Ramses II
ILLUMINATED
With Renowned Egyptian Art Historian
Dr. Bob Bianchi
October 11 - 23, 2022
Ramses II, often called the Great, was one of the longest lived pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Join us on a fascinating adventure to witness first-hand Ramses II’s indelible mark throughout the length and breadth of Egypt, from Tanis in the North to Abu Simbel in the South. Throughout the journey we will visit sites associated with Ramses II and notable members of his family, including his beloved wife Nefertari whom he honored with what is universally considered to be the most beautifully painted tomb ever to have been created in ancient Egypt. We culminate our adventure in Abu Simbel, where we experience the extraordinary astronomical phenomena of the rays of the dawning sun penetrating the inner sanctum of the Great Temple, illuminating the rock cut image of Ramses II on the occasion traditionally associated with his birthday.
Trip Overview
This bespoke program has been designed to include unique and intimate experiences. As such, the group size will be limited to just 25 participants.
Days 1 - 5
Your journey begins in Egypt’s bustling capital, Cairo. Here you will wander through the Coptic and Islamic quarters dating back to Christ and discover treasures within the Khan El Kahlili Bazaar. You will venture south to the ancient necropolis of Saqqara and Memphis where extraordinary discoveries continue to be unearthed; west to the mighty Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum; and north to oft-overlooked Bubastis and Tanis, the biblical site of Zoan mentioned by Moses.
5 nights at the Nile Ritz-Carlton
Days 9 - 10
Journeying farther south following the mighty Nile, arrive in the relatively quiet city of Aswan. En route, you will visit the Temple of Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, and twin temple of Kom Ombo. Other highlights include off-the-beaten path visits to lesser known temples dedicated to Ramses II, including Beit Al Wall and Gerf Hussein. Enjoy a visit to the Nubian Museum showcasing what was lost beneath Lake Nasser.
2 nights at the Sofitel Old Cataract
Days 6 - 8
Your journey continues in the ancient capital Luxor where you’ll encounter some of the finest and most well-preserved monuments and tombs of ancient Egypt. Highlights include visits to both the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, with special access to Nefertari’s Tomb, Ramases II’s favorite queen, as well as to the Luxor and Karnak Temples, among others. While here, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile.
3 nights at the Sofitel Winter Palace
Days 11 - 12
Experience one of the world’s most exhilarating astronomical phenomenon at the jewel in Egypt’s crown, the Great Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. Twice a year the sun penetrates the temple’s central axis to illuminate the visage of Ramses II sitting among deities - his coronation day, February 22, and his birthday, October 22. Afterwards, you will return to Cairo for your final night in Egypt.
1 night at the Seti Hotel Abu Simbel
Meet Your Host
Robert Steven Bianchi received his PhD from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts in 1976, specializing in art historical criticism and aesthetics with concentrations on both ancient and contemporary art. He began his museological career as an assistant in the Egyptian Department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Thereafter, he served as full curator in the Department of Egyptian, Classical and Ancient Middle Eastern Art at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. He has served as visiting, adjunct professor at New York University, Columbia University, and the University of Alexandria in Egypt. During his career, he has received numerous post-doctoral fellowships and awards. He is extensively published having written or contributed to over ninety books and nearly four hundred journal articles and book reviews. He has also appeared in over one-hundred television and radio programs.
Trip Details
Pricing from $7,755 per person*
Based on double occupancy.
Inclusions
• All accommodations as noted in the itinerary.
• All meals as noted in the itinerary.
• Admission Fees and Activities as noted in the itinerary.
• Domestic airfare within Egypt in Economy Class.
• Ground Transportation and Airport Transfers.
• VIP Arrival Immigration Assistance
• Gratuities for guides, tour managers, hotels, restaurants, drivers.
Exclusions
• International airfare to/from Egypt.
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Optional meals and alcohol.
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, etc).
• Any unforeseen changes to itinerary beyond our control (border restrictions, flight changes, cancellations, domestic incidences, or acts of god).
*Pricing is based on twenty guests and is subject to increase if the number of participants is fewer than twenty.
**Supplement for single occupancy is $1,625
Trip Extensions
Guests wishing to extend their stay in Egypt can enjoy additional touring with Dr. Bob in Cairo, or a few days of leisure by the Red Sea in the resort city of Sharm el Sheikh. Set pricing available on request.
Pre-Trip: Cairo
October 9 - 11
Dr. Bob shares his knowledge beyond ancient Egypt with a special tour of Cairo’s historic Islamic quarter, including a visit to the Gayer Anderson Museum. Enjoy an excursion south of Giza in Dahshur to visit the Bent and Red Pyramids followed by a visit to the Egyptian National Museum.
2 nights at the Marriott Mena House in Giza
Post-Trip: Sharm el Sheikh
October 23 - 26
Cap off your historical and culturally rich adventures with rest and recreation on the beautiful Red Sea. Whether you desire to lay on the beach with a book or enjoy snorkeling and diving the incredible coral reefs, Sharm el Sheikh provides a welcome playground to unwind.
2 nights at the Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh
1 night at the Intercontinental City Stars Cairo
Inquire
For more information about the trip and to receive the full itinerary, kindly submit the form below. We hope you will join us!