discover the treasures of Jordan & the red sea

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

including the Pyramids & Luxor in upper egypt!February 19 – March 2, 2015

Wadi Rum’s other worldy landscapeWadi Rum’s otherworldly landscape

Cover: Al Khazneh, or the Treasury, one of the most elaborate rock-hewn structures in Petra

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Dear Traveler,

Lot and Abraham knew this land. So did Moses, David, and Solomon.

The area east of the Jordan River, with its vast red deserts, rolling

mountain ranges, palm-filled wadis, and ancient lost cities, features

prominently in biblical history. In later years the country of Jordan,

situated at a crossroads of commerce, was conquered and influenced

by powers from west and east. The Greeks, Romans, Nabataeans,

Byzantines, and a succession of Arab dynasties have all left their

marks on this richly diverse land.

Our unique journey will begin with three days in Jordan, where we

will explore the country’s most prominent ancient sites, including

Jerash, the superb Greco-Roman city of Gerasa and one of the most

magnificent classical cities of the Near East; Madaba, renowned for

its Byzantine and Umayyad monuments and mosaics, including the

famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land; and

awe-inspiring Petra, the capital of the Nabataeans that is carved out

of a mountainside of soft pink sandstone—one of the world’s most

strikingly dramatic ancient cities.

To give us a more complete perspective of the history and archaeology

of the overall region, we will board the 50-guest yacht Panorama II at

the port of Aqaba for a cruise in the Red Sea. In the Sinai Peninsula,

we will visit the fortified Monastery of St. Catherine, built by Emperor

Justinian in the 6th century on the site where Moses is said to have

received the Ten Commandments. From the port city of Suez, we will

drive to Giza to visit its great pyramids and the Sphinx, and also see

the rich collections of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Lastly,

we will travel to Luxor, the ancient Thebes, from the resort town of

Hurghada. An overnight stay at this veritable open-air museum allows

us to properly marvel at the monuments of the Ancient Egyptians,

including the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak.

Traveling with a small group of like-minded travelers, and led by expert

lecturers, this journey into the wonders of antiquity promises to be an

incomparable experience. Please join us.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart

President, Betchart Expeditions Inc.

For AAAS Travels, ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at night

I t I n e r a r y

The majestic pyramids of the ancient Giza Necropolis

Thursday, February 19, 2015USADepart the U.S. for Amman, Jordan.

Friday, February 20AMMAN, JordanArrive in Amman, Jordan, and transfer to Le Meridien Amman hotel. Enjoy an evening welcome reception. (D)

Saturday, February 21AMMAN | JERASHDrive to nearby Jerash, ancient Gerasa, the site of impressive ruins from the Greco-Roman period. Jerash is considered by many to be one the best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. Among the highlights of our tour will be Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and a rare example of an oval Forum. Overnight in Amman. (B, L, D)

Sunday, February 22AMMAN | MADABA | PETRADrive to the summit of Mount Nibo for stunning views of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. Continue to nearby Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics.’ See the famed 6th-century mosaic map on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Basilica of St. George, which details Palestine and the Nile Delta, including a wonderful representation of Jerusalem and its holy places. After lunch visit Kerak Castle, one of the finest examples of a Crusader castle in the Levant, and which survived a siege from Saladin in the 12th century. Arrive in Petra in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Petra Marriott Hotel. (B, L, D)

Monday, February 23PETRA | AQABA | EMBARK PANORAMA IIStories of Petra’s beauty, history, and immense wealth have persisted for centuries. Petra witnessed the flourishing trade routes of the Nabateans, the Roman Empire, the Crusades, and the lives of modern Bedouin. This ancient city, carved into reddish sandstone hills nearly 3,000 years ago, was rediscovered in 1812. Under the Roman Emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Alexander Severus, the city witnessed its most impressive growth, and Petra’s architectural magnificence

