Dear Travelers,Wasn’t 2011 a fascinating year? The world is changing and seems to be gettingsmaller which has encouraged us to expand and add a variety of unusual andoriginal trip itineraries to our schedule.

Professor John Janusek heads our tour to Bolivia in June that includes all five ofthe cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join the legendary Michael D. Coe for a one-time-only trip to Chiapas Mexico: From Palenque to Izapa in lateNovember. The renowned Professor Bob Brier of Teaching Company fame willtake a group to England and Wales in June with an emphasis on both Egypt and the Romans. Also led by Bob Brier, explore some of the most historicallyimportant, yet often unvisited, sites in Egypt - Tanis, Alexandria, Amarna, andspend four days onboard a traditional sailing vessel - on Undiscovered Egypt inNovember 2013. Our 2012 trip to Bali filled quickly but we will offer a similar trip to this enchanting destination in April 2013. And that is not all...Keep visitingour website and look for trips in the near future to the Greek Islands, Sri Lankaand Myanmar.

We are also offering new “theme trips” to our ever increasing roster. In November,I traveled along the ageless Silk Road that for millennia was the link between the great civilizations of Europe and Asia. Traders, missionaries, and explorerstransported silks and other rich goods, spread Islam and Buddhism, as well as disseminated ideas, arts, technologies, and cuisines. Following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Genghiz Khan, Marco Polo, and Tamerlane, I viewed glorious remains built by khans, conquerors and sultans to proclaim their greatness. Merv, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand – names that reverberate with exciting history. Save the date! In April 2013, Dr. Jenny Rose will take our first group along the Silk Road through several Central Asian countries. And in October 2013, travel through Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta In the Footsteps of the Crusader Knights, led by illustrious Medieval historian, John France.

Where would you like to travel next? If you want to plan a special trip with yourfamily or a close group of friends, give us a call and we will help you create anonce-in-a-lifetime custom trip. Yacht charter in Turkey? Castles in England? Hike the Inka Trail? Easter Island? We can help you design a unique itinerary. Or is there somewhere you want to go with a tour group because you enjoy thecamaraderie but are looking for something a little different? Give us a call!

We at Far Horizons are proud of our knowledge of the world. Won’t you let usassist you? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might haveabout our trips, our scholars and guides, or just to chat.

Happy traveling!

Mary Dell Lucas Founding Director Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips, Inc.

NEWSLETTERFAR HORIZONS ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL TRIPS

Volume 17, Number 1 • Spring 2012Published Erratically by Far Horizons • P.O. Box 2546 • San Anselmo, CA 94979 USA

(800) 552-4575 • (415) 482-8400 • fax (415) 482-8495 • www.farhorizons.com • email: journey@farhorizons.com

Through the GlassDarkly

FEATUREDJOURNEY

Through the Glass Darkly: AnArchaeological Pub Crawl through GreatBritain travels from Edinburgh in the northeast

to Stonehenge and Salisbury in the southwest.

As declared in our brochure, long the bastion

of all that is good and true in British culture, the

pub occupies the place today that it has held

for many centuries, as the spot where society

is daily glued together through the medium

of beer. Learn about the history of southern

Scotland and England from archaeologist,

Dr. James Bruhn, while exploring remote sites

that few visitors manage to find. And enjoy

meals and overnights in carefully chosen

traditional and unspoiled pubs and inns, where

you will be able to touch pint mugs with the

local people while you savor delicious regional

delicacies, washed down with the region's

best representatives of the British brewer's art.

