Sun Boat III

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EGYPT
from the Pharaohs
to Today
January 3 – 16, 2012
Cruising the Nile
aboard the
exclusively chartered
Sun Boat III
FEATURING AN
EXCURSION TO
ABU SIMBEL
HTTP://ALUMNI.PRINCETON.EDU/MAIN/EDUCATION_TRAVEL/PRINCETON_JOURNEYS/
Stay at the Mena House
next to the Pyramids
Fly to Abu Simbel to see the
Temple of Ramses II
Savor fresh produce from the
fertile Nile Valley
In Upper Egypt,
cruise the Nile at Aswan
DEAR PRINCETONIAN:
F
OR THE PAST THREE YEARS
Princeton Journeys has been
pleased to offer the iconic Egypt of the Pharaohs program along
the Nile, which was annually sold out and considered by many
“The things we
enjoyed? Traveling
with a group with common
participants as “the trip of a lifetime.” Given Egypt’ s prominence on the
interests. Having guides
world stage since its peaceful revolution in early 2011, we have taken the
and study leader always
opportunity to update our program to complement the investigation of
available. The location
the ancient pharaonic civilization with in-depth conversations about life
and the Egyptian people.
in contemporary Egypt.
Seeing so much and
Study Leader Bob Tignor, Princeton’s Rosengarten Professor of
Modern and Contemporary History Emeritus, is the perfect choice to le ad
this revised program, as he brings a wealth of expertise in the modern
history of Egypt and the Arab world. Professor Tignor’s insights will be
enhanced by expert commentary from Egyptologist Tarek Swelim and
Egyptian guide Fetiche Posma-Zaalouk, both overwhelmingly praised by
participants on our previous three Nile journeys.
Criterion Travel, our tour operator, is holding prices to 2010 levels,
which means a savings of $1,000 to $1,500 per person off the original
2012 prices. Given the intimate nature of Sun Boat III and her ability to
accommodate only 28 travelers, we urge you to book your space now .
Please contact the Princeton Journeys team today at
[email protected] or (609) 258-8686.
Sincerely,
Leslie J. Rowley S95
Executive Manager, Princeton Journeys
Office of the Alumni Association
Princeton University
understanding what we
were seeing…We had a
marvelous experience and
want to thank the entire
staff for making us feel
so welcome.”
BRUNO AND GAYLE FIABANE,
participants on the January
2011 Egypt of the Pharaohs
program
outstanding
“Overall
–probably the best tour
we ever took, bar none.”
DICK WOODBRIDGE ’65,
who traveled with his wife
Karen on the January 2011
Journey
Fetiche Posma-Zaalouk
Robert Tignor
Tarek Swelim
Swelim
FACULTY
R O B E RT T I G N O R , the Rosengarten Professor of Modern and
Contemporary History Emeritus, will serve as Princeton Study
Leader for this program. Professor Tignor is an expert in African
history and has done research on British colonialism and its aftermath, world history, and the modern histories of Egypt, Nigeria,
and Kenya. He joined Princeton's History Department in 1960 after
earning his Ph.D. at Yale University. He has been closely involved
in the department’s efforts to expand it teaching and research
beyond Europe and North America and was co-author of the
important Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the Modern
World (2002). His new volume Egypt: A Short History, published in
2010 by Princeton University Press, has received critical praise. On
our Journey, Professor Tignor, who has lived in Egypt at different
times over the course of five decades, will discuss with participants
the Nile River and the Egyptian people’s relationship to it;
European influences on Egypt over the ages; militar y leadership
of the country in modern times; and, of course, Egypt’ s future.
F E T I C H E P O S M A - Z A A LO U K is a noted Egyptologist specializing
in the culture, history, and architecture of Ancient Egypt as well
as issues relating to women and village life. A 19 72 graduate of
Helwan University in Cairo, she has been guiding educational
groups and special visitors for many ye ars. She is passionate
about her native country’s long and distinguished history and
continues her study and research.
TA R E K S W E L I M , a native Egyptian, is an expert on the art,
architecture, and history of the Middle East. Dr. Swelim earned his
BS from Helwan University in Cairo, an MA in Egyptology at the
American University, Cairo, and his Ph.D. at Harvard University.
In 1979, he started his career by guiding and lecturing to academic
groups in Egypt. In 1994, he began le ading tours throughout the
Middle East as well.
