Egypt: Land of Legends and MysteriesTravel a new and exotic path January 10 - 25, 2010
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Travel a new and exotic path in Egypt! Once you’ve walked in the footsteps of pharaohs and kings, you’ll want to return again and again. This tour not only introduces the first-time visitor to Egypt’s wonders, but also reveals more of her secrets to those who have traveled this legendary land before. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, we promise that you’ve never seen the legends and mysteries of Egypt like this. Your guide is renowned scholar Dr. Chahinda Karim, who will introduce you to el-Amarna, Beni Hassan, the Pyramid of Meidum, St. Catherine’s Monastery, the Library at Alexandria, the Red Monastery, Pharaohs Island, the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Luxor and more!
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Itinerary RegistrationDownload, fill out and mail in the REGISTRATION FORM (PDF) Tour Price
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Special Tour FeaturesTRAVEL OFF THE BEATEN PATH TO THE DAZZLING SITES OF EGYPT MOST TRAVELERS NEVER SEE
SITES/LECTURES OF BIBLICAL INTEREST
OTHER FEATURES
PLUS...
Itinerary Egypt. The very name of this ancient country evokes the legends and mysteries of the one of the greatest civilizations in the world, where pharaohs built architectural wonders and daily life along the Nile was permeated by myths and gods.
Here at BAS we specialize in providing special access and insight that can’t be found anywhere else. With this in mind, we invite you to join us on an adventure like no other, where you will gain entrée into a world that most visitors don’t even know exists, with great attention to details that provide for your personal comfort, such as ample space on top-of the-line transportation.
B = Breakfast provided
L = Lunch provided D = Dinner provided Sunday, January 10 | Arrive Cairo
You will be met at your individual flights and transferred to the luxurious Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel located on the Nile. Monday, January 11 | Cairo (B,D)
As you relax and adjust today, Dr. Karim will present a seminar on Akhenaten, the pharaoh who introduced the concept of one God (monotheism), and provide an explanation of the legendary “Hymn to the Sun.” In the evening we will have dinner together at the hotel. (Please see the note at the bottom of the itinerary re: the optional trip to the Pyramids of Giza on this day). Tuesday, January 12 | Cairo/Minia (B,D)
We depart Cairo and drive toward Minia, visiting Snefru’s Pyramid at Meidum. At the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel, near Hermopolis (modern Ashmunyan), we’ll visit the Galleries of the Sacred Ibis and the Tomb of Petosiris, a family tomb of eight generations of high priests of Hermopolis whose lives are intimately recorded in the charming and beautifully preserved wall mural, as well as the Stelae of Akhenaten. Late day arrival in Minia, overnight at the Aton or Horus Hotel—the newest and best hotels in the city—both situated along the banks of the Nile.  Wednesday, January 13 | Minia (B,D)
A short bus ride takes us to el-Amarna, the site where Akhenaten and Nefertiti, having broken away from the centuries-old religious establishment at Thebes, made their capital during their revolutionary reign in the 18th Dynasty. The city was destroyed after Akhenaten’s death, but the outlines of recently excavated temples and palaces and the superb decoration of Amarna’s rock-cut tombs bring the history of this unique period to life. Across the Nile at Beni Hassan, we will visit some of the remarkable Middle Kingdom Tombs cut into the cliffs high above the meandering Nile, where the view is spectacular. Recently restored and in pristine condition, the scenes present a panorama of the everyday life of the governors, courtiers and princes who lived in Middle Egypt. Of particular interest is a scene showing a caravan of Semites arriving in Egypt with their herds, which dates back to the time of Abraham. Thursday, January 14 | Minia/Sohag (B,D)
Drive this morning to Sohag to visit the recently restored Byzantine Church of Saints Bishai and Bigol at the Red Monastery, a center for ascetic life in the fifth century A.D. recently restored by Temple University. The paintings here are astonishing and rare; very few visitors have the opportunity to see them. We’ll also see the fabulous statue of Merit Amun, daughter of Ramesses, at the open air museum, as well as the famous Akmim silk factory. Overnight in Sohag at the Nile Hotel. Friday, January 15 | Sohag/Luxor (B)
Depart Sohag for Luxor, stopping at the Temples of Seti I Abydos and Dendera along the way. During his reign, Seti I encouraged an artistic and architectural revival. His temple reflects his ambitious program, especially today after the completion of an excellent restoration. Dedicated to Hathor, Dendera is a fine example of Ptolemaic architecture. Its distinctive features include a hypostyle hall with 18 Hathor-columns supporting a roof decorated with remarkable astrological scenes. Arriving in Luxor, we check into the Sonesta St. George Hotel.  Saturday, January 16 | Luxor (B)
We have arrived in ancient Thebes, for several centuries the seat of the Middle and New Kingdom dynasties, and the literal center of the ancient east. The mysterious limestone mountains that rise up beyond the twisting, arid valley just above the Nile flood plain are honeycombed with treasures and curiosities—a place of secrets and legends. On the West Bank of the Nile today, we visit the Valley of the Kings, where we hope to visit the Tomb of Seti I, the Valley of the Nobles, Workers, and Medinet Habu, a unique mortuary temple. After sunset we visit the Luxor Temple, illuminated at night, and the small and delightful Luxor Museum, where a new gallery has opened. Sunday, January 17 | Luxor (B)
