egypt, pharoah, pharaoh, africa, history
The tomb of Ramses II on the West Bank Photo: Egyptian Tourism Bureau

Egyptian OdysseyA journey through the land of the Pharaohs

Oct 16 - 27, 2013
Nov 13 - 24, 2013
Discover ancient and contemporary Egypt on this unique small-group tour including a Nile cruise
Starting at $5,865
Including airfare, airline taxes & departure fees
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • Along the Nile River’s fertile plains one of the earliest civilizations gave rise to an astonishing culture—the ancient Egyptians. Join us to delve into the mysterious realm of the pharaohs and 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 during a four-night cruise aboard a comfortable riverboat.

    January 25th, 2011 saw the beginning of an intriguing and transformative era in Egypt’s history—a peaceful revolution motivated by a dream for freedom and democracy. You’ll learn about today’s Egypt, from the Nubian people as they talk about their culture and contemporary, history-making events. The colorful tapestry of modern Egyptian life also comes alive during an engaging discussion with local women who were participants in the revolution.
    • Special Value
  • This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.
    • Smithsonian Expert
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Heba Seoudi is an Egyptologist who earned her Ph.D. in symbolism in the arts and religious traditions. Heba will lead all departures in 2013.
    • Special Highlights
  • Participate in an engaging panel discussion with Egyptian women about life in modern Egypt.
  • Explore the West Bank and ancient Thebes in depth, including the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Nobels, the magnificent temple of Karnak, the Luxor Museum, and more.
  • Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Nile Valley on a relaxing four-night cruise.
  • Marvel at the gigantic temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, saved from the rising water of Lake Nasser by a team of 40 nations.
  • Take in-depth tours of Cairo's Egyptian Antiquities Museum and the pyramids of Giza and Sakkara.
  • Watch a video to travel inside the Valley of the Kings and see tombs of the great Pharaohs.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites in Egypt:
    • Historic Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza
    • Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Luxor
    • The Temple of Abu Simbel
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.
    • TRAVELER COMMENT
  • "Now is the time to go to Egypt…..this vacation experience was an outstanding intellectual treasure, far beyond just standing before the engineering marvels of 5,000 years ago. Our guide wove together the fabric of facts about the kings, queens and pharaohs and their impacts on their people, and helped me understand the current and past economics, politics, culture and religion of Egypt."
    2012 Traveler


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