
Volume 3, 1st Edition
January, 2023
Home » Monthly Blog- The Compass » January Compass

Tour Highlights

- Cairo – Giza Pyramids & Sphynx
- Abu Simbel – Temple of Abu Simbel
- Luxor – Valley of Kings- King Tut
- Karnak – Karnak Temple
- Aswan- Philae Temple
- Dendara – Zodiac Temple & Cleopatra
- Kom Ombo – Temple of Kom Ombo

Join us in the Centennial celebration of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, along with the 200 year celebration of the discovery of the Rosetta Stone by Jean-Francois Champollion, and giving us the key for understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. An experience that is not to be missed.
2025 Dates
Apr. 5, 2025 to Apr. 18, 2025
Apr. 19, 2025 to May 2, 2025
Sept. 13, 2025 to Sept. 26, 2025
Oct. 4, 2025 to Oct. 17, 2025
Oct. 18, 2025 to Oct. 31, 2025
Nov. 1, 2025 to Nov. 24, 2025
Nov. 30, 2025 to Dec. 13, 2025
Sold Out
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Limited Spaces
Limited Spaces
Limited Spaces
Limited Spaces
2026 Dates
Jan. 10, 2026 to Jan. 23, 2026
Jan. 31, 2026 to Feb. 13, 2026
Feb. 14, 2026 to Feb. 27, 2026
Feb. 28, 2026 to Mar. 13, 2026
Mar. 14, 2026 to Mar. 27, 2026
Apr. 4, 2026 to Apr. 17, 2026
Apr. 18, 2026 to May. 1, 2026
Sept. 12, 2026 to Sept. 25, 2026
Oct. 3, 2026 to Oct. 16, 2026
Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 30, 2026
Oct. 31, 2026 to Nov. 13, 2026
Nov. 14, 2026 to Nov. 27, 2026
Dec. 05. 2026 to Dec. 18, 2026
Jan. 10, 2026 to Jan. 23, 2026
Jan. 31, 2026 to Feb. 13, 2026
Feb. 14, 2026 to Feb. 27, 2026
Feb. 28, 2026 to Mar. 13, 2026
Mar. 14, 2026 to Mar. 27, 2026
Apr. 4, 2026 to Apr. 17, 2026
Apr. 18, 2026 to May. 1, 2026
Sept. 12, 2026 to Sept. 25, 2026
Oct. 3, 2026 to Oct. 16, 2026
Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 30, 2026
Oct. 31, 2026 to Nov. 13, 2026
Nov. 14, 2026 to Nov. 27, 2026
Dec. 05. 2026 to Dec. 18, 2026

Location of the Month
Valley of The Queens

The Valley of the Queens houses the burial tombs of many Egyptian queens, princesses, and princes between the 18th to the 20t dynasties. Some of the queens that are buried here are Queen Titi, the Ramesside princes Khaemwaset and Amunherkhepshef, and the tomb considered to be the finest in Egypt, is that of Queen Nefertari. She is one of the best-known Egyptian queens, Nefertari Meritmut was the first of Ramesses the Great’s Royal Wives. She is buried in what is known today as QV66 is the tomb of Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, in Egypt’s Valley of the Queens. Discovered in 1904 by Ernesto Schiaparelli. It is also called the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt. At this amazing site it has been said that over 90 tombs have been discovered all dating back to the 18th Dynasty, excavations continue to this day.

While traveling with other groups your ticket will typically include 2-3 tombs and will not include your visit to the tomb of Nefertari as that is a much higher cost, but with our group this is included and open to only our group when visiting, you will not have the crowds you see with other groups. This is once in a lifetime experience and a MUST SEE on our tour. You will be blown away by the spectacular ceiling full of stars, the bright colorful walls and much more! This tomb is a true jewel and the most beautiful in Egypt.
You may wonder what the difference between the Valley of Kings and the Valley of the Queens is- one above the Valley of the Queens is that the Valley of the King’s is immense, regal and majestic, although, some tombs were designed by the same talented workmen who were engaged at work for the two valleys. DO NOT miss this magical and amazing place, come, experience and walk in the same footsteps as the Queens did, you will not be disappointed.

The Valley of the Kings will be a highlight in our February newsletter and will be discussed in more detail, make sure to go to our website, sign up and read more about our trips to Egypt. Sign up today as we are getting booked pretty quickly. Bring a friend and/or a loved one so that you may discover Egypt together and make unforgettable memories. Celebrate 2023 by travelling and exploring some of the most amazing history in world, such as Egypt! Don’t wait as we are booking up quickly!
Word of the Month
Feen El ḥammām?
or
Feen El toilet?
Meaning:
Where is the Restroom?
Monthly Weather

January weather in Egypt is an average temperature ranging between min 50.0°F (11.6°C) and max 68.0°F (20.5°C).
There is little to no rain during January, making it perfect for exploring all that Egypt has to offer, from its magical rich history to its delectable foods, warm drinks and its very warm and welcoming people. Make sure to bring a warn sweater/jacket as the evenings to tend to be a bit on cooler side.
Recipe of the Month
Basbousa Dessert Recipe
A coconut yogurt farina cake soaked in simple syrup and decorated with nuts
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Resting time: 10 mins Total Time: 50 mins

Ingredients
• 1 2/3 cup (306g) Farina.
• 1/2 cup ghee.
• 1 Tablespoon honey.
• 1/2 cup (116g) sugar.
• 1/2 cup (97g) plain yogurt.
• 1/2 Tablespoon (6g) baking powder.
• 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened coconut flakes finely shredded. See note 1
• 0.5 Tablespoon tahini. plus 1 Tablespoon ghee to brush the bottom.
For the syrup:
• 1 cup sugar.
• 1 cup water.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
• 2 Tablespoon honey.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. See note 2
• Nuts for garnishing See note 3
INSTRUCTIONS
• Heat oven to 350F.
Make the cake:
• In a deep bowl, combine farina, baking powder, sugar and coconut then mix well.
• Melt the ghee in the microwave or stove top then dissolve the honey in it.
• Add the ghee mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
• Add the yogurt and mix, just until everything is well incorporated.
• Brush a round 12-inch baking sheet with the tahini and spread the Basbousa mixture evenly.
• Spread nuts on top evenly to decorate.
Bake in the middle of your oven until edges start to brown, this took about 10 minutes. Then move the Basbousa up to the higher shelf and let it continue cooking until golden brown, it will take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.
Make the syrup:
When you move the Basbousa to the upper shelf start making the syrup.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine syrup ingredients and bring to a boil.
• When it boils, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Turn heat off and keep the syrup warm.
• When Basbousa is done, turn off your oven and take it out.
• Pour the syrup evenly and cover the Basbousa immediately with foil. Return to the TURNED OFF oven for 5-10 minutes.
Take it out, cut and enjoy
NOTES
Note 1: Using coconut flakes is optional, if you do not like it then do not use and follow the same instructions. Many people though, find it highly recommended to add at least a couple of Tablespoons of coconut flakes. I have to say coconut helps with the texture so if you do not like it consider adding 15-20g, you will not taste it.
Note 2: Using nuts is optional as well.
Note 3: You can flavor the syrup with vanilla, cinnamon stick, rose water, orange blossom water or make it plain. I like making mine with vanilla.
Note 4: As I have stated in the post, this recipe baked in a 12″ pan yielded basbousa with a thickness of a little over 1cm. If you want yours to be thicker, bake in a smaller pan or double the recipe. I’ve recently made it several times in a 11″ aluminum baking sheet and got rave reviews about how perfect this was.