Road Scholar : Home
Voyages to Antiquity: Cairo, Istanbul and the Ancient Middle East

Program Number: 20808RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/24/2013 - 11/12/2013; 3/31/2014 - 4/19/2014;
Duration: 19 nights
Location: Greece/Israel/Egypt/Turkey/Jordan/Cyprus
Price starting at: $6,090.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 52; 18 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 17 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Incredible treasures await you on this voyage: soaring pyramids, rock-cut cities, Crusader castles, marvelous ruins and much more.




Activity Particulars

Walking up and downhill, up to two miles per day. Standing up to four hours per day, with breaks; uneven terrain and steep stairs without railings at historic sites.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Istanbul (Turkey), 3 nights; aboard Aegean Odyssey, 12 nights; Luxor (Egypt), 1 night; Cairo, 2 nights.



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


Days 2-5: Arrival Istanbul (Turkey) / embark Aegean Odyssey:

Spend three days experiencing Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Bazaar, before setting sail. Lodging: Four-star hotel.



Days 6-7: At Sea / Ephesus:

Journey to this great site of the classical world to find the well-preserved ruins of temples, theaters and the library.



Day 8: Rhodes (Greece):

Discover Rhodes Old Town, built to suit the ideals of the Knights Hospitaller.



Day 9: Antalya (Turkey):

Explore the ancient Greek city of Perga and the Roman trading town of Aspendos. Enjoy some time in lovely Antalya.



Day 10: Limassol (Cyprus):

Learn about the Knights Templar as you visit the Crusader stronghold Kolossi Castle.



Day 11: Jerusalem & Bethlehem (Israel):

Begin in the Old City, a tiny area important to many religions, then continue to the town known as Jesus’s birthplace.



Day 12: Jaffa:

Go ashore in one of the world’s oldest ports — boats have bobbed in its natural harbor for millennia.



Days 13-14: Suez Canal Transit / At Sea:

Sail 119 miles through the historic Suez Canal.



Day 15: Aqaba (Jordan):

Take a field trip to Petra, an ancient city carved into the rose-red rock of a desert valley.



Day 16: Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt):

Journey to Mount Sinai to discover one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, St. Catherine’s.



Day 17: Safaga / disembark / coach to Luxor:

Explore the Karnak Temple Complex then continue to Luxor. Lodging: Five-star hotel on the Nile.



Days 18-20: Flight to Cairo / departure:

Explore the ancient capital, Thebes, and the Valley of the Kings necropolis. Fly to Cairo to experience a wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Lodging: Five-star hotel with pyramid views.





