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Inside the Altamira cave (Cantabria-Spain) ©CMG_IG

Cuevona de Cuevas in Asturias via Santi Rodriguez

Teverga valley and Peña Sobia mountains, Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, Asturias via Imag3s

Santillana del Mar typical streets via Davaiphotography

The Cathedral of Oviedo, on Alfonso II square via LucVi

Cave paintings of Altamira, World Heritage Site, Cantabria via JuanLM

Burgos gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site via Topillo

Rock painting of deer and horse from the cave of El Pendo, Cantabria

Burgos, copper engraving c. 1700.

Cave Art in Spain - Atapuerca to Altamira

Overview Practicalities

Section:

Tour highlights

Altamira II, El Castillo, Tito Bustillo – these are among the most important prehistoric caves in Europe.
Asturias and Cantabria provide a backdrop of outstanding beauty; remote, green, unspoilt.
As well as the monumental cities of Burgos and Oviedo, we stay in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar.
Led by Britain’s leading specialist in prehistoric art, Dr Paul Bahn.

Visiting the Ice Age decorated caves of Europe may be a pilgrimage, in homage to the region’s artists of 30,000–10,000 years ago, or it may simply be curiosity. But while one’s interest may have been triggered by books, television or lectures, there is simply no substitute for seeing the sites themselves, some of humankind’s greatest artistic achievements in their unusual, evocative and original settings. In addition, the caves of northern Spain are in regions of outstanding beauty, famed for their seafood and cuisine. Three nights are spent in Santillana del Mar, a well-preserved medieval village close to Altamira, one of the most famous and historic decorated caves, located in a striking landscape. Other caves such as Covalanas and Pindal are in settings with breathtaking views.

Whatever your motivation or interest, a visit to an Ice Age cave is a tremendous privilege. After more than a century of research we still only know about 400 such sites in Eurasia, and only a small fraction of these are open to the public because of difficulties of access or conservation concerns. As such, they constitute a very limited and finite resource, and yet visitors can approach these original masterpieces extremely closely, an experience unparalleled in major art galleries.

Unlike a visit to the Louvre or the Prado, in entering a cave you are seeing the images precisely where they were created; you are standing or crouching just where the artists did. In many cases the journey to the cave entrance and the route through the chambers give your experience a sense of immediacy, purity and vividness. Entering a world far removed from one of commerce, art-dealers and critics enhances a feeling of connection with the artists. There is nothing like a stalactite dripping on your head to remind you that you are in a pristine and natural setting.

Practicalities

Two sharing: £3,140 or £2,910 without flights. Single occupancy: £3,470 or £3,240 without flights.

Travel by private coach throughout; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners with wine, water and coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager and local guides.

NH Collection Palacio de Burgos: smart 4-star hotel in a converted palace. Rooms are comfortable and richly furnished. Parador de Santillana Gil Blas: 4-star Parador, traditionally furnished. Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista, Oviedo: 5-star hotel in a converted 17th-century hospice. Single rooms are doubles for sole use throughout.

A lot of walking is involved to reach the caves, often over rough ground or up steep gradients. Inside the caves the ground is slippery underfoot. A good level of fitness and sure-footedness is essential. Average distance by coach per day: 99 miles.

Are you fit enough to join the tour?

Between 10 and 18 participants.

Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website and Travel Health Pro to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.

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