This is the most exciting and exclusive tour of Egypt we have ever offered! Discover the Land of the Pharaohs with geologist Dr. Robert M. Schoch, one of the most notable and widely respected scholars pursuing the true origins and antiquity of civilization.
Explore the wonders of the ancient Egyptian civilization – from the tombs of the greatest pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, through the less-visited but no less impressive sites of Middle Egypt, to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor and the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Imagine the Great Pyramid and the entire Giza Necropolis being open just for you. Have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand between the paws of the Great Sphinx rather than seeing it from a distant viewing platform. Finally, top off the tour with a visit to the country’s newest landmark, the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an immense collection of ancient treasures, including King Tutankhamun’s golden mask.
Throughout the tour, you will stay in the finest and most historic 5-star hotels, sail on a luxury Nile cruise ship, dine on delicious local cuisine, visit some of the most mysterious ancient sites in the world, and embrace the unique Egyptian culture. With us you will experience Egypt like no one else!
YOUR HOSTS – Dr. Robert M. Schoch, PhD, and his wife Catherine Ulissey
Dr. Robert M. Schoch has devoted his life to the study of Earth, its creatures, and, for the past three decades, its most ancient civilizations. A full-time faculty member at Boston University since 1984, Schoch holds a B.A. (in Anthropology) and B.S. (in Geology) from George Washington University, and an M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics from Yale University, among other distinctions. In the early 1990s, Dr. Schoch stunned the world with his revolutionary research that recast the date of the Great Sphinx of Egypt to a period thousands of years earlier than its standard attribution, and in doing so demonstrated that civilization’s history is older and greater than previously believed. He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows (the Emmy-winning The Mystery of the Sphinx, which first aired on NBC, remains a favorite among audiences), Internet podcasts, and is the author, co-author, and/or editor of books both technical and popular, including Voyages of the Pyramid Builders, Pyramid Quest, Origins of the Sphinx, and Forgotten Civilization: New Discoveries on the Solar-Induced Dark Age.
Catherine Ulissey, a 20-year ballet and Broadway dance veteran, subsequently earned her B.A. (summa cum laude) from Emerson College in 2002. Married to Dr. Schoch in 2010, she enjoys contributing to his research while also teaching her art, formerly for Harvard University’s dance program and more recently for Wellesley College.
Dr. Schoch and Catherine Ulissey travel the world together in their pursuit of a deeper understanding of humanity’s past (Their personal website is: www.robertschoch.com). They will be accompanying all participants on this Grand Tour of Egypt throughout the trip, including during the add-ons before and after the main tour, and will be available for informal discussions in addition to various formal presentations that Dr. Schoch will offer during the course of the tour.
EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCES
Private entry to the Giza Plateau
Visit the most iconic historic site in the world outside regular hours for an intimate and crowd-free experience.
Private entry to the Great Pyramid
Explore the Pyramid of Khufu – including two chambers that are closed to the public – without any other tourists.
Special access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure
Marvel during a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intimately experience the Great Sphinx and watch the sunrise from between its huge paws. Gain exclusive insights into the world’s most famous monumental sculpture.
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse modern capital of Egypt. Explore Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Examine early pyramids at Dahshur, including entering their passages and chambers, and explore the mysteries of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx.
Grand Egyptian Museum – Delve into the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures, including King Tutankhamun’s famous golden mask.
Middle Egypt – Visit the archaeological site of Tell el-Amarna, which was once the capital city of Akhetaten. See rock-cut tombs that date to the Middle Kingdom at Beni Hassan and explore Tuna el-Gebel with its temples, tombs, and animal mummies.
Abydos & Dendera – Explore Abydos Temple, dedicated to Osiris, the megalithic and mysterious sunken Oseirion, and the Temple of Hathor at Dendera with its magnificent zodiac ceilings, multiple levels, and “secret crypts”.
Nile Cruise – Enjoy a multi-day scenic cruise down the Nile and visit the most awe-inspiring sites.
Luxor – Unveil the secrets of the ancient city of Thebes by visiting the enormous Karnak and Luxor Temples. Explore the royal tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings and their wives’ tombs in the Valley of the Queens, including the beautiful Tomb of Nefertari. Visit the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Edfu & Kom Ombo – Visit the marvelous Temple of Edfu dedicated to Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, and the Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to both the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Enjoy the accompanying museum containing numerous mummified crocodiles and ancient works of art associated with Kom Ombo.
