Egyptologist Dr. Chahinda Karim leads Bible history and archaeology tour to Egypt | Travel - Study - from the publisher of Biblical Archaeology Review

EXPLORE ANCIENT AND MODERN EGYPT WITH EGYPTOLOGIST AND SCHOLAR
Dr. Chahinda Karim of the American University of Cairo. Your experience is enriched by her unique perspectives, far reaching expertise and fascinating presentations. She is uniquely qualified as both your on-site guide and lecturer.

CRUISE FOR 4 DAYS OF LUXURY
with custom-designed private shore excursions. Sail back through time on history’s most legendary river as you discover the monuments of Egypt’s ancient kingdoms. Enjoy the exquisite hospitality of the award-winning Oberoi Philae Nile Cruiser.

ENCOUNTER AN INTIMATE PERSPECTIVE OF EGYPT
through well-chosen insider experiences; dinner with an Egyptian family in their home, tour of a Nubian village, cultural performances, private shore excursions on board the Oberoi Philae, a lecture on modern Egypt, and visit a recently restored Islamic home and Islamic tomb on a walking tour of Islamic Cairo.

HOSTED BY EGYPT INSIDER TEMMA ECKER
With a travel expert’s knowledge of Egypt’s people and places, and a seasoned professional’s eye for detail, Temma has designed, managed and led over 100 in-depth, intimate tours to Egypt for discriminating travelers for over 20 years.

At-a-glance Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

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.

Wednesday, March 2 | Arrive Cairo (S)
Your flight approaches Cairo from the shimmering Mediterranean, flying over the fabulous mosques, citadels and minarets that hug the Nile River. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport according to your individual arrangements and transferred to the deluxe Mena House Oberoi; neighboring the Pyramids of Giza. Rooms are located in the newly restored Garden wing. Late afternoon, attend an orientation briefing.

Thursday, March 3 | Cairo (B)
You are in Cairo, the pulsating capital of Egypt. The Nile, Egypt’s vital artery runs through the heart of the city, leaving densely populated areas on each bank. Cairo is a city of contrast; ancient and modern, want and plenty, where motorized vehicles, draft animals, cyclists and pedestrians vie for space in the streets. Domes, minarets, and modern buildings delineate the skyline.

The ancient monuments that stand at the outskirts of Cairo represent the most eloquent introduction to the World’s oldest civilization. We begin chronologically with an exploration of the ruins of the original capital of ancient Egypt at Memphis and Saqqara. On the Giza Plateau, you have an optional camel ride before our visit to the Great Pyramids. Icons of antiquity, they embody the mystery and majesty of Egypt. We also visit the Sphinx, and the magnificent Solar Boat.

Friday, March 4 | Cairo/Minia (B,S,D)
Depart Cairo, we drive toward Tel el Amarna the site where Akhenaten and Nefertiti, having broken away from the centuries-old 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 the unique period to life. We will pass through Nag Hamadi where the Gnostic Treatises were discovered. Late afternoon arrival in Minia, check in to the 4-star Horus Hotel located on the Nile. Simple and very adequate, it is the best in the area.

Saturday, March 5 | Minia/Sohag (B,S,D)
We will make a brief stop at the Stelae of Akhenaten, Tuna el Gebel—the galleries of the sacred ibis and tomb of Petosiris. Across the Nile at Beni Hassan 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 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. “Abraham went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.” Time permitting, we'll visit the newly restored Byzantine Church of Saints Bishai and Bigol at the Red Monastery; a center for ascetic life in the 5th Century, the paintings are considered the oldest Coptic art in the world. Arriving in Sohag, we check into the 5-star Nile Hotel, located on the Nile. A new hotel, it is the best in the area.

Sunday, March 6 | Sohag/Luxor (B)
Departing Sohag for Luxor, our first stop is the Temples of Seti I at Abydos. During his reign, Seti I encouraged an artistic and architectural revival which Abydos reflects especially today after an excellent restoration. Considered one of Egypt’s most sacred cities, the temple is the cult center of its most beloved heroes—Osiris, Isis and Horus, and one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt.

