Behind the Scenes in Egypt's Valley of the Kings Highlights Special access to royal tombs that are closed to the public. "Seeing all those tombs was unforgettable!" Spend nine days in Luxor, visiting the greatest concentration of royal tombs in the world. Explore 28 tombs, most of which are closed to the public, including: KV5, tomb of the many sons of Ramses II; KV 62 the tomb of Tutankhamen; KV 20, burial place of Hatshepsut; KV 17, tomb of Seti I; The tombs of Ramses I-VII and IX-XI; The tomb of Nefertari, often called the most beautiful in Egypt; The magnificent mortuary temples of Hatshepsut, Ramses II ("The Great"), and Ramses III; In Saqqara visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid and causeway of Unas, and the Pyramid of Teti I featuring pyramid texts; Experience the must-see pharaonic temples of Egypt, including Luxor Temple, conveniently located near our hotel, and the enormous Karnak temple complex; Spend a full day on the Giza Plateau, exploring the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Solar Boat Museum, the Valley Temple of Khafra, and the Sphinx; Explore Cairo's Egyptian Museum, the outdoor museum at the ancient capital of Memphis, and the Luxor Museum; Enjoy accommodations at historic hotels, including ten nights at the renovated Winter Palace in Luxor. Above: El-Qurn, the pyramidal peak at the center of the Valley of the Kings. Right: Karnak Temple, Luxor, is one of the greatest religious complexes on Earth. Above: The Tomb of Seti I is the most complex ever built in Valley of the Kings. Below: The burial chamber of Thutmose III with the Book of the Dead inscriptions.
Behind the Scenes in Egypt's Valley of the Kings Itinerary B= Breakfast L= Lunch R= Reception D= Dinner Valley of the Kings Saturday, January 15, 2011 ~ U.S. / Cairo, Egypt Depart home for New York to join our Egypt Air flight to Cairo (optional group flight JFK/CAI). Sunday, January 16 ~ Cairo Participants are met upon arrival at the airport in Cairo and transferred to the Mena House Oberoi, located at the base of the Giza Plateau. Enjoy a welcome reception in the evening. Overnight for two nights at the Mena House Oberoi. (L,R,D) Monday, January 17 ~ Cairo Spend the entire day on the Giza Plateau. In the morning explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Solar Boat Museum, the Valley Temple of Khafra, and the Sphinx. After lunch you may choose to relax at our hotel or join a walking tour of the Plateau, visiting the pyramids of Khafra and Menkaura. (B,L,D) Tuesday, January 18 ~ Cairo / Luxor This morning drive to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid and causeway of Unas, and the Pyramid of Teti I with its pyramid texts. After lunch, visit the outdoor museum at the ancient capital of Memphis before heading to the airport for our flight to Luxor. Overnight for ten nights at the Winter Palace Pavilion. (B,L,D) Wednesday, January 19 ~ Luxor This morning we begin our exploration of the Valley of the Kings. Explore three tombs today in chronological order: the seldom-visited tomb KV 20, burial place of Hatshepsut; KV 34 (tomb of Thutmose III); and the royal reburial at KV 38 (Thutmose I). After a late lunch, visit the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri. (B,L,D) Thursday, January 20 ~ Luxor Those who wish may join us for an early morning hike along the ancient trail from the workers village of Deir el Medina over the hill to the Valley of the Kings. Today's exploration in the Valley of the Kings focuses on the tombs of the pharaohs of the 18 th Dynasty, visiting KV 35 (Amenhotep II's tomb) and KV 43 (tomb of Thutmose IV). End the day with a drive to the Western Valley to visit KV 22, the tomb of Amenhotep III. (B,L,D) Friday, January 21 ~ Luxor Today we complete our visits to the 18 th Dynasty Royal Tombs, exploring KV 55 (the Amarna Royal Cache), KV 62 (tomb of Tutankhamen), KV 23 (the Western Valley tomb of Ay), and KV 57 (tomb of Horemheb). (B,L,D) Saturday, January 22 ~ Luxor Spend the day visiting the Karnak temple complex, Luxor Temple, and the Luxor Museum. (B,L,D) Sunday, January 23 ~ Luxor We begin exploring the tombs of the 19 th Dynasty pharaohs with KV 16 (tomb of Ramses I). We continue on to visit three of the most famous, but least-often seen, tombs: KV 17 (tomb of Seti I), KV 7 (tomb of Ramses II), and KV 5 (tomb of the sons of Ramses II). After a late lunch, visit the Ramesseum, mortuary temple of Ramses II. (B,L,D) Above: Map showing the position of royal tombs. For example #35 refers to KV 35, the tomb of Amenhotep II, shown below. Above: The tomb of Ramses V and Ramses VI (KV 9) with a detail of the ceiling featuring the goddess Nut. Below: The impressive mortuary temple of Queen-Pharaoh Hatshepsut.
