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Day 1 – London/Cairo
Fly London to Cairo with EgyptAir and transfer to the fi rst-class Sofi tel Maadi set by the Nile in the leafy suburbs of Cairo for two night’s bed and breakfast.
Day 2 – Cairo Museum
We will start this exceptional tour with a visit to the Cairo Museum where we will pay particular attention to the many pieces from the Amarna period. We have also arranged a meeting with the director of the museum to be briefed on the plans for relocating the world’s major Egyptological collection. (B)
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Day 3 – Minya
Today our destination is the pleasant Nile side city of Minya, the capital of Middle Egypt. En route we will visit the marvellously decorated tombs at Beni Hassan. On arrival in Minya we check into the medium-class Mercure Etap, the best hotel in the city, for four nights on a half board basis. (BD)
Day 4 – Amarna One
This morning we will meet Barry Kemp at the small Aten temple for a general introduction and then take a walk through the Central City. We will visit the house of Thutmose to the south and thence to the dig house for lunch. There will be a discussion of the latest fi nds and the bone evidence of the site. We will drive out to the South Tombs and take a further walk with Barry Kemp to the cemetery in the desert behind. Return to our Minya hotel for dinner. (BD)
Day 5 – Amarna Two
Today we will meet Barry Kemp from the ferry crossing and drive to the Royal Tombs. We will visit the tomb of Akhenaton himself of course and investigate at least one of the unfi nished tombs in the vicinity.
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After lunch we will continue to the Northern City and the famous ruined dig house used by John Pendlebury during excavations AWT visits Amarna more often and in more detail than anyone else and we are delighted to announce this extra special departure which Barry Kemp himself has agreed to host at the legendary site he has directed for many years. in the 1930s. Finally we will explore the Northern Palace before returning to our hotel. (BD)
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Day 6 – Amarna Three
Our final visit to Amarna, where we have already seen so much more than most visitors, will be unique. We will take a slow drive up the wadi to the northern quarries and walk with Barry Kemp for a cliff top view, a highlight of this privileged access visit in every way. We will take a lunch break at the rest house and fi nally visit some of the North Tombs before bidding farewell to the site and the dedicated Barry Kemp. (BD) |
Day 7 – Cairo
Leaving Minya we will drive to the photogenic and evocative late period ruins at Tuna el Gebel and Ashmunein. Our visits will include the unique tomb of Petosiris, the catacombs and the beautifully situated and vast basilica. We return to Cairo for two nights at our well appointed hotel. (B)
Day 8 – Sakkara
As a final flourish to an outstanding trip we have requested permission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities to visit some of the Amarna period tombs at Sakkara which are currently closed to the public but contain exquisite scenes in full Amarna style. A fi tting end to a wonderful tour. The afternoon is free should you wish to visit the pyramids or bazaars. (B)
Day 9 – Cairo/London
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for for the flight home arriving later that same day. (B)
Expert: Barry Kemp is a renowned and dedicated archaeologist and has worked at Amarna for many seasons as director of the site. |