Dates: September 16 - 28, 2012Cost: $7,995.00 + international air

Egypt &Rome inEngland

2  •  www.farhorizons.com

Egypt &Rome inEngland

I would like to invite you to join Pat and me on a very special journey thatfocuses on Egypt and Rome as we traverse western England and Wales. Theitinerary is filled with exceptional specially-arranged events. Dr. Peter Guest,excavator of the Roman site of Caerleon, will spend the day with us at what is one of the largest complexes of Roman buildings in Britain including arecently found immense port. Dr. Guest will then take us to nearby Caerwentwhere stone walls more than 15 feet tall once surrounded a Roman city covering 44 acres. Much of these high fortifications still survive. Our exploration of Roman ruins continues as we enjoy a private tour of Bath, and exclusive walking tours of Chester and the Roman sites of London. Then there’s Leicester’s museum with stunning collections including detailed mosaics, intricate painted wall plaster and a beautiful Roman cavalry helmet cheek-piece. And let’s not forget Old Sarum, originally a hill fort built over by the Romans to become the town of Sorviodunum.

And the focus on Egypt is equally dazzling! In Liverpool we go behind thescenes at both the Garstang Museum with the Director (and excavator in thewestern desert of Egypt), Dr. Steven Snape, and the World Museum withEgyptian curator Dr. Ashley Cooke. Each will give a private tour of theexhibits and bring out artifacts from storage rooms for us to actually pick up and examine. At the University of Oxford, we will observe the Egyptiancollection at the renowned Ashmolean Museum, and in London we tour the extensive collection at the British Museum, housing some of the most precious and outstanding Egyptian artifacts ever uncovered. With luck, we’ll have a private tour at Highclere Castle, the home of Lord Carnarvonwho funded Howard Carter’s excavations, and where the intimate collection of notes and journals recount the glorious tale of opening KingTutankhamun’s tomb.

Come travel with me on Egypt and Rome in England, June 15- 24, 2012.

Bob Brier

China’s Mogao Caves

www.farhorizons.com  •   3

Join me in

Greece

Hello,

I would like to invite you to accompany me on a trip to Greece that I’m leading for Far Horizons this coming

May. Greece holds a special place in my heart. As a student I lived in Athens for five years researching

and writing my doctoral thesis. My fondest memories include wandering the streets of the Plaka en route

to the Acropolis, traipsing through the Attic countryside looking for ruined walls, and excavating a Minoan

village in the mountains of Crete. And even though I’ve returned to Greece many times since those days,

the sites we visit on this tour still astound me!

The dramatic setting of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi standing backlit against the mountains the

ancient Greeks called the Phaedriades (the “shining ones”) alone illuminates why it developed into one of

the most sacred sites in the Greek world and beyond; the scores of politically charged monuments make

us ponder how these spheres intertwined. Similar questions are shrouded in the quiet dignity of Olympia,

where heroes and leaders emerged in competitions honoring Zeus. The sheer cliffs of Santorini, glowing

white against the blue Mediterranean Sea, frame an island situated in the midst of history for thousands

of years. I especially want to share with you the sites off the tourist track that were central to Greek life,

like the sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron, where the rituals of Athenian girls give us a glimpse at how

ancient gender roles are forged. I want to share all of these experiences with you, and much more.

We will explore how the research at these sites shaped our understanding of Greek history. And our

specially arranged private tours will give us a sneak peak at the future of the field. May is a wonderful

time to be in Greece. The weather is mild, there are few other tourists and the red poppies are still

blooming in the meadows. I hope to see you there!

Jennifer Tobin

Located in the arid climate of the Gobi Desert, the Mogaocaves have preserved thousands of sculptures and paintingsof Buddha for over 1,500 years. Myth has it that the first ofthe grottos were created by a monk named Lejun. When traveling along the Silk Road, he passed this mountain thatgleamed with a thousand rays that looked like a manifestationof thousands of Buddha. He considered it the holy land of theBuddhists and raised money from people in the surroundingareas and invited craftsmen to dig the first cave in the steepcliff. When the news spread, more and more people came hereto excavate and decorate more caves.

There are a total of 735 caves many containing murals of thelife of Buddha, picturesque and finely-painted landscapes,

pavilions as well as scenes of ancient Chinese people's workand life. These scenes depict the folklore and historicalchanges of over 1,500 years' Chinese history. In 1900, the cave of Buddhist scriptures was discovered and Mogao Cavescame to the world’s attention.

