PREHISTORIC CAVE ART OF SPAIN & FRANCE

May 11 - 22, 2006

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WONDERS

Investigate southwestern Europes most extraordinary prehistoric caves, including Altamira II, a precise replica of the original that is often called the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art; Lascaux II, an exact reproduction of one of the most significant prehistoric sites ever discovered; Las Monedas Cave and Cuevo de Castillo, where 180 animal likenesses were painted some 12,00014,000 years ago; Pair-non-Pair, known for its animal engravings and fossilized bones; Cougnac, which features rare human portraits; and Peche Merle, known for its negative hand renderings. Explore archaeological sites such as Abri Pataud, which has revealed important details about the lives of the Cro-Magnons; and Cap Blanc, a rock shelter featuring a frieze of life-sized horses. 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 in May 2004 and 2005. Dr. Bahn will enhance your understanding of the sites with lectures and informal discussions.

Lascaux is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Europe, known for its profusion of high quality animal paintings.

AIA LECTURER & HOST

Dr. Paul G. Bahn is a leading archaeological writer, translator, and broadcaster in the field of archaeology. He is a Contributing Editor of Archaeology magazine, a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America. His article Cloning Altamira (Archaeology, March/April 2001) focused on the Altamira II complex and museum that we visit, and his article Treasures of the Sierra Atapuerca (Archaeology, January/February 1996) highlighted discoveries made at Spains prehistoric site of Atapuerca. Dr. Bahn has written extensively on prehistoric art, including the books Journey Through the Ice Age, Rock Art and Prehistory, The Cambridge Illustrated History of Prehistoric Art, and sections on Paleolithic cave art in The Dictionary of Art. He has also authored and/or edited many books on more general archaeological subjects, bringing a broad perspective to understanding the sites and museums that we will visit. Such titles include The Cambridge Illustrated History of Archaeology; Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice; and The Penguin Archaeology Guide. Born in Kingston-upon-Hull, Britain, he holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, and is a member of numerous international professional organizations, including the Socit Prhistorique Franaise and the American Rock Art Association. Dr. Bahn has been involved in bringing the field of archaeology to television in various capacities. He was an advisor in the Dordogne and Pyrenees on the BBC production of The Making of Mankind, and a consultant on a segment of WGBHs Nova trilogy Human Origins, filmed in France. Dr. Bahn was the instigator and leader of the research team that discovered Englands first Ice Age cave art in 2003 and 2004. His research and lecturing on archaeological study tours has taken him to important archaeological sites around the world in Europe, North America, Africa, and Polynesia. He is a gifted and popular lecturer who regularly leads AIA tours to study the prehistory of Spain and France. Dr. Bahns broad expertise in prehistoric art, combined with fluency in French and a deep regard for the regions we will visit, uniquely qualify him as a lecturer par excellence. You will also be accompanied throughout the program by a professional tour director and experienced local guides.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS

Tour archaeological and ethnographic museums with superb exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, including the Altamira Museum, Museum of Les Eyzies, and the Muse dAquitaine; plus the modern art collections of Bilbaos Guggenheim Museum. Visit the weekly open-air market in the charming town of Sarlat, and Chteau de Beynac, which features a spectacular view of the fortress-dotted valley below.

FINE CUISINE & ACCOMMODATIONS

Enjoy excellent accommodations in paradors, fine hotels, and charming inns, as well as fine wine and cuisine.

Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, May 11, 2006 New York / Madrid, Spain
Depart this evening on an overnight flight to Madrid. (Meals aloft)
Santillana del Mar Altamira Las Monedas / El Castillo Bilbao

Rouffignac Lascaux Les Eyzies-de-Tayac La Madeleine Cap Blanc Pair-non-Pair Abri Pataud Font-de-Gaume Bordeaux Cougnac Sarlat

