias Church, and the neoRenaissance Hungarian State Opera House.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Budapest We begin our day with an engaging lecture at our hotel, and then it’s off to the Fisherman’s Bastion, which is perhaps one of Budapest’s main attractions. Constructed in the 19th century, it was built to provide stunning views and includes lookout towers that offer panoramic vistas over the Danube and Buda Castle. Its seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895. We also visit the famed Buda Castle and Castle Hill, a UNESCO-listed limestone plateau that extends for 0.6 of a mile and towers 560 feet above the Danube. Our final visit of the day will be to the Hungarian National Museum, founded in 1802. Here, we find Roman, archaeozoological, Paleolithic, and Hungarian Conquest Period collections, with impressive artifacts that span thousands of years.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Budapest Our exploration of Budapest continues this morning at the Jewish Quarter, Dohány Street Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and the Holocaust Memorial Center. The Dohány Street Synagogue, also

Czech Republic

Austria Hungary

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest

known as the Great Synagogue, is the largest in Europe, seating around 3,000 people. Free time will follow in the afternoon and with plenty still to discover, it will be easy to find ways to fill these hours.

Breakfast included.

Day 11 | Budapest Today we pay a visit to VisegrĂĄd, a small castle located north of Budapest. This stronghold benefits from an elevated location and offers amazing views of the Danube Bend.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Depart Budapest We transfer to the airport today for our individual flights home or onward travel.

All meals included.

Sigmund Freud

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Prague: 5* Hotel President View of Prague

4 nights in Budapest: 5* Hotel Carat Boutique

3 nights in Vienna: 5* The Ring, Hotel Intercontinental

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/jeh

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NEW ITALIAN ALPS for 2020 Romans, Rock Art & the Iceman Starting out in historic Brescia, not far from Milan, explore a range of sites both well-known and lesser-visited that shine a spotlight on its rich Roman past. Ruined villas replete with in situ mosaics, subterranean traces of ancient roads, and rock art that dates from the Neolithic period to the Iron Age will be ours to discover. This part of Italy is also home to the celebrated Valpolicella wine region, which we acknowledge with an indulgent tasting experience over lunch.

Moving on to Bolzano, we experience a close encounter with our early ancestors and pay a special visit to Ötzi, the world-renowned Iceman. Stored in a cold cell, his incredible mummified remains can be observed here at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and he is thought to have lived between 3400 and 3100 BCE.

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Dates and prices 13 days Jun 18 - 30 | $6,295 $6,495 SAVE $200

(exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,100 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Scenic view of Bolzano

BRESCIA - LAKE GARDA - DARFO BOARIO - TRENTO Tour highlights Go underground in Trento to discover the remains of a Roman road, parts of the city wall, and several ruined houses and workshops Discover the cultural and historic delights of Verona, such as the Roman amphitheater that was constructed in 30 CE Come face to face with the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology Take a walking tour of the lesser-visited historic city of Brescia, home to some of northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman remains Journey to the ‘pearl’ of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and explore the ruins of the Villa of Catullus

Expert Scholar Professor Caroline Malone Caroline is Professor of Prehistory at the Queen’s University Belfast, where she has taught for 12 years.

Educated at New Hall Cambridge, she completed her degree in Archaeology and Anthropology.

She completed her PhD at Trinity Hall Cambridge on the prehistory of Sicily and Southern Italy, and then took up the post of Curator at Avebury stone circle with English Heritage in 1985. She then became Inspector of Ancient Monuments, covering the eastern counties of England before taking up a university lectureship at Bristol. In collaboration with her archaeologist husband, Simon Stoddart (who teaches at Cambridge and specializes in the Etruscans) Caroline has co-directed archaeological projects in Scotland, Umbria, Lazio, Sicily and Malta.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Verona - Brescia

Day 5 | Brescia

Upon arrival in Verona, we transfer to our hotel in historic Brescia, situated at the foot of the Alps.

Dinner included.

Today we have a more relaxed day ahead of us. We start with a visit to the gorgeous medieval church of San Giorgio in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, which offers stunning views over Lake Garda. Next, we are treated to a delicious wine-tasting experience over lunch in Valpolicella, one of Italy’s most celebrated wine-growing regions From here, we continue with a short drive to the Cave of Fumane, which has remains that date from the upper and middle Paleolithic, offering crucial evidence of Neanderthals, as well as anatomically modern humans.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Brescia Our touring begins at the Roman Forum in the city. Here, we go underground to visit the remains of the Basilica and our time here offers a great introduction to some of the best-preserved Roman structures in northern Italy. After, we continue on to the Santa Giulia Museum, which includes a selection of important Lombard remains, as well as Roman in situ mosaics. In the afternoon, we visit the Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia. Here, we explore a Republican temple, a Temple to Capitoline Jupiter, and Roman theater. It also contains a stretch of the Decumanus Maximus, a Roman road.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Brescia Our exploration of Brescia continues this morning. We start with little-known excavations – including those situated beneath the Palazzo Martinego – that date from 3,000 years ago to the medieval period. Following lunch, we visit the Castle of Brescia. Known locally as “the Falcon of Italy” because of its hilltop position, the castle is one of the largest fortified complexes in the country and boasts a monumental Roman gateway. We also discover the Romanesque Duomo Vecchio, recognizable for its characteristic circular shape, and visit the Paleochristian remains below it.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Brescia - Lake Garda We head out this morning to Sirmione, where we pay a visit to the Villa of Catullus, a Roman republican villa that lies at the end of this enchanting peninsula. In the afternoon, we visit the Roman villa at Desenzano, which was discovered in 1921 and whose remains include magnificent mosaic floors. Scenes depicted range from cupids gathering grapes to chariot racing and even wild animals.

This site offers amazing archaeological evidence of northern Italy’s antique villas. After, on the shores of Lake Garda, we explore the Roman villa of the Nonii Arrii at Toscolano Maderno. This was one of the area’s most important residential buildings in the Roman period and we spend time here exploring it.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Italy

Day 6 | Brescia The sites and sights of fair Verona await us today and start with the Roman amphitheater. The largest of its kind still in use and constructed in 30 CE, this incredible structure is 100 feet in height and could seat up to 30,000 spectators in antiquity. From here, we take a walk to a Roman Gate – the Porta Borsari – and then our morning city tour ends at the Roman Forum, which is today’s Piazza delle Erbe. In the afternoon, we see the city from a different perspective on an unusual underground tour. The area we explore is part of the Capitoline complex. Here, we can see a temple dedicated to Jupiter and a storage area hidden beneath later buildings. We end our day at Juliet’s House, which is home to a statue of Shakespeare’s female protagonist that – according to legend – bestows great luck in love to anyone who touches its right breast.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Brescia - Darfo Boario Terme This morning, we explore the Archaeological Museum and Park Rocca Manerba del Garda, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage for Prehistoric Sites in the Alps. In the afternoon, we tour the Roman remains at Cividate Archaeological Park, which include an amphitheater, theater and bath complex. Next, we drive a short distance to the town of Breno, where we visit the Roman Sanctuary of Minerva. Situated on the banks of the River Oglio, it dates from the 5th century and the main hall was once home to a statue of Minerva. The statue, however, was beheaded and can now be seen at the National Museum of Valcamonica, and a replica replaces it here at the sanctuary.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Darfo Boario Terme The fascinating rock engravings at the Naquane Archaeological Park of Valcamonica await our discovery this morning. There are around 100 engraved rocks in this wooded environment and the rock art ranges from Neolithic to Iron Age. Engravings on display include symbols, a village scene, animal hunting, and even divine images.

We also drive on to the Archaeological Park of Massi di Cemmo, situated in a glacial valley and home to Copper Age rock art that depicts weaponry, carriage transport, and animals. Our afternoon will be spent at the National Museum of Prehistory in Valcamonica.

Here, we can pore over exhibits that showcase the heritage of the area’s rock-engraved figures as well as see archaeological artifacts uncovered locally. We also stop at a reconstructed Bronze Age House in Pescarzo before the day comes to an end.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Darfo Boario Terme A day of rock art awaits and we begin at the Archaeological Park of Seradina-Bedonlina. Here, over 150 engravings can be seen that cover thousands of years of history, although most are from the Iron Age. In the afternoon, we visit the Archaeological Park of Foppe di Nadro, which presents a selection of petroglyphs that date from the

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

The National Park of Rock Engravings, Naquane

5th millennium BCE to the late Middle Ages. We also stop at the Museo Didattico di Foppa di Nadro, which includes a reconstructed Neolithic hut and a Rhaetian Iron Age house.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Darfo Boario Terme - Trento Today we make our way to Lago di Ledro, considered among Italy’s most beautiful lakes. This area is known for an archaeological discovery made in 1929, when the lake’s water levels were brought down and well-preserved dwellings from the Bronze Age were uncovered. In the afternoon, we visit Museo alto Garda in Riva del Garda and we also see the Bronze Age tumuli at Gardolo di Mezzo.

This area was occupied from the early to the late Bronze Age, and evidence of grinding stones found here suggest that it was a hive of activity for copper smelting.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Ötzi – can be viewed through a window. His remains, along with numerous artifacts, have been on display here since 1998. In the afternoon, we return to Trento to visit the Castello di Buonconsiglio Museum, a medieval castle and renaissance palace, which houses a collection of art and manuscripts that date back to the 15th century.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Trento An interesting morning is ours as we explore the Spazio Archeologico Sotteraneo del SAS Tridentium – a city beneath a city. Hidden below Trento is this exceptional archaeological area, which is home to the remains of a street, complete with houses that boast mosaics. Gaze upon local red stone slabs, sewer pipes and the remains of a tower on this unique subterranean tour. Next, we visit the 13th century cathedral. Free time follows this afternoon.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 11 | Trento

Day 13 | Depart Trento

We make our way to Bolzano, a center of commercial exchange between Italy and Austria, and visit the National Archaeological Museum. Here, we encounter Ötzi, the world-renowned Iceman.

Stored in a special cold cell, the mummy – known affectionately as

Our final day has arrived. Today we return to the airport and catch our individual flights home or continue with onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 6 nights in Brescia: 5* Hotel Vittoria

Villa of Catullus, Sirmione

3 nights in Trento: 3* Hotel America

3 nights in Darfo Boario Terme: 3* Hotel Brescia

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/alp

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NEW for 2020

ITALY’S AMALFI COAST & POMPEII

Ancient Maritime Powers We have all heard the tragic story of Pompeii and Herculaneum – how a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in 79 CE devastated both cities and buried their inhabitants under volcanic ash. While images of their remains have scattered archaeological texts for centuries, there is so much more to these sites than simply their swift and fiery ends.

Profound insights into the customs and happenings of daily Roman life are constantly being revealed thanks to extensive excavation and restoration work. In fact, we even know the names, professions, and personal histories of some of the people who owned the villas and shops that we will walk though. Let our expert scholars illuminate the lives of the ordinary people of Pompeii and Herculaneum in a way that connects past and present. Learn about ancient Roman customs originating in this region, such as the ‘curniciello’, and see the ancient graffiti along the walls of Pompeii, showcasing the slang and colloquial humor of the time. Moreover, what is a visit to Campania without a trip to the Amalfi Coast? Explore cliffside towns overlooking crystal clear waters, beautiful gardens and cathedrals.

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Dates and prices 11 days Mar 05 - 15 | $4,445 $4,595 SAVE $150 Mar 21 - 31 | $4,395 $4,545 SAVE $150 Nov 07 - 17 | $4,295 $4,455 SAVE $150 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $500 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Pompeii, near Naples

NAPLES - SORRENTO - POMPEII - NAPLES Tour highlights Explore ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum and learn about the life and customs of their citizens Walk among ancient Roman villas in Stabiae and see how affluent Romans once lived Ascend to the mighty heights of Mount Vesuvius and learn about its epic eruption in 79 CE Sail around the isle of Capri and take in the beauty of the bluest waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea Wander the Archaeological Museum in Naples and view its exquisite collections

Expert Scholar Dr Glenn Bugh Join Glenn in Pompeii, Mar 05 Full details on pg 5 Dr David Guinee Join David in Pompeii, Mar 21 Full details on pg 5

Dr Pedar Foss Join Pedar in Pompeii, Nov 07 Full details on pg 5

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Day 1 | Arrive in Naples

Day 4 | Sorrento - Pompeii

Upon arrival in Naples, we transfer to our hotel in Sorrento. This evening, we enjoy an introductory lecture from our expert scholar and we follow this with a welcome group dinner.

Dinner included.

We devote today to the famous site of Pompeii, exploring bars, brothels, houses, and public buildings all buried by volcanic material. Shortly after noon on August 24th 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing 1.5 million tons of lava per second onto Pompeii and Herculaneum. Due to the agility and ferocity of the eruption, the towns were captured unaware and many of their inhabitants were caught in a sort of time warp – their final moments solidified beneath volcanic ash. 2,000 years later and, at 150-acres, the walled city of Pompeii has come to be the largest excavation and archaeology site in the world. Pompeii has recently opened many more sites to the public, including houses such as the Prince of Naples and Fruit Orchard. We end the day at the Villa of the Mysteries and then return to our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Sorrento This morning, we board a ferry to Amalfi, a seaside city that held importance as a maritime power. By trading grain from its neighbors, salt from Sardinia, slaves from the interior, and even timber, merchants were able to obtain the gold dinars minted in Egypt and Syria, in order to buy the Byzantine silks that it resold in the West. We spend our morning here and pay a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Cloister of Paradise, with its 13th century frescoes. Amalfi occupied a high position in medieval architecture – its cathedral richly representing the artistic movement prevailing in southern Italy at the time of the Normans, with its tendency to blend the Byzantine style with the forms and sharp lines of the northern architecture. After lunch, we travel uphill to Ravello. Ravello was founded in the 5th century as a refuge against the barbarian invasions that ultimately led to the downfall of the Western Roman Empire. Not only was it a producer of wool from the surrounding countryside, which was dyed in the town, it was also an important trading power in the Mediterranean between 839 and 1200. We visit the cathedral and then move on to the Villa Rufolo, with its lovely gardens. Later, we drive from Ravello back to Sorrento.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Pompeii The town of Herculaneum, which perfectly complements a visit to Pompeii, is our next visit. Despite Pompeii receiving more renown, Herculaneum was buried to a significantly greater depth than Pompeii. This irony won’t keep us away and we can wander the streets here with almost complete Roman houses rising up on either side. In some cases, the houses have been preserved up to their rooftops. Herculaneum is a much more compact site, but is certainly no less fascinating. We will stop to enjoy lunch and then we have some free time available to us.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Pompeii

Day 3 | Sorrento Be sure to bring your sunglasses today as we set sail for the dazzling Isle of Capri. This island has captured the hearts of Italians and foreigners alike with its rugged landscapes, stylish shops, and its ruins of ancient Roman villas. We board our ferry at Molo Beverello (the port in Naples) and arrive 45 minutes later at Piccola Marina – ‘little harbor’ – in Capri. Here, we visit the Villa Jovis and the Certosa di San Giacomo. After lunch, we take a ferry from Capri to Positano, where we visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy some free time to wander around this picturesque seaside city, before making our way back to Sorrento.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We explore archaeology further today as we visit the exceptional National Archaeological Museum in Naples to marvel at its collection of artifacts. Many of the best wall-paintings and statues were brought here in the early years of excavations, in addition to glass beads, dice, and other everyday items. These seemingly mundane objects are, in actuality, just as important as the more impressive paintings and figures since they provide insight into the daily lives of the people who inhabited these cities thousands of years ago. For lunch, we go to a famous pizzeria to sample a taste of Naples’ favorite food. After, we explore underground Naples, including the market located beneath the Church of San Lorenzo.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Pompeii

Italy

It is time to go off the beaten track today as we travel to Stabiae. At this exclusive coastal Roman resort, we view two opulent villas – namely San Marco and Arianna – buried by the eruption of 79 CE and reminiscent of the villa of Pomponianus, where Pliny the Elder died. The Villa of San Marco originally consisted of just a few rooms but was extended at some point during the Claudian period, when both a swimming pool and garden were added. During our visit here, we will walk through the grand rooms, chambers, and gardens.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Pompeii Today, we explore the luxurious Bay of Naples. We start with the amphitheater in Pozzuoli, one of the most impressive in the world, before continuing on to the imperial bath complex at Baia, built in order to take advantage of the natural thermal springs. We end the day with a special private visit to the largely intact Piscina Mirabilis, the largest cistern in Europe. This is where the Romans both stored and supplied water for their western imperial fleet.

All meals included.

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Views over the Amalfi Coast from Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Day 9 | Pompeii

Day 11 | Depart Naples

Today, we travel around one hour to the Bay of Naples, where we have a private visit to the Cave of Sejanus, a 765-yard long tunnel carved out of the tufa by Agrippa, which provides access to Pausilypon, a luxurious villa from the 1st century BCE. Next, we travel to Cuma (Cumae), site of the first ancient Greek colony on the mainland of Italy, founded by settlers from Euboea in the 8th century BCE. It quickly became one of the strongest colonies and later grew into a rich Roman city, the remains of which we will explore. We also visit the Cave of the Sibyl, a tunnel constructed under Augustus, as well as public buildings and temples from the Roman period.

All meals included.

We transfer to the airport for our individual flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Please note, this itinerary is based on our March 21 and November 07 departures. For our March 05 departure, we stay in Naples instead of Pompeii.

Please check our website for more information.

Day 10 | Pompeii We ascend to the great volcanic crater of Vesuvius today and, while most of our journey will be by bus, if able, we will walk the last 300 yards on foot. Upon arrival, we will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views, both down into the crater itself and out across the Bay of Naples. Here, we can have a more intimate look at some of the geological facets of the mighty volcanic crater as we observe the variance of color in the sedimentary lava rock that sits in distinct layers. We encourage guests to take this time at the top of Mount Vesuvius to reflect upon all that we have learned and seen throughout our tour here. Our time on the volcano comes to an end and, after lunch, we will continue on to the impressive villa at Oplontis. Supposedly owned by Poppaea, the wife of Nero, the villa was both destroyed and subsequently preserved by Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption. Excavations have taken place in more than 100 rooms, and artistic frescoes along with amazing decorative detail have both been uncovered. This particular villa is even more grand than those found at Stabaie, and this stop makes for a truly fitting end to our memorable Italian adventure.

All meals included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available:

March 05:

March 21 & November 07:

3 nights in Sorrento: 5* Parco dei Principi

3 nights in Sorrento: 5* Parco dei Principi

7 nights in Naples: 4* San Francesco al Monte

7 nights in Pompeii: 4* Hotel Forum

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/pom

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SICILY & ITS ISLANDS

The Jewel of the Mediterannean This new tour provides an opportunity to visit some of the less accessible and lesser-visited sites on this Italian island. We venture out to Levanzo, one of the Aegadian Islands, to view cave paintings that have survived from Sicily’s earliest human settlements and then over to the Aeolian Islands to visit the remains of villages once inhabited by their Neolithic settlers.

We will revisit some of the important Greek and Roman sites, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the amazing Villa at Piazza Armerina, and we will also venture to sites that are new to us, such as Akrai and the Catacombs of San Giovanni in Syracuse.

There will be, however, a more in-depth view of familiar places, including Palermo and Selinus, and we can offer a selection of special access experiences to sites such as the Hypogeum of Salvia Crispia and the extraordinary Cappella Palatina. Grasp the chance to go off the beaten track to visit the Bronze Age sites of Pantalica and Castelluccio, stroll down the medieval streets of Ortygia and admire the baroque architecture of Noto. What’s more, throughout this fascinating tour, we will sample the incredible culinary delights that have made this region famous.

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Dates and prices 15 days Mar 24 - Apr 07 | $8,330 $8,580 SAVE $250 Oct 06 - 20 | $8,330 $8,580 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $2,060 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Sea ferry: Milazzo - Lipari • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

The Temples at Selinunte

PALERMO - MARSALA - AGRIGENTO - SIRACUSA - LIPARI - CANTANIA Tour highlights Enjoy a special access visit to the unique Norman Cappella Palatina, shimmering with gold mosaics Venture out to Levanzo in the Aegadian Islands to view the cave paintings that have survived from Sicily’s earliest human settlements See truly exceptional mosaics at the Villa Romana, Piazza Armerina Visit the remains of villages once inhabited by Neolithic settlers on the Aeolian Islands Go off the beaten track to the second millennium necropoleis of Pantalica and Castelluccio

Expert Scholar Professor Caroline Malone Caroline is Professor of Prehistory at the Queen’s University Belfast, where she has taught for 12 years.

Join Caroline in Italy, Mar 24 Dr Dirk Booms Formerley the curator of Roman archaeology at the British Museum, Dirk’s areas of speciality range from Roman architecture and sculpture, to glass and even inscriptions.

Join Dirk in Italy, Oct 14 65

Day 1 | Arrive in Palermo

Day 6 | Marsala - Agrigento

We fly into Palermo and meet as a group in the hotel later this evening.

Dinner included.

Today, we travel to Selinus for a special in-depth visit of the city that was sacked by Carthaginians in 409 BCE. We start at the Eastern Hill, with its spectacular temples, and travel in golf carts through the vast unexplored parts of Selinus, ending up at the Sanctuaries of the Malophorus and Zeus Meilichios. From here, we drive to the imposing Hellenistic walls and gates that protect the Acropolis. Our day ends at the Acropolis, with its Punic houses and Greek temples.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Palermo This morning, we take a walk to the National Archeological Museum to see its important metopes from Selinunte and then continue on to the Normano-Arabic churches of La Martorana and San Cataldo, with their characteristic blend of Byzantine mosaics and Arabic architecture. After lunch, we visit the Norman cathedral and explore the Roman houses in Piazza Vittoria. Later, we have a private visit to the Cappella Palatina, famed for its incredible Byzantine mosaics.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Palermo - Marsala Our touring today begins in Monreale, made famous by its 12th century Norman cathedral that was built by William II in order to put the Archbishop of Palermo in his place. Founded by Benedictines, it is resplendent with gold mosaics. Next, we visit the Benedictine Cloister, which has a unique blend of Norman and Arabic architecture. After lunch, we make our way to Segesta, where we visit its 5th century Doric temple and its Hellenistic theater.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Marsala We start the day with a special visit to the Hypogeum of Salvia Crispia – a late antique funerary chamber – and continue to the vast Punic ditch surrounding the city. Next, we tour the excellent Archeological Museum of Marsala, which houses the remains of a Punic Liburnian ship that partook in the First Punic War, as well as the newly restored Late Antique Merchant Ship found nearby. In the afternoon, we take a ferry to Motya and explore this Punic island, that was sacked in 397 BCE by the Syracusan tyrant, Dionysius II. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Marsala Today we take to the sea and travel by hydrofoil to the Aegadian island of Levanzo, the scene of the final battle of First Punic War. Our visit will be to the Grotta del Genovese, where we see wellpreserved Paleolithic drawings and Neolithic paintings, mostly of animals and fish. Free time to explore this idyllic island will follow.

