UNDISCOVERED EGYPT
An exclusive 13 night Egyptology tour of Egypt – including rarelyvisited Tell El-Amarna and special guest lecturer Gayle Gibson!
$200 Early booking discount book by Dec 31, 2015
Step Pyramid of Djoser
Seti’s Kinglist at Abydos
RARE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSIDER TOUR OF:
Cairo (Giza)
Saqqara
Abydos
Denderah
Luxor (Thebes)
Tell el-Amarna - rarely visited!
Tour highlights:
! Guest Lecturer - Engage in lively discussions with guest lecturer Gayle Gibson at each site
! Unique off-the-beaten track itinerary – designed for travellers with a deep interest in Egyptian
history
! Insider’s archaeologist-level experience of the Pyramids of Giza, city of Cairo, Step Pyramid of
Sakkara, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Queens, Nobles and Workers
! Admittance to rarely seen tombs, temples and sites including:
" Rarely visited pyramids: Teti I, Step, Bent, Red and Meydum
" The rock tombs of Beni Hassan
" Tuna El Gebel and Ashmunein (Hermopolis)
" Sacred temples at Dendera and Abydos
" Mortuary temples of Medinet Habu and Ramesseum on Luxor’s West Bank
! Private tour of Tell El-Amarna by Barry Kemp -- Visit the site of Akhenaten’s lost Kingdom with
guest lecturer British archaeologist and head of the Amarna Project, Prof. Barry Kemp, CBE.
! Charitable proceeds to support the Amarna Project
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 1, Sep 23, 2016: Arrive Cairo
You will be met on arrival, helped through customs and immigration - help with visa on arrival - and transferred
to your hotel. Tonight we get to know your fellow travellers and guides at the welcome dinner.
Overnight Ramses Hilton Hotel or similar D
Day 2, Sep 24, 2016: Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili market
We start our day with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to many of the greatest treasures of ancient
history. We will tour the highlights, including Tutankhamen’s golden treasures, the stunning colossi of
Amenhotep III, and granite sarcophagi/statues of the Old Kingdom – with an option of visiting the fascinating
royal mummies. We will pay special attention to the Amarna room with its colossal statues and unique art– in
preparation for touring that region.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Exploring and Shopping in Khan El Khalili
Enjoy a walking tour of the 13th Century covered oriental market – the largest of its kind and age in the world:
Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a marvel to experience and an onslaught to the senses. After the walking tour, you
will have free time to wander around and enjoy, haggle for exotic goods -- or pull up a chair at one of the
cafes, try some shishah and mint tea, and watch life go by.
Optional dinner at the renowned Abou el Sid restaurant in Zamalek.
Overnight Ramses Hilton Hotel or similar B,L
Day 3, Sep 25, 2016: Islamic Cairo & Coptic Cairo
Today we explore the great worship centres and historic edifices of the main religious groups of Cairo: the
Muslims, the Coptic Christians and the Jews. Both have a long and storied past in the city with many great
works of art and architecture spanning a millennia.
Islamic Cairo - Your day begins with a half-day immersion into the fascinating world of Islamic Cairo, site of
some of the oldest mosques in the world. We start with a gorgeous panoramic view of the city from way up in
the medieval Citadel of Saleh el din, a marvel of medieval warfare, built in places with limestone from the
Great Pyramid. There, we’ll also tour a 14th century open air mosque and the beautiful 19th century mosque
of Mohammed Ali. Next, we’ll proceed to the breathtaking 14th century Sultan Hassan mosque, considered the
pearl of Islamic architecture. Before lunch, we’ll also visit El Raffai, another ornate 19th century mosque which
is the resting place of many early Egyptian rulers, including King Farouk.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Coptic Cairo – Today we will explore some of the earliest churches and an important synagogue. This main
entrance to the Coptic area is through perhaps one of the two oldest structures in Cairo, the rounded towers of
the western gate from the Roman fortress of Babylon, built in 98 AD by Emperor Trajan. First, we’ll experience
the hanging church of the Virgin Mary from the 4th century -- built into the very walls of the ancient fortress.
