Day 1/ 7th of May 2011
Adelaide
Today is a travelling day. Depart Adelaide and fly to Cairo, arriving into Cairo in the morning on 8 May. 

If you are travelling from Adelaide, then we can meet at the airport and check in together, although it may not be possible to seat everyone together.

Day 2/ 8th of May 2011
Cairo
Arrive into Cairo in the morning.  On arrival you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Because you arrive early in the day we have organised early check-in at the hotel to make you more comfortable.  The balance of the day is free to explore your surroundings. You will meet with your tour leader this evening for a pre tour briefing.

In the afternoon Sarah will hold a meditation in which you will be guided into connecting with Egypt and integrating with the journey that lies ahead  You will have the opportunity to consciously attune yourself to the highest levels of love and light, in order to assist your upliftment throughout the tour.
Overnight: Cairo

Day 3/ 9th of May 2011
Cairo
After breakfast we drive out to Memphis, on the edge of the Western Desert, where a small museum marks the site of the ancient city. We then continue to its necropolis, Sakkara, where our guide explains the significance of the various temples and colonnades. At the centre of the complex is the step-pyramid of King Djoser, believed to be over 5000 years old and the predecessor to the great pyramids at Giza. Nearby we visit the tombs of the nobles, containing exquisite bas-reliefs of everyday life in ancient times. At the conclusion of our visit we return to our hotel where the afternoon is at leisure.

Memphis was established around 5000 years ago and was once the capital of Egypt, with many palaces and temples.  It is famous for its step pyramid and also for its almost complete disappearance.  Since being abandoned in the 7th century AD it has been plundered and its stones used to construct other buildings.  We will explore and contemplate its former glory.

Sakkara was used as a burial ground for Memphis for more than 3,500 years and, in stark contrast to the once thriving city, this huge area contains 11 major pyramids and hundreds of smaller tombs.  Here we will have the opportunity to visit ancient funerary structures.  These houses of the dead were far more important than the palaces and houses used by the living, because of course the ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife lasts for eternity.  This explains why tombs were built to withstand time, and may also explain why the city of Memphis was dismantled – and possibly used to construct the tombs of Sakkara.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4/ 10th of May 2011
Cairo
After breakfast at the hotel we head to the Egyptian Museum for a tour of the various key exhibits. Our guide explains the complexity of Egypt’s many dynastic periods, starting with the Old Kingdom and ending with the Greco-Roman occupation. This provides us with an excellent background for our visit south to Upper Egypt. Later we drive out to Giza, where we visit the Great Pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. For an additional charge you may be able to go inside one of the pyramids (although occasionally they are closed). Returning to our hotel, the afternoon is at leisure.

We will spend time outside as well as inside the pyramids, depending upon which ones are open.   Inside the pyramid you will learn about the ancient uses of the pyramid, and any new insights that may arise on the day will be shared.  If we are able to go inside a pyramid, then we will tune into the energy of the pyramid at specific points within the central chamber, and also connect with energies that may come forth at that time.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5/ 11th of May 2011
Cairo – Aswan
Having experienced the highlights of Pharonic Egypt, today is our opportunity to experience another period of Egypt’s history. Islamic (medieval) Cairo is a fascinating part of the metropolis, and we see its best highlights. We immerse ourselves in the colour and chaos of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, which sprawls around an old area of Cairo known as Al Azhar. The tortuous streets and alleyways - and attendant hawkers - look like a scene from 1001 Nights as our tour leader takes us into the heart of the bazaar. We explore the gold market, ‘perfume street’ and the spice market – where the scent of cumin, coriander and cardamom hangs in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be
purchased next door in the cloth market!). We continue to explore the atmospheric, narrow streets of Islamic Cairo before we visit Al Azhar Mosque, one of Egypt’s best. It claims to be the oldest educational institution on earth and has a harmonious and aesthetic blend of architectural styles, as it has been modified over the centuries. In the evening, we are transferred to the station where we board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Sleeping berths (with beds and linen) are provided in private, two-person cabins and a reasonable ‘airline-style’ dinner is served on board. A toilet is located at the end of each carriage.

In the Al Azhar Mosque, a place of beauty and serenity, our tour leader, Ahmed Mostafa, will explain and answer questions about the 7 Pillars of Islam and the Muslim way of life. You will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of this mosque on many levels, and to share your experiences afterwards.  If there is time we will visit the smaller streets of the bazaar further away from the main tourist areas.  Away from the hustle and bustle we can find time for a greater appreciation of daily life in Cairo.

