Egyptian Journey 2003: Itinerary : Day by Day

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Here is the "planned" itinerary for our trip -- we did stray from this a bit, but for the most part, it's The Plan.

Feb 02

Depart U.S.A. from New York (JFK) Airport on EgyptAir 'Business Class" flight #986 at 11:00 P.M. for your scheduled flight to Cairo. All meals and beverages served on board flight.

Feb 03

Arrive Cairo at 4:30 P.M. where you will be met by our tour manager who will help you with your immigrationand customs formalities. Later you will be transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Mena House Oberoi Hotel for an overnight.

Feb 04

Breakfast, then drive to Memphis at the edge of the Western Desert, the capital of the ancient kingdom, and one of the most important cities throughout the history of Ancient Egypt. From here we drive to Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, which predates the Pyramids of Giza and is the world's first monumental building constructed entirely in stone. Also visit the Pyramid of Unas, a 5th Dynasty King whose burial chamber is covered with texts. Continue to the Tombs of Teti as well as the unfinished Pyramid of Sekhemket and Ptahhotep, as well as the Serapeum. In these catacombs you will see numerous huge sarcophagi used for the burial and mummification process. Return to your hotel. In the evening, you will be met and transferred to the Giza plateau to attend the magnificent Sound and Light Show. (B)

Feb 05

Breakfast, then start your tour visiting Abu Sir and see the 5th Dynasty Pyramids of Sahure, Neferirkare and Niussere. Also see the remains of the mastaba of Ptahshepsis. Continue on to visit the Sun Temple of Niussere at Abu Ghurab. This is the most intact sun temple from the 5th Dynasty. In the afternoon, drive to the Pyramids of Giza. Also visit the Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum, where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops was found and he been beautifully reassembled. Drive to Dashur to visit the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. The builder of these pyramids is thought to have been Sneferu, who may also have built the Pyramid of Maidum and is the father of Cheops. Transfer back to your hotel. (B, L)

Feb 06

Breakfast, then visit Fayoum, Egypt's largest oasis, overlooking Lake Qarun, which is a popular spot for hunting and finishing. Visit the Pyramid of Hawara as well as the remains of the Temple built by Amenemhat III. Also visit the Roman site of Karanis, which one houses two large limestone and a large agora. Lunch at the Oberge el-Fayoum Hotel overlooking the lake. Continue the tour to Maidum to see the collapsed pyramid. It is a huge structure that is surrounded by the debris from the casing that collapsed. The Maidum Pyramid is thought to have been started by Huni, and then completed by his son Sneferu. A little north of the Maidum Pyramid are the remains of the Seila Step Pyramid, which is made of limestone and is thought to be from the 2nd Dynasty. Transfer back to your hotel. (B, L)

Feb 07

Breakfast, then start your tour visiting the Egyptian Museum famous for its antiquities from Egypt's pharaonic period, which dates back some 50 centuries and includes the fabulous treasures of King Tut-ankh-amon. Also visit the famous Mummy Room in the museum which was opened to the public by President Mubarak. Afternoon excursion to Old Cairo, visiting the old Coptic churches and the oldest Jewish synagogue of Beni-Ezra. Continue your tour to visit the Citadel of Saladin and the Mohammad Ali Mosque. Visit the City of the Dead. End your tour at the medieval bazaars of Khan el-Khalili. Return to your hotel. (B, L)

Feb 08

Breakfast, then drive through the delta to the town of Tanis. Tanis was the capital of Egypt during the late period of the 21st - 22nd Dynasties and served at the burial site for some of the kings. The pharaohs used to bring monumental statues from all over Egypt to embellish their temples. Transfer back to Cairo and visit the Hanging Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built at the end of the 3rd century. Visit the Church of St. Sergius built in the 4th century and one of the places where the holy family have taken shelter. Continue to the St. Barbara Church built sometime in the 4th century and containing some of the writings of St. John. In the evening you will be transferred by your guide to the medieval House of Ghouria where you will attend an impressive live performance of the Whirling Dervishes followed by a dinner at one of the El-Hossein area restaurants. Return to your hotel (B, L, D)

Feb 09

Breakfast, then you will be met and transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival at Abu Simbel airport you will visit the Great Temple with the four colossal seated statues of the King in front of the entrance. It was dedicated to Amon-Ra, the Horakhhti, and Ramses II. Then visit the Kings Wife Temple. All of the parts of the temples have been moved and rebuilt on a plateau above the former site. Later transfer to the Seti Sharm Hotel in Abu Simbel. Balance of the day at leisure. In the evening, attend the very impressive Abu Simbel sound and light performance. Overnight in Abu Simbel.(B, L, D)

Feb 10

Early breakfast and a wonderful change to see the sunrise at the Abu Simbel temples. Later transfer to Abu Simbel airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Old Cataract Hotel. Later start your visits to the Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum by felucca. Also visit the Temple of Isis on Philae island. Continue your tour visiting the High Dam, the Granite Quarries, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Continue your tour visiting Kalabsha Temple built during the Augustus Empire, the Roman Kiosk of Kertassi and the Shrine of Ramses II for Beit el-Wali. In late afternoon, visit the newly opened Nubian Museum, which describes Nubian history from past to present and includes some Coptic and Islamic art as well. In the evening you will be met and transferred to Philae Temple by Felucca to attend the beautiful Sound and Light Show. Return to your hotel. (B)

