Origins: Italy
April 11, 2027 – April 22, 2027
An extraordinary journey through Italy
Join The Leakey Foundation for an unforgettable tour of Italy from April 11-22, 2027. This exclusive small-group tour will take you from the vibrant streets of Palermo across Sicily, Campania, and Lazio to the Eternal City of Rome. This carefully curated itinerary explores prehistoric caves, magnificent archaeological sites, and landscapes that have shaped human history for hundreds of thousands of years.
Accompanied throughout by leading archaeologists and scholars, you’ll enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to some of the Mediterranean’s most significant prehistoric sites, including Paleolithic cave art sites and the Neanderthal caves of the Circeo Promontory.
The itinerary also features stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples, as well as a visit to the historic Vesuvius Observatory, where the group will be welcomed by volcanologist Dr. Mauro Di Vito.
How to reserve your space
This tour is designed by Hautes Côtes, a boutique, experience-focused travel company, for an intimate group of up to 16 travelers. A few spaces are still available.
To join the tour, you must first become a Leakey Foundation Fellow by giving at the Fellows level or higher. Fellows are dedicated supporters who invest in the science of human origins because they know how understanding our shared past can change the world. Your gift of $1,000 or $84 per month supports our mission and makes you eligible to join the Fellows Tour.Â
Explore the itinerary and reserve your space at https://www.hautescotes.com/trip/leakey-italy (use password Italy27)
Highlights include
- Exclusive access to Italy’s most significant prehistoric caves
- Experience Agrigento’s spectacular UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples at sunset
- Explore the remains of an ancient Phoenician settlement
- Authentic cultural and gastronomic experiences
- Talks from Leakey grantees and scientists throughout the program
Price
EUR 15,200 per person based on a double room sharing
Single supplement EUR 2,245
Inclusions:
- 11 nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel or equivalent standard
- 9 lunches with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
- 9 dinners with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles throughout the program
- Internal flight from Catania to Naples
- Luggage transfers between hotels as per the program
- Arrival and departure transfers from and to the airport
- All guided tours and entries to museum and cultural heritage sites
- Honoraria for specialists receiving us for private visits
- Honoraria and travel for expert guides
- Trip led by one native Italian Hautes Côtes tour operator
- Trip accompanied by the Leakey Foundation’s Executive Director
- Audio devices for guided tours
- A printed trip handbook with daily program and practical information
- All tips for restaurant, transportation, and hotel staff
- A tax-deductible donation to The Leakey Foundation of $450
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Medical insurance (required)
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, spa)
- Meals and drinks taken outside of the group program
A note from Hautes Côtes: This trip program is subject to change. Small changes may also be necessary due to weather and the availability of experts and researchers.