MV Aegean Odyssey

The Aegean Odyssey is a premium class ship especially rebuilt for cruising in the coastal waters and among the islands of the Mediterranean, visiting small, uncrowded harbors that large ocean liners can't reach. Public areas include Mediterranean-influenced restaurants, a library, Internet center, sweeping sun decks, outdoor pool, gym and spa.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Eleni Petroutsou
Born in Athens, Eleni Petroutsou has always been intrigued by the wider world — in school, she learned English, Italian, German and some Spanish. After studying archaeology and history at university, she graduated from the State School of Tour Guides. Her 36 years of experience as a group leader have taken her to Asia, the Middle East and beyond. She says leading Road Scholar programs gives her “the opportunity to share my knowledge with well-traveled, educated, polite and interesting people!”
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Armada Hotel
  Istanbul, Turkey 3 nights
   MV Aegean Odyssey
  MV Aegean Odyssey - At Sea, At Sea 12 nights
   Sheraton Luxor Hotel
  Luxor, Egypt 1 night
   Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
  Cairo, Egypt 2 nights
 Armada Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The 4-star Armada Hotel is located in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, with views of two of the great masterpieces of world architecture; the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The hotel offers modern comfort and convenience discreetly incorporated into the Turkish-inspired architecture, and period engravings throughout the hotel provide an insight into Istanbul's by-gone eras. The name of the Armada Hotel is a tribute to the memory of the renowned Ottoman Admiral Hayrettin Pasha Barbarossa. Located in the heart of the Old City, the hotel is within walking distance of museums, churches and other major attractions.
  Contact info: Ahirkapi Street 24
Sultanahmet, Istanbul,  34122 Turkey
phone: +90 212 455 44 55
web: www.armadahotel.com.tr
  Room amenities: Each room has a mini bar, hair dryer, bathrobes, telephone, LCD television, safe box, free wireless Internet, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers two restaurants, a bar, lounge, meeting rooms, business center with computers and printers, library, free WIFI Internet access throughout the hotel, laundry service and air conditioning. The rooftop restaurants offer magnificent views of the area.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. 1-800-241-1404
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 MV Aegean Odyssey
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: The MV Aegean Odyssey offers boutique-style cruising at its best. In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from major ports, it is a midsized ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. The Aegean Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbors and sail closer to the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views.
  Ship Information: Ship’s Tonnage: 11,563 Length: 461 feet Beam: 67 feet Draft: 20.5 feet Cruising Speed: 18 knots Passenger Decks: 7 Stabilizers: 2 Passenger Staterooms/Cabins: 198 Passengers – lower beds: 378 Classification: Lloyd’s Register Society London Ship’s Registration: Malta
  Contact info: Voyages to Antiquity
1800 SE 10th Avenue, Suite 230
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
phone: 877-398-1460
web: www.voyagestoantiquity.com
  Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, and personal safe. Particular importance is placed on the standard of bedding in cabins. Luxury bedding, including fine duvets, covers and sheets, ample soft pillows and quality towels can be expected. Also, shampoo, bath and shower gel, soap, and shower cap are provided. Your cabin steward is always available. Cabins and suites feature outlets with 220 voltage, using the “European” two round pin plug. Hair dryers are provided in your cabin and electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances can be used in your cabin. For safety reasons, travel irons are not allowed.
  Facility amenities: Dining: MV Aegean Odyssey offers many dining facilities: The Marco Polo Restaurant is the ship's more formal restaurant, providing casual country-club elegance for lunch or dinner; The Terrace Cafe offers a combination of indoor and outdoor seating where you can indulge in breakfast, lunch and dinner from the grill or the sumptuous daily buffet. In the evenings, enjoy breathtaking views over dinner at Tapas on the Terrace. *There is a complimentary choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks with your evening meal. There will be a string trio, pianist and casual dancing before and after dinner. You may also wish to partake in afternoon tea, served in the Observation Lounge. Or perhaps an evening snack and cocktail, available in the Lido and Rendezvous bars. A limited room service menu is available. Special Diets: Please advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. The ship can usually meet most general requests such as those made with an air carrier; however, this cannot always be guaranteed. Services: Library; outdoor pool; spa; health center, saunas, massage and beauty treatment rooms and early morning yoga on the Lido Deck; elevators; Internet center (open 24 hours and a charge of $18 for 4 non-consecutive hours is applied, no wireless available); beauty salon; medical center; laundry and pressing services (order form and laundry bag is provided in cabin); lecture theater and cinema and on board shop.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Sheraton Luxor Hotel
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: Sheraton Luxor Resort offers a memorable stay with the largest panoramic view of the Nile River in Luxor. Situated within walking distance of the city center and just seven miles from the airport, the hotel offers the ideal base to explore the city's history and antiquities, the Nile, and the surrounding countryside.
  Contact info: Al Awameya
P.O. Box 43
Luxor,  83951 Egypt
phone: +20952274544
web: www.starwoodhotels.com
  Room amenities: Each room has a television, telephone, mini bar, air conditioning, ironing board, wireless Internet access (for a fee) and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, wireless Internet access (for a fee), two outdoor swimming pools (heated in winter), a jogging track in eight acres of riverside gardens, two floodlit tennis courts, volleyball court, table tennis, pool table, mini-croquet, laundry service, dry cleaning service, safe boxes and shopping arcade.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: Le Méridien Pyramids, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the Giza Pyramids. The hotel is surrounded by landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands. With a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines, a Royal Club floor, a magnificent swimming pool, and spa amenities, Le Méridien Pyramids is a luxurious stay, and conveniently located only twenty minutes from Cairo’s city center.
  Contact info: El Remaya Square - Pyramids
PO Box 25 Pyramids
Cairo,  12561 Egypt
phone: +20 2 33 77 70 70
web: www.starwoodhotels.com
  Room amenities: Each room has a television, telephone, safe, bidet, mini bar, radio/alarm clock, air conditioning, 24-hour room service, High Speed Internet access (for a fee) and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers restaurants, bars, a swimming pool with waterfalls, floodlit tennis courts, shopping arcade, beauty salon, 24-hour currency exchange, safe, laundry services and High Speed Internet access (for a fee).
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after:  Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Istanbul, Turkey. The program will begin at 5:00 PM in the hotel lobby. You will be staying at Armada Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Cairo, Egypt. The program will end after breakfast on the last day. You will be staying at Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. The Voyages to Antiquity Guest Registration Form is required.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: see above.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Istanbul
  Nearest city or town:  In town
  Nearest airport:  Atatürk International Airport
  Transportation to site: The Armada Hotel is located about 10 miles from the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel costs approximately $30 USD and takes approximately 30 minutes. To book a private transfer, please contact info@baltactours.com.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Cairo
  Transportation from site: Take a taxi from the hotel to the airport; this will cost approximately $15-18 per car. If the taxi driver is not using a meter, make sure to determine the price of your journey before you get in. Alternatively, you may wish to pre arrange a car transfer through Road Scholar, this will cost $50.00 per car (up to 3 guests). You may arrange this by calling 413-253-9736.
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: Departures
(Thursday, October 24)
   
