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PACHA MAMA AND ISIS
A Calling of the Heart
Egypt
April 20 to May 4, 2010
 An incredible opportunity to travel to Egypt with Peruvian Archeo-astronomer Mallku, Emotional Healer and Author Nancy Joy Hefron, and Alanna Aisha! When the calling of our hearts beckons us to a new experience, we leap to respond. That is the miracle of this upcoming Egypt experience with my Peruvian family and guides Mallku and Alanna Aisha. Now, through a calling of our hearts, we will join both together taking the love and magic of the Andean Mother, Pacha Mama, in our hearts to join forces with the mystery and power of the Divine Mother Isis of Egypt.
This incredible opportunity to combine the spiritual beauty of the Andes and the power of Egypt will include 14 days of magic, initiation and personal growth as our group heart gathers to activate this integration of power sites within
our hearts.
Awaken your first morning in Cairo in the shadow of the Great Pyramid hearing the call to prayer chanted in the morning air. Our unique tour will include a (private) ceremony in the Great Pyramid, an overnight train to Luxor, Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, sacred temples at Philae, Edfu, KomOmbo, Esna, Dendara, Abydos, Karnak plus pyramid complexes at Saqqara and Giza, and more.
Follow your heart. Take the leap!
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Itinerary:
April 20 to May 4, 2010
April 20, 2010, Tues.
Your travel day to Cairo. Flight not included.
April 21, 2010, Wed.
ARRIVE IN CAIRO, EGYPT. Arrive in Cairo. Our representatives will meet you at the airport. And take you to our Check our 5-star hotel located in the shadow of the Pyramids. Feel the excitement. Welcome to Egypt! Rest, relax, and get acquainted with our group and our Wonder Egypt Tour team who will be helping you throughout the journey making sure your needs are met. Overnight Cairo.
  
  
 
April 22, 2010, Thurs.
Morning visit to the Giza plateau to experience the Valley Temple, the Sphinx, the solar boat and the Great Pyramid. Plus we will enter either the 2nd or 3rd pyramid (which ever one is open) for our first pyramid exploration. Overnight Cairo (B)
GIZA PLATEAU, SPHINX, PYRAMIDS, Your first morning in Egypt! We’ll visit the Giza Plateau and Sphinx... The primary pyramids are (1) Khufu’s ~ appears smaller than Khafre’s because it is built on higher ground ~ consists of a subterranean chamber, queen’s chamber and king’s chamber which is the object of on going controversy with its monolithic sarcophagus made of pink granite; (2) Khafre ~ near the top are the remaining original casing stones ~ “burial” chamber is just below ground level with a plain red granite sarcophagus; (3) Menkaure ~ about half the size of the other two ~ a basalt sarcophagus was found but was lost at sea while being transported to England. Sphinx ~ much has been written and there are innumerable interpretations – let your heart be your guide! ~ note the Tuthmosis IV’s dream stela between the paws ~ conservation work has been done to both the Sphinx and the Sphinx temple.
  
  
  
  
April 23, 2010, Fri.
Early visit to the Citadel ~ home of the world famous Alabaster Mosque. After lunch we will tour the Cairo Museum with its over 100 rooms filled with Egyptian treasures and the King Tutankhamen exhibit. Overnight Cairo.
~ optional: Sound and Light show at Giza Pyramid (BL)
Afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum – over 100 rooms containing the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. - Two exhibits worth viewing are the famous King Tutankhamen gallery and the Akhenaton room. The museum is always crowded so take a deep breath and enjoy the experience. The bookstore is quite good and reasonably priced. (Private evening visit to Great Pyramid).
 