Aswan – Admire the Unfinished Obelisk, the world’s largest ancient obelisk, and discover the Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, beautifully located on its own island.
Abu Simbel – Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, originally carved out of a cliff face for Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari and in modern times relocated due to the flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam.
Cultural Experiences – Meet with Nubians and experience their way of life by visiting one of their villages. Connect with local Egyptians and enjoy authentic traditional musical performances on the cruise.
Historic Cairo – Meander along the oldest street in Cairo, Sharia Muizz Street, and try the most aromatic coffee in all of Egypt. Stroll through the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and get a glimpse into Cairo’s medieval past.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Pre-tour Cairo Museums add-on, 21 May 2023
Arrival in Cairo
When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, our representative greets you and helps you with airport procedures. You are then escorted to the historic and luxurious 5-star Mena House Hotel in Giza, located at the foot of the Great Pyramid.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day 1, 22 May 2023
Arrival in Cairo (regular guests)
or
Cairo Museums (those partaking in the add-on)
Regular Guests: When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, our representative greets you and helps you with airport procedures. You are then escorted to the historic and luxurious 5-star Mena House Hotel in Giza, located at the foot of the Great Pyramid. This landmark hotel was initially established in 1869 as a royal hunting lodge. It has since welcomed kings, queens, princes, presidents, and celebrities from all walks of life and parts of the world. This will be our hotel while in the Cairo area. Guests will settle into their rooms; then in the evening there will be a welcome dinner with brief introductions.
For Guests partaking in the Cairo Museums add-on: During this one-day add-on, visit two of Cairo’s most important museums. First, explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square. It was built in 1902, and its iconic pink-toned walls in the midst of downtown Cairo still house an extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Just opened in 2017, the museum tells the story of Egypt’s rich history and contributions to world cultures – from ancient times through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods – with fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, including royal mummies of some of the greatest pharaohs.
For All Guests: Orientation on this evening, Day 1, by Dr. Robert Schoch. Meet and greet dinner for all the guests, those arriving this day, and those who arrived earlier and took part in the Cairo Museums add-on.
Meals Included: Dinner for those arriving on this day. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included for guests partaking in Cairo Museums add-on.
Day 2, 23 May 2023
Giza Plateau / Khan El-Khalili Bazaar & Islamic Cairo
After breakfast, our group will spend the morning touring the Giza Plateau. With Dr. Robert Schoch and our local guides leading, we will see some of the greatest wonders of the ancient world at this iconic location. Walk around the base of the Great Pyramid and Second Pyramid. With evidence of an ancient lightning strike between the Sphinx and the Second Pyramid, together we will question whether this could be ground zero for Zep Tepi, the “first time” according to the ancient Egyptians. Visit a panoramic viewpoint with a picturesque overview of the pyramids. Take a camel ride overlooking the Giza Pyramids Plateau. Visit the Valley Temple of Khafre and view the Great Sphinx and Sphinx Temple from the Causeway. Later during the tour, we will return to the Giza Plateau for our private entrance to the Sphinx Enclosure and our private entrance into the Great Pyramid.
Next, enjoy lunch at one of the most famous Cairo restaurants, Naguib Mahfouz Café, which serves a wide selection of traditional Egyptian dishes. Stop by some of the oldest churches in Egypt and a synagogue, seeing firsthand the mixture of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam that came together in Old Cairo. Then stroll through Islamic Cairo along the oldest street in the city – Sharia Muizz Street – and try the most aromatic coffee in all of Egypt.
Later, we visit the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar – a lively souk that dates back to medieval times. Among its labyrinthine alleyways, you can find all manner of handmade crafts, typical Egyptian wares, and unique souvenirs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3, 24 May 2023
Saqqara / Dahshur
After Breakfast, we’ll drive to Saqqara, home of the Step Pyramid (attributed to King Djoser) and its associated complex that strikes so many as being incredibly “modern” in appearance despite its great antiquity. We will also enjoy a visit to the mysterious and mystical Serapeum, a huge subterranean complex containing enormous stone boxes (often called sarcophagi) and the Pyramid of Teti, which boasts one of the oldest pyramid texts ever discovered. We will complete our sightseeing at Saqqara with a visit to the Imhotep Museum. Lunch in the Saqqara area.