 In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight.

Day 2: Welcome
(Friday, October 25)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport (IST). Meet group outside of customs. Transfer to the hotel. Welcome Orientation at 5:00 PM, meet in hotel lobby.
 Dinner: Dinner in hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Armada Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey
(Saturday, October 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Start the day by visiting the amazing church of Hagia Sophia, possibly the most important architectural monument in the city, standing gracefully since 537 AD. Field trip to the Hippodrome, the civic center of ancient Constantinople, where chariot races were run between the four teams of Blues, Greens, Whites and Reds. Then visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, world renowned for its exquisite Iznik tiles surrounding the interior of this wonderful mosque.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Underground Cisterns, built by the illustrious Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 532 AD to store water underground. A visit to the award winning Archeology Museum will broaden your horizons as you will witness an outstanding collection of artifacts spanning across millennia including the magnificent Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Armada Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Istanbul, Turkey
(Sunday, October 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Explore the Topkapi Palace and the Harem. The Topkapi Palace was the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years and a great testimony to the wealth and power of the Ottoman Empire.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon visit the Chora Church/Kariye Museum to witness its exquisite mosaics and frescoes from the 14th century, a period of Byzantine reawakening in arts.
 Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
   
Accommodations: Armada Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Istanbul, Turkey / Embark the MV Aegean Odyssey
(Monday, October 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: We embark on a private cruise on the Bosphorus to explore the stunning palaces, mansions, and fortresses dotted along the Asian and European shores of this marvelous strait.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day visiting the Spice Bazaar, where exotic aromas capture the visitors upon entering. Continue the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar to discover its maze-like streets and alleys and 4,000 shops! We visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, built by the famous architect Sinan, a small but gem-like mosque demonstrating the most stunning examples of 16th century Iznik tiles. Embark the MV Aegean Odyssey in the late afternoon. Late afternoon Road Scholar orientation to the ship in the "Observation Lounge."
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: At sea
(Tuesday, October 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: A relaxing morning at sea to enjoy the sunshine as the ship makes its way to Kusadasi. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the Observation Deck if the weather is nice, or dive into a good book from the ship's library.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Kusadasi, Turkey / Ephesus
(Wednesday, October 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: The ship will arrive at Kusadasi, Turkey in the early morning. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, we will set out to explore the ancient city of Ephesus. The cosmopolitan city of Ephesus was, in its heyday, on a par with Athens and Rome. Once home to over 250,000 people, this site affords ancient snapshots of daily lives of the Greeks, and their conquerors, the Romans.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: We will visit the Basilica of St. John, a Byzantine church built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian (527-65 AD) and dedicated to St. John the Evangelist who was believed to have died in a church on the site where the ruins of the basilica now stands. Before returning to Izmir to board the ship, we will also stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Enjoy a shipboard guest lecture as the ship makes its way towards Rhodes.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Rhodes, Greece
(Thursday, October 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: The morning will be spent exploring Rhodes Old Town and the Citadel of the Knights of St. John.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Free time. In the afternoon there is an optional trip to the Acropolis at Lindos (additional cost, bookable on board).
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Anatalya, Turkey
(Friday, November 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: After breakfast we will set off for Perge and then visit the ancient Roman trading town of Aspendos.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Enjoy free time among the palm-lined boulevards, beautiful Old Town and excellent shops of Antalya. Alternatively you may wish to visit the superb Antalya Archaeological Museum.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture as the ship makes its way to Cyprus.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Limassol, Cyprus
(Saturday, November 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: In the morning you will visit the Kolosi Castle that was once a stronghold of Richard the Lionheart and the Knights Templar.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Set sail for Ashdod. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Ashdod, Israel / Jerusalem and Bethlehem
(Sunday, November 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Travel to Jerusalem for a guided excursion of the Old City.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Discover the historical and archaeological sites of Bethlehem. Return to the MV Aegean Odyssey.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ashdod, Israel / Jaffa