Cairo Museum: The greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities, which houses over 200,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, is, without doubt, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It is a place of true discovery and, even after many visits, you will continue to make new and delightful discoveries every time you venture into its many galleries.
 To be sure, the museum can be daunting in the sheer numbers of its antiquities on show, but there is an order within its layout and it is a dream come true for anyone wanting to study Egyptian antiquities.
The museum's ground floor follows the history of ancient Egypt. Upon entering through the security check in the building, one looks toward the atrium and the rear of the building with many items on view - from sarcophagi and boats to enormous statues.
Just in front of these you will find an Object of the Month on display. Behind it are some of the most important items from the time of the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5,000 years ago, including the famous slate palette of king Narmer - one of the first documents of Egyptian history. Also on show are small masterpieces of sculpture - keep in mind that these are some 50 centuries  old. This is an area that should not be missed!
From the entrance area itself, turn left and you will find an amazing diversity of small statues from the Old Kingdom - they depict individuals, families, and people at work.
Continuing around the building in a clockwise direction takes you forward in time as you duck into the different rooms. At the far end of the building you will be confronted by material from the time of the heretic pharaoh, Akhenaten.
Upstairs on the first floor (i.e.second level) are thousands of smaller items from the span of Egyptian history. Of course, everybody wants to see the treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb - these occupy a large area along almost two side of the upper floor. Chariots, gloves, jewellery, the famous mask - many of the antiquities from his tomb are displayed here.
 Tutankhamun's tomb contained four gilded shrines nested one inside the other. All four of these shrines are on display in the museum. They are lined up in order of decreasing size. The innermost of these covered a stone sarcophagus which remains in the tomb. Inside the stone sarcophagus were three coffins - the innermost being made of 110 kilograms of solid gold. Inside that lay the pharaoh himself wearing the famous gold mask (at right). Tutankhamun remains in his tomb to this day. Two of his three coffins are on display in the same room as the mask, along with stunning jewellery. This room alone can occupy one for a considerable time. The room has been remodelled recently with better presentation.
Apart from the Tutankhamun exhibits upstairs, there are countless coffins, amulets, ushabtis, household items, etc. Some of the Middle Kingdom tomb models of armies, boats and landowners surveying their livestock shouldn't be missed. The human figures almost seem alive! Also upstairs is the Mummy Room where you can come face to face with some of the great rulers of ancient Egypt.
April 24, 2010, Sat.
Experience the seldom visited Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid of Dashar then onto Saqqara. Saqqara’s complex is home to Egypt’s oldest known pyramid – the famous step pyramid. Time permitting we will also visit Saqqara’s new museum. Enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch at the Blue Lotus. Overnight sleeper train to Luxor. (BD)
~optional: Carpet school where magnificent oriental rugs are woven.
Today we travel through the Egyptian countryside enjoying the scenery as we travel on to Saqqara ~ the grand step-pyramid complex is magnificent and continues as a source of discoveries. The entire complex consists of the pyramid, entry colonnade, south tomb, south/north pavilion, and mortuary temple and west mounds. The step-pyramid may be the oldest stone bld. in the world. Was created by Imhotep – architect, doctor, sage, astronomer, high priest and visionary. We will have lunch at the Blue Lotus, a charming, family run experience very aptly named. Then onto Memphis ~ old capital of the old kingdom of which little remains but it is noted for its giant statue of Ramses II.
 Saqqara is one section of the great necropolis of Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital and the kings of the 1st Dynasty as well as that of the 2nd Dynasty. are mostly buried in this section of the Memphis necropolis. It has been of constant interest to Egyptologists.
Three major discoveries have recently been made at Saqqara, including a prime minister's tomb, a queen's pyramid, and the tomb of the son of a dynasty-founding king. Each discovery has a fascinating story, with many adventures for the archaeologists as they revealed the secrets of the past.
Saqqara is best known for the Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt's 97 pyramids. It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the architect and genius Imhotep, who designed it and its surrounding complex to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. Imhotep was the first to build stone tombs in honor of the king's majesty. His many titles included 'Treasurer of the King of Lower Egypt', 'Administrator of the Great Palace', and 'Imhotep the Builder, the Sculptor, the Maker of Stone Vessels'. Imhotep may have also designed the pyramid of Djoser's successor, Sekhemkhet.
 The Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser): Across the Great Court of the Pyramid Complex of Djoser (Zoser) (2667 - 2648 BC), the second king of the 3rd Dynasty, stands the Step Pyramid, located at Saqqara close to modern day Cairo. It is believed to have been created by one man, Imhotep. He has been called Doctor, Sage, Architect, Astronomer and High Priest. During an excavation in 1924-26, a pedestal of a statue of Djoser (Zoser) was found. This complex represents the first major work in stone. That is, unless there are other works that have yet to be found.
On the Pyramid, most of the outer casing is gone. In some places the core masonry has disappeared as well. It is obvious there were different stages of construction. The eastern side gives the best picture, but it can be seen from the northern and southern side as well.
 The original structure was an underground burial chamber. This chamber was rare in that it was square; most mastabas were rectangular. The royal tomb is 28m underground with a vertical shaft leading to it. The entrance was sealed with a 3 ton piece of granite. The face of the mastaba was a fine Tura limestone. Apparently it was intended for this to be the finishing touches to the building. It was then enlarged all around with ten feet of additional limestone and then again with an extension on the eastern side. The extension was twenty-five feet of limestone to make the mastaba rectangular. Again, it was enlarged and a two-tiered structure was made. A series of corridors and a tomb chamber was dug. Some of the chambers are lined with blue tiles. Some scholars think this tomb was intended for a member of Djoser's (Zoser's) family, but not for him. The only other site that has similar tiling is in the South Tomb which is located in the Djoser (Zoser) complex as well.
After the third stage was finished, the process to make it a true step pyramid was begun. Over 200,000 tons of stone was used to make the additional two tiers that went above the existing two-tiered structure. An additional two tiers were added above the existing four to make it into the six-tiered pyramid which is there today. A Tura limestone face was added on.
On the northern side of the pyramid, a few blocks of the casing remain. The casing blocks from the Great Pyramid rested on the individual blocks of the core masonry. The casing blocks on the step pyramid were set at an angle to take up the thrust of the successive layers.
 The statue of Djoser (Zoser) that was found by excavators, was found in the Tomb Chamber. This statue was damaged but still intact. It is located in the Cairo Museum. The Tomb Chamber has a replica of the statue in this blue-tiled room. It can still be seen through the viewing slit that is at the entrance. The chamber is closed to the public. Scholars believed that the roof of the chamber could give way. The chamber walls have inscriptions that show beyond any doubt that this is indeed a burial chamber. It also contains offering rooms and most of the other features that were often found in both earlier and later tombs.
The Mortuary Temple is just north of the pyramid and is in total ruin. On the southern wall back across the Great Court from the pyramid are carved cobra heads or uraei. The cobra head is an often seen symbol in Egypt. It was once a symbol of the north.
  
The Southern Tomb is located just outside of the southern wall. Steps lead up the wall to the other tombs and monuments outside the walls. On the left side of the stairs, there is a large hole. At the bottom of the hole, is an entrance that leads to an amazing set of chambers. This Southern Tomb is closed to the public. These chambers are also lined with the blue tiles that arefound in the burial chambers in the Step Pyramid. The inscriptions found in these chambers are remarkable. They are perfectly executed and pure in line.
 
