Absolute Egypt, 2022 (Added Departure!)

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

Wednesday, January 12, 2022: Depart home

Thursday, January 13: 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 40 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 four nights. (D)

Friday, January 14: 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)

Saturday, January 15: Cairo:* National Museum, Church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus, Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Gayer-Anderson Museum
This morning visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) comprised of materials from many museums, including the Gallery of Royal Mummies. See the nearby, 4^th-century A.D. Coptic Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. After lunch overlooking the Nile, we visit the 9^th-century mosque of Ibn Tulun (both Cairo’s largest mosque in terms of land area and its oldest mosque in its original form) and the adjacent Gayer-Anderson Museum (a superb example of 17^th-century domestic architecture with splendid furniture, carpets, curios, and other objects). *Please note that if the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is open, we will instead spend the full day there. Return to the Mena House hotel and gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Sunday, January 16: Saqqara
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 newly-discovered, closed-to-the-public, 5^th-dynasty Tomb of Wah Ti. After an outdoor lunch at Saqqara Palm Club, we return to the Mena House hotel for an afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy the pool, and pack for our early flight tomorrow morning. Gather for dinner at our hotel. (B,L,D)

Monday, January 17: Fly to Sohag | Abydos
Transfer to the airport early this morning for our flight to Sohag. Upon arrival we drive to Abydos, one of the oldest and most important ancient cities in Egypt. Begin our visit at Shunet es-Zebib, one of the oldest standing massive brick structures in the world, the architecture of which points to some features of later structures, like the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara. Next explore Kom el-Sultan, another large, Early Dynastic Period mud-brick structure, which includes an early Temple of Osiris where excavations have revealed hundreds of stelae yielding information about the cult of Osiris. After lunch we will visit the Temple of Ramesses II, with impressive reliefs of the Battle of Kadesh on its exterior walls and delicately-preserved paint colors. Check-in to our hotel and gather for dinner. Overnight at the House of Life Abydos hotel. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, January 18: Abydos | Dendara | Luxor
This morning we return to Abydos to visit the spectacular Temple of Seti I, where was discovered the “Abydos King List”—the long, invaluable list of pharaohs of the principal dynasties (as recognized by Seti) that was inscribed on a wall. The temple also has seven chapels with exquisite reliefs. After lunch we 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. Upon arrival at Luxor we settle in at our hotel and gather for dinner. Overnight at the 5-star  Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor Hotel (Old Wing) for three nights. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, January 19: 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. Our visit will include the astounding hypostyle hall, and your AIA lecturer is the Director of the Great Hypostyle Hall Project. Karnak’s Open Air Museum 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)

Thursday, January 20: Valley of the Kings | Deir el Bahari | Luxor Museum
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. After lunch we return to the east bank of the Nile and visit the small, but excellent, Luxor Museum. Return to our hotel and then gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Friday, January 21: 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 Tomb of Sennedjem and the recently-restored Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor. Our last visit on the west bank is the tomb of Ramose. 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, January 22: 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, January 23: Gebel el-Silsila | Kom Ombo | Sailing the Nile
Set out this morning to visit Gebel el-Silsila, a New Kingdom sandstone workshop where twelve 18^th-dynasty tombs were recently 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, January 24: 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 beautiful, recently renovated hotel on the Nile. This afternoon, 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, January 25: 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, January 26: 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 Peter Brand 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, January 27: 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. Then fly to Cairo and check-in to our luxurious airport hotel, which features fully soundproofed rooms. Dinner is at our hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Le Méridien Cairo Airport hotel. (B,L,D)

Friday, January 28: Fly home
Check out this morning and enter the airport (our hotel has direct access to Terminal 3 via footbridge) to catch flights homeward. (B)

The Siwa Oasis & Alexandria

January 6-13, 2022 (8 days | 16 guests) with Egyptologist Peter Brand

Thursday, January 6, 2022: Fly to Cairo, Egypt

Friday, January 7: Arrive in Cairo | Welcome dinner
You will be met upon arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) and transferred to the historic Mena House, a palatial hotel set amid 40 acres of gardens, with magnificent views of the adjacent Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Gather for dinner with our three expert tour leaders: AIA lecturer/host, Egyptology guide, and tour manager. Overnight at the 5-star Marriott Mena House (Pyramid View rooms). (D)

