Egypt, a tour operator takes you to help archaeologists search for Cleopatra's tomb

Becoming archaeologists digging through the vestiges ofancient Egypt in search of Cleopatra’s mythical tomb. What is probably a dream for many has become a reality a few weeks ago thanks to a British tour operator, The Luminaire, specializing in luxury travel, which in mid-July designed a tour entitled Unearthing the hidden resting place of Cleopatra, or “Discovering Cleopatra’s Hidden Tomb.” For six days, between Cairo and Alexandria, staying at Four Seasons chain hotels in the two cities, visitors will immerse themselves in the world of the ancient Egyptians: They will be able to explore the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with an Egyptologist, get an exclusive preview of the soon-to-open Great Egyptian Museum, visit the Library of Alexandria with an archivist, benefit from private access to the archaeological excavations in Saqqara, throughout the trip be in the company of Egyptologists, and most importantly have the opportunity to access the Taposiris Magna excavation site, where an Egyptian-Dominican mission from the University of Santo Domingo, led by Egyptologist Kathleen Martinez, has long been on the trail of Cleopatra.

The site of Taposiris Magna, which lies west of Alexandria, has recently been the subject of major discoveries: in November 2022, Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities announced that the University of Santo Domingo mission had discovered a tunnel dug into the rock at a depth of about 13 meters below the earth’s surface, about 1,300 meters long and about 2 meters high: called a “miracle of engineering” by Kathleen Martinez, was part of the temple complex of Osiris at Taposiris Magna, within which, during previous excavation campaigns, many important artifacts were found including coins bearing the images and names of Queen Cleopatra and Alexander the Great, a number of headless statues and statues of the goddess Isis, as well as various inscriptions and busts, shapes and sizes. According to Martinez, Cleopatra’s tomb would be located right in the Taposiris Magna complex, and the newly discovered tunnel could lead to her burial place. Martinez has been studying the site since 2002, and his team has since found several tombs at the site, as well as a head depicting Cleopatra, in addition to coins bearing her name. Of the queen’s tomb, however, there is still no trace.

Travelers who book the tour with The Luminaire will have the opportunity to visit the newly discovered tunnel. How much does the experience cost? The amount certainly isn’t for everyone: we’re talking about 16,650 pounds per person, or 19,350 euros at today’s exchange rate. But the experience certainly isn’t one for every trip: on its website, in fact, The Luminaire lets it be known that at Taposiris Magna, travelers will be able to “give support in the various restoration and excavation works” (although it is not explained what that support consists of, but since no training in archaeology is required of travelers, it is assumed that they will be able to help with tasks that don’t require specialization: moving wheelbarrows, dusting, measuring... ), and then “discover the team’s important findings,” follow archaeologists “as they explore previously hidden ruins and tunnels, using state-of-the-art technology.” In short, hand to your wallet to turn into the new Indiana Joneses for a week!

Egypt, a tour operator takes you to help archaeologists search for Cleopatra's tomb

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