Road Scholar : Home
Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present

Program Number: 12778RJ
Start and End Dates:
11/16/2012 - 11/29/2012; 9/13/2013 - 9/26/2013; 10/25/2013 - 11/7/2013; 1/10/2014 - 1/23/2014; 2/7/2014 - 2/20/2014; 3/21/2014 - 4/3/2014; 4/4/2014 - 4/17/2014; 5/16/2014 - 5/29/2014; 9/12/2014 - 9/25/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Egypt
Price starting at: $3,600.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats
Meals: 33; 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

How were the pyramids built? What happened to Queen Nefertiti? And why does Tut Ankh Amon, the “boy king,” still capture the public imagination? Journeying overland and on the Nile, Egyptologists reveal the mystery behind Egypt’s storied history and the country’s place in the modern world.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some stairs and uneven terrain.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Cairo (Egypt), 3 nights; Alexandria, 2 nights; Cairo, 2 nights; aboard ms Concerto, 4 nights; Cairo, 1 night.



Day 1:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.




Days 2-4:
Arrival Cairo (Egypt):

Egyptologists lead expeditions to Sakkara, Dahshur, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum.
Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Day 5-6:
Coach to Alexandria:

Explore the Coptic monastery of Amba Bishoi Monastery, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Montazah Garden area, the Roman theater, the National Museum in Alexandria and the catacombs of Kom es-Shouqafa.
Lodging: Seaside hotel.



Days 7-8:
Train to Cairo:

Get an up-close look at 11 royal mummies in the Egyptian Museum's Mummy room, learn about Egyptian social life by a local expert, revel in the hustle and bustle of Khan El Khalili bazaar, bn Toulum Mosque, El Moez Street.
Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Day 9-10:
Flight to Luxor / embark on a luxury river cruise

Visit the Karnak and Luxor temples.



Day 11:
Edfu & Kom Ombo:

Before arriving in Edfu, venture to King Tut's tombs, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari and the famed Colossi of Memnon. An expert-led excursion to a temple shared by two Gods: Sobek and Haeroris.



Day 12:
Aswan:

Examine the impact of the Nile’s High Dam and visit the Temple of Philae and Unfinished Obelisk.



Day 13-14:
Disembark / Scenic drive in the Western Desert to Abu Simbel / flight to Cairo / departure:

Discover the temples of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertiti in Abu Simbel before continuing to Cairo for departure.
Lodging: Hotel near airport.



ms Concerto

ms Concerto - is classified to a New Norm (N/N) which is a new level of classification defined by the Egyptian Tourism Ministry to match the international luxury levels. All cabins have private bathroom and a window to view the Nile.


