Egypt: 16 days, 6 Special Permissions, March 9-24, 2025 – SPACES AVAILABLE! Optional 6 night extension to the Red Sea!
November 2024 update: Tour is very close to selling out! If you’re interested in joining us, please register or contact Ildi on availability!
Join myself (Ben van Kerkwyk from UnchartedX), Kyle and Russ Allen from The Brothers of the Serpent Podcast, as well as expert guide Yousef Awyan from the Khemit School on an epic journey exploring the varied mysteries of ancient high technology across the iconic sites of Egypt! Full itinerary details below!
This tour will be the trip of a lifetime! It’s a packed itinerary, 16 days, built around 6 ‘private permission’ visits into normally closed areas, 5 star hotels, and a 4 night Nile Cruise. Come explore the mysteries of Ancient Egypt with a friendly and fun group of interested, open minded people. As has become tradition, our tours will also feature live music from your hosts!
Also on this tour, we are offering an optional 6-night extension to the Red Sea, at the wonderful all-inclusive Savoy resort in Sharm el-Sheikh. Come relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or even get scuba dive certified, and dive with your hosts!
Register for the Egypt tour here: https://www.khemitology.com/tour-registration/
Just select ‘UnchartedX March 2025 tour’ from the drop down list.
For Egypt tour questions, Please contact Ildi Budai at ildibudai9@gmail.com
Feel free to copy the hosts (Ben/Kyle/Russ) at tours@unchartedx.com on any correspondence, or for any questions.
We will be organizing a zoom call for attendees 6-8 weeks prior to the trip to help get everyone ready, and answer any questions! We will also set up a Telegram group for everyone to communicate prior to, on and after the tour.
Aug 12 Update: We are changing out Day 3 (Dashur/Black Pyramid) to the Mastaba of Shepsekaf special permission. The Mastaba is old kingdom, megalithic (and more interesting in my opinion) and a site we’ve never visited before that I’d like to investigate. We will also offer Dashur as an option for those who want to see it after the Mastaba, others can go back to the hotel.
Price (Egypt trip): US$7,950
(per person, dual occupancy)
non-refundable $1,000 deposit required for registration.
Single Supplement: US $1,450 (for single room)
Optional 6-night extension to the Red Sea: US $3,000 (dual occupancy) Single supplement US $350 (details below). Non-refundable $400 deposit required for registration.
We are expecting between 40 and 60 guests on this trip.
We supply radio sets for each person so that everyone can hear the speakers as we explore the sites. Please look after the radios as we need to return them at the end of the tour, and there will be a $100 charge for any lost radios.
The Egypt tour is hosted by the Khemit School – who work with a licensed tour operator (Select Egypt) who facilitates the tour and takes payment.
Below is a detailed day-by-day itinerary, pricing details, and terms and conditions. Not everything is listed below, there will be some surprise events, and opportunities for live music and lectures.
Price does not include flights to/from Egypt. The Red Sea extension includes flights and transfers between Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh (1 hour flight). Included meals are shown each day as B | L | D (Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner).
Testimonials:
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: SUN, March 9, 2025 Cairo Guests Arrive & Welcome Dinner
Guests arrive at Cairo International Airport, where they will be met by one of our representatives who will assist with obtaining the tourist visas and help you through customs. Visas for visitors from many countries are $25 USD, obtained easily after de-boarding (it's how Ben does it every time). You can also obtain them on-line, check with your local Egyptian Embassy in your country. You will then be transferred by private bus to our hotel. We will have an Introductory Meeting and welcome dinner at the hotel. Please ensure your flights land in Cairo by 2 PM, as the Introductory meeting will commence at 5pm and dinner will be at 6:00 PM.
Please note, hotel check in commences at 2 PM. If your flight arrives overnight, early in the morning or the night before, you would need to book an additional night accommodation. Please contact Ildi to arrange this.