Breakfast included.

Day 7 |Agrigento We spend the entire day in Agrigento, starting at the National Archaeological Museum, which has a well-known collection of vases, as well as one of the enormous telemons that decorated the Temple of Olympian Zeus. After lunch, we explore the Valley of the Temples, starting with the Temple of Hera Lacinia and the Temple of Corcordia, which is undeniably one of the best-preserved in the Greek world. Our final visits are to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Garden of the Kolymbethra.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Agrigento - Siracusa Piazza Armerina awaits discovery this morning – in particular, the impressive late Roman villa with its unique collection of in-situ 4th century CE mosaics. Here, we feast our eyes on a famous hunt scene, a depiction of 10 bikini-wearing maidens participating in athletic events, and an array of other mythological scenes. We continue to the archaeological museum at Aidone, which houses priceless artifacts from Morgantina that have been repatriated to the area from the Metropolitan and Getty museums.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Siracusa Touring today begins in the Neapolis Archeological Park. This site is home to captivating remains that include a Roman amphitheater, an altar of the 3rd century BCE (known as the Altar of Hieron II), the “Ear of Dionysius” quarry, and a Greek theater that once held around 15,000 people and is carved out of the living rock. Following lunch, we explore the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, which holds a staggering collection of artifacts from south-eastern Sicily, including remains from Pantalica and Castelluccio, and a collection of Sicilian coins. On our return to Ortygia, we visit the remarkable cathedral, first built in the 5th century BCE as the Temple of Athena.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Siracusa Today, we have a private visit to the San Giovanni Catacombs in Siracusa. Our tour here includes the Norman cathedral, which was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, as well as the Crypt of St. Marcian, where St. Paul is said to have preached. Later, there will be free time to explore the wonders of Ortygia. You could visit the Byzantine Jewish Baths or the remains of the Temple of Artemis.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Sicily

Siracusa, Sicily

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

La Martorana, Palermo

Day 11 | Siracusa We begin our day at the little-visited site of Akrai, originally found in the 7th century BCE by the Siracusans. Here, we see the remains of a theater as well as a series of tombs that were reused in the Christian period. Next, we make our way to Noto, a beautiful baroque city that was built ex novo after the disastrous 1693 earthquake felled the city. We end our day at the 4th century CE Villa Romana del Tellaro, which has lively mosaic floors and was discovered in the 1970s.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Siracusa This morning, we take small mini vans to explore prehistoric sites near Siracusa. We start with the rocky Necropolis Pantalica, where 5,000 tombs built between the 13th and 8th centuries BCE are dotted along the sides of a canyon, in a stunning setting. Here, we explore tombs and Byzantine churches forged from the Bronze Age sites. After lunch, we continue to the older site of Castelluccio, where 200 tombs were dug out in the first half of the 2nd millennium BCE. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Siracusa - Lipari Our destination today is Lipari, the capital of the Aeolian Islands.

On our way there, we will make a stop in Taormina to visit the Roman theater and then enjoy some time at leisure. Then, we continue to Milazzo and we board a ferry to Lipari.

Breakfast included.

Day 14 | Lipari - Cantania Lipari is split into an upper and lower town, with the upper town being the most historic and the lower more commercial. We spend the morning exploring the city, starting at the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, first built by Roger I in 1084. We continue at the Museo Archaeologico Bernabò Brea, home to an important prehistoric and classical collection in two buildings on either side of the Duomo. The Classical section is best known for its fascinating

and unique collection of Greek theatrical masks, as well as fine stone and terracotta sarcophagi. We will also study the wonderful fortifications and several other excavations in both the upper and lower town areas, including the Contrada Diana necropolis, where two hypogea were found, as well as part of the Greek city walls. This afternoon we visit the thermal baths of San Calogero, and then we move on to Quattrocchi or Quattropani for some amazing views.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Depart Cantania Today we make our way to the airport, where we take our individual flights home or continue with onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 2 nights in Palermo: 4* Hotel GH Piazza Borsa

5 nights in Siracusa: 5* Hotel Ortea Palace

3 nights in Marsala: 3* Hotel Carmine

2 nights in Lipari: 4* Hotel Bougainville

2 nights in Agrigento: 4* Hotel Kore

1 night in Catania: 5* Hotel Romano Palace

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/sic

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MALTA, SARDINIA & CORSICA

An Odyssey of Islands

Though near-neighbors, this trio of sunlit central Mediterranean islands off the Italian coast are as chalk to cheese when it comes to their contrasting history, heritage and dramatic landscapes. All three share inter-connections and influences originating with the early peoples of the Aegean, yet today, each has developed its own colorful and distinctive culture. Why and how these contrasts evolved is the rich thread linking this interest-filled odyssey. This tour’s investigative approach rewards us with a knowledge of the ancient civilizations that conquered these islands in turn – a story stretching from the seafaring Sherden and Phoenicians, to the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusader knights and Turks, and then to latter-day colonization by the Spanish, Italians, French, and British. You will also gain an understanding of how the occupiers left their own indelible legacy upon the landmarks of the islands and their modernday cultures. Among the tour’s memorable archaeological locations visited are Malta’s prehistoric megalithic temples at Ggantija (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), examples of the unique 7,000 towerfortress nuraghes of Sardinia (from the second millennium BCE), and Corsica’s megalithic sites of Fontanaccia.

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Dates and prices 16 days May 28 - Jun 12 | $8,145 $8,395 SAVE $250 Sep 11 - 26 | $8,145 $8,395 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,200 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Valletta - Cagliari & Ajaccio - Nice • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Luzzo Harbor, Malta

VALLETTA - CAGLIARI - ORISTANO - ALGHERO - BONIFACIO - PROPRIANO - NICE Tour highlights Explore the contrasting archaeology, scenery and eclectic origins of the cultural and political histories of three very different islands Discover the megalithic temples of Malta, the nuraghes of Sardinia, and the open-air sanctuaries and cult sites of Corsica Travel through spectacular scenery beneath spring skies, and enjoy delicious local cuisine and wine in the heart of the Mediterranean Visit the excellent Sartene Archaeological Museum, in the heart of Corsica’s most megalithic monument-rich region Experience the true delights that Malta has to offer, from the crystal-clear waters to the welcoming charm of the local people

Expert Scholar Professor Caroline Malone Caroline is Professor of Prehistory at the Queen’s University Belfast, where she has taught for 12 years.

Educated at New Hall Cambridge, she completed her degree in Archaeology and Anthropology.

She completed her PhD at Trinity Hall Cambridge on the prehistory of Sicily and Southern Italy, and then took up the post of Curator at Avebury stone circle with English Heritage in 1985. She then became Inspector of Ancient Monuments, covering the eastern counties of England before taking up a university lectureship at Bristol. In collaboration with her archaeologist husband, Simon Stoddart (who teaches at Cambridge and specializes in the Etruscans) Caroline has co-directed archaeological projects in Scotland, Umbria, Lazio, Sicily and Malta.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Valletta

Day 5 | Valletta

We arrive in Valletta, the beautiful capital of Malta, and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of our day is free and a group dinner will follow later on in the evening, where we can get to know each other.

Dinner included.

We travel to the northern tip of mainland Malta and take a ferry to the island of Gozo, where we visit the UNESCO-listed temples of Ggantija. These date back to 3600 – 3200 CE and are among the world’s oldest free-standing monuments, preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. After, we pay a visit to Gozo’s Archaeological Museum and to the medieval walled citadel of the island capital of Victoria (also known locally as Rabat) before returning to Valletta.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Valletta Founded in 1565 by the Knights of St. John, Valletta began as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades. While naming Valletta a World Heritage Site, UNESCO praised the city as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Our first day of discovery begins at the National Museum of Archaeology, where we find an extensive collection of prehistoric material from the island.

A short walking tour in the old city includes a visit to St. John’s Cathedral, a baroque gem that includes Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist” among its notable works. After lunch, we visit the former island capital of Mdina, a fortified “silent city”.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Valletta This morning, we journey to the south-west coast and visit both Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, two megalithic temple complexes. These evocative, heritage-listed complexes date from around 3600 CE and occupy a marvelous site on the sea cliffs, overlooking the islet of Fifla. After lunch, we continue to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a vast prehistoric rock-cut catacomb for multiple burials, and then we move on to the nearby temple complex of Tarxien.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Valletta This morning we travel to Tas-Silg, a multi-period sanctuary site that covers all eras from Neolithic to the 4th century CE. The scatter of megaliths over the hill suggests that there was a large complex with at least three temples and possibly a village surrounding it. In the deepest layer of deposits, archaeologists found various artifacts including pottery, lithics, and a standing fat lady. Next, we travel on to the Ghar Dalam cave, which consists of a water-worn tunnel where large quantities of Pleistocene faunal remains were found. The cave contains the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. This afternoon, we return to Valletta for time at leisure.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Valletta - Cagliari Today we fly from Malta to Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, and transfer to our hotel where we later dine together as a group.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 7 | Cagliari Cagliari is the perfect place from which to start our tour of Sardinia.

This Italian island is a fusion of picturesque promenades along the seafront marina district and rich cultural and architectural heritage, which can be observed in the medieval Castello. Evidence of its past is not hard to find on our first morning as we wander through the old town, visiting interesting landmarks that include the graceful but heavily restructured 13th century cathedral and impressive Roman amphitheater. After lunch, we enjoy a little leisure time.

Breakfast included.

Day 8 | Cagliari Today’s program has a distinctively Phoenicio-Punic theme that takes us to two of southern Sardinia’s major archaeological sites.

First, we travel to the ruins of ancient Nora. The Phoenicians (who first arrived in the 8th century), the Carthaginian Punics (source of a high level of early civilization to Sardinia), and the Romans all occupied this once commercial crossroad. Monte Sirai is our second stop of the day. Here, we encounter the remnants of a PhoenicioPunic and Roman settlement. Our itinerary also takes us to a Phoenician metal-mining town and to several Nuragic towers.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Cagliari - Oristano Our day begins at the UNESCO-listed site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

Dating from the middle to the late Bronze Age, this is Sardinia’s largest Nuragic settlement. Ringed by the remains of a village of mostly circular huts, the site is dominated by a central structure of basalt – a remarkable example of prehistoric architecture. Our final stop is Tharros, which overlooks the Gulf of Oristano. This site is home to an aqueduct, baths, and evidence of Nuragic, PhoenicioPunic, and Roman occupation over two millennia.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Oristano - Alghero

France

This morning, we head for Alghero. We follow a route that allows us to visit three key sites on our way: Losa, a well-preserved middle Bronze Age Nuragic complex with great trilobed Nuraghe; Santa Cristina, a complex that has been here for over 3,000 years; and Sant’Andrea Priu, an older pre-Nuragic necropolis dated to between 3500 and 2900 CE. Here, we see one of the Mediterranean’s largest underground tombs with 18 rock-cut chambers. Next, it’s on to Alghero, where the Catalan heritage left behind by the Aragonese, one-time colonizers of the island, is preserved.

All meals included.

Corsica

Sardinia

Malta

Day 11 | Alghero - Arzachena On our way to Sassari this morning, we pause at Monte d’Accoddi, discovered only in the last century. With its megalithic pyramid altar

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

View of Cagliari, Sardinia

on a base of over 30 feet, this is one of Sardinia’s most enigmatic Neolithic sites. After lunch, we travel to the town of Arzachena.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Arzachena - Bonifacio Before leaving Sardinia, we have a final island rendezvous with La Prisgiona’s Nuragic ruins, which are among the most extensive in this corner of the island. The enormous collective graves (the “giants’ tombs”) of Li Loghi and Coddu Vecchiu are of special interest as they dwarf the single tombs found in the 4th millennium cemetery CE of Li Muri. After our last Italian lunch, we take a ferry to Bonifacio in Corsica, whose medieval citadel is perched on white limestone cliffs that rise from the sea. We stay here overnight and have time to explore this beguiling fortress town and its narrow streets.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Bonifacio - Propriano This morning, we enjoy a stroll around Bonifacio amid ancient houses, towers, and elegant churches, all of which survive from the Pisan and Genoese periods. Built in 830 CE by the eponymous Tuscan margrave Boniface II as a defense against Saracen attacks, these cliff-top fortifications are reminders of an unpredictable and an eventful past. After lunch, we travel to Propriano.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Propriano This morning we travel to the remote Cauria plateau, whose megalithic sites of Stantari, Renaghju and Fontanaccia are the settings of some of Corsica’s best-preserved menhir standing-stones and dolmens. We then head to Domaine Fiumicoli for an afternoon of wine tasting.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Propriano Our last full day takes us into Corsica’s Alta Rocca region. We enjoy a visit to Sainte Lucie de Tallano, a peaceful and quintessentially Corsican mountain village perched above the Rizzanese Valley, known for its red-roofed stone houses and its olive oil. Next, we travel to the Bronze Age fortress of Cucuruzzu and its neighbor, Capula. Next, we travel to the fertile Rizzanese Valley, where we visit the ancient hillside town of Sartene.

All meals included.

Day 16 | Depart Nice An early start awaits us today as we fly from Ajaccio to Nice as a group. From here, we connect to our individual flights home.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 5 nights in Valletta: 5* The Phoenicia

1 nights in Arzachena: 4* Hotel Club

3 nights in Cagliari: 4* T Hotel

1 nights in Bonifacio: 3* Hotel Santa Teresa

1 night in Oristano: 4* Hotel Mariano IV Palace

3 nights in Propriao: 4* Hotel Bartaccia

1 night in Alghero: 4* Hotel Punta

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/msc

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GREECE

Myths & Monuments In perhaps no other nation of the world does the heritage of history confront the traveler as powerfully as in Greece. Itself heir to the great achievements of the Minoan and Mycenaean peoples of the Aegean Bronze Age, the Classical Greece of 2,500 years ago is acknowledged as the birthplace of modern Western civilization its cultural legacy still resonant today in the fields of architecture, philosophy, science and government.

From the iconic Acropolis, eternal symbol of Classical Athens, we travel via Corinth into the Peloponnese to the great healing center and theater at Epidaurus, dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. We explore the Bronze Age sites of fabled Mycenae and Tiryns with their echoes of Greece’s epic ‘heroic age’.

At medieval Mystras we view the remains of resplendent Byzantine churches and Frankish castles and, a ‘modern’ contrast with the awesome Panhellenic sanctuaries of Olympia and Delphi to follow.

We also have the incredible opportunity to learn about of Alexander the Great’s impact on the eastern Mediterranean at Pella, Vergina and Aigaie. Rest assured, this 15-day tour will be one to remember.

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Dates and prices 15 days May 11 - 25 | $5,995 $6,295 SAVE $300 Oct 05 - 19 |$5,995 $6,295 SAVE $300 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,300 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Views over the Parthenon, Athens

ATHENS - NAFPLIO - KALAMATA - OLYMPIA - DELPHI - KALAMBAKA - THESSALONIKI Tour highlights Explore Epidaurus and the home of the original Olympic Games of the Ancient World, as well as its stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, temples and hippodrome Marvel at monasteries built atop huge columns of ancient rock pinnacles: Meteora is one of Greece’s most extraordinary sights Enjoy the many flavors of authentic traditional Greek cuisine – try rich and hearty moussaka or fragrant grilled lamb with tzatziki yoghurt sauce Discover the mountainous Peloponnese, Greece’s great southern peninsula, and land of Homer’s heroes and the great Bronze Age citadels from which they came

Expert Scholar Professor Gerald Schaus Gerald is President of the Canadian Archaeological Institute in Athens, and has recently retired as Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada. Professor Gerald Schaus is an expert archaeologist who has also excavated at Cyrene in Libya, and at various sites in Italy and Greece. He has led tours to Greece for Archaeological Tours for many years and he is also fluent in the Greek language.

Gaze upon the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

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Day 1 | Arrive in Athens We arrive in Athens and transfer to our first hotel. We take the rest of the day to relax after our flight, before enjoying our first dinner as a group.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Athens The Acropolis is the lasting symbol of classical Athens and the Age of Pericles. Our all-day exploration of this famous site will include the Theater of Dionysus on the south slope, the Acropolis proper, with its Propylaia, Temple of the Wingless Victory, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Acropolis Museum. After a break for a typical Greek lunch, touring continues at the Areopagus and concludes with the Agora, containing the Theseion and Stoa of Attalos.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Athens Our art history lessons continue with a full morning in the National Archaeological Museum, with its unsurpassed collection of marbles and its unrivaled Mycenaean collection, including the “Gold of Mycenae,” discovered by Heinrich Schliemann. After lunch, we will tour the Kerameikos Cemetery. Of particular interest here is the Street of Tombs, begun in 394 CE and evidencing the various styles of funerary monuments used in the 4th century. Lastly, we will complete our city tour the Temple of Zeus, Arch of Hadrian and the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.

Breakfast & lunch included.

royal tombs near its famous Lion Gate that Schliemann found the treasure trove that we saw in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. This afternoon we will have leisure time to explore Nafplio’s lovely squares, or perhaps take the time to relax at a seaside café.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Nafplio - Kalamata We continue to ancient Lerna, the scene for one of the “Labors of Hercules.” Our visit will be to the “House of Tiles,” which dates from about 2200 CE. We then stop at Tegea to see its very interesting museum close to the 4th century temple of Athena Alea and continue to Mystras, a medieval city rising up along the slopes of Mt. Taygetos. We will begin our visit from the top of the mountain, stopping at the remains of Frankish castles and lavishly decorated Byzantine churches. As we stroll slowly along lovely winding paths, we will discover wonderful views at every turn.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Kalamata - Olympia Finally freed from their Spartan masters, the ancient Messenians constructed a magnificent city in the 4th century CE, which has now been impressively restored by archaeologists with a well-preserved theater, grand city fountain, market area, Sanctuary of Asclepius and stadium/gymnasium. After a leisurely tour, we continue to Olympia.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Athens - Nafplio

Day 8 | Olympia - Delphi

We begin our tour of the Peloponnese, stopping first at Corinth, an important Greek and Roman mercantile center. This nearly impregnable acropolis is strategically situated at the crossroads that linked the ancient sea and land routes. The afternoon will be spent at Epidaurus, one of ancient Greece’s most renowned medical centers.

Its theater, which seats 14,000 spectators, is considered the best preserved in the Greek world. Our next two nights are in the seaside town of Nafplio, selected as the first capital of modern Greece.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Today’s touring is devoted to the Panhellenic sanctuary of Olympia, where every four years from 776 to 393 CE. Greeks from the world over came to participate in the Olympic Games. We will visit the entire site, including the workshop of Pheidias, in which he created the Zeus, numbered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We conclude with a visit to the museum. Among its wonderful treasures is the famous Hermes by Praxiteles and the magnificent sculptures from the Temple of Zeus. Late in the day we will cross the Gulf of Corinth and continue to Delphi.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Nafplio Today’s visits begin at the Mycenaean citadel of Tiryns, where we will explore its interesting system of fortification walls. We continue to fabled Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks against Troy, and his treacherous wife Clytemnestra. It was in the

Day 9 | Delphi This wonderful day will be spent exploring Delphi, the “center” of the Greek world. The ancient sanctuary is divided into three sections: Marmaria, at the lowest level, site of an iconic marble round building (Tholos), the oracular sanctuary of Apollo proper on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos and the stadium on the heights above.

After visiting each in turn, we study the rich collection of art from the site in the museum, including the renowned bronze Charioteer of Delphi and a life-size silver image of a bull.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Delphi - Kalambaka

Greece

A lovely mountain drive brings us to Kalambaka, from which we will visit Meteora. Its spectacular monasteries are perched precariously atop huge columns of conglomerate 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. Of the twenty-four known monasteries, only four are in use today and alternate their access to tourists.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Kalambaka - Thessaloniki We drive north, through the Vale of Tempe, a renowned ancient beauty spot, stopping en route at the foot of Mount Olympus

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Ruins of the Philippeion, Olympia

to visit the ancient city of Dion and its museum. Here, Philip II celebrated his triumph after the capture of Olynthos, and Alexander made a sacrifice at the great temple before invading Persia. We then continue to Thessaloniki, Macedonia’s most important port in ancient times. Strategically located on the Via Egnatia, Thessaloniki was one of four capital cities of the late Roman Empire, and site of Galerius’ planned tomb building, the Rotunda. The re-built 20th century city now has a modern European layout.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Thessaloniki This morning we proceed to the ancient city of Philippi, a mainland colony of Thassos occupied by Philip II in 356 CE. Here we shall walk on the ancient Via Egnatia, one of the great highways of the Roman Empire. It was here at Philippi that the apostle Paul founded Europe’s first Christian group and spent a tumultuous night in the city’s prison. Afterwards, we will tour the quaint 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 return to Thessaloniki with a stop at the great Lion of Amphipolis, a 4th century tomb sculpture.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Thessaloniki Today is devoted to Alexander the Great and his father, Philip. We begin by visiting the museum and site of Pella, where large pebble mosaics decorated houses. We will see floor mosaics that once embellished a spacious Hellenistic house a short distance from the royal residence of Philip of Macedon. It was here in the still inaccessible palace, where Alexander was born, that the conquest of Asia was conceived. We then continue to Verghina to visit the royal tombs of the Macedonians and their magnificent treasures displayed at the museum.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Thessaloniki Our last morning of touring begins with a leisurely visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum, which numbers among its many treasures an array of luxury vessels in precious metals, including the unparalleled Dherveni Krater. After visiting the Church of Saint Demetrius, a landmark in Byzantine art, the breath-taking Rotunda of Galerius, once a church of Ayios Georgios, and a stroll to the magnificent Roman forum area, the remainder of the day will be at leisure. This evening we will gather for our farewell dinner.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 15 | Depart Thessaloniki We transfer to the airport for our flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Athens: 4* Athenaeum Palace

2 nights in Delphi: 4* Anemolia Mountain Resort

2 nights in Nafplio: 4* Grand Bretagne

1 night in Kalambaka: 4* Amalia Kalambaka

1 night in Kalamata: 4* Hotel Filoexnia

4 nights in Thessaloniki: 4* The Modernist

1 night in Olympia: 4* Amalia Olympia

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/gre

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NEW GREECE CRUISE for 2020 In the Wake of the Ancient Greeks This is a voyage through history dedicated to the Golden Age of Greek civilization and beyond. After spending two days in Athens putting our journey in context, we embark our luxury boat and cruise around the Peloponnese peninsula. With land excursions to off-the-beatentrack locales, this is a masterclass in classical antiquity and the Roman conquest, ending with the transition to the Christian empire of Byzantium. We will also sail through the amazing engineering feat that is the Corinth canal, cut through solid rock in the 19th century in order to join the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. Our ship for this tour will be the M/S Panorama, A 175-foot elegant motor sailer that was last updated in 2014. The ship has three grades of cabins equipped with air-conditioning, flat screen TVs, minifridges, telephones (for internal use), hairdryers, a public address system, and safe boxes. The M/S Panorama also consists of a sun deck – the perfect place from which to relax while enjoying the amazing views and starry skies after each day’s touring. For more information about the cabins available, please get in touch with our sales team or check our website.