FRANCE
Bayonne

Pech Merle Saint-Cirq Lapopie Toulouse

Day 2: Friday, May 12 Madrid / Santander / Santillana del Mar

Arrive in Madrid this morning and transfer to a flight to Santander. Upon arrival, we meet our resident guide and Dr. Paul Bahn, and transfer to one of Europes most perfectly preserved medieval villages. Santillana del Mar retains a romantic ambiance with its 14th- through 16th century towers punctuating the skyline. After checking into our hotel, explore the village on foot, noting its roots from the early Middle Ages when the first dwellings arose in the shadow of the Romanesque monastery of Santa Juliana. Gather this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Parador Santillana del Mar for two nights. (R/D)

Covalanas Niaux

SPAIN

Day 3: Saturday, May 13 Santillana del Mar

The day is devoted to visiting caves that are celebrated for their ancient rock art. Altamira II is an exact replica of Altamira, the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art, decorated with vivid depictions of bison and other animals dating back 15,000 years, a testament to the artists skill in using rock formations to accentuate perspective. We visit the Altamira Museum, with its highly informative exhibits on Cantabrian prehis-

tory and cave art. After lunch on our own in Santillana del Mar we depart for the lush Pas Valley, home to the village of Puente Viesgo, Prehistoric Capital of Cantabria. We explore Las Monedas Cave and the Cueva del Castillo, where 180 images of hinds, horses, bison, deer, goats, aurochs, canids, and mammoth dating back 12,00014,000 years cavort on the walls. (B/D)

Day 4: Sunday, May 14 Santillana del Mar / Bilbao

On our way to Bilbao, we drive through the dramatic Carranza Gorges to the small Covalanas Caves, where some of the prehistoric drawings are rendered in a little-used technique known as the inkpad, in which lines are created from dots of red pigment. Following lunch on your own, the afternoon is devoted to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum, Frank O. Gehrys stunning mod-

ern masterpiece. This breathtaking structure consists of 19 galleries clustered around a central atrium that soars skyward for 165 feet, beautifully illuminated by natural light. The titanium roof is a unique, twisting, curving, metallic sculpture that integrates the citys industrial waterfront with the nearby historic and business districts, integrating a nearby traffic bridge into its design. Overnight at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao. (B/D)

Day 5: Monday, May 15 Bilbao / Bayonne / Bordeaux, France

El Castillos walls are cov goats, aurochs, canids, a

On the way to Bordeaux we traverse the picturesque Spanish and French Basque countryside, with its craggy coastline punctuated by charming seaside resorts. Stop in the seaside town of Bayonne, explore the narrow streets of its medieval quarter, and have time on your own for lunch. The road continues past typical Basque villages and pastoral hamlets into Bordeaux. After settling into our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Burdigala. (B/D) Santillana del Mar is one of Europes best preserved medieval villages.

Day 6: Tuesday, May 16 Bordeaux / Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

Well-known for its wine industry, Bordeaux attributes its Golden Age to the 18th century, when far-sighted city fathers redesigned its urban center to make it the classical masterpiece we know today. Its old district is one of the largest protected architectural neighborhoods in all of France. This morning visit the nearby prehistoric cave of Pair-non-Pair, known for its animal engravings and fossilized animal bones. Continue to the Muse dAquitaine, a museum of history and archaeology exhibiting prehistoric to present-day artifacts of the Aquitaine region, including the 2nd century B.C. Tayac treasure. After lunch, depart Bordeaux and travel through the French countryside to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Overnight at Hotel Les Glycines for four nights. (B/D)

The stunning Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, designed by Frank O. Gehry. history. At the site of Abri Pataud, extensive digging in the early 1960s revealed astonishing details of the life of the CroMagnons. After lunch at leisure, explore the cave of Font-de-Gaume, featuring numerous animal paintings. Continue to the shelter of Cap Blanc, which features a sculpted frieze of life-size horses. (B/D)

Day 10: Saturday, May 20 Sarlat / Toulouse

This morning attend the weekly open-air market in the charming town of Sarlat, which beckons us through narrow streets to enchanting architecture that has been unspoiled for over five hundred years. While browsing through the local shops, take the opportunity to sample ingredients for some of the great culinary traditions preserved through the centuries by Sarlats inhabitants. We leave the Prigord Region today, and en route to Toulouse visit the cave of Pech Merle, particularly known for prehistoric paintings of mammoth, horse, and negative hand prints. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for two nights. (B/L)

