Athens and Cairo, July 2013!

To put together some of our new knowledge as bloggers, the IP 10 classes are creating a post about their dream travel destination, including: 3-4 photos of the destination (more is ok, and if they are interesting photos then they can really add to your presentation), 1 video, flight costs, tourism information (what to do once you arrive, how much tourist attractions cost, hours of operation, etc.), and a rationale explaining the appeal of your destination.  Sell it!

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I chose to highlight a trip that I am planning with one of my best friends, Scott, for 10 days in July of 2013.  We are going to take off around July 21st for Athens, Greece, then make a side trip to Cairo, Egypt before returning home on August 1st.  Here are some of the potential details (we haven't booked anything yet):

Departure: 6:33am from YXE (Saskatoon) - July 21st, 2013
Arrival: 1:25pm at ATH (Athens, Greece) - July 22nd, 2013
Layovers en route: 31 minutes at YQR (Regina), 3h15min at ODR (Chicago), 3h25min at ZHR (Zurich)
Airline carriers: United Express / Skywest DBA / Swiss International Air Lines

Total cost per person: $1,745 (includes airport taxes and fuel surcharges)

Departure: 5:00pm from ATH (Athens) - July 28th, 2013
Arrival: 7:00pm at CAI (Cairo) - July 28th, 2013
Layovers en route: None (direct flight)
Airline carriers: Egyptair

Total cost per person: $465 (includes airport taxes and fuel surcharges)

Destination #1 - Athens, Greece

The Parthenon, atop the sacred rock of the Acropolis

Ancient Theatre of Dionysus

Present day remains of the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus

Our first stop will be in Athens, the historical capital of Europe.  I am so looking forward to all of the rich history and ancient architecture that will be waiting for us when we get there.  I can only imagine the awesome photos I will get as well!

Here's a video that outlines some of the most famous Athenian tourist attractions.  I am wondering after watching it if that second photo (above) is actually the Theatre of Herodes Atticus.  I'm hoping so, as the remains of the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus look pretty sad.

Destination #2 - Cairo, Egypt

The Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, just outside of Cairo

Riding a camel... I may just try this and test my allergies!

 I am anticipating that seeing the pyramids up close will be a very surreal experience.  I have no idea what to expect of Egyptian culture, but I have a friend in Cairo named Mostafa who has invited Scott and me to stay with him while we're there.  He will be a great tour guide, and he has a lot of national pride so I'm sure he will show us some pretty amazing things in his home city and surrounding areas.  We are planning on staying there for about 4 days before heading back to Athens to catch our flights home.

And according to my countdown timer that I embedded as a gadget a few assignments ago (on the left column of my blog), there are only 289 days until I embark on this awesome adventure!