April 25, 2010, Sun.
Check into hotel. Morning experience of the Karnak complex including the powerful Sehkmet chapel and open air museum. Spectacular sunset visit to Luxor Temple. Overnight Luxor. (B)
~optional: Gold shop for 18 ct. gold and richly styled silver jewelry.
Early morning arrival to the magical city of Luxor in Upper Egypt. Transfer to you hotel, check in and some time to relax before our afternoon tour of the East Bank. We will travel down the Avenue of the Rams to reach the Temple of Karnack. This temple boasts many multiple temples, obelisks, great gates and the famous hypostyle hall. We will also come face-to-face with the lion goddess Sehkmet. Karnack is the largest temple complex in Egypt and demonstrates the religious significance of the area in ancient times. Then it’s on to visit Luxor Temple to feel its mystery and magic. The Temple of Luxor (also referred to as the Temple of Man) was constructed almost entirely during the 18th Dynasty by Amenhotep and Ramses II. Major religious ceremonies were held here during seasonal celebrations, processions moved between Luxor and Karnack. Return to your hotel for a free evening.
 Luxor Temple: A strip of green in the middle of the desert tilled fields and in the background the red rocks of the "Libyan Chain" Here lies Luxor, one of the greatest capitals of the ancient world.
Charming and evocative, with the Nile along the quiet waters of the river, the small, silent streets of the Bazaar that come to life in the evening with their colours, sounds and lights.
 In ancient Egypt, the power of the god Amun of Thebes gradually increased during the early New Kingdom, and after the short persecution led by Akhenaten, it rose to its apex. In the reign of Ramesses III, more than two thirds of the property owned by the temples belonged to Amun, evidenced by the stupendous buildings at Karnak. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about three kilometers north of Luxor, Egypt situated on 100 ha (247 acres) of land. Karnak is actually the sites modern name. Its ancient name was Ipet-isut, meaning "The Most Select (or Sacred) of Places".
 This is the great, ancient city of Thebes, capital of the Egyptian empire for almost one thousand years, which Homer referred to in the IX canto of the Iliad as "Thebes with one hundred gates" and for which "only the grains of sand in the desert surpassed the abundance of wealth contained therein". The Copts called it Tapé, hence the Greek Thebai, but for Egyptian inhabitants it was Uaset, meaning "the chief town" and Niut, "the City" it was later on called Diospolis Magna. Its present name of Luxor comes from the Arab El Qousour, translation of the Latin "Castra" with which the ancient Romans indicated the city where they had installed two encampments.
 In the Memphis era it was a small village where the God of War Montu was worshipped and its temples marked the boundaries of the territory. As from the X Dynasty, thanks to its geographical position and political grounds, its importance started to increase considerably until the military successes of its princes made it a great power. Capital of the pharaohs of the New Empire, the god Amon was worshipped in great splendour in the triad in Mut and Khnsu. It was the age of great victories and triumph in Asia Minor, Nubia and Libya. It was a happy period perhaps the happiest in Egyptian history and Thebes had no rivals : victorious Pharaohs accumulated incredible wealth there (city where the houses are rich in treasure) from war booty; from the Red Sea the Persian Gulf and even from the Sahara across the road of the oases merchants arrived to grow rich and to enrich the townsmen of Thebes who reached the incredible figure of half a million!
 One the east bank rise the temples in which the gods dwelt whereas on the west bank building were constructed for the worship of dead sovereigns; apart from this theory of temples, parallel to the river runs the heavy rock curtain that conceals the Valley of the Kings.
Thebes then inexorably fell. The very geographical position that one thousand years beforehand had favored the birth of its power now became the main reason for its decline : too far from the "hot" delta region, where the Ramses were forced to create military stations to stem foreign invasions, Thebes lost its political, spiritual and military supermacy. Subsequent dynasties originally came from the delta and the twons of tains, Bubast and Sais replaced it as capital of Egypt. Left defenseless.
 Thebes fell prey to the Assyrian army lead by Assarhaddon, which sacked it in 672 B.C.; once again in 665, Assurbanipal's army deported the townsmen before turning them into slaves and stripped the town of its statues and treasures. Lastly, it was completely razed to the ground in 84 B.C. by Ptolemy Lathyros to the extent that during the roman era it was a mass of ruins visited by wayfarers; the few remaining townsmen settled in what remained of the temples and the tombs were reduced to stables. This time too, as happened in the case of Memphis, Ezekiel's prophecy that Thebes would be violently shaken came true.
 Temple of Amon Ra: In Luxor, all that remains of its glorious past is the temple that the ancient Egyptians built to the glory of Amon ra king of the gods, and which they called "Southern harem of Amon".
Brought back to light in 1883 by Gaston Maspéro, the temple is 260 metres long and its construction was basically commissioned by two Pharaohs, Amon-Ofis III who started it in the XIV century B.C. and Ramses II who completed it adding the porticoed courtyard with its axis moved eastwards, and no longer north-south as in the case of the rest of the temples.
The architect was probably amenophis, son of Hotep. The temple of Luxor was joined to that of karnak by a long stone-paved dromos, a drome and a processional avenue, flanked by sphinxes with rams heads that the XXX Dynasty replaced with sphynexes with human heads. This street has not been brought to life completely and they are still working on it.
 The avenue ended at the entrance to the temple of Luxor, marked by the large pylon erected by Ramses II, which features a 65-metre front decorated with bas-reliefs illustrating scenes of the military campaigns of the Pharaoh against the Hittites.
In ancient time, the pylon was preceded by two obelisks, two seated colossi and two standing colossi. Today, only the left 25-metre high obelisk is still standing: the other was taken to Paris in 1833 and placed by the engineer Lebas in Place de la Concorde on the 25th October 1836. The two colossi in granite represent the Pharaoh seated on his throne, fifteen and a half  metres in height on a base of about one metre. Of the other four statues in pink granite leaning against the pylon, one was to represent Queen Nefertari and another decrepit one to the right, his daughter Merit-Amon.
Having passed through the triumphal entrance, one enters the court of Ramses II, with its double row of columns with closed papyrus capital and statues of Osiris in the inter columns. To the north-west of the courtyard one can admire the temple-deposit of the sacred boats built by Thot-Mosis III and dedicated to the triad Amon, Mut and Khonsu.
 Then follows a colonnade of two rows of bell-shaped columns 52 meters long that take us to the second courtyard, or courtyard of Amon-Ofis II, surrounded on three sides by two rows of columns with closed papyruses, a real, highly evocative forest. From here, across a transversal hypostyle hall, one enters the last sanctuary, the most intimate and sacred part, which gave the temple its name of "Adytum of the south" theatre o the final moment of the festival of Opet, the largest and most solemn held during the year.
The festival, which lasted little more than fifteen days, started on the nineteenth day of the second month of the flood, that is towards the end of August. The highlight of the ceremony came when out of the temple of Karnak came the sacred boat of Amon-Ra which carried by thirty priests and followed by those of Mut and Khonsu, covered the whole avenue of sphinxes and arrived at the temple of Luxor; here the boats were closed in the sanctuary for a couple of days, before returning to the temple of karnak, always accompanied by a rejoicing crowd singing and dancing.
Luxor--The Temples of Thebes
Many of the main roads which lead to the temples of Thebes (Luxor) used to be continuously lined with sphinxes. Those which flank the entrance of the First Pylon of Karnak combine the body of a lion with the head of a ram. The ram was a symbol of the god Amun for whom the temple was built. Each sphinx protects, between its forelegs, a standing statue of the king--originally Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.).
 
