In the company of archaeologist Marcia-Anne Dobres, you visit the prehistoric caves of Rouffignac, Peche Merle, Niaux, and others in the Dordogne. Decorated between 12,000 and 30,000 years ago, the caves are replete with carvings and paintings of animals and humans - among the earliest human art. Here we sample regional specialties such as foie gras and truffles, and gaze upon the majestic Pyrenees mountains. Other highlights of the program include visits to the festive market day in the medieval town of Sarlat, the Cathar city of Albi with its formidable cathedral, the walled city of Carcassonne, as well as Rocamadour, one of Europe's most impressive places of pilgrimage. An optional four-day visit to Bilbao, Spain, is offered for an additional fee.
Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from France.
Marcia-Anne Dobres, Ph.D. is a research associate at the Archaeological Research Facility in the Department of Anthropology, UC Berkeley. She has taught prehistoric art and archeology at the University of South Carolina, the University of Virginia, and UC Berkeley, and is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas. She has done extensive archeological field research in the Dordogne and Pyrenees.