Overnight at the 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
D
The 5-star Hyatt Regency West
DAY 2: MON, March 10, 2025 Cairo Giza Plateau, Valley Temple, Middle and Great Pyramids, Entry to Third Pyramid (Menkaure) Optional Private permission visit to the Osiris Shaft ($250)
After an early breakfast, we depart for the Giza Plateau for opening hours. It's worth getting here early! For those choosing to visit the amazing Osiris Shaft, they will explore this subterranean complex for up to 2 hours, before meeting up with the rest of the group. We will visit the beautiful Valley Temple, and the viewing platform for the Great Sphinx, walk up the Khafre causeway to the megalithic Middle Pyramid, and explore the site around both the Great and Middle Pyramids. Public Entry to Menkaure’s pyramid included. Then a late lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight at 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | L
The Great Pyramids of Giza
DAY 3: TUE, March 11, 2025 Cairo Private Visit to the Mastaba of Shepsekaf, optional Dashur visit
After breakfast, we will depart for Old Kingdom Mastaba of Shepsekaf, located between Saqqara and Dashur. This megalithic site is mysterious, with granite construction, and very few inscriptions, as well as several small pyramids. Afterwards, for those that want to, we will have the chance to visit Dashur and the mighty Red and Bent pyramids, some of the largest in the world, while others can choose to return to the hotel. The first day at Giza (day 2), and the next day at Saqqara (day 4) are full days with a lot to see, so this is an opportunity to relax a little in-between them and regain our strength, but for those with the energy on Day 3 we can also visit Dashur, and even enter a pyramid there (no easy task!). We will return to Cairo for a late Lunch.
Overnight at the 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | L
The Mastaba of Shepsekaf
DAY 4: Wed, March 12, 2025 Cairo Saqqara, the Serapeum, and Private Visit to the Step Pyramid
After breakfast we will depart for our visit to Saqqara, where we will have the opportunity to enter the Unas Pyramid, before our special private entry inside the Step Pyramid and its many passages and chambers below the structure. We will then continue to the incredible Serapeum where we see the mysterious 70 to 100 ton boxes made of granite and basalt. We will then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to the hotel.
Overnight at the 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | L
The Serapeum of Saqqara
DAY 5: THU, March 13, 2025 Cairo and flight to Luxor Museums and Flight to Luxor
After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (if it is open!). With more than 80,000 artifacts it is the largest museum dedicated to a single ancient civilization in the world. Should it not be open, we will visit the amazing Cairo Museum, still one of the greatest Ancient Egyptian museums in the world, and full of examples of remarkable ancient technology. We will stop for lunch en-route to the airport for the short flight to Luxor in Upper Egypt, and the 5-star Steigenburger Nile Palace hotel. We will visit the small but fascinating Luxor Museum in the afternoon/early evening.
Overnight at the Steigenburger Nile Palace
B | L
The Cairo Museum
DAY 6: FRI, March 14, 2025 Abydos and Luxor Temple of Seti I, and Private Visit into the Osirion
After breakfast we will board our luxury coaches for the drive to Abydos, home to the incredible Temple of Seti I, and something even more remarkable behind it. We will enter the megalithic Osirion, for our special private 2 hour visit. The Osirion was flooded for many years and permanently closed to the public, but we will have special permission access to go down into the site on this trip. We will have lunch at House of Life, before driving back to Luxor.
Overnight at 5* Steigenberger Nile Palace
B | L
The incredible Osirion
DAY 7: SAT, March 15, 2025 Luxor Dendera
After breakfast we will drive to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor. This temple has some amazing vividly colored ceilings with zodiacal depictions, that will be explained by your hosts. It is also home to many 'crypts' between and beneath the walls, several of which that can be explored – including the crypt that includes the “Dendera Lightbulbs”. We will then drive back to Luxor for a late lunch.
Overnight at 5* Steigenberger Nile Palace
B | L
Dendera Temple
DAY 8: SUN, March 16, 2025 Luxor Luxor Temple, Shopping
OPTIONAL ACTIVIY: Sunrise Balloon ride (price TBD)
Guests who wish to participate in a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor will depart the hotel before breakfast. Snacks and breakfast boxes will be supplied, and you will return to the hotel in time for the full breakfast buffet. All other guests can enjoy breakfast at their leisure, and afterwards we will leave to visit the incredible Luxor Temple - home to some of the best examples of huge granite statues and artifacts in Egypt. Then have lunch, and the afternoon will be free to relax, go shopping, or even re-visit the Luxor temple in the evening under lights.
Overnight at 5* Steigenberger Nile Palace
B | L
DAY 9: MON, March 17, 2025 Luxor & Nile Cruise West Bank, Valley of the Kings, Ramesseum, Tombs of the Nobles, check into Nile Cruise
After breakfast, we will depart for the West bank of the Nile river, to visit the Valley of the Kings, where you will have the opportunity to visit 3 of the beautiful royal tombs. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for specific tombs of interest, and our guides will make recommendations. Afterwards we will visit the amazing Ramesseum, a beautiful temple structure home to the remnants of a gigantic, 1000+ ton single piece granite statue. We will also visit the nearby tombs of the Nobles for a look at some unique Ancient Egyptian scenes. After Lunch, We will stop at the Colossi of Memnon, on our way to check into the Nile Cruise.
