EGYPT AND THE ETERNAL NILE [SOLD OUT]
Faculty: Louis Nelson, Professor of Architectural History and the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach
Price: $5,495 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
$4,795 per person, double occupancy, land only, in an outside cabin on both cruises.
$5,595 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $602 airline taxes and fees
Join UVA's architectural historian Louis Nelson and an expert Egyptian guide on this 15-day small group journey. In storied Cairo, tour Memphis’ open-air museum and splendid Sakkara, and experience Giza’s astounding pyramids. After visiting Aswan’s massive dam, embark on a fascinating four-night Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel, encountering ancient Nubia’s outstanding temples. A classic three-night Nile voyage from Aswan to Luxor follows, with opportunities to sail aboard a traditional felucca and explore Luxor’s awe-inspiring temples. Returning to Cairo, tour historic Old Cairo and the acclaimed Egyptian Museum. Discover fabled Petra, ancient Jerash, and Amman with an optional 5-day/4-night post-tour Jordan extension.
Program Highlights:
- Marvel at Cairo’s ancient sites: the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara
- Tour fascinating Old Cairo and the renowned Egyptian Museum
- See the dramatic temples and enjoy a sound-and-light show at Abu Simbel
- Take a Lake Nasser cruise through the ancient Nubian homeland
- Call on Aswan’s temples at Kalabsha
- Visit the massive Aswan Dam
- Embark on a classic Nile River cruise and sail on traditional feluccas
- Explore the ancient temple complexes at Luxor, the “world’s greatest open-air museum”
- Admire the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens
Louis is a specialist in the built environments of the early modern Atlantic world, with published work on the American South, the Caribbean, and West Africa, and is a leading advocate for the reconstruction of place-based public history. Nelson is an accomplished scholar, with two book-length monographs published by UNC and Yale University Presses, three edited collections of essays, two terms as senior co-editor of Buildings and Landscapes--the leading English language venue for scholarship on vernacular architecture--and numerous scholarly articles. He is also a celebrated teacher, having won a university-wide teaching award in 2007 and serving as the 2008 UVA nominee for a state-wide Outstanding Faculty Award. Nelson's teaching and research focuses on the close examination of evidence-both material and textual-as a means of interrogating the ways architecture shapes the human experience. His most recent monograph, Architecture and Empire in Jamaica (Yale, 2016) won three major book awards and was very positively reviewed in twelve different venues including both popular—Times Literary Supplement—to scholarly—William and Mary Quarterly, Art Bulletin and Architectural History, many calling it a tour de force in the field.
Arrive in the Egyptian capital and transfer directly to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned.
Kempinski Nile Garden City
After a morning briefing, our full-day tour begins at the open-air museum at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital (3100 BCE). We continue on to the necropolis at Sakkara then to the astounding Pyramids of Giza, the wonders of antiquity that have drawn visitors for millennia. Here, too, we encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, whose leonine body and human face were carved from a single piece of limestone. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Kempinski Nile Garden City
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
Early this morning we fly south to Aswan. Upon arrival we visit the Aswan High Dam, considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1965. Then we visit the Nubia Museum, an acclaimed showcase of Nubian art and architecture with more than 3,000 ancient relics and 90 monumental pieces. From here we board our Lake Nasser ship in time for lunch then disembark to explore the ruins of the acclaimed Temples of Philae. Tonight we dine on board as we overnight in Aswan.
Steigenberger Omar el Khayam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
Today we see some sights of ancient Nubia, Egypt’s neighbor in antiquity but with a distinct culture and traditions. We stop first at “new” Kalabsha, the largest freestanding temple of them all that was moved and reconstructed on higher ground after the construction of the Aswan High Dam (and the subsequent flooding that created Lake Nasser). Then we sail on to Wadi el-Seboua, where we dock for the night.
M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
This morning we see two important New Kingdom temples that, like Kalabsha, were dismantled and relocated to make way for Lake Nasser. We explore Wadi el-Seboua, the next largest of all the pharaonic temples after Abu Simbel, and see the Temple of Dakka, with its huge, well-preserved pylon. Returning to our ship, we sail on to Amada, where we encounter the oldest of Nubia’s Egyptian temples, the 18th-dynasty Temple of Amada.
