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UNEARTHING THE HIDDEN RESTING PLACE OF CLEOPATRA
Cairo & Alexandria
THE QUEST FOR THE LONG-LOST TOMB OF CLEOPATRA
A groundbreaking journey visit the site where the search for the final resting place of the last ruler of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, is underway.
The journey begins in Cairo, with behind-the-scenes access to a slew of new discoveries at Egypt’s largest archaeological site Saqqara, and an exclusive preview of the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum before it opens.
In the port city of Alexandria, trace the work of celebrated archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martinez and her team, where they explore recently uncovered tunnels that are said to lead to the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra.
Could these new discoveries rewrite ancient Egyptian history?
THE JOURNEY
DAY ONE - ARRIVAL
Arrive in Cairo and meet with your VIP airport concierge who will expedite you through customs, and to your awaiting car which will transfer you to the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY TWO - UNCOVERING CAIRO'S LATEST TREASURES
After a leisurely breakfast meet your guide who will escort you to the sacred mummification and burial site of Saqqara. Recognised as Egypt’s largest archaeological dig site and home to Egypt's earliest colossal stone structure – the Pyramid of Djoser – Saqqara recently reported exciting new discoveries, including two human and animal embalming workshops that are said to date back some 2,000 years.
On arrival meet with an expert Egyptologist and enjoy exclusive access to live excavations including a look inside the Tomb of Wahtye. Discovered in 2018 this ancient tomb of a once royal priest has been virtually untouched for 4,400 years and features stunning reliefs and colourful murals.
Having enjoyed a day exploring Saqqara, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY THREE – CAIRO BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Begin your day by exploring the Old Egyptian Museum. Housing one of the world's most important collections of ancient artefacts you’ll take a deep dive into the collection with your local guide and expert Egyptologist.
Having explored the Old Egyptian Museum juxtapose your visit with an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. Highlights include a visit to the conservation centre, a look at the colossal Statue of Ramses II, and the remarkable ship of King Khufu.
Begin the three-hour journey to Alexandria. It was here that, in her final days as Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra fled following her defeat at the Battle of Actium and you begin your exploration into her life and death.
Spend the evening at leisure.
DAY FOUR – ALEXANDRIA'S STORIED ARCHIVES
Discover the Alexandria National Museum with an Egyptologist, learning the story of Alexandria and Cleopatra through an investigation of ancient artefacts from the Ptolemaic period – with over 1,800 artifacts the museum serves to contextualise the findings of Dr. Kathleen Martinez and her team at the nearby Great Temple of Osiris, Taposiris Magna.
Recharge with lunch at the Greek Nautical Club, the address is known for its exquisite food offering and prime sea-front location.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private meeting with an expert archivist at the Library of Alexandria. Located near the site of the famous ‘lost library of Alexandria’ which was believed to house the greatest collection of ancient manuscripts ever assembled, you’ll have the opportunity to view the library's lab and read some of the ancient manuscripts that shaped Kathleen's theories.
DAY FIVE - AT THE DIG IN ALEXANDRIA
Join celebrated archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martinez and her team at the Great Temple of Osiris, Taposiris Magna. Following a briefing from an expert, understand the team's discoveries and their mission to unearth the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony – a potentially groundbreaking revelation that will rewrite Egyptian history.
Visit the onsite workshops including osteologists and ceramists and learn about the ongoing restoration work, and understand how the team are using state-of-the-art technology to explore a suspected underwater temple.
After an immersive day on site, return to Alexandria ahead of the final night in this storied city.
DAY SIX - DEPARTURE
After a leisurely breakfast take a private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or alternatively extend your journey with an off-grid stay in Siwa Oasis.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
From a sea-facing abode to luxurious stays overlooking the Nile, discover recommended addresses for this journey.
FROM £16,650 PER PERSON
For six days, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
Two nights' accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Three nights' accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano
Explore the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist
Exclusive preview of the Grand Egyptian Museum
Private access to the excavations at archaeological site Saqqara
Exploration of the Alexandria National Museum with an expert guide
Exclusive view of the Library of Alexandria with an archivist
Exclusive access to the excavations at Taposiris Magna to search for Cleopatra
Local Egyptologists throughout the journey
All local transfers to activities and meals as mentioned
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel is between September 2023 and May 2024
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Cairo
Excursions, meals and drinks other than mentioned
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Discover the Great Pyramid of Giza and unlock exclusive access to the Great Sphinx with lectures directed by a local Egyptologist.
Private access to the Oracle Temple of Amun in the remote UNESCO-protected Siwa Oasis and a stay at an off-grid hideaway.
For those looking to extend their journey, extensions to Luxor can be arranged upon request.