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Dates and prices 11 days | Oct 20 - 30 Cabin type C | $5,520 $5,720 SAVE $200 Cabin type B | $6,110 $6,310 SAVE $200 Cabin type A | $6,790 $6,990 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: from $1,180 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

M/S Panorama

Lounge, M/S Panorama

Ancient ruins, Delphi

Twin cabin, M/S Panorama

ATHENS - EPIDAURUS - NAFPLIO - PYLOS - KATAKOLON - ITEA - ATHENS Tour highlights Cruise along the coast of the Peloponnese from Athens, the land of Homer’s heroes Explore Epidaurus – home to the original Olympic Games of the Ancient World – with its stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, temples, and hippodrome Gaze upon at the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Visit Delphi, one of the ancient world’s most revered sites

Expert Scholar Professor Gerald Schaus Gerald is President of the Canadian Archaeological Institute in Athens, and has recently retired as Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada.

Professor Gerald Schaus is an expert archaeologist who has also excavated at Cyrene in Libya, and at various sites in Italy and Greece.

Cross the Corinth canal by boat and marvel at its impressive 19th century construction

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Day 1 | Arrive in Athens

Day 5 | Palaia Epidaurus - Nafplio

On arrival in the Greek capital, we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free for relaxation. In the evening, we come together to enjoy our first dinner as a group.

Dinner included.

We leave our ship early in the morning to drive to ancient Epidaurus for our optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. It was reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius and is also recognized for its theater, which is in use today. The sanctuary was looted by the Roman general Sulla, then by pirates and later by Goths in 395 CE. Archaeologists are restoring key structures like the Tholos, the Stadium, and the Adyton. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidaurus to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 BCE) renowned for its symmetry and beauty. Lunch will be on board our ship and this afternoon we sail on to Nafplio, spending the night in the port.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Athens Today we take our first steps into antiquity, in a 3,000-yearold city that is home to a number of the western world’s most inspirational archaeological treasures. Our first morning is devoted to the grandest of these – the ‘sacred rock’ of the Acropolis, whose ancient citadel’s awesome remains still evoke the spirit of classical Athens and the Age of Pericles. From the Theater of Dionysus, we ascend to the Acropolis proper to view the great Propylaia entrance, the Temple of the Wingless Victory, the vast Parthenon, and the Erechtheion, while also visiting the Acropolis Museum. Revived by a traditional Greek lunch, we continue on to the Agora – once the city’s market center, seat of government, mint, trial courts, and site of the best-preserved temple of Hephaistus, as well as the beautifully reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which is now the Agora Museum.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Athens Our morning at Athens’ acclaimed National Archaeological Museum reveals a host of fascinating exhibits that foreshadow our own rewarding journey to come. Especially notable are its outstanding displays of marbles and the Mycenaean collection, including the “Gold of Mycenae” that was discovered in the 19th century by Heinrich Schliemann. After lunch, we walk amid the atmospheric excavations of the Kerameikos Cemetery, whose Street of Tombs, begun in 394 BCE, reveals intriguing styles of funerary sculptures.

The museum is filled with somber reminders of lost loved ones. Our day’s visits conclude with the Olympian (the great Temple of Zeus), the Arch of Hadrian, and the exquisite Attic architecture of the Choregic Monument of Lysicrates.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Athens - Palaia Epidaurus This afternoon we embark our cruiser, where we enjoy a welcome drink and meet our crew before sailing for Palaia (old) Epidaurus. We arrive in the evening and have dinner on board.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 6 | Nafplio After a short walking tour of Nafplio, we drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of the Argolid towards Mycenae, where an optional excursion awaits. The importance of the city, which Homer called “rich in gold”, begins ca. 1650 BCE and ceases around 1100 BCE with the fall of the civilization to which it gives its name. Visit the remains of the ancient glorious city, including sites such as the Lion’s Gate, the Palace, the so-called Tomb of Agamemnon, and the museum. Lunch is on the ship and this afternoon we sail to Monemvassia. Tonight, we continue to Gythion.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Gythion Today we enjoy an excursion to the Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Diros Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times and later the Spartans used it as a port, enlarging the natural harbor and making it their naval base. Leaving Gythion, we cross the scenic Mani peninsula to reach Diros. Here, we visit the spectacular caves, which are among the most important natural sites in all of Greece. After visiting the caves, we drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani is at the tip of the Peloponnese, a distinctive area of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes, and unusual tower houses that are strangely beautiful.

Later, we continue our journey by water and sail overnight to Pylos.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Pylos

Greece

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Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827, a fleet of British, French, and Russian warships defeated an Ottoman (Turkish) fleet in one of the most important naval battles in Greek history. This defeat led to the independence of Greece in 1829. During our optional excursion and after stopping to admire the scenery, we will continue up the road to Nestor’s Palace. The remains of the prehistoric palace occupy a scenic hilltop setting north of Pylos. The palace, according to Homer, belonged to Nestor and was discovered in 1939 by the American archaeologist Carl Blegen. Highlights include the well-preserved royal apartments, a throne room, a Linear B tablet archive, and a bathtub that archaeologists believe may have belonged to the old king himself. The palace, with its central courtyard, was originally two stories high and richly decorated with frescoes. Following our visit to the remains here, we make the short trip to the town of Hora, where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site. We sail overnight to Katakolon.

All meals included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

The M/S Panorama

Day 9 | Katakolon - Itea After an early morning arrival in the port-town of Katakolon, we disembark the ship at 7:00am and an optional excursion takes us by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. In the ancient Greek world, it was also the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. Olympia persisted well into Roman times until its demise in the 4th century CE, when earthquakes, floods, and Christians along with invading tribes from the north all left the ancient site in ruins. From 1875 onwards, excavation work spearheaded primarily by the German Archaeological Institute revealed the fantastic treasures from antiquity that sit today in the marvelous archaeological museum.

The most thrilling site at Olympia is the stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. We also explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion (built by Alexander the Great), and the workshop of Phidias – where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was sculpted. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Following lunch in the town, we visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and a host of artifacts specifically related to the ancient Olympic Games. After ample time at leisure, we travel overland to Patras on the north coast of the peninsula, where we return to our ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth, our overnight destination.

All meals included.

themselves. In its prime, Delphi was respected for its wealth and reputation, attributes that grew from the site’s location as hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. Indeed, because everything in Greece is connected to mythology, Delphi became the premier site for the worship of the god Apollo. The oracle had the ability to prophesy the future and give advice. Visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle, and responded by offering thanks to Apollo in the form of treasure.

We will have a half-day to walk around the complex, and a visit the adjoining museum. Next, we return to the ship and cross the Corinth canal. Later in the evening, we sail to Marina Zea. All meals included.

Day 11 | Depart Athens We disembark after breakfast for our return home or onward travel.

A day room at the Athenaeum Palace is available for you to use at your convenience.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level

Day 10 | Itea - Athens Today’s excursion is to Delphi, one of the most revered ancient world sites. We disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. First time visitors find themselves as much in awe of the stunning natural beauty that surround the ruins as they are with the ancient buildings

We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Athens: 4* Athenaeum Palace

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/grc

7 nights sailing: The M/S Panorama 79

CYPRUS, CRETE & SANTORINI

Ancient Aegean Kingdoms

The sparkling Mediterranean waters of the Aegean, dividing mainland Greece from Turkey, were the genesis for the evolution of ancient maritime civilizations, whose questing seafarers first linked ancient Greek and Roman cultures with the eastern civilizations of Anatolia and Levantine centers in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Spending six, five and three nights in Cyprus, Crete and Santorini respectively, our three-island odyssey unravels the complex story of these historic Aegean kingdoms – a narrative telling of 9,000 years of history, from Neolithic villages to the Bronze Age cultures of the Minoans, Mycenaeans and Cypriotes, and then on to Classical, Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. Of special note will be a trio of ancient Cypriote city-kingdoms (Kition, Amathous and Kourion), the Painted Churches in the Troödos Mountains Region (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Knossos – the setting of Crete’s greatest archaeological excavations and home to the ruins of a huge Minoan palace, possibly the inspiration for the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. We end on the picturesque Cyclades island of Santorini, with ample time to relax between captivating visits to Thera and Akrotiri – the ‘Minoan Pompeii’, still emerging from its ashes.

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Dates and prices 15 days Apr 26 - May 10 | $6,995 $7,395 SAVE $400 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,590 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Paphos - Heraklion via Athens • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Hala Sultan Tekke on Larnaca’s salt lake, Cyprus

LARNACA - PAPHOS - HERAKLION - FIRA Tour highlights Discover Gortyn and its famous 5th century stone blocks, inscribed with the laws of Classical Greece Separate history from mythology as we explore the fascinating Minoan palace complexes of Knossos and Malia Wander amid Cyprus’s Tombs of Kings at Paphos, a grand necropolis carved from the solid rock Explore Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s greatest exhibition of Minoan artifacts, and also Nicosia’s great Cyprus Museum

Expert Scholar Dr Christina HatzimichaelWhitley A Tutor in Greek Archaeology at the Cardiff Center for Lifelong Learning (LEARN), Christina specializes in Minoan Crete, and is co-director of the Praisos survey and excavation Project (Crete).

Christina is Greek, but currently lives with her family in Cardiff.

Enjoy the Mediterranean’s clear skies, beaches and flavorful, fresh cuisine

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Day 1 | Arrive in Larnaca

Day 5 | Paphos

We arrive in Larnaca on the beach-fringed south coast of Cyprus and transfer to our first hotel. We relax until the evening and then we will enjoy a welcome group dinner.

Dinner included.

Today, we travel inland to explore the Troodos Mountains. Our quest extends beyond just scenery, as nestled beneath mountain peaks and on terraced hills are some of the finest ancient churches and monasteries of the Byzantine Empire. 10 of these historic treasures feature on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, all decorated with highly-refined icons and frescoes that depict saints, apostles, and stories from the Bible. Our route offers a memorable overview of this unique cultural bequest on a series of visits that include Agios Ioannis Lampadistis and the diminutive Panagia tou Moutoulla, among the oldest (1280 CE) of the churches, notable for its frescoes of St. George and St. Christopher dressed in Byzantine armor.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Larnaca An introductory talk sets the scene before we explore Larnaca’s ancient city-kingdom of Kition, which eventually became a waystation for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Most interesting among today’s remains is the Temple of Aphrodite, built by the same Phoenician masons as Jerusalem’s Temple of Solomon. Other key locations here include the 18th century mosque of Umm Haram and the Byzantine mosaics in the 11th century Kiti Church, home to a rare 6th century representation of the Virgin Mary and Child.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Paphos

Today we visit the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. A settlement since the Bronze Age, it has been continuously inhabited for almost 5,000 years. Our morning focuses on the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where we find the world’s most extensive collection of Cypriot archaeology, charting the development of the island’s civilization from the Neolithic Age to the 7th century early Byzantine period. We have lunch and our afternoon is then spent at leisure.

All meals included.

We remain at sea level today as our visits are devoted to one of Cyprus’s oldest communities. Our morning’s exploration includes the “Tombs of the Kings” – something of a misnomer as local aristocracy and important officials, rather than monarchs, occupy this necropolis. Its 100 house-like tombs are carved from solid rock, some with Doric columns and frescoed walls, and many dating from the 4th century BCE. We have lunch at Paphos harbor before visiting the nearby Archaeological Park, home to the major remains of ancient Greek and Roman Paphos. Among the highlights here are the impressive Roman Villa of Theseus and the House of Dionysos.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Larnaca - Paphos

Day 7 | Paphos - Heraklion

Today we embark upon a 100-mile journey of discovery, taking in five memorable locations on the west coast of Cyprus – four of which are UNESCO-listed. Our first call is at Khirokitia, one of the Eastern Mediterranean’s most significant prehistoric sites. We continue to the clifftop setting of Amathous, once overlooking a natural harbor for the Phoenicians and whose archaeological remains have yielded evidence of human activity from about 1100 BCE. In the afternoon, we visit the coastal site of Kourion. Here, the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, the restored Graeco-Roman theater, public baths, and the Roman agora all command breathtaking sea views. From here, we travel to the beach at Petra tou Romiou, a striking geological rock formation renowned as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Our final stop is at nearby Kouklia, where the ruins of the one-time city-kingdom of Palaipaphos contain the remains of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.

All meals included.

After a morning at leisure, we catch our flight to the island of Crete.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Larnaca

Santorini Cyprus Crete

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Day 8 | Heraklion Our first morning in Heraklion takes us to the Archaeological Museum, where we are treated to an exceptional collection of Minoan treasures and artifacts recovered from the island’s palaces, towns, and villas that span over 5,500 years of Cretan history. The remainder of our day is free for independent sightseeing.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Heraklion A highlight of this tour is our visit to the ruined palace-city of Knossos. It was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period and, at its height, it was a flourishing Aegean center of trade with a population of 100,000. The site’s principal feature is the world-renowned Palace of Knossos, rebuilt in 1720 BCE after an earthquake and linked to numerous other buildings on the hilly site by extensive flights of stairs and colonnades. The intricate, multi-storied layout of the palace itself has led to its connection with numerous myths, most famously that of Theseus, the bull-like Minotaur and the labyrinth. From Knossos, we continue to the Vathypetro – dating from about 1600 BCE – to see the remnants of a settlement spread over three hills, including a shrine and a wellpreserved wine press (one of world’s oldest).

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Heraklion Today’s circular tour begins at the Graeco-Roman site of Gortyn, situated in the Messara Valley. Discovered here were 5th century stone blocks inscribed with parts of the famous Law Code of Gortyn, the oldest and most complete known example of coded ancient Greek laws. Later, we meet up with the Minoans again in the panoramic setting of Phaistos. Finds here include thousands of documents, some bearing the earliest known examples of the Minoans’ still-undecipherable writing (named “Linear A”). We leave

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Fresco at Knossos Palace, Crete

Phaistos to visit Agia Triada, a grand, ruinous Minoan “Royal Villa” that has yielded the largest Linear A archive found in Crete to date.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 11 | Heraklion We are never far from the sea today as we follow the mountainbacked northern shore and head towards the principal archaeological sites of eastern Crete. A short drive brings us to Malia – third-largest of the Minoan palace complexes and built during the same period as Knossos, notable not only for its size but also for its strategic port, skylights and grand Minoan façades. A little further on lies the well-preserved late Minoan town of Gournia. After a visit here and lunch, we explore the intriguing ruins of Chamaizi, best-known for the enigma of its oval-shaped middle Minoan building on the summit of its hill – the first of this type to be discovered. We return to Heraklion for an evening of leisure time and independent dinner.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Fira This morning we visit Akrotiri, the vast site of a Bronze Age Minoan settlement that was buried in ash and destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of a marine volcano in around 1650 BCE (long before Pompeii suffered a similar fate). Retaining some well-preserved houses, Akrotiri’s complex buildings and drainage systems tell of a once-prosperous port town and trading community – as do the magnificent wall paintings. Images depicted include seascapes, animals, fish, and plants. A farewell group dinner in Fira will follow.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Depart Santorini We transfer to the airport for our individual flights home or continue with onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Day 12 | Heraklion - Fira A ferry-crossing brings us to Fira, the pretty capital of Santorini. A dazzling honeycomb of narrow streets and whitewashed terraced houses await, which we can explore during our two nights here.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Fira After breakfast, we drive up winding roads to the site of ancient Thera, high on a ridge of the Messa Vouno mountain and boasting stunning views over the Aegean. Post-dating Santorini’s great volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago, the site’s Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine ruins include the remains of temples and sanctuaries, an agora, theater, houses, Roman baths, and even a gymnasium. We devote our afternoon to the new Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum – together they offer a rich collection of vibrant Minoan wall paintings from nearby Akrotiri, as well as ceramics, jewelry, and artifacts from other island excavations.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Larnaca: 4* Lordos Beach Hotel

5 nights in Heraklion: 4* Hotel Atlantis

3 nights in Paphos: 4* Capitol Coast Resort

3 nights in Fira: 4* Splendor Hotel

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/ccs

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CRETE

Wine & Archaeology Its strategic location on the map has turned the island of Crete into a crossroads of cultures and peoples. Coveted and occupied by consecutive invaders, as well as being the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, Crete’s archaeological artifacts reflect its varied cultural heritage. Encounter colorful frescoes and figurines depicting bulljumping, snake goddesses, and flower-collecting; and catch glimpses of a people who pre-dated not only the Classical Greeks but also the Trojan Wars. Explore the old towns of Chania and Rethymno, where we find a fascinating combination of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.

Another facet of Crete’s cultural heritage lies within its gastronomy, where ancient customs and traditions are kept alive. Home to one of the world’s oldest wine presses, Crete really delivers on the culinary front and its dishes are known the world over for their fresh, seasonal flavors. On this gorgeous Mediterranean island, you’ll be welcomed at a variety of amazing wineries and vineyards, where enticing tastings await!

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Dates and prices 15 days Jun 07 - 21 | $8,095 $8,345 SAVE $250 Oct 04 - 18 | $7,845 $7,995 SAVE $150 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: Jun - $1,700, Oct $1,500 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Chania - Athens • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Ruins of Knossos Palace

HERAKLION - AGIOS NIKOLAOS - SITIA - RETHYMNO - CHANIA - ATHENS Tour highlights

Expert Scholar

A unique tour experience that combines the very best of Cretan archaeology with amazing locally produced wines

Dr Christina HatzimichaelWhitley

Explore this Mediterranean island’s archaeological remains, from east to west, including vivid ruins of Minoan palaces and lesser known sites

Christina is a tutor in Greek Archaeology at the Cardiff Center for Lifelong Learning (LEARN).

Discover Gortyn and its famous 5th century stone blocks, which are carefully inscribed with the laws of Classical Greece

Join Cristina in Crete, Jun 07

Taste the freshest olive oil, produced by the monks who still reside at the Toplou Monastery Uncover the fruits of Crete’s wine-making renaissance during a series of sumptuous local wine tastings

Dr Tom Brogan Director of the INSTAP Study Center for East Crete, Tom is also Director of the Institute of Aegean Prehistory Study Center for East Crete.

Join Tom in Crete, Oct 04 85

Day 1 | Arrive in Heraklion

Day 5 | Heraklion

We arrive in Heraklion, the largest city and the administrative capital of Crete. The present-day city was founded in 824 CE by Arab raiders, who had been expelled from Iberia by Emir Al-Hakam and seized the island from the Eastern Roman Empire. We settle into our hotel and perhaps explore the vibrant and bustling metropolis before enjoying an introductory lecture and welcome dinner.

Dinner included.

Today we delve into Knossos, the best-known archaeological site in Crete. The Minoan palace is said to have been built by the legendary architect Dædalus to house the mythical bull-headed Minotaur. We spend a full morning among the labyrinthine palace buildings, which were reconstructed and preserved by Sir Arthur John Evans and his team in the early 1900s. After lunch in nearby Skalani, we make our way over to Archanes. Here, we take a walking tour of the local archaeological sites, which include a Minoan graveyard. We round off the afternoon at our third winery, before returning to Heraklion.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Heraklion We begin the morning with a tour of the well-preserved villas at Tílissos – a noteworthy Minoan town excavated in the early 20th century. Next, we visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the world’s greatest exhibition of Minoan artifacts; a stellar collection that has been gathered from the island’s palaces, towns, and villas since the 1830s. Don’t miss the bull’s head rhyton – or drinking vessel – that was brought back here from Knossos, or the enigmatic Phaistos Disc, a clay disc from around 2000 BCE, which has yet to be deciphered. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to return to the museum or simply spend the afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Heraklion Our third day begins at the great Minoan palace of Phaistos, a site dating back as far as 4000 BCE, which features in the literature of Homer. We continue on to the villa complex at Agia Triada, a settlement overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. More Linear A tablets have been discovered here than at any other Minoan site.

After lunch, explore the Museum of Cretan Ethnology in Voroi, enjoying exhibits on the history of the island’s food, traditions, and handicrafts. Later, we are treated to our first Cretan wine-tasting.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Heraklion Setting out this morning, we travel to the Prinias Sanctuary, a temple constructed in the 7th century BCE that bears a surprising resemblance to the temples of ancient Egypt. Our next stop is Gortyn, which, during Greco-Roman times, was the most powerful city on the island. Gortyn is best-known for its collection of 5th century stone blocks, inscribed with the law codes of Classical Greece. Enjoy lunch at a winery, before returning to Heraklion.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos Our journey takes us east today, to the grand and glorious Minoan Palace of Malia. Excavations here revealed evidence of Neolithic habitation, including an early palace erected circa 1900 BCE. After lunch, we take a boat to the fortress on Spinalonga Island.

Spinalonga is best known as being the home of a 20th century leper colony, although its origins date back to the 16th century when Venetian settlers separated it from the mainland. We drive to Agios Nikolaos, where we come together for dinner at our next hotel.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Agios Nikolaos After a leisurely start, we travel the short distance to the ancient city of Lato, a post-Minoan site complete with Greek agora – a public open space. We have lunch in Kritsa, a gorgeous hillside village among the olive groves and one of the most picturesque spots in Greece. In the afternoon, we tour the local area, paying a visit to the church at Panayia Kira, a building that houses magnificent Byzantine frescoes. We return to Agios Nikolaos for dinner, stopping at a Cretan olive oil farm en route if time permits.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Agios Nikolaos - Sitia This morning, we travel as the ancient Greeks did – by boat, to the tiny island of Mochlos, home to one of the earliest Minoan settlements in the country. Here, we visit the stunningly situated ruins of Chamaizi, made famous by the Middle Minoan building located on the summit of its hill. We spend tonight in the charming seaside town of Sitia, an area that has been occupied in various incarnations since Neolithic times.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Sitia We begin today at Sitia Archaeological Museum, an institution housing an extensive collection of Minoan artifacts, including one of the world’s oldest wine presses. Our next destination is the Minoan palace and harbor town at Kato Zakro. It is believed that Kato Zakro once acted as a gateway to the east – a theory supported by the discovery of several Middle Eastern objects on-site. We continue to the ancient settlement of Palaikastro, a former Minoan trading center. Our afternoon ends at the Toplou Monastery, a 15th century complex, where we view original folk engravings and unique icons.

Those who wish can also sample wine and olive oil made by the monks who still live and work here.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Greece

Day 10 | Sitia - Rethymno

Crete 86

Today, we make our way west to Rethymno. En route, we stop at the large and complex site of Gournia, where we find the wonderfully well-preserved remains of a Minoan town. Its small houses, crowded along narrow cobblestone lanes, are laid out much the same as today’s Cretan mountain villages. After checking in to our next

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Venetian waterfront, Chania

hotel, we tour Rethymno’s Venetian fortress and then enjoy dinner at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Rethymno - Chania After touring the Rethymno Archaeology Museum, with its illuminating chronological collections, we take a scenic drive to the Graeco-Roman site of Aptera, a powerful walled city built above the bay, with an aspect looking south to Akrotiri. First founded in the Minoan era, the city was largely destroyed by a 7th century earthquake. We continue to the romantic town of Chania, visiting a winery and olive oil farm en route.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Chania - Athens Our final day begins at the Archaeological Museum, its displays gloriously set within a restored 16th century Venetian church; a treasure trove of statues, ceramics, glassware, and so much more.

