Archaeological Institute of America

Absolute Egypt
2027-01-26 - 2027-02-13 | MO
This itinerary is carefully crafted to provide discerning travelers with the finest Egypt tour available. Our 19-day program is the most in-depth exploration of ancient Egypt’s greatest sites, combining all the best attributes of an all-inclusive, well-paced,
luxury trip with just 16 travelers.
• Our leaders are an exceptional and engaging trio, who have led special Egypt tours together for twenty years: Egyptologist Dr. Stephen Harvey, plus both an expert tour manager and an expert Egyptology guide.
• Meet with excavators and conservators, including behind-the-scenes visits, when possible, due to Dr. Harvey’s extensive contacts.
• Discover the preeminent sites of the pharaohs from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel:
– Spend a full day discovering the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and another full day seeing the iconic masterpieces of the historic Egyptian Museum, plus the wide-ranging collection of the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).
– See the amazing Giza pyramids and Sphinx as well as Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and closed-to-the-public tombs.
– Explore the astounding temple complex of Karnak as well as Luxor Temple, plus spectacular royal mortuary temples and tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
– Visit two remarkable, less-visited temples: the Temple of Hathor at Dendera and the Temple of Khnum at Esna. Both have exquisite columns and well-preserved, painted astronomical ceilings.
– Cruise the Nile from Esna to Aswan aboard an eight-cabin dahabiya, a traditional sail boat, away from the convoys of large riverboats, so that we may visit sites without the typical crowds. From the spacious covered top deck, observe timeless pastoral scenes of feluccas, farmers, herders, and village life.
– Overnight at Abu Simbel to visit without the usual crowds the stunning rock cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, including the Sound and Light Show.
• Enjoy 4- and 5-star accommodations for 17 memorable nights:
– Four nights at Giza’s 5-star Marriott Mena House Hotel in Pyramid View rooms;
– Two nights in Luxor on the Nile’s East Bank at the 5-star Steigenberger Nile Palace;
– Three nights in Luxor on the Nile’s West Bank near the Valley of the Kings at the spectacular, 5-star Hotel Al Moudira;
– Four nights cruising on a luxurious, eight-cabin dahabiya;
– Two nights at the 5-star Sonesta Nouba Hotel Aswan;
– One night at the 4-star Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort;
– One night at the convenient, 5-star Le Méridien Cairo Airport Hotel.
This exclusive tour is the most inclusive and fascinating experience of ancient Egypt available. It is limited to just 16 guests, so we urge you to reserve your space today.

Tess Davis, “Blood Antiquities: Tomb Raiders, Art Smugglers, and the Black Market in Cultural Treasures”
2027-01-26 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Semans Auditorium (Room 117), Belk Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St., Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
We all know the thrill of tomb raiding adventure novels and Hollywood films—Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Thomas Crown—hunting for hidden treasures. But the real stories of looted and trafficked cultural property are far darker. In reality, it’s no longer daring explorers who dig up the past, but opportunistic criminals, war profiteers, mafia networks, armed insurgents, and even terrorist organizations.
The Antiquities Coalition, founded in 2014 by Deborah Lehr, was created to combat this cultural racketeering. As a “think and do tank,” the Coalition unites business leaders, government officials, lawyers, security experts, and other professionals in working towards a future when the past is preserved for the next generation, not looted, smuggled, and sold to the highest bidder.
In this exclusive talk, Executive Director and attorney Tess Davis takes you behind the scenes to reveal the high-stakes, illicit world where stolen art and cultural treasures fuel crime, conflict, and corruption—and the ways we can fight back.

Maya Pyramids & Temples of Yucatan
2027-01-30 - 2027-02-07 | MO
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. Enjoy two nights at the Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itzá (next to Chichén Itzá) and three at the Hacienda Uxmal (next to Uxmal). Maximum of just 12 guests.