The Caves of Dunhuang, authored by Fan Jinshi, Director of the Dunhuang Academy, has recently been published byScala. The book provides a detailed description of 50 caves at Mogao and other sites near Dunhuang.

Join Far Horizons August 18 - September 3, 2012 on China’sSilk Road for lunch with the staff of the Dunhuang Academyand a specially-arranged tour of caves closed to the public.

China’s Mogao Caves

Dear Travelers - DON'T MISS EGYPT!I have just returned from a tour of "Undiscovered Egypt" with Far Horizons.

This is what I have to say: Go to Egypt NOW! I am proclaiming this far and wide without hesitation. The sites can be seen without hordes of tourists like ourselves. You can stand and gaze at temples and tombs and contemplate inscriptions and pictures without being jostled or made to feel guilty for lingering too long.

A fellow traveller couldn't get over what a different experience it was from when she visited Abydos and other sites a few years back. I want to return to Luxor and other places while there is still a lull from wall to wall people.

Yes, there were some incidents while we were there, but gliding down the Nile, we felt nary a ripple and didn't even know about some.

Elliott Jones

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The Vast and Varied Treasures of Turkey

By Garrett Fagan

Turkey rivals only Italy in the depth of its cultural heritage; arguably, it even outstrips it.With a history traceable back into the StoneAge, few places you can visit lay claim to sucha deep and rich historical tapestry. Three sitesin particular illustrate these points.

Hattusas was the capital city of the Hittites, theonly imperial power to rule their realm frominland Anatolia. Here the Hittites, at their mostpowerful between 1400 and 1200 BCE, erectedmassive structures of mudbrick on stone foun-dations. From this city, home to perhaps 40,000at its height, the Hittites reached the AegeanSea to the west and challenged the Pharoahs of Egypt for control of Syria to their south.

The other premier Bronze Age site in Turkey is Troy, in thenorthwestern corner of the country. It is, to be sure, a smallsite in comparison to the likes of Hattusas or Ephesus, butfew places are more evocative. Tales of the Trojan War formone of the cardinal cycles of Greek myth, endlessly retold inthe poetry of Homer, the tragedies of the classical Greekdramatists, and almost all media of art (including modernfilm). At the site of Troy, excavated since 1870, you willstand on this storied ground yourself and survey the complexities of what has been found there, how it relates to Homeric epic (if at all), and what it all means. A dazzling experience.

Finally, there is Ephesus. One of the richest Greek cities onthe ancient coast of Asia Minor, home to one of the SevenWonders of the Ancient World (the Temple of Artemis), and the Roman city, the capital city of the province of Asia,one of the richest regions of the empire. The ruins of the city cannot conceal this former prosperity: marbled and porticoes streets, vast bath complexes, commemorative

arches, a huge theater, affluent houses ranged on a hillsidenear the forum with marble wall panels, mosaics and frescoes still in place – all bespeak the former power andrichness of this magnificent city.

At all three of these sites, Far Horizons has arranged private tours of the excavations…And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is the bizarre, alien landscape ofCappadocia, riddled with rock-cut dwellings and Byzantinechurches; the holy city of Konya, birthplace of the whirlingDervishes; the mountaintop city of Sagalassos affordingspectacular views of the valleys and plains below; and, ofcourse, the majesty of Constantinople/Istanbul, a city atonce ancient and modern, classical and cosmopolitan, mar-velously sited at the mouth of the Bosphorus straits thatseparate Europe from Asia. Turkey has it all, and it’s therefor your taking!

Travel September 15 - 30, 2012 with Professor GarrettFagan of Teaching Company fame on Turkish Treasures.

