EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE
Faculty
Tyler Jo Smith, Professor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Archaeology Program
Pricing
$4,595 per person, double occupancy, land only
$5,597 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round trip airfare from Boston or New York, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment.
$5,897 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC – Dulles, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
$5,997 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $1,295 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
Business Class upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip, Trans-Atlantic flight: $3,495 per person
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 temple complexes at Luxor, the “world’s greatest open-air museum”
- Everyone on this trip will be required to be vaccinated against Covid 19
Tyler Jo is a professor in the McIntire Department of Art and the director of the Interdisciplinary Archaeology Program at UVA. Her current research focuses on the relationship between art and religion in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. She is the author of Komast Dancers in Archaic Greek Art (Oxford 2010), Religion of Archaic and Classical Greece (UPenn 2021), and co-editor of the Blackwell Companion to Greek Art (2012). She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for both teaching and research, including fellowships from Harvard University at the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington DC and the Institute of Classical Studies in London, and grants from the Mediterranean Archaeological Trust and the Center for International Studies, UVA. During the academic year 2018-2019, she was appointed Elizabeth A. Whitehead Professor at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, where she also represents UVA as a member of the Managing Committee. As a field archaeologist, Tyler Jo has participated on projects in Greece, Sicily, Turkey, and England.
Overview
Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this journey through antiquity begins in storied Cairo. Visit Memphis’s open-air museum, splendid Sakkara, and the astounding Pyramids of Giza with their Great Sphinx. In Abu Simbel, you embark on a fascinating four-night Lake Nasser cruise through ancient Nubia. Stop to admire the outstanding temples of Abu Simbel – host to a dramatic sound-and-light show, Amada, Wadi el-Seboua, New Kalabsha, and Philae, and tour the massive Aswan High Dam. Then you depart Aswan on a classic three-night Nile cruise, sailing aboard a traditional felucca, visiting Kom Ombo’s unusual temple and Edfu’s remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, and exploring Luxor’s splendid temples and statuary on both banks. Conclude your tour with further exploration of Cairo, including the exotic Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, and Old Cairo. Discover fabled Petra, ancient Jerash, and Amman with an optional 5-day/4-night Jordan post-tour extension.
We 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 Hotel Garden City Cairo
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 Hotel Garden City Cairo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning we fly 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.
M/S Steigenberger Omar el Khayam
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(B,L)
We fly to Cairo today, where this afternoon we visit the lively Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
(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 Hotel Garden City Cairo
(B,L)
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 Hotel Garden City Cairo
(B,D)
Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
(B)
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 Hotel Garden City Cairo
- Steigenberger Omar el Khayam – Lake Nasser Cruise
- M/S Premium – Nile Cruise
- Steigenberger Nile Palace
32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
$4,595 per person, double occupancy, land only
$5,597 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round trip airfare from Boston, New York, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment.
$5,897 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Washington, DC – Dulles, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
$5,997 per person, double occupancy in an outside cabin on both cruises, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $602 airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $1,295 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
Business Class upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip, Trans-Atlantic flight: $3,495 per person
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. Your deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
Deposits can be made by personal check or credit card. Our tour operator, 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 $500 refundable 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 before departure.
Included in Tour Price: 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.
Not Included in Tour Price: Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; 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.
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 and boats 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 approximately 90 days prior to departure.