 The Temple of Amun at Karnak
Standing in the shadow of the First Pylon of the Temple of Amun at Karnak (in Luxor, Egypt), one is struck by the length of its east-west axis and the colossal size of its columns. Like all other temples in Egypt, this one symbolizes the mound of the original creation. The ground rises ever so gradually from the entrance toward the sanctuary. The columns are stone replicas of the vegetation which was growing in the the marshy land around the mound of creation.
In the center of this first court are the ruins of the kiosk of Taharqa (690-664 B.C.), one column (middle ground, right) of which is complete. Beyond the kiosk before the Second Pylon are two standing statues of Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.). After the Second Pylon, the columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall can be seen.
 The Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak
The Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak Temple was begun during the reign of King Sety I (c.1290-1279 B.C.) and was completed by his son, Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.). The north- south axis of the hall provides views which reveal not only the immensity but also the practicality of the architecture. The central row of 12 columns on the east-west axis are 69 feet/21 meters in height, about 33 feet/10 meters in circumference, and have open papyrus capitals. The 122 columns in the side aisles are 43 feet/13 meters in height, 27.5 feet/8.4 meters in circumference, and have closed papyrus-bud capitals (as seen here). Remember that the whole of this hall was roofed with stone slabs, and the interior was quite dark. The difference in height between the central and the side aisle columns was used to provide natural light through clerestory windows which have vertical stone slats.
 Obelisk of Hatshepsut
Leaving the hypostyle hall through the third pylon you come to a narrow court where there once stood several obelisks. One of the obelisks was erected by Tuthmosis I (1504 - 1492 BC) who was the father of Hatshepsut. This obelisk stands 70 feet (21.3m) tall and weighs about 143 tons. During the centuries between Tuthmosis I and Ramesses VI, the kings of the time did more than their share of destroying and dismantling. This obelisk was never touched. The original inscription was left in its place. However, two kings did add their inscription on either side of the original. Beyond this obelisk is the only remaining Obelisk of Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC). It is 97 feet (29.6m) high and weighs approximately 320 tons. Besides the Lateran obelisk in Rome, this is the tallest standing obelisk. The one in Rome is 101 feet (30.7m) high. Hatshepsut was a woman who dared to challenge the tradition of male kingship. She died from undisclosed causes after imposing her will for a time. After her death, her name and memory suffered attempted systematic obliteration. The inscription on the obelisk says, "O ye people who see this monument in years to come and speak of that which I have made, beware lest you say, 'I know not why it was done'. I did it because I wished to make a gift for my father Amun, and to gild them with electrum."
The Obelisk of Thutmose I
Beyond the Third Pylon and in the Central Court of Karnak Temple is the Obelisk of Thutmose I (c.1493-1479 B.C.). This is the last of four obelisks which originally stood in front of the Fourth  Pylon, which, in the time of Thutmose I, was the entrance into Karnak Temple. The obelisk is 71 feet/21.7 meters in height, sits on a base 6 feet/1.8 meters square, and weighs about 143 tons. Each side of the obelisk has three vertical lines of inscription, the central one being a dedication by Thutmose I.
The Sixth Pylon of Karnak Temple
Just to the east of the Sixth Pylon of Karnak Temple is the vestibule to the sanctuary (right), where the priests kept the portable shrine used by the god's statue in processions. In the vestibule, built by Thutmose III (c.1479-1425 B.C.), are these two granite columns, elegant reminders of the importance of the concept of a unified Upper (Nile valley) and Lower (Nile delta) Egypt. These columns are decorated in raised relief with the papyrus on the left (north/the delta) and the lotus on the right (south/the valley).
April 26, 2010, Mon.
Check into our cruise ship. Morning bus through the beautiful countryside to Abydos, the temple dedicated to Osiris and one of Ancient Egypt’s most sacred sites. Look for the “mystery” reliefs in the main hall ceiling – helicopter, tank, airplanes! West of the temple is the Osirion – an underground complex representing the tomb of Osiris, the only location in Egypt where the Flower of Life can be found. Back on to our bus to the Hathor Temple at Dendara. The roof chapel dedicated to Osiris features the celebrated zodiac calendar. The sacred lake probably was used for the presentation of mystery plays and ceremonies relating to the union of Hathor and Horus. Overnight cruise. (BD)
Morning bus through the beautiful countryside to Abydos, the temple dedicated to Osiris and one of Ancient Egypt’s most sacred sites. Original construction began by Seti I and completed by his son Ramses II. (The Ramses’ reliefs are cut deeply into the stone and Seti’s are delicate raised reliefs.) The layout of the building was basis of the numbers 2 and 7 – 2 pylons, 2 courtyards, 2 hypostyle halls, 7 doors, 7 bays leading to 7 chapels. Look for the “mystery” reliefs in the main hall ceiling – helicopter, tank, airplanes??? This complex is the featured Temple in the book Omm Sety. West of the temple is the Osirion – an underground complex representing the tomb of Osiris. Due to the water levels the Osirion is not accessible – however, the flowers of life can be seen on one of the pylons. This is an awesome complex and one which should be experienced with the heart as well as the eyes.
On to the Hathor Temple at Dendara. This sacred site is home to the gorgeous temple plus remains of 2 lesser shrines, the sacred lake, small Isis Chapel. /Temple, and an excellent statue of the God Bes. (Bes was the dwarf God that frightened away evil spirits, was an ally to children and women in childbirth.) Here Hathor was venerated as the divinity of the cosmos in which life takes form ~ also known as the goddess of love and source of joy for all living creatures. Hathor’s name also means Temple of Horus (Horus being her consort.) The ceiling of the hypostyle hall is painted with cosmic scenes – heaven is represented by the Goddess Nut. Nut swallows the sun each evening and gives birth to it each morning. Below the temple are 12 crypts on three levels – this represents the underworld and was also where ceremonial treasures were kept. The roof chapel dedicated to Osiris features the celebrated zodiac calendar. The sacred lake probably was used for the presentation of mystery plays and ceremonies relating to the union of Hathor and Horus. The Temple of Hathor is frequently called the Temple of Dreams!
 Abydos
The Abydos Pilgrimage conveys the visitor to a true initation into the Egyptian Underworld. The pilgrim must go through successive stages. The votive temple which Seti  I built in Abydos is in Osiris' image. Less than a traditional temple whose immutable divinity occupies the heart, enclosed in its naos [glossary], and whose priests cross the succession of thresholds each morning in a thousand-year-old ritual, it was meant to be a stone paean exalting the god's passion, the blaze of his stay on Earth, the darkness of his death, the brilliance of his resurrection and, finally, the ecstasy of his justification.
 The temple is Osiris--each of the halls is akin to one of the god's limbs, each of the chapels like a portion of his soul. Once over the threshold, the pilgrim realized hat he was not allowed to enter to celebrate Osiris, but to be associated with his fate, to resonate at his trials, to undergo his anguish, to be comforted by his regained serenity.
More than any other temple, Abydos dictates that it be the initiator. As tradition required, the entire monument was enclosed by a continuous wall of unbaked bricks, thick and tall enough to hide the secrets of the courtyards and  apartments from the profane. A first pylon determined the axis of the sacred voyage. Once over the threshold, the pilgrim was in a first courtyard, giving on to a second pylon, which itself opened into a second courtyard. Today, only ruins remain of the first courtyard. The interior walls of the first courtyard were decorated with reliefs relating the highlights of the founder's civic life, his campaigns and his victories; those of the second evoked his religious life, his pious acts and, notably, the holy days he offered the god, in long processions of priests bearing daily offerings and solemn gifts.
 The second courtyard was oriented on a portico upheld by twelve pillars, each pillar's four faces bearing the effigy of the pharaoh being welcomed to the temple by one of the deities associated with the Osirian myth. Originally, seven doors at regular intervals provided access to the apartments. Unfortunately, Seti never completed the temple; his son and successor felt that completing it was a pious duty. Ramesses II certainly did not possess his father's high religious principles; he standardized the building by walling up four of the seven doors and took advantage of the space thus saved to engrave a long inscription dedicated to his own glory.
 Temple of Hathor: The trip to famous temple of Hathor at Dendera takes about 1 hour from Luxor in a taxi. The entrance ticket to the temple is 12 Egyptian pounds.