The morning is free for you to visit some Luxor highlights on an optional basis, such as the Karnak Temple or the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank. In the afternoon we sail the Nile on a felucca, a traditional sailboat. Monday, January 18 | Luxor/Hurgada (B)
Today, we depart Luxor and drive to Hurgada. Upon arrival we check into the new, extremely deluxe and exquisite Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh Red Sea Resort. Built on a desert bluff overlooking and connected to the Red Sea, it is by far one of the finest resorts in all of Egypt. Deluxe accommodations are nestled in a spectacular setting of Islamic architecture, the pool floats to the sea, the diving and snorkeling are outstanding, and the health club is a must. This day is free to relax at the Red Sea. You can arrange to scuba dive or snorkel, bask in the sun, or pursue other interests.  Tuesday, January 19 | Hurgada (B)
Take a desert safari in the Eastern Desert, where a lush green valley gives way to stony wilderness, rocks rise up in extraordinary formations, the sand blows and there is scarcely a sign of life except for the Ma’aza Bedouins, a pastoral tribe living unencumbered by material possessions and bound by kinship and livelihood to this desert wilderness. A friendly group, you will be able to interact with them informally at their camp. (If you prefer to visit the Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony, this can be arranged on an optional basis.) The balance of the day is free. “Only those who have traveled in the desert can understand the joy of being there.” —Anonymous Wednesday, January 20 | Hurgada/Sharm El Sheik/Dahab (B)
Depart Hurgada early morning, traveling on a Red Sea Ferry to Sharm el Sheik. Upon arrival, transfer to the Bedouin Red Sea town of Dahab. This afternoon there will be several Sinai options available, including a tour into the Sinai or a visit to the local Bedouin market.  Thursday, January 21 | Dahab (B,D)
This morning we will travel to Taba, where we catch a boat to the picturesque Pharaohs Island on the Gulf of Aqaba, which dates to 939–936 B.C. Recently renovated, the fortress functioned as the center of an important trade route. From the top, one can view Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Araba. To read more, visit: www.geographia.com/egypt/sinai/phisland.html. In the evening, we travel to a Bedouin camp for dinner, where an astronomer will show you a world very few people see. Located in the mountains are powerful telescopes that let you view the stars, craters and moon up close. Attach your digital camera to the telescope for some amazing photographs. Friday, January 22 | Dahab/Cairo (B)
Depart Dahab for St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Highlights of the visit include the burning bush, the Basilica that houses famous icons, and hopefully the library—the oldest in the Christian world. From here we drive back to Cairo, stopping to view the Suez Canal along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. Saturday, January 23 | Cairo (B,D)
An insider’s perspective. This morning you can either visit some of our tour organizers’ favorite haunts or exercise the option to tour the Cairo Museum with Dr. Karim. In the afternoon, we will meet with someone at USAID in Cairo to learn about their projects in Egypt and visit the extraordinary facility at the Society for the Protection of the Environment to learn about current projects aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged Egyptians. In the evening, we’ll gather at an Egyptian home for an intimate and authentic dinner. Sunday, January 24 | Cairo/Alexandria/Cairo (B,L)
Transfer to the Ramesses train station and board the express train for Alexandria. The highlight of our tour is a visit to the newly opened library, a modern incarnation of the famous ancient library that drew scholars from across the ancient world. This new successor promises to do the same and has already become a meeting place where today’s scholars converge to conduct their research. After a stop for lunch along the Mediterranean, our sightseeing tour of Alexandria will include the Catacombs, Roman Theater, Pompey’s Pillar and the Queitbay Fortress. Return to Cairo. Monday, January 25 | Cairo/USA
Depart Cairo for the U.S. As we return home, one cannot help but contemplate the words of Florence Nightengale: “One wonders that people come back from Egypt and live lives as they did before.” (1849–1850) A Perfect Opportunity to Use Your Favorite Mileage Program
Please note that international airfare is not included. Contact your preferred air carrier or ask us for detailed information on international flight options starting at $975 from New York City. The first event of your Egyptian experience begins the morning of January 11. Please note: Is this your first time traveling to the legendary country of Egypt? We have some exciting options for you! You can come early or stay later to visit the Pyramids of Giza, or you may do so the day of the seminar on January 11. You will also have some spare time in Luxor to get to Karnak Temple. Please contact us for more details. Terms and ConditionsTHE TOUR COSTS INCLUDE: AIR TRANSPORTATION: Local air within Egypt. Airfare and regulations are subject to change without notice and can carry penalties and surcharges, until final payment has been received. THE TOUR COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:
RATES: ContactIf you have any questions, please contact Temma Ecker at 1.708.383.8739 or temma@journeysofthemind.com.
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