Egyptian Odyssey

With Smithsonian Journeys

Departures:

Dec 26 – Jan 2, 2012
Jan. 08 – 19, 2012
March 14 – 25, 2012
Sept. 17 – 28, 2012
Oct. 8 – 19, 2012
Nov. 26 – Dec. 07, 2012 

Study Leader: Randa Baligh

Click here for further details about the 2011 journeys

Along the Nile River’s fertile plains one of the earliest civilizations gave rise to an intriguing culture—the ancient Egyptians. Delve into the mysterious realm of the pharaohs to discover their colossal monuments and elaborate tombs, many of which are World Heritage sites. Our Egyptologist offers insight into the magnificent temples at Karnak and Luxor, the extraordinary Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Nobles, Abu Simbel, and the Great Pyramids. Explore cities full of architectural gems and important museum collections, and experience life along the Nile as you cruise aboard a comfortable riverboat. You’ll also learn about the Nubian people and traditions while visiting the Nubian Museum in Aswan, and come to understand modern Egyptian life during an engaging discussion with local women.
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Tour Highlights

• This tour is one of our Smithsonian Journeys Signature tours and is designed for small groups of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers. Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by one of our exceptional Smithsonian Study Leaders, all top experts in their fields. This tour represents outstanding travel value, featuring included international airfare.
• Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Randa Baligh is an Egyptologist who earned her Ph.D. at Yale University and lectures on Egyptian culture and civilization. She will accompany an autumn departure.
• Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Nile Valley on a relaxing four-night cruise.
• Participate in an engaging panel discussion with Egyptian women about life in modern Egypt.
• Marvel at the gigantic temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, saved from the rising water of Lake Nasser by a team of forty nations.
• Take an in-depth tour led by your Smithsonian Expert at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum

Itinerary

Days 1-2 — The U.S. and Cairo, Egypt
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Giza located just opposite the Great Pyramids. Unpack and enjoy time at leisure to rest, swim in the hotel’s pool, and become acquainted with your surroundings. This evening, gather for a welcome reception before attending a dramatic sound and light show at the Pyramids of Giza. (R)

Days 3 — Cairo
Begin your first full day in Egypt with an exploration of Giza, including the Great Pyramids, the mysterious Sphinx, and the fascinating Solar Boat Museum. Mount a camel and circle the pyramids before enjoying lunch at El Hatty Restaurant. Continue to Sakkara and enjoy a four-wheel drive excursion in the desert surrounding the ancient step Pyramid of Djoser, then learn about the lives of Egypt’s noblemen while visiting the well-preserved tomb of Meriruka. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Cairo
In the company of your expert guide, tour the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Here, you’ll view exquisite collections of Egyptian treasures, including objects from the elaborate tombs of the boy king Tutankhamen, as well as the famous royal mummies, housed in a special chamber, including Ramses II. In Cairo’s lively Khan-El-Khalili bazaar, children team up for a scavenger hunt—bargaining with local vendors for the best deals on the most coveted items. Tonight, adults engage in a panel discussion about modern Egypt with local women while children enjoy other activities. (B,L)

Day 5 — Abu Simbel and Aswan
Prepare for your journey south into Upper Egypt during an engaging morning presentation, then fly to the mountainside where the temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari were moved to save them from flooding when the Aswan Dam was built. At Abu Simbel, explore these fascinating temples and learn about the complicated engineering required for their move. Continue to Aswan for lunch, and explore the Temple of Philae or the island of Agilkia, a favorite of Cleopatra. This evening learn about the Nubian people and culture at the new Nubian Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Luxor
This morning fly to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. Pharaohs of the 18th dynasty concealed their burial sites in elaborate catacombs near Thebes. With cameras in hand, young explorers will capture images in the Valley of the Kings, including the three- tiered temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, and explore vibrantly painted tombs. Enjoy a family bike ride along the West Bank of the Nile before a dip in the hotel’s pool. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Luxor and Cairo
At sunrise tour the vast temple of Karnak and discover the ornately carved massive colonnades, great halls, and holy lake. Continue to the Luxor Museum, home to a fine collection of antiquities such as carved statues, painted coffins, and daily objects found in tombs. This afternoon, fly back to Cairo and gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Depart
Depart Cairo for New York on your group flight. (B)