Take an optional camel ride
aboard the “ship of the desert”
Visit the step pyramid
of Saqqara
Stroll the Luxor
sphinx promenade
ITINERARY
En Route
Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 3
Evening departures from the U.S. on
overnight flights to Cairo. ( Meals aloft)
Cairo
and Giza
W e d n e s d a y, J a n u a r y 4
On arrival, transfer to the historic Mena
House Hotel. From its early days as a royal
hunting lodge and later transformation to
a deluxe hotel, it has hosted dignitaries
and world leaders visiting the Egyptian
capital. Enjoy its lovely gardens and the
incomparable views of the great pyramid
of the Pharaoh Khufu. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening gather for
a welcome orientation meeting and
reception. Afterwards, stroll the grounds
and admire the pyramids lit in the
evening shadows. M E N A H O U S E O B E R O I
( Meals aloft; R )
Giza Pyramid and Sphinx
Paws and Solar Boat
T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 5
“It was an outstanding trip and worth ever y penny.
We both agreed this truly was a ‘trip of a lifetime’
for many reasons. It will be hard to top!”
JIM AND JOAN ARDREY P92 P94, GREENWICH, CT
Marvel at the last standing monument of
the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,
the Great Pyramid on the Giza Plateau.
Then, gain special access to the “paws” of
the 4,500 year half man-half lion known
as the Great Sphinx. Before returning to
the hotel for a leisurely afternoon, visit
the restored funerary boat of Cheops, a
4th dynasty Pharaoh who, according to
tradition, left this world for the next tr ansported aboard his Solar Barque. This
Mediterranean Sea
evening gather in a private Egyptian home
and meet locals at a welcome reception
and dinner. M E N A H O U S E O B E R O I ( B , L , D )
Journey to the unique step pyramid of
Saqqara, a precursor to the grand Giza
pyramids. Visit the underground galleries
where hieroglyphs cover the walls from
floor to ceiling depicting daily life in Egypt’ s
5th millennium B.C. After lunch, study
the bent pyramid at Dashur. Return to the
hotel and relax. This evening is free for
independent pursuits. MENA HOUSE OBEROI (B,L)
Cairo and Luxor
S a t u r d a y, J a n u a r y 7
Fly to Luxor. Upon arrival, explore the
fabulous Karnak Temple complex, the
largest ancient religious site in the world.
Wander among the enormous 134 stone
columns, and marvel at the myriad wellpreserved obelisks telling stories of the
ancients. This evening visit the Luxor
Temple under a full moon. Then gather
for a welcome aboard dinner on your
private yacht. S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
Luxor
and Abydos
S u n d a y, J a n u a r y 8
Leisurely cruising this morning allows for
observation of the activities of people at
work in villages along the Nile riverbanks.
After lunch, visit Abydos, a pilgrimage site
for worshippers of the pharaohs of the
Ancient Kingdom. Dedicated to the Lord of
the Netherworld, Osiris, the temple walls
are handsomely carved with hieroglyphs
depicting the lives of the kings.
egypt
Red Sea
ABYDOS
DENDERA
VALLEY of the KINGS
from Luxor Temple, King Tut’s tomb, and a
partial reconstruction of the Karnak Temple
walls. Return to your elegant yacht, Sun
Boat III, for an afternoon at leisure, or
spend the balance of the day in se arch
of treasures at the Luxor bazaar.
M o n d a y, J a n u a r y 9
Explore the temple complex of Dendera,
dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love,
music, wine, and procreation. Cruise back
to Luxor. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent
Luxor Museum collection including artifacts
LUXOR
EDFU
ASWAN
ABU SIMBEL
S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
thebes
Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 0
In the cool early morning darkness cross
the Nile to Thebes, ancient capital of Egypt.
Explore evocative tombs in the Valley of
the Kings, hidden for thousands of ye ars.
Visits to recent discovery sites and special
access have been arranged. Continue to
the grandiose mortuary temple dedicated
to Hatshepsut, Egypt’s iconic female
pharaoh. The temple took 15 years to
construct and consists of three colonnaded
terraces situated in the Valley of the Kings
with a magnificent cliff backdrop. At her
death, jealous successors obliterated most
of her images in an attempt to remove her
peaceful reign from historical records.
S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
Dendera and
Luxor Museum
Nile R
iver
SAQQARA
Saqqara and Dashur
Fr i d a y, J a n u a r y 6
SHIP
LAND
AIR
CAIRO
GIZA
Valley of the Kings
W e d n e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 1
Today, explore the tomb of boy-king
Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by
Englishman Howard Carter. Emptied of
its spectacular treasures, many are now
displayed in the Cairo Museum. Enter
specially accessed tombs nearby and the
newly restored tomb of Ramses VI. At the
temple of Medinet Habu, second only in
size to Karnak, see colossal statues of
Ramesses III and elegant reliefs depicting
battle and victory scenes. SUN BOAT III (B, L, D)
EDFU
T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 2
After a morning of cruising, arrive at Edfu
to explore the best-preserved ancient
temple in Egypt. It was dedicated to Horus,
the ubiquitous falcon-headed god of the
Egyptians. The main building includes a
great Hypostyle Hall and, just outside, an
entrance colonnade that remarkably still
has visible, original, colored reliefs.
