Egypt – The Royal Tour with Dr. Zahi Hawass

with Joy Travel International presents
Egypt – The Royal Tour
with Dr. Zahi Hawass
March 22 - April 2, 2016
Dr. Zahi Hawass, world-renowned Egyptologist, is hosting a trip
of a lifetime for HMNS. Dr. Hawass will take you beyond the
beaten tourist path to visit hidden archeological sites not
accessible to the general public. This will include a private visit
to the Great Pyramid interior and the great Sphinx in Cairo. While
in Luxor City, our group will have an exclusive evening in the
Temple of Luxor after the tourists have been cleared. Dr. Hawass
will show you his most recent excavations on the Giza Plateau as
well as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. His presence is essential
for the private access we will be given to these sites.
Fadel Gad, your tour guide, is an Egyptologist who worked for the
Egyptian Department of Antiquities and conducted excavations in
Lower and Upper Egypt. Fadel is the owner and president of Joy
Travel International located in Santa Monica, California. Through
his company, he has led many tours from numerous educational
institutions nationwide.
We hope you join us in this unique opportunity to visit Egypt, one
of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
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Tour Leaders
Dr. Zahi Hawass
Fadel Gad
Host ǀ Enrichment Lecturer ǀ VIP Guide
Tour Leader ǀ Guide
Dr. Zahi Hawass is Egypt’s former Secretary
General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities
and Director for the Giza Pyramids. Born in
Egypt, Dr. Hawass studied archaeology in Egypt
and the United States, earning his Ph.D. in
Egyptology from the University of Pennsylvania.
He is the author of several books, including
Silent Images: Women in Pharaonic Egypt, The
Secrets of the Sphinx and The Valley of the Golden
Mummies. He is also a National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Lecturer.
Fadel Gad, noted Egyptologist and president of
Joy Travel International, has been leading
educational tours of Egypt and other countries
for more than 20 years. Fadel most recently
served as Executive Producer for public
television specials on Egyptian archaeology.
He received his Masters in Archaeology, Ancient
Egyptology, and Islamic Art at Cairo University.
His field experience includes excavations in
Fostat, Saqqara, Cellia, and the Monastery of Abo
Henes.
Tom Hardwick
Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout
HMNS Consulting Curator of Egyptology
HMNS Curator of Anthropology
Joining the staff at the Houston Museum of
Natural Science in 2012, Tom Hardwick curated
the Museum’s new Hall of Ancient Egypt. A
resident of Cairo, Tom lives and works in Egypt
and visits HMNS several times a year.
Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout is curator of
anthropology at the Houston Museum of Natural
Science. He has curated numerous special
exhibitions and has escorted museum groups for
HMNS to destinations across the globe.
Tour Cost:
(per person, double occupancy)
 Land package (includes domestic
flights in Egypt) - $7,200
 Land package and international
airfare from Houston - $8,400
 Single room supplement - $1,150
Registration
 Limited to 28 participants.
 Deposit of $2,250 due at
registration.
 Balance due by January 22, 2016.
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
Tour Includes:
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Private tours and lectures by Dr. Zahi Hawass
Deluxe Nile Cruise, all meals included
English-speaking tour guide
Deluxe accommodations in five-star hotels or best
available
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Domestic flights in Egypt
All transfers to and from airports
All site fees
Bottled water during excursions
Tips for guides, drivers, wait staff and hotel staff
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Tour Itinerary:
Tuesday, March 22, DAY 1 – USA
Departure from USA.
Wednesday, March 23, DAY 2 – Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo, Fairmont Nile City
Thursday, March 24, DAY 3 – Cairo
Our tour begins with a morning visit to the Cairo
Museum to view the world’s finest collection of
Pharaonic art, including the famous objects from the
tomb of King Tutankhamen. Following lunch in the Old
City at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, we will visit the
16th century Street of the Tentmakers and the
southern section of the 10th century Fatimid city
notable for its medieval houses and inns. This evening
Dr. Hawass will attend our welcome dinner at our
hotel.
Overnight in Cairo, Fairmont Nile City (B, L, D)
Friday, March 25, DAY 4 – Cairo / Aswan
Our group will take a morning flight to Abu Simbel to
visit the colossal rock-cut temple of Ramses II and the
exquisite temple he built for his wife, Nefertari. This
evening we will visit the Aswan African Market and the
Nubian Museum. Our hotel this evening is the Old
Cataract Hotel, made famous by Agatha Christie.
Overnight in Aswan, Cataract Hotel (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 26, DAY 5 – Cairo / Nile
Our morning boat ride will take us to the Island of
Philae where we will visit the temple of Isis, dedicated
to the mother goddess Isis who gave birth to her son
Horus, god of kingship, on this island. The temple was
carefully dismantled and moved to higher ground after
the completion of the Aswan High Dam. Visit the
unfinished obelisk & the granite quarries where the
ancient Egyptians cut stones for their statues and
obelisks. At noontime, we will board our river cruise
ship which will be our floating home for the next four
days. In the afternoon, we will sail by feluccas to
Elephantine Island, the home of God Khnum. While
there, we will also visit the archaeological excavations
and the German Institute Open Air Museum.
