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Ancient and Walled Cities

Man, by his very nature, is a social animal. Over 9,000 years ago the Neolithic inhabitants of Anatolia, in modern day central Turkey, joined together to create the first city, Çatalhöyük. Described as a community "at the threshold of civilization," Çatalhöyük is the first example we have of man mastering his environment in a permanent place.

As man’s mastery extended to the seas and the world got smaller, walled cities arose to protect their inhabitants from warlike neighbors. As economic power rather than sheer might began to separate the strong from the weak, medieval fortresses gave way to the magnificent palaces of Europe.

This month’s articles cover ancient and walled cities of the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Below are a few of CulturalTravels.com’s many tour hosts that can help you discover any of them.

Name: MILA Tours
Location: Latin America
Specialty: Archeological Tours
Why We Like Them: Company President Luis Vasquez knows his stuff. For nearly 25 years, the company has been organizing tours for groups and individuals in 20 different countries throughout Central and South America. The company prides itself on providing an in-depth focus on archeology and the complexities of Mayan and Inca cultures. Of special interest is “The Discovery of Machu Picchu” tour, which celebrates the yearly anniversary of Hiram Bingham’s 1911 rediscovery of this spectacular city.

Name: France Off the Beaten Path
Location: France
Specialty: French cultural immersion trips
Why We Like Them: With the stated goal of providing “unforgettable memories of France,” each tour focuses on a specific region. By introducing travelers to the local culture through themed walks, regional cuisine, and personal interaction with the chefs, vintners and locals whose lives revolve around the region, the company truly puts its guests into the heart of France. Each day involves a different activity geared to introduce visitors to the different sides of French life.
Article: Royal Touraine France

Name: Olde Ipswich Tours
Location: Europe
Specialty: Small group gourmet tours
Why We Like Them: Offering different itineraries every year, all tours feature gastronomical delights. From the “Back Roads of Portugal” to the French, Italian and Spanish wine regions, as well as their culinary delights and historic cities and towns, each tour pampers and indulges the senses with first-class hotels and meals.
Article: My Favorite Walled Cities

Name: Tasty Tuscany
Location: Italy
Specialty: Villa rentals, cooking classes and visits to local historical sites
Why We Like Them: Surrounded by Etruscan, Roman and classical Italian towns and ruins, Tasty Tuscany’s villa is a perfect centrally located retreat from which to explore the Tuscan countryside. Sheltering no more than eight guests at a time, Pat and Paolo provide a gracious and comfortable base. Excursion options include visits to local open air markets, famous art towns, abandoned villages, and noted archeological excavations and sites.

Name: World Heritage Tours
Location: Worldwide
Specialty: Historic and cultural tours
Why We Like Them: For over 25 years, Bestway Tours and Safaris has been providing exceptional tours through the world. Its new division, World Heritage Tours, was specially created to focus on the world’s cultural heritage. Journeys involve all aspects of the destination – historic  sites, great monuments and, most important, contact with local people. Historic and heritage properties are featured for a delightful experience. Scheduled group departures, as well as custom planning assistance are available. 

Name: Vintage Spain
Location: Spain
Specialty: Wine tours through Spain
Why We Like Them: Spain is rich in cultures and sights, and while the primary focus of the company’s tours is on wine, all journeys include other cultural experiences, such as art and history. Central Spain and its provinces, such as Castille, the land of castles, La Mancha, the home of legendary Don Quixote, and the multi-walled World Heritage town of Toledo, girt by a stone wall and the river Tajo, are primary destinations. (Toledo is known as “the City of Three Cultures since Christian, Jew and Arab once lived side-by-side there in peace for centuries.) Other historic sites, such as the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, and the walled town of Laguardia in Rioja, feature prominently in this company’s trips.