The temple in located in Qena the capital of the province inhabited by Coptic and Muslims, pop 2,000,000. This town is very famous for manufacture of water pots, called in Arabic "gula" jars. The modern town of Qena was founded by the holy Muslim Shiek Abdel Raheeem El Kenawi who spent all of his life in this town and died in 1170 AD. The birthday of this saint is celebrated every year, and a great number of pilgrims come from all over Egypt for this celebration. The name of the city goes back to the time of the pharaohs , it was taken from the ancient Egyptian word Qeny, which means to bend. this name was chosen for the city because the Nile river is taking a curve shape in this spot
 The temple of Hathor at Dendera was built in the 1st c BC and It is one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. It was built by Ptolemy 8th and Queen Cleopatra 2nd and then later Roman Emperors continued to decorate it and honour of the goddess Hathor, the goddess of love, music and maternity. The goddess Hathor was identified by the Greeks with Aphrodite.
 When visitors pass through the first gateway, built by Roman Emperor Domitian at 80AD. This gate leads to the main building of the temple. The great hall of the temple is decorated with Hathoric columns, columns with the face of Hathor. This is found is very good state of preservation. The front upper edge of the cornice is decorated with the winged sun disc. The front portion is enclosed by stone screens between the columns and the scene which represent the Roman Emperor Tiberius and other rulers who present votive offerings to the goddess of the temple. Hathor is chiefly represented with the horns of the sacred cow protruding from her head, supporting the solar disc of the sun, and in her hands holding the symbol of life and sceptre. Sometimes she is represented with the head of a cow.
 The interior walls of the great Hall represents remarkable scenes that mainly depict sacrifices being made to the goddess of the temple. The amazing ceiling with astronomical representations is also very interesting. The ceiling is divided into 7 divisions. The first division on the eastern side depicts goddess Nut, goddess of the sky, bending herself towards the earth and the sun disc is seen shining on the temple and the mask of Hathor. Next to this is a representation of the sun boat and star goddess. Next to this the western ceiling shows a divine in a perfect representation of the zodiac signs, which makes this temple one of the most famous temples. The original zodiac is in the louver museum. The 12 figures of the ram, the bull, the heavenly twins, the crab, the lion, Virgo, the scales, the scorpion, the  archer, the goat, the watering pots and fishes with glittering tails. On the inner walls of the screen the hawk headed god hours and the ibis headed god Thoth are pouring drops of holy water over the king. This scene is called the baptism scene, symbolising life and happiness.
The second hall was 6 columns adorned with rich capitals and granite pedestals. On both sides of this hall are small rooms which were used as store rooms to store the wine jars that came from Crete island and the fertile oasis of Fayioum and Kharga oasis.
 Next is the central chapel which has two altars, one for the sacred boat and the other one for the sacrifices offered to goddess Hathor. The beautifully sculptured reliefs on the walls of the shrines represent Ptolemy 8th and other rules whose names were left blank in the oval cartouches, dancing with offerings to the sacred boat of Hathor and her husband Horus. The king's representatives, the high priests, noblemen used to gather in the great hall in attendance for the daily rituals. The ceilings are covered in stars and black smog from the fires of the later inhabitants of the temple. The rooms around the sanctuary were used for scientific purposes, the storing of the sacred boat, the sacred reath, the golden image of goddess Hathor, musical instruments.
You have to note the small corridor on your right will take you to a small room which contain the crypt, which is highly recommended.
 The staircases which lead to the roof of the temple are decorated with some beautiful symbols representing the 12 months of the year. ON the east corner of this roof lies the chapel of God Osiris. The scenes on the walls represent Osiris's rising from the dead and becoming the god of the underworld. It is from this chapel that the best representation of the zodiac was taken.
Southern exterior wall reliefs show Cleopatra 7th and her son Caesarion, son of Julius Caesar, making offering to Hathor and all the deities of Dendera. On the same wall near the cornice are some stone lion heads, to serve as water spouts. Adjoining the temple building to the west is the sacred lake.
 This lake was used for the priests' ablutions. Next to the lake is a small shaft, discovered in 1917, which contained valuable treasures of Cleopatra's era, which are now displayed in the Egyptian Museum. If you look around the temple you will notice the remnants of the mud brick wall which surrounded the whole temple, and remains of Coptic houses and churches, including large number of Coptic crosses chiselled on the stones. To the north lies the Mamisi, the birth house of Horus, surrounded by one row of columns, with different capitals embellished with relief images of god Bes a hideous dwarf, with a big stomach and long whiskers.
He is the chief god of childhood who drove evil spirits away from the babies. This little temple was erected by the roman Emperor Trajan in 90 AD dedicated to the divine god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris.
April 27, 2010, Tues.
Morning sightseeing and exploring the West Bank’s ancient sites including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary
Temple, Medinet Habu, and the renowned Colossi of Memnon, the gigantic statues of Amenhotep III. Late afternoon begin cruising the Nile toward Esna
and the Nile locks. Overnight cruise ship. (BLD)
~ optional: Alabaster shop.
An early morning start takes us across the Nile to the West Bank where we will visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Habu Temple. Valley of the Kings – the tombs that we will visit will depend on which ones are currently open. We will have the opportunity to experience three different sites. Deir Al-Bahari The Temple of Hatshepsut ~ The female pharaoh ruled Egypt for 20 years (18th Dynasty) - this spectacular temple is partially free-standing and partially rock-cut. All three terraces are open and reconstruction is still continuing. There are two small chapels – on the south dedicated to the goddess Hathor and the other dedicated to Anubis. Medinet Habu – the mortuary temple of Ramses III (1184-1153BC). An unusual feature is the entrance to the temple which was constructed in the form of a Syrian fortress – the temple became a place of security during unsettled times. The painted carved reliefs are particularly well preserved. Colossi of Memnon – photo opportunity – nearby “Colossi” temple is being excavated. The afternoon is free to relax or visit the Luxor Museum if you choose.
Colossi of Memnon
Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty) built a mortuary temple in Thebes that was guarded by two gigantic statues on the outer gates. All that remains now are the 23 meter (75 ft) high, one thousand ton statues of Amenhotep III. Though damaged by nature and ancient tourists, the statues are still impressive.
 Ancient Egyptians called the southern of the two statues "Ruler of Rulers". Later travelers called them "Shammy and "Tammy", which may have been a corruption of the Arabic words for "left" and "right". Today they are known locally as "el-Colossat", or "es-Salamat". The statues are made from carved blocks of quartzite quarried either at Giza or Gebel es-Silsila. The Northern statue depicts Amenhotep III with his mother, Mutemwia, while the southern statue is of Amenhotep III with his wife, Tiy and one of his daughters. On the sides of the statues are reliefs depicting Nile gods joining together plants symbolizing Upper and Lower Egypt.
Due to an earthquake in 27 BC, these statues became known for a bell like tone that usually occurred in the morning due to rising temperatures and humidity. Thus they were equated by the early Greek travelers with the figure of Memnon, the son of Aurora who's mother, Eos, was the goddess of dawn. To be granted a song meant that you were very much in favor of the gods. Visitors came from miles around to hear the music, including Emperor Hadrian, in 130 A.D. The Roman emperor Septimius Severus, seeking to repair the statues in 199 AD, inadvertently silenced them forever.
 Queen Hatshepsut Temple
The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is o ne of the most dramatically situated in the world. The queen's architect, Senenmut, designed it and set it at the head of a valley overshadowed by the Peak of the Thebes, the "Lover of Silence," where lived the goddess who presided over the necropolis. A tree lined avenue of sphinxes led up to the temple, and ramps led from terrace to terrace. The porticoes on the lowest terrace are out of proportion and coloring with the rest of the building. They were restored in 1906 to protect the celebrated reliefs depicting the transport of obelisks by barge to Karnak and the miraculous birth of Queen Hatshepsut. Reliefs on the south side of the middle terrace show the queen's expedition by way of the Red Sea to Punt, the land of incense.
  
