ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

The ancient wonders of Egypt have long captured the imagination of people around the world. And for good reason — Egypt has one of the longest histories of any country. It is considered a cradle of civilization, with settle­ments first developing up and down the Nile River Valley as early as 11,000 B.C. The founding of a unified kingdom by King Menes around 3100 B.C. led to the emergence of one of the greatest empires the world has known, ruled by pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Khufu, Cleopatra and Ramses II.

During this impressive dynastic period, which lasted more than 3,000 years, the Great Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, commanding temples and countless other monuments were constructed.

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Today, millions of visitors from around the world flock to see these iconic sites. Visiting the ancient tombs of the pharaohs, exploring the pyramids and cruising down the Nile are bucket-list items for many.

For those who seek a first-class, unique, once-in-a-life­time journey to Egypt, with special off-hours access to the sites in the company of some of the world’s foremost archaeologists, Archaeological Paths specializes in making the dream a reality.

Get ready to pack your bags and encounter the wonders of ancient Egypt — while enjoying V.I.P. access and 5-star comfort along the way. From the moment you step off the plane and are greeted by your personal Travel Concierge, you’ll experience an extraordinary trip of a lifetime.

“No one else can tour Egypt like this. You will visit many unique sites that very few people get to see. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
– Dr. Zahi Hawass, world’s most-famous archaeologist

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VISITED BY MILLIONS, BUT TRULY EXPERIENCED BY FEW

Imagine experiencing ancient Egypt’s greatest sites in all their majesty as the pharaohs once did — wandering through the Pyramids of Giza, King Tut’s tomb and the grand temples in solitude; touching the paws of the Great Sphinx; and descending into inner chambers of the Great Pyramid that are generally off-limits.

Archaeological Paths offers not only private, after-hours access to these iconic sites, but guests are accompanied by renowned Egyptologists, enabling them to learn firsthand from the experts and gain insight into the latest archaeological discoveries and ongoing research, bringing the history and stories of ancient Egypt to life.

These seven must-see sites will be just the start of your unforgettable journey through Egypt with Archaeological Paths.

1. GIZA PLATEAU

Southwest of Cairo lies the limestone Giza Plateau. Overlooking the city, this ancient site is home to not only the Great Sphinx and Giza Pyramid Complex, which includes the pyramids of Khafre, Menkaure and Khufu’s Great Pyramid, but also several other monuments, including temples, a worker’s village, cemeteries and other archaeological remains that continue to be discovered.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Private Entry to Giza Plateau Complex

Envision the Giza Plateau as your own private sanctuary to explore — visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx while the complex is closed to the general public. This is a privilege typically available only to royals, heads of state and other honored guests, and Archaeological Paths provides a unique, crowd-free experience that offers a personal, intimate encounter with history.

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2. THE GREAT SPHINX OF GIZA

The colossal Great Sphinx is thought to be the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt, carved from one giant piece of limestone during the reign of Khafre between 2575–2465 B.C. The chiseled details of the body and head are truly an awe-inspiring symbol of ancient Egyptian culture.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Special Access to the Great Sphinx

Get so close to the Great Sphinx you can touch the ancient stones, stand between its paws and witness the Sphinx in its full glory while the sun is rising behind it — a magical, almost indescribable moment few will ever experience. While most visitors must view the Great Sphinx from a distant platform, you’ll be able to study it up close — a privilege reserved exclusively for guests of Archaeological Paths.

3. THE GREAT PYRAMID OF KHUFU

Constructed around 2500 B.C., the Great Pyramid is the last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This monumental feat of engineering took several decades to build and was the tallest human-made structure in the world for 3,800 years. The interior contains a maze of passageways and chambers just begging to be explored, yet only few have the privilege to do so.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Private Entry to the Great Pyramid Plus Chambers Closed to the Public

Instead of braving the crowds, you’ll have V.I.P. access — arriving at the Great Pyramid when no one else is there, greeted by the Director of the Giza Plateau to open the pyramid just for you. You’ll have exclusive, private access to the pyramid and the King’s Chamber outside of regular hours, plus rare access to two additional chambers closed to the public — the Queen’s and Subterranean Chambers. While tour guides are not allowed to enter the pyramid on other group tours, you’ll be accompanied by an Egyptologist — a unique opportunity to gain expert insights into the mysteries and secrets of the world’s greatest pyramid.

4. VALLEY OF THE KINGS AND KING TUT’S TOMB

Situated on the west bank of the Nile near modern-day Luxor, Valley of the Kings is known to contain 65 tombs built for pharaohs and nobles. Considered the most famous collection of elaborate royal tombs, the complex includes the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922. In 1979, Valley of the Kings was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and excavations are ongoing. Currently, only a few out of the 65 tombs are open to the public, but Archaeological Paths guests enjoy exclusive access to many more!

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Private Entry to the Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s Tomb

Through Archaeological Paths, you’ll have exclusive entry to the Valley of the Kings when the site is closed to the public, as well as private, special access to some famous tombs, including the most famous of all — King Tut’s tomb, available to only a small group of travelers and a highlight of the entire tour for many. Along the way, you’ll be guided by experts leading live excavation efforts at Valley of the Kings, learn secrets about Tutankhamun and journey into additional tombs never open to the public.

5. GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Just north of the Pyramids of Giza lies the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, opening in late 2024. Bigger than the Louvre, it will be the world’s largest archaeological museum and home to the greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history through more than 50,000 pieces, about 30,000 of which have never been on display. This includes the complete collection of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s treasures — in its entirety for the first time ever.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: VIP Tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum

Explore this unprecedented assemblage of Egyptian antiquities on an exclusive V.I.P. tour. You’ll be accompanied by Dr. Tarek Tawfik, one of the Directors of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project, who will share stories about the collection and secrets known to few.