After lunch, we’ll drive to Dahshur to visit the Bent & Red Pyramids. We will enter both the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. In the Red Pyramid we will view several chambers, one of which appears to be much older than the others. Could it be the case that this pyramid, which itself is over 4500 years old according to standard Egyptological dating, was built around and over a much older structure, one dating back centuries or millennia earlier? We will explore the evidence and possibilities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4, 25 May 2023
Meidum & Hawara / Drive to Middle Egypt
In the morning we visit Meidum, where the so-called “Collapsed Pyramid” is located. The pyramid in its present state resembles a fortress and – in many ways – is the most mysterious of all the pyramids. Some researchers believe that this pyramid began as a step pyramid under the pharaoh Huni (circa 2600 BCE) and when the succeeding pharaoh Snefru attempted to convert it to a true smooth-sided pyramid, the outer structure collapsed. Or was it perhaps earthquakes or other natural catastrophes that caused the damage? These are topics we can discuss on-site.
Our next stop is Hawara, home to one of the oldest mud-brick pyramids in Egypt. Due to the dark and decaying appearance it holds, it is often called the Black Pyramid. The huge supposed mortuary temple that originally stood adjacent to this pyramid is believed to have consisted of a complex of buildings with open courts, chambers, chapels and hidden crypts, that was collectively referred to as a "labyrinth" and gave rise to many legends and myths – suggesting that it stored ancient secrets (including, perhaps, of the people of Atlantis). What mysteries remain to be explored here? Whatever the truth may be, on site we can see the evidence that something remains hidden underground here.
After the day’s sightseeing, we begin our journey to the less-touristed and unexplored region of Middle Egypt. In the evening, we check in to the Grand Aton Hotel, situated on the bank of the Nile.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5, 26 May 2023
Beni Hasan / Tuna el-Gebel
The day starts with a trip to Beni Hasan, where we visit the rock-cut tombs of Middle Kingdom Nobles. Carved into the limestone cliffs, the tombs give a rare insight into the everyday life, customs, and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The well-preserved decorations on the walls depict scenes of hunting, dancing, playing, and even celebrating a wedding night.
Later, we visit Tuna el-Gebel, an expansive site with a variety of temples and tombs. Here we explore the catacombs of the god Thoth, which once stored millions of animal mummies, and we admire the Tombs of Isadora and Petosiris (High Priest of Thoth) with their exquisite paintings.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6, 27 May 2023
Tell el-Amarna
In the morning we arrive at one of the tour’s highlights, the ancient Egyptian city of Akhetaten (now known as Tell el-Amarna). This is where Pharaoh Akhenaten located his capital and pursued his vision of a society dedicated to the cult of one God – Aten, the Sun God. After Akhenaten’s death his ideas were considered heretical and subsequent pharaohs set out to obliterate all memory of Akhenaten; however, they were unsuccessful as three thousand years later he is one Egypt’s most famous rulers. We will also visit the Nobles’ Tombs with wall reliefs unequaled anywhere else in Egypt. At the end of the day, we check-in to the House of Life Hotel in Abydos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7, 28 May 2023
Abydos & Dendera
We continue our exploration of Middle Egypt by visiting the Abydos Temple – also known as the Temple of Osiris or the Temple of Seti I, who began its construction and work continued under his son Ramesses II (“The Great”, arguably the greatest and most powerful pharaoh of Egypt). The temple is built of white limestone and, artistically, represents an attempt to restore the old ways after the heresies of Akhenaten. Filled with incomparable reliefs telling the story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, it is renowned throughout the world. Abydos was once the holiest site in the land and the burial place for the first kings of unified Egypt. At the “rear” of the temple is the mysterious low-lying Oseirion (Osireon). There is much debate regarding the Oseirion. Constructed of huge megaliths, and sitting numerous meters below ground level, it has been suggested that it may go back to the period of Zep Tepi, thousands of years prior to classical dynastic Egypt. Under the guidance of Dr. Schoch, we will examine the evidence firsthand.
