Archaeological Paths - Egypt Royal Tour With dr. Zahi Hawass, dr. Mostafa Waziri and a surprise VIP Guest.

Archaeological Paths

  • EGYPT UNDISCOVERED (16 days)
  • Lost Golden City, Siwa Oasis, Middle Egypt, Forgotten Pyramids, El-Alamein & Much More

1. Overview & dates

EGYPT UNDISCOVERED

 

Siwa Oasis, Middle Egypt, Forgotten Pyramids, El-Alamein

& much more


with

 

5 of the world’s foremost Egyptologists

 

 

Have you dreamed about the Egyptian treasures that almost no one has access to, about feeling like you’re among the first to encounter them? Beyond the well-known highlights in the Land of the Pharaohs, many “undiscovered” traces of the past await lovers of archaeology. This tour will truly take you off the beaten path. You will be joined along the way by influential archaeologists, museum directors and heads of ongoing excavations, who will take you behind the scenes and give you personal insights into the undiscovered world of ancient Egypt.

 

You will visit hidden gems – from Siwa Oasis, one of the most beautiful of the Egyptian Desert landmarks, to the “forgotten” pyramids of Abu Sir and Abu Rawash, to the region of Middle Egypt, featuring Tell el-Amarna, Abydos, and Dendera. With special arrangements made by Archaeological Paths for this tour, you will be offered exclusive behind-the-scenes access to remarkable newly discovered sites, including the Lost Golden City and others not open to the public. Of course, we wouldn’t skip Egypt’s best-known attractions – pyramids, tombs and temples – including new discoveries. You will see them all in our special "undiscovered" way.

 

 

Tour dates:
Availability:

February 14-March 1, 2026

Last places!

October 24-November 8, 2026

Open places

February 13-28, 2027

Open places

October 23-November 7, 2027

Open places

2. Special guests

Dr. Mostafa Waziri 
one of Egypt’s Heads of Antiquities

 

There is no one better to take you behind the scenes of the most exciting archaeological projects than one of Egypt’s Heads of Antiquities. With Dr. Waziri, you will gain special access to the Tomb of Wahtye. He will also give you a private lecture and show you recent work, excavations and new discoveries.

 

I am honored to give you a private lecture and show you our recent work. Some of our new discoveries haven’t been published yet, so it will be my pleasure to reveal what we have discovered in the last couple of years, the last couple of months – and even the last couple of days! You will never forget this tour.

 

Dr. Tarek el-Awady

Leading Egyptologist

 

Dr. Tarek El-Awady is often described as a “walking encyclopedia” on ancient Egypt. He was formerly Director General of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and over the course of his prominent career, he has overseen many excavation projects across Egypt.

 

Dr. El-Awady is currently Director of Excavations at Deir el-Bahari, an area right beside the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Here, archaeologists are revealing the remains of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple, along with the names and tombs of high officials from the very beginning of the 18th Dynasty. You explore the site under the guidance of Dr. Tarek El-Awady, Director of Excavations at Deir el-Bahari. You meet him at the dig itself, hear the stories behind the finds, and gain rare, first-hand insight into how history is brought back to light, layer by layer

 

Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din

Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau

 

Renowned archaeologist Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din oversees one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites – the Giza Pyramids Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. He has appeared as a frequent guest on the National Geographic channel and has delivered lectures worldwide. He has played a vital role in various scientific endeavors at the Giza Plateau, making numerous invaluable discoveries.

 

Now, he invites you to join him on an exclusive VIP tour of the Giza Plateau and the Great Sphinx, where he will bring to life their undisclosed secrets. During this unique experience, you will gain exclusive insights into recent excavations, groundbreaking research, and discoveries that have yet to be made public.

Dr. Mohamed Megahed
Egyptology Director for the Supreme Council of Antiquities

 

Dr. Megahed is Director of the Science Department of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and oversees the mission to excavate and preserve the pyramid complexes in Saqqara and Abu Sir; his specialty is the archaeology, architecture, and decoration of Old Kingdom pyramid complexes.