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 5-star Sonesta St. George Hotel, located on the Nile.

Monday, March 7 | Luxor (B)
We have arrived in ancient Thebes, for several centuries the seat of the Middle and New Kingdom dynasties, and the virtual center of the ancient world. 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.

A highlight of the day’s itinerary is a visit to the Valley of the Kings, which contains 64 tombs belonging to the pharaohs of the 18th-20th Dynasties. The Tombs were hewn out of bedrock and decorated throughout with scenes of the journey of the sun-god through the underworld. We will also visit the Temple of Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Dig into the nuts-and-bolts of archeology. Late afternoon we have the rare privilege of meeting Dr. Ray Johnson, archaeologist and director of Chicago House where he is working at the Luxor Temple. He will introduce you to the science of archaeology as he discusses his work at the temple. At sunset, Chahinda will lead your tour of the Temple illuminated at night, as well as the small and delightful Luxor Museum - a fine collection discovered by chance in a Cache in the colonnaded open court of the Luxor Temple.

Tuesday, March 8 | Luxor/Embarkation Oberoi Philae (B,L,D)
Return to the West Bank today to visit the Valley of the Nobles which contain scenes of everyday life in the New Kingdom, the Workers Village which was occupied by generations of laborers who toiled in the Valley of the Kings constructing tombs for the Pharaohs, and the unique mortuary temple of Medinet Habu. Back on the East Bank, we embark the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise-simply the finest vessel sailing the Nile.

Wednesday, March 9 | Luxor/Sail to Esna (B,L,D)
This morning visit Karnak Temple: the greatest shrine of antiquity, and a supreme manifestation of ancient Egypt’s power and wealth. Karnak is a massive temple complex covering 200 acres. Upon return to the Philae, we spend a delightful afternoon sailing toward Esna.

As we sail back through time, the pace of our tour changes - our river journey begins and we relax aboard the ship, observing the passing scenery of the Nile’s timeless shore life. Along its banks, the rural scenes differ little from ancient times; the farmer tends his land with a wooden plough, uses his faithful donkey for transport, and although modern pumping devices are now used, so too is the ancient waterwheel driven by buffaloes.

Thursday, March 10 | Edfu/Kom Ombo (B,L,D)
Visit the temple of Horus in Edfu. Begun in 237 B.C. it is the best preserved ancient structure in Egypt. Dedicated to the hawk-headed god Horus, the temple is adorned with reliefs that rank among some of the finest in Egypt.

Upon return to the Philae, spend the afternoon sailing for Kom Ombo. Arriving at dusk, we visit Kom Ombo; unique among Egyptian temples, it equally honors two gods, Horus, the hawk god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. The temple is spectacular at this time of day.

Friday, March 11 | Kom Ombo/Aswan (B,L,D)
Early morning, we embark on the last stage of our Nile cruise sailing for Aswan. To many visitors, Aswan is the loveliest of all cities along the Nile. Famous as a spa at the turn of the century, vintage buildings adorn its Corniche and granite islands mark the Nile’s first Cataract.

Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Famed for its beauty and known as the "Pearl of Egypt", its sanctity in Greco-Roman times out-rivaled many of the other cities of Egypt. On its island, temples, kiosks, a colonnade, and sanctuaries rise proudly against the skyline. We will also visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries. Late afternoon we sail by felucca; visiting a Nubian Village and the Botanical Gardens.

Saturday, March 12 | Disembarkation Aswan/Abu Simbel/Cairo (B)
“The Nile surpasses all rivers of the earth in sweetness of taste, length of course and utility" said Ibn Battua, a Medieval historian. Sadly, we disembark the Oberoi Philae reminiscent of the adage: Once you have sampled the Nile River, you will want to return.