Far Horizons Schedule of TripsAll Dates and Prices Subject to Change • Revised 2/14/12

EUROPE & TURKEYGlorious Greece

Journey through Greece to view both the celebrated and more remote remains of the many civilizations that have passed across this land. Spend three days inAthens, travel through the Peloponnese Peninsula, view spectacular Delphi, explore Crete and Santorini.May 12 - 27, 2012 with Professor Jennifer Tobin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,895.00 + airMay 12 - 25, 2013 with Professor Jennifer Tobin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

Sensational SicilyAs we circle this lovely isle, view marvels from the past and beauties of the present - Syracuse; Agrigento, one of the most impressive classical sites in Italy; theperfect temple at Segesta; the magnificent Norman Cathedral at Cefalù; and Taormina’s superb Roman amphitheater. All this and more makes this trip memorable.May 12 - 26, 2012 with Dr. Claire Calcagno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,295.00 + air

Cyprus & MaltaOn Cyprus, see Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the “painted churches” of the Troodos Mountains, and much more. On the lovely island of Malta,explore Valletta as well as the Hypogeum and the megalithic temples of Malta and Gozo.June 3 - 15, 2012 with Professor Brett Whalen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995.00 + air

Egypt and Rome in England and WalesJoin Egyptologists, Bob Brier and Patricia Remler, on this unusual journey to out of the way areas of Wales and Western England, visiting the Egyptian collections of museums and Roman sites along the way.June 15 - 24, 2012 with Professor Bob Brier and Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,195.00 + air

The Riches of Scotland From the English border to the Orkney Islands, enjoy many of the historic and archaeological sites that few visitors manage to find - prehistoric stone circles and chambered tombs, glorious abbeys and cathedrals, and medieval castles. August 4 - 19, 2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.00 + air

Eastern Turkey's Lost KingdomsFrom the mountains of eastern Anatolia, to the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates, to the Cilician plain, through visiting temples, monasteries, and mosques,cities and castles, and the historic towns of the region, with only 13 others experience the history and culture of Eastern Turkey, truly a crossroad of civilizations.September 8 - 23, 2012 with Professor John France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,695.00 May 18 - June 2, 2013 with Professors Jeremy and Maud McInerney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

Turkish TreasuresWith only eleven others enjoy private tours of three of the most important archaeological projects in the eastern Mediterranean - Hattusha, capital of the Hittite Empire; Troy, and Ephesus. Also visit five of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Sagalassos, Pergamum, Cappadocia, Assos, and much more.September 15 - 30, 2012 with Professor Garrett Fagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995.00September 7 - 22, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

An Archaeological Pub Crawl of Great Britain Explore prehistoric stone circles and chambered tombs, walk in the footsteps of Roman armies along Hadrian's Wall, and savor the view from battlements ofmedieval castles in remote and beautiful areas of Britain - and rarely be far distant from a source of liquid replenishment.September 16 - 28, 2012 with Dr. James Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,995.00+airSeptember 16 - 28, 2013 with Dr. James Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,995.00+air

Ancient Rome and Southern ItalyTravel to Rome and explore the largest archaeological park in the world, a capital that was the center of the known world for centuries. Examine some of the chief elements of ancient Rome and travel south to the remarkable sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum.May 11 - 24, 2013 with Professor Garrett Fagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

The Crusader KnightsFollow in the path of the Knights of the Order of Saint John the Hospitaller, a brotherhood for the care of sick pilgrims following the First Crusade. After the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the order sought refuge in the Kingdom of Cyprus, conquered Rhodes, and two hundred years later, took over Malta.October 6 - 21, 2013 with Professor John France. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

INDIA, ASIA and CHINASouth India: Temples and Traditions

Travel into an area of India which has managed to retain the essence of its mystique despite invasions both historical and modern. From Hampi to Karaikudi to Tanjore, the temples visited contain some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India.January 3 - 20, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Angkor Wat and Laos An exciting 17-day trip through historically-rich Cambodia and Laos that includes six full days at Angkor, and the bustle of Phnom Penh. In Laos, see Vat Phou, certainly one of the most spectacular of the Khmer cities, and the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane.January 5 - 21, 2013 with Dr. Damian Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

North India Explore India with its copious smells of incense, cacophony of sounds, succulent cuisine and drinks, and wealth of ancient architecture. Visit ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the incomparable Taj Mahal, and Khajarajo with it's beautifully decorated temples. Explore Varanasi, Aurangabad and Jaipur.January 5 - 20, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,595.00