 

 

Surprise VIP Guest

Over the years, our exclusive journeys have been attended by royals, presidents, and world-renowned figures from the realms of politics, culture, and archaeology.

 

Among them have been Madame Jehan Sadat, Egypt’s former First Lady; Omar Sharif, the legendary Egyptian actor; and Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate — just a few names among many distinguished individuals whom our guests have had the opportunity to meet during their travels.

 

As part of your journey, you will also encounter an Archaeological Paths Surprise VIP Guest. This may be a world-class scholar, a museum director, a senior government figure, or even a member of a prominent presidential family — individuals whose insight and presence add a rare and personal dimension to the experience.

 

The most memorable encounters are often the unexpected ones. We invite you to leave room for surprise — and to experience Egypt in a way that few ever will.

3. Exclusive VIP Experiences

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE TOMB OF WAHTYE

 

Together with Dr. Mostafa Waziri, explore the Tomb of Wahtye, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era.

 

 

 

 

SPACIAL ACCESS TO TAPOSIRIS MAGNA

 

Discover the probable long-lost resting place of Cleopatra with a private tour led by one of the site’s field excavation directors. This active archaeological site is off-limits to the public.

 

 

 

SPECIAL ACCESS TO ABU RAWASH

 

Explore a very different pyramid complex that looks down on the pyramids of Giza. The site of Egypt's northernmost pyramid, also known as the “lost pyramid,” has never been opened to the public.

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL ACCESS TO ABU SIR

 

Uncover the mystery of Abu Sir, the land of “forgotten” pyramids built in the Old Kingdom period. This highly restricted complex will be open only for you.

 

 

 

 

PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE GIZA PLATEAU


Visit the most iconic historic site in the world outside regular hours for an intimate and crowd-free experience.

 

 

 

 

 

PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE GREAT PYRAMID


Explore the Pyramid of Khufu – including two chambers that are closed to the public – without any other tourists.

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE GREAT SPHINX ENCLOSURE


Marvel at a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the Great Sphinx and watch the sunrise from between its huge paws.

 

 

 

 

 

VIP TOUR OF THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

 

Explore the country’s latest landmark in the company of Dr. Tarek El-Awady, one of the key figures involved in the Grand Egyptian Museum project.

 

 

 

 

 

VIP TOUR OF SAQQARA


Join Dr. Mohamed Megahed on a behind-the-scenes tour of his new excavation site at Saqqara.

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE ACTIVE EXCAVATION AREA AT DEIR EL-BAHARI

 

Discover one of Egypt’s most important research sites while work is still underway – a privilege rarely extended beyond the archaeological community.

 

 

 

 

4. Highlights

Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse capital of Egypt. Begin your journey at Saqqara, home to the first pyramid ever built by the Egyptians, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Gaze in awe upon the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx.

 

Forgotten Pyramids – Visit the ancient pyramid sites of the Old Kingdom at Abu Rawash and Abu Sir, which are more than 4,500 years old. Next, visit Meidum with its enormous pyramid built by pharaoh Snefru and then continue to the pyramid in Hawara, dating back to the 12th Dynasty.

 

Grand Egyptian Museum – Delve into the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures, including King Tut’s famous golden mask.

 

Middle Egypt – Visit the archaeological site of Tell el-Amarna, which was once the capital city of Akhetaten. See rock-cut tombs that date to the Middle Kingdom at Beni Hassan and explore temples, tombs and animal mummies at Tuna el-Gebel.

 

Abydos & Dendera – Explore Abydos Temple, the burial place for the first kings of unified Egypt, and Dendera Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

 

Luxor & More – Unveil the secrets of the ancient city of Thebes by visiting the enormous Karnak and Luxor Temples. Explore the royal tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings and their wives’ tombs – including the beautiful resting place of Nefertari – in the Valley of the Queens. Visit the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Ramesseum, the memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramses II. In the evening visit the Luxor Museum and stroll through the atmospheric old souk in Luxor.

 

Alexandria – Explore the city founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, famous for its Roman remains. Visit the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa and the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay. Browse the stacks at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria, and explore the active excavation site of Taposiris Magna together with one of its field excavation directors.

