Ancient caves, human origins: Northern Spain

17 June 2025 - 7 days for £3,395 per person

26 August 2025 - 7 days for £3,495 person

Discover some of the world's oldest known cave paintings in this idyllic part of Northern Spain. Travel back 40,000 years to explore how our ancestors lived, played and worked. From ancient Paleolithic art to awe-inspiring geological formations, each cave tells a unique story that transcends time.

Venture into the depths of history as you witness some of the earliest expressions of human creativity. Experience the wonders of several renowned caves full of art from before the dawn of civilisation, including Santimamiñe, El Pindal, Tito Bustillo, El Castillo and Las Monedas, in small groups by torchlight. Plus, visit the stunning replica of Altamira, the Bilbao Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Santander.

Each of the tour departures will be accompanied by an expert in their respective fields, who will give insights into the dawn of human culture and civilisation, suggested topics include:

• Ice-age artists: who exactly painted the art in the caves we are about to see, what were the artists' lives like, and what can we learn about them from their extraordinary art?
• How we became us: a broad look at human evolution, and the story of our journey from nomadic hunter gatherers to who we are today.
• Ancient Sumer: decoding the secrets of the world’s first civilisation, where our species officially moved out of “prehistory", and into “history”.

In addition to the above experts, you will be joined by local archaeological experts and cave custodians, allowing you to enjoy specialist talks and walking seminars along the way. You will also be joined by a tour manager throughout who will give insights into Spain's history and culture.

You will also discover local cuisine and explore the beautiful towns and cities of Santander, Santillana del Mar, Oviedo and Bilbao, including a visit to the famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

DAY 1: BILBAO 

After checking in to the Hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia in central Bilbao, meet with your tour leader, accompanying expert and fellow guests for a tour briefing.

In the early evening, you will then visit the Bilbao Archaeological Museum. The museum takes a deep dive into the rich history and heritage of the Basque Country through its extensive collection of artifacts, focusing on archaeology, ethnography, and prehistory. Enjoy dinner afterwards in Bilbao.

Please note: The August departure will visit the Bilbao Archaeological Museum on day 2.

DAY 2: VISIT SANTIMAMIÑE CAVE AND GERNIKA

This morning drive for around 50 minutes to visit the Santimamiñe Cave which is located in the province of Bizkaia near the village of Kortezubi. The cave was discovered in 1916 and contains evidence of human occupation from as far back as 14,000 years. You will have free time to explore the nearby town of Gernika which is best known for the tragic bombing during the Spanish Civil War, which was famously depicted in Pablo Picasso’s painting Guernica. Return to Bilbao where you will have your first talk from your expert.

You will then be led on an exploration of the pedestrianised Old Quarter and enjoy a tapas meal with other guests. The Old Quarter is the original city from the year 1300 and contains stunning examples of churches and monuments, as well as a lively culinary scene.

DAY 3: VISIT EL PINDAL AND TITO BUSTILLO CAVES AND CONTINUE TO OVIEDO 

In the morning, you will drive to the caves of El Pindal, taking around two hours. The caves contain the first palaeolithic cave paintings discovered in the region, the most notable of which is of a woolly mammoth.

Some of the smaller caves you will visit are well off the tourist trail, have irregular opening hours and are managed by local custodians without the usual tourist infrastructure. Therefore, there may have to be changes in the itinerary as the tour progresses. Your tour leader will keep you informed and a flexible attitude will help you get the best out of the tour. During some of the visits, the tour leader will be translating on your behalf if the local custodian doesn't speak English.

After exploring the charming coastal town of Ribadesella, you will visit the Tito Bustillo cave. Due to a landslide at the entrance, the cave was sealed thousands of years ago, thus preserving its contents of tools and paintings, the oldest dating back 33,000 years. 

In the late afternoon, you will check into the Hotel Coloniel and then have time at leisure to explore the charming town of Oviedo, with its historic quarter and gothic cathedral.

The evening dinner will be in a traditional Spanish cider house.

DAY 4: ASTURIAS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND TRAVEL TO SANTILLANA DEL MAR 

After breakfast, visit the Asturias Archaeological Museum, which is housed in a former Benedictine monastery, San Vicente, next to the Oviedo’s cathedral. Founded in 1952, the museum underwent a major renovation in 2011, modernising its facilities while preserving its historic charm.

In the afternoon, drive to Santillana del Mar, where you will visit the old city and check into a traditional-style hotel. There is an old saying that Santillana del Mar is "the town of three lies", since it isn't saintly (santo), flat (ilana) or by the sea (del mar), as implied by its name. But it does have many historic buildings, which provide a fascinating backdrop to exploring this town. In the evening, there will be a second talk followed by dinner.

DAY 5: EL CASTILLO AND LOS MONDEDAS CAVES AND REPLICA OF THE CAVE OF ALTAMIRA

In the morning, travel to Puente Viesgo, a journey of around 30 minutes. The town sits on the banks of the Pas River and is surrounded by lush green landscapes. Visit the caves of El Castillo and Los Monedas. El Castillo is one of the most famous and important Palaeolithic sites in Europe. It contains red ochre paintings of animals such as bison, horses, and deer, as well as hand stencils dating back over 40,000 years. Some of the paintings are thought to be among the oldest known cave art in the world. Continue to Los Monedas which is part of the Monte Castillo complex and features prehistoric engravings and charcoal drawings. Return to Santillana del Mar.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to the replica of the Cave of Altamira. During the 1970s, the original cave paintings were damaged by the presence of a large number of visitors. A replica and museum opened in 2001, reproducing the cave and its art to excellent effect. Aside from the quality of the art found here, it was one of the first European cave paintings found that suggested prehistoric origin.

Afterwards, you will return to Santillana del Mar for a third talk and a group dinner.

Please note: The August departure will visit the replica of the Cave of Altamira in the morning and El Castillo and Los Monedas in the afternoon. 

DAY 6: EL PENDO CAVE, SANTANDER ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND RETURN TO BILBAO 

In the morning, visit El Pendo Cave, which was first discovered in 1878, but it gained prominence in 1997 when a remarkable frieze of prehistoric paintings was found. The site has been studied extensively due to its rich layers of archaeological deposits and rock art.

Afterwards, travel east to Santander to visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses an array of artifacts, interactive guides and vivid interpretations of Stone Age life. 

You will then journey back along the coast to Bilbao. On arrival, you will visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to view modern and contemporary art in this stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, an awe-inspiring example of modernist architecture.

After checking back into the Hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia, there will be a farewell evening meal together.

DAY 7: GROUP DEPARTURE TRANSFER

After breakfast, there will be a group transfer to the airport. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to stay on for a few more nights to enjoy Bilbao.