HIGHLIGHTS

From the famous pyramids and architecture of the Ancient Egypt, through the early Christian Coptic culture, and from the opulent Islamic art to the modern local artists, this luxury 5 stars trip is showcasing the passage of time through several civilizations. Designed specially by Vermont Public Radio and Cultural Crossroads to explore in detail the art and rich historic heritage of Egypt, including the vestiges of  famous Mediterranean civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome, this tour highlights the best of the cultural achievements of this enigmatic country.

Visits to places not open to the public are arranged carefully to give us access to the magic of ancient arts and culture.  

VPR journalist Christopher Wren, a former Cairo Bureau Chief for New York Times, and famous author, will host the tour. His valuable insights and in depth knowledge of the country will guide us through many lifetime experiences.

A private lecture by D. Zahi Hawass, Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt will reveal to us the latest discoveries in history, archaeology and culture of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet – Ancient Egypt. Dr. Hawass will also provide a special visit permit to the VPR travelers to admire the secret tombs at Sakkara, not opened to the general public.

Famous Egyptologist, Dr. Mark Lehner will share his discoveries and guide us personally through his site next to the pyramids. It is an amazing ancient village where the builders of the pyramids were living.

Through many visits to famous museums, galleries and charming artists studios, we will take the cultural pulse of Egypt – ancient and modern. We will meet with modern Egyptian artists who have won international prizes and will be visiting their galleries and studios.

There will be a visit to the Nubia Museum, where the Director of the Museum will give a private tour and talk about the history and heritage of Nubia. The Director will take us to visit a Nubian village, where we will meet with residents and enjoy tea in one of their homes.  

By visiting the recently open Ancient Egyptian Textile Museum, we will admire and learn about millennia old traditions in fabric design and creation.

In Zamalek we will see another museum related to the traditional arts in Egypt – the Museum of Islamic Ceramics, hosted in the former palace of Prince Amru Ibrahim.

Throughout the tour will experience luxury treatment on a 5 stars Nile cruise, various opportunities for shopping for alabaster, art and crafts, relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Exclusive Experiences Include:

• Tour hosted by VPR journalist Christopher Wren, a former Cairo Bureau Chief for New York Times, and famous author. His valuable insights and in depth knowledge of the country will guide us through many lifetime experiences.
• A private lecture by D. Zahi Hawass, Head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt will reveal to us the latest discoveries in history, archaeology and culture of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet – Ancient Egypt. Dr. Hawass will also provide a special visit permit to the VPR travelers to admire the secret tombs at Sakkara, not opened to the general public.
• Famous Egyptologist, Dr. Mark Lehner will share his discoveries and guide us personally through his site next to the pyramids. It is an amazing ancient village where the builders of the pyramids were living.
  
• Visits in Cairo to the Mosque of Ibn Tulon, The Hanging Church, The Coptic Museum, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the City of the Dead and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque
• Meet a glass blower in his workshop
• 7 Night cruise on the Nile on a 5* cruise ship
• Visits to the Luxor Museum, the Temple of Luxor, the Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Karnak, the West Bank, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings and Queens,
• Visits to Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo
• In Aswan visit the Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae,
• Private tour with the Director of the Nubian Museum where the Director of the Museum and a visit to a Nubian village enjoying tea in one of their homes.
• Visits to the Temples of Dendera and Abydos.
• Visit to the recently open Ancient Egyptian Textile Museum, where we will admire and learn about millennia old traditions in fabric design and creation.
  
• Visit to the Museum of Islamic Ceramics, hosted in the former palace of Prince Amru Ibrahim in Zamalek.
  
• Private tour to meet and visit with several well-known Egyptian artists
• Visits to several art galleries and the Modern Art Museum.
• Visits to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, and the Cairo Museum.
• Visits to several artisan factories

• All hotels and cruise ship (All 5 star)
  
• All breakfasts, lunches while sightseeing and on the cruise, 8 dinners
• Bus transportation
• In-country flights
• Local English speaking guides
• Airport taxes
• Gratuities in hotels, restaurants (as part of the itinerary), bus driver, guide and aboard the ship
  
• Water on the bus
• Baggage handling at hotels and airports, guiding, deluxe transportation, entrance fees, parking fees

Not included:

• International airfare and visas (Round trip air faire from Burlington add approximately $1,200.)
  
• Items of a personal nature (hotel extras, laundry, phone calls, faxes, alcoholic beverages, etc.)
• Items not specifically mentioned above or in the itinerary.