Overnight on 5* Nile Cruise
B | L | D
The Ramesseum
The Colossi of Memnon
DAY 10: TUE, March 17, 2025 Karnak and Nile Cruise Karnak Temple and Sailing
After breakfast, we will visit Karnak Temple – the largest known religious complex in the world. Here you will find some incredible megalithic structures and statues, as well as evidence for ancient technology. We return to the Nile Cruise ship for Lunch, and the afternoon will be free to enjoy the journey along the Nile and the amenities of the Cruise Ship.
Overnight on the 5* Nile Cruise
B | L | D
The mighty Obelisk at Karnak Temple
DAY 11: WED, March 19, 2025 Nile Cruise Edfu and Kom Ombo
Before breakfast we will visit Edfu – the Temple of Horus, an impressive temple that is one of the best preserved temples for the ancient Egyptian period, and the inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion. We will then return to the cruise ship for breakfast and sail towards Kom Ombo. You can enjoy lunch and afternoon tea onboard, before the cruise ship docks in Kom Ombo. We will have a late afternoon visit in Kom Ombo – a unique temple that is dedicated to two Gods – Horus and Sobek. We will then return to the cruise ship and continue sailing, arriving in Aswan in the evening.
Overnight on 5* Nile Cruise
B | L | D
Edfu Temple
DAY 12: THU, March 20, 2025 Nile Cruise Elephantine Island
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Early Morning visit to Abu Simbel (price TBD) or Nubian Museum
Guests who wish to visit Abu Simbel will depart at 4 AM, and return to Aswan to meet the rest of the group by lunch time. Other guests will have the chance to visit the Nubian Museum in the morning. Remaining guests will have the morning free to enjoy the amenities of the cruise ship. In the afternoon we will take a motorboat to Elephantine Island – a wonderful ancient site that is less frequently visited by tourists, and home to some remarkable artifacts. We will then return to the cruise ship at sunset.
Overnight on 5* Nile Cruise
B | L | D
Elephantine Island
DAY 13: FRI, March 21, 2025 Aswan, fly to Cairo Aswan Quarry, Isis Temple, Flight to Cairo
After breakfast we will check out of the Nile cruise and visit Aswan Quarry where you will have the opportunity to see some quarrying techniques, as well as the Unfinished Obelisk which would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons once completed. We will then continue on to visit Philae Island – the Temple of Isis. After Lunch, we will transfer to Aswan airport for our evening flight back to Cairo.
Overnight at 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | L
The Unfinished Obelisk at the Aswan Quarry
DAY 14: SAT, March 22, 2025 Cairo Private Visits to Abu Sir, Abu Ghorub
After breakfast we will travel to Abu Ghorab & Abu Sir on our private permission visits. These sites are active archaeological sites and permanently closed to the public, so it is a special treat to have the opportunity to see them! After our visit, we will have a sunset dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Abu Sir pyramids.
Overnight at the 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | D
DAY 15: SUN, March 23, 2025 Cairo Giza Plateau, Private Visit to Great Pyramid, Airport Transfer
We will have a morning free for guests to enjoy breakfast at their own leisure. Afterwards, we will depart for the Giza Plateau, where we will explore around the 3rd Pyramid (and other areas.) At the appointed time we will enter the Great Pyramid of Giza for our private, 2 hour access to this incredible monument. We will have access to all three chambers, two of which (Queens Chamber and Subterranean Chamber) are always closed to the public - it's a huge highlight to this trip, and always saved for last! Farewell Dinner at the Pyramids Restaurant, and Return to the Hyatt Regency West for our last night in Cairo.
Overnight at the 5* Hyatt Regency Cairo West
B | L | D
The Grand Gallery in the Great Pyramid
DAY 16: MON, March 24, 2025 Departure and Extension Departure flights from Cairo, and flight to Sharm el-Sheikh for the Red Sea
Guests leaving the tour will have transfers arranged to the airport to catch their international flights home.
Guests participating in the extension will take a flight to Sharm el Sheikh, and check into the wonderful Savoy all-inclusive resort on the shores of the Red Sea for our 6-night stay.