Saturday, January 8: El-Alamein War Museum and cemeteries | Marsa Matruh
Depart Cairo, driving north and then along the Mediterranean to the seaside resort town of Marsa Matruh, stopping along the way at El-Alamein. Two major battles were fought here in 1942 between British and Axis forces, and the Allies won a decisive victory in November of that year, preventing Germany from penetrating any farther into Egypt. We will visit the War Museum, which is an excellent overall introduction to WWII’s North Africa campaigns as well as the Battle of El-Alamein itself, plus the Italian and German military cemeteries. Continue on to Marsa Matruh, which boasts a beautiful, 4.5-mile white sand beach and turquoise waters. Alexander the Great is said to have stopped here on his way to Siwa Oasis (our next destination), and Cleopatra reputedly came here to bathe. Marsa Matruh was also an important stopping point for trade in the ancient Mediterranean. Just offshore is Bates’s Island, which has provided much evidence for 2^nd millennium B.C. trade between the Levant, Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt. Time-permitting, we will visit Marsa Matruh’s recently-opened Archaeological Museum, which exhibits artifacts excavated locally and highlights the role of the city as an ancient trading hub. Check-in to our opulent resort hotel and gather for dinner. Overnight at the 5-star Carols Beau Rivage hotel. (B,L,D)

Sunday, January 9: Siwa Oasis
Drive south through miles and miles of sand until suddenly a huge lake appears, surrounded by date palms. Here at Siwa Oasis we find our unique and beautiful eco-lodge, built of kershef (a mixture of mud and rock salt) in the indigenous style, which has been featured in many international publications. At night it is lit by hundreds of beeswax candles and oil lamps, and a flat-edged pool bubbles up from Roman springs. Float in the lake, which is as salty as the Dead Sea and said to be good for the skin. Dinner is served under the stars. Overnight at the 4-star Adrère Amellal Desert Eco Lodge for two nights. (B,L,D)

Monday, January 10: Siwa: Oracle of Amun, Gebel Al Mawta, Shali
The town of Siwa is Egypt’s most remote oasis town, located on the northwest edge of the Great Sand Sea. The very traditional Siwans have held fast to their own distinct Berber culture and language, and are known for their exquisite jewelry and crafts. In the 4^th century B.C., Alexander the Great visited this area to consult the Oracle of Amun, which is said to have confirmed that he was a god and a king of Egypt. We visit the ruins of the oracle temple; Gebel Al Mawta (Mountain of the Dead), a small hill with rock-cut tombs that have wall paintings and date from the 26^th dynasty and the Ptolemaic and Romans periods; and Shali, the old village of Siwa, with houses dating back to the 13^th century. Return to our eco-lodge for dinner. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, January 11: Drive to Alexandria
We depart Siwa Oasis this morning, driving north through the desert and east along the Mediterranean Sea for about 6.5 hours, to reach the port city of Alexandria. Founded in 332 B.C. under the reign of Alexander the Great, Alexandria was the capital of Egypt until A.D. 642. An important center of learning in the ancient world, today the cosmopolitan city has a more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern feel. Check-in to our historic hotel, which overlooks the Mediterranean, and gather for dinner. Overnight at the 4-star Steigenberger Cecil Hotel for two nights. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, January 12: Alexandria: National Museum, Kom al-Dikka, Bibliotheca Alexandrina
This morning is dedicated to exploring some of the jewels of Alexandria beginning with the Alexandria National Museum, whose exhibits span the city’s history from antiquity to the modern period. In recent years many significant finds have been recovered from Alexandria’s harbor through underwater archaeology, and we will see some of these portions of monumental sculpture and architecture at Kom al-Dikka, where we will also see the ruins of the Roman amphitheater (the only one in Egypt). This afternoon we visit the architecturally stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a recently completed modern interpretation of the famous ancient library. Here, in addition to the innovative building, are extraordinary documents and artifacts, and an excellent museum that displays finds made during the construction of the Library, including a superb mosaic. Return to our hotel and gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Thursday, January 13: Alexandria | Cairo
This morning we tour the impressive tombs in Alexandria, such as Kom el-Shuqafa, that reflect both Pharaonic and Roman architectural elements and painting styles; plus we see Pompey’s Pillar, a 3^rd-century pink granite column set amid the remains of the acropolis of the Serapeum. At mid-day we drive to Cairo, check-in to the Mena House, and meet the guests who are joining us for the main tour. (B,L)