This afternoon, we fly to Athens and check in to our airport hotel.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 15 | Depart Athens We transfer to the airport for your return flights home or for onward travel, depending on your individual plans.

Breakfast included.

Day 12 | Chania Having reached the western tip of Crete, we visit the site of Falasarna, once an extensive fortified Greek harbor. Today, its ruins are made especially enchanting by the lapping turquoise sea around them, as well as several thriving species of rare flowers. If time allows, we also tour the site of Polyrinia, where Medieval and Roman remains lay atop an originally Minoan settlement. We spend this afternoon at our final winery of the trip, before returning to Chania.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Chania This morning we head to Souyia and catch a boat to Lissos, an ancient city renowned in antiquity for its temple dedicated to Asklepios, god of healing. We have the opportunity to enjoy the view as we journey across the ‘wine dark’ sea. This afternoon, we return to Chania and enjoy a farewell dinner together in the evening.

All meals included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 5 nights in Heraklion: 4* Hotel Atlantis

1 night in Rethymno: 4* Theartemis Palace

2 nights in Agios Nikolaos: 4* Hotel Santa Marina

3 nights in Chania: 4* Hotel Kydon

2 nights in Sitia: 4* Hotel Sitia Beach

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/cre

1 night in Athens: 5* Sofitel Athens Airport

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RUSSIA

Culture, Art & History From Moscow to St. Petersburg, embark upon an epic journey across Russia. From Moscow’s majestic domes to the magnificence of the World Heritage Site of Yaroslavl, experience the picturesque landscapes and world-class museums of Russia’s Golden Ring — a famous travel route in western Russia. On this panoramic tour, we visit Old and New World cities alike, and take a boat trip on the Volga.

Russian palaces and kremlins are home to some of the world’s most stunning and detailed architecture, and some of its darkest history.

We tour the kremlins of Moscow, Novgorod, and Suzdal, and step inside sumptuous palaces such as Peterhof, known as ‘the Russian Versailles’, and Yusupov, where Rasputin was murdered. We explore monasteries and cathedrals dating back centuries, some of which house the tombs of Russian cultural heavyweights from Glinka to Tchaikovsky. Our tour allows us to walk among some of Russia’s greatest masterpieces in the Hermitage Storerooms, which hold royal carriages, palace furniture, and world-class artworks.

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Dates and prices 13 days Jul 31 - Aug 12 | $9,595 $9,995 SAVE $400 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,700 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Moscow - Kazan & Kazan - St. Petersburg • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

St. Basil’s Cathedral and Spasskaya tower

MOSCOW - SUZDAL - KAZAN - ST. PETERSBURG Tour highlights Meet Pavel Palazhchenko; a high-level Soviet conference interpreter and principal English interpreter for Mikhail Gorbachev. As one of the leading interpreters of his time, Palazhchenko participated in all US-Soviet summit talks leading to the end of the Cold War Discover the Kremlin, the fortified complex in the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River Explore the newly opened Wood Museum, which displays medieval wooden architecture as well as restores and conserves artifacts Visit the metropolis of St. Petersburg and encounter high art, impressive architecture, and extraordinary history Travel to Vladimir, former capital of medieval Russia and home to the impressive five-domed Assumption Cathedral

Expert Scholar Professor Ori Soltes Professorial Lecturer at Georgetown University, Ori has also taught in the Classics Department at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland State Universities.

His areas of specialization include Jewish, Christian and Muslim art and religions, classical philosophy, linguistics, Indo-European philology, and Greek and Roman art. Ori’s academic honors include an NEH Fellowship in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at ASOR. He has published over 150 books, articles and exhibition catalog essays on a wide range of subjects including the recently published, “Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source and Jewish, Christian and Muslim Mysticism: Searching for Oneness”.

Ori has led many trips for Archaeological Tours.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Moscow

Day 5 | Suzdal

Upon arrival into Moscow, we transfer to our hotel. This evening we enjoy a lecture and a welcome dinner as a group.

Dinner included.

An exploration of the ancient town of Suzdal awaits us today. We visit the most famous sights, such as the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life, the Church of the Transfiguration, the Monastery of Our Saviour, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Church of Nativity. In keeping with this town’s traditional feel, part of our sightseeing will be done from horse-drawn carriages.

After lunch, we continue to Vladimir, a town founded by Vladimir Monamakh in 1108 as a fort in the Rostov-Suzdal municipality.

The most significant building made during his reign is the stunning 12th century Cathedral of the Assumption, which houses frescoes created by the greatest of old Russian painters, Andrei Rublyov. The remainder of our day is spent at leisure.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Moscow We begin our exploration of Moscow at the State Historical Museum in the Red Square. From here, we explore the Red Square and its surrounding area. Admire its prominent landmark of St. Basil’s Cathedral, whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they could never again recreate such splendor. Next, we pay a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, one of Russia’s most important cathedrals, which was destroyed in Stalin’s time and restored in 1990. After, we travel to the Novodevichy convent and its cemetery – the final resting place of Nikita Khrushchev, Raisa Gorbachev, and Boris Yeltsin.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Moscow For centuries, the Kremlin has witnessed many well-known and tragic events in Russia’s past and is considered a treasure trove of Russian history. Our tour starts at the extraordinary State Armory – the oldest museum in Russia and home to a vast selection of precious stones, 18th and 19th century jewelry, and other priceless artifacts dating as far back as the 14th century. After, we visit two of the Kremlin’s cathedrals: Assumption, the cathedral of coronations and the burial place of religious leaders, and Archangel, the royal burial. Our sightseeing this afternoon also takes in the highlights of the world’s best collection of Russian icons and pre-Revolutionary Russian art at the eye-catching Tretyakov Gallery, whose collection today consists of over 100,000 works of art. We end our day with a trip on the Moscow metro, known for its elaborate stations.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Moscow - Suzdal This morning we check out of our hotel and proceed to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, which will be opened exclusively for us on its official day off. Here, we can see what is known as “Priam’s Treasure,” the spoils of the ancient city of Troy. Later, we drive to Sergiev Possad, where we visit the remarkable Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, the Russian Orthodox equivalent of the Vatican. The town itself claims to be the birthplace of the matryoshka, the ubiquitous nesting doll. From here, we continue on to the town of Suzdal.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Suzdal - Moscow - Kazan Today, we make our way to Moscow via Vladimir. Here, we visit Church of the Intercession on the Nerl – an Orthodox church and a symbol of medieval Russia. Next, we board a flight to Kazan and transfer to our hotel. Our evening meal will be at a traditional Russian restaurant.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Kazan The 15th century town of Sviyazhsk, which was witness to Ivan the Terrible and a Soviet gulag camp, is our first destination today. Ivan the Terrible erected this island town, which – according to legend – was praised by Pushkin in “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”, after several attempts to conquer Kazan. Museums here tell us about the town’s past during the times of the Civil and Patriotic Wars, in which 70% of local residents died, as well as the locals’ way of life in the Middle Ages. Next, we discover the Wood Museum, Russia’s first dedicated solely to archaeological wood, which was opened here in September 2018. We enjoy a tour from the museum’s curator and after lunch, we return to Kazan to visit its ancient Kremlin.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Kazan - St. Petersburg Early this morning, we transfer to Kazan’s domestic airport for a flight to St. Petersburg, where we have some time to rest in our hotel. After, we experience this city in the manner Peter the Great intended, with a private journey aboard a canal boat. The boat will bring us to the Peter & Paul fortress, which Peter the Great built in 1703 to provide protection from the Swedes. The Fortress Cathedral is the burial place of most of Russia’s Tsars and Tsarinas, including Peter the Great himself, the great architect of our destination.

All meals included.

Day 9 | St. Petersburg

Russia

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Experience one of the world’s most famous museums today in the company of our expert scholar, who will take us around the awe-inspiring Hermitage, housed in the lavish Winter Palace. The Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and houses 3 million pieces of artwork from the Stone Age to modern times. The main building and largest part of the museum is the rococo-style Winter Palace, residence of the Tsars from 1762 to 1917. This entire museum complex was bombarded during the siege of Leningrad in WWII, but it reopened to the public in 1945. In the afternoon, we visit the new Faberge Museum. Founded by Russia’s fourthwealthiest businessman and billionaire, Viktor Vekselberg, it was opened in St. Petersburg to display a glittering collection of eggs as well as about 4,000 jeweled objects d’art.

All meals included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg

Day 10 | St. Petersburg The chance to enjoy the beauty of one the oldest cities in northern Russia is ours today. Novgorod is rare in not having suffered the full weight of the Mongol-Tatars invasion, which is why many of the ancient monuments are still intact. Our tour of the city includes a visit to one of the ancient architectural ensembles, the Kremlin.

The main sight here is St. Sophia’s Cathedral, built in the early-11th century to imitate the famous St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Kiev. We also visit the Vitoslavitsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Buildings, which occupies 30 hectares and contains restored churches, houses, and peasant huts from the Novgorod region.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 11 | St. Petersburg An orientation city tour is ours today. We begin with a visit to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (more commonly known as the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood), a superb example of Russian architecture and decorative art from the end of the 19th century. The church was built on the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded in 1881, hence the name. In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the sumptuous Yusupov Palace, also known as Moika Palace.

This long yellow building was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family, and saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia’s history – the murder of Grigory Rasputin the “mad monk”, advisor to the last Romanov Tsar and Tsarina. We visit the basement room, where Rasputin drank poisoned wine while Yusupov and his conspirators sat upstairs plotting his demise. Our day comes to an end at St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose gilded dome dominates the city’s skyline.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | St. Petersburg We head south out of the city today with our expert guide and visit Tsarskoe Selo (‘the Tsar’s village’), more commonly known as Pushkin. Peter the Great gave the estate to his wife Catherine,

who started to develop the royal country residence, but it was her daughter Empress Elizabeth who was largely responsible for the construction of the beautiful Catherine’s Palace. One of the baroque palace’s highlights is the famous Amber Room, a chamber decorated with amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors, all of which have been restored to their original glory. There are numerous other architectural delights on offer, such as the Hermitage Pavilion and the neoclassical Alexander Palace, the favorite residence of Tsar Nicholas II. This evening we will sit down to a farewell group dinner.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 13 | Depart St. Petersburg Today, we return to the airport for our individual flights home or independent onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Moscow: 5* Metropol Hotel

2 nights in Kazan: 4* Kazan Palace

2 nights in Suzdal: 4* Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel

5 nights in St. Petersburg: 5* Angleterre Hotel

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/rus

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NEW for 2020

NORTHERN MOROCCO & SOUTHERN SPAIN

Moors & Conquistadors Morocco and Spain, two unique and vibrant countries that are separated by the strait of Gibraltar yet inextricably linked by a shared Phoenician, Medieval and Moorish past. What has resulted is a melting pot of architectural styles, culture and archaeological artifacts.

Discover Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa, and the beautiful hill town of Chefchouan, famous for its blue painted houses, located on the edge of the Rif Mountains. Then, we travel on to a range of stunning Andalusian cities that include the UNESCO-listed city of Córdoba, with its rich Moorish legacy and heady sounds of Flamenco that fill the air. In contrast, wander through marvelous Seville – a city that boasts a truly awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral.

There is also the chance to explore Granada, where we can admire the magical Alhambra Palace. Finally, this tour will come to an end in cosmopolitan Madrid, a golden metropolis that is home to amazing art, rich culture, and a strong culinary scene.

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Dates and prices 15 days Apr 09 - 23 | $9,795 $9,995 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,500 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Sea ferry: Tangier - Puerta de Tarifa • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain

CASABLANCA - TANGIER - PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA CÁDIZ - SEVILLE - CÓRDOBA - MÁLAGA - GRANADA - MADRID Tour highlights Explore the mysterious, rarely visited site of Banasa (Iulia Valentia Banasa), founded by Augustus for the Battle of Actium veterans Tour Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic building in Europe and the third-largest church in the world Explore the beautiful hill-town of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue painted houses and located on the edge of the Rif mountains Discover Granada’s magnificent Alhambra Palace, an eternal and deserved love letter to Moorish culture Savor the exclusive world of Bodegas Lustau in Jerez de la Frontera with a delicious sherry-tasting experience

Expert Scholar Dr Allen Fromherz Allen is the Director of the Middle East Studies Center and Professor of Mediterranean and Middle East History at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

He has authored several books with his latest entitled, “The Near West: Medieval North Africa, Latin Europe and the Mediterranean in the Second Axial Age” (Edinburgh University Press). Dr. Fromherz is also the President of the American Institute for Maghreb Studies (AIMS) where he chairs the fellowship review committee. Allen has held several international fellowships from Fulbright, Gerda Henkel Stiftung, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, and a senior fellowship from NYU Abu Dhabi. Allen has also appeared on France 5 TV, National Public Radio, Australian National Radio and BBC Radio 4.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Casablanca We arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most modern city, and check in to our hotel. Later, we come together for an introductory lecture, followed by a welcome dinner.

Dinner included.

Tamuda, a garrison town and former Phoenician settlement. Many Andalusian migrants settled in Tétouan after being pushed out of Spain by the reconquista. We visit the Ethnographic Museum and explore the souk before returning to Tangier for the last time.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Casablanca - Tangier

Day 6 | Tangier - Puerto de Santa Maria

Today we travel to Tangier, or Tingis in the ancient Punic language of the Carthaginians. Here, we are treated to a special access tour of the American Legation Museum. A part of AIMS (American Institute for Maghrib Studies), the Legation Museum was a gift from Morocco to the United States back in 1821. It also symbolizes the 1786 Treaty of Moroccan-American Friendship. Next, we enjoy a walking tour of Tangier Medina, a labyrinth of alleyways contained by the walls of a 15th century Portuguese fortress.

All meals included.

An early start sees us take a ferry across the straits of Gibraltar from Tangier to the Punta de Tarifa in Spain, the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and Continental Europe. The coast of Morocco can be seen from this point. Next, we travel to Gibraltar (or Jabal Tariq) and visit the famous rock named after the Berber conqueror “Tariq”, taking a cable car to the top. Watch out for the mischievous Barbary macaques that occupy the summit.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Puerto de Santa Maria - Cádiz

Day 3 | Tangier Known for its incredible blue streets and striking architecture of the Rif, we visit the city of Chefchaouen (the two-horned mountain) today. Here, we learn from local Rif mountain Berbers about their unique customs and practices. Afterwards, there will be time for shopping in the souk. On our way back to Tangier, we stop in the charming city of Akchour, where we can visit the famous waterfalls.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We head northwest along the Andalusian coast to Cádiz. Known as the oldest city in Spain, Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians 3,100 years ago. The Museum of Cádiz reveals the secrets of this ancient town and the street plan remains the same, although some of the plants were brought here by Columbus himself. We spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring this city, where the sound of flamenco hangs in the air.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Tangier

Day 8 | Cádiz - Seville

Today, the ancient Phoenician, Berber and Roman site of Lixus – or Larache – reveals its secrets to us. It was known as the site of the Hesperides, the Garden of the Golden Apples, and is rarely visited today. The mysterious site of Banasa (Iulia Valentia Banasa) was founded here in far-away Mauretania by Augustus for the veterans of the battle of Actium. It is almost now completely abandoned, but still accessible to intrepid explorers. On our way back to Tangier we visit Asilah, one of the most charming ports situated on the Atlantic coast that dates back to the Phoenician period. More recently, it was used by King Sebastian in his ill-fated invasion of Morocco that ended in his mysterious “disappearance” in the late 16th century.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Next, we head inland to the town of Seville. We stop in Jerez to taste its famous sherry and to visit the famous stables of the Spanish Royal Horses – so prized that export of the horses was banned by royal decree in the 16th century. This afternoon, we visit Italica - the first Roman city in Hispania, founded by the Romans after they defeated the Carthaginians. This city is famous for being the birthplace of both Trajan and Hadrian, and its remains include elaborate mosaic floors and an amphitheater.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Tangier Today we head east to the city of Tétouan, which lies along the Martil Valley and is one of the two major ports of Morocco on the Mediterranean Sea. En route, we stop at the ancient site of

Spain

Morocco

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Day 9 | Seville Our first visit today is to the monumental Alcázar of Seville, former royal palace of Moorish kings. Originally established in the 11th century, its sprawling rooms and courtyards are still used by the Spanish royal family. Next, we tour Seville Cathedral. As well as being the largest Gothic building in Europe and the third-largest church in the world, it is also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and his son, Diego. Its bell tower, the Giralda, was converted from its previous incarnation as a minaret after Seville was taken by the Christians in the mid-13th century. We continue to the Archaeological Museum, home to many artifacts from Italica, as well as other Roman sites in the area. The museum also displays the El Carambolo treasure.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Seville - Córdoba - Málaga We bid farewell to Seville this morning and drive east to Córdoba.

En route, we visit Medina Azahara, the ruins of a vast Moorish palace-city that once served as the de facto capital of Muslim Spain.

Though it flourished for only 80 years during the 10th century, a romantic complex of decorated archways and halls remains, and this archaeological site is still revealing secrets about the life and legacy of the Umayyad Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus. Upon arrival in Córdoba, we visit the Mezquita, which was built by the Umayyad Caliphs over several centuries and shows the influence of Byzantine, Vandal, Muslim and Syrian styles.

All meals included.

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains, Morocco

Day 11 | Málaga In Málaga, we visit the Alcazaba (Moorish Fortification) and the archaeological museum before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. This town, famed for being the birthplace of iconic artist Picasso, has undergone a transformation in recent years.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Málaga - Granada Our travels take us to gorgeous Granada today, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We devote most of today to the UNESCOlisted Alhambra Palace, a hilltop Moorish and Renaissance fantasy set against the backdrop of the Sierra Morena. A huge complex of carved ceilings, flawless courtyards, and glorious gardens, it rightly draws in visitors from all corners of the globe. If time allows, we move on to Granada Cathedral, before walking around the Albaicin.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Granada - Madrid Today, we depart Granada and make our way north. We arrive in Madrid in time for lunch and begin our adventures in Spain’s buzzing capital with a visit to the Museo del Prado, which exhibits renowned works by Goya, Velázquez, and many more.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Madrid Our final full day of the trip starts with an enlightening tour of the National Archaeology Museum. Within its collections are artifacts that have been gathered from all over the country, including the renowned Dama de Elche, the most famous piece of Iberian art in existence. Little can compare to the intricacies of this limestone bust, which dates back to around the 4th century BCE. Many of the exhibits were removed from churches and monasteries and there are many ancient sacred artifacts as well. One of the most popular exhibits is an underground replica of the prehistoric cave paintings discovered in Altamira, Cantabria (in northern Spain, in 1868).

For preservation reasons, access to the original is highly restricted.

There are also numerous fine examples of Mudejar architecture built

by Muslim craftsmen who remained after the Christian conquest of Spain. The afternoon is free for us to explore Madrid at our leisure, leaving plenty of time to go wherever our curiosity takes us. Marvel at Picasso’s Guernica at the Centro de Arte Reína Sofia, connect with 17th century Spain in the Plaza Mayor, or wander the luxurious lawns of the Parque del Buen Retiro. We mark our last night with a delectable farewell dinner and drinks as a group.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Depart Madrid We transfer to the airport for our flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 1 night in Casablanca: 5* Hyatt Regency Casablanca

2 nights in Málaga: 4* Hotel NH Málaga

4 nights in Tangier: 5* Grand Hôtel Villa de France

1 night in Granada: 4* Hotel Vincci Albayzin

2 nights in Cádiz: 4* Hotel Duques de Medinaceli

2 nights in Madrid: 5* Hotel NH Madrid

2 nights in Seville: 4* Hotel NH Plaza de Armas

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/mos

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NEW MOROCCO for 2020 The Gateway to Africa Morocco truly is a land of contrasts, where rolling fertile plains disappear into the beauty of the empty Sahara and the endless Atlantic coastline confronts the rugged snowcapped Atlas Mountains.

As we journey through the great Roman and Islamic cities, and the remote kasbahs and ksour, we will study Morocco’s 6,000 years of archaeology, art, and architecture. We will benefit from the rich cultural heritage and the fascinating traditions forged from the heritage of the Berbers, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, French and even Spanish, all of whom have called this California-sized country home.

The tour emphasizes medieval Islamic Morocco and the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, from which the Moroccans ruled an area that stretched from Spain to Timbuktu.

We will also enjoy many other aspects of this enchanting country, including modern mosques, desert dunes, awe-inspiring canyons, the most beautiful handicrafts displayed in sumptuous bazaars, and, everywhere we stop, superb Moroccan cuisine.

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Dates and prices 13 days Mar 28 - Apr 09 | $6,650 $6,750 SAVE $100 Nov 29 - Dec 11 | $6,650 $6,825 SAVE $175 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,300 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Three lectures from our expert scholar

Ruins of the Roman basilica of Volubilis

CASABLANCA - RABAT - FES - ERFOUD - OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH Tour highlights Discover Morocco’s ancient links with Rome at the ruined site of Volubilis, which was a thriving city 2,000 years ago Wander through Rabat’s dazzling Kasbah des Oudaias, with its truly stunning Atlantic views Enjoy the wonderfully atmospheric setting of the sprawling medieval medina at Fes Revel in opportunities to sample delicious North African cuisine and to shop for handicrafts in ancient souks Travel across the majestic Atlas mountains, taking in the ever-changing scenery along the way

Expert Scholar Dr Allen Fromherz Allen is the Director of the Middle East Studies Center and Professor of Mediterranean and Middle East History at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

He has authored several books with his latest entitled, “The Near West: Medieval North Africa, Latin Europe and the Mediterranean in the Second Axial Age” (Edinburgh University Press). Dr. Fromherz is also the President of the American Institute for Maghreb Studies (AIMS) where he chairs the fellowship review committee. Allen has held several international fellowships from Fulbright, Gerda Henkel Stiftung, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, and a senior fellowship from NYU Abu Dhabi. Allen has also appeared on France 5 TV, National Public Radio, Australian National Radio and BBC Radio 4.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Casablanca We arrive into Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most modern city, and check in to our hotel. Tonight, we come together for an introductory lecture and a welcome dinner.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Casablanca - Rabat Th is morning, we leisurely make our way to Morocco’s enchanting capital city of Rabat. We begin our touring with a visit to the local archaeological museum. Opened in 1932, this great museum contains a wealth of artifacts that tell the stories of Morocco’s fascinating past. From prehistoric and pre-Islamic collections, to Roman and Hellenistic exhibits, we can enjoy a range of history here.