 

El-Alamein – See one of the most significant battlefields of the Second World War. This haunting desert landscape with dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea houses an enormous cemetery, with over 7,000 gravestones, as well as nearby war memorials.

 

Siwa Oasis – Enjoy one of the most beautiful Egyptian oases, a place often called “paradise in the Western Desert.” Located at the edge of the Sahara, this dreamlike place is surrounded by mountains and is lush with palm trees, green fields, and natural springs. It is also home to many Pharaonic and Roman-era antiquities that you will have a rare chance to see.

5. Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo

 

When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, an Archaeological Paths’ representative greets you and helps you with visa and airport procedures. You are then transferred to a luxurious 5-star hotel in Giza that offers spectacular views of the pyramids.

 

 

 

Day 2 – Saqqara Undiscovered with Dr. Mostafa Waziri and Dr. Mohamed Megahed

 

 

After an orientation with Archaeological Paths’ representatives, you visit the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Admire the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built 4,700 years ago by the legendary architect Imhotep.

 

 

From here, a truly exclusive experience awaits: a special-access visit to the Tomb of Wahtye, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era. Closed to the general public, this 4-400-year-old burial chamber stunned the world upon its discovery in 2018 and later featured in a widely acclaimed Netflix documentary Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb.

 

What makes this visit even more remarkable is who you see it with.

 

You enter the tomb in the company of Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt’s Heads of Antiquities – and the very archaeologist who discovered it. Guided by Dr. Waziri, you will gain first-hand insight into the tomb’s discovery, its historical significance and the meaning behind its remarkably preserved reliefs.

 

 

While in Saqqara, you also visit the elaborately decorated Tomb of Mereruka and the Pyramid of Teti, which boasts one of the oldest pyramid texts ever discovered. Wrap up your sightseeing in Saqqara with a visit to the Imhotep Museum.

 

 

The site of Saqqara has plenty of surprises in store and there is no one better to unpack them all than Dr. Mohamed Megahed, an Egyptologist who has spent his entire career studying Egypt's secrets. Learn firsthand what the current head of excavations at Saqqara has recently discovered there.

 

Next, you visit the home of a local farming family, bringing you up close and personal with the customs and everyday life of Egyptians. Enjoy delicious traditional Egyptian cuisine as you share lunch at the family’s table.

 

 

Day 3 – Giza Plateau Undiscovered – Private Entry to the Giza Plateau / Private Entry to the Great Pyramid / Special Access Between the Paws of the Great Sphinx

 

 

 

In the morning, when the entire Giza Plateau remains closed to other tourists, Archaeological Paths’ guests have exclusive access to this iconic ancient site. This crowd-free experience is typically offered only to royals, heads of state and other honored guests.

 

First, you enjoy private entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. After you marvel at the King’s Chamber in the pyramid’s interior, the Director of the Giza Pyramids opens two additional chambers just for you: the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber, both closed to the public. 

 

 

Next, you have VIP access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure. While other tourists see the Sphinx only from a distant observation terrace, you stand right in front of the world’s most recognizable sculpture. 

 

 

During this visit, you will be joined by none other than Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din, Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau. He invites you to join him on an exclusive VIP tour of the Giza Plateau and Great Sphinx, where he will bring to life the undisclosed secrets of this iconic site. During this unique experience, You will gain access to exclusive insights into recent excavations, groundbreaking research, and discoveries that have yet to be made public. You’ll be captivated as Dr. Mohie El-Din describes a restoration project underway at the Great Sphinx and reveals the hidden tunnels that lie beneath it. You will also be privy to the latest scientific and archaeological breakthroughs made by his team.

  

Afterward, you visit the stone quarry of Giza. You also explore the Valley Temple of Khafre, which was used for the pharaoh Khafre’s mummification and purification before burial. Finally, take in a picturesque overview of the pyramids from a panoramic viewpoint.

 

 

Day 4 – Forgotten Pyramids: Special Access to Abu Rawash / Special Access to Abu Sir

 

Another day filled with attractions awaits you as you not only see sites closed to the public, but also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet another prominent Egyptologist.

