Portland Community College
The Exploration of



Tour Highlights
Ancient Egypt
12 Days/10 Nights
April 21 - May 2, 2010
Credit Card
Authorization
Cairo, The Nile and Alexandria
Day 1 – Wednesday – April 21 - Departure
Depart Portland this morning for Egypt.

Day 2 – Thursday – April 22 - Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, we are greeted by our tour representative and assisted through customs formalities and escorted to the hotel. After check-in and time to freshen up, meet with the Egyptologist guide and discuss the exciting days ahead. A welcome dinner will introduce you to Egyptian cuisine.
ACCOMMODATIONS: MARRIOTT PALACE HOTEL OR SIMILAR (D)

Day 3 – Friday – April 23 - Cairo
After a buffet breakfast we’ll meet with a member of the Egyptian Department of Antiquities for a lecture and slide presentation on the ongoing work of the Giza and Sakkara area. Your exploration of ancient Egypt begins as you visit the Giza Plateau where there are three Pyramids, the greatest being that of Cheops. It took 100,000 workers more than 20 years to construct. Entrance into one of the pyramids will be included. Southeast of the Great Pyramids is the Sphinx, carved out of solid natural rock in about 2650 BC, a magnificent monument with the head of the Pharaoh and the body of a lion. If permission can be obtained a special visit into, the paws of the Sphinx will be included. Enjoy lunch at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel. Continue to visit the first Pyramid ever built, the Step Pyramid of Zoser, in the Sakkara Complex. When Memphis was the capital of Egypt, during the Old Kingdom period, Sakkara was its necropolis. Spread over seven kilometers of desert, Sakkara is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Before returning to the hotel, we will visit the remains in Memphis, the first capital of United Upper and Lower Egypt.
ACCOMMODATIONS: MARRIOTT PALACE HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, L)

Day 4 – Saturday – April 24 - Cairo
This morning you will be introduced to the masterpieces of ancient art in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, including the Mummy Room. The museum is home to the vast findings of King Tutankhamen’s tomb and other important pieces of Egypt's history. After lunch, visit Old Cairo where you will see the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the St. Serguis Church. A short drive will bring us to the citadel of Salah El Din built by the famous Arab Sultan, Salah El Din (Saladin), in the 12th century and the Mohammed Ali Mosque situated inside the citadel known for its alabaster wall. The day ends with a visit to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, known for its narrow alleys and hundreds of shops are selling all types of Egyptian handicrafts, silver and gold jewelry, cottons, copperware and perfumes.
ACCOMMODATIONS: MARRIOTT PALACE HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, L)

Day 5 – Sunday – April 25 – Cairo/Alexandria
Drive along the Pyramids road to Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt. Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing village. From the 19th century Alexandria took on a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. Visit the main sites of the city including The Alexandria Library Museum. This historical library was burnt down in 48 BC during the Alexandrian War destroying at least 40,000 priceless scrolls, robbing civilization of a precious, irreplaceable academic legacy. It has been recently rebuilt by the Egyptian government and UNESCO and contains a vast amount of books and scriptures, as well as a museum. The museum, located on the ground floor of the library, includes collections of ancient artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic Eras. Visit the Alexandria National Museum which contains about 1,800 artifacts that  bring to life the history of Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. There are some modern pieces, including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a special underground chamber (basement). Also, some of the items found during the archaeological underwater excavations in Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts (The Roman-Greco Museum is closed for renovations).  Enter the Catacombs of Kom es-Shouqafa: constructed for a family during the 2nd century AD. It was built on three levels and carved into the rock. What is most impressive about the catacombs is that although the motifs on the tombs are ancient Egyptian, the architecture is according to the Greco-Roman style, making them unique
ACCOMMODATIONS: SHERATON HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 6 – Monday – April 26 – Alexandria/Cairo
A special visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandria Calligraphy Center has been arranged. Meet with a curator for a behind the scenes tour. This library is part of preserving the cultural heritage of the cosmopolitan identity of the city of Alexandria.  The digital recording of inscriptions and calligraphies in the Mediterranean countries is the first major scientific project adopted by the Center of Calligraphy at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. You will see how language has developed beginning with cave drawing, ideograms and alphabets, up to the digital language of our digital age. Return to Cairo.
ACCOMMODATIONS: MARRIOTT PALACE HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, L)