Monday, January 24 ~ Luxor We divert our attention to the Valley of the Queens today for a special visit to the Tomb of Nefertari, considered by many to be the most beautiful tomb in Egypt, which has been closed to the public for several years. We will also visit the 19 th Dynasty tombs of Khaemwaset and Amenherkepresef, young sons of Rameses III. (B,L,D) Tuesday, January 25 ~ Luxor We complete our exploration of the 19 th Dynasty Royal Tombs today with visits to five tombs: KV 8 (tomb of Merenptah), KV 10 (tomb of Amenmeses), KV 15 (tomb of Seti II), KV 47 (tomb of Siptah), and KV 14 (tomb of Tausert and Setnakht). (B,L,D) Wednesday, January 26 ~ Luxor We begin our exploration of the tombs of the pharaohs of the 20 th Dynasty today. Begin with KV 11 (tomb of Ramses III) and KV 2 (tomb of Ramses IV). After lunch, visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. (B,L,D) Thursday, January 27 ~ Luxor Our final day of exploration in the Valley of the Kings will include KV 9 (tomb of Ramses V and Ramses VI), KV 1 (tomb of Ramses VII), KV 6 (tomb of Ramses IX), KV 18 (tomb of Ramses X), and KV 4 (tomb of Ramses XI). (B,L,D) Friday, January 28 ~ Luxor / Cairo Our last day in Luxor is free to relax, explore new sites, or re-visit favorite ones. We fly to Cairo this evening. Overnight for two nights at the Cairo Marriott. (B,L,D) Saturday, January 29 ~ Cairo Today is devoted to exploring the vast Egyptian Museum. In the evening, we visit the Khan el Khalili bazaar, and return to our hotel for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D) Sunday, January 30 ~ Cairo / U.S. Transfer to the Cairo airport for our return flights homeward (optional group flight CAI/JFK). (B) Above: Detail of a relief from Medinet Habu, the spectacular mortuary temple of Ramses III. Below: Detail from the tomb of Nefertari, in the Valley of the Queens, one the most beautifully decorated and largest grave sites ever discovered. Lecturer & Host Nigel J. Hetherington is an archaeologist and TV producer as well as a specialist in heritage conservation. He is committed to the documentation and preservation of Egypt s cultural heritage. He earned a B.A. in Egyptian Archaeology and an M.A. in Cultural Heritage Studies from the Institute of Archaeology, University of College of London, where his dissertation focused on the Valley of the Kings. Nigel s interest and enthusiasm for archaeology stemmed from his childhood growing up surrounded by the ruins of Hadrian s Wall and Castlerigg stone circle in his native Cumbria, in the English Lake District. In 2003 he joined the Theban Mapping Project as Conservation Manager alongside its director, Egyptologist Kent Weeks, at the American University in Cairo. Nigel collaborated with Dr. Weeks to produce the recently concluded Valley of the Kings Site Management Masterplan. The project involved preparing and implementing a comprehensive stakeholder consultation, assessing the condition and conservation of all accessible tombs and a study of visitor patterns and behavior. Detail of exquisite sandstone (green graywacke) statue of Thutmose III in the Luxor Museum. Nigel has lectured at various institutions in Egypt and elsewhere on the need for the urgent protection of the Valley of the Kings and other sites throughout Egypt. In 2005 Nigel founded the archaeology and heritage consultancy Past Preservers, providing professional support to the heritage and media industries. Nigel strives to facilitate and support the happy marriage of rigorous and scientific archaeology to innovative and entertaining media projects. For the past six years Nigel has travelled regularly between Egypt and Britain. With an office in both countries, Nigel finds Cairo an exciting and challenging city in which to live. Some of the topics he expects to touch upon during our tour include the Valley of the Kings Site Management Masterplan; and the history of exploration, excavation, and future of the Valley of the Kings. The mortuary temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu) is one the most completely preserved temples in Egypt.