Next, we drive to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor, one of Dr. Schoch’s favorite sites in Egypt. Hathor is most often recognized as the “cow-headed goddess”. Her temple complex, remarkably complete, includes incredible colossal-sized decorated columns, magnificent zodiac ceilings covered with vibrant colorful painted scenes (recently cleaned and restored by the Egyptian authorities), multiple levels, and “secret crypts” – all of which we will explore together while discussing the sacred and esoteric meaning of what we experience. As an added treat, on a rear façade of the temple we will see the portraits of the famous Cleopatra and her son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8, 29 May 2023
Valley of the Kings / Valley of the Queens / Hatshepsut Temple / Colossi of Memnon / Luxor Temple
After breakfast, a short motorboat ride across the Nile takes us to the Valley of the Kings. It was a royal cemetery for over 500 years, and over 60 pharaohs and other nobles were buried here. In the Valley, where the tombs extend deep into the cliffs, we will explore a selection of the best-known tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s, which was famously found intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Afterwards we stop at the Valley of the Queens, which served as the burial site for the queens and some of the children of the 19th and 20th Dynasty pharaohs, and enter the tomb of Nefertari, which is widely regarded as the most beautiful tomb in Egypt due to its vivid and ornate paintings.
Next, we continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most characteristic temples in Luxor. It was built for the most successful female pharaoh to rule over Egypt and includes a depiction of an expedition to the mysterious land of Punt.
Before checking in to our Nile cruise ship, we stop to admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon were tourist attractions in ancient Greek and Roman times and have inspired over a hundred generations with their grandeur.
In the evening, we explore Luxor Temple via dramatic nighttime lighting which brings the structure to life. To this day the temple is one of the greatest reflections of the pharaohs’ power and supremacy.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9, 30 May 2023
Karnak Temple / Sailing to Edfu
On our second day in Luxor (ancient Thebes), we visit world-famous Karnak. This is one of the most extensive religious complexes in the world, representing many centuries of use and reuse. Here we will see the avenue of the sphinxes, the Great Court, the massive pillars of the Hypostyle Hall, the Sacred Lake, obelisks (one of which is nearly 100 feet tall), temples, pylons, private chapels, and so much more! It is difficult not to be completely overwhelmed.
Later in the day we will relax on our cruise ship sailing the Nile toward Edfu, passing through the Esna locks along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10, 31 May 2023
Edfu Temple / Kom Ombo Temple
We begin the day with a visit to the marvelous Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to Horus, it is one of the most complete temples surviving from the ancient world. The temple is sometimes referred to as a “book written in stone” telling the heroic and dramatic story and foundational myth of the “good” Horus battling the “evil” Set (Seth) in its reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions. These we will have the chance to experience firsthand, as well as admire the incredible architecture of the site.
Returning to our Nile cruise ship, along the way to our next site you can simply relax or take part in a Question and Answer session with Dr. Robert Schoch. We will discuss the sites we have seen over the past days as well as those we have yet to explore. And with Dr. Schoch, no topic (within reason) is off limits.
In the afternoon we visit the dual Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically located on a bend in the Nile. Unlike virtually any other single temple in Egypt, this is a dual temple, dedicated to both the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris (Horus the Elder). In the shade of the temple, we can discuss the concept of duality (often expressed as the balance between the dark and the light, the good and the evil) that was so important to the ancient Egyptian concept of the cosmos. Alongside the ancient temple is the Crocodile Museum, housing a collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings associated with Sobek.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11, 1 June 2023
Aswan / Philae Temple / Unfinished Obelisk / Nubian Village
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a motorboat ride to the enchanting new Island of Philae. Here is located the world-famous Temple of Isis. It is not only rightfully famous for its beauty, and for being one of the last holdouts of the old religion against the incursion of Christianity in the early centuries of the common era, but it is also famous for having been moved. Like Abu Simbel, which we will visit the next day, the original location of the temple is now under the waters of Lake Nassar, which formed when the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s. In order to save the temple, it was moved to the close-by, but slightly higher, island of Algikia, which thus became the new Philae.
Next, we will explore the famous Aswan Quarry, home to the 1,200-ton Unfinished Obelisk with a length of approximately 140 feet.
After lunch, a motorboat ride takes us through the cataracts of the Nile to a Nubian village. Here, we can meet the Nubians and visit their homes and a local school to experience their way of life. Later, back on board the cruise ship, we have the opportunity to enjoy a Nubian party featuring traditional music and folk dances.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12, 2 June 2023
Aswan / Abu Simbel / Flight to Cairo
After breakfast, we will drive by bus to Abu Simbel, the modern home of the colossal Temples of Ramesses II (13th century BCE) and his wife Nefertari. Like the Temple of Isis which we visited the previous day, these temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from inundation under the rising waters of Lake Nassar. Rivaling the Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx in its monumentality, one may wonder why this Temple of Ramesses II was not included in the list of ancient wonders compiled by the Greeks and Romans (probably because of its remote and inaccessible location, which even today adds to its mystery and power).
