Magic Along the Nile: Aswan, Luxor and Cairo

The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this exclusive tour highlighting the most incredible, historic and architectural landmarks of Egypt. Our guide is Egyptologist, Dr. Arto Belekdanian who has a doctorate from the University of Oxford and a Masters degree from the University of Chicago, making him uniquely capable of addressing both scholars and popular audiences. He has collaborated with broadcasters such as National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and BBC Studios in addition to his work for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and his on-site archaeological excavation work.

The tour is co-hosted by Cosmo Brockway, a travel and interiors journalist and award-winning author of Glorious Hotels of India (2019). He writes for leading publications on interiors, culture and design, including Architectural Digest, The World of Interiors and The Telegraph. Cosmo has led tours across the world, from India to Norway, and the Holy Land to the Greek island of Patmos. He is also well acquainted with many of the finest private country estates in England, Scotland and Ireland.

This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note, that you must contact Classical Excursions’ Director, Lani Summerville to formally register for this program. Upon completing a registration form, submitting a deposit to Classical Excursions, and receiving a confirmation from Classical Excursions you will be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $600 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. Again, to inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728. Please note that there are limited spots available for this trip.

A fully tax-deductible donation of $600 per person is required to participate in this travel program. Please note that this donation is non-refundable except in the case that this travel program is cancelled by the organization. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.

A late afternoon optional sunset boat ride on the Nile sailing on a traditional Dahabiya.

Participants will have the option to attend a private tour of the Temple of Abu Simbel.

A luxury three-night exclusive stay on the luxury Senator Cruise Ship, fuses modern sophistication with oriental allure with arabesque motifs adorning every corner. Participants will get an opportunity to visit several locations on this cruise, such as the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Temple at Edfu, the Esna Temple, and the Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Participants will visit the unique, double temple, Temple of Kom Ombo, constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty, 180–47 BC.

The group will sail onboard a luxury ship on the Nile to visit the Temple Philae on the island of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.

A visit to the West Bank and Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and more, followed by afternoon textile shopping and browsing in the markets.

An optional early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings followed by an afternoon visit to the Medinet Habu Temple which is the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses, III and is considered to be one of the largest and best-preserved examples of this type of building.

A special visit to see archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter’s villa and the Tombs of Nobles, with a private evening viewing of Nefertari’s Tomb.

A full day of touring Islamic Cairo, including visits to and the Mosque of Ibn Tulum and the Gayer Anderson House. Following, enjoy curated shopping with Cosmo Brockway and dinner in a private home.

A full day visit to the ancient necropolis of Saqqara to see the world’s oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, burial tombs and the extraordinary Serapeum.

A morning visit to the Great Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). This evening, participants will enjoy a farewell dinner in a special location.

What’s included

  • A sunset boat ride sailing on the Dahabiya.
  • A one night stay at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan, where the group will meet their co-host and expert Cosmo Brockway.
  • An optional private excursion to Abu Simbel to view the magnificent temples.
  • A three-night exclusive stay on the luxury Senator Cruise Ship, fuses modern sophistication and oriental allure with arabesque motifs which adorn every corner. Participants will get an opportunity to visit several locations on this cruise, such as the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Temple at Edfu, the Temple of Esna, and the Karnak and Luxor Temples.
  • A visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, followed by textile shopping in the local markets.
  • A three-night stay at the Al Moudira Hotel, located on the west bank of the Nile, in Luxor, near the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Thebes and the Valley of the Kings.
  • A special visit to see Howard Carter's villa and the Tombs of the Nobles, with a private evening viewing of Nefertari's Tomb.
  • An optional early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings.
  • An afternoon visit to the Medinet Habu Temple which is the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses, III and is considered to be one of the largest and best-preserved examples of this type of building.
  • An afternoon sailing on the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya with a stop at a Nubian village.
  • An Afternoon visit to the Egyptian museum once arriving in Cairo.
  • A four-night stay in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence.
  • A full day touring Cairo, with sites including Islamic Cairo, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Gayer Anderson, and more.
  • Curated shopping with Cosmo Brockway, followed by an exclusive private dinner.
  • A full day visit to the ancient Necropolis Saqqara to see the world's oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, burial tombs and the extraordinary Serapeum.
  • A morning tour of the Great Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
  • A special farewell dinner.

Temple of Abu Simbel (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Warren LeMay)



Karnak (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Vyacheslav Argenberg)



Temple of Kom Ombo



Temple Philae



Temple of Abu Simbel



Temple at Edfu



Karnak



Luxor Temples



The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut



Dahabiya (Image: Wikimedia Commons/ Marc Ryckaert)



Great Sphinx of Giza (Image: Wikimedia Commos/Hamerani)



Temple of Esna (Image: Wikimedia Commons/tutincommon (John Campana))



FAQ

How do I register for an ICAA travel program?

If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $600 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.

What does the required $600 donation fund?

Your $600 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.

Am I required to pay a $600 donation for each travel program I register for?

Yes, a donation of $600 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.

How do I make my $600 donation to the ICAA?

You can make your $600 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x111 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.

Do I have to be a member of the ICAA to participate in an ICAA travel program?

No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $600 required donation.

I don’t see the full itinerary for the tour I am interested in. When will it be released?

For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 413-446-8728. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.

What kinds of trips does the ICAA offer?

Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].