 

First, take a short trip to Abu Rawash to see the site of Egypt’s most northerly pyramid, known as the “lost pyramid” or the Pyramid of Djedefre, the son and successor of Khufu. Its state of ruin suggested that it had never been completed, and debate raged for years. Current excavation and research indicate, however, that it was finished and it was about the same size as the Pyramid of Menkaure, the third largest of the pyramids at Giza.

 

After exploring this mysterious site, you head to Abu Sir, a complex of four (of the original 15) pyramids from the 5th Dynasty. Although the pyramids are less sophisticated than the ones at Giza, they are among the few remaining sites in Egypt that offer a glimpse into life during the Old Kingdom.

 

On this private visit, you step into areas normally reserved for archaeologists and high-ranked officials, including exclusive entry to the Pyramid of Sahure – a privilege almost no one outside the field ever receives.

 

Adding to the significance of this experience, you will be joined by a Surprise VIP Guest – a leading authority with direct involvement in the work made at Abu Sir – who will share first-hand stories, insights, and discoveries on site.

 

 

 

Day 5 – Meidum / Hawara / Beni Hassan

 

 

After breakfast, you start your journey along the Nile, heading south toward Middle Egypt. Your first stop is in Meidum, where you explore an enormous pyramid built by Snefru, the father of Khufu, who later built the Great Pyramid in Giza.

 

The adventure continues to Hawara, the largest Middle Kingdom funerary complex, to admire the pyramid of Amenemhet III, the sixth pharaoh of the 12th Dynasty. On the south side of the pyramid was an extensive temple complex that is believed to have formed the basis of the Greek historian Herodotus’ stories about a legendary labyrinth.

 

After completing the tour of the pyramids, you continue on through rural areas to Beni Hasan to see the rock-cut tombs of Middle Kingdom nobles. Carved into the limestone cliffs, the tombs give a rare insight into the everyday life, customs and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The well-preserved decorations on the walls depict scenes of hunting, dancing, playing, and even celebrating a wedding night.

 

 

Finally, you check in to the Grand Aton Hotel, situated on the bank of the Nile.

 

 

Day 6 – Tuna el-Gebel / Tell el-Amarna

 

The first stop today is Tuna el-Gebel, an expansive site with a variety of temples and tombs. There, you explore the catacombs of the god Thoth, which used to store millions of animal mummies, and admire the tombs of Isadora and Petosiris with their exquisite paintings.

 

Next, you arrive at one of the tour highlights and learn about the history of the ancient Egyptian city of Tell el-Amarna. This is where Pharaoh Akhenaten pursued his vision of a society dedicated to the cult of one god – Aten, the sun god – later considered a heretical stance. Visit the nobles’ tombs to see wall reliefs that are unequaled anywhere else in Egypt.

 

After sightseeing, you depart to Abydos, the holy city of Osiris in ancient times.

 

 

 

Day 7 – Abydos Temple / Dendera Temple / Luxor Market

 

 

Start the day by visiting the Abydos Temple – also known as the Temple of Seti I, who began its construction. It was once the holiest site in the land and the burial place for the first kings of unified Egypt.


Next, you visit Dendera to explore a temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, its colossal columns and spectacular ceilings covered with vibrant and colorful paintings set it apart from others.

 

 

Later, you depart to Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times and one of the capitals of ancient Egypt, to check in at the luxurious Sofitel Winter Palace – where Howard Carter announced the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and Agatha Christie wrote part of Death on the Nile.

 

In the evening you explore Luxor Market, an authentic, open-air souk, where you have a chance to connect with locals at every turn and sample regional delicacies.

 

 

 

Day 8 – Luxor Undiscovered – Ramesseum Temple / Valley of the Monkeys / Luxor Museum / Luxor Temple

 

Start the day with exploring Luxor’s Ramesseum, the memorial temple of pharaoh Ramses the Great, famous for its 57-foot seated statue of Ramses.

 

Continue your exploration of the Luxor area by taking a trip to the Valley of the Monkeys. Deep beneath the Theban hills, you stop at one of the most remote and least-visited tombs in Egypt, once the resting place of the successor to Tutankhamun, the tomb of Ay.

