Hiking Scotland's North Highlands & Isle of Lewis
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-28
Join archaeologist Mary MacLeod Rivett and a small group of like-minded travelers on this 12-day tour of Scotland’s remote north Highlands and the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Mostly we will explore off the well-beaten Highland tourist trail, and along the way we will be treated to an abundance of archaeological and historical sites, striking scenery – including high cliffs, sea lochs, sandy and rocky bays, mountains, and glens – and, of course, excellent hiking. Scotland’s long and varied history stretches back many thousands of years, and archaeological remains ranging from Neolithic cairns and stone circles to Iron Age brochs (ancient dry stone buildings unique to Scotland), medieval castles, and deserted clearance villages cover these landscapes. Seven of our touring days involve hikes of 4.5 to 6 miles per day, and we will rest and reflect in comfortable hotels that extend Highland warmth and hospitality.

Hiking Scotland's Orkney & Shetland Islands
2023-07-31 - 2023-08-10
This is the perfect opportunity to explore all that Scotland’s Northern Isles have to offer: prehistoric stone circles, burial chambers, and settlements; quaint villages; huge seabird colonies; and remarkable plant life—all amidst dramatic landscapes. This will be Scotland seen slowly, with time for in-depth exploration at each site. The Orkney and Shetland islands have an amazing wealth of archaeological sites dating back 5,000 years. Together the islands have more than 18,000 known sites, with new discoveries being made every year. This archaeological saga is worth the telling, and nowhere else can the evidence be seen in more glorious a setting.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
2023-09-03 - 2023-09-16
This journey takes you through the archaeology, history, and landscapes of Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way,” from south to north hugging the west coast of Ireland. Explore the breathtaking land and seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, visiting off-the-beaten-track monuments from all periods of Irish history. Traveling northwards into the incredible karst limestone region of the Burren, County Clare, you will enjoy stunning cliff-top views out to the Atlantic and visit intriguing sites set in a unique geological and ecological landscape. We visit the largest of the remote Aran Islands, to explore the most extraordinary 3,000-year-old promontory fort of Dún Aonghasa and continue north to the dramatic landscape of the Connemara mountains. From here we head to County Sligo and Yeats Country, where you will explore the lives and monuments of the first farmers in Ireland and walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, who in turn respected the traditions of even more ancient peoples. Travel in a small group and enjoy
the personal attention and service of a highly respected Irish academic lecturer/host and a charming tour manager, plus several specialist guest guides.

France: The Reach of the Romans from Turin, Italy to Nice, France
2023-09-16 - 2023-09-27
Join archaeologist Patrick Hunt on this exciting itinerary from Turin to Nice and discover how the ancient Gauls and Romans interacted with the landscapes and shaped the history and cultures of northern Italy and southern France. Together we will
cross the Alps by high-speed train, from Turin to Lyon.

Prehistoric Cave Art of Spain & France
2023-09-20 - 2023-10-02
Travel with world-renowned archaeological author Paul Bahn, a gifted and popular lecturer who regularly leads tours to study the prehistory of Spain and France, including this program. Dr. Bahn will enhance your understanding of the sites with lectures and informal discussions. Investigate southwestern Europe’s most extraordinary prehistoric caves, including Lascaux IV, a new, exact reproduction of one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites ever discovered; Altamira II, a precise replica of the original that is often called the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art”; Atapuerca, the most significant early human site in western Europe; Las Monedas Cave and Cueva del Castillo, where 455 animal likenesses were painted and engraved some 22,000-14,000 years ago, but other motifs such as hand stencils and red dots have been dated to more than 40,000 years ago, meaning that they may well have been made by Neanderthals; Cougnac, which features paintings of extinct megaloceros and mammoth; Pech Merle, known for its “negative handprints”; and others.

Minoan Crete & the Cycladic Islands
2023-09-24 - 2023-10-08
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.