Overnight in Aswan, Nile Cruise (B, L, D)
Sunday, March 27, DAY 6 – Nile / Kom Ombo / Edfu
Early this morning we sail to Kom Ombo. After
breakfast visit the temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to
two gods, Sobek and Horus. We will continue down the
Nile to Edfu. After lunch, horse buggies will roll you
through the ancient city of Edfu to the temple of Horus
and his consort Hathor. This temple was dedicated for
the reunion of the gods and goddesses.
Overnight in Esna, Nile Cruise (B, L, D)
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
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Monday, March 28, DAY 7 – Nile / Luxor
After a morning sailing to Luxor we will visit the Temple of
Karnak and the Temple of Luxor, dedicated to Amun, king of the
gods. We will also tour the Open Air Museum at Karnak After
dinner with Dr. Zahi Hawass, he will accompany us back to the
Temple of Luxor for an exclusive private tour of the dramatically
lit temple after it is closed to the public.
Overnight at Luxor, Nile Cruise (B, L, D)
Tuesday, March 29, DAY 8 – Nile / Abydos / Dendarah
After breakfast, we will conclude our Nile Cruise and drive north
of Luxor through the exquisite, lush green countryside, to the
sacred city of Abydos to visit the Temple of Osiris, ruler of the
underworld. We will enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Returning
from Abydos, we will stop at Dendarah to visit the Temple of
Hathor, goddess of love, motherhood and music.
Overnight Abydos, House of Life Hotel (B)
Wednesday, March 30, DAY 9 – Luxor / Giza
Today in the West Bank of Luxor City, we visit the Valley of the
Kings The Valley of the Kings contains the exquisite tombs of
the New Kingdom Pharaohs, the Valley of the Queens, and the
Valley of the Nobles. By special permission from Egypt’s
Supreme Council of Antiquities, visit several tombs that are not
open to the general public with Dr. Zahi Hawass. We will lunch
at the historic courtyard of the venerable Sheikh Ali Restaurant,
the watering hole for all renowned Egyptologists. Following
lunch, we visit the great mortuary temples of Hatshepsut,
Ramses II, and Ramses III, as well as the ancient village of Deir el
Medina with its extraordinary tombs of the ordinary workers
who built the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. This afternoon
we fly back to Cairo. Our hotel for the remainder of our stay is
the Mena House Hotel. This historic palatial hotel is located in
the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The royal history of
the hotel is reflected in luxurious interiors that showcase
exquisite antiques and works of arts.
Overnight Cairo, Mena House Hotel (B, L)
Thursday, March 31, DAY 10 – Dahshur / Saqqara This
morning we will drive south along the Nile to visit the Pyramids
of Dahshur—the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Pharaoh
Snefru, Khufu’s father. After lunch, at the Saqqara Palm Club,
visit the Step Pyramid of king Djoser in Saqqara, the oldest
major stone-built complex in the world. We will also visit the
Imhotep Museum. This evening at the Mena House, we will dine
with Dr. Hawass who will also give a lecture.
Overnight Cairo, Mena House Hotel (B, L, D)
Friday, April 1, DAY 11 – Giza
Today we will spend the day with Dr. Hawass on the Giza
Plateau visiting the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx, the Solar
Boat, and Dr. Hawass’ latest excavation. This afternoon our
group will have a special tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum
conservation labs.
Overnight Cairo, Mena House Hotel (B, L, D)
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
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Saturday, April 2, DAY 12 – Cairo / USA
Departure Cairo on your homebound flight.
Reservation and Cancellation Policies
Reservation and Payment
A deposit of $2,250 per person to HMNS is required for
registration. Final payment is due 60 days prior the
departure dates from the USA (January 22). You will be
invoiced for the final payment by Joy Travel
International. Registrations made within 60 days of
departure date, require immediate full and final
payment upon booking.
Cancellation and Refunds
 Cancellations must be received by HMNS and Joy
Travel in writing.
 Cancellations received more than 60 days prior to
departure will have a penalty of 100% of the
deposit if the spot is not filled by another traveler;
however, if the spot is filled by another traveler,
50% of the deposit will be refunded.
 Cancellations received between 59 and 31 days
prior to departure will have a penalty of 50% of the
final payment and 100% of the deposit.
 Cancellations received between 30 and 15 days
prior to departure will have a penalty of 75% of the
final payment and 100% of the deposit.
 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to
departure and “no shows” will have a penalty of z
 100% of the final payment and 100% of the deposit.
 No refunds will be made for missed group activities
on the trip, including meals, accommodations,
transportation transfers, tours and any other services
voluntarily not taken.
Participant Requirements, Responsibilities & Notices
 Participants should be in good physical condition and capable of traversing unpaved terrain.