Hotel Name, Location Old Winter Palace, Luxor (10 Nights) 800-748-6262 Toll: 603-756-2884 Fax: 603-756-2922 PO Box 938, 47 Main St., Suite One Walpole, NH 03608 Email: aia@studytours.org Website: www.aiatours.org What to Expect You must be in good physical condition to participate. You must be able to make long walks unassisted over uneven terrain and up and down steps. The tombs often require walking and climbing in dusty, narrow, and often steep spaces, and navigating ladders and/or uneven steps without handrails. You will be required to submit a physician s form indicating that you are in adequate physical condition to participate on this program. All participants are expected to be ready to experience cultural differences. At the time of year that we visit Egypt the weather is sunny and dry, with temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s during the day and in the 50s at night. Complete pre-departure details, what to bring with you, and what to expect will be sent to participants. The Archaeological Institute of America & the AIA Tours Program The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America. The AIA seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery. For more than a century the AIA has been dedicated to the encouragement and support of archaeological research and publication, and to the protection of the world s archaeological resources and cultural heritage. By traveling on an AIA Tour you directly support the AIA while personally gaining the benefit of the AIA s network of scholars and worldwide contacts. Hotel Room Upgrades Description Occupancy Price Per Person Garden view room Old Wing Double $1,125 Nile view room Old Wing Single $2,225 Double $1,495 Single $2,995 Please mark this upgrade option on the Reservation Form Per Person Prices Double Occupancy...$10,995. Single Supplement...$1,395. Main program prices based on a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 participants. Optional Group Air Roundtrip New York ( JFK)-Cairo Economy Class...$1,050. Airfare prices are estimated and subject to availability and change. PRICES INCLUDE: Leadership of Lecturer & Host Nigel Hetherington; A professional trip manager, and experienced guide; All airport transfers in Egypt; All transportation in Egypt as indicated in the itinerary, including domestic flights; All accommodations as indicated in the itinerary; All meals as indicated, with non-alcoholic beverages; All entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary; Porterage; Comprehensive pre-departure information including what to pack and a suggested reading guide. Not included: Airfare from home to Cairo and return; passport and visa fees; air and foreign airport taxes; meals not listed as included; tips to guide and trip manager; personal tips; excess baggage charges; personal, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; any activities not specified in the itinerary; all items of a personal nature such as laundry, medical expenses, room service, and beverages not included at meals. Cancellation and Refunds: All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received at least 120 days prior to departure will receive a full refund less a $300 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received between 119 and 60 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of $2,500. No refunds will be made for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. You are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance (an application will be sent with confirmation of receipt of your deposit). Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for whatever reason. Group Egypt Air Flight Schedule Date Flight# City Time Jan. 15 986 Depart New York ( JFK) 6:30 PM Arrive Cairo (+1 day) Boeing 777 Total miles: 5608 mi (9025 km) Flight time: 10hrs 45mins 12:15 PM Jan. 30 985 Depart Cairo 10:10 AM Arrive New York ( JFK) Boeing 777 Total miles: 5608 mi (9025 km) Flight time: 12hrs 5mins 3:15 PM
Behind the Scenes in Egypt's Valley of the Kings RESERVATION FORM To hold your reservation for seven days while this form and your deposit are in the mail, please contact us at 800-748-6262 or aia@studytours.org Name #1: Name #2: (as it appears in passport) (as it appears in passport) Address: City: State/Province: Zip: Home Phone: Office Phone: CELL: Email: I/We have read the What to Expect section and am/are physically able to participate fully on the program. I am/we are interested in taking the Group Egypt Air Flights. I/We wish to upgrade my room at the Winter Palace/Luxor to: Garden View-Old Wing Nile View-Old Wing Accommodations: Double: one bed two beds Single Share - please assign a roommate (not guaranteed) Share - name of roommate A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Please note that credit cards are not accepted for final payment. Payment Type: Check payable to: EOS Passenger Escrow - AIA Kings 1-11 Visa MC Amex CC# Exp. Date 3 or 4 Digit Security Code Name on Card All prices and payments are in US dollars. Please complete the Reservation Form above, sign the Release statement below, enclose your deposit and mail or fax to: Archaeological Institute of America Tours P.O. Box 938, 47 Main Street, Suite One, Walpole, NH 03608-0938 - Fax: 603-756-2922 Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for whatever reason nor to passengers whose required documentation for entry into any country on the itinerary is delayed or denied. 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