The city’s important Islamic monuments are also ours to discover today. We will see the walls and splendid gateway of Oudaias Kasbah, which were built during the reign of Yacoub el Mansour (1185–99), the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan’s Tower (originally the minaret of a large mosque) and, finally, the Chellah necropolis.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Rabat Today we travel to the Roman site of Volubilis. Dating from 25 CE, this royal residence and capital of Mauritania Tingitana is one of Morocco’s most ancient cities. The city prospered under the Romans, eventually reaching 15,000 inhabitants. However, by the time Moulay Idriss I arrived, the Romans had withdrawn and the city was eventually abandoned. En route to Meknes, we visit Moulay Idriss, perched on top of a great massif. This little holy city is venerated as the burial place of the founder of Islam in Morocco and is the fifth holiest city in Islam. Our touring of the imperial city of Meknes will include Bab el Mansour Gate and El Hedim Square, the gateway of Berrima. Lastly, we visit the 19th century palace and museum, Dar Jamai, which showcases a host of traditional textiles and authentic crafts, and is set among lush gardens. From here, we make the short, one-hour drive to Fes, the most ancient and picturesque of the imperial cities on the north-South caravan route.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Rabat - Fes This morning, we begin our touring of Fes, considered to be the intellectual, political, and cultural center of the country. We spend the day exploring the medieval medina, with its narrow streets and tiled fountains at every corner. The medina is divided into Fes el Bali,

Morocco

the original city, and Fes el Jdid, a 13th century addition that houses the former Jewish quarter and the Royal Palace. Touring will take us into both sections and will include Bab Bou Jeloud, the monumental gateway to the medina; the Al-Attarine Madrasa, known for its delicate decoration and fine tiles; the recently restored 18th century Nejjarine Funduk; and the lavishly decorated Bou Inania Madrasa, built between 1350 and 1356 by Sultan Abou Inan as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque. We will also visit the Dar Batha Museum, home to artifacts retrieved from ruined buildings of historic significance in the medina of Fes. All meals included.

Day 5 | Fes We spend the day at leisure. You might want to try your hand at some bartering, or perhaps enjoy the local culture and gastronomy at one of Fes’ teahouses.

Breakfast & included.

Day 6 | Fes - Erfoud Today we depart for the Sahara. Our journey takes us through the Middle Atlas Mountains, and past the mountain station of Irfrane, the site of Africa’s most esteemed international university. We continue to Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. We arrive in time for sunset among the impressive and vast sand dunes; a beautiful site.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Erfoud A short drive through oases and palm groves watered by the Ziz River brings us to Sijilmasa. Sacked several times by the Almoravids and Almohades, it remained an important trading center until the Middle Ages.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Erfoud - Ouarzazate Our drive to Ouarzazate takes us through the spectacular Todra Gorge, which has been compared to the Grand Canyon. Following the Dades River, we continue along the Kasbah Trail, the landscape dotted with ksour (fortified villages), protected by their red or yellow walls, and the villages of the Draoua people. We will spend the next two nights in Ouarzazate.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Ouarzazate Today’s excursion brings us to Ait Benhaddou, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in the region. Ait Benhaddou is a fortified ksour built around several decorated kasbahs. It is perched on a steep mountain slope and has been partially rebuilt

by UNESCO. We will have an opportunity to explore the village and visit a family in their traditional home, and then we stop for tea at Tiffeltout – a Glaoui kasbah – before returning to Ouarzazate. There will be time to explore the town before having dinner at our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Ouarzazate - Marrakech Our drive today is through the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which, at an altitude of 7,415 feet, provides a sensational visual experience. Shortly after our arrival into Marrakech, we can take a leisurely stroll through its medina. The architecture here is simply spellbinding and examples of the keyhole arch can be seen around every corner. Wandering around the medina is a truly sensory experience and it will introduce us to eclectic modes of transport, delicious regional produce, and incredibly vibrant colors.

Breakfast & lunch included.

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Detail of Blue Gate Bab Boujelud, Fes

Day 11 | Marrakech

Day 12 | Marrakech

Today, we tour the city’s historic sites, which offer prime examples of Moorish-Andalusian architecture. Touring includes the great Mosque of Koutoubia, which is also Marrakech’s largest, and the tomb of the Saadian kings, one of Morocco’s best-preserved and elaborate resting places. Next, we visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, which was once an Islamic college for students with a keen interest in the sciences and theology. We also see the ruined Al-Badi Palace, the Dar Si Said Museum, the Almoravid Qubbah, the Majorelle Gardens, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Later, we can enjoy our surroundings at leisure with some free time in the afternoon.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Some well-deserved free time is ours today, which we can use to explore independently or to simply relax. Alternatively, an optional excursion to Essaouira is available to anyone who is interested.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Depart Marrakech We transfer to the airport for our individual flights home or for onward travel. Those who are linking with our Northern Morocco and Southern Spain tour will be transferred over to our hotel, which is located in Casablanca.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 1 night in Casablanca: 5* Hyatt Regency Casablanca

2 nights in Erfoud: 5* Hôtel Palais du Désert & Spa

2 nights in Rabat: 5* Hôtel la Tour Hassan Palace

2 nights in Ouarzazate: 5* Berber Palace

2 nights in Fes: 5* Hotel Les Merinides

3 nights in Marrakech: 5* Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa

Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/mor

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EGYPT

Pharaohs & Pyramids Traveling through Egypt is a mystical and unique experience as the sense of awe inspired by Egypt’s legendary ancient monuments and archaeological sites is one unlike any other. No preconception can prepare you for the scale and grandeur of Egypt’s treasures, nor match the enduring impact of the stories they hold and the secrets they keep. Our tour extends far beyond clichéd Egyptian pyramids and mummies – it will especially appeal to the traveler in search of true understanding of the civilization whose culture and heritage influenced not only the Greeks and Romans, but also our very own modern world. Guided by our knowledgeable tour leader who will share their insights into the discoveries that each new day brings, our itinerary offers an opportunity to enjoy a journey through 3,000 years of history.

Starting in Cairo and heading south to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, we travel the Nile by land, water and air. We visit Egypt’s most spectacular temple and pyramid complexes, both world-famous and lesser-known, before embarking on a luxurious five-day river cruise sailing the life-giving waters of the Nile.

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Dates and prices 16 days Feb 08 - 23 | $6,900 $7,050 SAVE $150 Oct 10 - 24 | $6,995 $7,195 SAVE $200 Oct 31 - Nov 15 | $6,995 $7,195 SAVE $200 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,150 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Cairo - Luxor & Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo • Nile cruiser • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

The Giza Plateau, near Cairo

CAIRO - LUXOR - NILE CRUISE - ASWAN - CAIRO Tour highlights Explore the seldom-visited pyramid complexes at Dahshur and Abusir, where the 5th Dynasty Pharaohs built their pyramids Visit the great temples of Abu Simbel overlooking Lake Nasser, among the most famous and spectacular monuments in Egypt Travel to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Cairo’s Egyptian Museum’s Mummy Rooms Cruise in comfort along the Nile, visiting sites that include Kom Ombo’s rare double temple, Aswan’s beautiful Philae Temple, and Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Queens Wander through Karnak, a complex largely dedicated to the god Amun

Expert Scholar Dr Luigi Prada Luigi is a member of the academic staff at the Egyptology Department of the University of Oxford, England.

Join Luigi in Egypt, Feb 08 Dr Xavier Droux Having excavated at many sites in Egypt, Xavier’s research focuses on pre-dynastic Egypt and the significance animals held for Egyptians during that time.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo

Day 6 | Cairo - Luxor

We arrive in Cairo and transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we meet up with our group to enjoy our first dinner together.

Dinner included.

This morning, we fly 300 miles to Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes. Our hotel was selected for its beautiful gardens, upon the steps of which Howard Carter announced the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Our exploration begins at Karnak’s ‘City of Temples’, probably the ancient world’s largest remaining religious site, with structures that date back 4,000 years. Reached via the famous Avenue of Sphinxes, lined with carved human-headed beasts, this is a dazzling maze of gateways, obelisks, pillared halls, and subsidiary shrines. Afterwards, we visit the Luxor Museum.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Cairo After an introductory lecture, we begin at Memphis, the first capital of a united Egypt, and Sakkara, its necropolis. At Sakkara, we visit the museum and tour the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, which pre-dates the Giza pyramids and is the world’s first monumental building constructed entirely from stone. We also tour the smaller Pyramid of Teti, built for a Sixth Dynasty King, whose burial chamber is covered with texts to ensure the survival of his soul.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Cairo Today, we visit the only two surviving monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. We explore the site and visit the Solar Boat Museum, where reconstructed remains of the Solar Boat of Cheops are displayed.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7 | Luxor Today, we cross the Nile to visit the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings and Queens. Over 60 tombs were discovered in the Valley of the Kings, but only a few are open to the public. Luckily, we are allowed to enter a selection of tombs — the Tomb of Seti I, in particular. We then travel to the Valley of the Queens, which contains 75 tombs that belonged to the queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Luxor

Day 4 | Cairo We visit the Citadel, the medieval Islamic stronghold of Salah elDin, before devoting half a day to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. This is home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the mummy room and various items from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Time permitting, we can stop to explore the atmospheric Khan el-Khalili Bazaar – the city’s historic souk, whose warren of cobblestone lanes and alleys lined with colorful shops and stalls offer a lively Cairo experience and architecture.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Cairo As we travel today from Cairo to neighboring Dahshur and Abusir, we continue to trace the story of the development of the pyramids following their initial design at Sakkara. At Dahshur’s royal necropolis, the 4th Dynasty King Snefru completed the problematic Bent Pyramid, later perfecting this architectural form with the larger Red Pyramid. We have also received a special permit for an afternoon visit to the site of Abusir, the primary burial ground where the 5th Dynasty Pharaohs built their pyramids.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We return to the west bank of the Nile to see the Tombs of the Nobles — a site of over 400 tombs that have been carved into a rocky hillside. These tombs are scattered across an area of two square miles and their murals give insight into daily Egyptian life during the 6th dynasty. We visit the archaeological site of Deir el-Medina, once the village-home of the artisans who built and decorated the royal tombs of Thebes. Later, we have a tour at the Oriental Institute’s Chicago House to learn about the Institute’s Epigraphic Survey which has, since 1924, been dedicated to producing photographs and line drawings of the inscriptions and reliefs of Luxor’s temples and tombs.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Luxor This morning, we drive north to Dendera through a landscape of villages of baked-mud houses and the lush cultivated banks of the Nile. Dendera is home to an important temple complex whose main feature is the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hathor.

Although the present temple was built largely in the 1st century BCE, it occupies the site of a far older building. On the still-intact ceiling is a circular plaster cast of the beautiful Zodiac of Dendera, displaying the hours of the day and night, as well as the trajectory of the sun, moon and the stars across the sky. We return to Luxor.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 10 | Luxor

Egypt

We return to Luxor’s west bank and visit the Colossi of Memnon two gigantic sandstone statues of Amenhotep III dating from the 14th century BCE. Next, we explore the nearby temple complexes at Medinet-Habu, which is dominated by the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. We then visit the Ramesseum funerary temple and the less-visited nobles’ tombs of Kheruef and Ankh-Hor, known for their intriguing reliefs and images. From here, we return to Luxor for lunch aboard our Nile Cruiser - our floating hotel for the next four nights. Later, we visit the Temple of Luxor. Constructed over 3,000 years ago, the temple, along with its many statues and relief carvings has been left with its structure preserved and intact.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Luxor - Edfu Our first morning on the Nile is spent at leisure in Luxor, either relaxing on board by the pool, enjoying independent sightseeing,

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Temple of Horus, Edfu

shopping in the local souk, or perhaps sailing on a traditional felucca. We enjoy lunch on board before setting sail on the first leg of our cruise upstream to Edfu - our dock for the night.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Edfu - Aswan We begin at the Temple of Edfu, a Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Horus, the avenging falcon god. Back on board, we have time to enjoy our vessel’s sundeck and pool, as well as the ever-changing panorama of everyday life along the Nile. Later in the afternoon, we visit the partially-restored remains of Kom Ombo’s Ptolemaic temple. Dedicated equally to two competing gods, Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek, it even has separate areas for each. We then return to our Nile Cruiser and sail on to Aswan.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Aswan - Cairo Our tour ends on a high note with a visit to the world-renowned Nubian site of the temples at Abu Simbel. Miraculously rescued from Lake Nasser’s rising waters after the creation of the High Dam and rebuilt on the western bank, the two massive rock temples of Ramesses II and his favorite queen, Nefertari, were originally carved into the mountainside in 1244 CE to honor the deified royal pair and to awe the Nubians. An afternoon flight brings us back to Cairo for our overnight stay.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 16 | Depart Cairo We transfer to Cairo airport for our flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Day 13 | Aswan Our touring begins at the Quarries, where an unfinished obelisk remains embedded in its native stone. Our next visit is to the Temple of Philae. This Ptolemaic temple, being the last bastion of paganism in the Byzantine Empire, was dedicated to Isis and is an incredible complex of chapels and shrines.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Aswan After disembarking this morning, we visit the grand Kalabsha Temple, first built in the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus on the site of a sanctuary founded by Amenhotep II. Originally dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it later became a church.

After the construction of the High Dam it was moved to Lake Nasser from its former location 30 miles to the south. Also relocated here, were the delicate Graeco-Roman kiosk of Qertassi and the shrine of Ramesses II from Beit el-Wali. There’s an opportunity to admire the archaeological finds in the Nubian Museum before we conclude our day with a farewell group dinner.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 5 nights in Cairo: 5* Marriott Mena House Hotel, or Meridien el Gezirah 4 nights in Luxor: 5* Sofitel Old Winter Palace Pavilion

1 night in Aswan: 5* Aswan Mövenpick Resort 1 night in Cairo: 5* Le Meridien Cairo Airport

4 nights Sailing: MS Farah Nile Cruise Ship

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/egy

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NEW EGYPT CRUISE for 2020 In the Wake of the Pharaohs This luxurious cruise is perfect for those who are looking for an indepth exploration of the sights that line the River Nile. You’ll glide along a distance of 410 miles between Cairo and Aswan, on a journey that includes a stretch of the river that has only been reopened for a few years.

In partnership with our sister company Andante Travels

Dates and prices 17 days May 05 - 21 | $6,100 $6,205 SAVE $105 Aug 31 - Sep 16 | $5,995 $6,160 SAVE $165

Traveling by way of water, we can take you to a range of little-known and rarely visited sites that most tourists to this part of the world typically miss. Along with a ride aboard a traditional felucca, there will be tours of Egypt’s most iconic sites as well as some surprises that are bound to inspire awe.

(exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $980 Deposit: $1,250

The August cruise runs in reverse down the River Nile. We spend one night in Cairo before flying to the world-renowned site of Abu Simbel and then onto Aswan for the night. The next day we embark our Nile cruiser for our journey back to Cairo.

• Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

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Price includes

M/S Tamr Henna

M/S Tamr Henna, double cabin

Karnak Temple, Luxor

M/S Tamr Henna, sundeck

CAIRO - BENI SUEF - MINYA - ASSUIT SOHAG - QENA - LUXOR - EDFU - ASWAN - CAIRO Tour highlights Explore Seti I’s temple at Abydos, somewhat off-the-beatentrack yet home to the most beautiful raised reliefs in the entire country Discover remains of the royal cemetery of Egypt’s most intriguing Pharaoh, Akhenaten, and his powerful wife, Nefertiti Visit the Nubian site of the temples at Abu Simbel, rescued from Lake Nasser’s rising waters after the creation of the High Dam Discover the Red and White Coptic Monasteries, built from remnants of Pharaonic temples and boasting awe-inspiring murals Travel through Middle Egypt to explore the rarely visited sites of Beni Hasan and Amarna

Expert Scholar Dr Xavier Droux Having excavated at many sites in Egypt, Xavier’s research focuses on pre-dynastic Egypt and the significance animals held for Egyptians during that time.

Join Xavier in Egypt, May 05 Dr Luigi Prada Luigi is a member of the academic staff at the Egyptology Department of the University of Oxford, England.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo

Day 6 | Minya

We arrive in Cairo and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before having dinner together as a group.

Dinner included.

We visit the West Bank of the Nile, visiting Tuna El Gabal and the ruins of a major Egyptian city, El-Ashmunein. Next we visit Tel elAmarna, which is generally thought to be the most significant city site surviving from ancient Egypt. The original name of the city was Akhenaten, the ‘Horizon of the Aten’, a title corresponding to the actions of the so-called ‘heretic Pharaoh’ Akhenaten. The city itself was abandoned after the Pharaoh’s death, only 20 years or so after its creation. Here, we visit the tombs of Ahmose I, Meryre, Pentu, Panehesy as well as the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten, the foundations of the Great Palace of King Akhenaten, and the Small and Great Temples of Aten.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Cairo This morning we begin at the Citadel, the medieval Islamic stronghold of Salah el-Din. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the highlights of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, home of the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the items from the tomb of Tutankhamun. If we have time, we walk through the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, whose warren of cobblestone lanes and alleys are lined with colorful shops, before embarking on our Nile Cruiser.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Cairo Today we visit the only two surviving representatives of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World: the three Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the largest sculpture of the ancient world. Next, we tour nearby Memphis, which revealed many major archaeological finds.

At the necropolis of Sakkara, we visit the museum and tour the 3rd Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser’s distinctive Step Pyramid complex. This, the oldest pyramid, pre-dates the famous Giza pyramids by at least four centuries and was the first monumental building constructed completely from stone.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Cairo - Beni Suef We sail to Beni Suef and begin at the pyramid of Meidum, which was originally a seven-stepped pyramid before being enlarged to an eight-stepped pyramid. Eventually, the steps were filled in and a smooth outer facing turned it into a true pyramid. We then continue to the Pyramid of Amenemhat III which was built in Hawara. The pyramid is 158 feet high and has been coated in limestone.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Beni Suef - Minya This morning is spent sailing from Bani Suef to Minya. Upon arrival we visit the Beni Hasan tombs located at the East Bank of the Nile.

Some of the Middle Kingdom tombs in the cliffs bear their original inscriptions, as well as painted scenes of ancient life.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Minya - Assuit Today you can spend the day relaxing as the ship sails towards Assuit, cruising through Assuit’s Lock en route; enjoy our vessel’s sundeck and pool, as well as the ever-changing panorama of everyday life along the Nile.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Assuit Today we visit the Red and White Monasteries. Built from remnants of Pharaonic temples, these monasteries have impressive murals. We also visit the Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary, otherwise known as the Muharraq Monastery, or simply the Burnt Monastery, which lies on the path of the flight of the Holy Family in Egypt.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Assuit - Sohag Today we set sail from Assuit towards Sohag. We disembark the ship and drive to the site of Abydos, one of the oldest cities in ancient Egypt notable for the memorial temple of Seti I. All meals included.

Day 10 | Sohag - Qena We spend today sailing to Qena, en route we pass Sohag Bridge, Abou Homar Lock & Bridge and Nagaa Hammady Bridge.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Qena - Luxor We journey to Dendera, home to an important temple complex whose main feature is the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, music and wine. On the still-intact ceiling is a circular plaster cast of the beautiful Zodiac of Dendera, displaying the hours of the day and night as well as the journey of the sun, moon and stars across the sky. Next we sail to Luxor. Modern Luxor, on the Nile’s east bank, has grown up around the ruins of these great complexes. This evening we explore Karnak’s ‘City of Temples’, probably the ancient world’s largest remaining religious site, with many structures dating back 4,000 years. We visit Luxor Temple this evening, where clever lighting highlights the vast hieroglyphics.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Luxor

Egypt

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We start today with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, and then on to nearby Deir el-Bahari, where we visit the impressive colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, mortuary temple of the only female Pharaoh. We then visit the Valley of the Kings. Here on the west bank is the necropolis area reserved for royal burials from around 2100 CE, but it was the Pharaohs of the later New Kingdom period, who chose these once remote desert valley sites for their grand rockcut tombs. Of over 60 tombs discovered in the Valley of the Kings, only a small number are open to the public and we enter a selection

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Ruins of the Temple of Kom Ombo

of these, including the elaborately decorated tomb of Seti I, which details the opening of the mouth ceremony. We end the day at the temple of Karnak, where we hear the story and view the spectacle of the immense sanctuary of the sun-deity Amun-Re. Reached via the famous Avenue of Sphinxes, this is a dazzling maze of monumental gateways, obelisks, pillared halls and subsidiary shrines.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Luxor - Edfu We spend the morning sailing to Edfu. On arrival, we go ashore to the Temple of Edfu, a beautiful Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Horus, the avenging falcon god. A late construction built between 237 and 57 CE, this is one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Edfu - Aswan Today we sail to the partially-restored remains of Kom Ombo’s Ptolemaic temple. Dedicated equally to two competing gods, Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek, it even has separate areas for each. We then return to our Nile Cruiser and sail on to Aswan.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Aswan This morning we explore the Quarries, acknowledged as archaeological sites in their own right and the source of quality stone for the construction of ancient Egypt’s decorative monuments.

We continue to the atmospheric ruins of Philae, the Ptolemaic island temple dramatically rescued from the rising waters of the lake. A labyrinthine complex of chapels and shrines – which were originally dedicated to the goddess Isis – this was the Byzantine Empire’s last bastion of paganism. Enjoy a felucca around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Garden this afternoon before enjoying our farewell dinner together as a group.

All meals included.

Day 16 | Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo Today we disembark our Nile cruiser, and catch an early flight to the world-renowned Nubian site of the temples at Abu Simbel, 140 miles south-west of Aswan. Miraculously rescued from Lake Nasser’s rising waters after the creation of the High Dam and rebuilt on the western bank, the two massive rock temples of Ramesses II and his favorite queen, Nefertari, were originally carved into the mountainside in 1244 CE to honor the deified royal pair and to awe the Nubians. We then fly to Cairo, our base for the evening, and say our farewells.

All meals included.

Day 17 | Depart Cairo We depart Cairo for our flights home or onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available:

May Hotels

August Hotels

1 night in Cairo: 5* Marriott Mena House Hotel

1 night in Cairo: 5* Le Meridien Cairo Airport

14 nights sailing: MS Tamr Henna

1 night in Aswan: 5* Aswan Mövenpick Resort

1 night in Cairo: 5* Le Meridien Cairo Airport

14 nights sailing: MS Tamr Henna

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/egc

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NEW LEBANON & JORDAN for 2020 Travels through Antique Lands Two of the Near East’s most intriguing and diverse destinations, Lebanon and Jordan are home to awesome landscapes and unique archaeological sites that reveal the stories of their past civilizations.

The former is the homeland of the Canaanites/Phoenicians, whose great coastal trading emporia supplied the known world with luxuries, including cedarwood, spices, and metals. When Pompey the Great absorbed the region into the Roman Empire in 64 CE, Lebanon became part of the province of Syria. Under the Pax Romana, the cities of the Levantine coast prospered, and the Romans built their largest ever temple at the cult center of Baalbek. Castles, churches, mosques and souks recall the medieval period, when Lebanon was a battleground between the Crusaders and Islam and a vibrant mixing bowl of religions and cultures.