Optional Abu Simbel Excursion Transfer this morning to the airport for an optional air excursion to Abu Simbel, where the famed rock-cut temples surpass in size all other temples in Egypt and the colossal figures, are carved from the mountain. The Temple of Ramesses II, the most impressive monument in Nubia, and the Temple of Queen Nefertari, his most beloved wife, were saved from destruction by UNESCO.

Or transfer and fly directly from Aswan to Cairo. In either case, you will be transferred upon arrival in Cairo to the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, located on the Nile River in the cultural center of Cairo. The balance of the day is free. Attend an authentic performance of the Whirling Dervish this evening on an optional basis.

Sunday, March 13 | Cairo (B)
This morning visit the Cairo Museum, which contains the world’s greatest collection of Egyptian art and artifacts. The richness of the collection is truly astonishing. In the afternoon visit the early Christian sites of the recently restored Coptic Cairo; including the Coptic Museum, Church of the Holy Virgin and the newly-restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra. In the evening attend an outstanding cultural performance in a restored Islamic Home.

Monday, March 14 | Cairo (B,L,D)
Historic Cairo: A walk through the Islamic City. A full day is devoted to a walking tour through the Islamic section of Cairo. Immersed in authentic Egyptian culture and society, experience the sights, sounds and smells of this Islamic city; visiting mosques, a restored Islamic home, and other notable Islamic monuments. Off the beaten path (in some cases entrance is by special permission) they all are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. Included in this day is the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Withstanding Egypt’s glories and declines since 1382, it grew from a caravanserai to headquarters for merchants from all over the world—an open air museum that stands as a metaphor for Islamic life. Enjoy dinner this evening in an Egyptian home.

Tuesday, March 15 | Cairo (USA)
Early morning transfer to the airport for your individual flight to the United States. As we leave Egypt we are captivated by a quote from Florence Nightingale:”...One wonders that people come back from Egypt and live lives as they did before."

Terms and Conditions

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.

HOTELS: Deluxe or as indicated based on two persons sharing twinbedded room with private bath and/or shower. Journeys of the Mind/BAS reserves the right to substitute hotels in similar categories.

SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS: Journeys of the Mind/BAS will endeavor to arrange for a congenial roommate, this is not always possible or recommended and a single supplement will be charged when required or requested.

MEALS: Breakfast daily, plus lunch, tea, dinner on board the Philae and as indicated.

TRANSFERS: International arrival and departure transfers plus group transfers are provided in conjunction with tour flights.

SIGHTSEEING/TRANSPORTATION: All sightseeing tours described provided by best available air-conditioned motor coaches, or other vehicles depending upon circumstances at the time of tour operation. Motor launches, horse-drawn carriages, camels, boats and feluccas are featured on some excursions. All entrance fees to places visited in the itinerary are included.

LECTURER/GUIDES: Dr. Chahinda Karim will provide lectures and guiding.

BAGGAGE: Includes the transportation and handling of two pieces of luggage per person throughout within the limits of airline regulations.

GRATUITIES AND TAXES: All local/government taxes on hotels, meals and services listed. Tips to drivers, security, escorts, boat staff and guides are not included.

ARRANGEMENTS: The tour price includes planning, handling and operating charges. The tour price is based on a minimum of 15 participants. An administration fee of $200 will be charged for any deviation from the printed itinerary when requested in writing up to 60 days prior to departure and are not accepted after this time. All deviations are subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.

THE TOUR COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:
International air, passport and visa fees, cost of personal/trip cancellation and baggage insurance, transportation of excess baggage, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages, drinks, gratuities, optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour, individual transfers to join or leave the group once the tour has commenced, meals not shown as included, menu items not on the table d’hôte menu, and any item not specifically mentioned as included.

RATES:
All rates quoted in U.S. dollars based on tariffs and rate of exchange in effect as of May 2010. These rates are subject to change prior to the operation of the tour. In the event of a marked increase in foreign currency or in tariff rates, the cost is subject to revision.

RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT:
Early reservations are essential. A deposit of $500 is required to ensure your membership. Balance of payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND:
Cancellations must be made in writing and subject to the following charges: $300 per person at any time; 90-60 days prior to departure, $500; from 60 days prior to departure forward, no refund unless your space can be sold. For these and other reasons mentioned herein, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. A cancellation by a share could result in the need to accommodate a roommate in single accommodations, this cost will also be deducted from refunds due, if any, to the person canceling. Journeys of the Mind/BAS do not assume responsibility for cancellation fees imposed by air carriers, due to itinerary departure changes, and cancellations made after ticketing, nor are we responsible for any individual air arrangements made in connection with this tour or group flights.

UNUSED:
Prices quoted based on group participation; no refund for unused services, airline tickets or portions of the tour not taken. Refunds cannot be made to tour members who do not complete the tour for any reason.

INSURANCE:
Journeys of the Mind/BAS are not responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal baggage and belongings. Journeys of the Mind/BAS are not liable for personal injury, accident, or illness. We strongly suggest that you check with your insurance agent for adequate coverage for any eventualities.

Upon booking, our specially designed insurance covering baggage, accident, health and trip-cancellation will be made available.

We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.

VISA:
A visa is required and must be secured by the traveler prior to departure for travel to Egypt. Passports must be valid within six months from return date.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:
Terms apply to all optional extensions and excursions. Abu Simbel option confirmed upon registration.

HEALTH:
We strongly suggest that tour members contact their personal physician. By forwarding a deposit the passenger certifies that he/she does not have a physical condition that would create a hazard for him/ herself or other passengers.

SMOKING:
This is a nonsmoking tour. Smoking is not permitted where the group is gathered.

NOTICE:
Although Journeys of the Mind/BAS make every effort to adhere to the printed itinerary, on rare occasion it may be necessary to adjust arrangements due to circumstances beyond our control. Private functions are subject to the availability of the respective sponsors at the time of travel and, occasionally, substitutions may be required. Should any activity be unavailable, substitution will be made to the best of our ability and no refund will be made. Any additional costs necessitated by such changes are the responsibility of the tour member. Journeys of the Mind/BAS reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure, to decline, to accept or retain any person’s membership in its entirety or for any part of the tour before departure of the tour or during the tour, should such person’s health, mental or physical condition, or general deportment impede or may tend to impede the normal operation of the tour and/or may or does impose on the rights and comfort of the other tour members. A refund of recoverable unused services is the limit of liability for cancellation by Journeys of the Mind/BAS. Please note: Journeys of the Mind/BAS cannot be held responsible for any hotel or airline arrangements that we have not made.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Journeys of the Mind, Inc. Oak Park, Illinois and the Biblical Archaeology Society, Washington, D.C., its affiliates, assignees and cooperative agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation, hotels and automobile contractors. They exercise every care possible, but cannot be held responsible for personal injury in connection with the service of any airplane, train, automobile, carriage or other conveyance which is used in carrying out these tours, nor are they responsible for delay, accident, sickness, loss of personal property, strikes, armed conflict, additional expenses due to weather, disruption of advertised schedules, refusal of visas, or any other causes beyond their control. They are not responsible war, terror or acts of God. Further, the operation of the vehicles used in their tours is the full responsibility of the companies and individuals engaged in the conveying of passengers; said companies or individuals are governed by laws of the country of operations and recourse for any mishap must be filed locally. Unforeseen conditions may necessitate tour changes and the right is reserved to make such changes or withdraw the tour as deemed advisable. The right is also reserved to refuse to accept or retain any passenger on any tour at any time for any reason. All cooperating airlines and steamship companies are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are on board; the limit of the liability is that of a common carrier and the passage contract in use by such carriers, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between companies and the purchaser of this tour and/or passenger. Acceptance of the services of Journeys of the Mind/BAS by all agents and/or travelers constitutes acceptance by them of all the above noted terms and conditions.

RELEASE:
All members must sign a release and waiver of claims acknowledging their assumption of risk by participating in the tour.

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