Overnight Savoy Sharm el-Sheikh
B | D
Red Sea Days 1-7: Mar 24 - 30, March, 2025 Relaxing on the Beach, opportunities for other activities!
The Savoy resort is an all-inclusive resort featuring several pools, restaurants, a private beach, and easy walking distance to a delightful modern outdoor mall for shopping and more food options. Our group will be staying on an all-inclusive basis, meaning restaurants, drinks (alcoholic and non) are included - there are some exceptions for top shelf and certain a-la-carte menu items.
Our time here is meant to be a relaxing and chill end to the tour of Egypt, and guests will be free to spend their time as they wish, relaxing on the beach (with full service), at the pools, bars and restaurants, swimming and snorkeling on the enclosed coral reef, or enjoying the many amenities and activities offered by the concierge service at the hotel. Para-sailing, diving, boat rides, equipment rental, and more are all available.
We will offer group activities (at additional costs TBD) as Sharm el Sheikh has a lot to offer. There is a very interesting Ancient Egyptian Museum we will visit, Sharm has one of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to, we can ride quad bikes into the nearby granite hills, or visit Mt Moses or Saint Catherine's.
For guests wishing to dive, or become SCUBA certified, the resort dive shop offers equipment rental and has excellent PADI certified and very experienced instructors, as well as affordable PADI certification - we know because we've dived with them before. The Red Sea offers world-class diving, either off-shore or via day trips on private yachts. There will be diving opportunities for certified divers, and towards the end of our stay, should you take the certification course, we will arrange a day trip for everyone interested to go out on a private vessel for diving, snorkeling, a seafood lunch, and overall good time! No need to be dive certified to join us, the snorkeling on the Red Sea is excellent (check out the below video of the hosts talking about the last trip).
On March 30th, we will transfer to Sharm el Sheikh airport for the short flight back to Cairo, and connections for your flights home. There are airport hotels available if needed, please contact Ildi for help with booking any extra accommodation needed, our team will look after you until it's time to return home!
Staying at Savoy Sharm el-Sheikh
B | L | D
Egypt Tour / Khemit School Terms and Conditions
Registration link here: https://khemitology.com/tour-registration/ (Select this tour – UnchartedX Mar 2025 – from drop down list. The Red Sea Extension also requires registration, just select it from the same list)
Tour Price: $7,950.00 per person in a double room
Red Sea Extension Price: $3,000 per person in a double room. Optional Single Supplement (for a single room) $350
DEPOSIT
Non-refundable Deposit of $1,000.00 per person is required to secure your place on this tour. The deposit will be used to make non-refundable reservations on your behalf.
Optional Single Room Supplement: $1,450.00
NOTE: This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the journey.
For the Red Sea Extension: Non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is required to secure your place on the extension. This deposit will be used to make non-refundable reservations on your behalf (flights, hotel reservations, etc)
Optional Single Room Supplement (Red Sea): $350
Please complete the registration form here: https://khemitology.com/tour-registration/
NOTE: separate registration is required for both the Egypt trip and the Red Sea extension.
ROOMMATE MATCHING:
If you’re not traveling with anyone you know, we would be happy to assist by pairing you with a fellow traveler. Roommate matching is done a first come, first serve basis.
Per our terms and conditions, we will hold the registration open until 30 days before the tour begins (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. Please try to register early if you would like to be matched with a roommate.
Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration open until 15 days before the tour begins (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. Please try to register early if you would like to be matched with a roommate.
Your reservation is confirmed when you send your $1,000 Non-refundable Deposit.
Payment in full is required 45 days prior to the departure date from your Country.
Your Land Package Includes:
1. Airport ‘Meet & Greet’ and assistance with transfer to our Hotel
2. Domestic flights in Egypt: Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo
3. 5-Star hotels in Giza and Luxor, including daily buffet breakfast, hotel taxes and service charges
4. Five-Star Cruise ship, including shore excursions, and all meals
5. Meals included when not on the cruise: 9 lunches, 3 dinners
6. Baggage handling at airport and hotels
7. Pre-paid gratuities for your cruise staff
8. Visits to temples and monument sites, including transportation and entrance fees
9. Ben van Kerkwyk, Kyle and Russ Allen, and Yousef Awyan as your Hosts and Speakers
10. English Speaking Egyptologist and Tour Guide
11. Water and Snacks during road trips
NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip international airfares
- $25 Egypt Tourist Visa to be obtained upon your arrival at the airport in Cairo. Citizens of the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Schengen zone and a list of other nationalities (with certain conditions), are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival. Please check with the Egyptian Embassy in your country to check if your nationality is eligible for an on arrival tourist visa. It is ultimately your responsibility to determine what your country of nationality requires in order to obtain your entry visa into Egypt.