Day 8: Thursday, May 18 The Prigord Region

Our morning starts with a visit to Lascaux II, a perfect replica of one of Europes most significant prehistoric sites, the large cave of Lascaux, known for the profusion of highquality and multicolored animal paintings on its walls. After lunch on your own, we drive along wooded country roads to the prehistoric cave of Rouffignac. Explore its galleries onboard an electric train, stepping off at different points to admire the numerous engravings of mammoth, rhinoceros, horse, bison, and mountain goat represented on its walls. (B/D)

vered in 180 images of hinds, horses, bison, deer, nd mammoth dating back 12,000-14,000 years.

Day 11: Sunday, May 21 Toulouse

During our days exploration we visit the outstanding caves of Niaux, perched high above the river and comprised of a vast network of galleries that extend over a mile. The exquisite paintings within represent a variety of flora and fauna, including herds of goat that may have lived on the steep mountain slopes. After lunch enjoy a walking tour of Toulouse followed by time at leisure. Gather this evening for our farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Wednesday, May 17 The Prigord Region

Located in Southwest France, the Prigord is Europes most important prehistoric region. Its terrain, crisscrossed by gentle rivers flowing amidst extraordinary limestone formations, offered numerous shelters and caves for our early ancestors. Through expressive cave paintings, tools, and excavated remains, witness evidence of human existence and cultural evolution. Begin with a visit to the Museum of Les Eyzies, exhibiting artifacts from several millennia of pre-

Day 9: Friday, May 19 The Prigord Region

Begin the day at the prehistoric cave of Cougnac, known for its paintings of extinct megaloceros, mammoth, and rare depictions of humans. After lunch on your own we visit the medieval Chteau de Beynac, a formidable presence on the meandering Dordogne River that maintains a commanding view of the fortress-dotted valley. (B/D)

Day 12: Monday, May 22 Toulouse / Madrid / New York

Transfer this morning to the Toulouse Airport for flights home via Madrid. (B) (R=Reception, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

WHAT TO E XPECT
In May, you can expect the temperatures in Spain and France to range from highs in the lower 70s to lows in the mid 50s, making for a very mild and pleasant spring climate. There is a chance of occasional rain showers. While sites are well organized to receive visitors of all ages, it is essential that tour members be in good physical condition for this tour. Visits to the archaeological sites necessitate a fair amount of walking and climbing, sometimes over steep and slippery terrain. Cave temperatures average 55 F and humidity levels reach 95%. Please note that no photography is allowed in the caves.

P ER P ERSON T OUR P RICES *

Reserve by November 21, 2005 and receive a $150 per person Early Booking Discount. DOUBLE Occupancy ................................... $6,195. SINGLE Supplement .................................... $ 995.
Single room supplement will be charged when required or requested (limited availability).

Prices are based on a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 participants. With 12-14 participants a $200 per person small group surcharge will apply.

Roundtrip AIRFARE from New York ........ $

920.

A flight schedule will be mailed to participants along with the reservation confirmation. Low add-on airfares from other US cities are available. Rate listed is for Economy Class. Upgrades and independent flight arrangements are also available. Prices based on a minimum of 10 participants flying together. Fares subject to change until time of ticketing. LAND RATES INCLUDE: Accommodations in first-class hotels based on twin-bedded rooms with private bath and/or shower; Ten buffet breakfasts, two lunches, nine table dhte dinners with coffee or tea and wine, and welcome cocktail reception (wine and hors doeuvres); Group transfers in conjunction with group flights; Surface transportation and excursions in air-conditioned motorcoach; Lecturer and host Dr. Paul Bahn; Resident Tour Director/Guides throughout; Local taxes and service charges; All gratuities to guides, drivers, waiters, porters and resident tour directors/guides; All entrance fees to sites included in the itinerary; Handling of two pieces of checked luggage per person; Practical and cultural information, suggested reading guide, name badge, passport wallet, and luggage tags. RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: International airfare; passport and inoculation charges; all airport departure taxes; cost of personal, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; transportation of excess baggage; items of a personal nature, such as laundry; alcoholic beverages other than wine; taxi, telephone, and fax charges; optional excursions or deviations from scheduled tour; porterage or individual transfers to join or leave the group when traveling independently; and any items not specifically indicated as included. CANCELLATION POLICY: All requests by passengers for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received at least sixty (60) days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $250. Cancellations between fifty-nine (59) and thirty (30) days prior to departure are assessed a penalty equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total program cost. Cancellations received within twenty nine (29) days of departure are subject to 100% of the tour cost depending upon recoverable costs from land operators and airlines.
Prices are subject to change. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for whatever reason.