Absolute Egypt (February)
2027-02-16 - 2027-03-06 | MO

Soil Genomics: Ancestry, Health, and Community-Engaged Science
2027-02-16 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Semans Auditorium (Room 117), Belk Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St., Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
Carter Clinton from NC State University will speak on his research integrating ancient DNA, burial soil genomics, and African diaspora population genomics to investigate ancestry, identity, and health in African American communities.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03 | MO
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. I will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join me on this winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal,
Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges. This is a rare opportunity to experience and imagine Maya civilization while engaging with the still-standing walls of its culture. As space is limited and this tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis, I encourage you to contact AIA Tours soon to reserve your space.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03 | MO
Join us on this tropical adventure that offers the most comprehensive and best-paced exploration of the ancient Maya world amid the verdant jungles and awe-inspiring ruins of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. Ben Thomas will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join us on this
winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal, Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges.

Fort Vancouver and the Historical Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest
2027-02-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2027-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2027-04-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2027-05-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Please join us for a lecture by Dr. Doug Wilson.
Abstract:
This talk will illuminate Fort Vancouver’s central role in the colonial history of the Pacific Northwest seen through the lens of historical archaeology. Wilson will illuminate the extraordinary confluence of places, people and conflict that has shaped our region. Artifacts, belongings, and landscapes are contrasted with the documentary record to explore the critical place of Indigenous peoples and Immigrant groups in the region’s history. This talk will touch on early exploration, including colonial forts and explorer’s campsites, including Spokane House, and highlight the ongoing important connections between historic places and modern peoples.

Cruising the Mekong River Vietnam and Cambodia
2027-03-01 - 2027-03-14 | MO
We invite you to join AIA lecturer and host Miriam Stark on a captivating journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of tropical Indochina on our luxurious tour of Vietnam and Cambodia along the majestic Mekong River. Spend two nights in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (still known as Saigon), a dynamic hub that exudes energy, before embarking the exquisite, 14-suite Mekong Princess, a riverboat that embodies the gracious heritage and beauty of Southeast Asia, combined with a romantic French colonial style and all the modern comforts. Her small size and ultra-shallow draft allow us to experience this mighty river from an intimate perspective. Throughout the journey, Professor Stark will offer a series of lectures, share insights into what you are seeing, and encourage discussions. Local guides will accompany you on all excursions. Cruise the Mekong for seven nights, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. The Mekong takes us into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of one of
Asia’s great waterways. Marvel at floating villages whose residents literally live on the water—working, shopping, and even attending school and church. Tour a family-owned orchard, visit a noodle factory and a coconut candy maker, and experiment with typical Vietnamese ingredients during a cooking demonstration. Conclude the program with three nights in Siem Reap, where you can immerse yourself in the world-famous Khmer temples of Angkor, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, including the iconic Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. An optional pre-trip extension to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay is also available.
This adventure is limited to only 24 guests and is co-sponsored with another organization.

"The Strait of Hormuz through time: tracing the archaeology of a key global trading connection from the Bronze Age to the Portuguese"
2027-03-07 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S3A1, Canada
Derek Kennet (University of Chicago)

Scorched: Native Women and Spanish Men in Sixteenth Century La Florida
2027-03-23 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MO
Rachel Briggs (UNC Chapel Hill) will speak about eight Native women who were enslaved by a group of Spanish soldiers and Native warriors, forcing them into the brutal world of La Florida. This group of Native women become unlikely observers to one of history’s lost chapters, bearing witness to Spain’s repeated failed attempts at colonization of the Southeastern United States in the sixteenth century. In this presentation, she will focus on a small portion of their journey that took them to the Native town of Joara and the Spanish colonial site of Fort San Juan where they were expected to cook and care for at least thirty Spanish soldiers, before they were relocated to the Spanish colony of Santa Elena in early 1568.

The Queens of Nimrud’s Northwest Palace: Beauty, Power, and Presence in the Neo-Assyrian World, c. 8
2027-04-04 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Too often overshadowed by the legacy of Assyria’s ancient kings, this presentation illuminates
the queens who reigned with them in ancient Iraq during the ninth and centuries BCE. We focus
on the queens of Nimrud’s Northwest Palace because it is here that Iraqi archaeologists
discovered their royal tombs. The tombs contained heaps of precious jewelry and regalia, along
with cuneiform inscriptions, and even some skeletal remains. Putting together these artifacts of
death, and connecting them to the art, architecture, and written record of the era, we can
reconstruct the beauty, power, and presence of Nimrud’s Northwest Palace queens in life and for
eternity.