M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
We sail this morning to Kasr Ibrim, the last remaining Nubian settlement in its original location. As it is forbidden to go ashore here, we learn about this ancient site while overlooking it from the ship’s sun deck. Then we continue on to Abu Simbel’s massive complex of temples guarded by statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, with well-preserved murals inside.
M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
We disembark then travel by coach to Aswan, where we board our Nile ship. This afternoon we take a relaxing sail aboard small feluccas, replicas of ancient Nile sailboats.
M/S Premium
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
We cruise today to the site of the ancient trading town at Kom Ombo, with its unusual double temple and outstanding Nile views. Then we sail on to Edfu, where tonight we attend a shipboard party.
M/S Premium
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
This morning we visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Then we cruise to Luxor, the world’s “greatest open-air museum,” whose vast temple complexes, tombs, and statues dating from 2755 BCE represent the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. Today we explore the East Bank, home of Karnak, the greatest temple complex of them all, whose ruins stretch for more than a mile. We also visit Luxor Temple, whose builders included both Tutankhamun and Alexander the Great. Back on board, tonight we enjoy a show of Middle Eastern belly dancing.
M/S Premium
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
We have the choice to rise very early to see the West Bank from above on an optional hot air balloon ride. After we disembark our ship later this morning, we tour the haunting Valley of the Kings, where 34 royal tombs feature magnificent paintings; the Valley of the Queens; and the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut honoring one of the few female pharaohs. We also see the massive Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot-high statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the gates of his own tomb.
Steigenberger Nile Palace
Breakfast, Lunch (B,L)
We fly to Cairo today, where this afternoon we visit the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
Breakfast (B)
Our touring today begins at the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, the world’s greatest repository of ancient relics. Then we tour the Citadel of Saladin housing the alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali.
Kempinski Nile Garden City
Breakfast, Lunch (B,L)
DAY 14 - Thursday, March 16, 2023
Cairo
This morning we encounter Old Cairo, the district where early capital cities once stood. We visit 5th-century St. Sergius Church, the Coptic church of el-Muallaqa, and Ben Ezra Synagogue, built in 882. Mid-day we return to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.
Kempinski Nile Garden City
Breakfast, Dinner (B,D)
DAY 15 - Friday, March 17, 2023
Depart for U.S.
Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
(B)
Please note: This trip involves a significant amount of walking on uneven terrain and at sites of ancient ruins. You must be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
Post Tour Extension
Jordan: Petra & Amman
March 17-21, 2023
5 days/4 nights $1,695 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $395
Included in Extension Price: Air transportation Cairo/Amman; 4 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Petra at Mövenpick Resort Petra (Superior First Class); 2 nights in Amman at the Grand Hyatt Amman (Deluxe); 9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners; Extensive included sightseeing: Madaba (City of Mosaics), Mt. Nebo pilgrimage site, full day at Petra, Amman’s Roman theatre and Citadel, Roman ruins of Jerash; Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; Private motorcoach transportation; Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
- Kempinski Nile Garden City Cairo – 5 nights
- M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam – Lake Nasser Cruise – 4 nights
- M/S Premium – Nile Cruise – 3 nights
- Steigenberger Nile Palace – 1 night
- Kempinski Nile Garden City Cairo – 5 nights
- M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam – Lake Nasser Cruise – 4 nights
- M/S Premium – Nile Cruise – 3 nights
- Steigenberger Nile Palace – 1 night
March 18 & 19, 2023
March 28 - 30, 2023
Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo (also used for Days 12-14)
Ahmed Ragheb Street 12
Cairo 11519
Egypt
Phone: 011-20-22-798-0000
Fax: 011-20-22-795-7157
www.kempinski.com/en/cairo/nile-hotel
The Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo sits on the banks of the Nile River, close to many historic sites including the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza. The central location provides unique views of Cairo from the rooftop outdoor pool. This contemporary hotel offers two restaurants, two bars, a lounge, spa with massage treatments, fitness center, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary, Wi-Fi access. Each air-conditioned guest room has a private bath with a hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.