Egypt

Hundreds of years before Rome and Athens, a sophisticated and ancient kingdom grew up along the shores of the Nile River. In 3150 B.C., King Menes unified a people and created a rule that would last thousands of years. This arid and spectacular country is shrouded in the mystery of the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings and steeped in the heated intrigues of Marc Antony and Cleopatra and more secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Waleed El Maligi
Waleed El Maligi’s expertise in Egyptology and experience in coordinating educational excursions has made him a favorite group leader of Road Scholar programs for many years. An accredited lecturer in Egypt and beyond, Waleed has lectured at many institutions, including Loyola College in Los Angeles and the Moor House School in Atlanta. Like most Egyptians, Waleed served in the military during the ‘80s as an officer at a military hospital, where he was in charge of public relations and social services. Waleed holds a master’s degree in Egyptology from the University of Cairo, and is proficient in Arabic, French, English and hieroglyphics.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo
  Giza, Egypt 3 nights
   Sofitel Cecil Hotel
  Alexandria, Egypt 2 nights
   Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo
  Cairo, Egypt 2 nights
   M/S Princess Sarah
  The Nile River, Egypt 4 nights
   Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars
  Cairo, Egypt 1 night
 Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo combines an exciting location & good service This hotel offers its guests a unique opportunity to explore the historical surroundings in total comfort & convenience. Located in a magnificent park at the foot of the Giza Pyramids & the Sphinx, 35 km from Cairo international airport.
  Contact info: 1 Alexandria Desert Rd.
P.O. Box 16 Pyramids
Giza,  12556 Egypt
phone: + 20 233 776 444
web: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-1789-mercure-cairo-le-sphinx/index.shtml
  Room amenities: A/C, Satellite TV, direct dial phone, minibar, safe, broadband internet connection, hairdryer,
  Facility amenities: Concierge, dry cleaning service, currency exchange, gift shop, fitness center, jacuzzi, massage, outdoor heated pool, sauna, restaurants, 24 hour room service, bar.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Available upon request Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and reservations.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Sofitel Cecil Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Sofitel Cecil is located along the Historic harbor front and next to a charming park in the center of Alexandria. The hotel offer large comfortable rooms all in a historic setting. The Cecil is one of Egypt’s great historic hotels and from it you can easily and safely walk around the merchant streets or enjoy a horse and buggy ride departing from the park across from the hotel.
  Contact info: 16 Saad Zagloul Square
Raml Station
Alexandria,  1726 Egypt
phone: +20 3 48 771 73
web: www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1726-sofitel-cecil-alexandria/index.shtml
  Room amenities: A/C, TV, 220/240 Volt Electricity, Safe, Hairdryer, Minibar, Phone, High Speed Internet Access,
  Facility amenities: 2 Restaurants, Bar, Cafe, Concierge, Gift Shop, Room Service, Wi-Fi, ATM Machine, Currency Exchange, Dry Cleaning Service,
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Sofitel El Gezirah is the luxury hotel of Cairo, located on the Nile River, in the heart of the city. French contemporary and elegant hotel with an Oriental inspiration and is the only Cairo hotel with a direct and private access to a quiet and peaceful promenade on the Nile River.
  Contact info: 3 El Thawra Council St. Zamalek
PO Box 732 El Orman Giza
Cairo,  11518 Egypt
phone: +20 2 27 37 3737
web: www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-5307-sofitel-el-gezirah-cairo/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Wireless Internet connection, LCD cable television, 2 direct telephone lines, 110/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC, air conditioning, safe in room, minibar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor heated swimming pool, 5 restaurants, bars, fitness center, jacuzzi, wi-fi wireless internet access, concierge, dry cleaning service, currency exchange, business center
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 M/S Princess Sarah
Type: Luxury Barge
  Description: Launched on 2004, the M/S Miss Princess Sarah is one of the largest and most luxurious vessels on the River Nile between Luxor & Aswan. Providing the services & Facilities of 5 Star super deluxe category, the crew & management on the M/S Princess Sarah assure comfortable and enjoyable cruise on the River Nile. Five Decks (three with cabins) 64 Cabins with 2 beds. 2 SGL Cabins 2 Junior Suites 2 Presidential Suites Reception, Salon/bar & Salon Disco. GYM, Lounge Bare with a plasma Screen. Restaurant for 150 Pax, Piano/Bar, billiard/Bar, Bazaar, Modern area (Reading area, Internet-Café).
  Ship Information: Cabins Facilities: 70 outside cabins facing the Nile & provided with a large panoramic windows each cabins has it is owned: Private Bathtub. Hair Dryer Colored T.V, Mini Bar, Internal phone Central Air Condition with individual control unit. Internal Music Station & Video channels Recreation: Swimming Pool Modern Area (Reading area & Internet café) Billiards Bar Sun Deck with a Recreation Area / Jacuzzi / Covered Deck with a restaurant for 120 Pax. Marine Satellites, Video & DVD Technical Specification: 3 Machines each 470h.p (CAT) 3 Generators each 350 k.w (CAT) 2 Sheller each 85 Tons (Carrier) Specially treated Water
  Contact info: 56 El Nozha St
Heliopolis
Cairo,   Egypt
phone: +20-2-241-54317
web: www.extensiongroup.com.eg/sarah.htm
  Smoking allowed: No

 Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The 311 room Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars offers guests an intimate and sophisticated venue for both business and leisure. It is all the services and amenities guests want and the value they expect.
  Contact info: Golden Pyramids Plaza S.A.E., 2 Aly Rashid St.
Star Capital 2, P.O. Box 5112 Heliopolis West
Heliopolis-Cairo,  11771 Egypt
phone: +202 24 800 500
web: www.citystars.com.eg/citystars/holidayinn/
  Room amenities: Coffeemakers, hairdryers and irons, flat LCD TV screens, direct dial IP telephone,
  Facility amenities: Four restaurants and bars, 24-hour Business Centre, fitness center, pool, free high-speed wireless internet throughout the hotel.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Contact the Program Provider Contact the program provider for prices.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program starts in Cairo, Egypt at the program hotel on Day 2 after the arrival of the whole group is cheked-in at the hotel around 8:00 PM. You will be staying at Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends in Cairo, Egypt after breakfast at the program hotel on Day 14 around 8 AM. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is not available for this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Taxi's are available at the airport.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Giza
  Nearest airport:  Cairo International Airport (CAI)
  Transportation to site: Cairo Airport Shuttle Bus The new Shuttle Bus service is comfortable, prompt & direct from the airport according to your own preference, the latest fleet of vehicles is vast in terms of space & air-conditioned. It should be pre-booked. The cost is 35 LE per person (subject to change). The Buses depart from the Airport every half an hour. Charges are in Egyptian pounds. For full price list please contact Cairo Airport Company Tel: +2022653937 or their customer assistance counter available at: Terminal Building 1/ Arrival Hall or our curbside representative or Terminal Building 2/ Arrival Hall or a curbside representative Limousines Limousine service is offered by 19 different companies for your convenience; ask for valet assistance once you're outside the terminal. Upon exiting from the arrivals hall there will be a long line of black Mercedes. Go toward the front of the line and ask for a limousine. A dispatcher will tell you the fare and direct you to the correct car. It's a good idea to have a few pounds for tipping the men, or boys, who will help you put your bags into the car. Departing the airport you will stop at a Tourist Police booth where they will write down your limo's license number, along with your name. You will be asked to sign the log book for your security. The cost of a limo from the Cairo airport to the Mercure Le Sphinx Hotel is approximately 150 Egyptian pounds (subject to change). You pay the driver. A 15% tip is customary. Taxi Services At Cairo International Airport taxis are available at any time outside the arrivals hall, and operated on a flat fee basis. Official Cairo taxis are predominantly black and white. Recently the government has introduced new white taxi models which have replaced some of the old black & white taxis, so look for these as well. The taxis generally cost about 150 Egyptian pounds (USD 30). Please be aware that taxis do not run on meter or fixed rate.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Cairo
  Nearest airport:  Cairo International Airport (CAI)
  Transportation from site: A shuttle bus from Holiday Inn Citystars to the Cairo Airport is available for approximately $5 per person (subject to change). This has to be arranged in advance. Taking a taxi to the airport is easy, inexpensive and convenient. The hotel reception usually has a list of taxi numbers that you could use.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight flight to Cairo
(Friday, November 16)
   
 Evening: Depart North America on overnight flights to Cairo.

Day 2: Arrival in Cairo
(Saturday, November 17)
   
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
 Evening: Arrival to Cairo International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo

Day 3: Great Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx and the Solar Boat
(Sunday, November 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Discovering the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Solar Boat Museum and the Sphinx. Led by your Egyptologist, explore the most renowned sites of Egypt with a great opportunity to see the sites up from a great panoramic view point and experience a unique short camel ride. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza-- with its wonderful monuments-- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb dedicated to a different king of Egypt. Solar boat museum: The significance of the buried boat is still debated. The Pyramid Texts clearly state that at the end of the pharaoh's life on Earth, his soul ascends to the heavens in the solar barque to join his father Re. The arguments are about whether this boat was purely symbolic - part of the burial goods - or whether it was actually used in the funeral procession to transport the body of the king by river to his pyramid complex. While some scholars claim that there is evidence that the boat has been in water, Zahi Hawass points out that shavings of cedar and acacia found in the pit during excavation, indicate that it was probably built close to where it was buried. While the boat is of the right dimensions to be suitable as a river craft, no mast was found with the components. Then descend the plateau to view the Great Sphinx and marvel the presence of the guardian of the necropolis. An imaginary creature that shows the strength of the lion and the intelligence of the human, carved out of one big knoll of rock more than 4600 years ago. The Great Sphinx has also been known for a long time under the name “Father of Fear”. A wise man once said: “Everything fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids”.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore on your own. Presentation - Egyptology Explained, led by a scholar from Cairo University Giza, deepen your understanding of Ancient Egypt; enjoy a presentation that investigates the ancient Egyptian culture, the people, language, literature, history, religion, art and architecture.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Before dinner, enjoy a once in a lifetime experience as you end your first day in Egypt with a spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Discovering Dahsur & Memphis / Pyramids of Zoser and Titi / Presentation Islam Today
(Monday, November 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Explore Dahshur, a necropolis of the Old Kingdom, housing some of the oldest pyramids built by and for the 4th dynasty pharaoh, Sneferu, around 2600 BC. This site best demonstrates how a strong willed king was able to build the first true pyramid, changing its design from the "step" pyramid. Led by you Egyptologist drive north of Dahshur to Saqqara where you will visit the Imhotep Museum. The Museum was opened in 2006, and displays finds from the site, in commemoration of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep. The head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass said: "I felt that we should call it the Imhotep Museum in tribute to the first architect to use stone rather than perishable materials for construction on a large scale. This man was second only to the King and in the late period was worshipped as a god." The Museum also has a hall dedicated to a man, an important Egyptologist who excavated the Djoser complex all his life: the French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer. The Museum has five large halls in which one admires masterpieces from Saqqara such as a Greco-Roman mummy discovered by Zahi Hawass during his excavations at Teti's pyramid complex. Explore the Step Pyramid Complex of King Djoser (Zoser), which is considered the oldest stone structure on earth, built more than 4700 years ago. It was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by his vizier Imhotep. The Pyramid of Teti is also located in the Necropolis of Saqqara. Its original height was about 52.5 m. It was poor in its architectural design, but inside it are some Pyramid Texts, inscribed all around the walls of the Burial Chamber and the inner corridors. End the morning exploring a mastaba tomb, which is a great source of information concerning the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. A mastaba is a superstructure of a tomb that was built in the form of a huge bench above ground to house the funeral belongings of the deceased.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Time to rest and relax. Then enjoy a presentation at your hotel by a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars who will speak about Islam in the world today.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Alexandria, Egypt / Amba Bishoi Monastery / The Great Alexandria Library
(Tuesday, November 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: En Route to Alexandria today drive along the desert road to discover Anba Bishoi Monastery located 100 km to the northwest of Cairo. This location was important to the ancient Egyptian since it was from here they extracted the Natrun salt. Following his enthronement in November of 1971, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III selected this monastery as his pontifical residence, for this reason, it is therefore the destination of many Copts who visit Wadi Naturn. One of the most important monasteries today in Wadi El- Natroun is Dier Anba Bishoi ( Bischoi) it was named after the patron St. Bishoi who immigrated to the site and lived in solitude. The monastery was restored several times after it has been destroyed at the hands of the barbers. It has 5 churches the main one is the St Bishoi church which goes as early to the 9th century Ad. This church today is only used during the Summertime. To the east of this church lies another one known as the church of Al- Adra (the virgin), it is only used during the winter months. The monastery contains the remains of St. Bishoi, and Ephraim the Assyrian, and Paul of Tomah.There is also a bakery and a millhouse in the northeastern corner of the monastery. The latter is the most complete example of its kind in the Wadi Natrun. Also located on the grounds of the monastery is the Well of the Martyrs, which has been used ever since the time of Anba Bishoi. It is said that the Berbers washed the blood from their swords here after having killed the 49 Martyrs. Monks at the monastery also say that the Martyrs were thrown in the well prior to being interned at the nearby St. Marcarius Monastery. It is twelve meters deep and continues to produce fresh water, which is regarded as miraculous.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Alexandria.
 Afternoon: Uncovering Alexandria, this afternoon enjoy a brief panoramic discovery of this Ancient city. The Eastern Harbor of Alexandria has been a crossroads of culture and continents for 2,300 years. This is where the Pharos lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, guided people from all nations safely into port; where Queen Cleopatra first laid eyes on Julius Caesar. Then visit the Library of Alexandria: In 2002, Alexandria recaptured the spirit of its richest legacy—the Great Library of Alexandria—by opening the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The New Library shares the same universal goals as the ancient one built by Alexander the Great. It is a focal point for research, the advancement of knowledge and the open exchange of ideas. Then check into the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Sofitel Cecil Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Discovering Alexandria / The Underwater City of Cleopatra
(Wednesday, November 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Exploring Alexandria - led by your Egyptologist continue discovering the great historic sites of Alexandria. This morning, start with the Catacombs then; explore the Roman theatre and the National Museum. Catacoms of Kom es-Shouqafa: These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century A.D.) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. As a privately financed project, it is an engineering feat of some magnitude. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world. Explore the well-preserved Roman theatre with galleries, sections of mosaic-flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. The Alexandria National Museum has grown in importance these days, and is now considered one of Egypt's finest museums. It was inaugurated by President Hosni Mubarak on December 31st, 2003, and is one more addition to the reasons one should visit this grand old city. The national museum is located in a restored palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. There are even some more modern pieces, including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a special underground chamber (basement). Also, some of the items found during the archaeological underwater excavations in Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Alexandria, then end the day at Montazah Gardens. This 115 acre complex is surrounded by great walls from the south, east and west, and with the beach on its north side. This area used to belong to the Mohamed Ali family, that ruled Egypt from the mid 19th century until 1952. The construction was started in 1892 by King Abbas II, who built a large palace inside the complex called the Salamlek. In 1932, King Fuad built a larger palace and called it the Haramlik. His son, King Farouk, built a bridge to the sea to act as a water front. At the hotel enjoy a presentation -The Underwater City of Cleopatra led by Leading Professor/Lecturer, learn about the archeological work being done to re-discover the destroyed Light house.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Sofitel Cecil Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Train to Cairo / Cairo's Egyptian Museum / Presentation Understanding the Egyptian Family
(Thursday, November 22)
   
 Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.
 Morning: Take the train to Cairo. Have a unique experience as you enjoy one of the earlier methods of tranportation that allowed for expension of travel in North Africa and enjoy the sites of Egypt while you relax.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo.
 Afternoon: Have the afternoon to explore the Egyptian Museum including the mummy room after an introduction by an Egyptologist. Then check into the hotel. Learn about Egyptian social life led by a lecturer from a local university at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Historic Cairo
(Friday, November 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Discover Historic Cairo - led by your Egyptologist explore Ibn Toulum Mosque, El Moez Street and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch discover the Hanging church, St Serguis church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. These illustrate the intricate relation between religions. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Cairo. Some suggested activities will be provided by your Group Leader.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Fly to Luxor / Karnak and Luxor Temples / Presentation the OPET Festival and Restoration in Luxor
(Saturday, November 24)
   
 Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.
 Morning: Early transfer to the Cairo Airport for flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, coach to the Karnak & Luxor temples where you will spend the morning exploring these temples with your Egyptologist. The temple of Luxor, known in the Egyptian language as ipet resyt, or “the southern harem”, was built by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-53 BC and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. Afterwards, board the boat for lunch and check in.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Presentation - The Opet Festival and the ongoing Restoration Work of Luxor led by a professor from the Luxor University at New Luxor Library.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
   
Accommodations: M/S Princess Sarah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Valley of the Kings
(Sunday, November 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Presentation - The Ongoing New Discoveries and Digs in Egypt led by University Professor at Habu Temple (This presentation my be altered in May, June, July and September). Then, explore the Sites of Luxor - led by your Egyptologist discover the West bank Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Hatshepsut and Memnon. Since the end of the eighteenth century, significant archaeological investigation has taken place at the Thebean necropolis. Between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE, a plethora of tombs were constructed for ancient Egypt’s nobility. Recent excavations, under the direction of the Theban Mapping Project, have unearthed additional tombs as well as providing a more meticulous and cautious approach towards excavation.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Spend the afternoon enjoying the sites of Egypt as you sail up the Nile to Edfu. Cocktail Hour - Join the Ships Manager and your Group Leader for pre dinner drinks and meet the staff on board.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
   
