A JOURNEY INTO ANTIQUITY

Transcription

1 A JOURNEY INTO ANTIQUITY EGYPT & JORDAN BY PRIVATE PLANE DECEMBER 30, 2015 TO JANUARY 13, 2016

2 Dear National Trust Traveler, The ancient lands of Egypt and Jordan have enthralled travelers for centuries. No one can fail to be moved by the Great Pyramids, the tombs and temples of Luxor, or mysterious Petra. Add Biblical landmarks, Greco-Roman ruins, and special entrée to many of these timeless treasures, and you have a journey that is truly unforgettable. We are delighted that Isabel Stünkel, Associate Curator in the Department of Egyptian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be traveling with us in this fascinating part of the world. Isabel has excavated in Egypt as a member of the Museum s expedition to the pyramid complex of Senwosret III. As an Egyptologist, she is a specialist in ancient Egyptian culture, but her time in Egypt has also given her insights into this country s modern life. Tour Cairo s splendid museums and monuments, and welcome the New Year with lunch at Mena House. A private plane takes us to the antiquities of Luxor and a four-night cruise aboard Nile Adventurer. This deluxe small ship offers modern amenities and continental cuisine, as well as a small pool and covered sun deck. As we sail along the Nile, we will stop to see the remarkable temples at Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. TRAVELING WITH YOU ISABEL STÜNKEL, Associate Curator for ancient Egyptian art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, has excavated in Egypt as a member of the Museum s expedition to the pyramid complex of Senwosret III. As an Egyptologist, she is a specialist in ancient Egyptian culture, but her time in Egypt has also given her insights into this country s modern life. u Our river voyage concludes in Aswan, where we visit the Temple of Philae and delight in a sail on a Nile felucca (traditional sailboat). Once again by private plane, fly to Abu Simbel, where the temples of Ramses II and his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari, are architectural treasures and great achievements of preservation. Conclude in Jordan to explore Petra, Jordan s rose-red city half as old as time, and the magnificent Roman ruins of Jerash. In Amman, tour the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR), in the company of its director. This extraordinary journey is co-sponsored with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Congenial traveling companions, fine accommodations, and scenes of life along the Nile, which remains much as it has been for centuries, will combine to capture the essence of Egypt and Jordan, both ancient and modern. Please join us to ring in the New Year in Cairo. Sincerely, Scott Gerloff Director, National Trust Tours The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America s communities. For more information, visit the Trust s web site at or phone (888)

3 A JOURNEY INTO ANTIQUITY EGYPT & JORDAN BY PRIVATE PLANE DECEMBER 30, 2015 TO JANUARY 13, 2016 CAIRO Saturday, January 2 Begin the day with a tour of the Egyptian Museum, whose remarkable collection includes treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Then drive to Sakkara, necropolis of the Old Kingdom, for lunch and a visit to the site of the remarkable Step Pyramid of King Djoser, built in the 27th century B.C. Dine this evening at one of the city s popular restaurants. CAIRO Photo by Dr. Luk Wing Nin (B.D.S. HK) Luxor Temple Sunday, January 3 Today the focus is on Coptic and Islamic Cairo as we tour the old city. Visit the Coptic Museum, the 4th-century Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where the Geniza documents were discovered. Continue to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture. Lunch is at the restaurant in the hilltop Al-Azhar Park, with its lovely gardens and stunning city views. You may wish to browse in the colorful Khan el Khalili Bazaar this afternoon. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. DEPARTURE Wednesday, December 30 Depart on a flight from your gateway city and arrive in Cairo the following morning. CAIRO, EGYPT Thursday, December 31 Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, located on the west bank of the Nile. Gather this evening for a welcome reception to celebrate New Year s Eve, with introductory remarks by Isabel Stünkel. CAIRO 1 LUXOR, EGYPT Monday, January 4 This morning board a privately chartered plane to Luxor and embark Nile Adventurer in time for lunch. See the outstanding collections at the Luxor Museum and discover Luxor Temple in the afternoon. Dinner is on board. GIZA 1 CAIRO, EGYPT Friday, January 1 Following a morning lecture, drive to Giza for a tour of the Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the Solar Boat Museum, housing the exceptionally preserved cedar boat found near the Pyramid of Khufu, then enjoy special access to the Sphinx. A festive New Year s lunch is planned at the legendary Mena House before returning to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Temple of Philae Photo by Memphis