Later in the day, we take a short flight to Cairo and return to the Mena House Hotel in Giza.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13, 3 June 2023
Giza Plateau / Great Sphinx / Grand Egyptian Museum*
Entry to the Great Pyramid
In the morning, when the entire Giza Plateau remains closed to other tourists, we revisit this iconic ancient site. We are provided with exclusive access here – this crowd-free experience is typically offered only to royals, heads of state, and other honored guests.
Sunrise VIP access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure for two hours. While other tourists see the Sphinx only from a distant observation terrace, you – with the rising Sun and company of Dr. Schoch – stand right in front of one of the world’s largest sculptures in the round. Here we will examine firsthand the evidence that Dr. Schoch and the late John Anthony West first put forth over three decades ago, that the core-body of the Great Sphinx dates back thousands of years earlier than dynastic Egypt (the head was subsequently re-carved; originally the statue was a lioness). This evidence has far-reaching implications, and it introduced a new era in the study of ancient civilizations.
After an exhilarating early morning, we have a hearty breakfast at the Mena House Hotel and take time to relax before continuing our adventures.
Next on our itinerary is the Grand Egyptian Museum*. It is home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history. The highlight of the visit for many people is the spectacular Pharaoh Tutankhamun collection. In addition to the most valuable collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, we will view the Khufu Solar Boat, which symbolically transported the Pharaoh Khufu (reputed builder of the Great Pyramid) from the living world to the afterlife.
In the evening, we return to the Giza Plateau, after it has closed for the day for another true VIP experience – we have a private entrance to the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. During the visit, we are accompanied by Dr. Schoch, who guides us through the Great Pyramid’s interior and vividly describes its history, construction, and mythology. In addition to accessing the pyramid privately and seeing the Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber, the Director of the Giza Pyramids will open for us two additional chambers – the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber, both typically closed to the public. It is difficult not to be moved by the profundity of this true wonder of the world.
In the evening, during the farewell dinner, we reflect on and celebrate our shared journey across Egypt.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
*The visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum depends on the time of its opening. Until then, the tour itinerary will include the visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities at Tahrir Square.
Day 14, 4 June 2023
Departures
or
add-on tour to just Alexandria (overnight in Cairo and departure on Day 15)
or
add-on tours to Alexandria and/or Jordan
For regular guests (not joining an add-on at the end of the tour): Our time together in Egypt has come to an end. Guests will be taken to the Cairo International Airport as/when needed for their departures, with warm wishes for safe travels home.
Post-tour Alexandria 1-day add-on, 4 June 2023
The tour starts in the morning with a 3-hour drive on an air-conditioned bus, accompanied by Dr. Schoch and Catherine Ulissey. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, famous for its Greco-Roman remains and Mediterranean character. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. The add-on covers all highlights, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheater, the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, and the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood. In the evening we return to the Mena House Hotel in Cairo for our overnight stay.
For those joining the Jordan add-on, but not going to Alexandria: Day 14 can be a day of rest at the Mena House before we leave for Jordan the next day, or you might like to explore Cairo a little further on your own.
Meals Included and a note about hotel accommodations: Breakfast for those heading home or staying in Cairo rather than partaking in the Alexandria add-on. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for guests partaking in the Alexandria add-on. (For those joining the Jordan add-on which begins the next day, but not the Alexandria add-on, you will be responsible for an extra one-night accommodation at the Mena House, which we will be happy to help you arrange, and a lunch and dinner this day.)
Day 15, 5 June 2023
Departures Home for guests partaking in Alexandria add-on
or
Travel to Jordan
Those who joined the Alexandria add-on, but not the Jordan add-on: Our time together in Egypt has come to an end. After breakfast, guests will be taken to the Cairo International Airport for their departures, with warm wishes for safe travels home.
Those joining the Jordan add-on: Today we take a 1-hour flight to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, we are met by a local representative and transfer to a 5-star hotel. We enjoy the rest of the day relaxing prior to a sumptuous dinner which will introduce us to Jordanian cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast for guests who partook in the Alexandria add-on. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for guests joining the Jordan add-on.