In nearby Jordan, we explore traces of biblical tribes, Roman legions, Christian crusaders, and Islamic caliphates. We also spend time in legendary Petra, but its tombs and temples are only a fraction of this country’s fascinating past.

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Dates and prices 14 days Apr 14 - 27 | $7,945 $8,195 SAVE $250 Sep 02 - 15 | $7,945 $8,195 SAVE $250 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,300 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Beirut - Amman • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

The Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Lebanon

BEIRUT - BEKKA VALLEY - BEIRUT - AMMAN - PETRA WADI RUM - DEAD SEA - AMMAN Tour highlights Take a tour of Byblos, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and one of the great trading cities of the Bronze Age Pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Baalbek Temple in the heart of the Bekka Valley, truly gigantic in scale and home to the Temple of Jupiter Heliopolis Explore fascinating Crusader castles that tell the stories of this fascinating period in history Follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia at Petra and Wadi Rum, both used as major motion picture film sets Experience weightlessness in the hyper saline waters of the legendary Dead Sea

Expert Scholar Dr John Dobbins John is a field archaeologist and he specializes in ancient Roman art, archaeology and architecture.

Join John in Lebanon & Jordan, Apr 14 Nick Jackson Nick graduated in archaeology from the prestigious Institute of Archaeology at University College London. He has excavated widely across the Middle East.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Beirut Upon arrival in Beirut, we transfer to our hotel.

Dinner included.

groups of temples of the Roman period at Niha. The chief temple here is dedicated to the god Hadranus and has been well restored.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Beirut

Day 6 | Chtaura Valley - Beirut

Byblos, the site of one of the great trading cities of the early Bronze Age and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, awaits discovery today. Through its trading contacts with the Greek world, Byblos exported the alphabet to the West. We visit the citadel and St. John’s Church, and later we explore the archaeological park as well as monuments from the Crusader period. We also view the inscriptions left by ancient armies at Nahr-el-kalb (the Dog River).

Breakfast & lunch included.

Sidon – one of the oldest Phoenician cities – grew wealthy from the production of glass and textiles, and held a favored position with the great King of Persia. In their wars with the Greeks, the Persians relied on Sidon’s navy. Here, we visit the Temple of Eshmoun, patron god of Sidon, as well as discover evidence of the area’s Crusader past with a visit to the Sea Castle. Next, we visit Tyre. Ezekiel’s description of Iron Age Tyre, one of the great cities of the ancient Near East, explains that it is a “city standing on the edge of the sea, doing business with the nations in innumerable islands.” Its wealth, through trade and manufacture, particularly through purple dye from the murex, was the benchmark from which all others were measured, and the influence of the city’s colonies spread right across the Mediterranean. We visit two archaeological parks here that help us to uncover evidence of Tyre’s wealth in the Roman period.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Beirut - Bekka Valley A full day exploring Beirut – a city reborn – is ours. The rebuilding program that followed the civil war (1975 -1990) gave rise to an opportunity for an archaeological study of the city. The earliest occupation dates to the Paleolithic period, but the first urban phase belongs to the middle Bronze Age (c. 3000 CE). The Roman city of Colonia Julia Augusta Felix Berytus was famous in the 3rd century for its law school. We also visit the National Museum, which houses excellent exhibitions on Lebanon’s cultural heritage and the central archaeological zone with the remains of Roman Berytus. Tonight we stay in Chtaura, in the heart of the Bekka Valley.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Bekka Valley This morning we discover the great temple complex of Baalbek, which includes the vast Temple of Jupiter Heliopolis – once the largest in the world (22.9 m high) with peristyles and hexagonal courts. To its side lies the Temple of Bacchus. The remarkable state of preservation of these temples, particularly the latter, show fine detail of their devotional purpose. We also visit the nearby quarries, which contain some of the largest monoliths ever quarried.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Bekka Valley Following the Arab conquest in the 7th century, the first Islamic dynasty – the Umayyads – saw themselves as heirs of Rome and Byzantium, and used the architectural and artistic language of those earlier powers to express their own ideas. This fusion between East and West is nowhere more evident than at the planned city of Anjar.

In the afternoon, we visit the temple of Dekweh and the two distinct

Lebanon

Day 7 | Beirut We start our day at the Beiteddine Palace. Built by Emir Bechir at the end of the 18th century in an opulent oriental style, today it contains a museum of Byzantine mosaics. We also visit the contemporary town of Deir El Qamar before returning to Beirut.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Beirut - Amman We travel to the airport this morning for our flight to Amman.

After transferring to our five-star hotel in the heart of the “White City”, the remainder of our day is spent at leisure. Amman has been inhabited since around the 8th millennium BCE, and has since seen the influence of occupying Ammonites, Assyrians and Persians – not forgetting the Greeks, Romans and the Arabs. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a leading Lebanese restaurant – one of the few remaining vestiges of its type.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 9 | Amman After breakfast, we embark upon a city tour of Amman. We start at the Citadel, a historical site that towers above the city atop Jabal al-Qala’a. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon and excavations here have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic remains. Downhill from the Citadel, we make our way to the Roman Theater, which is a prominent and impressive relic.

Next, we drive on to Jerash. Second only to Petra in appeal, this ancient city is remarkable for its long history of human occupation.

Here, in the hills of Gilead, remains from Neolithic times (as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and more) have been found.

Following a stop for lunch, we drive back to our hotel in Amman. The rest of our day is free, but we reconvene in the evening for dinner.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Amman - Petra

Jordan

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Today begins with a drive to Mount Nebo, mentioned in the Bible as the mountain from which Moses was granted a view of the Holy Land, but was not allowed to enter it. From here, we are treated to magnificent views over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. If the weather is clear, we may even be able to gaze upon Jerusalem. Next, we make our way to the market town of Madaba, a destination famed for its mosaics. The world-famous mosaic floor inside of St. George’s Church contains a large map of Palestine, which also features a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the 6th

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

The Treasury at Petra, Jordan

century. We then continue on to Shobak Castle, an imposing 12th century stronghold that sits on a wild and open plateau, boasting secret passageways, carved catacombs, and partially reconstructed kingly courts. Finally, we end our day with a drive to Petra before checking into our hotel and enjoying dinner together.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Petra We dedicate today to the ancient city of Petra. Built from 800 CE to 100 CE by Nabatean Arabs, Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area that was virtually inaccessible. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, the city reached the peak of its fame. Petra covers an area of about 40 miles, within which over 800 monuments can be found. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city’s importance gradually dwindled. It fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burkhart. The Khazneh (Treasury), was featured in the popular “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” movie.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Petra - Wadi Rum This morning we explore Al Beidha – or Little Petra – a site hidden away in the center of a mountain just north of Petra. This miniature version contains a number of notable tombs as well as a collection of stairs leading to higher viewpoints. Like Petra, it is believed the site here dates back to the 1st century and features some wellpreserved structures. This afternoon, we drive out to Wadi Rum. This is Jordan’s largest valley, made famous because of its links to the writer T.E. Lawrence and its usage as a filming destination for major motion pictures such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Prometheus” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. Traces of prehistoric civilizations abound here in rock art, graffiti and temples. After lunch, we explore the desert in a fleet of 4x4s before settling down for the night in our wonderful “Martian” domes beneath the stars.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Wadi Rum - the Dead Sea Our final full day in Jordan has arrived and we drive to the Dead Sea. On the way, we visit a women’s collective and have lunch together there. Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, we check in to our hotel and have some free time. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, water from the Dead Sea possesses antiinflammatory properties, and the dark mud found on the shores has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 2,000 years. Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner together in Jordan.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Depart Amman We transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport and catch our individual flights home, or continue with onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 2 nights in Beirut: 4* Four Points Sheraton

2 nights in Petra: 5* Mövenpick Resort Petra

3 nights in Bekka Valley: 5* Chtaura Park Hotel

1 night in Wadi Rum: Sun City Tented Camp

2 nights in Beirut: 4* Four Points Sheraton

1 night at the Dead Sea: 5* Hilton Hotel Dead Sea

2 nights in Amman: 5* Rotana Hotel Amman

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/leb

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ISRAEL with Journey into the Holy Land on this memorable tour of Israel. The three major monotheistic religions – Christianity, Islam and Judaism – have significant ties to this part of the world and enduring examples of their presence await discovery. From palace complexes and ancient fortifications, to man-made catacombs and Roman ports – we delve deeply into the rich history woven into the fabric of this country.

Over the millennia, Israel has felt the tread of conquerors and settlers: Canaanites, Israelites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and even Imperial Britons, all of whom have left their signature. Join us and discover the incredible archaeology of Jerusalem, uncover the tragedy of Masada, and visit Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world.

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Dates and prices 16 days Oct 20 - Nov 04 | $8,200 $8,500 SAVE $300 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $2,250 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert Scholar & Tour Manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar • $1,000 donation to the Oriental Institute

Added Bonus If you book a place on this tour, it will include a $1,000 donation to the Oriental Institute. This donation will grant you a Breasted Society membership – their upper level package, which offers museum access along with special events strictly for members

Ruins of Masada Fortress and the Dead Sea

JERUSALEM - SODOM - TIBERIUS - GALILEE - HAIFA - TEL AVIV Tour highlights Explore an abundance of iconic ancient sites on this fascinating trip Visit Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world Spend time in the heart of Jerusalem, where a wealth of history awaits from the Biblical Mount of Olives to Hezekiah’s Tunnel Learn more about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran and view them at the Israel Museum Discover the UNESCO-listed fortress of Masada, one of the greatest archaeological sites in Israel

Expert Scholar Dr Yorke Rowan Senior Research Associate at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, Yorke is a specialist in the Archaeology of the Southern Levant. He is trained as an anthropological archaeologist, with a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. As Director of the Galilee Prehistory Project, he explores the Chalcolithic Period, and as Co-Director of the Eastern Badia Archaeological Project he is working on recording and excavating sites in the Black Desert of Jordan. His previous works cover the archaeology of religion and ritual as well as the Chalcolithic period. Dr Rowan is currently preparing a monograph on his work on the first phase of the Galilee Prehistory Project.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Jerusalem

Day 6 | Jerusalem

Today we arrive in the city of Jerusalem. After reaching our hotel, we enjoy a lecture by our expert scholar and a group dinner will follow.

Dinner included.

Our tour begins on the Mount of Olives and Mount Scopus, both of which boast spectacular views over Jerusalem. From here, we take a walk down to the Kidron Valley to view some of the finest standing monuments of the Second Temple period. Lastly, we visit the Herodian Quarter, the residence of the upper-class Jerusalemites, and the Cardo – the main thoroughfare of the Upper City.

Breakfast & lunch included.

We drive to Jericho this morning and pay a visit to the Herodian Winter Palace complex. Here, we find evidence of luxury on a grand scale, with traces of swimming pools, bathhouses, orchards, and gardens as well as three palace buildings of increasing magnificence.

We continue by cable car to the Monastery of the Mount of Temptation, which is said to have been built on the spot where Satan tempted Jesus during his 40-day fast. Later, we visit Hisham’s Palace. This is an important Islamic archaeological site and one of the most sophisticated Umayyad palaces in the region, with some elaborate mosaics and stucco carvings on display. It is here, in the bathhouse, that we can see the famous “Tree of Life” mosaic.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Jerusalem

Day 7 | Jerusalem - Sodom

Today, we begin to explore the Old City’s historical layers at the City of David. Excavations here have exposed Warren’s Shaft, which is thought to have once supplied water to the city. We then examine Hezekiah’s Tunnel, built through the rock under the city to divert the water into an inner-city reservoir from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. Our day ends at the captivating Wall excavations.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Traveling south from Jerusalem, we stop at Lachish, which was conquered by the Assyrians in 701 CE. The capture of Lachish was the subject of a magnificent series of wall reliefs for the palace at Nineveh, now housed in the British Museum. From here, we continue on to Tel Be’er Sheva, believed to be the Biblical town of Beersheba. Later, we can experience weightlessness in the Dead Sea. All meals included.

Day 4 | Jerusalem

Day 8 | Sodom

A fascinating morning awaits as we devote a number of hours to an in-depth visit to the Israel Museum. Here, we can encounter the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are the oldest Biblical manuscripts known to man and were discovered in caves on the west bank of the River Jordan in the late 1940s. After, there is free time to explore the old city independently and, later, we visit the Western Wall at sunset.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Today, we visit the UNESCO-listed fortress of Masada. Built by Herod as a sanctuary on the isolated cliffs of the Judean Desert, it was later occupied by the Zealots and others fleeing the Romans.

After a full morning at this extensive site, we travel to Qumran, which is believed to have been an Essene settlement whose library housed the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Jerusalem

Day 9 | Sodom - Tiberias

Today, we have special arrangements for a tour and lecture at the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, the oldest American research center for ancient Near Eastern studies in the Middle East. Later, we visit the Rockefeller Museum of Archaeology, which houses finds from throughout the country dating from prehistory to the Ottoman period, including the Israelite ‘Lachish Letters’. From here, we continue to the caves of Beit Guvrin, believed to have been first dug for stone to build the Roman coastal cities, and the UNESCO-listed Tel Maresha, known for its hundreds of man-made caves.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Our touring continues at the Roman ruins in Bet She’an, where excavations have revealed evidence of its role as an Egyptian provincial capital as early as the 14th to 12th centuries CE. The city flourished under the Pax Romana and continues to thrive as a result of its location as a junction between the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. We travel into the Jezreel Valley, a fertile land “flowing with milk and honey” (Deuteronomy 31:20), and tour its excavations. A drive through the hills brings us to the site of Sepphoris, home to a mosaic locally known as the “Mona Lisa” of the area.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Jerusalem

Day 10 | Tiberias Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre (Akko), a truly historical walled port city with continuous settlement from Phoenician times. During our time here in the Old City, we see evidence of Ottoman and Crusader occupation, and we also visit both the impressive Mosque of Al-Jazzar and Knights Hall. The history of the latter goes back to the Hellenistic Period, although the ruins that remain are mostly from that of the Crusader. Later, we will make our way to the UNESCO-listed Carmel Caves, which were first excavated in the 1920s. Artifacts that have been uncovered here include human burial remains, animal bones, and flint tools, and they tell stories about the evolution of early man in the area. We will also visit a winery, where we will learn about the wine-making process in Israel as well as the popularity of the final product itself.

All meals included.

Israel

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Day 11 | Tiberias - Galilee Our first stop this morning is Capernaum and Tabgha, where the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is said to have taken place.

We continue around the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Archaeological

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Museum. Collections housed within this museum cover all historical periods. Here, we can pore over artifacts from Byzantine Christian settlements as well as finds discovered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. From here, we continue to Tel Hazor and explore the site. Its surviving ramparts are considered to be among the best examples of their type in the region. Early work by Israeli archaeologist and military leader, Yigael Yadin, revealed 21 different strata of settlements going back to the Early Bronze Age. Famous as one of King Solomon’s military centers, it was finally destroyed by the Assyrians.

All meals included.

drive south along the Mediterranean to visit the Roman port of Caesarea, which was built by King Herod the Great in 25-13 CE. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Galilee

Day 16 | Depart Tel Aviv

This morning we make our way to Tel Dan, the most northerly Israelite city that was known in antiquity as Laish until it was captured by the tribe of Dan. Next, during our visit to Golan Heights, we will see Banias, an ancient site that developed around a spring once linked to the Greek god, Pan. Here, we also see the Crusader fortress of Qal’at Namrud (Nimrod Fortress). Located on a cliff above the Banias, it was built to help guard the road from Damascus to Tyre and Tiberias during the Crusader period.

All meals included.

This morning we depart for home or for our onward travels.

Breakfast included.

Day 13 | Galilee - Haifa Returning to Galilee, our first visit is to the Solomonic city of Megiddo, where we explore the remains of the ancient city. Next, we visit the remains of the ancient necropolis of Beit She’arim.

This UNESCO-listed site is hewed into the limestone slopes of hills bordering the Vale of Jezre’el – a series of man-made catacombs developed during the 2nd century CE. Later, we travel to Haifa.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Haifa - Tel Aviv

Day 15 | Tel Aviv This morning we explore the UNESCO-listed White City area of Tel Aviv, which houses the world’s largest collection of Bauhaus-style buildings. It got its name because the majority of the buildings here, which were constructed by German immigrants in the 1920s and 30s, are white in color. Our afternoon will be spent at leisure.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 6 nights in Jerusalem: 4*+ King Soloman Hotel

2 nights in Galilee: 5* Kfar Blum Kibbutz

1 night at the Dead Sea: 5* Isrotel Dead Sea

1 night in Haifa: 5* Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel

3 nights in Tiberius: 5* Leonardo Plaza Tiberius

2 nights in Tel Aviv: 5* Sheraton Tel Aviv

We begin our day at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum at Haifa University. This museum exhibits material from the “Land of Israel,” and includes an outstanding collection of Phoenician material. We

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/isr

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ARMENIA & GEORGIA

Colors & Contrasts of the Caucasus Armenia and Georgia, two countries suspended between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, are packed with archaeological sites and cultural experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. This is a tour that runs through the Caucasus, the land where Europe meets Asia. It will bring a history steeped in turmoil and splendor to life among its rugged, lush, and mountainous landscape. The Achaemenid Empire, the Persian Empire, and even the Roman Empire ruled this ancient region, and evidence of their respective influences on everything from culture to architecture can still be observed in the modern day.

Journey through the numerous religious sites that remain in Armenia and Georgia. As Armenia was the first country to formally adopt Christianity as the state religion in 301 CE (10 years earlier than Rome), with Georgia following soon thereafter, the sites on offer here are unique. We will walk through monasteries that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in addition to visiting exquisite cathedrals that date back over 1,000 years. What’s more, we will also enjoy a cultural, vinous experience at an ancient Georgian vineyard, where we sample vintages from one of the world’s oldest wine-making regions.

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Dates and prices 15 days Apr 20 - May 04 | $4,800 $4,950 SAVE $150 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $950 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Zvartnots ruins, Armenia

YEREVAN - DILIJAN - TBILISI - BORJOMI - KUTAISI - BATUMI Tour highlights Marvel at the extensive ancient rock-carved settlement of Uplistsikhe, uncovered by archaeologists and once a town of cave-houses, churches and sites of pagan sacrifices Admire the nearly 2000-year-old Greco-Roman Temple of Garni, the only one of its kind in Armenia Enjoy the pleasures of welcoming Tbilisi – Georgia’s ‘city of light’ and capital, with its lively café culture Spend our final afternoon at leisure, relaxing in Batumi, a resort town on the Black Sea’s beachy coast Explore the cobbled streets of Kutaisi and see the Bagrati Cathedral

Expert Scholar Ian Colvin A historian specializing in the late Roman and Byzantine history of the Caucasus regions, Ian has studied classical and modern Georgian after receiving his MST in Byzantine studies, and has devoted himself to excavations at the site of Nokalakevi. Beginning his foray into both academia and archaeology with an undergraduate thesis that developed into a doctoral dissertation, Ian now specializes in the late Roman and Byzantine history of the Caucasus regions.

He studied modern and classical Georgian as part of his doctoral studies at Oxford and worked as Director of the archaeological expedition to Nokalakevi in 2001, a project with which he has continued.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Yerevan

Day 5 | Yerevan - Dilijan

Upon arrival in Yerevan, we transfer to our hotel. There is time to relax before we enjoy a welcome lecture and group dinner.

Dinner included.

This morning we make our way to Khor Virap, a 7th century monastery located on the open plains near Mount Ararat. Originally a prison, it held the man who would become St. Gregory the Illuminator in a pit (which can still be visited) for 13 years. Our next stop is the Areni Cave, beside the Arpa River, which houses artifacts that date from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age. After lunch, we visit the 13th century monastery at Noravank. It stands among the rugged scenery of the Amaghyu Valley and contains such highlights as the ornately carved tomb of Prince Tarsayich Orbelian and the elegant Surb Astvatsatsin Church. We then turn north for a final three-hour drive to Armenia’s spa resort town of Dilijan.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Yerevan This morning, we visit the holy ancient city of Echmiadzin. Armenia adopted Christianity as a state-religion over 1700 years ago and Echmiadzin is considered to be its spiritual capital. Here, we find the ancient ruined complex of Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the 7th century CE. It collapsed three centuries later and was only rediscovered in the 20th century, yet its remains still feature a fascinating assortment of columns and elaborate decorative carvings, some of which date back to the Urartian era of the 7th century CE. Our next stop is the graceful Echmiadzin Cathedral, mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a place of great significance for Armenian Christians.

After lunch, we visit the Matenadaran, a building that contains one of the world’s richest collections of medieval manuscripts and books.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3 | Yerevan Our first destination this morning is Geghard, a monastery rising out of the Azat River Gorge. Revered throughout Armenia as one of the country’s greatest spiritual and cultural centers, the UNESCOlisted monastery takes its name from the Armenian word for “spear” as it once housed the spear allegedly used to wound Christ during the crucifixion (now in Echmiadzin Cathedral). We proceed to the Ionic Temple of Garni, the only Graeco-Roman temple still standing in Armenia. After returning to Yerevan for lunch, we explore the History Museum with its archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Yerevan Our fourth day begins at Shengavit, an enigmatic archaeological site near Lake Yerevan. Settled since at least 3200 CE, it is still not known what happened to this formerly prosperous town.

We continue to the intriguing hilltop ruins of Erebuni Fortress, home to a long line of Urartian kings and an important stronghold against the northern territories. Here, we find traces of dormitories, storerooms, and even a temple dedicated to Khaldi, a Urartian warrior god. After lunch, we visit the Genocide Museum, dedicated to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian genocide of 1914-1918.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6 | Dilijan - Tbilisi After breakfast, we discover Dilijan. At an elevation of 4,900 feet amid the forests of Dilijan National Park, this town is known for its old streets, workshops, and museum. We then head for neighboring Haghartsin, a serene monastery complex home to various churches dating from the 10th to the 13th centuries. This afternoon, we visit the monasteries of Sanahin and Hagpat, two UNESCO-listed sites that were once important centers of religious learning. From here, we drive 75 miles across the border to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Tbilisi We start off our day with a tour of Tbilisi. We visit a host of religious sites, such as various Georgian Orthodox cathedrals that loom over the city from the riverside cliffs, as well as buildings designed by Georgian Jewish migrants. After our sightseeing, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Georgian National Museum, where we trace the country’s cultural development from prehistory onwards via displays of jewelry, pre-Christian gold, and other artifacts dating from the 3rd millennium CE. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8 | Tbilisi A relaxing day awaits as we drive to the Ikalto Monastery. Located in a cypress grove and incorporating three churches, this late 6th century complex of monastic buildings is dominated by a ruined 12th century academy, one of two famous medieval Georgian centers of learning. Archaeologists have identified workshops, wine cellars, a smithy, and much more within the foregrounds of the academy building. An 8th century stone wine press also survives and, after visiting the Gremi Citadel, we travel to Tsinandali Palace to visit a traditional winery. We then return to our hotel in Tbilisi.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 9 | Tbilisi Our morning takes us to Tbilisi’s Grishashvili Open Air Museum of Ethnography, spread across 120 acres that illustrate Georgia’s ethnic diversity. We visit the Museum of Fine Arts, home to examples of the artistic skills of Georgian masters. Following an afternoon at leisure, a meal accompanied by polyphonic music awaits.

