Tour – Egypt’s Evolution in Fall

Trace the evolution of Egypt’s built environment, from the ancient wonders of pyramids and tombs representing the divide between the mortal world and the divine to the recent innovation behind planning of a new city within Cairo, the impetus of which was to alleviate traffic. Marvel at unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Abu Simbel temples, the ruins of the village of Deir el-Bahari, and the medieval fortification Saladin Citadel. Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. From stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to exploring New Cairo, a city only two decades old, and meeting with faculty from the American University in Cairo to discuss the establishment of the main campus in New Cairo in 2008 and its focus on energy and sustainability, become immersed in the texture, history, and marvels both grand and quotidian which span millennia.

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Architectural highlights

• Step inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Admire the Temple of Amun, the largest place of worship ever constructed, which is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god of sun and air.
• Stroll through New Cairo’s neighborhoods to view design and construction in more recent eras with a local architect.
• Marvel at the Abu Simbel temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be the masterpieces of ancient Egypt.
• Explore the Aswan High Dam and commemorate the 50th anniversary of its construction.
• Discover Saladin Citadel, a medieval fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features three main mosques and several museums.
• Take in the Horus Temple of Edfu, noting the juxtaposition of Egyptian and Greek influences.
• View the ruins and complex of mortuary temples and tombs in Deir el-Bahari, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More highlights

• Meet with faculty from the American University in Cairo to discuss the university’s move to New Cairo.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground for almost 500 years, during the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties.
• Sail up the famed Nile River on the MS Tulip with stops to explore different ancient temples and monuments.
• Witness the juxtaposition of Islam and Christianity through its places of worship in Cairo.
• Learn about the Nubian culture and its architecture as you are hosted for tea in a private home.
• This trip qualifies for 20 AIA learning units.

Also included

• Group transfers for arrivals and departures
• 11 nights’ accommodations
• 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners and 1 reception
• 3 internal flights
• An experienced Tour Director and multilingual local guide in addition to the Architectural Adventures Educational Expert
• All guided visits and entrance fees for all included visits
• Air-conditioned coach for excursions
• Service charges, taxes and gratuities for guides, bus drivers, porters, hotel staff and restaurant staff
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Medical evacuation insurance for all participants and staff

Accommodations

• Marriott Mena House, Giza – Now a luxury hotel overlooking the Giza pyramids, Mena House itself is steeped in history. Built in the mid-1800s as a private royal lodge and refuge from Cairo, it received its first guest in 1887. Since that time, it has expanded to 331 rooms, lavish gardens, pools, restaurants and lounges.
• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan – This iconic 5-star property, modeled on a 19th-century Victorian palace on the banks of the Nile River, has played host to dignitaries and luminaries alike over its storied history. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, its guests have included Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, Queen Noor and Agatha Christie who used it as the inspiration for one of her novels.
• MS Tulip, Aswan-Luxor – The newly-refurbished MS Tulip boasts 42 contemporary and spacious cabins, a large sundeck, with a swimming pool, and health club. Each cabin is equipped with amenities expected in any 4-star hotel.
• Hotel Al Moudira, Luxor – Conceived by Zeina Aboukheir with inspirations from her childhood, and designed with architect Olivier Sedanoui, Al Moudira (Arabic for “the boss lady”) was constructed in the early 2000s by 150 local artisans. This boutique property on Luxor’s West Bank marries the cosmopolitan with the personal.
• Marriott Cairo, Zamalek Island – Khedive Ismail built the historic Palace Al Gezirah in Cairo, Egypt in 1869 to serve as a guest palace during the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations. Marriott International took over the property for management in the 1970s. They restored the original palace, furnishing it with amenities befitting a five-star hotel and flanking it with two modern towers housing 1,087 guest rooms.

Day 1 Begin your journey

Day 2 Arrive in Cairo, Egypt

Day 3 Saqqara

Day 4 Ancient Wonders

Day 5 Abu Simbel

Day 6 Aswan and The High Dam

Day 7 Kom Ombo

Day 8 The Horus Temple

Day 9 The Nile’s West Bank

Day 10 The Nile’s East Bank

Day 11 Religious Cairo

Day 12 New Cairo

Day 13 Return Home