March 20 - 23, 2023
Steigenberger Omar el Khayam – Lake Nasser Cruise
Phone: 011-20-17-440-4844
Fax: 011-20-12-500-1596
www.steigenberger.com/en/nile-cruises/steigenberger-omar-el-khayam
Experience one of the largest man-made lakes in the world on the Steigenberger Omar el Khayam. Offering travelers a unique vantage point from which to experience treasures of antiquity in the comfort of contemporary amenities, this 80-cabin ship features a restaurant, lounge, and bar; two sun decks with swimming pools and whirlpools; a beauty salon; laundry service; a gift shop; and a fitness center. Air-conditioned outside cabins have private baths with a hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone. Please note that the ship docks at regular docking facilities in Abu Simbel and Aswan; at other stops you will take small launches or motorboats from the ship to shore.
March 24 - 26, 2023
M/S Premium – Nile River Cruise
Phone: 011-2-010-6553-6672
www.msnilepremium.com
Launched in 2008, the M/S Premium offers an elegant and refined atmosphere in which to cruise the Nile. The 56-cabin ship boasts five decks, restaurant, cocktail lounge and bar with terrace, gift shop, fitness center, swimming pool, laundry service (for a fee), and Wi-Fi internet access (for a fee). Each air- conditioned guest cabin has private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, and TV.
March 27, 2023
Steigenberger Nile Palace
Khaled Bin El-Walid Street
Luxor 85111
Egypt
Phone: 011-20-95-236-6999
Fax: 011-20-95-236-5666
www.steigenberger.com/en/hotels/all-hotels/egypt/luxor/steigenberger-nile-palace
Within the heart of Luxor’s historic center nestles Steigenberger Nile Palace, a 303-room hotel just across the river from the Valley of the Kings. The hotel features several restaurants and bars; a fitness center; a spa with a sauna, steam bath, and massage treatments; a heated outdoor pool; an on-site doctor; complimentary Wi-Fi access (in public areas); a bookstore; gift shops; a hairdresser; and laundry and dry- cleaning services (for a fee). Air-conditioned guest rooms each have private baths with a hair dryer, in- room safe, minibar, TV, and phone
- 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
Price: $5,495 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
$4,795 per person, double occupancy, land only
$5,595 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $602 airline taxes and fees
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,295 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Business Class upgrade (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: $3,695 per person.
Price includes: Round-trip air transportation from specific cities; 13 nights’ accommodations: 6 nights in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels, 7 nights aboard Deluxe and Superior First Class ships; extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip, including shore excursions; luggage handling for one bag per person; gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
Price Does not include: Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; immunizations, inoculations, and COVID-19 testing; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communication charges; optional sightseeing or shore excursions; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and shipboard personnel, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10–$15 per traveler, per day); and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (November 28, 2022).
Your reservation is not confirmed until your deposit is paid and processed. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA, or by personal check. If paying by check, please make check payable to our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc.
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a refundable $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Payment Schedule: A refundable deposit of $500 per person confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (November 28, 2022) before departure.
Cancellation, Refunds, and Changes: If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon the University of Virginia’s receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: cancel 95 days or more before departure: full refund; cancel 94-65 days before departure: 50% of tour price; cancel 64-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; cancel 29-0 days before departure: no refund. If you make any changes to your reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, or of their employees, agents, servants, or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise lines, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in good health to participate in this University of Virginia tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or e-mail us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information: Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities, and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignment on your international flight is usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols: The well-being of our guests and staff members on tour will continue to be our highest priorities. To maintain a healthy environment for travel, we will be establishing and adhering to a detailed set of health and safety protocols for all facets of your tour. We are committed to following the guidelines of the State Department, CDC, WHO, and authorities of respective countries regarding travel to a particular destination. Detailed protocols for this tour, based on conditions at the time, will be provided prior to your departure.