(Monday, November 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Guided field trip to historic Jaffa.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: At sea. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Suez Canal Transit
(Tuesday, November 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: At sea. The daytime sailing through the 119 mile-long Suez Canal is one of the most spectacular sea passages anywhere.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: At sea. A time to relax, enjoy the sunshine and take in an inspiring talk or two by the shipboard lecturers.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: At sea / Cruising the Red Sea
(Wednesday, November 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: At sea. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: At sea. Treat yourself at the ship's spa or dive into a good book from the ship's library.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan / Petra
(Thursday, November 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: A full day's excursion to the ancient city of Petra. An early start as you head out of Aqaba for a day in the extraordinary and stunning rose-red city of Petra.
 Lunch: Lunch in Petra.
 Afternoon: After lunch drive back to Aqaba and the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt / St. Catherine's Monastery
(Friday, November 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Drive to the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, to visit one of the earliest surviving bastions of Christianity and UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. Catherine's Monastery was already in existence in the 4th century and is believed to be the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world. St. Catherine's is home to a library of early Christian manuscripts, the Well of Moses where the prophet is said to have met his wife Zipporah, and the 6th-century Basilica of the Transfiguration with its superb apse mosaic. The drive takes three hours, but you will be spellbound by mountainous landscapes that inspired the artist, El Greco. The slopes are dotted with archaeological and biblical sites, as well as Bedouin camps.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Our return to the ship will be along the quicker Naama Bay route, which provides a glimpse of the country's luxurious Red Sea resorts.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Safaga, Egypt / Disembark and transfer to Luxor / East Bank
(Saturday, November 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Disembark the MV Aegean Odyssey in Safaga and transfer to Luxor. En route, enjoy a morning excursion to the East Bank where we will explore Karnak, including the magnificent Temple of Amun and the open-air museum. Built over a 1,300-year period, the 100-acre site comprises a magnificent array of archaeological treasures.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Luxor and settle in at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Luxor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Luxor / Flight to Cairo
(Sunday, November 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning excursion to the West Bank. Site of the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes and the necropolis known as the Valley of the Kings, the West Bank is the burial place of the New Kingdom pharaohs (including Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great). The magnificence of these tombs and temples has attracted tourists since the time of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. We also see the Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut's Temple.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Cairo by plane. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to hotel to settle in.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Cairo, Egypt
(Monday, November 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: We begin the day with an excursion to Giza to visit the Pyramids. Although modern civilization has landed on the doorstep of this phenomenal site, it still remains an impressive affair. Dominating the site are the pyramid complexes of the kings of the 4th dynasty, Cheops, Chefren, and Mycerinos, surrounded by the tombs of their families and courtiers. The pyramids of Giza are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Cheops, the Great Pyramid, required the use of 100,000 men over a period of 20 years, hauling 2 to 3 million heavy stone blocks to complete. Its height today stands at 137 meters of its original 140 meters. Boat pits are found adjacent to the pyramids: one next to the great pyramid still contains a dismantled boat. The structure was originally faced with white limestone from the quarries at Tura but has since been striped away over time. Cheprens pyramid gives a false impression of being larger than its neighbor as it is built on slightly higher ground. A feature of the construction is the way the blocks have been fitted into position, rather than just piled up, some are rebated and others have the corners carved into them. The third and smallest pyramid is that of Mycerinos, son of Chefren and one of the last kings of the 4th dynasty. A short distance away is the Sphinx. Its name means terrible or wonderful one. Although its face depicts that of King Chefren it does not actually represent him but rather a guardian deity of the necropolis, a god known as Hwron. Being made of soft stone the sphinx has suffered considerably due to the elements. Although damaged by time his majestic presence is still inspiring. There will be time for shopping in the nearby oriental bazaars and papyrus institutes.
 Lunch: Lunch in the hotel dining room.
 Afternoon: Free time to relax.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Departures
(Tuesday, November 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Transfer to the Cairo International Airport (CAI) for departures.
   
