Events & Reunions

When: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - Saturday, March 13, 2010 (iCal)

Description

Join us on this odyssey to the Pharaonic splendors of the Nile Valley and across the ancient sea lanes of the Red Sea aboard the m.s. Monet. We will immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this ancient region, stand face to face with the Sphinx in the shadow of Giza’s pyramids and walk in the footsteps of Ramses II in ancient Thebes. Our journey will include visits to the birthplace of monasticism in Egypt’s Eastern Desert and to the sixth-century Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot of Mt. Sinai where we will see the Chapel of the Burning Bush and the monastery’s priceless collection of medieval icons and sacred relics. Visit the legendary “Rose-Red City” of Petra, hewn from sandstone cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans 2,000 years ago. We will stay in the ancient city of Luxor and explore one of the earth’s most pristine underwater environments at Ras Mohammed National Marine Park.

We've added a second set of dates: March 31 - April 10, 2010.

Cost

From approximately $4,145 per person, plus airfare Ask about early booking savings of $500 per person! 

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart U.S.

Depart for Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2 - Cairo, Egypt / Giza

Arrive in Cairo and travel to the Giza Plateau to check into our pyramid-view rooms in the deluxe Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel.

Day 3 - Giza/ Cairo/ Hurghada

This morning, see the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the pyramids of the Old Kingdom pharaohs of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus. Guarded by the mysterious Sphinx, these enduring symbols of the glory of Egypt have towered over the horizon of the Western Desert for nearly 5,000 years. Visit the Solar Boat Museum at the foot of the pyramids to see Pharaoh Khufu's reassembled funerary vessel, an amazing feat of ancient engineering. After lunch, fly over the rolling dunes of the Eastern Desert to the rocky, picturesque coast of the Red Sea. Upon our arrival, embark the intimate M.Y. HARMONY V. This evening, attend a special welcome reception and enjoy dinner on board the ship.

Day 4 - Sharm El Sheikh/ Mt. Sinai

Drive into the heart of the rugged mountains of Sinai, a starkly beautiful and sacred area. Arrive at the foot of Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine, a sixth-century fortified complex of gardens, chapels and libraries, was built under orders by Emperor Justinian on the site of the Burning Bush. During our visit, admire the monastery's priceless collection of medieval icons, manuscripts and sacred relics. Walk into the Chapel of the Burning Bush, and learn how the monks' traditions have endured for 1,500 years in this barren mountain environment. Lunch is at the monastery before returning to the ship.

Day 5 - Sharm El Sheikh

Explore the beauty and solitude of Ras Mohammed National Marine Park, the unspoiled nature reserve located on a rocky promontory of ancient coral jutting into the sea from the very southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Discover hidden mangrove forests, stroll along quiet lagoons and relish stunning views of surrounding desert landscapes. There is an opportunity to swim and snorkel in these pristine waters, which conceal a mesmerizing world of coral and marine life. Tonight, the ship sets sail for Aqaba.

Day 6 - Aqaba, Jodran/ Petra

Disembark in Aqaba and drive north to the legendary "Rose-Red" city of Petra, carved from the red sandstone cliffs of Wadi Araba by the ancient Nabataeans. We'll make our way on foot or on horseback through the narrow Siq, the winding mountainous passage to one of Antiquity's most astounding sights— a magnificent city of temples, dwellings and tombs hewn from solid rock 2,000 years ago. Admire the masterfully crafted Khazneh (Treasury), the glorious Temple of the Winged Lions and the 8,000-seat amphitheater, where citizens cheered on gladiators battling to the death.

Following lunch in Petra, check into the Movenpick Hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

After dinner in the hotel, set off on a special night excursion in Petra, where 1,500 candles illuminate our path along the Siq to the Treasury.

Day 7 - Petra / Wadi Rum / Aqaba

Set off from Petra and traverse the dramatic landscape of Wadi Rum, where millennia of desert wind and sand have carved a vast labyrinth of towering granite and sandstone formations. British soldier and diplomat T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, aptly described this unique valley as "vast, echoing and godlike" in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom, after which one of these natural skyscrapers is named. Stop for lunch in a Bedouin camp before returning to the ship.

Day 8 - Taba, Egypt / Cruising the Red Sea

Arrive in the border town of Taba this morning and cruise around Pharaoh's Island. See the 12th-century fortress, originally built by the Crusaders and further reinforced by Sultan Saladin, atop the steep, rocky island. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to swim. Spend a relaxing afternoon cruising the Red Sea en route to Safaga. Enjoy dramatic views of Egypt's rugged coastline, watch for dolphins and scan the horizon for distant outlines of the Sinai Mountains in the east.

Day 9 - Safaga / Luxor

Disembark and travel through the mountains of the Eastern Desert to the lush Nile Valley and the Upper Egyptian town of Luxor. Here lie the spectacular treasures of fabled Thebes, imperial capital during the New Kingdom (1550-1069 B.C.), when Egypt's most powerful pharaohs presided over the building of an astonishing architectural legacy that includes Karnak Temple and the exquisite shrines and tombs of the Theban Necropolis. Check into the deluxe Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel. After lunch in the hotel, we'll visit Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious structures ever built. Dedicated to the supreme New Kingdom deity, Amun-Ra, this vast complex of pylons, columns, obelisks, statues and lakes covers more than 100 acres and was built and expanded over the course of more than 1,000 years, beginning around 1,600 B.C. Admire exquisitely crafted statues of Ramses II and the most legendary pharaohs, and marvel at Hatshepsut's 97-foot-tall rose-granite obelisk, which weighs a staggering 320 tons and was carved from a single piece of stone. In the heart of the temple, stroll through the Hypostyle Hall, a vast forest of 80-foot-tall columns.

From Karnak continue by horse carriages to the Temple of Luxor, Thebes' second major religious center. Enter by way of the dramatic "Avenue of the Sphinxes," which once stretched all the way to Karnak. Stand beside the spectacular obelisk, whose twin was placed in Paris' Place de la Concorde by Napoleon Bonaparte. View the temple's exquisite bas-reliefs depicting diverse elements of life in Ancient Egypt in addition to historical events like Ramses' great victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 B.C. Following the tour, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 10 - Luxor

Following breakfast at the hotel, cross the Nile River to the Valley of the Kings, where many of Egypt's most famous pharaohs were laid to rest amidst vast troves of statues, jewels, amulets and everyday belongings believed to be required for the spiritual journey to the afterlife. Revel in the atmosphere of discovery as we descend narrow entrance halls into the ornate burial chambers of Tutankhamun and Ramses IV, where elaborate hieroglyphics and painted carvings depict the pharaohs as righteous kings worthy of resurrection. Visit the Valley of the Nobles and admire the fascinating terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, the "Splendor of Splendors," built by Ancient Egypt's most powerful female ruler. Stand in the shadows of the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two immense statues whose reputed oracular powers attracted pilgrims from across the Ancient World.

The afternoon is free for independent pursuits. This evening, join fellow travel companions for a farewell reception in the hotel.

Day 11 - Luxor / Cairo / U.S.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board a flight to the U.S., via Cairo.