Along the front of the upper terrace, a line of large, gently smiling Osirid statues of the queen looked out over the valley. In the shade of the colonnade behind, brightly painted reliefs decorated the walls. Throughout the temple, statues and sphinxes of the queen proliferated. Many of them have been reconstructed, with patience and ingenuity, from the thousands of smashed fragments found by the excavators; some are now in the Cairo Museum, and others the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
 
 Valley of the Kings
The Egyptian belief that "To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again" is certainly carried out in the building of the tombs. The king's formal names and titles are inscribed in his tomb along with his images and statues. Beginning with the 18th Dynasty and ending with the 20th, the kings abandoned the Memphis area and built their tombs in Thebes. Also abandoned were the pyramid style tombs. Most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign. The text in the tombs are from the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Gates and the Book of the Underworld. See also a history and overview of the Valley  of the Kings.
Tutankhamun
Though small and unimpressive, Tutankhamun's Tomb is probably the most famous, due to its late discovery. Howard Carter's description upon opening the tomb in 1922 was, "At first I could see nothing, the hot air escaping from the chamber causing the candle flames to flicker, but presently, as my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold - everywhere the glint of gold. For  the moment - an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by - I was dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, 'Can you see anything?' it was all I could do to get out the words, "Yes, wonderful things."' The royal seal on the door was found intact. The first three chambers were unadorned, with evidence of early entrance through one of the outside walls. The next chamber contained most of the funerary objects. The sarcophagus was four guilded wooden shrines, one inside the other, within which lay the stone sarcophagus, three mummiform coffins, the inner one being solid gold, and then the mummy. Haste can be seen in the reliefs and the sarcophagus, due to the fact that Tutankhamun died at only 19 years of age following a brief reign. Though extremely impressive to the modern world, the treasures of Tutankhamun must have paled when compared to the tombs of the great Pharaohs that ruled for many years during Egypt's golden age.
Wake up in Edfu and the spectacular temple dedicated to the celestial god Horus – represented by the falcon whose wings symbolize the extension of the cosmos. This is a remarkably well preserved temple and the largest of all the temples on the Nile. This is a powerful and resonating place, full of magic and male energy. Set sail toward KomOmbo and a visit to the temple dedicated to both Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Early evening arrival in Aswan. Overnight cruise ship. (BLD)
Wake up in Edfu where we will take a horse and carriage to the spectacular temple dedicated to the celestial god Horus – represented by the falcon whose wings symbolize the extension of the cosmos. This is a remarkably well preserved temple and the largest dedicated to Horus. This is a powerful and resonating place full of magic and male energy. Set sail to Esna ~ primary deity is Khnum, the ram headed god, creator who modeled every animal and plant at his potter’s wheel. Heka the god of “magic” was worshipped as a secondary god to Khnum. This temple is located below street level. The visit to this temple will depend on the timing of passing through the locks. Then we set sail and go through the famous locks to visit Kom Ombo – dedicated to Horus the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god. This is the only Egyptian temple dedicated to duality – the left side dedicated to light and the right to dark – also represents the second chakra, the sexual chakra. The building itself consists of two entrances, two corridors, dual passages, and the inner sanctuary is divided into two shrines Site of the crocodile initiation.
 
 Between Aswan and Luxor is located the major Ptolemaic temple of Edfu - the best preserved major temple in Egypt. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus and was built over a 180-year period from 237 BC to 57 BC. Inside the temple's pylons is a large courtyard. Just before the entrance to the first of two hypostyle halls is a welcoming statue of Horus. Inside the hypostyle halls are dominated by a forest of towering columns.
Dedicated to Horus, the falcon headed god, it was built during the reigns of six Ptolemies. We have a great deal of information about its construction from reliefs on outer areas. It was begun in 237 BC by Ptolemy III Euergetes I and was finished in 57 BC. Most of the work continued throughout this period with a brief interlude of 20 years while there was unrest during the  period of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V Epiphanes.
This is not only the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but the second largest after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a long series of temples build on this location. It is said that the original structure housing a statue of Horus was a grass hut built in prehistoric times. At any rate, there is an earlier and smaller pylon of Ramesses II which sits in a 90 degree angle to the current building.
 The main building, which includes a great Hypostyle Hall, was uncovered by Mariette in the 1860s. There are numerous reliefs, including a depiction of the Feast of the Beautiful Meeting, the annual reunion between Horus and his wife Hathor. The reliefs are mostly situated on the inside of the first pylon, and spiritually connect this temple with Hathor's Temple at the Dendera complex. During the third month of summer, the priests at the Dendera complex would place the statue of Hathor on her barque (a ceremonial barge) and would thus bring the statue to the Edfu Temple, where it was believed that Horus and Hathor shared a conjugal visit. Each night, the god and goddess would retire to the mamissi, or berthing house.
 There is still an entrance colonnade to the mamissi, and reliefs with considerable remaining color just outside the main temple. These images portray the ritual of the birth of Harsomtus, son of Horus and Hathor.
The pylons of the main Temple are about 118 feet high with typical scenes of the pharaoh in battle with his enemies. Within the pylons is the colonnaded courtyard with distinctive, pared columns, which leads into the great hypostyle hall. But on either side of the courtyard there are gates which lead to an area behind the temple and inside the bounding walls. Here, there are inscriptions recording donations of land which were probably transferred from demotic documents. There are also dramatic images depicting the defeat of Seth by Horus. There was an annual ritual called the known as the Triumph of Horus (10 harpoons) which ended in the slaying of a hippopotamus, the symbol of Seth.
 The facade of the first hypostyle hall has images honoring Horus and Hathor, and there is an immaculate ten foot tall colossi of Horus as the falcon god here (a matching colossi was destroyed). As you enter the great hall, you will begin to notice the use of light. Even though the temple was built over hundreds of years, it is very harmonious, and ebbs and flow of lighting was certainly purposeful, portraying a feeling of mystery. Just inside the hall are two small rooms, a robing room on the west and a library to the east where the priest would obtain the religious orders of the day. Within this hall are scenes of offering including the temple foundation ceremonies.
 Beyond the great hypostyle hall is a second, smaller hypostyle hall which leads to a well called the Chamber of the Nile where the Priests obtained pure holy water. This is a similar arrangement as found at Dendera. On the west side of the room are doors that lead to a small laboratory with recipes engraved on the walls for ointments and perfumes which where used daily to anoint the statue of Horus, and to a treasure room where offerings were stored.
Beyond the second hypostyle hall is the offering hall, followed by the vestibule and finally the sanctuary. There is a granite naos here dedicated by Nectanebo II, making it the oldest relic in the temple. It is probable that a golden gilded wooden statue of Horus about 60 cm tall would have resided on the naos. This statue would have been cared for by the priests in a human manner, being washed, dressed, anointed, fed and entertained.
 The sanctuary itself is surrounded by chapels and rooms which, when facing north and in clockwise order, are the chapel of Min, the chamber of linen where the robs of the Horus would have been stored, the chamber of the throne of gods, the chamber of Osiris, the chamber of the West, the tomb of Osiris, the chamber of the victor (Horus), where there is a reconstructed ceremonial barge (barque), chapels of Khonsu and Hathor, the chapel of the throne of Ra and a chapel of the spread wings, dedicated principally to Mehit, the lioness who guarded the path the soul passed on its journey towards resurrection. The front chapel on the east is the Chapel of the New Year, a sun court like that at Dendera. Here, a depiction on the ceiling show the voyage of the solar barque through the Twelve Hours of the day, with an inspiring image of the goddess, Nut. The statue of Horus would be taken from here up a flight of stairs to the roof terrace where it would be recharged by the sun during the Festival of the New Year. The walls of the stairs located in the outer anti-chamber depict this ritual.
April 29, 2010, Thurs.
Early morning visit to the magnificently beautiful Philae island temple dedicated to the Isis – the mother of all ancient Egyptian goddesses. We’ll also stop at the famous spice bazaar and the unfinished obelisk. Overnight cruise ship. (BLD)
Continue our sail on to the magical city of Aswan, home to the beautiful and gracious Nubian people. After lunch and docking, we will take a ferry to Isis Temple – a breathtaking temple located on the Island of Philae – saved from high dam flooding the buildings were completely moved between 1972-80 Hathor was also honored here (just as Isis is at Dendara) – the worship of Isis continued long after the intro of Christianity – about 570 AD a Catholic church was established on the site.
Philae in Greek or Pilak in ancient Egyptian, meaning 'the end,' defined the southern most limit of Egypt. It was begun by Ptolemy II and completed by the Roman Emperors. The Temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. These three characters dominate ancient Egyptian culture and their story possesses all the drama of a Shakespearian tragedy. The god Osiris is murdered and dismembered by his brother Seth. Isis searches for the fragments, collects them together and with her magic powers brings Osiris back to life. They then conceive the god Horus. Osiris becomes god of the under world and judge of the dead - who must answer to him for their deeds on Earth. Meanwhile Isis gives birth to Horus and protects the young god. Later when Horus is grown he avenges his father by defeating Seth in combat.
April 30, 2010, Fri.
We’ll experience a Nile felucca ride to the Elephatine botanical gardens and the Temple of Khnum – the creator god. Early evening train to Cairo. (BD)
Check out of our wonderful cruise boat. There is an excursion to sail on a traditional felucca to visit Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens.
Elephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands, and is one of the most ancient sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating to predynastic periods.
  
