Paleoanthropology and Ancient Arts Tour of Northern Spain
An exclusive travel experience
We are excited to offer an exclusive travel experience that explores the deep history of human evolution, archaeology and Paleolithic art—delving into the ancient origins of symbolic expression and what these uniquely human traits reveal about where we came from and who we are today.
This custom-designed journey, scheduled for May 27 to June 8, 2026, will be led by Professor Yohannes Haile-Selassie, Director of the Institute of Human Origins at Arizona State University, in partnership with Northern Exposure Spain and its Chief Experience Officer, Charles Schwalbe, to bring this incredible and exclusive excursion to you. Travelers will gain unique insights from one of the world’s leading paleoanthropologists while enjoying behind-the scenes access to world-renowned sites including Atapuerca, Altamira and El Castillo.
The journey includes visits to eight UNESCO World Heritage Paleolithic art caves, curated museum experiences, boutique dining throughout the region, a wine tasting in La Rioja and a stop at the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Contact Aubree Morrissey if you are interested in attending.
Trip highlights and key details:
- Estimated cost: €6,500/€7,800 per person (double/single occupancy - excluding airfare)
- Limited to 12 participants to ensure a high-quality, immersive experience
- Visits to eight UNESCO World Heritage Paleolithic art caves—including Altamira, El Castillo, and Tito Bustillo—six of which are original caves and two exceptional replicas not to be missed.
- Behind-the-scenes tour of Atapuerca and the National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH) led by Dr. María Martinon-Torres, Director of CENIEH
- World-class museum visits, including the Museum of Human Evolution, the National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH), the Center for Experimental Archaeology of Atapuerca, the Museum of Prehistory & Archaeology of Cantabria, the Center for Rock Art of Cantabria, and the museums of Altamira and Tito Bustillo Museum
- Cultural experiences, including a walking tour of Burgos, a winery visit in La Rioja, and a trip to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- Daily regional cuisine experiences, boutique dining, and stays in 4- and 5-star accommodations, with breakfast and lunch included daily.
