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Proposed Itinerary
Sunday, November 30, 2008, Day 1: New York to Cairo
Monday, December 1, Day 2: Cairo
Cairo has long been the hub not only for Egypt but also for the whole world. It seems never to lose its sense of history—only to add it to it—and still boasts 12th-century fortifications alongside modern opera houses and shopping malls. Camels and street bazaars add texture to this center for government and education.
Arrive in Cairo today. Transfer to the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel.
Program briefing: Discuss the political and cultural diversity of India and receive further information on the delegation followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Tuesday, December 2, Day 3: Cairo
This morning we are thrilled that Dr. Zahi Hawass, director general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the man in charge of overseeing all archaeological activities in Egypt, will meet with the delegation. Dr. Hawass was awarded the honor of becoming one of the first resident archaeologists of the National Geographic Society in 2001. He is an accomplished speaker who has lectured all over the world, and today he will talk to you about some of the highlights of his long career in Egyptology and archaeology. He will give you his personal insights into the mysteries of the pyramids and the Sphinx, and up-to-date information on some of his latest discoveries.
Later this morning delegates will have an unforgettable visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza. The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they never lose their ability to inspire visitors.
Continue to the Valley Temple, housing the mysterious Sphinx, located in what was once a quarry to the east of Chephren’s pyramid. One theory suggests this Pharaoh’s workers shaped the body into a lion and gave it their king’s face, as a guardian of the necropolis. Almost a thousand years after its construction, King Thutmose IV placed a stela between the front paws. It describes how the Sphinx had spoken to the then-prince in a dream, promising him kingship if he cleared away the desert sand that was choking the Sphinx. Explore this and the many other legends surrounding this timeless regal figure.
Please Note: Delegates will have to climb a sandy, rocky hillside to gain entrance to the pyramids.
Lunch will be provided today at the Mena House.
This afternoon delegates will visit the modern Mubarak Public Library; Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak is the Honorable Chairlady of the Board. The library was officially inaugurated in March 1995. The great success achieved by Mubarak Public Library and its impact on the society of Cairo, as well as its positive reception by the public, led the sponsors of the project to launch another stage, and branch libraries are now planned in the popular areas of Cairo to be linked to the main library through an electronic network.
Return to the hotel and freshen up before dinner at the beautiful Al-Azhar Park.
Wednesday, December 3, Day 4: Cairo
This morning the delegation will meet with Mrs. Manal Saad, who will talk about current issues in Egyptian society.
Continue on to visit with staff from the non-profit Right to Live Association, where you will meet with Ms. Abeer Khamis, resource development coordinator, and committee members. They will discuss the training they provide to mentally handicapped children. Enjoy lunch with the staff and the children this afternoon.
This afternoon delegates will explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. This extraordinary treasure house boasts 107 halls of relics, including many rooms filled with golden ornaments from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. (Admission to view the mummy room is available at an additional expense.) Important note: No cameras of any kind are allowed in the museum.
Your dinner today will be hosted by an Egyptian family, where you will enjoy traditional Egyptian food and hospitality.
Thursday, December 4, Day 5: Cairo to Alexandria
This morning we will set out along the desert highway to Alexandria, the ancient queen of the Mediterranean. The city betrays the influence of Greece and Rome, and continues to keep Egypt in the center of European trade. The breathtaking new library honors Alexandria’s early role as a beacon of education.
Late this morning visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or Alexandria National Library and Museum. The collection in this newly opened museum includes items spanning from the Pharaonic Era through Greco-Roman times to the Modern Era. The artifacts, everything from papyrus scrolls to painted mummy cases, guide delegates right up to the times of Mubarak and illustrate Alexandria’s role in the modern history of Egypt.
Lunch today will be at the library.
After lunch, continue to explore the sprawling complex of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which incorporates libraries, museums, exhibition areas, educational centers, and an international conference center. It is built on the presumed site of the old Library of Alexandria, built by Ptolemy I. That library, the largest of all antiquity, was frequented by scholars from all over the Mediterranean from the fourth century BCE until its eventual destruction by fire 700 years later.
Later today, check in at the Sheraton Hotel in Alexandria. Dinner is by individual arrangement.
Friday, December 5, Day 6: Alexandria
Delegates will explore the incredible sights of Alexandria today. This morning visit the second-century Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa and the Roman Amphitheater. The Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa are the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt to date, consisting of three tiers of tombs and chambers cut into the bedrock to a depth of over 100 feet. Constructed in the 2nd century CE as a single-family crypt, these tombs represent some of the last major construction based on the early Egyptian religion. The chambers were expanded to hold more than 300 individual tombs, as well as a banquet hall where families could host funereal feasts. While the motifs that decorate the tombs are ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style, resulting in a fascinating masterpiece unlike anything else in the world.
The Roman Amphitheater is the only Roman amphitheater in Egypt, discovered quite recently, when the foundations for a new apartment building were being dug. The terraces, arranged in a semicircle around the arena, are extremely well preserved. Recent excavations in the area have uncovered incredible examples
Lunch today is at a traditional restaurant overlooking the beach.
Continue your explorations this afternoon with a stop at Qait Bay Fortress: The Qait Bay Fortress in Alexandria is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds not only in Egypt but also on the Mediterranean seacoast. It formulated an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century CE.
This citadel was established by the sultan Al Ashraf Abou Alnasr Seif Eldin Qaitbay Alzahiry, who was so fond of art and architecture that he established a government post of Edifices Mason specifically to supervise construction. The most famous person to occupy this position was Qagmas Al-Eshaqy, the architect of this Citadel.
The citadel is situated on the eastern point of Pharos Island, on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Dinner is by individual arrangement.
Saturday, December 6, Day 7: Alexandria to Cairo
After breakfast and check-out, explore the Gardens of the Motazah Palace.
Delegates will return to Cairo this afternoon and check back into the hotel; dinner is by individual arrangement. Perhaps try one of the many fabulous hotel restaurants or stroll along the Nile to a nearby eatery.
Sunday, December 7, Day 8: Cairo
This morning the delegation will have the unique opportunity to visit the Awlady Orphanage and interact with the children.
Lunch will incorporate traditional oriental dishes at the Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. Named for the 1988 Nobel Laureate in literature, the restaurant lies in the very heart of the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar and is steeped in atmosphere and history.
Afterwards stroll through the bustling Khan El-Khalili bazaar. Founded in the 14th century as a watering stop for caravans, goods from all over the world are now for sale in this marketplace that is touted as the largest in the Middle East. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets to explore workshops, stalls, and sellers of many items. Bargaining is a must!
Continue on to explore Islamic Cairo, starting with the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. It has never been without a military presence from the time of its construction in 1176 to prevent attack by the Crusaders. The Citadel has been expanded over the centuries by numerous rulers, including Muhammad Ali Pasha, considered one of the great builders of modern Egypt. Today’s Citadel, made up of four mosques and four museums, features the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque. Completed in 1857, this mosque eventually came to house the great Ottoman ruler’s remains (he died in 1849). From the arcaded courtyard, enjoy a magnificent view across the city to the pyramids in Giza.
Share your memories and experiences with fellow delegates at your farewell banquet.
Monday, December 8, Day 9: Depart for New York
Depart this morning for the U.S.
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