Vietnam & Cambodia: Cruising the Mekong River
2023-10-02 - 2023-10-15
Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Joyce C. White will share insights with you throughout this journey. Dr. White has worked in Southeast Asian archaeology since the mid-1970s and currently directs a field-based archaeological research program in Laos that focuses on the history and prehistory of the Mekong Basin. She is co-director of the Middle Mekong Archaeological Project (MMAP) and Director of the University of Pennsylvania Museum’s Ban Chiang Project. Since 1987 Dr.
White has been a researcher and associate curator at the Penn Museum, and she is now adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013 she founded the Institute for Southeast Asian Archaeology (ISEAA), where she is currently its Executive Director. Dr. White has been a lecturer on seven previous tours to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, including four times with the AIA on this very Mekong Princess program since 2016. During our trip, she will discuss the culture, history, and prehistory of the Mekong River Basin, the world’s twelfth longest river, and the main artery for mainland Southeast Asia for communication, trade, and population movements for thousands of years. She will also discuss the ancient and historic trade networks that linked Southeast Asia to the rest of the Old World, and the origins of Southeast Asian civilizations, with a particular focus on the Khmer Empire. Her most popular lectures are about current archaeological research at Angkor, and about her experience as an expert witness for a US Justice Department case on smuggling of Asian antiquities. Highlights include, spending seven nights aboard the elegant MEKONG PRINCESS; Taking two full days to explore awe-inspiring ANGKOR, including the mighty Angkor Wat; Attending a performance of APSARA, a classical Khmer dance; Catching glimpses of the region’s unique RIVER VILLAGE lifestyle and Enjoying rides on local SAMPANS, CYCLOS, and TUK TUKS

Island Life in Ancient Greece and Turkey
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-11
Journey with Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and congenial host Michael Hoff, a classical archaeologist, on this voyage in Greece and Turkey, exploring the preserved treasures and mythical landscapes of the ancient Greco-Roman world. Cruise among fabled islands aboard the exclusively chartered, five-star Le Bougainville. This elite small ship has only 92 suites and staterooms, each with a private balcony, and is able to moor in small ports of call inaccessible to larger vessels. Our epic program calls on Delos, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini-ancient destinations steeped in mythology and history. Cruise to Turkey’s sun-drenched coast to visit Ephesus, the most spectacularly preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. On Greece’s mainland, tour the scenic wonder of Meteora, where 14th-and 15th-century Orthodox monasteries crown soaring sandstone cliffs.

Sicily: Archaeology, Art & Cuisine with extended tour in Malta
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-15
Travel with archaeologist Jenifer Neils and discover several of most impressive Greek archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, such as Agrigento, Selinunte, Segesta, Morgantina, and Syracuse. Admire spectacular, sunlit landscapes of undulating vineyards and Mediterranean Sea vistas. See two of the finest examples of Norman architecture: Monreale Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni). View extensive archaeological collections at several excellent museums. Choose to extend your trip for four nights to discover the renowned and extraordinary prehistoric monuments on the island of Malta, October 14-18, 2023.

Cruising the Adriatic: The Best of Slovenia & Croatia
2023-10-07 - 2023-10-18
I invite you to join Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Ivancica (Vanca) Schrunk aboard a modern, 18-cabin yacht for an early autumn cruise along the spectacular coast of Croatia. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austrians have vied for control of this strategic coastline that is dotted with over 1,000 islands. In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, you will visit spellbinding archaeological sites, impressive cathedrals, dramatic palaces, and ancient city centers. Begin the program in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, a city with roots back to Roman times. Discover magical Lake Bled, monumental karst caves, and mountain aeries before continuing to Pula, Croatia, to begin your seven-night Adriatic cruise from the Istrian Peninsula to Dubrovnik, visiting Mali Lošinj, Zadar, Šibenik, Krka National Park, Split, Hvar, and Korcula along the way. A leisurely pace allows for free time in town to sample local cuisine and mingle with locals.

Spokane Archaeology Day
2023-10-07 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 West First Avenue, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
The Spokane Society will have a table at Spokane Archeology Day, along with other local organizations and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. We will talk with visitors, advertise the AIA, promote the field of archaeology, and the like.

The Best of Ancient Peru
2023-10-09 - 2023-10-24
Travel and learn with AIA lecturer/host Gabriela Cervantes-Quequezana plus a professional tour manager and local guides. Your AIA lecturer will provide insights to spectacular archaeological sites from Peru’s many layers of ancient civilizations, plus anthropological insights to the country’s diverse cultural traditions and ecosystems. This custom-designed, 15-night itinerary is carefully paced with three nights each in Cuzco, Chiclayo, and Urubamba’s Sacred Valley; plus two nights each in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Lima, and Trujillo. Four of your six hotels are luxurious and the other two offer generous comfort.
Enjoy in-depth explorations of many of the greatest archaeological sites in Peru: pyramids, temples, royal tombs, and colonial churches; plus splendid museum collections. Peruvian cuisine is world renowned, and you will enjoy many special meals. Our group is limited to a maximum of 15 guests.

