ARCHEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION: EGYPT’S SACRED BLUEPRINTS

Day 1: Cairo – Arrival + Welcome Lecture

Arrive in Cairo and check in to the hotel. Evening: Gather for a welcome session and introductory lecture on ancient Egyptian cosmology, architectural planning, and the "sacred geography" of the Nile Valley. Stay: Novotel or Sheraton Cairo  

Day 2: Saqqara – Serapeum + Wahty Tomb Exploration

Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Tomb of Wahty, and the underground Serapeum of Apis bulls. Your guide will explain the evolution of early dynastic architecture and the metaphysical function of the necropolis. Stay: Novotel or Sheraton Cairo Optional: Dinner discussion on pyramid-building theories  

Day 3: Giza Plateau + Private Sphinx Visit

Begin with a full morning exploration of the Giza Plateau — focusing on alignments, temple foundations, and lesser-known tombs. Special Access: After general hours, join a private opening of the Great Sphinx enclosure (subject to availability). Stay: Novotel or Sheraton Cairo  

Day 4: Flight to Luxor + Dendera Temple Excursion

Fly to Luxor in the morning. Upon arrival, take a scenic drive to Dendera Temple, one of the most beautiful and intact temples in Egypt, dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of joy, music, and fertility. Explore astronomical ceilings, crypts, and zodiacs. Stay: Sonesta St. George or similar  

Day 5: West Bank – Valley of the Kings + Medinet Habu

Morning: Explore 3 royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and discuss their astronomical orientations. Visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, known for its vivid reliefs. Stay: Sonesta Luxor Optional: Visit to the Tomb of Nefertari (extra ticket)  

Day 6: Karnak Complex + Luxor Temple

Deep dive into the Karnak Temple Complex — decode its sacred layout, hidden shrines, and the "axis of creation". Later, walk the Avenue of Sphinxes to Luxor Temple and observe its Greco-Roman overlays. Stay: Sonesta Luxor  

Day 7: Esna Temple + Sail Away

Morning: Transfer to Esna Temple, dedicated to Khnum, guardian of the Nile's source. Board your private dahabiya and begin your southbound cruise. Afternoon: Sailing + onboard discussion on temple symbolism and the relationship between Nile currents & sacred space. Stay: Onboard Dahabiya  

Day 8: Gebel el Silsila Quarries + Shrines

Morning: Stop at Gebel el Silsila, the ancient quarry site for many temples. Explore shrines cut into the cliffs and inscriptions dedicated to Sobek and Nile deities. Evening: Sail + stargazing from the deck. Stay: Onboard Dahabiya  

Day 9: Kom Ombo Temple + Animal Symbolism Talk

Visit the twin temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus and Sobek. Onboard cultural talk: “Animal Symbolism in Ancient Egypt” — crocodiles, falcons, cobras, and what they meant. Stay: Onboard Dahabiya  

Day 10: Philae Temple + Unfinished Obelisk

Disembark in Aswan. Take a boat to Philae Temple, last holdout of ancient pagan worship. Then visit the Unfinished Obelisk — a masterclass in stone-carving technique and quarrywork. Optional: High Dam visit Stay: Tulip or Obelisk Aswan  

Day 11: Abu Simbel + Farewell Dinner

Early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the twin temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, relocated stone by stone. Return to Aswan and enjoy a farewell Nubian dinner with your guide and group. Stay: Tulip or Obelisk Aswan  

Day 12: Flight to Cairo + Final Market Walk

Fly back to Cairo. Optional short walk through El Ghoria fabric market or one last visit to Khan El Khalili. Trip ends. Airport transfers available upon request.