4 PETRA Saturday, January 9 Rise early this morning and enter the majestic siq, a narrow winding gorge accessible only on foot. Our first view of Petra is the magnificent ruins of the Treasury, one of the best preserved of the many elegant structures carved into the sandstone mountains. After lunch, you may wish to climb to the Monastery for panoramic views or relax at our hotel, perhaps taking tea in the garden court. The evening is at leisure. PETRA 1 AMMAN, JORDAN Temple relief at Deir el-bahari LUXOR 1 ESNA, EGYPT Tuesday, January 5 At Karnak Temple, walk along an avenue of sphinxes and see the impressive Hypostyle Hall with its massive columns. Then drive to the West Bank of Luxor, site of the vast necropolis of ancient Thebes. View the famed Colossi of Memnon, the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari. Enjoy lunch and the amenities of our lovely ship as we cruise to Esna. EDFU 1 KOM OMBO, EGYPT Wednesday, January 6 Step ashore at Edfu to see the impressive Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. Experience the timeless beauty along the Nile. Attend a lecture before arriving in Kom Ombo this evening. KOM OMBO 1 ASWAN, EGYPT Thursday, January 7 Visit the picturesque and unique double temple at Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Arrive in Aswan this afternoon to visit the Temple of Philae, built for the goddess Isis, and the granite quarries whose stone was used to create Egypt s obelisks. Then delight in a sail on a Nile felucca (traditional sailboat).this evening the captain hosts a gala dinner. ASWAN 1 ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT 1 PETRA, JORDAN Friday, January 8 Disembark Nile Adventurer and travel by private plane to Abu Simbel. See the monumental temples of Ramses II and his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. Constructed in the 13th century B.C., the temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from submersion after the building of the high dam. Fly to Aqaba, Jordan s port on the Red Sea, for an excursion to Petra. Lodging and dinner are arranged at the Mövenpick Resort. Sunday, January 10 Drive along the King s Highway through the stunning scenery of Wadi Mujib. Arrive at Madaba to view the 6th-century mosaic fragment depicting an ancient map of Palestine. After lunch, stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. In Amman, check in at the deluxe Four Seasons Hotel. Dinner is at leisure. JERASH 1 AMMAN, JORDAN Monday, January 11 Our morning visit to Jerash will introduce one of the best preserved cities of ancient Rome, complete with temples, theaters, and a forum. Following lunch at leisure in Amman, tour the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) in the company of its director. ACOR conducts archaeological and restoration projects in the region. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a popular restaurant. AMMAN 1 DEPARTURE Tuesday, January 12 Learn more about Jordan s ancient history and diverse cultural influences at the new Jordan Museum. After lunch overlooking the city, the balance of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit local art galleries, float in the Dead Sea, or relax at the hotel. Hotel rooms are reserved for the late evening transfer to the Amman Airport for the overnight flight home. ARRIVAL Wednesday, January 13 Arrive home today. n Jerash