Peru: Ancient Cultures of the Coast & Andes
2023-10-10
Join AIA Lectuer and Host Dr. Gabriela Cervantes-Quequezana who is a Peruvian anthropological archaeologist. She has done extensive field research through survey and excavations in several regions of Peru, including the north, south, coast,
and highlands. Gabriela is the director of the Chira Archaeological Project, which investigates local north coast societies like Tallán and the impact that expanding states such as Sicán and empires such as Chimú had on local communities. She researches ancient demographic patterns, monumental and domestic architecture, craft production of ceramics and metals, gender dynamics and women in ancient societies, economic inequality in the archaeological record, and more. Gabriela led this AIA tour of Peru in 2023, and looks forward to doing so again in 2024. Through illustrated lectures and informal discussions, she will provide an understanding of the numerous ancient Peruvian societies whose sites we visit, and the complex processes of adaption they each made in the many different ecological regions of Peru. This is sure to be an exciting and educational experience.
Highlights include:
– Your AIA lecturer will provide insights to spectacular archaeological sites from Peru’s many layers of ancient civilizations, plus anthropological insights to the country’s diverse cultural traditions and ecosystems.
– This custom-designed, 15-night itinerary is carefully paced with three nights each in Cuzco, Chiclayo, and Urubamba’s Sacred Valley; plus two nights each in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Lima, and Trujillo.
– Four of your six hotels are luxurious and the other two offer generous comfort  Enjoy in-depth explorations of many of the greatest archaeological sites in Peru: pyramids, temples, royal tombs, and colonial churches; plus splendid museum collections.
– Peruvian cuisine is world renowned, and you will enjoy many special meals .

The Legacy of the Etruscans: Latium, Umbria & Tuscany
2023-10-11 - 2023-10-22
Discover the world of the ancient Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization that flourished in the area between Rome and Florence from at least the 7th century B.C. until they were conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century B.C. The extent of the impact that the Etruscans’ legacy had on the Greeks and Romans, through to our contemporary world, is still coming to light. Join Dr. Pieraccini and a small group of like-minded fellow travelers to explore and further understand the realm of the Etruscans.

Origins of Humans & Wine: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
2023-10-12 - 2023-10-27
Join us for an exciting trip back in time to explore early humankind and the ‘cradle of wine’ in the southern Caucasus. Learn about ancient winemaking techniques and sample the bounty of the region’s vineyards. Explore medieval towns and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including prehistoric through early Christian complexes. Enjoy Georgia’s famed hospitality, wherein a ‘visitor is considered a gift from God.’ This is a region of extraordinary contrasts, deep history, and cultural diversity.

Oman & the UAE: Crossroads of the Indian Ocean & Arabian Gulf with optional, pre-tour extension to Qatar!
2023-11-02 - 2023-11-20
Delve into the cultural and geographical diversity of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the company of seasoned study leader Trevor Marchand. Our custom-designed itinerary highlights ancient sites and historical monuments, and helps illustrate how influential geography has been on the region’s history and how the region’s maritime history has linked it to elsewhere in Arabia and as far as Africa and southern Asia. Begin with three full days in the UAE. Still a little fishing village as of the 18th century, Dubai was a center of pearl exports until the 1930s. Similarly, Abu Dhabi was founded as a simple pearl and fishing village. After the discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai became one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and Abu
Dhabi was transformed into a luxurious modern metropolis and the capital of the UAE. But this region was settled many centuries earlier, and we will observe how the old and the new co-exist in intriguing ways. Spend the balance of our time exploring Oman, which dominated for centuries the maritime trade routes from Moorish Spain to Canton (modern-day Guangzhou, China). Her seafaring merchants traded in such commodities of civilization as frankincense, myrrh, silk, gold, spices, and coffee. Today, Oman takes pride in sharing its rich history with visitors, as demonstrated in its world-class museums. Altogether we will learn about these countries’ histories, cultures, art, and architecture while witnessing their great geographical diversity, from spectacular
deserts and wadis to pristine coastlines, including a reserve for the endangered green sea turtle.