 Elephantine is Greek for elephant. In ancient times, the Island, as well as the southern town, was called Abu, or Yabu, which also meant elephant. The town has also been referenced as Kom, after its principle god of the island, Khnum (Khnemu). It is believed that the island received its name because it was a major ivory trading center, though in fact, it was a major trading post of many commodities. There are large boulders in the river near the island which resembled bathing elephants, particularly from afar, and this too has been suggested as a reason for the island's name.
The island is very beautiful, and while many of the artifacts there are in ruin, there is still considerable to see. There has been an ongoing excavation at the town for many years by the German Archaeological Institute, and some of the finds along with many other island artifacts, including a mummified ram of Khnum, are located in the Elephantine Museum.
 Another major attraction is the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Elephantine Island was considered to be home of this important Egyptian god, and while this structure dates back to the Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, there are references to a Temple of Khnum on the island as early as the 3rd Dynasty.
 There are also ruins of a Temple of Satet, who was Khnum's female counterpart (the three local deities were foremost Khnum, but also Satet and a local Nubian goddess Anqet. These gods were worshipped here since the earliest dynasties), also built by Queen Hatshepsut, a shrine to Hekayib from the 6th Dynasty, a local governor who was deified after his death. His cult flourished during the middle kingdom, and some fine statues from the shrine are now in the museum. You will also find a 3rd Dynasty granite step pyramid which is now just visible, and to the north, the mud-brick vaults of the late period which housed the bodies of the royal rams. On the south end of the island is a small one room Ptolemaic temple which was constructed from materials removed from the Kalabsha Temple. Here, there are decorations attributed to the Nubian Pharaoh Arkamani from the 3rd century BC The building seems to have been finished by the Romans with reference to Caesar Augustus.
 Elephantine Island is a beautiful place to visit, with wonderful gardens and some truly significant artifacts. It is also a good place to spend some leisure time, wondering among the Nubian villages where the people are friendly and the houses are often very colorful. The houses often have paintings or carved with a crocodile at the bottom, a fish in the middle and a man on top, with a woman's hand made of brass as a door knocker between the fish and man. Others will have a sacred black cube of Mecca, with a painting depicting the means of the owner's pilgrimage to Mecca.
 Agha-Khan is the Mausoleum of the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shi'ite sect (as were the Fatimid) based principally in India but with followers around the world. It is a very elegant pink granite structure of late 1950 origin, which also resembles the Fatimid tombs in Cairo. Members of this sect consider themselves to be the direct spiritual descendants of the Fatimid. The Mausoleum has an excellent view, including Aga Khan's white villa below, and is near the Monastery of St. Simeons on the west bank at Aswan. His Begun, or wife, still lives in the villa three months of the year.
 The Aga Khan was extremely wealthy. On his birthday in 1945, he was weighed in diamonds which he then distributed to his followers. It should be noted, also, that he was a large man. Every day that his widow was at the Villa, she places a Red Rose on his white Carrara marble tomb. His widow, Omme Habibeh, popularly referred to as "The Begum" died on July 1st, 2000. The other months, a gardener fills this function, and it has been rumored that at one point, not a single rose could be found in Egypt, so for almost a week, roses were flown in from Paris by private jet.
Mohammed Shah Aga Khan was educated in Europe and succeeded his father in 1885 to become the 48th imam. He was succeeded by his grandson, Karim AGa Khan upon his death in 1957.
May 1, 2010, Sat.
Early morning train arrival to Cairo where we will check back into our hotel and have a chance to shower and rest. Our final group and preparation for our visit to The Great Pyramid. Afternoon Cairo tour. Overnight Cairo. (B)
  
May 2, 2010, Sun.
This morning we will visit inside The Great Pyramid of Giza where all the ancient initiates ended their journey. Following a time for ceremony and stillness we will emerge and experience a fun Camel ride in the desert, perhaps visiting the Solar Cross if time permits. The afternoon is yours to lest, pack, do some last minute shopping and enjoy your final moments in Mother Egypt’s embrace. Farewell to Egypt dinner. Overnight Cairo (B)
  
  
 
May 3, 2010, Mon.
Farewell to our ancient homeland.
Our wonderful Wonder Egypt hosts will be saying good-bye and taking everyone to the airport for the flights home.
 
