Ancient Egypt and The Great Pyramids

A journey of discovery based at The Four Seasons First Residence in Cairo and aboard the Luxury Steamship SS Misr-Royal Yacht to King Farouk on the River Nile Accompanied by Gary J Strand

September 30th to October 10th 2011.

The Great Pyramids, the only surviving monument of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’, never cease to amaze, displaying different aspects according to the time of day and line of vision. Whilst the Great Pyramids are the best preserved, the ancient sites of Memphis and Saqqara actually contain many more pyramids, all built as tombs for the pharaohs with mathematical precision thousands of years ago.

On the banks of the Nile, the timeless dunes of the Sahara Desert and more than five thousand years of history make Cairo a unique and culturally rewarding place to visit.

Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt in 1798 allowed his ‘savants’ to start cataloguing the ancient sites leading to the deciphering of hieroglyphics by Champollion in 1821 and the subsequent interest evoked led to the extraction of many treasures to various European capitals. The changing political climate gradually slowed this process leading to the establishment of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in 1902, thereby allowing the retention and preservation of many of the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt.

Just a few years later a Coptic Museum was established by Marcos Simaika Pasha to house Coptic Art and antiquities dating back to early Christian times. The Coptic quarter also reveals St. George’s Monastery, Ben Ezra synagogue and the ‘hanging’ Church of St. Mary.

Thus starts our exploration of ancient Egypt.

From our base at The First Residence-The Four Seasons most well known Cairo Luxury hotel, we explore the exciting ancient citadel both from the bustling streets of old Cairo and also by night in a traditional felucca.

Luxor and the River Nile
The SS Misr

Some 63 metres in length and now fully restored as a 5-star deluxe propeller steam vessel comprising just 24 passenger cabins and suites. The spacious, fully air-conditioned environment, exquisitely decorated public rooms and a crew of 63 provide a high level of service – indeed assessment by assengers in 2008 and 2009 places this vessel above all others worldwide.

Additional features include the positioning of the Marasem Restaurant, Saraya Lounge and Dahabia Bar on the higher decks, enhancing one’s perspective while cruising. The period-style restaurant accommodates all guests at one sitting at window tables.

There is also a lower sundeck with wicker chairs and an upper sundeck with sun beds and pool. Misr means ‘the Kingdom of Egypt’ and the décor reflects the fashion of the period with cabins decorated in styles linked both to the history of the vessel and Egypt: Ottoman, Empire, English, Art Deco, Louis XV and Louis XVI. The original steam engines may be viewed and the vessel will normally travel under steam.

The airconditioned Outside cabins (including two single cabins - smaller but offered at no supplement) or suites are with balcony, private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and TV. The Upper deck suite accommodation is 50% larger in size than the regular cabins. Two suites (‘Panorama’) at the front of the vessel offer impressive panoramic views.

From the comfort of the SS Misr, we visit all of the major historic sites along the Nile River basin accompanied by English speaking guides to unfold the mysteries of the Pharaohs and their unique place in world history.
Abu Simbel

Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt.

The two temples built for the pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Almost as impressive as the monument itself is the story of its restoration in the 1960's. The temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 60 meters up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun.

We visit Abu Simbel as an excursion by air on day 8 of our stay on the SS Misr.

Itinerary in brief:

Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Cairo with Egypt Air for three nights at the Four Seasons First Residence Hotel

Day 2 Visit the Egyptian Museum. Afternoon excursion to the Citadel, bazaars of Khan el-Khalili and Mohammed Ali Mosque
Optional Sound & Light at the Pyramids.

Day 3 Visit the Pyramids and Great Sphinx in the morning. Visit Memphis and Saqqara . Enjoy a private evening sailing by felucca on the Nile through Cairo with food, wine and music.

Day 4 Fly to Luxor and transfer to the SS Misr for a seven-night stay. Sail to Esna for overnight.

Day 5 Sail to Edfu and visit the temple of Horus. Sail to Kom Ombo and overnight.

Day 6 Visit the temple of Sobek and continue to Aswan. Afternoon cruise by felucca or private boat to the Kitchener Island Botanical Gardens and Elephantine Island Museum opposite the Old Cataract Hotel. Optional Sound & Light performance at Philae.

Day 7 Visit to the High Dam and island temple of Philae.

Day 8 Excursion to Abu Simbel by air. Sail later to Esna.

Day 9 Sail to Luxor. Visit the temple of Karnak.

Day 10 Excursion to the Valley of the Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon, a cocktail reception at the Old Winter Palace followed by a visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple

Day 11 Return flight from Luxor to London Heathrow with Egypt Air