Archaeology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2024-01-09 - 2024-01-25
Join archaeologist Barbara A. Porter and a small group of fellow travelers for this in-depth travel experience in Saudi Arabia. This will be Dr. Porter’s fourth tour of the country, and you will also be accompanied by local guides and a tour manager. This tour opportunity allows us to see, experience, and learn about Saudi Arabia’s long history and rich culture, and how both were influenced by its dramatic geography; and to become familiar with some of the archaeological research and sites that are being uncovered and shared with the world. Following historic trade and pilgrimage routes, we will cross vast deserts, see irrigated lands teeming with agriculture, and enjoy scenic views with striking mountains and landscapes along the way.

Egypt Revisited
2024-01-12 - 2024-01-28
You are invited to return to Egypt to experience this 17-day, custom designed itinerary in the engaging company of Egyptologist Stephen Harvey plus an expert local Egyptology guide and a professional tour manager. This trio has been receiving accolades for many years.
Highlights are many and varied:
• Spend two full days visiting museums in Cairo (the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the historic Egyptian Museum) OR two full days exploring Giza’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) if it is open.
• Gain inside access to the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, enter the burial chamber of the collapsed pyramid at Meidum, and visit two mud-brick pyramids at the Fayoum Oasis.
• Go behind-the-scenes at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara to see some of the new and remarkable excavations that are not open to the public, including (pending final confirmation) special access to the recently discovered, 5th-dynasty Tomb of Wah Ti.
• Explore the necropoli of Beni Hasan, known for its 39 rock-cut tombs with well-preserved paintings of dancing, acrobatics, juggling, fishing, hunting, and weaving; and Tuna el-Gebel, with huge catacombs for thousands of mummified ibises and baboons,
and much more.
• Visit Tell el-Amarna, which replaced Thebes (modern Luxor) as capital of Egypt under the heretic, 18th-dynasty Pharaoh Akhenaton and was significant for its monotheism and distinctive artistic style.
• Enjoy two in-depth visits to Abydos, where Stephen Harvey has worked since 1993, including visits to the spectacular Temple of Seti I, with its invaluable “Abydos King List” and chapels with exquisite reliefs; and special access to the subterranean Osireion
(symbolic tomb of Osiris), centered around a burial chamber that was once surrounded by water.
• Enjoy luxurious or best-available accommodations throughout, with two or three nights at each property.

Egypt Through The Ages
2024-01-16 - 2024-02-01
This unique trip combines the very best of the ancient pharaonic sites with later Coptic (early Christian) and medieval Islamic sites. This is a luxurious, in-depth, small-group, all-inclusive, well-paced, 17-day trip.
• Learn with a distinguished and engaging Egyptian scholar plus one of Egypt’s most experienced tour managers/guides.
• Travel with a maximum of just 16 guests plus your two leaders.
• Enjoy the best accommodations, including 11 nights at luxurious, 5-star hotels in Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan; and a three-night Nile cruise aboard a comfortable, eight-cabin dahabiya (traditional Nile sail boat).
Highlights include:
• Touring the amazing Giza pyramids and Sphinx as well as Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and recently discovered, closed-to-the-public, Tomb of Wah Ti.
• Exploring spectacular museum collections in Cairo: the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Museum of Islamic Art, and either the historic Egyptian Museum OR, if it is open, enjoy a full day at the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza.
• Discovering with your experts one of the world’s greatest cities—Cairo, the “City of 1,000 Minarets.” See magnificent Islamic architecture spanning the Fatimid, Mameluke, Circassian, Ayyubid, and Ottoman periods.
• Exploring the astounding temple complex of Karnak as well as Luxor Temple, plus spectacular royal mortuary temples and tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, such as those of Seti I and Nefertari.
• Cruising the Nile from Esna to Aswan aboard an eight-cabin sail boat, away from the convoys of large riverboats, so that we visit remarkable temples without the typical crowds. From the spacious top deck, observe timeless pastoral scenes of feluccas,
farmers, herders, and village life.
• Flying to Abu Simbel to visit the stunning and enormous rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
• The option to extend your trip with the five-day, post-tour extension to Wadi El Natrun and Alexandria.
I hope that you will join our distinguished leaders to learn about “Egypt through the Ages.”

