Tucked into rolling countryside from southwestern France to Spain’s northern coast lies a treasure trove of artifacts and art left by early humans tens of thousands of years ago. Witness some of the oldest art in the world in caves from Lascaux to El Castillo, and marvel at the artistic skill and sensitivity of our early ancestors.
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Prehistoric Caves of France and Spain
10 days from $7,290
Tucked into rolling countryside from southwestern France to Spain’s northern coast lies a treasure trove of artifacts and art left by early humans tens of thousands of years ago. Witness some of the oldest art in the world in caves from Lascaux to El Castillo, and marvel at the artistic skill and sensitivity of our early ancestors.
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* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.
Hotel Le Centenaire
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, France
A charming, family-run hotel in the heart of Les Eyzies de Tayac, Hotel le Centenaire was founded in 1964, a hundred years after the discovery of the first prehistoric site in the Vézère Valley. It was named in honor of the centennial celebration. This boutique property with just 20 bedrooms was originally the village post office. It features comfortable rooms, a large heated pool, shady terraces, a lounge and bar, and a gastronomic restaurant.
Hotel du Barry Resort & Spa
Sauveterre-de-Comminges, France
A chic country retreat located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, the Hotel du Barry’s 20 airy rooms are elegantly decorated, offering contemporary amenities in the warm atmosphere of a family home. The hotel also features an antiques-filled lounge with a bar, a seasonal outdoor pool, tennis court, billiards room, and a restaurant serving cuisine inspired by the local terroir.
Parador de Santillana Gil Blas
Santillana del Mar, Spain
The Parador de Santillana Gil Blas is set within an 18th-century mansion in pedestrian-only center of historic Santillana del Mar. The 28 rooms have combine period furnishings with modern amenities, and the restaurant and bar serve Cantabrian cuisine with a modern flair.
Miró Hotel Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain
Sleek, modern, and chic, the Hotel Miró is a luxury boutique hotel located very close to the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in the center of Bilbao. The 50 room are contemporary in design, and well-equipped with modern conveniences. The hotel also features a small fitness center, a bar, and a library.
Expectations: Longer tour with mostly full-day excursions by motor coach, with four hotel stays. Full-day excursions entail daily activity of up to six hours and walking up to four miles. Travelers will spend much of their days on their feet, walking and standing during walking tours, museum visits, and indoor/outdoor sites and activities. Walking may entail uneven terrain, cobblestones, city hills, stairs (some without handrails), and absence of elevators; some longer walks to get to city centers or venues where coaches are prohibited. The caves can be slippery and uneven terrain and not well lit, without handrails. Some of the cave visits would not be appropriate for anyone with mobility issues.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
Highly Recommended
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For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.
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