China: Along the Silk RoadSee the renowned Mogao Caves' ornate Buddhist cave paintings, explore one of the world's oldest continuous markets in Kashgar, learn about the Uighur culture, and travel through the Taklamakan Desert by camel to see the earliest Buddhist pagoda in Khotan. Visit Turpan, Kuqa and Urumqi and so much more.August 18 - September 3, 2012 with Professor Dru Gladney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Essential Mongolia: Deer Stones, Steppes & MonasteriesVisit the Valley of the Kings to view these mysterious deer stone monuments. Travel to Lake Khovsgol one of the world’s most ancient lakes and enjoy a localNaadam Festival. Visit Kharkhorin, the 13th century site of the Mongolian Empire’s capital and home to Erdene Zuu, an important Buddhist Monastery. See the Przewalski horses, explore Amarbyasgalant Monastery, and discover the vibrant capital city of Ulaanbaatar.August 10 - 25, 2013 with Lauren L. Bonilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

OCEANIAChile and Easter Island's Tapati Festival

Explore Easter Island's immense stone statues, perplexing petroglyphs, and vibrant cave paintings. The trip is timed to include the wonderful Tapati Festival, atime of revelry and feasts and of honoring the culture - both past and present. Also including are three days exploring Santiago, Chile and nearby coastal towns.January 29 - February 9, 2013 with Dr. Sidsel Millerstrom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,995.00 + air

BaliIn Bali, spirituality, religion, tradition and art blend into a unique form of Hinduism that is found nowhere else. This special itinerary includes colorful ceremonies within richly decorated Temple complexes, visits to artisans, fascinating archaeological sites and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.April 27 - May 12, 2013 with Dr. Thomas Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,695.00

Continued on next page

THE MIDDLE EAST & ARABIAIran: Empires of Everlasting Fire

Embrace the cultural diversity of Iran! Follow the path of the author of the first human rights charter, Cyrus the Great, and his powerful Achmaenid dynasty at sites like Pasargad and Persepolis. Travel to Isfahan, Shiraz, and other sites, and witness the way in which previous empires have left their indelible mark. April 13 - 29, 2013 with Professor Lloyd John Llewellyn-Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

The Grandeur of Petra, The Splendors of JordanJordan has captivated travelers and conquerors alike with its beauty and mystery. View the celebrated mosaics of Madaba and prehistoric ‘Ain Ghazal wherehuge, unique statues were discovered. Finally, spend three days exploring the 2,500 year old Petra, full of amazing rock carved buildings.May 19 - 27, 2012 with Professor Gary Rollefson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,495.00

Central AsiaTravel along the ageless Silk Road that for millennia was the link between the great civilizations of Europe and Asia. Follow in the footsteps of Alexander theGreat, Genghiz Khan, Marco Polo, and Tamerlane. Experience Merv, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand – names that reverberate with compelling history.April 13 - May 1, 2013 with Dr. Jenny Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

IsraelTravel to Beit She’an, Tell Meggido, Masada, Caesarea, the glorious city of Jerusalem, and Akko, the maritime capital of the Crusader Kingdom, all names thatloudly proclaim the remarkable history of this tiny piece of land called Israel.September 2013 with Professor Yorke Rowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALL

EGYPT AND AFRICAThe Oases of Western Egypt

Travel through the Great Sand Sea of the western desert of Egypt that runs for hundreds of miles west of the Nile to the border with Libya. Explore the five verdant spring-fed oases, Siwa, Dakhla, Bahariya, Farafra, and Karga, and a sixth, the Fayoum, that was created during the time of the pharaohs.November 1 - 17, 2012 with Professor Bob Brier and Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

The Majesty of EgyptTravel from Cairo to Luxor to Aswan to Abu Simbel, and experience awe-inspiring events as Far Horizons opens sites closed to the public - the richly-paintedtombs of Seti I and Nefertari, the Red Pyramid and Sakkara's Unas Temple, and the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid. February 17 - March 3, 2013 with Professor Bob Brier and Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,995.00