Maya Pyramids & Temples of Yucatan
2024-01-20 - 2024-01-28
This incredible nine-day holiday provides the best-paced itinerary available to see the sun-drenched Yucatán peninsula’s ancient sites, traditional Maya villages, and colonial architecture. Maya art and architecture abound, with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, plus Ek Balam, Dzibilchaltun, and more: iconic as well as off-the-beaten-path sites with soaring pyramids, distinctive temple complexes, and wonderful sculpture. There is free time to bird watch, shop for crafts, or
relax, reflect, and enjoy our excellent accommodations. Dr. Jeff Karl Kowalski is an expert on Maya art and architecture. He is a Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University, where he taught from 1982 to 2015, after which he taught selected courses at Temple University. Professor Kowalski has worked for many years in the Maya region, with an emphasis on the majestic site of Uxmal, Yucatán, as well as two seasons spent assisting with work at Copán, Honduras. Uxmal’s impressive Nunnery Quadrangle palace group is the focus of his current research. Professor Kowalski has published extensively on the archaeology, art, and epigraphy of the Maya and their Mesoamerican neighbors

Absolute Egypt
2024-01-30 - 2024-02-16
This itinerary is carefully crafted to provide discerning travelers with the finest Egypt tour available. Our 18-day program is the most in-depth exploration of ancient Egypt’s greatest sites, combining all the best attributes of a small-group, all-inclusive, well-paced, luxury trip.
•Learn with a distinguished and engaging American scholar plus a wonderful local Egyptologist and an excellent tour manager. This trio has been receiving accolades for many years.
•Travel with a maximum of just 16 guests plus your trio of leaders.
•Enjoy the best accommodations, including 13 nights at luxurious, 5-star hotels in Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan; and a three-night Nile cruise aboard a comfortable, eight-cabin dahabiya (traditional Nile sail boat).
•Meet with excavators and conservators, including behind-the-scenes visits,when possible.
•Discover the preeminent sites of the pharaohs from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. If it is open, spend two full days exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum that is scheduled to open in 2023.
– See the amazing Giza pyramids and Sphinx as well as Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and recently discovered, closed-to-the-public, Tomb of Wah Ti.
-Explore the astounding temple complex of Karnak as well as Luxor Temple, plus spectacular royal mortuary temples and tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, such as those of Seti I and Nefertari.
-Visit the remarkable Temple of Hathor at Dendara as well as Abydos, one of the oldest and most important cities in ancient Egypt, where Steve Harvey, your AIA lecturer, has been working since 1993.
-Cruise the Nile from Esna to Aswan aboard an eight-cabin sail boat, away from the convoys of large riverboats, so that we visit remarkable temples without the typical crowds. From the spacious top deck, observe timeless pastoral scenes of feluccas,
farmers, herders, and village life.
-Fly to Abu Simbel to visit the stunning and enormous rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
An optional, eight-day, post-tour extension to Jordan is available.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2024-02-16 - 2024-02-29
This tropical adventure provides the best-paced itinerary available to thoroughly explore ancient Maya sites in the lush jungles of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Maya art and architecture will “come alive” as you encounter enormous stelae (carved monoliths), painted frescoes, stucco friezes, carved lintels, and huge temple-pyramids that soar above the rainforest. Explore, in-depth, the sites of Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal, Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá (four are UNESCO World Heritage Sites); with free time to go bird watching or simply relax, reflect, and enjoy our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges. Maximum of just 12 guests.
Highlights include:
• Visit La Venta Park to see a magnificent outdoor collection of stone sculpture that originally came from the Olmec site of La Venta.
• Explore Palenque’s many exquisite examples of 7th- and 8th-century Maya architecture, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, Palace, Temples of the Cross Group, and much more..
• Journey upriver and cross over into the heart of Guatemala, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal.
• Join in on the optional, pre-dawn hike up the steep steps of Tikal’s Temple IV—the site’s tallest pyramid at 230 feet, and the largest Maya shrine built in the 8th century.
• Tour the Sepulturas Group, located a few miles from the site of Copán, which also housed a residential area for non-Maya (perhaps foreign merchants) around A.D. 800.
Travel and learn with Dr. Ben Thomas who after several years of fieldwork in the jungles and swamps of Belize and Guatemala has become a specialist in Mayan archaeology with specific interests in Ancient Maya settlements and architecture. He has travelled extensively throughout Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.

