Travel Ancient Egypt Great Pyramid & Sphinx Dr. Robert M. Schoch and Dr. Colette M. Dowell

TRAVEL THROUGH EGYPT

Land of the Pharaohs

With Dr. Robert M. Schoch

& Dr. Colette M. Dowell

March 10 – 18, 2007

TOUR ITINERARY

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Day 1. Saturday, March 10. Depart USA

Connect from your home city to our early evening departure from New York's JFK airport. In flight overnight.

Day 2. Sunday, March 11. Cairo & Giza (D)

Arrival Cairo noon local time. Our tour representatives assist us with obtaining our Egypt Tourist Visa stamp and then see us through Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs. We transfer in our private air-conditioned coach through Cairo to our hotel in Giza. As you gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid from the hotel grounds you know you are really here. Check in; time for a snack on your own and a brief rest during the afternoon. Early evening “Welcome to Egypt” dinner and Orientation Meeting with us --Dr. Schoch and Dr. Dowell. Overnight Cairo.

Day 3. Monday, March 12. To Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple (B/L/D)
        After breakfast, we proceed to the airport for our short flight to Luxor (in the center of ancient Thebes). Upon arrival, depart the airport and drive to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where the great and mysterious funerary texts (from the so-called "Book of the Dead") are exquisitely painted or carved into walls. We visit selected tombs of the nobles, vibrant with scenes of ancient daily life. Next we are off to see the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (one of the few female Pharaohs). Called by the Egyptians "The most splendid of all," the Temple of Hatshepsut is considered one of the most magnificent temples in Egypt and one of the great architectural masterpieces of the world. We then move on to the immense Colossi of Memnon, the sole remains of a once vast mortuary temple erected by Amenhotep III. Even in their present state, these huge statues stand over 60 feet tall.
        We then check into our hotel on the banks of the peaceful Nile and have a light lunch. Afterwards we’re off to explore the vast Temple of Karnak. Once connected to Luxor Temple, two miles away, by a long avenue of Sphinxes (still partially in tact), Karnak is dedicated to the Powers of Creation. It is an incredible collage of Egyptian royalty and their collective symbology. Here we will have a chance to explain the astronomical and astrological significance of Egyptian temples, as first developed by the nineteenth-century astronomer Sir Norman Lockyer and 20th century Professor of Astronomy, Gerald S. Hawkins.
        We return to the hotel for an early dinner. Then we go to Luxor Temple (also known to Schwallerians as “The Temple of Man”) to view this magnificent structure under the stars. Here is where R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz developed his revolutionary Symbolist interpretation of ancient Egypt over the course of fifteen years work on the site. In Schwaller's Symbolist Interpretation, science, art, religion and philosophy are fused into one vast, coherent doctrine. Schwaller demonstrated that Luxor Temple, built on three separate axes, is a complicated exercise in harmony and proportion, incorporating the golden section and many esoteric doctrines, and demonstrates that the ancient Egyptians possessed a sophisticated and coherent mathematics and science. At Luxor you will experience the esoteric aspects of the Egyptian mysteries as described by Schwaller’s wife, Isha Schwaller de Lubicz in her novels. Return to our hotel. Overnight Luxor.

Day 4. Tuesday, March 13. Dendera & Cruise to Edfu (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Ptolemaic and Roman Dendera (a personal favorite of ours, as the temple itself is built on a very ancient site and reuses pieces of earlier structures), the Lourdes of ancient Egypt, consecrated to Hathor, the great goddess in her role of healer, celebrant, and mistress of the cycles of time. We visit the Temple of the Birthing of the Universe, where the mysteries of the birth of cosmic order from primordial chaos were celebrated. As we view the primal zodiac on the ceiling, and consider the precessional ages and great antiquity of Egyptian civilization we will discuss the artistic implications. We have time for contemplation at this site. The we return to Luxor, check out of the hotel. Transfer to the cruise ship. Lunch onboard. Sail to Edfu. Dinner onboard. Arrive Edfu late night. Overnight Cruise Ship.