Accommodations: M/S Princess Sarah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
(Monday, November 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Led by your Egyptologist explore Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt. Dedicated to the Gods: Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the Second Century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Spend the afternoon enjoying the sites of Egypt as you sail up the Nile to Aswan.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
   
Accommodations: M/S Princess Sarah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Philae / The High Dam / The Unfinished Obelisk / Felucca
(Tuesday, November 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Led by your Egyptologist spend the morning exploring the sites of Aswan; visit Philae, High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Completed in 1970, the dam has proved both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity, erosion, poor silt deposition, and a slew of other environmental problems have developed.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Spend part of the afternoon enjoying a uniquely Egyptian sailing experience on the Nile on a Felucca. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity made to a traditional design with broad canvas sails. Essentially, the craft is reliant on wind-power with no motor, and are dependent upon the wind factor to propel forth.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner onboard.
   
Accommodations: M/S Princess Sarah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Scenic Drive in the Western Desert / Abu Simbel / Fly to Cairo
(Wednesday, November 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Journey through the Great Western desert to Abu Simbel, upon arrival, led by our Egyptologist spend the morning exploring the temples in Abu Simbel, ending your study of Ancient Egypt. Explore Ramses II & Queen Nefertari Temples. Located in upper Egypt, on the west bank of the Nassar River, Abu Simbel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”. In a massive relocation project aimed at protecting the site from the Nile’s rising waters (as a consequence of the Aswan Dam), both temples were dissected into huge blocks, dismantled and then reassembled 60 meters higher and some 200 meters further away from the river. The twin temples remain a lasting monument to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his Queen Nefertari.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Abu Simbel.
 Afternoon: Fly to Cairo via Aswan (or Continue on to the Extension Cruise on Lake Nasser), upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to the hotel and check in.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Departure
(Thursday, November 29)
   
 Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.
 Morning: Early morning transfer to the Cairo International Airport for flights home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A History of Egypt, From Earliest Times to the Present


Author: Jason Thompson


Description: From the birth of Egyptian civilization though the Pharaohs, Ptolemaic, Roman and Coptic Egypt, the advent of Islam, the Mamluks, Ottoman empire, British occupation, Nassar, Sadat, Murabak and beyond, this succinct book traces the arc of Egyptian history and culture in just under 400 pages.



Death on the Nile


Author: Agatha Christie


Description: How could we resist? Christie wrote Egypt's most famous murder mystery on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan.



Down the Nile, Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff


Author: Rosemary Mahoney


Description: Mahoney weaves the tale of her quest to row the Nile with deft portraits of the people she meets in this marvelously engaging chronicle.



Egypt Map


Author: Nelles


Description: The coverage of easy-fold map -- with insets of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Giza, the Nile River Valley, Cairo and other sites -- includes Petra, Jerusalem and most of Israel.



Egypt, A Short History


Author: Robert L. Tignor


Description: Princeton historian Tignor distills five decades of study and travel for this vivid account of the sweep and tumult of Egyptian history from the settlement of the Nile to the present.



Eyewitness Guide Egypt


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: A visually rich guide to the history, culture and monuments of Egypt.



The Nile Cruise


Author: Jenny Jobbins


Description: Weaving classic travelers' accounts with essays and 150 color photographs, this compact book beautifully illuminates the history and allure of the towns, temples and tombs of the Nile from Abydos to Abu Simbel.



The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Egypt


Author: Bill Manley


Description: Ingenious color maps, site plans, photographs and accompanying essays trace Egyptian civilization from the founding of Memphis through the sacking of Thebes and invasion by Alexander the Great in 332 BC in this authoritative, remarkably concise history.



The Search for Ancient Egypt


Author: Jean Vercoutter


Description: This pocket encyclopedia, packed with illustrations, tells the tale of Greek travelers, buried treasure, international intrigue and scholarship in understanding Egypt.



The Yacoubian Building


Author: Alaa Al Aswany


Description: The politics, repressed desires, hopes and dreams of Cairo are reflected through the lives of the inhabitants of a once grand apartment house in this deft novel of contemporary Egypt.





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