reflects the Greco-Roman style. In addition to the Treasury, we’ll visit the royal tombs, amphitheater, and other landmarks. Continue on to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, for a late afternoon embarkation of Panorama II. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, February 24SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt | ST. CATHERINE’S MONASTERYFrom Sharm el-Sheikh, enjoy a full-day excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Built by Emperor Justinian around a.d. 537 near the site where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, St. Catherine’s Monastery is a treasure trove of Byzantine art and has been called the oldest working Christian monastery in the world. The mosaic of the Transfiguration in the basilica is equal to anything seen in Ravenna, and the monastery’s collection of ancient icons and rare manuscripts is sublime. Return to the ship in Sharm el-Sheikh and overnight aboard. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, February 25SHARM EL-SHEIKH | CRUISING THE RED SEASharm el-Sheikh is located on a beautiful natural harbor. This morning take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, snorkel at one of the area’s coral reefs, or relax aboard ship. In the afternoon enjoy Panorama II’s amenities or attend a lecture as we cruise towards Suez. (B, L, D)

Thursday, Februrary 26SUEZ | CAIRO | GIZAEnjoy a full-day excursion to Cairo and Giza, where we see the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren and the mysterious Sphinx. Also tour the wonderful Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic items including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Return to the ship in Suez in the early evening. (B, L, D)

For rese rva t ions o r i n fo rmat ion , p lease ca l l us a t 800-252-4910 www.be tcha r texped i t i ons .com

The 6th-century St. Catherine’s Monastery, built where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments

C r U I S e , L e a r n & e n J O yOn these voyages you will be accompanied by an expert lecturer and local guides who will introduce you to the culture and history of the Red Sea and Jordan. Through lectures and informal discussions, they will help provide a context that deepens your understanding and enhances your appreciation of the sites we visit and the things we see.

Heba Abouelsaad has devoted her professional career to promoting understanding between cultures. Whether serving as an Arabic-English legal interpreter, advising corporations on cross-cultural international business dealings, or introducing groups from the world’s leading

educational institutions to her native Egypt, Heba brings vast experience and expertise to bear. Educated in both Egypt and the U.S. and with a degree in Egyptology, Archaeology and History from Alexandria University, she is the perfect guide to the Egypt of the Pharaohs. And as someone who was briefly in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring and who has lived and worked under the regimes that followed Hosni Mubarak, Heba can report with authority on contemporary events as well.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea

Friday, February 27HURGHADA | LUXORDisembark Panorama II in Hurghada for an overnight excursion to Luxor. Built on the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor was the capital of Egypt for almost 500 years, from 1550 to 1070 b.c. This afternoon visit the Luxor Temple, then pass through the Avenue of the Sphinxes to reach the imposing Karnak Temple Complex, which contains the Great Temple of Amun. In the evening, attend a spectacular sound and light show. Overnight at the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor. (B, L, D)

Saturday, February 28LUXOR | HURGHADAThis morning cross by boat to the west bank of the Nile. Tour the Valley of the Kings, a desolate wadi where most of the kings of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties were buried with unimaginable treasures. With the remarkable exception of the tomb of Tutankhamun, all the royal tombs were robbed millennia ago. Visit the tomb of Ramses VI, known for its astronomical ceilings with scenes of the sun and its daily journey into night. Also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. After lunch, drive to Hurghada and re-board Panorama II in the early evening. (B, L, D)

Sunday, March 1CRUISING THE GULF OF AQABA | AQABA, JordanRelax aboard ship and enjoy a lecture as we cruise the Gulf of Aqaba. Arrive in Aqaba in the early evening, and overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)

Monday, March 2AQABA | DISEMBARK | FLY TO USATransfer to the Aqaba airport for flights to the U.S. (B)

For rese rva t ions o r i n fo rmat ion , p lease ca l l us a t 800-252-4910 www.be tcha r texped i t i ons .com

C r U I S e , L e a r n & e n J O y

d e C k p L a n

pa n O r a m a I IThe Panorama II, built in 2004, accommodates 50 guests in in

a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. This state of the art sail-cruiser

features comfortable public areas including a main lounge with

Internet service and satellite television; a restaurant that can

accommodate all guests in a single, unassigned seating; and a

sun deck furnished with loungers and chairs. Panorama II’s 25

handsomely designed cabins face outside and feature wood trims,

warm fabrics, and fully-equipped bathrooms finished in marble. All

cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with a television, telephone,

hairdryers, mini-refrigerator, central music and public address

system, and safe.

