Join Professor Mark Smith on this extensive exploration of ancient Egypt beginning with the pyramids at Giza, the Step Pyramid at Sakkara and the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which after many delays is scheduled to open in Autumn 2022.

Then, deviating from the tourist trail, visit lesser known pyramids at Dahshur, Meidum and Hewara, and take a 4×4 safari to Wadi al Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage site where fossil whale remains have been found in the desert. Continue to the little-visited Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hasan.

A highlight of the tour is a specially arranged visit to Tel el Amarna, where Prof Kemp of the Cambridge Amarna excavation has invited us. Later explore Abydos, site of the memorial temple of Seti I, and Dendera’s Hathor temple.

Finally, see the temples in Luxor and the spectacular tombs of the Valley of the Kings. An optional Nile cruise to Aswan as well as private extensions are available for those who have more time.

Highlights

• Learn about the evolution of pyramid construction during visits to contrasting pyramids from different periods
• Be among the first to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza, destined to be the largest archaeological museum in the world
• Explore the Middle Kingdom tombs cut in the cliffs at Beni Hasan, as well as Abydos and Dendera