Unfortunately not all sites are handicap accessible. Please check with HMNS if you have any required
accessibility accommodations that are necessary for you to enjoy the tour prior to registration.
 Participants must be self-sufficient and carry their own belongings and luggage.
 The minimum age of participant for this trip is 15 years. Each minor must be accompanied by one adult
guardian. Guardians are responsible for the supervision and safety of their children.
 At times we may be in isolated locations where response to a medical emergency could be lengthy.
 Tobacco (including e cigarettes), alcohol and fire arms and are not permitted on motor coach, at sites or
during group activities.
 Prior to trip, participants must complete HMNS Release and Consent form.
 No partial refunds will be made for missed activities. Participants who are late to the departure time
and miss the bus are responsible for making their own arrangements to meet the group.
 The itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather and unforeseen events.
 We advise all travelers to purchase travel insurance for this trip upon registration.
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
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Alexandria
Optional Post-Trip Extension
Visit the beautiful Mediterranean city of Alexandria—founded by Alexander the Great, popularized in the
tales associated with Cleopatra, and memorialized in the works of 20th century writers. Home to one of the
ancient wonders of the world and a world famous library, Alexandria was a beacon of civilization for
centuries. Earning her nickname “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria’s beautiful architecture and
monuments stretch the shore of the Mediterranean.
Saturday, April 2, Cairo / Alexandria
Early morning departure to Alexandria will be by motor coach. Upon arrival, we will visit the Alexandria
National Museum which houses excavated underwater monuments. We will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at
restaurant on the Mediterranean Sea. This afternoon we will visit the Qit Bey Citadel, the foundation of the
Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—and the famous
Alexandria Library with its modern design.
Overnight in Alexandria, Cecil Hotel (B, L, D)
Monday, April 3, Alexandria / Cairo
Today in Alexandria, we will visit the catacombs of Alexandria reflecting the influence of classical culture in
the art of Ancient Egypt, as well as the excavations of old Alexandria and the Greek theatre. On our drive
back to Cairo, if the time permits, we stop at the 4th century monastery of Abu Makkar.
Overnight in Cairo, Concorde El Salam Hotel (B, L, D)
Tuesday, April 4, Cairo / USA
Departure to your final destination
Extension Cost:
 Per person, double occupancy - $550
 Single supplement - $660
HMNS 2016 – Egypt – The Royal Tour
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HMNS Travel Registration Form  Egypt – The Royal Tour, March 22 -April 2, 2016
Mail: Travel, HMNS, 5555 Herman Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030 ǀ Fax: 866.828.8648 ǀ Scan/e-mail: travel@hmns.org
Name: ________________________________________
HMNS Membership #: _______________
e-mail address: _____________________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________
Cell Phone: _____________________________
Traveler A
 Please charge my credit card $2,250 for the deposit to secure my reservation.
 I have enclosed a check for the $2,250 deposit.
Credit Card #: ___________________________________________
CVV Code: _________ Expiration Date: _________
Name on Card: __________________________________________
Billing Zip Code: ________________
 Land package only, $7,200 per person  International Air with Land package, $8,400 per person
 We/I prefer one double bed.  My travel companion and I prefer two twin beds.
 I wish to have my own room and will to pay the Single Supplement of $1,150 in addition to the duel occupancy rate.
 I would like help finding a roommate. If a roommate is not found I will pay the Single Supplement of $1,150 in addition
to the duel occupancy rate.
 Smoking room.  Non-Smoking Room.
ǀ  Window seat preferred on plane.  Aisle seat preferred on plane.
 I would like to add the optional post-trip extension to Alexandria (double occupancy $550, Single supplement - $660)
Special medical needs, food restrictions: __________________________________________________________
I have read this trip document and understand the “Cancelation and Refund” and “Participant Requirements, Responsibilities
& Notices” sections on page 5 of this document.
________________________________________
Signature
________
Date
Name: ________________________________________
HMNS Membership #: _______________
e-mail address: _____________________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Traveler B
Home Phone: _____________________________
Cell Phone: _____________________________
 Charge same credit card as Passenger A (above).
 Please charge my credit card $2,250 for the deposit to secure my reservation.
 I have enclosed a check for the $2,250 deposit.
Credit Card #: ___________________________________________
CVV Code: _________
Name on Card: __________________________________________
Billing Zip Code: ________________
 Land package only, $7,200 per person  Land package with International Air, $8,400 per person
 Smoking room.  Non-Smoking Room.
ǀ
 Window Seat preferred on plane.  Seat preferred on plane.
 I would like to add the optional post-trip extension to Alexandria (double occupancy $550, Single supplement - $660)
Special medical needs, food restrictions: __________________________________________________________
I have read this trip document and understand the “Cancelation and Refund” and “Participant Requirements, Responsibilities
& Notices” sections on page 5 of this document.
________________________________________
Signature
________
Date