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Step back in time to explore the island of Crete, center of the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age, as well as the nearby Cycladic Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. Marvel at the physical evidence of this first advanced civilization in Europe, which created palace complexes, stunning works of art, a unique writing system called Linear A, and an extensive trade network. You will stay in comfortable, five-star hotels, perfect for exploring or just relaxing, with nine nights on Crete in the capital city of Heraklion and in the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos; plus two nights on whitewashed Santorini and two nights on chic Mykonos.
"Joanne Murphy was a fantastic lecturer/host. Her lectures were succinct and always interesting. She was very open to questions. Also, as a member of the tour she was a lot of fun to be around." - Cynthia, California
Highlights:
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- All four known major Minoan palaces in eastern Crete: Phaistos, Malia, Zakros and, of course, legendary Knossos
- Santorini’s ancient Minoan town of Akrotiri, which was well-preserved for millennia under volcanic ash and today paints a picture of life before the island’s 2nd-millennium B.C. eruption
- The island of Delos, most sacred of the islands in the ancient Aegean, which grew from a sanctuary of Apollo into a major hub of commerce
- A variety of Minoan villas, houses, and towns, including the “royal villa” of Agia Triada, the houses at Tylissos, and the vast towns of Palaikastro and Gournia
- The beauty of the cliffside, whitewashed town of Fira, Santorini; and the chic shops and narrow lanes of Chora, Mykonos
- Several excellent museums, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts; the Museum of Cretan Ethnology in Voroi; and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, with a stunning collection of artifacts and wall paintings from the ancient site of Akrotiri
- In addition to your knowledgeable and congenial AIA study leader, you will be accompanied by local guides and a professional tour manager who will handle all of the logistics so you can relax, enjoy, and learn.
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"Paul is excellent, helpful, accommodating, patiently answers questions, a fun storyteller, a font of knowledge. He combines scholarship and witty personality."
- Dale, California
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Decorated Caves of the Pyrenees &
the Rhone Valley
April 3-14, 2025 (12 days | 16 guests)
with prehistory expert Paul G. Bahn
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Discover for yourself a collection of magnificent examples of Ice Age art while in the company of our acclaimed prehistoric cave expert and popular AIA tour leader, Dr. Bahn. Highlights include the original decorated caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, Niaux, and Gargas. Also visit the spectacular Chauvet cave replica at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and the recently opened Cosquer Méditerranée. Enjoy fine food and delightful accommodations.
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"Jenifer made the trip so much better by distilling the plethora of information provided by local guides into memorable vignettes. She gave us what we needed to take away from each site with clarity and humor."
- Kathleen, New York
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Single and double occupancy cabins are available, call today! | |
Set out from the Straits of Gibraltar, cruising from Spain along the northern Mediterranean to Naples, Italy, visiting six UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way (among other wonderful sites): Gibraltar, Granada’s Alhambra Palace, prehistoric sites of Talayotic Menorca, Sardinia’s Su Nuraxi, smoldering Mount Etna, and the Greek temples of Paestum.
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"Archaeologist Crispin Corrado made everything even better. She was knowledgeable, generous, savvy, and good company."
- David, Michigan
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Reservations extended:
book by January 22, 2025!
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Join us on this springtime journey exploring fascinating archaeological sites, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and the legendary food and wine culture of southern Italy and Sicily. On all but one of the seven hikes, an extra guide will allow us to split into two groups, so that you may choose either a longer or shorter excursion. Planned hikes vary, ranging from 2 hrs./3 mi. to 6 hrs./9 mi. per day, depending on your interest and level of fitness. See brochure for details.
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Limited cabins available, call today! | |
For a complete list of tours, including those in the planning stages and with a waiting list, go to AIATours.org. | | | | |