From there, a medieval path will lead us to the Church of St. Sergius, which, legend has it, is built atop one of
the sites where the Holy Family rested on their flight from Herod. Continuing along this path, we will finally
visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, Egypt's oldest, dating to the 9th Century. In the early evening we will transfer
out to our Giza Hotel.
Overnight Oasis Giza hotel or similar B,L
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 4, Sep 26, 2016: The Great Pyramids/ Sphinx
The last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is perhaps the most famous
tourist site in the world. The Giza plateau itself, with its three major pyramids plus Queen’s pyramids, ancient
mastabas, Sphinx and the ubiquitous and colourful camel drivers is a much-anticipated highlight of any trip.
For our visit, we will also include entry to some of the lesser-known old kingdom tombs of Kar and Idu – along
with rare entrance to the pyramid of Queen Henutsen. Of course, we will arrive before 8am to better ensure
coveted entrance inside the Great pyramid of Cheops. If,
however, Cheops entrance is not available, we will tour inside
either the 2nd or 3rd pyramid. While on the plateau, we will also
visit the solar boat museum and the extraordinary Sphinx.
Your afternoon is free to relax.
Optional sound and light show at the Pyramids - $30
Overnight Oasis Giza Hotel or similar B,L
Day 5, Sep 27, 2016: Saqqara and and Dashur – Old and predynastic Egypt full day
We will enjoy an intensive full day exploring this rich archaeological site – which is most notably the location of
Djoser’s Step Pyramid, the oldest in Egypt. Our day begins at the modern Imhotep museum, where we’ll view
some rare old kingdom relics, such as cobra reliefs, ancient harps, surgical instruments and the Old Kingdom
mummy of King Merenre. We will then proceed to see Old Kingdom tombs, such as the breathtaking
Mereruke, the mastaba of Ti, the tomb of Ptahotep (tombs opening and closures change, we will see tombs
that are currently open at the time) … and also enter into the Pyramid of Teti to view its beautiful pyramid
texts.
Next, we will tour the Saqqara complex, including the Step pyramid itself, Djoser’s court and the causeway.
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon we visit two more of the earliest pyramids in Egypt: the Bent, and the impressive and intact
Red, both built by Senefru in the 26th and 25th century BC. The Bent retains most of it casing stones. Entrance
to the Red will be optional - and for the fit and
adventurous minded only as it is an athletic climb. This
Dashur region presents a wonderful opportunity for
pyramid exploration …far from the crowds of Giza.
Overnight Oasis Giza Hotel or similar B,L
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 6, Sep 28, 2016: Meydum , Beni Hassan to Minya.
This morning, we say goodbye to the Cairo area and Lower Egypt, boarding our air-conditioned motor coach
to drive to Minya in the middle of the country. We will stop at the rarely-visited ancient Meydum Pyramid,
second oldest in Egypt after the Step Pyramid, and yours to explore inside and out. Adventure option: Test
your ‘tomb raider’ skills by crawling on knees and hands into one of the challenging nearby Old Kingdom
mastabas to reach the burial chamber.
Before arriving in the modern city of Minya, we will cross the
Nile and climb up a windswept hill to visit the great rock-cut
tombs of Beni Hassan (2000-1800 BC), remarkable for their
unique middle kingdom art featuring colourful scenes of
wrestling men and rural life. You will enjoy secluded
surroundings and the beautiful panoramic views of the middle
Egypt countryside all around. After touring 4 of the tombs and
possibly the nearby temple of Artemis, we continue to Minya
for hotel check-in and lunch
Overnight MG Nefertiti Hotel or similar, B,L,D
Day 7, Sep 29, 2016: All day Tell El-Amarna and region exclusive tour with Prof. Barry Kemp
This morning we cross the Nile early to visit the great site of Tell El-Amarna, a city built by Akhenaten and
Nefertiti during the New Kingdom, it lasted only 15 years. This will be a very special day where we will be the
VIP guests of the esteemed Prof. Barry Kemp, director of the Amarna project who has been excavating
here for decades. He will take us on a private tour and introduce us to the site. Since the site was settled for
only 15 years, it is possible to see how the town
was planned and laid out.
Highlights of the sprawling site include the north
and south tombs of the nobles that feature
remnants of beautiful, vibrant and naturalistic
wall relief. Like Beni Hassan, these tombs are
located high in the hills, affording us some lovely
countryside views.
