Behind the Scenes in Ancient Egypt

Detailed Itinerary Subject to Change

Days 1 & 2: Dates TBA ~ U.S. | Cairo, EGYPT
Depart the U.S. for Cairo, arriving on Day 2. Participants are met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the Mena House Oberoi, located at the base of the Giza Plateau. Enjoy a light lunch upon arrival and some time to rest and freshen up before our welcome reception and dinner this evening. Overnight for three nights at the Mena House Oberoi (Garden section, pyramid view rooms). (L,R,D)

Day 3: Dates TBA ~ Cairo
This morning we visit the Giza Plateau to explore the Great Pyramid and the surrounding area, including the Solar Boat Museum. Take a private tour inside the Sphinx complex (closed to the public) and visit the Valley Temple of Khafra (time permitting). After lunch near our hotel, take a private tour of the village and necropolis of the workers who built the pyramids (closed to the public). (B,L,D)

Day 4: Dates TBA ~ Cairo | Saqqara | Cairo
Early this morning we will gain special (private) early entrance to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, and explore its treasure-filled rooms before it opens to the public at 9am. Then, drive to Saqqara, where we take a private tour inside the Step Pyramid of Djoser (closed to the public), gaining access from the south via the Late Period entrance. Also visit the Tomb of Maya, Tutankhamen’s treasurer; and the “Brothers” Tomb. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Dates TBA ~ Cairo | Memphis | Aswan
This morning we visit the outdoor museum at the ancient capital of Memphis and see its beautiful Colossus of Ramesses II. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for our flight to Aswan, where upon arrival we check-in to our recently renovated hotel. Overnight for two nights at the New Cataract Hotel (Nile view rooms). (B,L,D)

Day 6: Dates TBA ~ Aswan
Enjoy a morning visit to the Temple of Isis at Philae, perhaps the most beautiful temple in Egypt, as well as the ancient granite quarry with its New Kingdom inscriptions and unfinished obelisk. After lunch at our hotel we take a scenic sail aboard a traditional felucca to explore the archaeology of Elephantine Island. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Dates TBA ~ Aswan | Embarkation | Kalabsha
After a relaxing start to the day we embark our deluxe Lake Nasser cruise boat and have lunch. This afternoon, we visit the temples at Kalabsha and Beit el Wali, as well as the Kiosk of Kertassi. Overnight for three nights aboard our Lake Nasser cruise boat. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Dates TBA ~ Wadi es Sebua | Dakka
We cruise this morning, stopping after lunch to visit the temple at Wadi es Sebua. The temple is approached by an avenue of sphinxes, and is partly carved directly into the rock. We will also visit the Temple at Dakka, dedicated to the god Thoth; and the Temple at Meharakka. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Dates TBA ~ Amada | Abu Simbel
This morning, admire the Temples at Derr and Amada (the latter is the oldest surviving Nubian temple, containing some of the best-preserved Nubian reliefs), plus the tomb of Penout. From the deck of the ship we will be introduced to the citadel of Kasr Ibrim (entrance is not permitted); and this afternoon we will explore the Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, including a private tour inside the man-made mountain (closed to the public). This evening, there is an optional sound and light show (at an additional cost) at Abu Simbel. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Dates TBA ~ Disembarkation | Aswan | Luxor
After breakfast onboard, we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan and drive to Luxor, stopping at the Temple at Edfu and other lesser-visited sites along the way (time permitting). In Luxor, we will check-in to the oasis-like Hotel Al Moudira, on the west bank of the Nile, which will provide convenient access to sites in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens over the next two days. Overnight for two nights at the Hotel Al Moudira. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Dates TBA ~ Luxor
Spend the morning in the Valley of the Queens, where we gain access to the deeply touching Tomb of Khaemwaset, a young son of Ramesses III; the Tomb of Amunherkhepeshef; and the Tomb of Nefertari (closed to the public), often called the most beautiful tomb in Egypt. Visit the ancient workmen’s village at Deir el Medina, once inhabited by the craftsmen, laborers, and servants who worked on the royal tombs in the area. End the afternoon with a visit to the Valley of the Nobles, and then have time to relax and enjoy our hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Dates TBA ~ Luxor
Today is devoted to the Valley of the Kings, where we will visit the Tomb of Seti I (closed to the public); KV 5 (closed to the public), the tomb of Ramesses II’s dozens of sons; the Tomb of Tutankhamun; and the Tomb of Ramesses VI. After lunch, visit the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, including the Amun Chapel (third level, closed to the public), and visit the Tomb of Senenmut (closed to the public). Check-in to our elegant hotel on the east bank of the Nile in late afternoon. Overnight for three nights at the Old Winter Palace (Nile view rooms). (B,L,D)

Day 13: Dates TBA ~ Luxor | Abydos | Dendara | Luxor
From Luxor, we set out through the countryside to visit two of Egypt’s most spectacular and under-visited sites, Abydos and Dendara. At Abydos we will explore the Temple of Seti I, the Temple of Ramesses II, and the Osirion. After lunch, continue on to the Temple of Hathor at Dendara, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. Return to Luxor in time for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Dates TBA ~ Luxor
Explore Karnak this morning—the world’s largest temple complex is a sight to behold. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure in Luxor. This evening, we visit nearby Luxor Temple for an enchanting after-dark tour (B,L,D)

Day 15: Dates TBA ~ Luxor | Cairo
After a morning at leisure in Luxor, we travel to the airport this afternoon for our return flight to Cairo and celebrate with a farewell reception and dinner. Overnight at the Fairmont Heliopolis. (B,L,R,D)

Day 16: Dates TBA ~ Cairo | U.S.
Transfer to the airport this morning for flights home. (B)

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