All meals included.

Georgia

Day 10 | Tbilisi - Borjomi

Armenia

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Today, we travel far back into Georgian history as a drive takes us to the excavated remains at Armaztsikhe-Bagineti. These remains are a part of Mtskheta, one of the country’s oldest cities and former capital of the Georgian kingdom of Kartli. Our exploration of this UNESCO-listed area also incorporates the 6th century Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece from the Early Middle Ages, famed as the burial place

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Prometheus Caves, Georgia

of Christ’s mantle. Later, we visit Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, and then travel to Uplishtsikhe, a 3,000-year-old rock-hewn cave-house settlement with great halls, meandering corridors, and chambers for pagan worship. This once-great city was abandoned after the Mongol invasion. From here, we head to the popular resort town of Borjomi.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Borjomi A scenic two-hour morning drive south brings us to Vardzia, the breathtaking riverside site of a one of Georgia’s most renowned cave monasteries. A labyrinth carved deep into a mountain cliffside, 12th century Vardzia was first a military fortress and then the palace of the perhaps the most prominent woman in Georgian history - Tamar the Great, the first ruling Queen of Georgia. We return to Borjomi via Akhaltsikhe to see Rabati Castle, a recently restored historical monument medieval in origin, but, in its present imposing form, reflecting a long history of Ottoman Empire rule.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Borjomi - Kutaisi After breakfast, we head to Kutaisi, Georgia’s seat of parliament and home to Bagrati Cathedral. Our tour takes us to see the UNESCOlisted royal monastery complex of Gelati. We visit the Prometheus Cave near Tskhaltub, home to neon-lit stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers, and lakes.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Kutaisi - Batumi Today, we drive 110 miles west to the Black Sea to spend time exploring the active archaeological site of Nokalakevi, an early Byzantine royal fortress-citadel whose crenelated riverside ruins have revealed extensive walls and towers, burial grounds, jewelry, and weapons. We view these artifacts during our visit to the site’s accompanying museum as these finds are evidence of possible human habitation as long ago as the 4th century CE. From here,

we travel along the Black Sea coast to Batumi, a popular vacation destination that will be our base for the last two nights of our tour.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 14 | Batumi Our final full day gets going at a leisurely pace as we visit the Roman fort of Gonio-Apsaros, an archaeological site on the Chorokhi River.

We return to Batumi for an afternoon at leisure, which can be used to explore the beaches, tour the city’s eclectic churches or to just relax. This evening, we come back together for final group dinner.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Depart Batumi We transfer to the airport for our flights home or individual travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 4 nights in Yerevan: 4* Historic Hotel Yerevan by Tufenkyan 1 night in Dilijan: 4* Best Western Paradise 4 nights in Tbilisi: 4* Mercure Hotel

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/gaa

2 nights in Borjomi: 4* Borjomi Likani 1 night in Kutaisi: 4* Best Western Hotel 2 nights in Batumi: 4* World Palace Hotel

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KAZAKHSTAN & UZBEKISTAN

In the Footsteps of the Traders

Dates and prices

The Silk Road. A fabled name whose romantic mystique evokes images of desert caravanserais and merchant camel trains laden with precious silks and spices, winding their way from China to the West – a distant era that has left a lasting mark on the commerce, history and religions it diffused through Central Asia.

22 days Apr 17 - May 08 | $5,895 $6,095 SAVE $200

Uzbekistan boasts a plethora of striking mosques, mausoleums, and madrasahs, the most magnificent at the Registan – a landmark of Islamic architecture in historic Samarkand – while perhaps Central Asia’s most complete example of a medieval city awaits at Bukhara, long a center for Islamic theology and scholarship.

Price includes

Kazakhstan, on the other hand, is revered for its stunning natural beauty and sweeping landscapes. Gaze out across the alpine reservoir that is Big Almaty Lake, where the water’s color reflects the sky and appears to change depending on the season. Discover Bronze Age petroglyphs in remote locations.

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(exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $900 Deposit: $1,250

• Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Tashkent - Nukus • Train: Samarkand - Tashkent • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

ALAMATY - TARAZ - SHYMKENT - TURKISTAN TASHKENT - NUKUS - KHIVA - BUKHARA - SAMARKAND - TASHKENT Tour highlights Explore the natural wonders and stunning landscapes of Kazakhstan Pay a visit to Otrar, one of the oldest cities in all of Central Asia located along the Silk Road Discover the enchanting little city of Khiva, the first place in Uzbekistan to be UNESCO-listed Spend a day in Tajikistan exploring both ancient Sarazam and Panjekent Take a walk around the mosaic-filled Registan Square in historic Samarkand

Expert Scholar Professor Craig Benjamin Professor of History in the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University, Craig teaches courses in ancient Central and East Asian history, and on the Silk Roads. He received his PhD from Macquarie University in Sydney, where he studied nomadic confederations of ancient Central Asia and their impact upon the Chinese Han dynasty and GrecoBactria. An experienced lecturer, Craig is the author of numerous published articles, chapters and books, and is editor of several volumes in the Brepols Silk Roads Studies series. He is a dynamic lecturer who specializes in placing local and regional events and material cultures into the broader context of inner Eurasian history.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Almaty

Day 7 | Taraz - Shymkent

Today we arrive in Almaty city and transfer to our hotel, where we check in and can relax a little ahead of our first group dinner.

Dinner included.

Today we drive to Shymkent, but we stop on the way at the Aysha Bibi Mausoleum. Its foundations are cubic and the ornamental patterns we see here include zoomorphic and solaris motifs, which were common among Saks tribes. Lunch will be at a café and then we transfer to our hotel. Before dinner, we visit the History Museum.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 2 | Almaty We have breakfast and free time, and then visit Boralday Necropolis, home to 47 Sak and Usun mounds. From here, we visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty, dedicated to 28 soldiers of an infantry unit who died in World War II. We also stop at the Ascension Cathedral, built by Andrei Zenkov, who is famous as a founder of earthquake-proof construction. Dinner follows later.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Almaty Our morning begins at Altyn Emel National Park, with its burial mounds and petroglyphs. Next, we visit the Besshatyr Burial Mounds – the “five tents necropolis”. We explore Tamgaly Tas, which is famous for its petroglyphic rock drawings.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 4 | Almaty Another early breakfast awaits and then we travel to Medeo. We take a cable car to Shymbulak, situated at an altitude of 7,215 meters, and from here we transfer to Big Almaty Lake. Next, we return to the city and enjoy lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, we explore the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. We also see Republic Square, which is as big as two stadiums. We have free time later.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 5 | Almaty - Taraz This morning we head to the site of Tanbaly. This open-air museum was recognized by UNESCO in 2004 and is home to a selection of unique petroglyphs that include depictions of tribal dances and animals. From here, we drive for around eight hours to Taraz.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Shymkent - Turkistan Our first stop is Otrar, located around 136 miles from Shymkent. On the way, we stop for lunch in the town Shaulder, which is home to a museum that displays ancient artifacts and a diorama of the Battle of Otrar. After some time in Otrar, we transfer to Turkistan city.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Turkistan Breakfast is followed by a visit to the Mausoleum of prophet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – an important pilgrimage site in the Islamic world. We take a break for lunch and then drive on to Sauran. An enlightening lecture from our expert scholar follows and then we return to Turkistan city, where our hotel is located.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Turkistan - Tashkent After breakfast, we transfer to the Chernyaevka border, where we cross into Uzbekistan. Dinner tonight is at our hotel in Tashkent.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Tashkent - Nukus - Khiva This morning, we fly to Nukus. Upon arrival, we visit the Savitsky Art Museum. Next, we drive to the Silk Road city of Khiva. On the way, we visit Chilpik Dakhma, a Zoroastrian tower of silence constructed between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE. We have lunch at the Ayaz Kala yurt camp and arrive in Khiva later.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 12 | Khiva

Day 6 | Taraz The mysterious Akyrtas settlement awaits us this morning. Here we find huge mounds of red sandstone that emerge mysteriously from the earth in several rows. We return to the city for lunch and then we visit one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan – Taraz. We also explore the Zhambyl History Museum before heading to our hotel.

All meals included.

A lecture on the history of Ayaz Kala and Khiva gets the morning off to an engaging start, and then we begin a city tour on foot. This was the first destination in Uzbekistan to be granted UNESCO status and we explore sites such as the Ichan-Kala architectural complex, the Residence of the last Khiva Khan, and the Juma Mosque. Lunch follows at a restaurant and leisure time follows.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 13 | Khiva - Bukhara

Kazakhstan

Breakfast is followed by a journey to Bukhara, once a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route. Upon arrival, we have dinner.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Bukhara

Uzbekistan

A lecture on Bukhara is followed by a city tour, which includes the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, and the Bolo-Hauz Mosque. In the afternoon, we visit sites such as the Citadel Ark and Chor-Minor. There is leisure time before dinner.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 15 | Bukhara We spend our morning at Paykent and on our return to Bukhara, we have lunch and visit the memorial complex of Chor-Bakr, a 16th century necropolis. We also visit the tomb of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband. Later, a cultural experience awaits at Nodir Devon Begi, where we have dinner and see the show on ancient costumes.

Breakfast & lunch included.

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Historical necropolis of Shakhi Zinda, Uzbekistan

Day 16 | Bukhara - Samarkand Today we travel to Samarkand, stopping on the way to visit Rabati Malik and to tour the city of Shahrisabz. We also see the Dorut Saodat complex, Jahongir mausoleum, and the Kok Gumbaz Mosque. We have a break for lunch and continue on to Samarkand.

Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 17 | Samarkand A lecture on Samarkand awaits and then we explore its monuments.

We begin at the Afrasiab Museum and then move on to the Ulugh Beg Observatory – one of the finest in the Islamic world. After lunch, we discover the Regional Museum of Samarkand and our day ends at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – Tamerlane’s tomb.

Breakfast & lunch included.

journey to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Dinner will be later this evening at a local restaurant and then we will relax at our hotel.

All meals included.

Day 21 | Tashkent This morning, we sit down to a lecture on Tashkent. We tour the Old Town, including Barak-Khan madrasah, Kukeldash madrasah, and the Chorsu bazaar. Our day ends at Uzbekistan’s fine State Museum of History and then we sit down to a farewell group dinner.

All meals included.

Day 22 | Depart Tashkent Today we return to the airport, where we catch our individual flights home or continue with any onward independent travel.

Breakfast included.

Day 18 | Samarkand Today we make our way to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the architectural complex of Sha-i-Zinda. We have lunch at a local restaurant and our afternoon is spent at leisure. Ahead of dinner, we regroup and visit Registan Square, with its spectacular light show.

All meals included.

Day 19 | Samarkand Breakfast is followed by the chance to walk through the land border at Jartepa. From here, we transfer to Penjikent city to its Sarazm settlement, which is over 5500 years old. We tour the Republican Historical Museum and explore ancient Panjakent excavations, known as the ‘Pompeii of Central Asia’. We drive back to the border and return to Samarkand for dinner and our overnight stay.

All meals included.

Day 20 | Samarkand - Tashkent Today we pay a visit to Samarkand’s Registan Square, surrounded by the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kori madrasahs. After, we stop for lunch and then we transfer to the train station for our onward

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 4 nights in Alamaty: 5* Rixos Alamaty Hotel

3 nights in Tashkent: 5* Wyndham Tashkent Hotel

2 nights in Taraz: 4* Hotel Arai Plaza

2 nights in Khiva: 3* Hotel Bek Khiva or similar

1 night in Shymkent: 5* Rixos Khadisha Shymkent

3 nights in Bukhara: 4* Devon Begi Boutique or similar

2 nights in Turkistan: 4* Hotel Khanaka

4 nights in Samarkand: 4* Grand Samarkand Superior

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/tsr

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BHUTAN & LADAKH

The Himalayan Kingdoms

The Himalayas have captured imaginations for decades as an almost supernatural realm imbued with magic and mystery, and inhabited by immortal gods and sorcerers. Such descriptions have their origins in the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the Himalayan region, as well as the spiritual character of its ancient cultural traditions. The two remote Himalayan Buddhist kingdoms of Bhutan and Ladakh, each possessing their own unique identities, are the best repositories for the distinctive living traditions of the Tibetan cultural area.

Our journey takes us to the Kingdom of Bhutan, which has preserved its singular culture and lifestyle to an amazing degree, from its textiles and diverse folk arts to its distinctive architecture and religious masked dances. In Ladakh, we witness the colorful and exciting festival and visit well-preserved sites that date back to the introduction of Buddhism in the 10th and 11th centuries. This tour is strenuous. It involves travel to altitudes that exceed 15000 feet as well as long but spectacular days. If you have a heart or lung condition, please seek medical advice before booking. Special diets will be difficult to cater for and you need a good level of fitness.

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Dates and prices 18 days Sep 03 - 20 | $9,565 $9,965 SAVE $400 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,280 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flights: Delhi - Paro, Paro - Delhi, Delhi - Leh & Leh - Delhi • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

The Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

DELHI - THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - PARO - DELHI - LEH - ALCHI - LEH - DELHI Tour highlights Gaze upon stunning panoramic views over the Himalayas Witness a sacred blessing ceremony at a working monastery Take part in an enlightening and centering meditation session A real must-do for any visitor to Bhutan – hike to the incredible Tiger’s Nest in Paro Attend a memorable prayer ceremony in Ladakh Be welcomed into the home of a local Ladakhi family for tea

Expert Scholar Dr Gregg Hillis After receiving his PhD from the University of Virginia, Gregg is now a lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he teaches courses on Buddhism, Tibetan and Sanskrit literature.

Gregg’s research focuses on Tibetan history, literature, art and architecture. He has been the academic director of the highly acclaimed University of Virginia Summer Tibetan Language Institute for the last two years, and is the project manager for the Bonpo Textual Project at Rice University.

He has also served as a consultant for National Geographic.

Gregg has led several tours to Bhutan and Ladakh and his knowledge of the language, history, art and religion will greatly enhance our experience.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi Upon arrival in Delhi, we will transfer to our hotel.

Dinner included.

Day 2 | Delhi/Paro - Thimphu We meet for the first time as a group this morning and return to Delhi airport, where we board our flight to Paro. Upon arrival, we drive to Thimphu – the ‘soul of Bhutan’ – and check in to our hotel.

Major highlights in Thimphu include the Textile Museum, National Library, The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, and Simply Bhutan Museum. In the evening, we walk around Thimphu’s main market area, and then we have an introductory lecture and dinner.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Thimphu After breakfast, we visit the weekend market. This is followed by a performance of mask and folk dances by the Royal Dance Troupe at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts. Lunch comes after at a local restaurant and then we pay a visit to the Tashichho Dzong – or “fortress of the glorious religion”. Our touring ends at the Changangkha Monastery, perched on a ridge above town. Here, we are welcomed by a monk and can participate in a blessing ceremony that includes lighting butter candles. We will receive a blessing from the senior monk, who will then show us around the monastery.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Thimphu This morning we visit the Tanka Painting School. Here, students are trained in the various art forms of Bhutan with the intent of keeping the centuries-old traditions alive. Next, we visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s third king – His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. From here, we visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where prayers can be offered to statue – the largest in the country at 54 metres. After lunch, we visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, which now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. Later in the afternoon, we learn to meditate under the guidance of a monk.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Thimphu - Punakha After breakfast, we visit the National Library, which is home to modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Later, we drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by large Bhutanese chortens and prayer flags. Prayer flags

are hoisted for happiness, prosperity, and luck. At the pass, we join a ceremony hanging the prayer flags. Upon arrival in Punakha, we check in to our hotel and visit the Punakha Dzong, a structure built at the junction of two rivers. An afternoon hike takes us to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the Queen Mother. Our evening is spent exploring Punakha village.

All meals included.

Day 6 | Punakha Our first visit of the day is to the temple and nunnery, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, which houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteśvara. Other statues here include Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity). The complex is home to a higher learning and meditation center for its nuns. Later, we visit Chimi Lakhang.

All meals included.

Day 7 | Punakha - Paro A drive back to Paro awaits this morning. This town has not yet been spoiled by commercialization, and the painted wooden restaurants and characterful shops are the trademark attractions. Later, we visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the National Museum. Its extensive collection includes antique Thangka paintings, textiles, armor, and household objects. We also visit Rinpung Dzong – or, ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. Fine wall paintings that illustrate Buddhist lore can be seen here.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Paro For those physically fit enough, today offers us the chance to hike to Taktshang Monastery – or, ‘The Tiger’s Nest’. With an immensely rewarding walk that takes around five hours in total (with part of it possible on horseback), this is one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff over half a mile above the Paro valley floor. On the way back to town, we stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. On the way, we visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas

by King Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, we watch an archery competition. This is an ancient Bhutanese tradition and the national sport here, which proves popular with both men and women alike.

In the evening, a local restaurant welcomes us, and we learn to cook Bhutanese cuisine. We stay for dinner and wear traditional dress.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Paro - Delhi Today we transfer to the airport in Paro, where we board our flight for Delhi. The remainder of our day is spent at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 10 | Delhi - Leh An early morning transfer to the airport in Delhi is calling and from here we board our flight to Leh. Upon arrival, we have some free time in order to acclimatize to the altitude. This afternoon, we will regroup for a leisurely stroll through the fascinating bazaars of the old town. During our stay, there will be an opportunity to attend the colorful Ladakh Festival, an annual two-week event.

All meals included.

India

Bhutan

Day 11 | Leh After breakfast, our touring begins with the museum at Stok Palace, which is around 200 years old and is still occupied by the widow of the last king. We return to Leh for a walking tour, where we pass the

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

dramatic Tsemo Hill, where the remains of the Royal Palace can be seen, and the Maitreya Temple, home to a statue of Maitreya.

All meals included.

Day 12 | Leh This morning we head to Spituk Gompa, a 15th century monastery that tumbles down the sides of a steep knoll to a tight cluster of farmhouses and well-watered fields. The Gompa monastery has three chapels and the highest – the Paldan Lumo temple (Kali Mater) – is the most impressive. We also visit Phyang Monastery, built in 1500 by King Lkra-Shis-Namgyal, founder of the Namgyal dynasty.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Leh Early this morning, we visit the Thiksey Monastery to attend a prayer ceremony and meet with a senior monk who gives us a brief discourse on Buddhism. After, we stop for breakfast and then it’s on to Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest of the Ladakhi gompas.

We also visit the palace of Shey. This was once the ancient capital of Ladakh and even after Sengge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey as their real home.

The importance attached to it is attested by the enormous number of chorten that can be seen around the village, particularly by the palace complex and on the barren plain to the north of the road.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Leh - Alchi A drive along the Indus River, stopping for photos at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, gets our day off to a stunning start.

We continue on to the fortified monastery of Basgo, which was the capital during the 15th and 17th centuries. Later, we make our way to Likir. The monastery here is no longer a place of active worship, but instead maintains and runs a school for young lamas. Next, we continue towards Uletokpo and visit Alchi Monastery, founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo the Great Translator, and richly decorated by artists from Kashmir and Tibet.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Alchi We have breakfast and then drive to Lamayuru. The 11th century monastery here is one of the earliest seats of lamaistic learning and is also the most picturesque in all of Ladakh. After lunch, we drive back to Uleytokpo, stopping off to visit the Rizong Gompa on the

way. Rizoeng is among the few monasteries in Ladakh that houses female monks called “Chomos”. This evening, we are privileged to enjoy a cultural encounter as we accept an invitation to have tea with a Ladakhi family in their home. This is a unique opportunity to talk with the family, to learn how Ladakhi tea is made and to see the interiors of a traditional house.

All meals included.

Day 16 | Alchi - Leh This morning we drive back to Leh. Upon arrival, there will be some time to relax or do some last-minute shopping before we gather together for our evening meal.

All meals included.

Day 17 | Alchi - Leh Today we transfer to the airport in Leh and we board our flight to Delhi. Tonight we have a farewell dinner together in Delhi.

Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 18 | Depart Delhi We depart Delhi today and catch our individual flights back home or continue with any onward travel.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level This tour is considered strenuous. It involves travel to altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet as well as long but spectacular days. If you have a heart or lung condition please seek medical advice before booking.

We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 3 nights in Delhi: 4* Hotel Novotel Aerocity

2 nights in Paro: 4* Naksel Boutique Resort

3 nights in Thimphu: 4* Hotel Druk

5 nights in Leh: 4* Hotel Grand Dragon

2 nights in Punakha: 4* RKPO Green Resort

2 nights in Alchi: 4* Uley Ethnic Resort

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/bhu

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MONGOLIA

Archaeological Treasures of the Eastern Steppes An exploration of Mongolia’s ancient history and unforgettable landscapes, this expedition passes through vast grasslands and forested mountains to the sites of archaeological treasures. Travelers will explore ancient burial sites, stone men, the ruins of legendary cities, and finely rendered deer stones erected thousands of years ago

by Turkic-Mongol tribes. Our tour explores the wartime fortresses and capitals of Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire alongside beautifullyset Buddhist monasteries of the past and present. We also explore the region’s lesser-known history, including the 8th century citadel of Kharbalgas in the fertile Orkhon Valley, a center of political activity centuries before the birth of Genghis Khan.

Explore the national parks and wild horse reserves of rural Mongolia, still home to many nomadic tribes. Marvel at the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi desert. Enjoy a luxury take on nomadic ger camps and even — in true Mongolian style — have the opportunity for an optional camel excursion. This tour is recommended for archaeology buffs who are comfortable camping in tents and driving overland through the country’s vast landscapes to visit some of Asia’s most significant and awe-inspiring sites.