The cave drawings of Altamira, depicting bison and other animals, offer an amazing example of the artists skill in using the rock formations to accentuate perspective.

ABOUT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA & AIA TOURS

Believing that a greater understanding of the past enhances our shared sense of humanity and enriches our existence, the Archaeological Institute of America seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery. When you participate on an AIA Tour you support the AIA. The AIA has been dedicated to the encouragement and support of archaeological research and publication and to the protection of the worlds archaeological resources and cultural heritage for more than a century. A non-profit cultural and educational organization chartered by the U.S. Congress, the AIA is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America, with almost 9,000 members. The AIA is the recipient of the prestigious Winckelmann Medal (2004) from the Deutsches Archaeologisches Institut, in recognition of the extraordinary scientific achievements and merits of the AIA and its professional members. The AIA serves the non-specialist public in three principal ways: through its magazine, Archaeology, through the National Lecture program, and through the AIA Tours program.

Dear Traveler, You are invited to join Dr. Paul Bahn on his third annual AIA journey exploring prehistoric sites and medieval towns of Northern Spain and Southern France. Our itinerary combines southwestern Europes finest prehistoric sites with visits to picturesque villages and enchanting cities that offer rich treasures in their soaring cathedrals, elegant palaces, and extraordinary museums. Throughout our journey we stay in superb historic paradors and charming inns, and of course, enjoy wonderful wine and cuisine. Marvel at the skill of prehistoric artists as we visit many of the most significant prehistoric caves of both Spain and France, including Altamira II, Lascaux II, Niaux, Cougnac, and Peche Merle, where bison and mammoth seem to thunder across ancient cave walls, painted by prehistoric hands more than 10,000 years ago. Traverse the picturesque Spanish and French Basque countryside with its craggy coastline punctuated by charming seaside resorts. Wander through the perfectly-preserved medieval villages of Santillana del Mar and Toulouse, and the city of Bordeaux, one of the worlds great wine centers and a masterpiece of 18th century urban planning. Attend the weekly open-air market in the charming town of Sarlat, which beckons us through narrow streets to enchanting architecture unspoiled for over five hundred years. Tour incomparable archaeological, ethnographic, and art museums, including Frank O. Gehrys spectacular Guggenheim Bilbao, with its signature titanium Metallic Flower roof. Our special AIA study leader and host is the distinguished prehistorian and cave art expert and author, Paul Bahn. I hope you will join him and a small group of travelers who share your interest in archaeology, the evolution of early human society, and prehistoric art. Dr. Bahn has led numerous prehistory trips for the Archaeological Institute of America, including this program for each of the past two years, and looks forward to exploring the region with a new group of AIA travelers. Sincerely,

Todd Nielsen Director, AIA Tours Archaeological Institute of America P.S. Reserve by November 21, 2005 and receive a $150 per person early booking discount! Our group is limited to a maximum of 25 participants, so I urge you to contact us today at 800-748-6262 or aiatours@sover.net to reserve your space.

Prst Std U.S. Postage Paid Bellows Falls, VT Permit 10

Reserve by November 21, 2005 and receive a $150 per person Early Booking Discount.

