Closing out

Its hard to write alot when Im not traveling. Mostly been doing just the daily routine- with a couple trips to the beach and a stop in Rome as the exceptions. The last two weeks were finals oriented and they were much harder than last semester. I think the school is trying to make its credits transeferable to all US schools so has to meet higher standards and be a little more serious about the academic aspect. The last couple days its started to sink in that Im leaving in two days and Ive just been trying to soak in as muck of Florence as I can these last few days. I miss it already and I know Its going to get worse, especially as winter gets close. Ive been picking up a few souvenires and even a couple bottles of wine, which is nice because I didnt think Id have enough money to bring anything back. This last week I had a chance to wear the suit and black jacket my mom got me, to my last dinner at Ganzo and to the going away party that was held at a counts house. Im also really excited because this Sunday im flying to Cairo for a 6 night trip to Egypt! I originally planned on a european tour but searching flights online I saw a cheap flight to Cairo and from there it rolled into reality. A few of my friends from school are going and also my good friend Casey from Alaska who was here visiting Alaskans in Europe. The tours in Egypt are incredibly cheap and it will be nice to be on the goodside of currency conversion. I had a great experience in Africa with my dad and Im looking forward to the pyramids, camel rides and cruises on the nile. If any of you see anything online that looks interesting Id love to hear about it. After Egypt Im heading to Germany to stay with my roommate scott and if I have any money left maybe still see London and Paris. Ill post my Egypt Itinerary too. Im putting up some picks from the last couple weeks and Ill do a semester wrap up soon. Almost home! Itll be good to see Family, Friends, Brittany and good ol Captain John and Shelly again. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this incredible adventure and for following my blog.

Your tour Itinerary :
Day 1: Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Our representative will meet you to ensure a smooth path through immigration and customs. You have time to explore at your leisure before meeting your "Egypt Top View" tour escort and fellow travelers for a welcome drink at the hotel.

Day 2: Cairo/Desert Tour
Full-day outing to Sakkara and Memphis, followed by a visit to the most famous wonderland in the whole world - the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. At 10 pm we catch the overnight train to Luxor.

Day 3: Luxor
Arrive in Luxor and check-in at hotel. Today we visit the East Bank of Luxor:
- Luxor Temple.
- Karnak Temple.
Overnight in Luxor hotel.
Day 4: Luxor
Visit the West Bank of Luxor:
- Valley of the Kings.
- Valley of the Queens.
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
- Colossi of Memnon.
Overnight, we travel by train back to Cairo.

Day 5: Cairo
Arrive Cairo and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Then we're off to the Egyptian Museum where most of the fabulous treasures of the Pharaohs are kept. Then we drive to the Citadel - home to Egyptian rulers for nearly 700 years. Later, we explore many attractions in the old Coptic area including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue (the Jewish Temple). Overnight in Cairo hotel.

Day 6: Alexandria
After breakfast drive to Alexandria visits to the catacombs of Kom El Shokafa and Pompeii 's Pillar. Later, the newly-reborn Royal Library of Alexandria, with its amazing architecture, awaits your arrival - followed by an outing to the Roman Amphitheater and the Fort of Qait-Bay. Then we drive back to Cairo and check-in at the hotel. Your evening is free. Overnight in Cairo hotel.

Day 7: Depart Cairo
Farewell to Egypt today. Our tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Cairo International Airport.



TOUR INCLUDES:
- Transfers from/to the airport.
- All fully-guided tours in Cairo , Giza , Luxor and Alexandria (as per the itinerary) in air-conditioned buses.
- Fluent, English-speaking tour guides throughout your program.
- First-class train tickets from Cairo/Luxor and Luxor/Cairo on an air-conditioned Spanish train with reclining seats.
- All accommodations in 3-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor . All rooms have a private bath, air-conditioning, TV, and include breakfast.
- All transfer and pick-up services.
- All service charges and taxes.

TOUR EXCLUDES:
- Entrance fees of the sites. We do not charge in advance for site entrance fees to add flexibility to your program as you may choose to skip one or more sites depending upon your interests.
- Drinks, phone calls, laundry, tips and any other items of a personal nature