We’ll also see the Northern Palace, one of the Boundary Stele (a marker of the city limits), the Southern
Palace and the beautifully restored tomb built for Akhenaten.
Boxed lunch.
Overnight MG Nefertiti Hotel or similar Minya B,L,D
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 8, Sep 30, 2016: Ashmunein, Tuna El-Gebel
This morning we’ll leave the desert cliffs of Amarna to explore the rolling green ruins of Ashmunein (also
known as Hermopolis). This legendary site was an important cult centre dating from New Kingdom right
through Roman times and closely associated with the creation myth. A great colossus of Thoth, the baboon
headed god of wisdom, will greet us before a charming open air museum of treasures. Then, we’ll continue to
trek through the thick brambles to discover beautiful ornate Ptolemaic columns and walls of this ancient city.
Venture a little further afield to view interesting ruins from a New Kingdom Seti I temple.
Next, we’ll visit fascinating Tuna El-Gebel, the nearby necropolis of Ashmunein. Here, we’ll explore the
colourful Ptolemaic chapels and Greco-Roman tombs (Petosiris, and Isadora) and even venture deep into the
eerie catacombs where ibis and baboon mummies were interred.
Overnight MG Nefertiti Hotel or similar Minya B,L,D
Day 9, Oct 1, 2016: Abydos and Dendera
Coach to Luxor
Today you will visit two of the greatest temples in Egypt – and ones not generally on the average travellers
itinerary. We depart early in the morning en route first to Abydos, the ancient holy city of the god Osiris. Here
you will visit the cenotaph-temple of Seti I. The carvings within are probably the most symmetrically beautiful
the Egyptians ever created. Explore behind the temple to find the eerie Osirium and a little visited temple of
Rameses II.
Lunch at restaurant near Dendera
Visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera built by the famous Cleopatra VII -- the most complete of Egypt’s
ancient temples and one of the best restored. Travellers can climb into the sacred lake (now a palm grove), up
onto the roof of the temple, and also enter one of the crypts under the floor of the temple.
Overnight Eatabe hotel or similar Luxor B,L
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 10, Oct 2, 2016: Luxor – The West Bank – Valley of Kings, Ramesseum, Colossi of Memnon
Morning free to relax and recover from the long drive to Luxor.
This afternoon we cross to the West Bank, site of the ancient
Necropolis of Thebes or "city of the dead". We will visit the world
famous Valley of the Kings where you can enter three tombs. Tomb
openings change - we will enter the tombs that are currently opened
at the time.
We will then visit the gigantic Colossi of Memnon, gateway to the
temple of Amenhotep III, and the Ramesseum of Rameses II where
you may gaze upon the colossosal “Ozymandias”.
Return to Luxor and enjoy a Sunset felucca sail.
Overnight Eatabe hotel or similar Luxor B
Day 11, Oct 3, 2016: Valley of Queens, Hatshepsut temple, Tomb of the Nobles
Optional sunrise balloon tour
We will cross back over for a final full day on the awe-inspiring
west bank. Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatschepsut,
Deir el Medina (the valley of the workers), Valley of the Queens
and Tombs of the Nobles and the surrounding townsite.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight Eatabe hotel or similar Luxor B
Day 12, Oct 4, 2016: Free day in Luxor or take an optional tour
Today enjoy relaxing by the pool, wandering around town, shopping in the market or take an
optional sightseeing tour. Optional tours - horseback riding, or a day trip to Edfu and Kom Ombo more options coming! Stay tuned.
Overnight Eatabe hotel or similar Luxor, B
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
Day 13, Oct 5, 2016: Luxor – Luxor and Karnak Temples
Today we explore Luxor and Karnak Temples with an option to visit Luxor Museum.
We will have all afternoon to explore the great complex of Karnak – largest in Egypt.
Final dinner – Archaeology sum up lecture by Egyptologist guides.
Overnight Eatabe hotel or similar Luxor B,D
Day 14, Oct 6, 2016: Departure day
You will be transferred to the airport for your flights home. Why not take an extension to Aswan and Abu
Simbel, Alexandria, Red Sea or Nile Cruise. Please contact our office for details. B
$200 Early booking discount book by Dec 31, 2015
Price $3,595USD based on twin / $395USD single supplement.
