MONDAY – WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – 28: ASWAN

• Monday: Transfer from Cairo to Aswan (airfare not included in the trip cost; all other transfers are included)
• Monday: Cocktail Party and Introduction from our Tour Leader and Egyptologist
• Tuesday: Nubian Museum (morning) (slide show); afternoon lecture
• Wednesday (before dawn): Bus to, and visit, Abu Simbel (slide show); afternoon lecture
• Wednesday: Last night in Aswan

Prior to boarding we’ll visit one of the most recognizable symbols of Egypt, the Temples of Abu Simbel. Here, Ramses II (aka Ramses The Great and quite likely the Pharoah who let the Jewish slaves leave Egypt) reminds his contemporaries — and history — of his might and power. The Temples of Abu Simbel were relocated in 1968 to escape the rising waters when Lake Nasser filled behind Aswan Dam.

The Great Temple is dedicated to the Gods Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon, Ptah … and Ramses II as a god. It commemorates Ramses II’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The original and relocated Temple is oriented so sunlight reaches the deep sanctuary twice a year, on February 22 and October 22.

You’ll also visit the nearby (50 yards away) Temple of Queen Nefertari (Ramses II’s principal wife), dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. Gain a perspective into the human nature with the inscription on a main temple buttress: “for the Great Royal Wife Nefertari Meryetmut, for whose sake the (very) sun does shine”.