Feb 11

Breakfast, then visit the Tomb of Nomarchs and the Monastery of St. Simeon by camel. Also visit the Nubian village and enjoy a special visit to a Nubian home where y ou will be served tea and have a short social discussion with the locals. Return to your hotel (B, D)

Feb 12

Breakfast, then transfer by car to Luxor, visiting en-route the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, which was dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed bog Haroeris. Continue to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, the best preserved Egyptian temple in existence. From there to Esna, to visit the Temple of the god Khnum. Continue to Luxor. Arrive Luxor where you will be transferred to the historical Old Winter Palace Hotel. (B, L)

Feb 13

Breakfast, then start your tour crossing with a ferry to the West Bank of the Nile and visit the Valley of the Queens which lies hidden in the foothills of the mountains of Gourma. See the dramatic temples of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of graceful proportion, then visit the famous Valley of the Kings where most of the Royal Tombs are. Visit the Valley of the Nobles, famous for its fine wall decorations and drawings which depict scenes from the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. Continue your tour to visit the famous tomb of King Tut, also visit the Seti I tomb, considered to be one of the most interesting and impressive tombs in the necropolis. Also visit the Temples and Chapels of Madinet Habu, the largest complex built by Ramses III. Visit the Ramesseum, a mortuary temple built by Ramses II and one of the largest temples in Egypt. In the evening you will be transferred to attend the magnificent Sound and Light Show in Karnak. Return to your hotel (B, L)

Feb 14

Breakfast, the visit the newly opened Tomb of Nefertari, built by Ramses II for his beloved queen. This toms is most famous for its fine art work. Continue your tour visiting the newly opened Tomb of Queen Tausert, the wife of Seti II. Visit the temple of Luxor which was started by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II. Visit the Luxor Museum, followed by a two hour felucca ride between the east and west banks of the Nile. (B,L)

Feb 15

Breakfast, then visit the Tomb of Nahkt, this is famous for its scenes of the dancing girls and banquet. Continue your tour visiting the Tomb of Ramose, known as Tomb 55. Although the tomb is somewhat damaged, it has some of the most beautiful reliefs of Ramose and his wife. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Karnak with their awesome and giant columns. (B, L, D)

Feb 16

Breakfast, then drive to Dendara to visit the Temple of Hathor, Goddess of love, music, and wine. Built in the 1st century, it isthe only circular representations of the heavens found in Egypt. Continue to Abydos, to visit the Temple of Seti I, viewing the famous list of Kings and some of the most beautifully painted reliefs from pharaonic periods. It houses a famous painting of Queen Cleopatra. Return to Luxor. (B, D)

Feb 17

Breakfast, and a day at leisure. (B)

Feb 18

Breakfast and transfer to the Luxor airport for your flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Arrive Sharm and transfer to the Sofitel Sharm Hotel. Balance of day at leisure for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or relaxing by the private beach. (B)

Feb 19

Breakfast, and a day at leisure for swimming, diving or snorkeling. IN the evening, you will be met and transferred by car to the Sinai Desert. From the desert road, ride camels if you wish or continue by car to meet the Bedouins. Experience the Bedouin hospitality, a dinner will be barbecued and served in front of you at a canyon in a Bedouin tent. Later transfer back to your hotel. (B, D)

Feb 20

Breakfast and transfer to the Sharm airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Semiramis Inter-Continental Hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. In the evening you will be met and taken to an Egyptian home for a traditional Egyptian dinner and for getting acquainted with the people of Egypt, their way of life. Tour the home and engage in social discussion. Return to your hotel. (B, D)

Feb 21

Breakfast, then start by a drive to Tel-el-Amarna, the town formerly known as Akhenaton. Visit Ay's Tomb. The drawings show Ay and his wife receiving gold collars from Akhenaten and Nefertari. Continue to Huya's tomb, steward of Queen Tiyi. Also visit the Tomb of Meri-Re I, the high priest of Aton. Continue your tour to visit the Tomb of Meri-Re II who was the superintendent of the palace, which has plenty of scenes showing celebrations honoring leaders of other countries. Transfer to the Etap Hotel in Menia for an overnight (B, L, D)

Feb 22

Breakfast, then visit the Tomb of Panhesy, the chief servitor. The facade that decorated the outside of his tomb is still preserved. Drive to Beni Hassan where there are more than 39 tombs from the middle kingdom. Visit some of the famous ones like Amenemnhet, Khnumhotep, Bakhet, as well as the Tomb of Kheti. Drive back to Cairo for checkin and overnight at the Semiramis Inter-Continental. (B, L, D)

Feb 23

Breakfast, then drive from Cairo to Alexandria (about 3 hours). Upon arrival into Alexandria, start your sightseeing to visit the Greco-Roman Museum. Then visit the Roman Amphitheater which is the only known amphitheater from the Roman era in Egypt. Continue your tour to visit the Catacombs of Kom-el-Shouqafa. These tombs are remarkable for their unusual mixture of art styles, sculpture,a and reliefs. Continue your tour to visit Pompey's Pillar. Later you will be transferred to your hotel, the Salamlek Hotel. (B)

Feb 24

Breakfast, and a day at leisure. Around 7pm, drive back to Cairo. Arrive Cairo where you will be e transferred to the Cairo airport, where you will helped with your check in and immigration formalities for your departure flight.

Feb 25

Depart Cairo at 1:30 A.M.. Arrive New York (JFK) Airport at 7:30 A. M.

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