Petra to the Parthenon: Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia & Greece
2024-03-23 - 2024-04-05
Experience four countries and the distinct ancient cultures that span 5,000 years of history on this 14-day journey with engaging Archaeological Institute of America lecturer/host Dr. Okasha El Daly. Cruise aboard the 59-cabin, all-suite Hebridean Sky, gazing upon true modern marvels in addition to a fascinating mix of historic wonders. Begin at the ancient Spice Route outposts of Jordan’s Petra and Saudi Arabia’s Mada’in Saleh before exploring Egypt’s iconic pyramids of Giza and mysterious Sphinx, the
treasures of Cairo’s famous museums, and decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Continue to the Bronze Age Minoan palace of Knossos on Crete, then experience the glory of Greece’s Acropolis, including the mighty Parthenon and nearby Acropolis Museum. Jump forward thousands of years while the ship transits the modern engineering marvel of the Suez Canal, and be immersed in local culture with a traditional lunch at a Wadi Rum desert camp and an optional horse ride to the gates of Petra. Along the way, enjoy engaging presentations by knowledgeable local guides and a team of onboard lecturers, including two archaeologists and a classicist, who will bring ancient times to life and help put people and places into historical context. As you cruise between destinations, relax in a spacious suite aboard the ideally sized Hebridean Sky, enjoying the small-ship atmosphere, delicious meals, attentive service, and views of stunning seaside landscapes. We are co-sponsoring this program with other organizations and, with only 59 cabins total aboard ship,

Tunisia: Phoenicians to Romans, Mosaics to Mosques
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-23
Travel and learn with Archaeologist Dr. Nejib Ben Lazreg as you explore mosaics and mosques along with many other exciting sites and enjoy the fascinating culture that Tunisia has to offer.
Highlights Include:
• Visit all seven of Tunisia’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Explore fabled Carthage, including the Antonine Baths and the cisterns.
• Spend three full days in and around Tunis, including a visit to the Bardo Museum (pending its re-opening), featuring exquisite exhibits of Roman and Byzantine mosaics.
• See the beautiful Cape Bon coast and the Punic site of Kerkouane.
• Marvel at Bulla Regia, a well-preserved site featuring underground Roman villas, a museum, a Temple of Apollo, and a 2nd-century theater.
• Tour Dougga, established prior to the Romans, with its 3,500 seat theater; Temples of Saturn, Augustan Piety, and Mercury; and Capitol.
• Discover Kairouan, the fourth holiest city in the Muslim world, founded in A.D. 670, with its carpet, leather, brass, and spice vendors; and its Great Mosque with a three-tiered minaret.
• Visit El Djem, one of Tunisia’s most extraordinary sites, with a marvelous, 30,000-seat, ancient amphitheater and a museum that houses lovely mosaics.
• Visit the Roman city of Sbeitla (Sufetula), one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman cities, including several stunning 2nd-century A.D. temples and mosaic-covered Byzantine baptisteries.
• Wander through Thuburbo Majus, a sprawling site occupied in turn by Berbers, Phoenicians, and Romans. The imperial remains include the Forum, Temple of Mercury, and sunken winter baths.

Türkiye: Ancient Splendors
2024-04-14 - 2024-04-27
Many of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman sites are found along Türkiye’s beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Visit world-famous, plus little-visited yet spectacular, Greco-Roman sites, Byzantine churches, Crusader castles, and Ottoman palaces. Your engaging AIA lecturer/host, Yaşar Ersoy, teaches classical art and archaeology and has been doing fieldwork in Türkiye since 1980. Throughout the program he will offer illustrated talks and informal discussions about the sites you are visiting and their places within the larger ancient Mediterranean world. Along the way, you will enjoy delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and the company of a small group of like-minded fellow travelers. An expert tour manager/local guide will handle logistics and smooth the way.
Highlights:
•Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic Areas of Istanbul, including the 6th-century Byzantine church-turned-mosque of Hagia Sophia; Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; and the 17th-century Blue Mosque, with thousands of dazzling Iznik tiles; Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, whose treasures include ancient villas with splendid frescoes and mosaics, and the 2nd-century A.D. Library of Celsus; Aphrodisias, whose Temple of Aphrodite, tetrapylon, and baths of Hadrian are unforgettable.
•Marvel at a variety of Greco-Roman sites, including: Didyma’s 7th-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, one of the leading oracles in the ancient world; and the 4th-century B.C. Temple of Athena at Priene, which became the classical model of Greek city planning;
Kibyra, with its magnificent stadium, odeon covered with a Medusa mosaic, late Roman bath, and underground tombs; Sagalassos, a rarely visited and recently excavated site at an elevation of 5,000 feet, with breathtaking views; Aspendos, with one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, renowned for its acoustics; and Perge, with its splendid theater, stadium, and enormous Hellenistic and Roman gates.
•Explore spectacular museum collections, including Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art; Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeology Museum; and the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
•An optional extension to central Türkiye is also available, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, Hattusha: the Hittite Capital, and the Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük; Ankara, with its superb Museum of Anatolian Civilizations; and Konya, the famous center of Sufi mystic Rumi and his followers.

