Egypt
Egyptian Odyssey: Cairo, the Nile and Lake Nasser
Program No. 18774RJ
Join an Egyptologist to gain an insider’s understanding of this mysterious nation, learning about iconic sites, ancient communities and hidden treasures.
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15 days
14 nights
38 meals
13B 12L 13D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Dahshur & Saqqara
Giza
5
Flight to Aswan & Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel
6
Kasr Ibrim & Temple of Amada
Wadi El Sebou
9
Kom Ombo & Edfu
Luxor
15
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Discover the wonders that any serious exploration of Egypt must include — a voyage on Lake Nasser, the treasure of Tutankhamen, the temple complexes of Luxor and Karnak, the Nile River — on a journey into the ancient and modern wonders of this desert country. Then dig deeper to learn about Cairo’s once-vital Coptic Christian community.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three miles per day over uneven terrain in hot conditions with little to no shade. Days are long and can include various hours standing. Stairs on this program are often uneven and without railings. This program includes two domestic flights within Egypt.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- See timeless desert landscapes during a voyage on Lake Nasser.
- Experience the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
- Enjoy three nights sailing on the Nile with an expert Egyptologist.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
George Samir
George Samir is a seasoned group leader with three decades of experience leading groups across Egypt, a country he fondly refers to as the "land of the Pharaohs." Born, raised, and based in Cairo, George has a deep knowledge of Egypt’s rich history and culture. He has delivered lectures on ancient Egyptian myths, architecture, and tombs, while also introducing visitors to the highlights of modern Egypt, including its people, land, social life, and customs.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
George Samir
View biography
George Samir is a seasoned group leader with three decades of experience leading groups across Egypt, a country he fondly refers to as the "land of the Pharaohs." Born, raised, and based in Cairo, George has a deep knowledge of Egypt’s rich history and culture. He has delivered lectures on ancient Egyptian myths, architecture, and tombs, while also introducing visitors to the highlights of modern Egypt, including its people, land, social life, and customs.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
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Egyptian Odyssey: Cairo, the Nile and Lake Nasser
Program Number: 18774
The Cheapest Nights
Yusuf Idris writes short stories that give readers a glimpse into the social and cultural disparities of everyday Egyptian life.
Down the Nile, Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff
Mahoney weaves the tale of her quest to row the Nile with deft portraits of the people she meets in this marvelously engaging chronicle.
The Nile Cruise
Weaving classic travelers' accounts with essays and 150 color photographs, this compact book beautifully illuminates the history and allure of the towns, temples and tombs of the Nile from Abydos to Abu Simbel.
Eyewitness Guide Egypt
A visually rich guide to the history, culture and monuments of Egypt.
The Western Desert of Egypt
This comprehensive guide to the little-traveled regions of Western Egypt includes the Bahariya Oasis, site of the recently discovered Valley of the Golden Mummies.
The Yacoubain Building
The Yacoubain Building by Alaa al-Aswany (translated into 23 languages) was the best-selling Arabic novel for 2002 and 2003 and was voted Best Novel for 2003 by listeners to Egypt’s Middle East Broadcasting Service. Set in the time of the first Gulf War in 1900 Alaa al-Aswany writes the story of Egyptian society in downtown Cairo. Characters are housed in the now downtown Cairo landmark the Yacoubain Building where Alaa al-Aswany brings complex Egyptian society alive.
The Nile: A Journey Downriver through Egypt’s Past and Present
Wilkinson takes readers on both a historical and contemporary journey down the Nile, highlighting the small details that intertwine river landmarks with and Egypt’s ancient civilization.
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt
Toby Wilkinson, a world rewound Egyptologist, tells the story of Egypt’s great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its absorption into the Roman Empire. Drawing upon forty years of archaeological research, award-winning scholar Toby Wilkinson takes readers inside Egypt’s history once ruled by divine kings who led with all-too-recognizable human emotions.
Egypt Map
The coverage of easy-fold map -- with insets of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Giza, the Nile River Valley, Cairo and other sites -- includes Petra, Jerusalem and most of Israel.
When Woman Ruled the World, 6 Queens of Egypt
Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Conney’s narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra, and shines a light on female power, exploring the connections between Woman’s roles as public figures then, and now.
Cairo, The City Victorious
Rodenbeck presents his hometown in all its chaotic, marvelous glory, combining a lively history of the 5,000-year-old metropolis with description, anecdote and political commentary.
Luxor Illustrated, With Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Nile
The ideal companion to a Nile cruise, Michael Haag introduces all the famous monuments and temples of the Upper Egypt from Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamun to the marvels of Aswan and Abu Simbel in full color.