 

On the way back to the hotel you will see the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

 

 

Later, you visit the Luxor Museum and discover items found beneath the Luxor Temple and in the tomb of King Tut. The quality of the pieces on display – statues of Sekhmet, Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, and many other finely presented items – will captivate you.

 

Then it’s on to the magnificent Luxor Temple. It was built over hundreds of years by the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. To this day the temple is one of the greatest reflections of the pharaohs’ power and supremacy.

 

 

 

Day 9 – Luxor Highlights Undiscovered – Valley of the Kings / Hatshepsut Temple / Special Access to the active excavation area at Deir el-Bahari  /  Karnak Temple / Flight to Alexandria

 

Today you will see even more of Luxor’s highlights, and our special touch will make you feel as if you are discovering them for the first time. After breakfast, a short motorboat ride across the Nile takes you to the Valley of the Kings. It was a royal cemetery for over 500 years, and 62 pharaohs and other nobles were buried there. Among the best-known tombs you see here is King Tutankhamun’s, which was famously found intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.

 

 

Later, explore the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most iconic temples in Luxor, built for the most successful female pharaoh to rule over Egypt.

 

Following your visit to the temple, the experience goes far beyond what any regular visitor ever sees.

 

You are granted special access to the active excavation area at Deir el-Bahari – a privilege rarely extended beyond the archaeological community. This visit takes place directly within the excavation zone itself, right beside the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. It’s a rare chance to explore one of Egypt’s most important research sites while work is still underway.

 

Here, archaeologists are revealing the remains of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple, along with the names and tombs of high officials from the very beginning of the 18th Dynasty. Discoveries are still being made. Stones are still being turned. Egypt’s Golden Age is being pieced together in real time – and you are there to see it happen.

 

 

You explore the site under the guidance of Dr. Tarek El-Awady, Director of Excavations at Deir el-Bahari. You meet him at the dig itself, hear the stories behind the finds, and gain rare, first-hand insight into how history is brought back to light, layer by layer.

 

 

Your next stop is Karnak, the largest temple complex in the world. Walk through the avenue of sphinxes, gaze up at the towering 97-foot-tall obelisk, and wander among the massive pillars of the Great Hypostyle Hall.

 

 

In the evening, you fly to Alexandria and check in at another 5-star hotel.

 

 

Day 10 – Alexandria – Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa / Bibliotheca Alexandrina / Special Access to the Temple of Taposiris Magna with a Field Excavation Director / El-Alamein

 

Alexandria, with its Mediterranean climate and famous Roman remains, is the second-largest city in Egypt. It was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. Begin the day with a visit to the stunning catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, where you examine fine examples of pharaonic funeral art with strong Greco-Roman influences.

 

 

Afterward, another special-access visit awaits you. Tour the renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria. Discover what went into reimagining Alexandria’s great ancient library for a new century.

 

Later, see the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood.

 

Your exploration of Alexandria will end with a special-access visit to Taposiris Magna, one of the most important religious sites of the New Kingdom. It is now an active archaeological site, closed to the public. Research carried out by Dr. Kathleen Martínez indicates that the site may be hiding the tomb of Cleopatra. You explore the temple with one of the field excavation directors.

 

 

The last stop on today’s itinerary is El-Alamein, where one of the most significant battles of the Second World War took place. In the middle of a sandy desert, you find the War Cemetery, which honors the many people who lost their lives here. Next, head to the beach resort located in Mersa Matruh and relax. 

 

 

Day 11 – Siwa Oasis

 

 

In the morning you depart to Siwa Oasis, where you will have 4 days to fully explore its historic and natural wonders. Siwa is one of the most beautiful Egyptian oases, a place often called “paradise in the Western Desert.” Located at the edge of the Sahara, this dreamlike place is surrounded by mountains and is lush with palm trees, green fields, and natural springs. It is also home to many Pharaonic and Roman-era antiquities that you will have a rare chance to see. The remote location of this desert oasis, along with its people’s customs and traditions, makes Siwa distinct from the rest of Egypt.

