DAY 8 I ASWĀN Wake up docked in Aswān, a busy market town north of the Aswān High Dam. Explore the island temple of Philae, a site of ancient pilgrimage for devotees of the goddess Isis. Visit a nearby quarry to view the “unfinished obelisk.” Half-carved out of granite bedrock, it was intended to be larger than any ancient obelisk ever erected, until a large crack caused the project to be abandoned. Later, enjoy high tea at a historic hotel followed by an excursion aboard a felucca—a traditional wooden sailboat. M.S. Mayflower | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 9 I ABU SIMBEL/CAIRO Fly to Abu Simbel, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to two of Egypt’s most impressive temples. In the 1960s, the site was dismantled and reassembled to make way for the Aswān High Dam—a feat of engineering rivaling the original construction of the temples. Stand at the base of the colossal statues of Ramses II and gaze at the hieroglyphs carved on the walls of the inner hall. Later, fly back to Cairo and settle into our hotel. Gather for a talk on women’s issues in modern Egypt, then enjoy dinner. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 10–11 I CAIRO Head into Old Cairo, the location of the earliest original settlement. Venture to the 12th-century Citadel of Saladin, and step inside the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Continue to the area that is now the center of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community; and also home to the ruins of Roman fortifications, the first mosque built in Egypt, and the oldest synagogue in Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church—one of the city’s oldest Coptic churches—and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. After time to explore the enchanting Khan el-Khalili souk, enjoy an exclusive after-hours visit to the Egyptian Museum. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo | Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D
A National Geographic Expert and Expedition Leader will accompany this trip. National Geographic Explorer and archaeologist Nora Shawki will join the October 15 and November 5, 2020 and January 28, 2021 departures. INFORMATION 2020 Dates: Oct. 15–25 | Oct. 22–Nov. 1 | Nov. 5–15 Nov. 12–22 | Dec. 30, 2020–Jan. 10, 2021* 2021 Dates: Jan. 14–24 | Jan. 21–31 Jan. 28–Feb. 7 | Feb. 4–14 | Feb. 11–21 *This departure follows a modified itinerary. Prices are per person, double occupancy, and subject to change. Single supplement is from $1,800. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional $500 per person (subject to change).
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Petra Post-trip Extension | 4 days from $2,995 Journey to Jordan and immerse yourself in the mystery of ancient Petra, delving into its buildings and tombs, carved straight into soaring cliffs.
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