Nubia Tours understands that today’s sophisticated traveler needs to do much more than just skim the surface of a country – he needs to explore more deeply into the real culture of the place he is visiting, to understand, to interact, and ultimately, to expand his own horizons. Doing this occasionally means going to places off the beaten track that regular tourists do not reach… while other times, it is simply a case of taking part in everyday activities that locals take for granted, but which represent a whole new experience for the traveler. We are able to grant its clients true “insider access” in the form of:

• Ability to arrange private openings of tombs or temples, and special lectures by experts in Egyptology or archaeology.
• Specialist connections enabling access to current archaeological excavations, or sites of current monument restoration and conservation.
• Unique access to social projects and NGOs working with local women and children.

Guided tour of the Underwater Excavations Center, Alexandria

Today you will have the unique opportunity to visit the site of the underwater excavations in Alexandria, close to Qait Bay Fort. The project was initiated when Dr Jean-Yves Empereur, of the Center for the Study of Alexandria (a French Institute) was invited by the Supreme Council for Antiquities to make a study of the underwater area near Qait Bay, where a Mamluk Fort now stands. The Franco-Egyptian team of archaeologists, professional divers, cartographers and photographers has been exploring the remains of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You will be able to meet one of the archaeologists working on the excavations, and discover how the team identifies blocks belonging to the lighthouse – and also how, through detailed categorization of over 2250 blocks so far discovered, computer-generated models have been used to put the puzzle of the Pharos back together. Latest discoveries include the remains of what is thought to be Cleopatra’s Palace, and plans are underway to build an underwater museum, complete with glass tunnels, for visitors to see the ruins in situ.

Exclusive guided tour of conservation efforts in Islamic Cairo

Today you will be guided by a top research archaeologist from the American Research Center in Cairo, to take your group on a special tour of the latest activities in conservation and restoration of Islamic Cairo around the Baab Zuweila area.
You will be able to visit a completely restored Sabil – or water-fountain – next to the ancient gates of Cairo; a recently rediscovered palace in the same area which has some of the most beautiful examples of mashrabeyya screens from the Ottoman period; and the beautiful Salih Talai Mosque, completely drained and restored on its lower levels, which now lie almost 4 meters below street level. The highlight of your tour will be a chance to climb up onto the old ramparts of the ancient walled city of Cairo, through Baab Zuweila itself, to see the latest conservation efforts on the stonework and the two elegant minarets. You will have a beautiful view over the whole of Islamic Cairo.

Chicago House Visit & Afternoon Tea, Luxor

(October through to April only)

The world-famous “Chicago House” is where the incredible task of documenting all the wall-paintings and inscriptions from ancient Thebes takes place.
Chicago House scholars developed a technique now renowned in the archaeological field, which mixes photography and careful draftsmanship to create exact replicas of the hieroglyphics and pictures, recorded for posterity in a massive Nubia.
Today’s modern papyrus paintings are all based on drawings made by Chicago House scholars. Your visit today includes a special briefing by one of the Senior Archaeologists resident this winter season at Chicago House. Following your tour, move into the open courtyard area of the Chicago House Residence, where a selection of hot and cold canapés, pastries, tea, coffee and fresh juices will be provided exclusively for your group.

Dinner with Mrs. Gihan Sadat

Tonight you will transfer to the Nile-side villa of former President Sadat of Egypt, to meet his wife, Gihan Sadat. Mrs. Sadat is well-known in her own right for her tireless efforts to promote women’s and children’s rights in Egypt – and tonight she will talk person-to-person with your group about her experiences of the Middle East Peace Process, which she saw from a uniquely personal viewpoint. Afterwards, she will take you on a guided tour of some of the fascinating photographs and artifacts from President Sadat’s time, and personally host you for a lavish buffet dinner at her home.

Dinner at the home of a distinguished Egyptian Family

Tonight, Nubia will arrange for you to eat at the home of an Egyptian family, to experience the incredible hospitality that is so much a part of everyday life in Egypt. The host may be a leading politician, economist, writer or charity activist.

Bird watching in Luxor with Mindy Baha El-Din

Mindy Baha El-Din is Egypt’s foremost birding expert, and has guided numerous American ornithological groups throughout the country. This afternoon she will take your group out to a quiet spot on the Nile ideal for bird watching, to point out some of Egypt’s rare and beautiful species. [Binoculars will be provided for all participants on this tour.

Special lecture by ARCE member

The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) conducts a huge number of research and conservation programs for Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Islamic and Coptic monuments throughout Egypt, as well as training Egyptians in the art of monument conservation and restoration. They work very closely with the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, as well as local communities, to maximize long-term support for their activities. The ARCE is currently working on more than 40 projects, including various houses, souks, portals and mosques in Islamic Cairo near Baab Zuweila, several projects in Alexandria and Luxor, St. Paul's and St. Anthony's monasteries on the East Coast, and many others.
Today, your group will be welcomed by one of the top members of the ARCE here in Cairo, for an exclusive update on the latest developments in conservation and restoration in Egypt.

Lecture by Dr. Kent Weeks

World-renowned Egyptologist Dr. Kent Weeks is best-known for his discovery of the tomb in the Valley of the Kings known as “KV5”, which has proved to be the largest tomb found in the area so far, and still has many passageways and chambers awaiting excavation.
Dr. Weeks has spent decades researching, studying, and writing papers on Ancient Egypt, and now divides his time between lecturing on Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, and continuing to head up the active exploration and documentation of KV5.
This afternoon he will speak to your group on “Tracing the Treasures of Thebes”, telling the story of how he came to discover a lost tomb in the Valley of the Kings when few others even believed in its existence

Lecture by Chairman of the Alexandria Library,
Dr. Ismail Serageldin

Dr. Ismail Serageldin is one of Egypt’s foremost intellectuals and has been a major player on the world stage for decades. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Alexandria Library in May 2001, Dr. Serageldin was Senior Vice-President for the World Bank.
He has written numerous books and papers on subjects ranging from science and economics to literature and philosophy, all lauded by critics in their fields, and he is known worldwide for his exceptional public speaking abilities. Today he will captivate guests with a typically wide-ranging discussion centered on a theme related to his current role with the Alexandria Library.

Lecture by Chairman of the High Supreme of Antiquities ,
Dr. Zahi Hawass

Breakfast with Guest Speaker: Buffet breakfast at your hotel, with guest speaker Dr. Zahi Hawass, Director General of Giza Antiquities , and the man in charge of overseeing all archaeological activities around the Pyramids & Sphinx.
Dr Hawass is an accomplished speaker who has lectured all over the world, and today he will talk to you about some of the highlights of his long career in Egyptology and archaeology. He will give you his personal insights into the mysteries of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and up-to-date information on some of his latest discoveries – included the incredible gilded mummies in the oasis of Bahareyya.
Pyramids: Continue your day this afternoon with an unforgettable tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza, accompanied by Dr. Zahi himself. The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are among the world’s greatest tourist attractions and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm visitors. Dr. Zahi will point out some of the latest excavation areas, and sites of the most recent discoveries.
Sphinx: Enter the temple of the mysterious Sphinx, an ancient figure shrouded in legend and mystery. Your Egyptologist will enthrall you with the tales told of this fascinating figure.