 

Spend the rest of the day enjoying breathtaking scenery and a serene atmosphere and preparing for a remarkable next few days.

 

 

Day 12 – Siwa Oasis – Oracle Temple / Umm Ubaydah Temple / Shali Fortress / Mountain of the Dead Tombs / Bir Wahed

 

 

Start the day by visiting the Temple of the Oracle, the home of the ancient oracle of Amun, where Alexander the Great traveled to find out his fate and was declared a god. Next, discover the ruins of the Temple of Umm Ubaydah, dedicated to the god Amun and originally connected to the Temple of the Oracle.

 

 

Later, you head to the center of the oasis, which is dominated by the ruins of the 13th-century Shali Fortress, one of the most important monuments in the Western Desert. Built from local salt rocks and mud, the fortress was disintegrating with each rainfall until a meticulous restoration project partially restored its former glory.

 

Your next destination is one of Egypt’s most important burial sites, the Mountain of the Dead. This is where the Siwans buried their loved ones for over 2,000 years. It contains thousands of graves cut into the bedrock, mysterious inscriptions on the walls, and vivid paintings which are fully intact to this day. Local legend says that Alexander the Great might be buried here.

 

Top off the day with a visit to a spot called Bir Wahed, surrounded by the Great Sand Sea. You can escape the heat of the day with a swim in a picturesque freshwater lake. And in a nearby hot spring, you can enjoy the soothing effect of the sulfur water. Watching the sunset over a vast sand dunes while soaking in a hot spring is an experience not to be missed.

 

 

 

Day 13 – Siwa Oasis – Taghaghein Island / Siwa House Museum / The Crystal Lake

 

 

Take a morning trip to the idyllic Taghaghien Island in Siwa Lake. Relax among the turquoise waters, limestone rock formations, green fields, and golden desert sands.

 

Next, visit the Siwa House Museum, built to preserve and display artifacts depicting Siwan life. The museum is located in a traditional Siwan house and boasts traditional Siwan items such as silver jewelry, musical instruments, wedding costumes, baskets, and ceramics.

 

Later, head to Zeitoun Lake, the largest salt lake in Siwa Oasis. Its geographic isolation has kept it in nearly pristine condition despite its delicate nature.

 

 

 

 

Day 14 – Exclusive Lecture with Dr. Salima Ikram: Sahara Undiscovered - Excavations in the Egyptian Desert

 

Take a last look across the magnificent Siwa Oasis before moving on from this natural wonder and returning to Cairo for further exploration.

 

Today’s highlight is a private lecture by Dr. Salima Ikram, a leading Egyptologist and Distinguished Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, who has spent her career uncovering the mysteries hidden under the sands of the Sahara as director of multiple excavations. She shares thrilling stories of archaeological expeditions and discoveries. Delve into the ancient world with Dr. Ikram as she recounts fascinating and lesser-known tales of Egypt’s past.

 

 

 

 

Day 15 – Grand Egyptian Museum – Undiscovered Secrets with Dr. Tarek El-Awady

 

 

You top off your tour with a visit to the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. It is home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history.

 

 

You will explore the museum’s treasures with Dr. Tarek El-Awady, former Director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. He was one of the key figures involved in the Grand Egyptian Museum project – including the complex, historic transfer of the Tutankhamun collection to its new home.

 

As an Egyptologist deeply involved in both the museum’s development and some of Egypt’s most important archaeological discoveries, Dr. El-Awady gives you an insider’s view reserved for our guests only.

 

The highlight of the visit is the spectacular Pharaoh Tutankhamun collection, displayed in its entirety for the first time. Also not to be missed among the most valuable collection of Egyptian antiquities is the Khufu Solar Boat, which symbolically transported the Pharaoh Khufu from the living world to the afterlife.

 

In the evening, you will take part in an exclusive multimedia lecture at your hotel, delivered by Dr. Mostafa Waziri. You’ll hear firsthand insights into ongoing excavations and recent discoveries. It’s a rare chance to hear directly from someone who lives this work every day – and to gain access to knowledge that is normally kept within the archaeological community.