Reboard your yacht and cruise to Aswan.
S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
Aswan
and Philae Island
Fr i d a y, J a n u a r y 1 3
After the Russian-led Aswan Dam project
got underway in the 1960s, archaeologists
and citizens from all over the world
dismantled the Temple of Isis at Philae
Island and relocated it to higher ground.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
island has numerous ruins including the
Kiosk of Trajan. After a visit to the island,
drive to view the engineering juggernaut
of the still controversial High Dam, which
forever changed Egyptians’ way of life. A t
dusk, board a traditional felucca sailboat
and thread among the islands of the Nile.
Enjoy the farewell dinner, savoring your
last evening aboard. S U N B O AT I I I ( B , L , D )
Abu Simbel
and Cairo
S a t u r d a y, J a n u a r y 1 4
Disembark from the Sun Boat III in the early
morning for a short flight to the astounding
monument at Abu Simbel, located in former
Nubian lands. At the twin temples built by
Pharaoh Ramses II, huge statues depict
him and his favorite wife, Nefertari. During
construction of the Aswan High Dam, the
temples were threatened with submersion
under the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Between 1964 and 1966, a project sponsored
by UNESCO and the Egyptian government
dismantled both temples and reconstructed
them 65 meters higher than the original
site. Late this afternoon, fly to Cairo and
enjoy an evening at leisure.
FOUR SEASONS FIRST RESIDENCE (B, L)
Cairo
S u n d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5
Immerse yourself in the riches of the
incomparable Museum of Egyptian
Antiquities, repository of thousands of
important artifacts, including the cache of
gold found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. After
lunch, concentrate on Islamic Cairo with
a focus on significant Islamic monuments.
Feel the reverent atmosphere at the oldest
surviving Muslim place of worship, Ibn
Tulun Mosque. Gather this evening for a
festive farewell dinner. FOUR SEASONS FIRST
RESIDENCE (B, L,D)
Cairo
M o n d a y, J a n u a r y 1 6
Depart on an early-morning flight home.
(B, Meals aloft)
SUN BOAT III
was built in 1992 and extensively refurbished
in 2005 to reflect the graceful style of the
1920s and 1930s. Of the more than 200 cruisers now sailing the Nile, none surpasses
Sun Boat III in comfort, service, or cuisine. With its limited capacity and old-world
elegance, you will have the feeling you are sailing the Nile on a private yacht. Secure,
well-located, private docking facilities in Luxor and Aswan ensure that the vessel is
always conveniently located and easy to board.
All cabins face outside with two picture windows and are equipped with full
en-suite bathrooms with shower and hairdr yer, individually controlled air conditioning,
satellite television, internal telephone and external telephone with international line
access, safety deposit box, individual CD player, and mini-bar.
Sun Boat III has large, inviting lounges lined with windows so you can sightsee
as you relax over a cool drink or converse with your fellow tr avelers. On the vessel’s
spacious sun deck, comfortable lounge chairs surround plunge pools, perfect for a
refreshing dip under brilliant Egyptian skies. You will also find a gift shop, restaur ant,
laundry service, and on-board Internet access.
COSTS
NILE DECK
$8,490 per person DOUBLE OCC.
$12,740 per person SINGLE OCC., LIM. AVAIL.
Royal Suite
Presidential Suite
Standard Cabin
Tower Deck
PROMENADE DECK
$8,990 per person DOUBLE OCC.
$13,490 person SINGLE OCC., LIM. AVAIL.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
$9,990 per person DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Promenade
Deck
ROYAL SUITE
$10,990 per person DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
All are outside cabins with two
lower beds, two full windows,
en-suite bathroom with shower
and hair dryer.
Nile Deck
TB= Twin Beds
QB = Queen Sized Beds
KB = King Sized Beds
Pre-sorted Std.
U.S. Postage
PAID
San Jose, CA
Permit 222
egypt
from the Pharaohs to today
JANUARY 3–16, 2012
Aboard the exclusively chartered Sun Boat III
John Maclean House, P.O. Box 291
Princeton, New Jersey 08542-0291
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HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the labyrinthine tombs
Cruise the Nile River from
in the Valley
Luxor, viewing ancient temples
at Thebes
of the Kings
Fly to Abu
Simbel to view
the colossal temples built to
honor Pharaoh Ramses II and
his beautiful wife Nefertari.
and contemporary village life
At Giza, by special
arranged access to a newly
along the scenic banks,
arrangement, get up close
excavated site.
aboard the 18-cabin yacht
to the Sphinx
with specially
paws.
Sun Boat III reserved
exclusively for Princeton.
“Hard to improve on perfection.” JOHN ’77 AND KATHY WINANT, PRINCETON, NJ