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Dates and prices 17 days Jun 25 - Jul 11 | $9,595 $9,995 SAVE $400 (exc. international airfare from the US) Single Supp: $1,400 Deposit: $1,250

Price includes • Expert scholar & tour manager • Accommodation • A/C coach • Flight: Ulaanbaatar - Murun • Entries & tips • Meals as per the itinerary • Four lectures from our expert scholar

Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

ULAANBAATAR - MURUN - JARGALANT - KHARKHORIN - UGII LAKE - KHUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK - GOBI DESERT - ULAANBAATAR Tour highlights Visit the National Museum of Mongolia and discover the artifacts of the country’s history, from the Neolithic to the present day Explore the ancient capital of the Mongol and the Northern Yuan at Karakorum Discover an array of megalithic Mongolian deer stones Travel to key sites that have produced dinosaur eggs and fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period, such as the Flaming Cliffs Extend your experience and stay for the famous Naadam Festival, where archery, horse racing and wrestling take center stage

Expert Scholar Dr Jean-Luc Houle Jean-Luc is an Associate Professor in Anthropology at Western Kentucky University, and director of the WKU Anthropology Lab. His research focuses on the study of early complex societies with a particular emphasis on East Asia and the Eurasian steppe region. He is particularly interested in variables affecting changes in political economy, subsistence practices, mobility patterns, and the causes of the development of increasingly complex societies and social inequality among mobile pastoralists in Mongolia. Consequently his work investigates the social and ritual construction of landscapes and the sense of territoriality among mobile pastoralists, as well as on human-environment relationships and how all this relates to the development of complex societies.

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Day 1 | Arrive in Ulaanbaatar The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers (wooden latticed structures covered with layers of felt and canvas) and Buddhist monasteries sit alongside modern high-rises. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by our guide and then we transfer to our hotel, which is within walking distance of museums and shops.

Dinner included.

real highlight. Comprised of 14 remarkably preserved deer stones, lined up from north to south, this site is often referred to as the “graveyard of deer stones.” The front stone is carved with a human face at the top and is the only one of its kind. We spend time exploring the monuments, before embarking on a long drive to Jargalant, passing through pastoralist encampments. On arrival, we can indulge in a traditional hot spring bath.

All meals included.

Day 2 | Ulaanbaatar

Day 6 | Jargalant - Khorgo-Terkh National Park

We enjoy a welcome lecture and a visit to the stunning buildings of the Choijin Lama Temple Complex. This afternoon we take a walk around Ulaanbaatar, pausing in the grand Sükhbaatar (or Chinggis) Square. Later, we visit the National History Museum to explore its displays of implements from daily nomadic life, including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, religious relics, and equipment used for fishing and hunting.

All meals included.

Today we explore the region of Jargalant. View the ruins of the Ariin Huree Monastery, which include remnants of a staircase that leads to a hilltop. We then travel to our next Ger Camp on the shores of Terkhin Tsagaan Lake.

All meals included.

Day 3 | Ulaanbaatar Today we explore the Winter Palace Complex, where Mongolia’s last king and eighth living Buddha resided, before discovering the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts. After lunch, we continue to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. On our return to Ulaanbaatar, we visit the Tonyukuk monument, considered to be one of the most valued archaeological sites of the early Mongolian Turkic nation. It is inscribed with a brief history of the Turkic state and the statue is considered one of the most significant examples of runic inscription.

All meals included.

Day 4 | Ulaanbaatar - Murun We fly to Murun and visit its museum, which is home to a fantastic ethnographic collection of the traditional dress of Mongolian ethnic groups. After lunch, we see the Hyadagin deer stones, some of which are an extraordinary nine-feet tall. Next, we continue on to Lake Hovsgol. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl,” is situated among pristine forests, mountains, and meadows. We end today’s sightseeing at Achmag deer stones and tonight we enjoy our first night in a traditional ger camp.

All meals included.

Day 5 | Murun - Jargalant We complete our study of the region’s deer stones at Uushigiin.

Of the many deer stones in the Hovsgol Province, those here are a

Day 7 | Khorgo-Terkh National Park - Kharkhorin An early morning awaits as we prepare for another day of discovery.

Arhangai Province is home to hundreds of ancient square burial mounds, deer stones, monuments, and petroglyphs. We visit the 19th century monument of the “Maidar” Buddha, located on the bank of the South Tamir River, before stopping at the picturesque Zayayn Gegeenii Temple to observe a ‘wolf stone’ located in front of its main temple. After crossing over Tsagaan Burgasnii Davaa Pass, we encounter decorated deer stones at Shivertin and Tsatssiin.

All meals included.

Day 8 | Kharkhorin 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. Just behind the monastery compound, we visit the site of archaeological work being conducted by German archaeologists at the former sight of Karakorum. Here, the foundation of a house with a brick stove was found and among the most significant artifacts was a beautifully forged gold bracelet.

All meals included.

Day 9 | Kharkhorin We begin the day with a visit to Tovkhon Khiid Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, founded by Zanabazar – the Khalka’s spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism in outer Mongolia.

All meals included.

Day 10 | Kharkhorin - Ugii Lake

Mongolia

This morning is spent exploring the ruins of the ancient citadel of Har Balgas. Meaning ‘Black Ruins,’ Har Balgas was the site of the 9th century Uigur capital. Genghis Khan greatly admired the Uigurs and adopted their script as the official script of the Mongols, which is still used in the country today. Next, we drive northwest to the village of Hoton Village – the site of this journey’s first deer stone.

Although half of the stone is missing, locals brought the remaining part to their village for display and preservation. After lunch, we visit the Kultegin Monument en route to Ugii Lake, erected during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century.

All meals included.

Day 11 | Ugii Lake - Khustain Nuruu National Park We begin the day exploring the expansive ruins of the Uighar Har Buh Fortress, dating back to the time of Uighar’s domination in central Asia, before exploring the Ulaan Herem archaeological site.

Our afternoon is spent in Hustai National Park, a reserve built to protect wildlife such as Przwalski horses, red deer, and marmot.

All meals included.

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If you have any questions about this tour, please contact a member of our team today:

Extend your tour and experience the celebrated Naadam Festival If you want to encounter one of Mongolia’s most traditional expressions of nomadic culture, why not extend your stay so that you can experience the one-of-a-kind Naadam Festival. An incredible fusion of arts and sports, this annual event showcases three sports as a way to celebrate the country’s national independence. Here, you can watch wrestling, horse-racing and archery alongside performances of dancing and singing.

The Naadam Festival is a national holiday that lasts for three days and local attendees typically wear traditional, brightly colored costumes called ‘dell’ throughout. At the event, you’ll be able to sample a traditional dish known as khuushuur – a fried pancake stuffed with meat – and can soak up the atmosphere of this festival, which is held in such high regard by the Mongolian people.

To find out how to add this on to your tour, please just get in touch with our team.

Day 12 | Khustain Nuruu National Park - Ulaanbaatar We visit the Ongot graves, the stones of which are ornately carved with intricate man-like features. This afternoon, we return to Ulaanbaatar and explore the Hunnu Mall’s dinosaur exhibit, also stopping at the Zaisan Soviet era memorial for its city views.

All meals included.

Day 13 | Ulaanbaatar We begin with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted, and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshipers, and the few lamas who survived the purges began training a new generation. Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras – the teachings of the Buddha. Our afternoon is at leisure.

All meals included.

Day 14 | Gobi Desert This morning we fly to Dalanzadgad and then drive to our ger camp.

After free time to rest, we make our way to the Moltsog sand dune, where we meet with local nomads for an introduction to life in the Gobi. Here, we can also ride a camel, and then we drive on to Flaming Cliffs, an area that has yielded many dinosaur fossils.

All meals included.

Day 15 | Gobi Desert

Gandan Monastery

visit the entrance museum and we can walk up to the gorge for spectacular sights over rocky cliffs and dramatic canyons.

All meals included.

Day 16 | Ulaanbaatar We return to Ulaanbaatar this morning and can look forward to an afternoon at leisure. This is a great chance to explore the bustling metropolis before we come together for our farewell dinner.

All meals included.

Day 17 | Depart Ulaanbaatar We transfer to the airport for our independent flights back home.

Breakfast included.

Tour Information Activity Level We stay in a selection of hotels, hand-picked by our experts, ensuring they are the best available: 6 nights in Ulaanbaatar: 5* Shangri-La Hotel 1 night in Murun: Uushgiin Uvur Ger Camp 1 night in Jargalant: Jargal Jiguur Ger Camp 1 nights in Khorgo Terkh National Park: Maikhan Tolgoi Ger Camp

Our first visit of the day is to the Khavsgait petroglyphs and then, after lunch, we move on to the breathtaking Yolyn Am gorge. We

+1 (844) 368-7682 | www.archaeological-tours.com/mon

3 nights in Kharkhorin: Munkhtenger ger camp 1 night in Ugii Lake: Ugii Ger Camp 1 night in Khustain Nuruu National Park: Hustai Ger Camp 2 nights in Gobi Desert: Dream Gobi Ger Camp

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Dr William Saturno lecturing at Teotihuรกcan, Mexico

Travel with our Expert scholars When you choose Archaeological Tours, you are choosing quality, passionate, and unrivaled expertise.

Our Expert Scholars are leading archaeologists and historians, who accompany each of tours to bring ancient sites back vibrantly back to life and share fascinating insights from the historical and archaeological periods in question. Their boundless knowledge and personable nature keep guests returning to us year after year.

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Dr Allen Fromherz

Dr William Saturno

Northern Morocco & Southern Spain - Moors & Conquistadors; p.92 Morocco- The Gateway to Africa; p.96

Central Mexico - Mesoamerican Mysteries; p.10 Mexico - Secrets of the Yucatan; p.14

Professor Caroline Malone

Professor Charles Doherty

Italian Alps - Romans, Rock Art & the Iceman; p.56 Sicily & its Islands - The Jewel of the Mediterannean; p.64 Malta, Sardinia & Corsica - An Odyssey of Islands; p.68

Ireland - At the Edge of the Ancient World; p.40

Dr Christina Hatzimichael-Whitley

Professor Craig Benjamin

Cyprus, Crete & Santorini - Ancient Aegean Kingdoms; p.80 Crete - Wine & Archaeology; p.84

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan - In the Footsteps of the Traders; p.120

Dr David Guinee

Dr Dirk Booms

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii - Ancient Maritime Powers; p.60

Sicily & its Islands - The Jewel of the Mediterannean; p.64

Elizabeth Norton

Professor Gerald Schaus

England - Henry VIII & his Wives; p.36

Greece - Myths & Monuments; p.72 Greece Cruise - In the Wake of the Ancient Greeks; p.76

Dr Glenn Bugh

Dr Gregg Hillis

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii - Ancient Maritime Powers; p.60

Bhutan & Ladakh - The Himalayan Kingdoms; p.124

Ian Colvin

Dr Jean-Luc Houle

Armenia & Georgia - Colors & Contrasts of the Caucasus; p.116

Mongolia - Archaeological Treasures of the Eastern Steppes; p.128

Dr John Dobbins

Professor John Hines

Lebanon & Jordan - Travels through Antique Lands; p.108

Scandinavia - Norse Gods & Viking Warriors; p.24

Professor John W. Rick

Dr Luigi Prada

Northern Peru - Land of the Cloud Warriors; p.18

Egypt - Pharaohs & Pyramids; p.100 Egypt Cruise - In the Wake of the Ancient Pharaohs; p.104

Nick Jackson

Professor. Ori Z. Soltes

Lebanon & Jordan - Travels through Antique Lands; p.108

Austria & Germany - The Great Museums of Vienna & Berlin; p.48 Prague, Vienna & Budapest - Jewish Heritage in the Heart of Europe; p.52 Russia - Culture, Art & History; p.88

Dr Pedar Foss

Peter Yeoman

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii - Ancient Maritime Powers; p.60

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Dr Roy Larick

Dr Tom Brogan

France & England - Standing Stones to Medieval Monuments; p.44

Crete - Wine & Archaeology; p.84

Dr Xavier Droux

Dr Yorke Rowan

Egypt - Pharaohs & Pyramids; p.100 Egypt Cruise - In the Wake of the Ancient Pharaohs; p.104

Israel: With the Oriental Institute; p.112

To find out more about our Expert Scholars and see where they are travelling in 2020 visit archaeological-tours.com/expert-scholars 133

JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD WITH A MULTI AWARD-WINNING COMPANY Expert-led archaeological tours await

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Request a copy of Andante Travels’ brand new 2020 program here: www.andantetravels.com/request-brochure or call: 844-364-3616

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Scenic Scottish, Garden and Archaeological Tours From country homes with royal histories and iconic English events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and from exciting vacations to destinations like Granada or New Zealand to journeys around scenic Scotland – Brightwater Holidays has something for ever traveler.

Request a copy of the new 2020 program today: www.brightwaterholidays.com/brochure-request or call: 844-368-9610

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Date for your diary...

January

Mexico: Mesoamerican Mysteries

January 11 - 24 with Dr William Saturno

10

February

Egypt: Pharaohs & Pyramids

February 08 - 23 with Dr Luigi Prada

100

March

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii: Ancient Maritime Powers March 05 - 15 with Dr Glenn Bugh Austria & Germany:

The Great Museums of Vienna & Berlin

Mexico: Secrets of the Yucatán

March 06 - 16 with Professor Ori Soltes

48

March 07 - 20 with Dr William Saturno

14

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii: Ancient Maritime Powers March 21 - 31 with Dr David Guinee

April

May

March 24 - April 07 with Professor Caroline Malone

64

Morocco: The Gateway to Africa

March 28 - April 09 with Dr Allen Fromherz

96

Morocco & Spain: Moors & Conquistadors

April 09 - 23 with Dr Allen Fromherz

92

Lebanon & Jordan: Travels through Antique Lands

April 14 - 27 with Dr John Dobbins

108

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan: In the Footsteps of Traders

April 17 - May 08 with Professor Craig Benjamin

120

Armenia & Georgia: Colors & Contrasts of the Caucasus

April 20 - May 04 with Ian Colvin

116

Cyprus, Crete & Santorini: Ancient Aegean Kingdoms

April 26 - May 10 with Dr Christina Hatzimichael-Whitley

80

Ireland: At the Edge of the Ancient World

May 02 - 16 with Professor Charles Doherty

40

Northern Peru: Land of the Cloud Warriors

May 04 - 17 with Professor John Rick

18

Egypt Cruise: In the Wake of the Pharaohs

May 05 - 21 with Dr Xavier Droux

104

May 11 - 22 with Professor Ori Soltes

52

Greece: Myths & Monuments

May 11 - 25 with Professor Gerald Schaus

72

Scotland: Megaliths & Mythologies

May 14 - 30 with Peter Yeoman

28

Peru Lite: Essence of the Andes

May 17 - 22 with a local guide

22

May 28 - June 10 with Dr Roy Larick

44

Malta, Sardinia & Corsica: An Odyssey of Islands

May 28 - June 12 with Professor Caroline Malone

68

Scotland: Courts & Castles

May 30 - June 08 with Peter Yeoman

32

Crete: Wine & Archaeology

June 07 - 21 with Dr Christina Hatzimichael-Whitley

84

England: Henry VIII & his Wives

June 16 - 29 with Elizabeth Norton

36

Italian Alps: Romans, Rock Art & the Iceman

June 18 - 30 with Professor Caroline Malone

56

Mongolia: Archaeological Treasures of the Eastern Steppes

Jun 25 - Jul 11 2020 with Dr Jean-Luc Houle

128

Heart of Europe

France & England: Standing Stones to Medieval Monuments

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60

Sicily & its Islands: The Jewel of the Mediterranean

Prague, Vienna & Budapest: Jewish Heritage in the

June

60

Scandinavia: Norse Gods & Viking Warriors

July 06 - 21 with Professor John Hines

24

Russia: Culture, Art & History

July 31 - August 12 with Professor Ori Soltes

88

August

Egypt Cruise: In the Wake of the Pharaohs

August 31 - September 16 with Dr Luigi Prada

104

September

Lebanon & Jordan: Travels through Antique Lands

September 02 - 15 with Nick Jackson

108

Bhutan & Ladakh: The Himalayan Kingdoms

September 03 - 20 with Dr Gregg Hillis

124

England: Henry VIII & his Wives

September 08 - 21 with Dr Elizabeth Norton

36

Malta, Sardinia & Corsica: An Odyssey of Islands

September 11 - 26 with Professor Caroline Malone

68

Ireland: At the Edge of the Ancient World

September 17 - October 01 with Professor Charles Doherty

40

Scotland: Courts & Castles

September 18 - 27 with Peter Yeoman

32

Crete: Wine & Archaeology

October 04 - 18 with Dr Tom Brogan

84

Greece: Myths & Monuments

October 05 - 19 with Professor Gerald Schaus

72

Sicily & its Islands: The Jewel of the Mediterranean

October 06 - 20 with Dr Dirk Booms

64

Egypt: Pharaohs & Pyramids

October 10 - 25 with Dr Xavier Droux

100

Greece Cruise: In the Wake of the Ancient Greeks

October 20 - 30 with Professor Gerald Schaus

76

Israel: With the Oriental Institute

October 20 - November 04 with Dr Yorke Rowan

112

Egypt: Pharaohs & Pyramids

October 31 - November 15 with Dr Xavier Droux

100

Northern Peru: Land of the Cloud Warriors

November 02 - 15 with Professor John Rick

18

July

October

November

December

Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Pompeii: Ancient Maritime Powers November 07 - 17 with Dr Pedar Foss

60

Peru Lite: Essence of the Andes

November 15 - 20 with a local guide

22

Morocco: The Gateway to Africa

November 29 - December 11 with Dr Allen Fromherz

96

Mexico: Mesoamerican Mysteries

December 05 - 18 with Dr William Saturno

10

How to book...

There are several ways in which you can book a place on one of our tours. You can book online via our website, but if you prefer to book over the phone, out expert team is available to help whenever you’re ready to call. If you have any further questions about joining one of our tours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

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(844) 368-7682 or info@archaeological-tours.com 137

Booking Conditions Your Holiday Contract When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. Once you have received your confirmation invoice, it is your responsibility to check that the information and booking details, including the spelling of all passenger names, as stated on your invoice are correct and match the passport details. If any of the details on the confirmation invoice are incorrect, you must notify us immediately. We will pass on any additional charges incurred as a result of these details not being correct. We reserve the right to refuse to accept and/or not proceed with any booking at any time at our sole discretion. In accepting bookings for the tour, Archaeological Tours 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.

How to Book You can book now on any of the tours listed on our website or in our brochure, after enquiring either by telephone (866-7405130) or email (info@archaeological-tours.com). We are happy to hold bookings on our tours without commitment for 48 hours. After this, we require a deposit to confirm your place. Payment can be made by card, bank transfer, or check (payable to Archaeological Tours). We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. There is no credit card fee for guests. We do not accept post-dated checks, nor do we keep your card details. For overseas bank transfers, all fees must be paid by the guest(s).

Deposits & Payments A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place on tour. Final payment for all tours is due 12 weeks prior to departure.

Our Price Promise It is our principle that the earlier you book, the lower the price you pay. When we launch our new tours, our lowest prices are made available to give you the very best value for money; prices can increase as the departure date approaches.

Program changes For the majority of our tours, the program will remain exactly as described in the brochure. If we do have to make alterations, for instance due to changes in opening hours, we will do our utmost to ensure that these are for the benefit for our guests. We will inform guests in advance of any changes.

Insurance We strongly recommend that all travelers are covered by comprehensive travel insurance and do not travel against medical advice. You should organize insurance immediately when you book, to ensure you have coverage against possible cancellation charges, medical treatment and repatriation.

Cancellation by you In the event you must cancel a tour, we must receive your intent in writing, either by email or letter. The amount retained by Archaeological Tours will vary dependent on the amount of time between Archaeological Tours receiving your notice and the beginning of the tour, as detailed here.

Retained by Archaeological Tours: Up to 84 days before: Deposit amount 83–63 days before: 35% of tour cost 62–42 days before: 55% of tour cost 41–21 days before: 75% of tour cost 20 days or fewer before: 100% of tour cost.

Penalties are also levied on the single supplement. Insurance is strongly recommended.

Cancellation by us In the event that we cancel your tour prior to the date of departure, occurring either due to low passenger numbers or major logistical barriers to operation, you will have the option to transfer to an alternative tour (and pay/receive a refund/credit in respect of any price difference) or accept a full refund of all monies paid.

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The Tour Rate Includes

Not Included in the Tour Rate

•

Expert Scholar (unless otherwise specified)

•

International airfare and airport taxes

•

Tour Manager and/or a local guide

•

•

Transportation as indicated in the itinerary

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond tour completion and/or visa fees

•

Arrival and departure transfers between the nearest international airport and first and last group hotels

•

Travel insurance

•

Personal expenses such as room service, meals not specified in the itinerary, beverages not on menus or not indicated by tour staff, room service, excess baggage charges, and other optional incidentals

•

Accommodation

•

Meals as specified in the itinerary

•

Entrances to all sites listed

•

Extra hotel nights pre- and/or post-tour

•

Recommended reading list and study book (except on our Lite tours)

•

Guide Lecturer and Tour Manager gratuities are not included and should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis.

•

Participant list, hotel list, country information, joining instructions, luggage labels, baggage straps

•

One checked suitcase and one carry-on bag that will fit under your seat. Size and weight allowances can vary dependent on destination

•

All appropriate gratuities to site guides, drivers, waiters and porters

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.

Data Protection In order to enable us to process and fulfil your booking, we will ask you to provide us with personal information including, but not limited to, name, address, email address, telephone number, details of group members that are travelling, we well as any special needs, health, medical, mobility or dietary requirements. Archaeological Tours is the data controller of any personal information that you provide to us under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

In order to ensure that your holiday is appropriate for your specific needs that you have disclosed to us, for example, a medical condition or reduced mobility, we or the suppliers of your travel arrangements may require further details. We will ask for your explicit consent to collect and share this information as necessary with the suppliers of your travel arrangements in order to fulfil your booking.

We may pass personal information that you provide to us (including health and mobility information as explained above) on to relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies and local tour operators and destination management companies as necessary to fulfil your contract with us.

If you travel outside the European Economic Area (EEA), your personal information may have to be sent to suppliers and other third parties outside the EEA where controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. This may also apply to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any health issues, disabilities or reduced mobility. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot properly effect your booking. We will ensure that adequate safeguards are in place before transferring any of your personal information outside of the EEA. For other details of how we may use your personal information and your rights in relation to your personal information, please see our see our Privacy Policy: https://www.archaeological-tours.com/privacy for further details.

Promotional Material Archaeological Tours reserves the right to use any photographs and images for Legitimate Interest to promote future holidays taken on a holiday by its employees or forwarded by any person on the holiday or connected to the holiday, on its website, in its social network marketing activities or for use in any other relevant promotional material. Should you wish not to be included in any photographs or videos, please inform a member of staff prior to holiday departure.

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SPECIALIST Journeys A collection of some of the world’s finest niche tour operators, we truly put the special in Specialist Journeys. With trips both designed and led by experts, these aren’t just vacations - they are unique and memorable travel experiences.

archaeological tours

2020 Travels through Antiquity

SAVE UP TO $400 PER PERSON

if you book by September 30, 2019

12 INSPIRING NEW TOURS

Contact our team today or request a brochure www.specialistjourneys.com | 1-833-295-3841

(844) 368-7682 | toll free: +1 (866) 740-5130 | www.archaeological-tours.com

Archaeological Tours, 271 Madison Avenue, Suite 904, New York, NY 10016

Jul 19 AT-118 PS

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