Day 16, 6 June 2023
Amman / Wadi Rum Desert
We begin our Jordon adventure with a city tour of Amman which includes visiting the ruins of the Roman amphitheater and the ancient Amman Citadel, where the Umayyad Palace and the Temple of Hercules tower over Amman’s modern skyline. We also stop at the rich and fascinating archaeological and folklore museums. Next, we head south to the famous Wadi Rum, Jordan’s largest – and one of the world’s most beautiful – deserts. Movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Star Wars were shot here. We admire the desert’s spectacular landscape from a 4x4 vehicle. We explore ancient rock carvings, petroglyphs, and inscriptions that testify to 12,000 years of human habitation and interaction with the natural environment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 17, 7 June 2023
Petra
We spend an entire day exploring Petra – one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made famous to Western audiences after being featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. The monuments that fill modern visitors with awe are the remains of the ancient capital of the Nabataean empire, which thrived between circa 400 BCE and 100 CE – but how much further back in history do these structures extend? Discover Petra’s spectacular treasury, royal tombs, and significant places of worship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 18, 8 June 2023
Shobak / Madaba / Mount Nebo / Dead Sea
In the morning we explore the majestic Shobak Castle, one of the most impressive Crusader castles in Jordan. Next, we visit St. George’s Church in Madaba, which features the oldest mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then we take in the view from Mount Nebo, with its majestic monastery overlooking the Dead Sea. Mount Nebo is where Moses is reputed to have seen the Promised Land. Later, during lunch, we experience the taste of classic Jordanian dishes. The last stop of the day is a 5-star resort by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Enjoy your free time prior to the farewell dinner in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 19, 9 June 2023
Departures Home
It is time to say goodbye to Jordan and its historical and natural wonders. After breakfast, you are transferred to the Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
PRICES - EGYPT GRAND TOUR
Important Note: Please be aware that all prices in Egypt have increased dramatically since the start of the COVID pandemic, and costs have continued to rise as a result of the war in Ukraine (Egypt obtains many food crops, including wheat, from the warring region). Compounding matters are supply-chain disruptions. Regrettably, these combined costs (hotels, food, ground transportation, cruise costs, petrol, etc.) are not expected to drop anytime in the foreseeable future. In order to secure your spot and the prices currently posted, a deposit is required.
Price: $7995 USD per person in a double room (deposit is $1000 during booking). If you travel alone, we can endeavor to pair you with another tour participant. However, if you would like to stay in a single room for the duration of the tour then the supplement is $1995.
Payment Schedule:
- $1000 deposit – during booking.
- Remaining balance – 90 days before the tour.
Included: Dr. Robert Schoch as your tour host throughout the trip, joined by his wife and research partner Catherine Ulissey; five-star accommodations; domestic flights within Egypt during the tour (Cairo - Luxor; Aswan - Cairo); three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner; air-conditioned coach ground transportation; all sightseeing tours and entrances listed in the itinerary; bottled water during the sightseeing; English-speaking guide; English-speaking tour leader; transfers in air-conditioned buses; reception at Cairo International Airport; airport arrival & departure transfers; government taxes; private entrance to the Great Pyramid of Khufu; special entrance to the Sphinx Enclosure; taxes. (Please understand that the itinerary will be maintained to the best of our ability, although very rarely, due to circumstances beyond our control, slight rearrangements and/or adjustments may be required).
Not Included: International flights to/from Cairo in Egypt (we can help you with booking); Visa cost (visa is currently $25 and can be obtained on arrival at Cairo airport); personal tips made to staff, drivers, and so forth. Health and Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that you have adequate Health Insurance and Travel Insurance for the duration of the tour.
PRICES – ADD-ONS
• CAIRO MUSEUMS (1-day pre-tour add-on): $595 per person for a double room or $695 for a single room.
• ALEXANDRIA (1-day post-tour add-on): $595 per person for a double room or $695 for a single room.
• JORDAN (5-day post-tour add-on): $3995 per person for a double room (this includes the flight from Cairo to Amman, Jordan; you will need to book your return trip home [not included in the price of the add-on] from Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport). Single supplement costs an additional $995. This add-on starts the day after the Alexandria add-on ends. If you are not partaking in the Alexandria add-on, but are joining the Jordan add-on, you will need to purchase an additional night at the Mena House Hotel (and you will need to purchase a couple of meals on your own), so you can use that day to rest. We can help you with making these arrangements.
For those taking part in both the 1-day post-tour add-on to Alexandria and the Jordan add-on, no additional accommodations or meals need to be purchased beyond what is included with the add-ons.
REGISTRATION
We encourage you to book this tour as soon as possible as the number of places is limited.
Please contact us for more information and for details.
E-mail: contact@timeofanewera.com
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