Türkiye: Ancient Splendors of the Aegean & Mediterranean
2027-04-11 - 2027-04-24 | MO
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 four UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
– Historic Areas of Istanbul, including the 6th-century Byzantine church-turnedmosque of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans
– Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, whose treasures include ancient villas with splendid frescoes and mosaics, and the 2ndcentury A.D. Library of Celsus
– Aphrodisias, whose Temple of Aphrodite, tetrapylon, large stadium, and baths of Hadrian are unforgettable
– Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where we see the ruins of the baths and temples of a famous 2nd-century B.C. thermal spa
• Marvel at a variety of Greco-Roman sites, including:
– Sardis, former capital of the Lydian Empire and King Croesus, who was defeated by Persian king Cyrus the Great in 546 B.C.
– 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
– Magnesia on the Meander, renowned for its Artemis cult, which has the ruins of a well-preserved theater and a stadium that could seat 30,000 spectators
– 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 several fine museum collections, including Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum, Burdur’s Archaeological Museum, and the Antalya Archaeological Museum
• Two flights within Türkiye are included to maximize your time
• An optional extension to central Türkiye is 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. Also visit Ankara, with its superb Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Konya, the famous center of Sufi mystic Rumi and his followers.

Grand Mediterranean Voyage: Malta to Türkiye
2027-04-11 - 2027-04-24 | MO
We invite you to join archaeologist Michael Hoff on an enriching, ten-night voyage through the central Mediterranean and into the Aegean. Experience an extraordinary variety of sites throughout Malta, Sicily, Italy’s “heel,” the island of Corfu and mainland Greece, and Türkiye as we explore some of the most remarkable landscapes and archaeological treasures of the ancient world. Embark in Valletta, Malta, our elegant, home-away-from-home: the 92-stateroom Le Dumont d’Urville, which makes for an ideal
base as we wend our way toward Türkiye. The vessel’s intimate size, inviting public spaces, and attentive service create an ideal setting for both discovery and relaxation.
Highlights include:
• Exploration of Malta’s remarkable prehistoric heritage, including the Tarxien Temples and the even older sanctuary of Ħaġar Qim, along with Valletta’s magnificent Baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio masterpieces.
• A visit to Syracuse, Sicily, once one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean, where the vast archaeological park, the monumental Greek theater, and the historic island of Ortygia reveal the city’s Greek and Roman legacies.
• A day in Puglia, discovering Lecce’s exuberant Baroque architecture before exploring the historic port town of Gallipoli, with its winding streets and long history of Mediterranean trade.
• Greece’s lush island landscapes of Corfu, sacred sanctuary of Delphi, dramatic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, one of Europe’s most extraordinary cultural landscapes.
• Stepping into the ancient world at Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in existence; and visits to the impressive remains of Perge and Aspendos, including Aspendos’ magnificent Roman theater.
Drawing on decades of excavations and research in Greece and Türkiye, Professor Hoff will offer engaging lectures and insightful interpretations that deepen our understanding of the sites we visit. His talks and conversations will illuminate the historical connections, archaeological discoveries, and cultural traditions that helped shape the Mediterranean world. I hope you will join us for this remarkable journey across the ancient Mediterranean. This program is co-sponsored, so we encourage you to
contact us today at aia@studytours.org or (800) 748-6262 to reserve your preferred stateroom.