6. LUXOR TEMPLE

The majestic Luxor Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the greatest reflections of the pharaohs’ power, and was home to Opet Festival, the most significant religious celebration in ancient Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile in present-day Luxor, the temple’s construction began in the 15^th century B.C. and continued for several hundred years with additions by Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. From the moment you’re greeted by the two colossal, seated statues of Ramses II, it’s a sight to behold.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Private Visit to Luxor Temple

Experience this architectural marvel in an intimate after-hours visit when the stunning nighttime lighting brings the temple to life, reserved exclusively for Archaeological Paths’ guests. As you walk in total silence through Grand Colonnade Hall and the giant columns that line the Sun Court of Amenhotep, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

7. KHONSU TEMPLE AT KARNAK

Not far from Luxor Temple, connected by Avenue of the Sphinxes, lies the massive Karnak Temple Complex. The 4,000-year-old site was built over many centuries by dozens of pharaohs, and contains sanctuaries, kiosks, obelisks and other structures — including Khonsu Temple built by Ramses III as a place of worship to honor the god Khonsu. It is one of the best-preserved and most complete of the New Kingdom temples and remains off-limits to all but Archaeological Paths guests.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PATHS EXCLUSIVE: Special Access to Khonsu Temple

Through Archaeological Paths, you’ll be one of the privileged few who are granted access to the Temple of Khonsu each year. You’ll also be accompanied by Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt’s heads of antiquities, with whom you’ll be able to examine the rarely seen ancient paintings and wall inscriptions within the temple, learn about the latest discoveries and ongoing research, and hear more details on the temple’s restoration work.

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“Archaeological Paths has an unprecedented level of access. These prestigious tours dig far deeper than any traditional tours.”
–Strive for Perfection, Rolls-Royce Owners Club Publication

LEARN THROUGH PERSONAL ACCESS TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPERTS

While visiting the ancient sites, you’ll learn firsthand from the experts who shaped our understanding of Egypt’s history.

Accompanying guests on the tours are some of the world’s most prominent figures including Dr. Zahi Hawass, the world’s most famous archaeologist; Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt’s Heads of Antiquities; and Dr. Khaled el Enany, Egypt’s first Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

You will also engage with world-renowned Egyptologists, excavation directors, museum directors and scholars, such as Dr. Mark Lehner, the foremost expert on the pyramids; Dr. Salima Ikram, the world’s authority on animal mummies; and Dr. Tarek Tawfik, a director of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project.

This defining feature of all Archaeological Paths tours enables guests the rare opportunity to hear beyond-the-guidebook insights, discuss the latest discoveries with world-class experts — and maybe even discover ancient secrets.

“Archaeological Paths is really the best company to join for a tour of my country. It’s a journey you will never forget.”
 -Dr. Jehan Sadat, Late First Lady of Egypt

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A 5-STAR EXPERIENCE WITH ACCESS LIKE NO OTHER

VISIT LIVE EXCAVATION SITES WITH FIRST-TO-VIEW ACCESS

Archaeological Paths continuously updates itineraries based on the latest discoveries. When new finds are unearthed by archaeologists, Archaeological Paths is there — like Taposiris Magna, the possible resting place of Cleopatra, or the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza, which contain scenes of daily life for ancient Egyptians, a discovery that changed our understanding of how pyramids were built.

In December 2018, on the very day the 4,400-year-old tomb of Wahtye, a high-ranking priest, was found at Saqqara, Archaeological Paths guests were able to enter and explore the ancient burial chamber, joined by Egypt’s heads of antiquities. To this day, Archaeological Paths is one of the only companies allowed to lead guests to the chamber.

In 2021, when Dr. Zahi Hawass found the Lost Golden City, guests were able to visit the site before the discovery was even announced to the public! As the largest ancient city to be discovered, the Lost Golden City is regarded as the second-most important archaeological find in Egypt, after Tutankhamun’s tomb.

“I always say, you might visit Egypt only once, so you should have the richest experience possible and discover Egypt’s wonders in the most intimate way. I promise you that with us your journey will be filled with memories that will last a lifetime.”
-Gregory Poplawski, CEO, Archaeological Paths

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BE ON THE SCENE FOR NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS

It’s estimated only 35 to 40 percent of ancient Egyptian relics have been discovered, so there is much work to be done. To assist in finding and safeguarding these historical treasures, Archaeological Paths also sponsors research, excavations and restoration efforts across Egypt.

Because of this important work and its partnership with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, as a guest of Archaeological Paths, you’ll not only gain entry to high-profile events where new findings are announced and first-to-view access to sites, but also contribute to the preservation of Egypt’s ancient heritage.

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN UNMATCHED COMFORT

The perfect complement to a satisfying day of exploring 4,000-year-old monuments and reveling in the history of the pharaohs is enjoying a fabulous local meal and relaxing in lavish accommodations. You’ll stay in some of the most iconic hotels in Egypt, from 19th-century palaces to colonial-era resorts, and then set sail on a luxury Nile cruiser. To get a flavor for the local culture, you’ll experience authentic dishes and savor the finest cuisine at Egypt’s most exceptional restaurants. Along the way, your designated Travel Concierge will ensure all your needs are met. With Archaeological Paths, you’ll enjoy unmatched comfort and personalized service for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience from start to finish.

START YOUR JOURNEY AT ARCHAEOLOGICALPATHS.COM

CALL 917 724 2772 OR EMAIL contact@archaeologicalpaths.com