 

After the lecture,, enjoy your farewell dinner, dance to live music and celebrate your unforgettable journey across Egypt.

 

 

Day 16 – Departures

 

 

After breakfast, you are transferred to Cairo International Airport for your flight back home.

 

6. Extensions

Please find below a brief summary of the Pre- and Post- Tours. To read the full description of the Extensions, please download our Extensions Travel Brochure – CLICK HERE TO VIEW BROCHURE.


PRE-TOURS:

 

 

MEMPHIS & DAHSHUR (1-day add-on)

 

Discover Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and Dahshur, home to the Bent and Red Pyramids. In Memphis, you visit a historical open-air museum and admire a monumental statue of Ramses II carved from limestone. Dahshur gives you a chance to explore two of the oldest, largest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt – the Bent and Red Pyramids, built for Pharaoh Snefru.

 

Price: $995 per person for a double room or $1295 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.

 

 

 

 

 

POST-TOURS:

 

CAIRO MUSEUMS (1-day add-on)

 

During this one-day add-on, visit two of Cairo’s most important museums. First, explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square. It was built in 1902, and its iconic pink-toned walls in the midst of downtown Cairo still house an extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Just opened in 2017, the museum tells the story of Egypt’s rich history and contribution to world cultures – from ancient times through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods – with fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, including royal mummies of the greatest pharaohs.

 

Price: $995 per person for a double room or $1295 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.

 

 

 

JORDAN (5-day add-on)

 

Experience Jordan on a fascinating tour to a land of ancient wonders. Unveil the secrets of the Rose City of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the desert of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, with its prehistoric petroglyphs and ever-changing landscape of otherworldly rock formations. Take a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and visit Mount Nebo, from where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land.

 

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:


Petra with an archaeologist: Explore Jordan’s most famous site together with one of the leading archaeologists working there. Learn about the latest research and discoveries made in Petra and uncover the secrets of the Treasury, Petra’s most magnificent temple.

 

Price: $5985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $1295. The add-on starts the day after the Egypt tour ends. You should purchase an additional night at the hotel, so you can use that day to rest, or take part in our 1-day post-tour add-on which includes the cost of the additional night.

 

7. Travel Map

8. Accommodation

Marriott Mena House Hotel


At the Marriott Mena House you can enjoy truly unparalleled accommodation. The hotel’s setting, with its view of the Pyramids of Giza, has entranced travelers through the ages. The tranquility and fresh breezes have attracted royalty and the rich and famous to this magical location for 150 years. The Marriott Mena House merges the exceptional heritage of the Pyramids standing witness to thousands of years of civilization with Marriott International’s 21st-century tradition of innovation. According to Time magazine, Marriott Mena House hotel is one of the World's Greatest Places to visit. The hotel consists of 331 luxury rooms and suites with private balconies, many boasting views of the Pyramids or the lavish gardens, four restaurants and lounges, and a heated swimming pool and a health club.

 

 


Grand Aton Hotel


Set beautifully in its own landscaped gardens overlooking the Nile, the Grand Aton Hotel and Resort is located in an unrivaled and time-honored location in the heart of Minya. The hotel offers 45 uniquely designed rooms and is a premier choice for all the tourists visiting the town. From a balcony you may gaze at the greenery and admire a breathtaking view on the Nile. At Grand Aton you will find three lounges, an outdoor pool, fitness center, as well as indoor and outdoor restaurants.

 


Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor


Sofitel Winter Palace blends rich colonial design with the glory of pharaonic times. This prestigious and opulent hotel is a stunning example of Victorian architecture featuring high-standard facilities, grand staircases, high ceilings and lounge areas appointed with antique furniture and beautiful flower arrangements. In this 19th-century palace, once a winter retreat for the Egyptian royal family, Agatha Christie wrote her famed 1937 novel Death on the Nile and an archaeologist Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb, wandered its amazing gardens almost a century ago.