Greece's Temples, Theaters & Sacred Landscapes: An Archaeological Exploration tour
2027-04-12 - 2027-04-25 | MO
Experience the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Greece through the eyes of an expert. This immersive journey, led by archaeologist Jenifer Neils and a local guide, brings deeper meaning to the temples, theaters, and sanctuaries that shaped Western civilization. As we travel from the Acropolis of Athens, across the Peloponnese, to the oracle of Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora and to sites associated with the remarkable life of Alexander the Great, each site comes to life through the insights of our expert local guide. Professor Neils will offer informal discussions and a series of formal lectures throughout the program. With a small group of fellow travelers, explore world-renowned sites and museums, and return each evening to exceptional accommodations.
Highlights:
• Travel in the company of Jenifer Neils, a leading archaeologist and expert on the ancient Mediterranean.
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: » The Acropolis of Athens, with its iconic Parthenon and nearby Acropolis Museum
» Epidaurus, home to the remarkably preserved theater and sanctuary of Asclepius
» Mycenae and Tiryns, centers of the Mycenaean civilization and Homeric legend
» Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held for more than a millennium
» Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo and site of the most famous oracle in antiquity
» Meteora, with its dramatic monasteries perched atop towering rock formations
» The archaeological site of Vergina, burial place of Macedonian royalty
• Explore outstanding museum collections
• Enjoy excellent meals and stays in historic towns, with time to explore.

Hiking Southern Italy: Islands & Fire in the Land of the Gods
2027-05-08 - 2027-05-18 | MO
Welcome to an extraordinary springtime journey through the rich ancient history, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and legendary food and wine culture of southern Italy and Sicily. Led by archaeologist Crispin Corrado, this thoughtfully paced program combines exceptional archaeological exploration with five rewarding hikes through some of the Mediterranean’s most dramatic scenery. Travel among active and dormant volcanoes, walk ancient paths overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and discover remarkable sites that illuminate the ancient Roman world, all while enjoying distinctive four-star accommodations, excellent regional cuisine, expert local guides, and the seamless support of a professional tour manager throughout.
Highlights include:
• Pompeii, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, destroyed (but also preserved!) by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79
• Hiking the trail of Vesuvius National Park to the crater, with amazing views over the whole Gulf of Naples
• A breathtaking hike along the “Path of the Gods,” on the Sorrento Peninsula, with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea
• A ferry ride to the fabled island of Capri to hike along fragrant trails to Roman Emperor Tiberius’ Villa Jovis
• A visit to the Naples Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of Greco-Roman art and artifacts
• A private boat ride to Stromboli, the most active volcano in Europe, erupting at intervals of approximately 15 minutes
• A hike to the top of Vulcano, viewing numerous volcanic phenomena, including smoke clouds, vapor spouts, and sulphuric mud holes
This tour requires an elevated level of fitness, please see the what to expect section in the brochure

AIA Sicily Circumnavigation: Sailing around Sicily & Malta
2027-05-24 - 2027-06-02 | MO
We invite you to join archaeologist Jim Higginbotham, our AIA lecturer and host, on this delightful, eight-night circumnavigation Our journey begins and ends in Valletta, Malta, one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Sail to Sicily and cruise clockwise around this marvelous island, bursting with archaeological and architectural wonders including the Doric Greek temple at Segesta, Palermo’s stunning Norman Palace, and the Greek theater at Taormina. Sample the rich flavors of Marsala with a guided tasting of this famed Sicilian wine, and on Syracuse’s Ortygia island enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a nobleman in a private Baroque palazzo. In all, our itinerary features six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including a full day in the Aeolian Islands, along with a specially timed sunset sailing through the Strait of Messina. An optional pre-trip extension is available, for an unforgettable introduction to Malta and Gozo. Along the way, we will benefit from the knowledge and insights of a team of onboard experts, including AIA lecturer/host James Higginbotham, who will provide a series of lectures and informal discussions. Our means of cruising from port to port is delightful. Like Marjorie Merriweather Post’s legendary Sea Cloud, the Sea Cloud II embodies the elegance and romance of a bygone era while offering the highest standards of modern comfort. This magnificent windjammer is operated by a highly skilled crew that hand-sets more than 30,000 square feet of canvas, a rare and captivating sight at sea. Life onboard seamlessly blends classic sailing traditions with refined service, spacious accommodations, and thoughtful amenities. This program is co-sponsored by other organizations, and the Sea Cloud II has only 47 cabins, so I encourage you to contact
AIA Tours today at aia@studytours.org or 800-748-6262 for your preferred cabin.

