ITINERARY

(B)= Breakfast, (L)= Lunch, (R)= Reception, (D)= Dinner

Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Depart home

Wednesday, January 31: Arrive Cairo, Egypt | Private transfer to hotel in Giza
You will be met upon arrival at Cairo’s airport and transferred to Giza’s historic Mena House, a palatial hotel set amid forty acres of gardens, with magnificent views of the adjacent Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Gather for dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Marriott Mena House hotel in Pyramid View rooms for five nights. (D)

Thursday, February 1: Giza Plateau | Welcome dinner
Spend the morning exploring the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu; Eastern Cemetery, with its vibrantly-decorated mastaba of Meresankh III; mortuary temple of Khufu; timeless Sphinx; and nearby Valley Temple of Khafra. After lunch at a nearby restaurant we return to our hotel. This evening we gather for a welcome reception and dinner with our three expert trip leaders: AIA lecturer/host, Egyptology guide, and tour manager. (B,L,R,D)

Friday, February 2: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization OR Grand Egyptian Museum

We will visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), which opened in 2017, housing materials from all periods of Egyptian archaeology, including the Gallery of Royal Mummies. Alternatively, if the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is open, we will visit it instead to see Tutankhamun’s funerary collection, colossal statues of Ramesses the Great, and more. (B,L,D)

Saturday, February 3: Saqqara | Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre
This morning we visit the Imhotep Museum on our way into the extraordinary necropolis at Saqqara, where we see the Step Pyramid of Djoser; the pyramid and causeway of Unas; the mastaba of the “two brothers,” Nyankhkhnum and Khnumhotep; and (pending permission) the recently-discovered, closed-to-the-public, 5^th-dynasty Tomb of Wah Ti. After an outdoor lunch at Saqqara Palm Club, we will stop briefly at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre, a series of vaulted and domed mud-brick structures, containing weaving workshops, showrooms, and a pottery and sculpture museum. We return to the Mena House hotel for time at leisure to relax and enjoy the pool. Gather for dinner at our hotel. (B,L,D)

Sunday, February 4: Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum
We will spend a full day visiting the historic and renowned Egyptian Museum (formally known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities) to see treasures of the pharaohs, including magnificent artifacts from the royal tombs of Tanis. Alternatively, if the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is open, we will see more of the GEM’s collections not seen on Friday, February 2nd. (B,L,D)

Monday, February 5: Fly to Luxor | Luxor Museum
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. Upon arrival we check-in to our historic, luxury resort with a tropical garden located on the banks of the Nile. We stay in the original and more luxurious wing that has hosted royalty and celebrities for over a century. It is located in the city center, near Luxor Temple and the bazaar. After lunch enjoy a lecture by Dr. Harvey and visit the small, but excellent, Luxor Museum. Overnight at the 5-star Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor Hotel (Old Wing) for four nights.(B,L,D)

Tuesday, February 6: Karnak | Luxor Temple
A short drive through town brings us to Karnak, the world’s largest temple complex (built over the course of two thousand years), where a generous amount of time is scheduled for exploring this astounding and immense archaeological site. Our visit will include Karnak’s Open Air Museum, which has on display many newly reconstructed buildings. We return to our historic hotel on the east bank of the Nile and enjoy lunch and some time at leisure. Before dinner we visit the adjacent Luxor Temple, which is illuminated to striking effect. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, February 7: At leisure in Luxor | OR Full-day trip to Abydos & Dendara
Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy the amenities of our hotel, such as the lovely pool and gardens, and perhaps explore the town and/or shop at the bazaar independently.

Alternatively, you may join a long day trip to see two magnificent ancient sites, Abydos and Dendara. AIA lecturer Stephen Harvey has worked since 1993 at Abydos, one of the oldest and most important ancient cities in Egypt. See one of the oldest standing massive brick structures in the world, an early Temple of Osiris with hundreds of stelae, the spectacular Temple of Seti I with seven chapels with exquisite reliefs and where was discovered the “Abydos King List”—the long, invaluable list of pharaohs. After lunch we begin our return drive to Luxor, stopping en route at the Temple of Hathor at Dendara, which has recently been extensively restored, revealing its startlingly well-preserved painted astronomical ceiling and reliefs. Dinner is at our hotel this evening. (B,L,D)

Thursday, February 8: Valley of the Kings | Deir el Bahari
In the Valley of the Kings, our morning exploration includes several royal tombs, including the legendary Tomb of Tutankhamen and the spectacular Tomb of Seti I. Continue on to the stunning mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, including the Third Terrace Sanctuary of Amun with its beautifully preserved painted decoration and two newly opened sanctuaries featuring representations of Senenmut, Hatshepsut’s architect. Return to our hotel and then gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Friday, February 9: Valley of the Queens | Deir el Medina | Esna | Embarkation
Spend the morning in the Valley of the Queens, where we gain access to the touching Tomb of Khaemwaset, a young son of Ramesses III; and the Tomb of Nefertari, often called the most beautiful tomb in Egypt. Continue on to Deir el Medina, the ancient village of the workers who built the pharaohs’ tombs, where we visit the beautifully preserved and decorated tombs of Sennedjem and Inherkhau. Our last visit on the west bank is the tomb of Ramose—the highest official (vizier) to serve the pharaohs Amenhotep III and Akhenaten.