 

 


House of Life Abydos


The House of Life is a charming hotel located in Abydos at the footsteps of the Temple of Seti I. The place is a distinctive and unusual sight in itself – with a touch of Egypt’s ancient history found at almost every corner. Located in chalets and around the swimming pool, the rooms provide a beautiful view over Abydos, the farmlands and the desert hills. The hotel offers many relaxation areas including a scarab-shaped swimming pool built in the center of the facility. In the lobby you will find several shops where the famous Egyptian essential oils, natural herbs, and local souvenirs can be found.

 

 

 

 

 


Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano


Set in an architectural landmark of Alexandria, hotel Four Seasons at San Stefano features a fashionable resort setting and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It provides a private sandy beach tucked along a bay, full-service spa, outdoor pool and restaurants with terraces offering scenic views. With Egyptian underpinnings and a sleek waterfront setting, the resort-style hotel embodies modern Alexandria and its unique cosmopolitan flare. On one side, the Mediterranean Sea glistens in the sun; on the other, a dynamic metropolis buzzes with life.

 

 


Hotel in Siwa Oasis


The lush greenery of Siwa Oasis welcomes you during your stay at one of its charming hotels and serves as a gateway to the desert beyond

 

Your handpicked hotel in the peaceful and verdant Siwa Oasis makes your experience here even more relaxing. After exploring this hidden gem in the midst of the Egyptian desert, you can unwind surrounded by towering palm trees, natural springs, and unspoiled landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Siwa’s unique natural environment is home to exceptional geological features, a diversity of flora and fauna, and some 230 natural freshwater springs fed by the Nubian aquifer. Your hotel is a perfect base for an expedition to the dunes of the Great Sand Sea and for a trip back in time to discover the many pharaonic and Roman-era antiquities. A perfect combination of pleasure and comfort awaits you in Siwa Oasis.

 

 

 


Jaz Beach Resort


A sparkling backdrop of lakes, lagoons and landscaped gardens leads to the silvery sands and azure waters of the Mediterranean.

 

The lush greenery of Siwa Oasis welcomes you during your stay at one of its charming hotels and serves as a gateway to the desert beyond. Jaz Beach Resort at Mersa Matruh, a city founded by Alexander the Great, is a perfect place for a luxurious and tranquil escape. Enjoy all the amenities of a 5-star property in Almaza Bay: a white sand beach, swimming pools, and restaurants and bars that cater to your every culinary wish. All rooms at Jaz Beach Resorts come with a balcony or terrace overlooking the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The name “Almaza” means “diamond” in Arabic and is particularly well suited for such a dazzling landscape. During your stay here, you’ll explore the region’s rich history and archaeological ruins and marvel at the sun-drenched setting.

 


9. Pricing

Price: $15,985 USD per person (based on double occupancy)


Deposit: Only $1,200 USD required at the time of booking!

 

Traveling solo? You’re welcome to share a room with another solo traveler from the tour at no additional cost.

 

Prefer your own room? A single room supplement of $3,985 USD applies.

 

Payment Schedule:
• $1,200 USD deposit – during booking
• Remaining balance – 90 days before the tour

 

Price Includes:
Exclusive VIP Experiences as indicated in the itinerary; Special Guests as indicated in the itinerary; Luxury Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary; All sightseeing tours and entries as indicated in the itinerary; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; English-speaking Egyptology Expert as a tour guide; English-speaking Travel Concierge; Domestic airfare; Bottled water during sightseeing; Transfers in air-conditioned buses; Reception at the airport and airport transfers on standard arrival and departure days; Basic health insurance (to download the Terms and Conditions of travel insurance click here); Taxes.

 

Not Included:
International airfare (we can assist you with the booking); $25 USD entry visa (issued and paid in cash on arrival at Cairo International Airport); Tips; Soft and alcoholic beverages; Personal expenses

10. Registration

In order to book your place on the Inside Egypt tour, please click below on the Book Now button and follow the instructions.

 

 

Next, please make the deposit payment to confirm your place on the tour. Since the number of places is limited, we encourage you to book the tour as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

E-mail: contact@archaeologicalpaths.com

 

USA phone: 917-724-2772
Other countries: +1 917-724-2772

 

Office hours: from 8 AM to 5 PM New York Time (Monday to Friday) & from 9 AM to 5 PM (Saturday).

 

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