Tour includes:
2 nights Cairo - Ramses Hilton or similar
3 nights Giza - Oasis or similar
3 nights Minya - MG Nefertiti or Similar
5 nights Luxor - Etababe or similar
Meals as per itinerary
Transfers in deluxe motorcoach
Tour Leaders - Thomas Greiner & Laura Ranieri from Ancient Egypt Alive
Services of a local English-speaking Egyptian guide
All sightseeing as listed on the itinerary
Tips for porters and restaurant staff
Price does not include:
International airfare
Entry visa
Optional tours
Tips for guides and bus driver
Beverages with meals
All items not mentioned above
$500 Non refundable deposit due at time of booking
Cancellation conditions:
76 days or more deposit is non refundable
75-60 days prior to departure 25% is non refundable
59 - 31 days prior to departure 50% is non refundable
30 days or less prior to departure 100% non refundable
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS
OUR EXPERTS
Guest Lecturer Gayle Gibson is a respected Canadian Egyptologist and a Research
Associate at the Royal Ontario Museum. She worked for over 20 years as a popular
teacher, lecturer and Egypt specialist at the ROM and appears frequently on television
as a "guest expert". Her main enthusiasm as an Egyptologist is for mummies and their
coffins. She has published articles on coffins and has lectured widely on mummies and
coffins. It was also Ms. Gibson who was largely responsible for correctly identifying
Pharoah Ramses I among the mysterious mummies at the old Niagara museum… and
getting him on the road home to Luxor, after centuries away from Egypt.
Laura Ranieri is an award-winning copywriter, a journalist and an Egyptology graduate
student in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of
Toronto. She has written a variety of published articles and blogs on ancient Egypt and
Egyptian tourism, developed and co-organized the 2012 Archaeology Alive Tour led by
Gayle Gibson, produced short documentaries and has traveled to the country six times
visiting almost all of the noted sites. She has excavated in Bulgaria and a classical
Greek site and in Egypt at the Great Temple of Aten in Amarna. Her scholarly interests
include the Amarna period, Middle Egyptian language and the god Ptah.
Thomas H Greiner is an Egyptologist pursuing his PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies in the department of
Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. He led the Vancouver
chapter of the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities for two years and
also taught popular Egyptology courses in the Continuing Education departments of the
University of British-Columbia and Simon Fraser University. As a graduate of UBC (B.A.
in Classical Archaeology) in 2008, he continued his studies at the University of
Liverpool completing a M.A. in Egyptology in 2011. He has excavated at the predynastic site of Hierakonpolis, and has a scholarly interest in the iconography of the
gem Lapis Lazuli and Ancient Egyptian trade with Byblos.
Our guest lecturer at Amarna, Prof. Barry Kemp is a Professor of Egyptology at the
University of Cambridge's Department of Oriental Studies, and the Director of the
Amarna Project - the major excavation at the site of Tell el-Amarna in Egypt which has
been ongoing since the late 90s.He has written several books and papers, most notably
Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization (first edition 1991, second edition 2005), which
has become a key text book in many university Egyptology and ancient history courses.
Other titles Kemp has contributed to include Journal of Civilizations of the Ancient Near
East, edited by Jack Sasson, and Ancient Egypt: A Social History, by BG Trigger.
Prof. Kemp has worked at Amarna since 1977, and is currently based in Cairo, Egypt.
Proceeds to the Amarna Trust – supporting the Amarna project
The Amarna Project has developed from a long-running archaeological excavation
carried out under the auspices of the Egypt Exploration Society, under permits from
www.amarnatrust.com the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt. Over the years the remit of the Project
has extended to include repairs to ancient buildings, improvements to visitor access, creation of a visitor
centre and perhaps, beyond this, a site museum.
Travel • Discover • Experience
72 Highfield Rd., Toronto, ON M4L 2V1
TICO registration # 50019902
647 347 9150 - 1 800 978 0544
(416) 738-2679 OR (604) 783-0937
Thomas: [email protected]
Laura: [email protected]
YOURJOURNEY.COM CONTACT ANNA [email protected] ANCIENTEGYPTALIVE.COM CONTACT LAURA OR THOMAS