Day 5. Wednesday, March 14. Edfu & Kom Ombo, Arrive Aswan (B/L/D)

Early morning visit to Edfu, the Temple of falcon-headed Horus (the spirit of the Higher Self), one of the finest examples of Ptolemaic/Greco-Roman art in Egypt, and perhaps one of the best preserved temples of the entire ancient world. We will lead you through the various portions of the temple - the Great Court, vestibule, hypostyle hall, antechambers, and finally the inner sanctuary (the holy of holies). We will study first-hand the richly decorated, important scenes related to the divinities associated within the cult of Horus, such as Osiris, Isis, and Set. Exploring the battle scenes of Horus against Set in detail, we will draw connections to other temples with their symbolism, and even to Judeo-Christian religious symbolism.

Return to cruise ship. Lunch on board. We spend the afternoon sailing the Nile, you will see the native people as they live on the land and work on the Nile. Late afternoon, we stop at the Ptolemaic-Roman Kom Ombo, a famous healing temple in ancient days dedicated to the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris (a form of Horus), and now a gloriously picturesque edifice and energy-filled ruins overlooking a bend on the Nile. Here we will discuss the concepts of death (symbolized by the crocodile) and resurrection as understood by ancient Egyptian initiates.

We continue to Aswan, the gateway to Nubia, arriving late evening. With its colorful Nubian bazaar, laid-back atmosphere, the warm and wonderful people, and a awesome promenade along the Nile, Aswan is a great city to see. Overnight Cruise Ship.

Day 6. Thursday, March 15. Aswan: Island of Agilkia (B/L/D)

We take an early morning boat ride to the relocated temples on the Island of Agilkia (also spelled Agilika). In conjunction with the building of the Aswan Dam, this antiquity was meticulously moved stone by stone from its ancient site (Island of Philae, now submerged) to its new higher island home in the middle of the lake. Today it gives us -- men and women of modern machines and incredible technical knowledge -- great insight into what the ancient and intelligent peoples of the world could accomplish. Among the temples here we explore the delicate and elegantly feminine Temple of Isis, Goddess of Magic and Healing and bride of Osiris. According to Egyptian legend, with the power of her love she gathered and recomposed the scattered members of her husband and brought him back to life. Her worship here goes far, far back in time. Although the present temple was built under Ptolemaic-Roman rule, the original site was known to the ancients as “Island of the Time of Re” suggesting the remotest antiquity. On the other end of the spectrum, it is here that the latest known sacred hieroglyphic inscription has been found, dating to the end of the fourth century A.D. (after the Roman empire had officially adopted Christianity), and a demotic graffiti was found at this site dated to the early fifth century A.D. Some scholars view Isis as the prototype for the Christian Madonna, the connection between the old order and the new. At her temple we will have time to wander about and contemplate ancient mysteries. Return to cruise ship for lunch onboard. Free time in the afternoon to explore more of Aswan on your own. Dinner onboard. Overnight Cruise Ship.

Day 7. Friday, March 16. To Cairo: Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum (B/L/D)

After breakfast we disembark from the cruise ship and transfer to the airport for our return flight to Cairo. We arrive and transfer to the Giza Plateau, where we explore the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau. You will probably gaze in wonder at these magnificent structures and ponder their influences upon not only Egyptian civilization but also all of humanity. The Great Sphinx is arguably the most famous and enduring sculpture ever created, while the Great Pyramid is the only survivor of the “Seven Wonders” of the ancient world. We will examine the controversial theories surrounding these amazing structures. When were they built and by whom? What is “pyramid power” and why do pyramids hold such a fascination? Can we begin to fathom their meaning? Will we uncover their hidden secrets?