Overnight: Train to Aswan
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 6/ 12th of May 2011
Aswan
We arrive in Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, and are transferred from the station to our hotel. This friendly place has an easygoing charm that is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. We take a tour by boat to the beautiful Temple of Isis.  The Temple and surrounding structures were “originally linked to the Nile.  They were moved from their original location on Philae Island to the new location a short distance away on Agilkia Island after the flooding of Lake Nasser in the 1970’s.  It is fantastic temple, and one of the highlights of Upper Egypt. The balance of the day is at leisure and we have time for a variety of optional activities including a visit to the Nubian bazaar, or to the excellent Nubian
Museum. A popular option is a relaxing sailboat ride around the islands, in a traditional ‘felucca’. You can stop off at the botanical gardens on Lord Kitchener’s Island, and also take a fun camel ride to the Monastery of St. Simeon, located on the west bank of the river. Alternatively you may prefer to relax by the hotel pool.

At Philae we will visit the Sanctuary to Isis built in the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the classical Egyptian style.  The Temple to Isis holds special significance for it is here that the goddess came to end of her journey to reassemble and bring back to life her brother-husband Osiris.  Isis is known as the goddess of love, magic and beauty. There are many deeper mysteries and truths contained in the story of Osiris, Seth, Isis and Horus that we shall explore during our visit, and we shall spend time appreciating the beautiful
energies that are still contained within the structures. 
Overnight: Aswan
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7/ 13th of May 2011
Aswan-Cruise Boat
Those who booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and visit this awesome edifice. The early start is rewarded by few crowds and fantastic light for photographers. Others can sleep in and enjoy a last amble around Aswan. In the afternoon, we can board our Nile Cruise boat after which the afternoon is free for some of your own discoveries.

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples that were originally carved out of the mountainside for Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari.  The larger temple commemorates the life and might of Ramesses II, the longest reigning pharaoh in Egyptian history.  The second temple is an expression of his love for his favourite and most loved queen, Nefertari, and the Goddess Hathor, the motherly goddess of beauty, love and joy.  We shall have time to explore and immerse ourselves in the expressions of beauty, love and abundance that are palpable as we walk around these awesome temples. 

The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, to a place high above the Aswan dam reservoir. The relocation of the temples was necessary to avoid being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser, the artificial water reservoir formed after the building of the Aswan dam on the Nile River.
Overnight: Nile cruise
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 dinner

Day 8-9/ 14th – 15th of May 2011 
Nile Cruise
Over the next 2 days our boat will set sail. Cruising along the Nile is an experience people have enjoyed for the last few millennia. We do it in comfort. Sitting high on the on the sundeck, watching felucca sailboats drift along, backdropped by timeless rural scenes, is a great way to relax. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed God), a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. At Edfu we explore the impressive Temple of Horus (the falcon-headed god). There is lots of time to catch up on reading, or just watch the scenery. Passing through the Esna loch we continue to Luxor where we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.

Komombo, built between 237BC and 219AD, means ‘mountain of gold’, and here gold was mined and traded.  This temple was a place of healing, and contains rooms that were used as a hospital.  The priests at Komombo were well known for their medical prowess and healing medicines, and they created the Nilometer, a specialised well that helped to calculate the amount of tax payable each year.  Here we shall have the opportunity to observe the high level of invention and organisation that was particular to the ancient Greeks.

Edfu was built as a Greek fortress and Temple to Horus, the falcon-headed god. This is a most beautiful temple with 14 rooms dedicated to different gods and goddesses that surround the Holy of Holies, or central chamber that housed the statue of Horus.  Here the priests communed with the god.  There is a close energetic connection to ancient priests within this temple, and in each room you will have the opportunity to sense the differing energies associated with different deities. 

Karnak is a massive and truly awe-inspiring complex of temples that was built over a period spanning 2000 years. The largest temple was built to the god Amun-Ra. This was where the god Amun, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu were believed to live on earth.  It was the most important place of worship during the New Kingdom. Karnak is closely linked with Luxor temple by an avenue of sphinxes built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II.  Here we will connect closely with life in those times and visit various structures and locations as guided on the day.
Overnight: 2 nights Nile cruise
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Day 10/ 16th of May 2011
Luxor
Rising early, we cross the Nile and explore the famous ‘west bank’ of the Nile. The first stop is the Valley of the Kings, where a specialist local guide explains the funerary rites of the Ancient Egyptians. We visit three of the best Royal tombs (depending on which ones are open) and your guide will explain the significance of the hieroglyphics and tomb paintings. The experience is simply awe-inspiring. The famous temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into a natural amphitheatre, is the next stop, followed by the impressive Colossi of Memnon. We then head back to the east bank of Luxor, and afternoon is free. There is plenty to keep you occupied…or you can simply relax by the pool.