Decorated Caves of the Pyrenees & the Rhone Valley
2024-04-18 - 2024-04-29
Discover a collection of magnificent but largely unheralded examples of Ice Age art while in the company of acclaimed paleoanthropologist and popular trip leader Ian Tattersall. Admire unusual, elegant bas-relief animal images in Basque caves, a profusion of hand prints at Gargas, and the famous panels of line-drawn and subtly shaded bison, horse, and ibex at Niaux. Visit the recently opened Cosquer Méditerranée, a replica of a heavily decorated, now submerged, prehistoric cave that was discovered in 1985. The trip concludes with a visit to the spectacular Chauvet Cave replica at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, which expertly recreates the earliest, and perhaps most impressive, of the many masterpieces of Ice Age art dated to some 35,000 years ago. Enjoy fine food and delightful
accommodations while an expert tour manager handles all the logistics.

Morocco: From the Desert to the Sea
2024-04-20 - 2024-05-04
Join us for a unique look at the history, architecture, archaeology, and art of Morocco in the company of Professor Emeritus Trevor Marchand and a professional national guide/ tour manager. Explore the magnificent landscapes that helped form the country’s ancient and modern cultures, from the wild Atlantic coast to the High Atlas Mountains, dense cedar forests, and vast Sahara Desert. It is a land of extraordinary contrasts, and on this custom-designed itinerary you will visit all of the country’s best-known historic sites, including six that are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, as well as bustling casbahs, medinas, and souks.
Highlights include:
• The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aït ben Haddou casbah, with its tall adobe forts; all four of Morocco’s Imperial Cities: the vibrant medinas of 9thcentury Fes and 11th-century Marrakech, the historic city of Meknes, and the stately modern capital
and historic city of Rabat; plus the ruins of Volubilis, Rome’s regional commercial hub until the 3rd century A.D.
• Architectural gems such as Salé, a traditional Moroccan residential city untouched by mass tourism, including its restored, 14th-century medersa
• The former caravan center of Sijilmassa, Africa’s second largest city until the 14th century; and Aghmat, the recently uncovered first capital of the 11th-century Almoravid Dynasty, which is still being excavated and is closed to the public
• Several fascinating museums, including Rabat’s archaeological museum, the only one of its kind in the country; and Fes’s exquisite Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in the 17th-century Nejjarine caravansary
• Scenic excursions into the mountains and the desert, including a drive across the Atlas ranges from Fes to the edge of the Sahara, taking four-wheel-drive vehicles to the great Erg Chebbi Dunes, and a drive over the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
• Delicious Moroccan and Continental food, with opportunities to dine independently in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech; as well as carefully-chosen hotels in each location
• An excellent touring pace, with 12 nights at 4-and 5-star hotels, and one night in Merzouga at the Desert Luxury Camp in deluxe tents.
• A small group of no more than twelve guests!