Highlands, Islands & Fjords
2027-06-29 - 2027-07-11 | MO
Join us for an extraordinary 10-night voyage from Scotland to Norway aboard the intimate, 59-suite Hebridean Sky. Cruise through spectacular fjords, visit remote islands and historic coastal communities, and discover the archaeology, history, and natural beauty of the North Atlantic—all under the glow of the Midnight Sun.
Dr. Batey, archaeologist and AIA lecturer/host, will be part of a team of onboard experts who together will share knowledge and insights through a series of lectures and informal discussions. Delight in cruising for ten nights aboard the elegantly appointed Hebridean Sky, well-suited for navigating Norway’s coastal waters in comfort. The ship’s 59 exceptionally spacious suites are all outward-facing, with select accommodations offering private balconies. A highly attentive crew provides exceptional service.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
~LINGER in Norway’s most beautiful fjords including Sognefjord, Norway’s longest; Hardangerfjord, the “Queen of Fjords”; and Lysefjord beneath Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
~UNCOVER layers of ancient history with visits to Scotland’s mysterious Pictish Stones; the prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof in the Shetland Islands; Stavanger’s world-renowned Archaeological Museum; and the Hopperstad Stave Church, one of the oldest in Norway.
~WATCH for extraordinary wildlife — puffins, gannets, and sea eagles overhead, and minke whales, porpoises, and seals in the waters of Norway’s southern fjords in summer.
~DISCOVER Loen’s Kjenndal Valley, with sweeping glacier views, serene lake crossings, and a breathtaking ride on the Loen Skylift.
~EXPLORE the valleys and farms of Sunnfjord, a quieter, more intimate fjord experience; and connect with local life during a day in Bygstad, a quiet inland community seldom visited on cruise itineraries.
~CALL ON Rosendal for an opportunity to walk in beautiful Hatteberg Valley or take in the icy magic of Folgefonna Glacier. STEP ASHORE at peaceful, picturesque towns, fishing villages, and farms off the beaten track—splendid Art Nouveau Ålesund, set on a cluster of coastal islands, and charming Lillesand, for its picturesque collection of traditional, white-painted, wooden houses.
The program is co-sponsored by other organizations, so I encourage you to contact us today at (800) 748-6262 or aia@studytours.org to reserve your preferred suite or stateroom.

AIA Hiking in Scotland's Orkney & Shetland Islands tour
2027-07-19 - 2027-07-29 | MO
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.
Highlights:
• A private virtual tour of the Ness of Brodgar excavations and access to some of the finds. This ceremonial site in the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” was in use for around 1,000 years and a 20-year excavation project was completed in 2024. The site is within the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Orkney, which also includes the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, estimated to have been constructed around 2700 B.C.; the Stones of Stenness; the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar, one of Europe’s finest Neolithic monuments; Skara Brae settlement; and associated funerary monuments and stone settings. These are unquestionably among the most important Neolithic sites in western Europe.
• “The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland”—including Mousa Broch, the best-preserved known broch in the world, Old Scatness, and Jarlshof—where the lack of intensive modern farming means that the preservation of these sites and their landscapes is exceptional.
• The Isles are a birdwatcher’s paradise, and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies.
• All meals are included, and you will enjoy comfortable accommodations: four nights at the elegant Lynnfield Hotel, a comfortable overnight ferry from Orkney to Shetland and from Shetland to Aberdeen, and three nights at the remote and charming Busta House Hotel.
This unique tour is more highly active than our usual land tours and features daily hikes that are easy to moderate in difficulty. You must be able to walk or be on your feet for most of the day; keep a steady group pace; and navigate uneven terrain, and up and down inclines and steps. To fully enjoy and visit all the sites on this itinerary one should be in good physical condition and, obviously, enjoy walking! Two local guides and a tour manager will accompany our group of fifteen participants. Our guides will explain in advance the difficulty of each day’s walk(s) and, if you prefer, you can opt out of any walking excursion and be driven to the next stop; but, bear in mind that some sites can only be visited if you walk to them.