WE will explain the evidence first-hand on the geological processes demonstrating that the Great Sphinx has its origins well before dynastic times, necessitating a revision of history. Furthermore, the base of the second (Khafre) pyramid may be older than traditionally believed, and what about the Great Pyramid? Was it simply a tomb for a mega-egotistical pharaoh, as many Egyptologists believe? Was it an early public works project - - a way to create jobs and boost the economy? Or did it serve as an astronomical observatory, as Richard Proctor suggested in the nineteenth century? Does it encode geographic, mathematical, geodetic, and astronomical knowledge? Did the Great Pyramid serve as a megalithic surveying instrument, or as a giant almanac? Are pi, the golden section, and esoteric knowledge encoded into its façade and enigmatic passages? Is this proof of God?Does the Great Pyramid record the past and prophesize the future? Was it a temple of initiation? Or was it simply a giant machine, such as a water pump (theory of Edward Kunkle), a power plant (theory of Chris Dunn), or a weapon of awesome destruction (theory of Joseph Farrell)? We will explore all of these theories on site.

Afterwards, we check into our hotel and have a light lunch. Then we’re off to explore the famous Egyptian Museum, with a collection of Egyptian relics dating back over 5000 years. There we experience first-hand the different periods of ancient Egypt and the individual artistic and architectural styles of each period. For many, one of the highlights of this museum is the visit to the priceless treasures of Tutankhamon. You will see first-hand the intricate workmanship and the tiniest details of the contents of his royal tomb.

After dinner at a local restaurant, we return to the hotel. Overnight Cairo.

Day 8. Saturday, March 17. Private Entrance: Great Pyramid & Sphinx, Farewell Dinner (B/L/D)

Enjoy a free morning! After a leisurely light lunch at the hotel, we return in the later afternoon to the Giza Plateau for our private entrance into the Great Pyramid for our Closing Ceremony inside the King’s Chamber, followed by time between the paws of the Sphinx. Later return to the hotel. Tonight is our traditional Egyptian Farewell Dinner at the hotel, complete with belly dancers and a whirling dervish! Overnight Cairo.

Day 9. Sunday, March 18. Cairo/US (B)

Transfer to the Cairo airport for our morning departure to the US, with same day arrival in NYC mid-afternoon.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

TOUR INCLUDES:
- Roundtrip international air New York City/Cairo or Boston/NYC/Cairo

- U.S. air taxes and fuel surcharges
- Flights in Egypt
- Transfers airport/hotel/cruise ship
- Deluxe hotel accommodation, including taxes, service charge and daily buffet breakfast

- All lunches and dinners included

- 3 night/3 day deluxe Nile cruise, including shore excursions
- Sightseeing as per itinerary, including all entry fees and English-speaking guides
- Egypt Tourist Visa

- Pre-Paid Gratuities

COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE.

After you have read the information below.

Also the link to the registration form

is at the bottom of this page.

Thank you !

TOUR PRICING

IMPORTANT: Save $! You will receive a 5% discount on the prices listed below
if you make ALL payments by check or money order.

Registration and $300 deposit due December 4, 2006

Full Payment due January 5, 2007

Price per person, double occupancy, including roundtrip international air from:

New York City: $ 3,704 ($3,519 if discount applies!)

Boston: $ 3,757 ($3,569 if discount applies!)

Single Room Supplement: $ 632 additional ($600 if discount applies!)

NOTE: The Single Room Supplement applies ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room for the tour.

ROOM-MATES: We will be happy to try to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. For students: If necessary, we will arrange triple occupancy so that no one will have to pay the single supplement unless they want a single room. For others who do not want triple occupancy assignment: Per our Terms and Conditions (below), registration for the tour will be held open until 30 days before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.

NOTE: Pre-paid gratuities included in your tour package cover guides, drivers, waiters, baggage handling at the airports, hotels, and cruise ship. Your Tour Escort will carry and disburse these funds so that you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that everyone assisting you is being taken care of properly.

For registration information, contact:

Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, National Director - Body Mind Spirit Journeys

800 231-9811 (toll free in the U.S.) or 928 284-2384

info@BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com
www.BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com

Body Mind Spirit Journeys

PMB 330; 51 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite A; Sedona, AZ 86351

800 231-9811 (toll free) or 928 284-2384

info@BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com www.BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com

EGYPT:

Exploring the Land of the Pharaohs
March 10 – 18, 2007

With Dr. Robert M. Schoch & Dr. Colette M. Dowell

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