  
END OF TOUR
(Itinerary subject to change if new opportunities arise!)
For more information, CLICK HERE.
To Inquire or Register, CLICK HERE.
TOUR FEES:
Pacha Mama and Isis
A Calling of the Heart in Egypt
April 20-May 4, 2009
Shared room fees, per person:
(includes $800 non-refundable deposit)
$4224 if fully paid by February 15, 2010
$4299 if fully paid by March 15, 2010
$4374 if fully paid by April 1, 2010
$4449 thereafter
Single room fees, for one person:
(includes $800 non-refundable deposit)
$4924 if fully paid by February 15, 2010
$4999 if fully paid by March 15, 2010
$5074 if fully paid by April 1, 2010
$5149 thereafter
(Non-refundable deposit $800 US is included)
- All ground transfers and transportation
- Nightly lodging in deluxe hotel accommodations
- Meals as indicated in itinerary (B,L,D)
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sites.
- Deluxe Nile Cruise
- Site entrance fees
- Private ceremonies with Mallku, Lanna Aisha, and Nancy Joy.
- Well known Egyptologist Amro Mounier is tour guide.
- International airfare from home NOT INCLUDED.
B/L/D – breakfast-lunch-dinner will be subject to our touring schedule but we will adhere to this schedule as close as possible.
Itinerary subject to change as situations and guidance dictate.
Passport required. Visa required for US citizens. No immunizations required.
To Inquire, CLICK HERE.
To Register, CLICK HERE.
For more information about this tour, CLICK HERE.
Take the leap, follow your heart, experience the adventure!
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 EGYPT "MYSTERY OF THE SPHINX"
11-Day Tour
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1:
Leave home to travel to Egypt on night flight.
Day 2:
Arrive at Cairo International Airport and transfer to 5-star hotel. Dinner at hotel.
 
Day 5:
 Early morning, view Temples of Abu Simbel as sun rises over the serene Nile River. Return to ship and sail North. While cruising, view remains of Kassr Ibrim, sole vestige of the distant past of Nubia, in its original location from the Pharaonic period. The Ruins of the arches of a Roman citadel and a cathedral still dominate the summit above the East Bank. After lunch visit the Amada Oasis and Temple of Amada. Sail to Wadi el Sebou. Dinner and overnight on board at Wadi El Sebou. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a temple built by Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.) in ancient Nubia, where he wished to demonstrate his power and his divine nature. Four colossal (65 feet/20 meters high) statues of him sit in pairs flanking the  entrance. The head and torso of the statue to the left of the entrance fell during ancient times, probably the result of an earthquake. This temple faces the east, and Re-Horakhty, one manifestation of the sun god, is shown inside the niche directly above the entrance. The alignment of the temple is such that twice a year the sun's rays reach into the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the seated statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, Ramesses II, and Re- Horakhty.
The temple was cut out of the sandstone cliffs above the Nile River in an area near the Second Cataract. When the High Dam was being constructed in the early 1960s, international cooperation assembled funds and technical expertise to move this temple to higher ground so that it would not be inundated by the waters of Lake Nasser.
 
Sunk Relief of the God Hapy
At Abu Simbel, below the seat of one of the colossal statues of Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.), is this sunk relief of the god Hapy, the personification of the Nile flood. The figure of Hapy appears twice, tying stems of plants around the hieroglyph for "unite." The extended foot of each Hapy figure rests on the hieroglyph which is a lung from which a windpipe projects straight up from the center, forming a "T" at the top. On the left Hapy holds stems of the lotus (symbol of Upper Egypt); on the right he holds stems of the papyrus (Lower Egypt). Hapy's crowns also display these plants. Hapy is androgynous (both male and female characteristics), suggesting the fertility of the land which results from the Nile flood. This androgyny explains his pendant breasts and swollen belly. The centralized image of the lung and windpipe flanked by the two figures of Hapy illustrate the Egyptian concern for balance and order. The cartouche of Ramesses II sits directly above the lung and windpipe.
   
The Temple of Hathor
The Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel was built by Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.) to honor both Hathor as the goddess of love/music and his wife Nefertari as the deified queen. The facade, resembling a pylon, has six standing colossal (over 33 feet/10 meters high) statues. On each side of the entrance, two statues of Ramesses flank one of Nefertari dressed as Hathor. The colossal statues are, in turn, flanked by smaller statues of their children.
  
Day 6:
Morning visit to temple of Wadi El Sebou, a rock temple dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods, Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis. Later visit Temple of Dakke, dedicated to Thoth, God of divine wisdom, Lord of Time and Sciences, Master of Divine Literature. Visit Roman Temple of Moharraka. Sail to Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board at Aswan. . (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
 
Day 7:
Morning disembarkation at Aswan and visit Kalabsha Temple with its Pharaonic aspect, remodeled into Greco roman style, dedicated to the God Mandoulis, the Hemi-Speos of Beit El Wali, erected by Ramses II in the beginning of his reign, and the Kiosk of Kertassi, erected to honor the Goddess Isis. 5PM Transfer to the railway station to travel to Luxor ( 3 Hours ) Arrive Luxor & transfer to your Hotel. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Luxor. (Breakfast and Dinner)
 
Day 8:
Morning tour to visit West Bank of Luxor where you will see the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, Queen Hatchepsut's Temple at El Deir El Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon. Return to hotel. Early evening, visit to Luxor Temple. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Luxor. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 9:
Morning drive north to Quena where you will visit the Temple of Hathour at Denderah. Subject to government approval, you will visit the Temple of Abydos or return to Luxor for afternoon at leisure. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Luxor. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 10:
Morning visit to Karnak Temples. Transfer to the railway station to travel back to Cairo overnight in train (Dinner & breakfast )
Day 11:
Early morning tour to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Kings Chamber, the Queens Chamber, and the pit. You will also visit the Sphinx with the Valley Temple. Lunch will be at a typical Egyptian restaurant in the Saqqara area. Afternoon tour to visit the oldest of the Pyramids, the step Pyramid of Saqqara, the tomb of King Zoser of the 3rd Dynasty, built of marble limetsone by the great architect, Imhotep. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Check out of hotel. Transfer to Cairo International Airport for return flight to USA.
For More Information, CLICK HERE.
SPECIAL BARGAIN RATES FOR YOUR GROUP:
10 Days in Egypt with Nile cruise, including international airfare from USA. Price depends on size of group, travel dates, and origination city.
For More Information, CLICK HERE.
Program includes:
1 night in 5 Stars Hotel in Cairo half board Dinner & breakfast (either Pyramisa or Intercontinental Pyramids Park Hotel or Similar)
3 nights in 5 Stars Deluxe Nile Cruise full board 3 meals per day either Nobian Sea or Prince Abas or Similar)
3 nights in 5 Stars Hotel in Luxor half board Dinner & breakfast either Sheraton Hotel or Isis Hotel or Similar
1st Class Sleeper train Cairo / Aswan - Luxor / Cairo (Dinner & breakfast included)
Train Ticket Aswan / Luxor
Tour to Abu Simbel by private AC bus
All entrance fees to mentioned sights in our program
All transfers from airport to airport by AC bus
Meet at airport upon arrival
Multilingual guides
For More Information, CLICK HERE.
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SPECIALTY TOURS