Drive to Esna and visit the recently restored temple of Khnum, with its wonderful astronomical ceiling with previously unknown names of ancient Egyptian constellations. Afterward, we embark our sailing vessel, a traditional Nile sail boat called a dahabiya, which will be our home-away-from-home for the next three nights. Our group will sail aboard two of these smaller-sized vessels that will travel together and avoid the crowds cruising in a convoy of large Nile riverboats. We enjoy a late lunch as we sail up the Nile. The afternoon is at leisure until we gather for dinner onboard. Overnight aboard an eight-cabin dahabiya for three nights. (B,L,D)

Saturday, February 10: El Kab | Edfu | Sailing the Nile
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard before visiting El Kab, one of the oldest settlements of Upper Egypt and now a famous necropolis with remarkable tombs of nobles and army generals. Continue to the city of Edfu for a tour of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, Egypt’s most complete and best-preserved temple. Return to our dahabiyas and relax as we sail up the Nile. This evening, enjoy an onboard dinner of Egyptian specialties presented with a performance of local music and dancing. (B,L,D)

Sunday, February 11: Gebel el-Silsila | Kom Ombo | Sailing the Nile
Set out this morning to visit Gebel el-Silsila, located at the narrowest point along the entire length of the Nile. It was the location of a major New Kingdom sandstone quarry and workshop, where artifacts and tombs have been discovered. Sail onward to the twin Temples of Sobek and Horus at Kom Ombo, including a visit to the magnificent (though small), new Crocodile Museum. Continue cruising to Aswan, and partake in a final gala dinner onboard. (B,L,D)

Monday, February 12: Aswan: Disembarkation, Philae, Nubia Museum
Disembark this morning at Aswan and visit an ancient granite quarry with an unfinished obelisk. Set out on a short boat ride to the island of Philae for a visit of its Temple of Isis, which has been called Egypt’s most beautiful temple. After lunch we check-in to our recently renovated hotel on the Nile and then visit Aswan’s elegant Nubia Museum, which exhibits many of the more than 3,000 artifacts recovered during the excavations of Nubian sites that were threatened by the construction of the High Dam. We return to the hotel and gather for dinner. Overnight in the Nile wing of the 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan hotel for three nights. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, February 13: Elephantine Island | Aswan
Embark feluccas (small, traditional sailing vessels) to visit the archaeological site on Elephantine Island. Then we take a motor boat ride through the Nile cataract for lunch at a Nubian restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a walk through Aswan’s suq, the most charming and traditional of the markets in Egypt, where one can find interesting Nubian ethnographic items such as baskets, pottery, and scarves that are unique to the Aswan area. We return to the hotel and gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, February 14: At leisure in Aswan | Farewell dinner
Today is at leisure, to relax at our luxurious hotel overlooking the famous cataracts of Aswan. Enjoy a final lecture with generous time for Q&A with both Stephen Harvey and our local Egyptology guide. This evening we gather for a farewell reception and dinner at our hotel hosted by our trio of leaders. (B,L,R,D)

Thursday, February 15: Fly to Abu Simbel | Fly to Cairo
Transfer to the airport early this morning for a short flight to Abu Simbel, where we visit the two world famous and fantastic rock-cut temples of Ramesses II (built to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari). Moved when the Aswan High Dam was built, they are a marvel of ancient and modern engineering. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan and our connecting flight to Cairo, where we check-in to our luxurious airport hotel featuring fully soundproofed rooms. Dinner is at our hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Le Méridien Cairo Airport hotel. (B,L,D)

Friday, February 16: Fly home OR continue on to the extension
Check out this morning and enter the airport (our hotel has direct access to Terminal 3 via footbridge, as well as a free shuttle to Terminal 2) to catch flights homeward or for your flight to Amman, Jordan, for the optional, post-tour extension. (B)