Day 7 - Tuesday – April 27 - Aswan/Nile Cruise Begins
This morning a short flight will bring you to Aswan to board your cruise ship or you may select the optional pre cruise three-hour Abu Simbel excursion to visit the great Temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. The colossal statues were originally carved into the side of a natural cliff that had to be rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After your excursion and upon return to Aswan you will embark your Nile cruise. After lunch, a short ride will bring you to Aswan's High Dam, Granite Quarries, and Unfinished Obelisk. Then continue by felucca to visit Kitcheners Island with its beautiful gardens and to view the mausoleum of the Agha Khan. 
ACCOMMODATIONS: SUPERIOR DELUXE NILE CRUISE SHIP (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Wednesday – April 28 - Nile Cruise Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu
After breakfast sail in a small boat to the Philae Temple, situated on the island of Agilika. Like Abu Simbel, the temple was relocated in order to protect it from the rising water of the High Dam, built in 1960. The main sanctuary on the island is dedicated to the Goddess Isis and her son Horus. Ancient Egyptians believed that Isis was the Goddess of Magic, and when she wept, the Nile flooded.  This afternoon set sail for the city of Kom Ombo, known as “Ombos” in ancient times. Its location on the Nile, gave it strategic importance to control the routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley. The city became prosperous when the temple in the Ptolemaic era was built and divided into two symmetrical halves. The left side is dedicated to the falcon-headed god, “Heroeris," and the right side to the crocodile god, “Sobek”. Reliefs of Ptolemaic Pharaohs are found in the porch area. The remainder of the temple consists of a crypt, chapels, Roman wells where sacred crocodiles may have been kept, and the remains of a birth house. On the walls of the temple, look for the first recorded representation of medical instruments. Sail onto Edfu, midway between Aswan and Luxor.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SUPERIOR DELUXE NILE CRUISE SHIP (B, L, D)

Day 9 – Thursday –- April 29 - Nile Cruise Edfu/Luxor
Begin the day by visiting the magnificently preserved temple of Edfu. The sandstone temple of Horus, the Sun God, was built under the Ptolemies and completed by the mid first century, BC. In the colonnaded court, we will see the surviving statue of a pair of falcons representing Horus. A series of smaller chambers leads to the Sanctuary of the God, which is lit by three openings in the ceiling. Ceremonies, celebrations, and war scenes are shown on the walls of the temple. Later today, we sail to Esna, pass the lock, and arrive in Luxor, ancient Thebes. This afternoon explore the East Bank of the Nile including the Temple of Luxor. Here, the Avenue of Sphinxes, famous for its artistic degree of uniformity, leads to the entrance of the temple where a seated colossus of Ramses II and a towering Obelisk sit. Continue to the Karnak Temple, one of the most impressive monuments of ancient art and architecture in the world. The carvings, which adorn all of the walls, depict the history and conquests of many of Egypt's Pharaohs.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SUPERIOR DELUXE NILE CRUISE SHIP (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Friday – April 30 - Nile Cruise Luxor
This morning explore the Valley of the Kings, housing 63 tombs belonging to the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen excavated in 1922. Many of the tombs, carved out of the bedrock, retain their original bright colors and fine relief’s and scenes, thought to guarantee the safe passage of the Ka to the after life. Continue on to Deir El Bahri to visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, considered being one of the finest buildings in Egypt. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt as King for 20 years. After returning to the ship for lunch and time to rest, we will stroll through the Luxor Bazaar. A sound and light show at the Karnak Temple is an option for tonight.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SUPERIOR DELUXE NILE CRUISE SHIP (B, L, D)

Day 11 –Saturday – May 1 - Luxor/Cairo
Return to Cairo today or you can join the optional Sinai Tour. If you return to Cairo you will have time to explore the city on your own. A short taxi ride will take you to the museum or to the bazaar for those last minute gifts. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
ACCOMMODATIONS: FARIMONT HELIOPOLIS HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 12 – Sunday – May 2 - Departure
Your “Ancient Egypt” ends this morning.  Arrive home your hearts and minds filled with many happy memories of ancient and modern Egypt. (B)