Category A Cabin

Lounge

Category A Category B Category C Category D Category E

C r U I S e & L a n d r at e S per person, double occupancy

category description rate

E Deluxe cabins located on the Lower Deck with one double bed and portholes $5,995

D Deluxe cabins located on the Lower Deck with two twin beds and portholes $6,395

C Deluxe cabins located on the Lower Deck with two twin beds and portholes $6,795

B Deluxe cabins located on the Main Deck with one double bed and windows $7,195

ADeluxe cabins located on the Main Deck with two twin beds and windows or Upper Deck with one double bed and windows

$7,795

Port Taxes & Charges: $580 per person

SinglE oCCuPAnCy: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories E-B at a supplement of $565 to the per person, double occupancy rates.

p r O g r a m I n C L U S I O n SIncluded■ 2 nights in Amman at Le Meridien

Amman hotel (or similar)■ 1 night in Petra at the Petra Marriott

Hotel (or similar)■ 7-night cruise aboard the 2-masted,

50-guest, motor/sail yacht Panorama II, including 1 night in Luxor at the Sonesta St. George Hotel (or similar)

■ All tours and excursions■ Welcome and farewell receptions

and dinners■ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily■ Transportation in deluxe, air-conditioned

coaches■ Enrichment program of lectures

and discussions■ Comprehensive pre-departure materials■ Transfers and baggage handling abroad

on the designated arrival and departure dates

■ Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers■ Professional Travel Dynamics

International tour staff

Not Included■ Airfare■ Visa and passport fees (if applicable)■ Trip cancellation and baggage insurance■ Meals and beverages other than those

specified above ■ Personal expenses aboard

(such as laundry, telephone, Internet)■ Port charges and taxes■ Gratuities to shipboard personnel

Air ReservationsAirfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. For assistance with flights, you may contact Taunya DeYoung at Betchart Expeditions Inc., (800) 252-4910, or e-mail Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.

R e g i s t R at i o n BTEX 15804

First Last sex

First Last sex

address

City/state/Zip

teLephone (day) (evening)

e-MaiL

Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the “General Information” section and agree to its terms.

signature date

signature date

general informationPayment Schedule: A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits and final payment.cancellationS & RefundS: All cancellations are subject to a $400 per person fee. In addition, cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. inSuRance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. itineRaRy: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International Ltd.ReSPonSibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour’s sponsoring organization. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this cruise and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour’s sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger’s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Passenger tickets are not transferable and are not subject to alteration by the passenger. No suit shall be maintainable against the carrier, or vessel, for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passengers, unless written notice of the claim, with full particulars, is delivered to the carrier or its agents at its office at the port of sailing or at the port of termination within six months from the day when such incident occurred. In no event shall any such suit or any claim against the carrier or vessel for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger be maintainable unless such suit is commenced within one year from the day when the incident causing such losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger occurs, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to the applicable general maritime law, and applying the applicable general maritime law and Federal maritime statutes.RateS: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change.fuel SuPPlement: Travel Dynamics International Ltd. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $85 per barrel. This supplement may be charged even if the cruise fare has been paid in full.ShiP’S RegiStRy: Greece CST #204 3599-40 TDI

QUESTIONS? Please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.

Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $________ ($1,500 per person) as a deposit to hold ____ place(s) on Treasures of Jordan & the Red Sea, february 19-march 2, 2015. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure and is payable by check only.

Please make check payable to and mail with this registration form to: betchart expeditions inc. trust account 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard

No. ____________________________________

Exp. ________3- or 4-Digit Security Code ________

Please select cabin category in order of preference: A__ B__ C__ D__ E__

o Twin Beds o Double Bed

o Single Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed)

Membership (please circle): AAAS ACS SIGMA XI PLANETARY SOCIETY

discover the treasures of Jordan and the red sea discover the treasures of

Jordan & the red sea

The stunning Roman ruins of Jerash

The famed 6th-century moasic of Jerusalem at the Basilica of

St. George, Mandaba

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAIDHackensack, NJPermit No. 1008

For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung

at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at

Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

including the Pyramids & Luxor in upper egypt! BTEX 15804