Israel Revisited
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-17
Join acclaimed AIA lecturer and archaeologist Jodi Magness and revisit Israel on this active, small-group adventure to explore ancient and natural sites, many of which are off the beaten path. This is a more strenuous itinerary than our other Israel tour, Treasures of the Holy Land, as it includes several hikes in nature reserves to see wildlife and geological wonders in addition to visiting a variety of archaeological and cultural sites. Estimated distances and difficulty of the hikes are indicated in red in the itinerary’s daily headings, but every day with group activities will involve walking, whether around archaeological sites or through towns and cities. End most days at a 5-star hotel/resort, where you can rest your weary but fulfilled traveler’s head and perhaps refresh yourself in their luxury pools or spas.
Highlights include:
• Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
o Tel Hazor National Park with the ancient city of Hazor which, twice in its history, was the largest fortified city in the area
o Ein Avdat, a vast canyon with caves where monks once resided, part of the “Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev”
• Walks and hikes in several nature reserves and national parks:
o Tel Dan Nature Reserve, with the ruins of a 5,000-year-old city and the world’s oldest-known gated archway
o Gamla Nature Reserve, home to Israel’s highest cascade (the 170-foot Gamla Waterfall), the remains of the ancient city of Gamla, and a Bronze Age field with 716 dolmens (megalithic structures of smaller vertical stones with one or more capstones)
o Banias Nature Reserve, where we find Israel’s largest waterfall and the ruins of a palace complex built by Agrippa II
o A walk on Mount Scopus, where we will visit the burial cave of Nicanor
o The lush oasis of Ein Gedi National Park, with a hike along sparkling David’s Stream and the ruins of an excavated ancient synagogue with a perfectly preserved mosaic floor
• Wadi Qelt’s monastery of St. George of Choziba, a breathtaking complex perched on the side of the valley’s walls
• A well-paced itinerary with four nights at our hotel in Tiberias, on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, including a boat ride; and four nights in Jerusalem, with visits to the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, the and the excavations on the southwest
side of Temple Mount
• The desert town of Nitzana, with ancient petroglyphs and the remains of a Byzantine church, plus a chance to enjoy the hospitality of the Negev Bedouins.

From Stonehenge to Carnac: Megaliths, Monuments & Tombs of Wessex & Brittany
2024-05-28 - 2024-06-08
Explore the extraordinary prehistoric sites of Wessex, England, and Brittany, France. Amidst beautiful landscapes see world renowned, as well as lesser known, Neolithic and Bronze Age megaliths and monuments such as enigmatic rings of giant standing stones and remarkable chambered tombs. Travel and learn with Peter Bogucki (Ph.D., Harvard University) studies the prehistoric societies of Europe and has a particular interest in the spread of farming and its consequences. In addition to many visits
to sites and museums throughout Europe, Dr. Bogucki has conducted excavations at Neolithic sites in Poland and participated in research that identified the earliest evidence for cheese production.
Highlights:
• Stonehenge, the world’s most famous megalithic site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Avebury, a unique Neolithic henge that includes Europe’s largest prehistoric stone circle.
• Enigmatic chambered tombs such as West Kennet Long Barrow.
• Carnac, with more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones, the world’s largest collection of megalithic monuments.
• The uninhabited island of Gavrinis, with a magnificent passage tomb that is lined with elaborately engraved, vertical stones.
• Several outstanding museum collections including prehistoric necklaces, pendants, polished stone axes, and more.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel, an imposing abbey built on a tidal island.
• Charming villages, medieval churches, and beautiful landscapes of coastlines and rolling hills.
• The tour begins in London and ends in Paris! Arrive early and/or stay longer to explore these cities independently.

Cruising the Adriatic by Luxury Yacht: Dubrovnik to Venice with optional post-tour extension in Venice
2024-06-13 - 2024-06-22
We invite you to join Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Ivančica (Vanča) Dvoržak Schrunk aboard the Emerald Sakara, a luxury 50-cabin yacht, for a summer cruise along the spectacular Adriatic coast. Through the centuries, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austrians have vied for control of this strategic coastline dotted with over 1,000 islands. In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, visit impressive archaeological sites, dramatic cathedrals and palaces, and ancient city centers that illuminate the layered history of the Dalmatian Coast. Engage with expert study leaders throughout this unique educational program, and gain a better appreciation of the region’s historical and cultural significance. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, AIA lecturer and host Vanča Schrunk will be joined onboard by historic preservation expert John Meffert and historian and archaeologist Michael McCormick to enrich your travel experience through an onboard series of stimulating lectures as well
as informal discussions. In addition, excellent local guides will accompany you on excursions throughout the program.
Highlights include:
• Delve into the historic grandeur of the fortified city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
• Marvel at Split’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, and explore the city’s historic Jewish neighborhood.
• Tour the first-century Roman amphitheater at Pula.
• Discover Hvar, where chapels and palaces are embellished with intricately carved Venetian architecture.
• Explore Šibenik’s 15th /16th-century Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; as well as its St. Nicholas Fortress.
Optional post-tour extension to Venice is June 22 – 24, 2024