THE RED SEA, PETRA and ALEXANDRIA EXTENSION

Day 11 –Saturday – May 1 - Luxor/Sharm El Sheikh
Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Sharm El Sheikh. Arrive in the “Land of Turquoise” and the small town of Sharm El Sheikh, which lies, on the Gulf of Aqaba about 336kms from Suez. The history of Sinai stretches as far back as the days of the Pharaohs. The waters of the Red Sea, while surrounded by desert, are truly tropical. What is lacking throughout this bone dry territory is present in lavish abundance underwater. Late afternoon visit  Ras Mohammed National Park where you will see desert birds including flocks of white storks, golden eagles, and sand grouse.  What are not to be missed are the wonders of the sea.  The waters of the park are filled with colorful fish.  As the sun sets, you will take a camel ride out into the desert to meet with the Bedouin’s for tea and pastry. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SHERATON RESORT HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 12 – Sunday – May 2 - Sharm El Sheikh
The day is at your leisure. Optional snorkeling excursion will be offered. Later this afternoon you may enjoy joining an optional glass bottom boat excursion, where you will see the magnificent underwater creatures of the Sinai.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SHERATON RESORT HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 13 - Monday – May 3 – Sharm El Sheikh/St. Catherine’s/Taba
Rise before sunrise and drive through the desert to St. Catherine’s. For those interested in climbing Mount Moses you will have the opportunity to do so. For those that choose not to climb you will have breakfast and a rest at the St. Catherine’s Hotel. Located at the foot of Mount Moses, St. Catherine's Monastery was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565. Built around what is thought to be Moses' Burning Bush, which has a chapel built atop it is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, enamels, chalices, reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century. However, of perhaps even greater significance is that it is the second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts (The Vatican has the largest). Continue to the resort city of Taba.
ACCOMMODATIONS: HYATT REGENCY HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, D)

Day 14 – Tuesday – May 4 -Taba/Petra, Jordan/Taba
This morning you will leave Egypt by fast ferry over to Jordan where you will visit the ancient city of Petra.  Climb atop your horse for a ride to the main entrance to the “lost city of Petra”.  Much of Petra’s appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge.  From the main entrance, you walk into the siq, which ripped through the rock in a prehistoric quake. As you make your way through the cliff walls, you will pass inscriptions in ancient languages. Petra’s most famous monument is the Treasury (the final scene of Indian Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed here). You will also see a 3,000-seat theater from the early 1st Century, tombs baths, and funerary halls temples. Return to Taba for overnight.
ACCOMMODATIONS: HYATT REGENCY HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B, L, D)

Day 15 – Wednesday – May 5 – Taba/Cairo
This morning you will leave Taba for Cairo driving via the Suez Canal. If time permits you will have sometime to explore the Khan El Khalili Bazaar for those last minute gifts.
ACCOMMODATIONS: FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS HOTEL OR SIMILAR (B)

Day 16 – Friday – May 6 – Departure
Farewell to Egypt!  Arrive home your hearts and minds filled with many happy memories of ancient and modern Egypt. (B)








Tour Highlights
Red Sea Extension
  • International air PDX/Cairo/PDX
  • Domestic air within Egypt
  • 4 nights accommodation in Cairo at the Marriott Palace Hotel or similar
  • 1 night accommodation in Alexandria at the Sheraton Montazah Hotel or similar
  • 5 day/4 night Nile cruise on board a 5-star deluxe cruise ship
  • 1 night accommodation in Cairo at the Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel or similar
  • English speaking Egyptologist guide throughout
  • 10 breakfast, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
  • All sightseeing and transfers by deluxe air conditioned motor coach
  • All entrance fees
  • Special lecture by a member of the Egyptian Department of Antiquities
  • Hotel taxes and service charges and porterage
  • Luggage tags, passport wallet and travel bag

     NOT INCLUDED
  • U.S. Departure tax and Airport Security, Fuel Surcharges (approximately $450.00 – subject to change)
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, inter-net services, soft drinks, coffee, tea (except at breakfast), mineral water, alcoholic beverages, passport fees, tips to drivers, guides, transfer people, travel insurance, etc……
  • Please note: Itinerary sequence hotels, cruise ship names are subject to change.
  • 1 way air Luxor/Sharm El Sheikh
  • 2 nights accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh at the Sheraton Resort Hotel or similar
  • 2 nights accommodation in Taba at the Hyatt Hotel or similar
  • 2 nights accommodation in Cairo at the Heliopolis Fairmont Hotel or similar
  • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
  • All sightseeing and transfers by deluxe air conditioned motor coach
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in program

     NOT INCLUDED
  • U.S. Departure tax and Airport Security, Fuel Surcharges (approximately $450.00 – subject to change)
  • Egypt Departure Tax at Egypt/Jordan Border
  • Jordan Visa
  • Jordan Departure Tax at Jordan/Egypt Border
  • Egypt Re-entry visa
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, inter-net services, soft drinks, coffee, tea (except at breakfast), mineral water, alcoholic beverages, passport fees, tips to drivers, guides, transfer people, travel insurance, etc……