Splendors of the Nile Vacation Tour

Learn about ancient Egyptian history during lectures in Cairo and on board the cruise by your Smithsonian Egyptologist/National Guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. With their guidance, you will:

• Discover the new roles of the pharaoh, religion, and art and architecture in ancient Egypt, from the pre-dynastic "Old Kingdom" through the achievements of the "New Kingdom" to the end of the dynastic period and the rule of the Greek Ptolemaic period, ending with the rule of Cleopatra.
• Explore the mystique behind the empire of the great builder and pharaoh, Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
• Learn about the exciting recent archaeological finds in Egypt.
• Gain insight into the many differing tombs of the Valley of the Kings and hear about their site selection, tomb construction, rituals and symbolism.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2,3 - Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel, Cairo; or Moevenpick Pyramids Resort; Giza, Cairo
Day 4,5 - Sheraton Luxor Hotel, Luxor
Day 6-9 - m/s Mirage I Cruise Ship, Heliopolis
Day 10 - Moevenpick Resort, Aswan
Day 11 - Sonesta Hotel, Tower and Casino, Cairo