- Travel & Health Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not included (As indicated in the itinerary)
- Personal items (Such as laundry, beverages during meals, internet service on the cruise ship and telephone calls or any item not listed on the itinerary)
- Tipping for Tour Guide
Red Sea Extension Includes:
- Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh Airport Transfers
- Domestic Flights from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh and Sharm el-Sheikh back to Cairo
- 6 nights at the Savoy Sharm el-Sheikh on an all-inclusive basis
NOT INCLUDED:
- Excursions (which can be booked and paid for on the spot through the hotel’s concierge)
- Group excursions (we will work out the price based on attendees at the time)
- Tips
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers need a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entering the country.
BAGGAGE
You are only permitted to travel with one checked bag, up to 50 lbs and 2 small bags on Domestic flights within Egypt.
Reservation and Cancellation Policies
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000.00 USD per person will be required at the time of booking to secure your place on this tour. To ensure your reservation, final payment will be due 45 days prior the departure dates from your Country. It is the responsibility of the traveler (or agent) to determine that final payment reaches us by the due date.
Bookings made within 30 days of departure date, will require full and final payment immediately upon booking. No booking will be considered until the final payment is received by the Tour Operator.
Payments can be made via Credit Card or Bank Transfer. Payments made with credit cards via Select Egypt’s online portal will be subject to a 3% fee to cover bank changes, which will be added to your payment total. The Tour Operator will need to create a digital invoice and unique payment link for each guest and payment made by credit card.
Any fees charged for payments made via Bank transfers or credit card will be the responsibility of the sender. Please inquire about this before you make your bank transfer.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS
Due to high preparation costs, cancellations must be received in writing within 45 days of travel date. Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to departure will have a penalty of $1,000.00 per person (the non-refundable deposit); those received between 30 and 25 days will have a penalty of 50% per person on any other amounts paid; those received between 25 and 20 days will have a penalty of 75% per person on any other amounts paid. Cancellations received 20 days or less before departure will receive no refund. No refund will be made for transfers, city tours or any other services (including meals, accommodations, or transportation) voluntarily not taken. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance.
CHANGES
This itinerary is subject to changes in sequence, to adapt to possible alterations in domestic flight times or other unforeseen circumstances. The content will remain the same, barring any unanticipated complications, and will include many delightful “extras” and surprises.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing a good travel insurance policy that can cover you for any changes, cancellations of flights, delays or to cover you in case you are not able to/continue to participate in the tour. A good policy also covers you for any unforeseen circumstances as well as damaged or lost luggage and last-minute flight changes, and medical expenses in case of accident or illness.
We are not responsible for any scenarios that are out of our control, including, but not limited to if you cancel the trip due to illness, if your international flight is delayed or rescheduled and you miss a day of the activities, or if you choose to not participate in any activity. Guests must have a good travel insurance policy to cover them for these instances.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Your international flights are not included in the main tour price. You are responsible for organizing your international flights from your place of departure to Cairo International Airport. We recommend purchasing non-restricted flight tickets – which allows for cancellations and changes. Where possible, we also recommend booking with EgyptAir, as they are providing the most reliable service to Egypt currently.
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY:
By signing up to this tour you agree to our terms, deposit conditions and waiver.
The Khemit School of Ancient Mysticism (KSAM), its agents and our Tour Facilitator (Select Egypt Travel) have worked diligently to make all of the arrangements for our journey in Egypt, however, KSAM, its agents and our Tour Facilitators will not be held liable for delays, theft, damage, injury, or any other irregularities that may occur during the course of the journey. We will not be held liable for any changes or delays in airline schedules or missed connections; injury, loss, or damage to persons or property; additional expenses resulting from changes in exchange rates, tariffs, or itinerary; any transportation issues or problems with vehicles utilized on the tour, additional expenses incurred due to illness, weather conditions, protests, war, terrorism, quarantine, or other causes, and losses due to cancellations not subject to our terms and conditions.
Please contact our Administrative Assistant, Ildi Budai at ildibudai9@gmail.com with any questions.