Optional Post-Tour Extension

JORDAN

February 16-23, 2024 (8 days) with Egyptologist Stephen Harvey

ITINERARY

(B)= Breakfast, (L)= Lunch, (D)= Dinner

Friday, February 16, 2024: Depart Cairo on group flight to Amman, Jordan | Amman: Jordan Museum, walking tour, American Center of Research (ACOR)
Upon arrival in Amman, Jordan, we explore the Jordan Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from all periods and sites throughout the country. Then we set out on a walking tour of the city, starting at the Citadel, visiting the 8^th-century Omayyad Palace; the Temple of Hercules, which was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2^nd century; a small Byzantine church; and the old Roman city’s restored odeon and its theater, which seated 6,000 people. After lunch we visit ACOR, a private, not-for-profit academic institution and consortium, research library, and hostel. Gather this evening for dinner at our hotel. Overnight at the 5-star InterContinental Jordan Hotel for three nights. (B,L,D)

Saturday, February 17: Qasr al-Kharanah | Qasr Amra | Qasr al-Azraq | Amman
Today’s full-day tour takes us east of Amman, along the ancient paved road that linked Baghdad with Amman and Damascus, to explore several spectacular Omayyad castle/palaces: Qasr al-Kharanah, the most complete of the Omayyad castles; Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose ceilings and walls are covered with vividly-painted frescoes; and Qasr al-Azraq, crafted of the area’s black basalt and the winter shelter of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) during the early 20^th-century Arab Revolt against the Turks. Return to our hotel in Amman in the late afternoon and then gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Sunday, February 18: Umm Qais | Jerash | Amman
Drive north to Umm Qais, the most dramatically-located ancient city in Jordan, perched on a high plain overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. Explore its fascinating ruins, including the stunning black basalt theater, colonnaded main street, and city gate; as well as its charming archaeological museum in a restored, late Ottoman house. Continue on to the impressive Roman city of Jerash. Stroll along the city’s colonnaded streets and through ancient marketplaces, and visit imposing theaters sitting beside Roman, Christian, and Muslim houses of worship. Late in the afternoon we return to our hotel in Amman and then gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Monday, February 19: Madaba | Mt. Nebo | Umm ar-Rasas | Petra
After breakfast we depart for Madaba, which contains the most impressive work of art to survive from the mid-6^th century: a mosaic map of the ancient Holy Land, the oldest one in existence, located in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Visit the site’s ruins of the 6^th-century basilica, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, and the monastery; as well as the Church of Saints Lot and Procopius, Martyrs, which contains a masterpiece of the Madaba School of mosaics. Continue on to Mt. Nebo, from where we will have a clear view of the surrounding terrain, including the mountains of Moab, Jerusalem, and Judea. After lunch we set out for Petra, stopping along the way to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Umm ar-Rasas, a walled site with several well-preserved churches and mosaics. Its Church of St. Stephen features a detailed mosaic floor depicting major cities of the region in ancient times, presented under a protective shelter with suspended pathways. Arrive in Petra, check-in to our hotel, and then gather for dinner. Overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Petra for two nights. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, February 20: Petra
Early this morning we will walk about a mile through the siq (gorge) that takes us into (and, later, out of) the splendid Nabataean capital city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first view of the rose-red city of Petra, carved almost 2,500 years ago, is the dazzling Al-Khasneh Farun (Treasury). From there we walk along the Streets of Façades and view the magnificent tombs, theater, markets, Petra Church (with its glorious mosaics), and Great Temple. Gather this evening for dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, February 21: Little Petra | Beidah | Wadi Rum Jeep excursion | Aqaba
Take a short drive to Petra’s northern suburb, Siq al-Barid (often called “Little Petra”), a Nabataean site densely populated with rock-cut houses, temples, and stairs. At nearby Beidah, we walk through an 8,000-year-old, excavated, Neolithic village. Continue on to the Wadi Rum Protected Area, which is a mixed natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its desert landscape varies from narrow gorges to natural arches and towering cliffs, and 12,000 years of human occupation are evidenced by petroglyphs and archaeological ruins. Jeeps will take us on a two-hour tour through the landscape, including a lunch of simple, traditional food at a local camp. Late in the afternoon we continue our drive to Aqaba, Jordan’s only port on the Red Sea, where we check-in to our hotel and gather for dinner. Overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Aqaba. (B,L,D)

Thursday, February 22: The Lowest Place on Earth—the Dead Sea

This morning we drive north, along the Wadi Araba road to our luxurious hotel set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, at the lowest point on Earth. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this oasis of tranquility—the Dead Sea beach, pools, and award-winning spa. Overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Dead Sea. (B,L,D)

Friday, February 23: Fly home
Check out this morning and transfer to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to catch flights homeward. (B)