5 NILE ADVENTURER Exclusively chartered for our group, the Nile Adventurer was refurbished in The vessel is fully air-conditioned, and all cabins offer river views and have private bathrooms with tub and shower. The Sun Deck has a small swimming pool. Meals, prepared by international chefs, are served in an elegant dining room. Music and nightly entertainment add to the pleasure of our Nile journey. Cabin Categories Land / Cruise Rates (Description) (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Standard Cabins 106 to 111 Nile Deck $8,995 Standard Cabins 201 to 208 Main Deck $9,995 Standard Cabins 301 to 310 Bridge Deck $10,950 Standard Cabins 401 to 404 Promenade Deck $11,750 Deluxe Cabins 209 & 210 Main Deck $12,550 Presidential Suites 405 & 406 Promenade Deck C $12,950 Single supplement is $2,595 for Nile and Main Deck cabins RATES INCLUDE u Four nights accommodations at Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, Cairo u Four nights cabin accommodations aboard the M.S. Nile Adventurer u Five nights hotel accommodations in Jordan, as per itinerary u Privately chartered internal flights: Cairo / Luxor Aswan / Abu Simbel /Aqaba u All meals during the cruise. Breakfast daily, seven lunches, three dinners, and one reception on shore. Bottled water and coffee / tea with all meals; local beer at lunches; local beer / wine at dinners u Escorted sightseeing by private motorcoach with entrance fees for all included visits u Airport / hotel / pier group transfers u Gratuities to local guides and drivers; taxes, service, and porterage charges The five-star Nile Adventurer and one of her standard cabins. NOT INCLUDED IN RATES Airfare to Egypt and from Jordan; passport and visa fees; customary shipboard gratuities; alcoholic beverages other than as noted; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; excess baggage; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION EGYPT & JORDAN: A JOURNEY INTO ANTIQUITY 1 DECEMBER 30, 2015 TO JANUARY 13, 2016 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to National Trust Tours. Mail to: National Trust Tours, P.O. Box , Boston, MA NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX National Trust Membership q I/We am/are National Trust Members. My/Our membership number is q I/We am/are not National Trust members. Please enroll us as members. q Individual ($20) q Family ($30) Accommodations Nile Adventurer Cabin Preference (1) (2) On-Shore Hotel Room Preference q Double q Twin q Single (limited availability) I wish to share a room/cabin with Form of Payment q Enclosed is my check (payable to National Trust Tours) q Credit card deposit of $2,000 per person for a total of $ Final payment must be made by check or wire transfer. NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD NUMBER 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check or wire transfer 120 days prior to departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please telephone the Tours Program at the National Trust at (888) or (202) web: n info@nationaltrusttours.com

6 TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights or your own individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE $2,500 per person, payable to National Trust Tours, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Balance due by check 120 days prior to departure. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing airfares, fuel costs and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. ELIGIBILITY National Trust for Historic Preservation tours are open to members only. Membership dues for 2015 and 2016 are $30 for family and $20 for individual membership. The minimum age limit for the program is 14. Children must pay the full price, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit. PLEASE NOTE: Participants must be in excellent health and able to participate in tour activities. Any physical condition that may require special medical attention (for example, the need of a wheelchair) must be reported at the time of your reservation. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate fully due to health conditions or disabilities, contact the National Trust at (888) or (202) The National Trust for Historic Preservation and AAA reserve the right to decline or retain any person as a member of this tour at any time. In such case, the refund will be limited to the actual cost of unused tour services. Please note: Sea Cloud does not have an elevator. TRAVEL INSURANCE The National Trust for Historic Preservation strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. For additional information, please contact National Trust Tours at CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS All cancellations must be in writing and are subject to a $350 non refundable processing fee. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; 90 and 61 days prior to departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on day of departure or after, or for unused portions of tour. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Air cancellation penalties will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor AAA accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. The right is reserved by AAA to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. In such case, refund of the cost of the trip shall constitute full settlement with the passenger. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in order to make an educational opportunity available to its members, has arranged for AAA to organize our tour and procure carriage, accommodations and other tour services from other parties. Once tour members register for the tour, they must contact and otherwise deal with AAA. Neither AAA nor any other suppliers of tour services are joint venturers with or in any way controlled by the National Trust. The National Trust can undertake no responsibility for the accuracy of representations in tour promotion literature, for tour reservations, accommodations, transportation or safety, nor any other aspect of the tour except preservation-related educational programs and the liaison between the National Trust and other preservationists. Consequently, the National Trust shall not be construed to make any covenants or warranties, expressed or implied, regarding our tours, and shall not be liable in any way for any personal injury, death, property damage or loss incurred by any person in connection with our tours. Arrangements Abroad, Inc. and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, carriage, aircraft or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers; neither will they be responsible for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. However, when the tour departs the U.S., no refund can be made for any feature of the program not used by the passenger during operation of the tour. The agent reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. In such case the refund will be limited to the actual cost of the unused land tour services. The sole responsibility of any airline used in any tour is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. Any ARC/IATA carriers used are not responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their planes or conveyances. Similar responsibilities as noted above apply to all types of carriers. Copyright 2015 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST Treasury of Petra, photo courtesy of Jordan Tourism (top); map of Palestine at Madaba (center); Egyptian spice market (bottom). On the front cover: Abu Simbel, Egypt. On the back cover: felucca on the Nile (top) and the Sphinx (bottom).