Undiscovered EgyptExplore some of the most historically important, yet often unvisited, sites in Egypt: Tanis, Alexandria, Amarna (with a private tour led by the archaeologistworking there), and recently opened tombs near Saqqara (closed to the public). The trip culminates with a cruise down the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptiansailing yacht.November 2 - 15, 2013 with Professor Bob Brier and Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,995.00

Ethiopia: The Wonders of the Horn of AfricaIn its mountainous isolation Ethiopians developed a sophisticated culture based on a deep love of Christianity. Explore the fascinating remains of this culture,including the underground churches of Lalibela, join the colorful Easter celebrations in Axum, visit Gondar and Bahir Dar, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana.April 28 - May 12, 2013 with Dr. Cinzia Perlingieri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995.00

THE AMERICASCapital Cities of the Ancient Maya

Travel through Central America and Mexico's Chiapas state to explore the capital cities of the ancient Maya. See Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,Quiriguá, Tikal's towering temples, Yaxchilán, the delicate paintings at Bonampak, and Palenque, arguably the most beautiful of the cities.March 1 - 11, 2013 with epigrapher Joanne Baron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,895.00

The Maya of the YucatanEnjoy an 8 day expedition traveling with only 13 others through Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Visit renowned Chichén Itzá and Uxmal and see recently excavated discoveries at Ek Balam. View the walled city of Campeche and impressive 16th century colonial churches.March 24 - 31, 2012 with Dr. Stanley Paul Guenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,995.00

Under Southwest Skies Explore some of the most stunning ruins in the Four Corners region, including Canyon de Chelly, Hovenweep, and Chaco Canyon and learn about NativeAmerican cultures - both past and present.September 1 - 9, 2012 with archaeologist Tom Windes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,995.00 + air

Peru: Inka and their AncestorsFrom the Moche cities of the north to the fabled Inka sites of the highlands, experience the wealth of Peru’s archaeological past. Caral, Chanquillo, ChanChan,Ollantaytambo, and the incomparable Machu Picchu all await you.June 23 - July 8, 2012 with Dr. Bill Sapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,695.00 + air

BoliviaThe Pre-Columbian history of Bolivia has been shaped by two imperial empires – the Tiwanaku and the Inkas. This journey includes stunning archaeologicalsites - Tiwanaku, Inkallajta, Chiripa, and Lukurmata. And on Lake Titicaca, the sacred Island of the Sun where the Inka believed the sun, gods, and civilizationwere born.June 5 - 20, 2012 with Professor John Janusek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,295.00

Hiking the Inka TrailWalk for four days along the sacred road weeing magnificent ruins of the ancient Inka only accessible from the trail. The 13-day trip also included Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.August 10 - 22, 2012 with Professor Anita Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995.00 + air

Mexico's Chiapas: Palenque to IzapaThe Maya cities of Mexico’s Chiapas state have, until recently, been mostly inaccessible and certainly rarely-visited. Join Dr. Michael Coe to explore Palenque,Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Tonina, Tenan Puente, Izapa, and spend two days in San Cristobal de las Casas to visit Chiapa de Corzo and nearby highland Maya villages.November 28 - December 9, 2012 with Professor Michael Coe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,795.00

The Enduring Maya: Ancient Cities and Living TraditionsVisit Copan, Tikal, Takalik Abaj, and El Baul, and also experience the world of today’s living Maya. Today these highland people practice religious rituals basedon ceremonies with roots in the realm of their forebears - the cigar-smoking deity called Maximón, at churches where the Maya presently worship, and atQuemaderos (sacred shrines) where shaman come to worship in secret.May 25 - June 6, 2013 with Dr. Stanley Paul Guenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,795.00

(800) 552-4575 • (415) 482-8400 • fax (415) 482-8495 • email: journey@farhorizons.com • web page: www.farhorizons.com

Far Horizons Schedule of TripsAll Dates and Prices Subject to Change • Revised 2/14/12

Chiapas: Palenque to Izapa with Professor Michael D. Coeis scheduled for November 28 - December 8, 2012. The

one-time-only itinerary includes Palenque, Yaxchilán,

Bonampak, Toniná, Tenam Puente, Chiapa de Corzo, Izapa,

and will include two days in the

colonial city of San Cristobal de

las Casas with visits to both

Chamula and Zinacantán, Maya

villages little changed over the

centuries. This trip was designed

specifically for the legendary

Dr. Coe and will be the last time

he leads a group into the Maya

World. Don’t miss this once in

a lifetime experience!