In the chambers of the Valley of the Kings we will connect into how the people in ancient Egypt felt towards their pharaohs, and explore the deeper meanings held within the paintings and hieroglyphs.  Some of the tombs contain quieter rooms that we may be able to explore in more detail.  Some of the tombs are some distance from the entrance, and are amazing feats of construction, located as they are deep within the hillsides.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut has a beauty and calm that arises out of its architectural style that speaks of simplicity and elegance.  It is unlike many other temples, therefore, and there is sense of timelessness to its form and structure.  You can feel the majesty that inspired its creation as you ascend the steps and look out over the view.  Here is a perfect place to absorb the feel of the land and step back in time for insights into life as it was so long ago.

The Colossi of Memnon are all that remains of the huge temple complex built in honour of Amenhotep III, believed to be the largest temple complex ever built in Egypt.  However, it was built of mud brick and after it was abandoned the temple gradually decayed as it was flooded by the Nile over many years.  The Colossi, made of granite, remind us of what must have been the majesty of what once
existed. 
Overnight: Luxor
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 11/ 17th of May 2011
This morning we have an early departure for Abydos & Dendara. This is a full day tour (approx 10 hours). We return to our hotel later in the afternoon.

Abydos and Dendara are located on the lands East of the Nile about 3 hours drive from Luxor.  The journey itself is full of interest as we pass through villages and lush, green irrigated areas set against the backdrop of the desert and mountains.  Being some distance from the Nile, these sites are less frequently visited but are some of the most beautiful and important sites in Egypt. 

The Abydos complex is dedicated to the god Osiris, god of the dead, and for thousands of years it was the most important burial site of Ancient Egypt.  For 4,500 years kings were buried here, and every Egyptian in ancient times would try to visit Abydos in their lifetime, and wished to be buried here.  The area is now dominated by the Temple of Seti I, one of the most complete temples in Egypt.  The temple has a very strong and sacred connection to the ancient mysteries, for here we find the most complete depiction of the story of Osiris, Seth, Isis and Horus. Here you can also see hieroglyphs that strongly
resemble a car and helicopter.  Once you have seen this temple you can understand why some call it the most beautiful in all of Egypt. 

Dendara is located about an hour’s drive from Abydos.  This temple dates back to the Ptolemaic times, and includes hieroglyphs depicting Cleopatra VII, the Cleopatra of Anthony and Cleopatra fame. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, goddess of beauty and love.  Here we find a depiction of the zodiac.  The colour of the paintings is bright and strong, and many areas are covered by the original roof.  This is a massive structure yet it has a femininity and gentleness to it.  Here we will explore the fullness of what Hathor represented to the ancient Egyptians, and also learn about the love that ancient Egyptians felt for the River Nile.
Overnight: Luxor
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 12-13/ 18th – 19th of May 2011
Luxor-Hurghada
We spend the morning driving to Hurghada from Luxor, arriving around lunch time. Hurghada is Egypt’s most popular Red Sea resort town and a great place to relax for a few days. It’s far less ‘glitzy’ than Sharm el Sheikh, and there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. We base ourselves in a nice resort, with a pool, and enjoy a full day boat trip, swimming in the warm waters above coral reefs.

At Hurghada you will have time to share experiences during group times, and there will be opportunity for meditations to integrate your experiences at a deeper level.  This is a time to relax, unwind and enjoy the resort feel of Hurghada. 
Overnight: 2 nights Hurghada
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 14/ 20th of May 2011
Hurghada-Cairo
We drive north to Cairo. The drive is a fairly long one (5-6 hours, depending on traffic) and you should arrive in Cairo early-mid afternoon. Many travellers like to visit the Khan el Khalili bazaar for a last shopping spree.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 15/ 21st of May 2011 
Cairo
Today you have the freedom to choose your own activities, such as relaxing in the hotel or revisiting some of the highlights of Cairo from the exotic Khan el Kalili bazaar, to the glorious pyramids, and the wonders of the Egyptian museum.  After your day of free choice there is the option to spend the evening meal together.  You will finish with your local leader this evening.

If you have booked to visit the Great Pyramid with the group, then this is the day when we shall be spending time as a private group in the King’s chamber of the Great Pyramid.  We will spend time in quietude, and you will be guided in a group meditation as well as other activities. You will learn about ancient mysteries contained in the pyramid’s structure, and enjoy time to reflect upon your own personal experiences.  In this sacred space you will have the opportunity to explore and discover other levels of reality.
 Overnight: Cairo
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 16/ 22nd of May 2011 
Cairo
After breakfast you need to check out of the hotel at 10.00am.  We have organised to have some rooms available for late check out so that you can freshen up before dinner and your onward flight.  At night you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Today you are departing Cairo and flying back home to Australia.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 17/ 23rd of May 2011 
Travelling day
Today you continue flying back to Adelaide.

Day 18/ 24th of May 2011 
Adelaide
Arrive into Adelaide in the morning.