PREHISTORIC CAVE ART OF SPAIN & FRANCE

May 11 - 22, 2006 with prehistory expert Paul Bahn

TERMS & CONDITIONS RESPONSIBILITY: The Archaeological Institute of America and its agent, Eos, (hereinafter Sponsors) and Travel Plans International and/or its agents (hereinafter Operator) assume no liability for failure to provide the services and accommodations referred to in this brochure to the extent that such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond the control of Operator. In the absence of negligence on the part of Operator, the participant agrees that Operator has no responsibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for damage to or loss of property, or injury to, or death of persons due to any act, omission or negligence of any carrier, hotel, restaurant, bus carrier, tender service, sightseeing company, or any other persons rendering any of the services or ground portions of the itinerary. The participant further waives any claim against Operator and Sponsors for any such damage, loss, injury or death. Operator and Sponsors shall not be responsible for any delays, substitution of equipment, or any act or omission whatsoever by the suppliers of such services, their agents, servants and employees, and the participant hereby waives any claim arising there from. Operator and Sponsors reserve the right to decline, accept or retain any participant at any time. Sponsors and Operator reserve the right to cancel this tour prior to departure, in which case payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. All refunds of passenger payments are the responsibility of Eos and/or the Operator, and the participant agrees that the Sponsors bear no financial responsibility for refunding of participants payments. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned (when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the purchaser of this tour and/or passage. By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she agrees with these terms and conditions, and that he/ she does not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. Itinerary: Sponsors and Operator reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the participants. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these itinerary changes. Rates: Rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, the price of fuel, services and labor may increase the cost of arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices. AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE, EACH PARTICIPANT MUST AGREE TO AND SIGN THE FOLLOWING RELEASE OF LIABILITY:RELEASE: Not withstanding anything set forth above or otherwise contained herein, the signator clearly understands that the Sponsors are in no way responsible and can assume no liability of any nature whatsoever for the tour and any acts, omissions or negligence by the Operator or by companies and persons with whom the Operator may contract. The signator has carefully read the list of activities, requirements and conditions as listed in the brochure and application for the tour and is/are aware that the tour and its activities involve the risk of personal injury or death and damage or loss of property. In consideration of the benefits to be derived from participation in the tour, the undersigned voluntarily accepts all risk of personal injury or death and property damage or other loss arising from participation on the tour and hereby agrees that he/she and his/her dependents, heirs, executors and assigns, do release and hold harmless Sponsors and the employees, officers, directors, trustees or representatives of Sponsors, from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, illness, personal injury, death or property damage or loss, however caused, arising from or related to this tour. The signator has read carefully this agreement, and will abide by the conditions set by Sponsors and the Operator as described in the brochure and in the Terms and Conditions of this and other sections as stated herein or elsewhere published. The signator affirms that he/she has not received or relied on any oral or written representation of Sponsors as a basis for executing this Release.

RESERVATION FORM

PREHISTORIC CAVE ART OF SPAIN & FRANCE

May 11 - 22, 2006
To hold your reservation for seven days while this form and your deposit are in the mail, please contact our office at 800-748-6262 or aiatours@sover.net.
NAME: _____________________________________________ NAME: _____________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ CITY: ______________________________________________ STATE: _____________ ZIP: _________________________ PHONE (H) _________________________________________ PHONE (W) ________________________________________ FAX _______________________________________________ EMAIL _____________________________________________ I/We have read the What to Expect section and agree that I/we are able to fully participate on the program. ACCOMMODATIONS: Double Twin Single Share-name of roommate:______________________ Share-please assign a roommate: not guaranteed Non-smoker Smoker RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: A deposit of $750 per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment is due February 10, 2006 (90 days prior to departure). You will receive an invoice for final payment. Make check payable to EOS Passenger Escrow - AIA Prehistory. All prices and payments are in US dollars. Please complete this reservation form, sign the Release statement on the back, enclose your deposit and mail to: AIA Tours P.O. Box 938, 47 Main Street, Suite One Walpole, NH 03608-0938 Fax: 603-756-2922 I/We have read and agree to the terms and conditions delineated in this brochure: Signature______________________________Date__________ Signature______________________________Date__________