Chiapas:Palenque to Izapa

with Dr.

UPCOMINGARCHAEOLOGICAL

EVENT

www.farhorizons.com  •   7

Postcard from Chankillo, Peru

FEATURED JOURNEY

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For most travelers, Peru is synonymous with the Inca civilization, and

particularly Machu Picchu, but archaeologically there is so much more.

Although we saw many interesting sites during our time in Peru, I would

like to tell you about a very special afternoon spent at Chankillo, a

seldom visited place because of its location, approximately 250 miles

north of Lima.

At first glance Chankillo is not that impreassive, some very thick walls

of mud bricks consisting of 3 concentric ovals with a total of 9 doorways

leading to a central elevated area with the remains of two twin towers

and a rectangular complex. But we met with Ivan Ghezzi, the

archaeologist who has been working at Chankillo for many years.

He conducted an extensive private tour for us, explaining that Chankillo

was thought to be a fortified temple. There is no water source to allow

occupation for an extended period, so it is accepted by scholars that

it was a ceremonial site.

In the valley 13 towers are visible on a ridge. The significance of these

towers was not known until 2007 when measurements by Professor

Ghezzi showed that the towers marked the passage of the sun and

functioned as a calendar accurately indicating the days of the year

including the summer and winter solstice. This is the earliest solar

observatory known in the Americas. When it was time for Professor

Ghezzi to take his workers home, he offered to return and take us into

the valley to the observation point to watch the sun go down behind the

towers. Of course we were delighted to take him up on the offer. When

he returned, eight of us squeezed into his four wheel drive and drove

down to the observation area.

Carbon dating has shown Chankillo was constructed between 2000 to

2350 years ago, so it was quite a thrill to stand in the same place as the

religious leaders of ancient times did, and watch the sun go down, just

as they did so many years ago. This is not a normal part of a visit to

Chankillo so we were very privileged.

Lynda Hamilton2011 participant

Visit Chankillo with Professor Ghezzi on our next trip to Peru, June 23 - July 8, 2012, again led by Dr. Bill Sapp.

(800) 552-4575 • (415) 482-8400 • fax (415) 482-8495 • www.farhorizons.com • email: journey@farhorizons.com

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An Insider’s View at Ness of Brodgar, ScotlandBy Wythe Holt

2/29/12

ATTENTION POSTMASTER:Please deliver on or before

I must say that the visit to Ness of Brodgar was the highlight of anextremely good and interesting trip, which James (our first-rate guideand leader) added excellent sites to the announced itinerary until wealmost couldn't absorb any more information. Nick, the director of excavations, gave us twice the time at the Ness of Brodgar than we were promised, rewarding us with a careful tour of the site, thoroughdetailed, professionally-based commentary and excellent responses to our questions. 

This sort of interaction with first-rate archaeologists doing the actual work on (in) the ground, plus clear and insightful explanationderived from first-hand experience (some of it from archaeological evidence encountered by them that very day), seeing through knowledgeable eyes one of the best Neolithic sites available anywhere(maybe THE best), and the uniformly kind and welcoming attitudes and smiles from the folks whose work we were in some senses interrupting, is what distinguishes Far Horizons trips from the sterilehasty "tours" and uninformed gallivanting that other agencies provide. 

It doesn't get any better than this, and I am looking forward to furtherexperiences with Far Horizons! 

Travel with Far Horizons to Scotland, August 4 - 19, 2012.