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


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 this 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.



Eyewitness Guide Egypt


Author: Eyewitness Guides


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



Eyewitness Guide Jerusalem: Israel, Petra & Sinai


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This compact, illustrated guide provides a thorough overview of Israel and western Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman.



In a Desert Land, Photographs of Israel, Egypt and Jordan


Author: Neil Folberg


Description: A stunning collection of photographs of the desert Middle East, including the Sinai, Petra and Jerusalem.



In the Land of Israel


Author: Amos Oz


Description: In this compelling volume, Israeli novelist Amos Oz interviewed dozens of his fellow countrymen from all walks of life. A passionate, candid and diverse portrait of a people and their hopes, fears and prejudices.



Islam, A Short History


Author: Karen Armstrong


Description: Armstrong brings authority and experience to this vivid, clear-headed survey of the history and impact of Islam from the birth of Muhammad to present-day challenges. The best short introduction to the subject.



Israel, Palestine, Holy Land Map


Author: Freytag & Berndt


Description: A double-sided, indexed map at a scale of 1:150,000.



Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths


Author: Karen Armstrong


Description: A popular history by the author of A History of God. Armstrong tackles big subjects -- and this book is no exception. It's a comprehensive, concise portrait of the city over the last 5,000 years.



Lonely Planet Istanbul Encounter


Author: Verity Campbell


Description: With a section of not-to-miss highlights, pull-out map and a calendar of annual events.



Luxor Illustrated, With Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Nile


Author: Michael Haag


Description: The ideal companion to a Nile cruise, Haag introduces all the famous monuments and temples of Upper Egypt from Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamun to the marvels of Aswan and Abu Simbel in full color.



Mediterranean Explorer


Author: Ocean Explorer Maps


Description: This handy color map of the Mediterranean from Spain to the Black Sea and the Levant puts ancient sites and historic ports into context. With notable people, a timeline and descriptions of dozens of places across the classical world, this map serves equally well for Mediterranean and Black Sea cruises.



Mediterranean by Cruise Ship


Author: Anne Vipond


Description: The best-selling, compact guide, featuring excellent local maps, hundreds of color photographs, concise background information and recommended excursions for ports-of-call throughout the Mediterranean.



Petra, The Rose-Red City


Author: Christian Auge, Jean-Marie Dentzer


Description: Jam-packed with color illustrations, archival material, maps and site plans, this shirt-pocket encyclopedia is our best-selling book on Petra.



Prospero's Cell


Author: Lawrence Durrell


Description: This classic tribute to Corfu, its long history, myths and resilient people, is drawn from the young Durrell's idyllic time as a newlywed on the island in the years before WWII.



St. Paul's Ephesus, Texts and Archaeology


Author: Jerome Murphy O'Connor


Description: Jerome Murphy-O'Connor transports us back to the ancient city of Ephesus during its heyday, including contemporary accounts from Roman to biblical times, and featuring a guided walk through the city as a center of Paul's teachings.



The Ancient Mediterranean


Author: Michael Grant


Description: Grant explores the realms of archaeology, geography, art and economics to sketch this classic portrait of the ancient world, from prehistory through the Roman Imperium, and the influence on western civilization.



The Fourth Crusade and The Sack of Constantinople


Author: Jonathan Phillips


Description: An absorbing, vivid account of terrible crusade against the Eastern Orthodox Church that resulted in the sack of Constantinople in 1202.



The Janissary Tree


Author: Jason Goodwin


Description: With beautiful descriptions of Istanbul and its palaces, this engaging and bizarre historical mystery will keep you reading. The Ottoman Empire mysteries continue with The Snake Stone (TKY156, $14.00) and The Bellini Card (TKY191, $25.00), set in 1840s Venice.



The Middle Sea


Author: John Julius Norwich


Description: A marvelous writer who has already tackled Byzantium, the Normans in Sicily and Venice, Norwich spins his magic in this story of culture, trade and politics, royalty and rulers, wars and religion in the Mediterranean.



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 the invasion by Alexander the Great in 332 BC in this authoritative, remarkably concise history.





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