Queen Nefertari's Tomb Options

[Spark_man]

I know the tomb is closed with the exception of those willing to shell out 20,000 LE but ...

Has anybody thought about putting together parties of 25 or so? Pooling together 25 people and spliting the cost among 25 people for a quick visit is still pricey (about $140 US) but still within the means of us working class types. Why couldn't it be done?

How about some of you tour agents put your heads together and figure out how to make this happen so when I return next year, it will be all set up and ready for me?

[Joerg]

I know the tomb is closed with the exception of those willing to shell out 20,000 LE but ...

Is this offer on the record and how trustworthy is it ?

[Spark_man]

Is this offer on the record and how trustworthy is it ?

Right now it is just an idea. When I was in the Valley of the Kings in March, there had to be 500 or 600 or more tourists wandering around. So the potential pool is there. Putting together a web site to coordinate the party wouldn't be too hard. All you would need to do is select a firm date when you know you will be in the area, and submit a deposit fee (say $150 US). This could be done through an escrow type service like pay-pal or others. Anyway, if there are enough visitors to meet the required 20,000LE then the paper work begins to get the proper authority to visit the tomb. Someone "in the know" or who has the right connections would have to make this happen. You would need a mechanism to allow the client to back out but only to a point. In other words, once the target figure and some date (2 months prior to the actual date) is reached, all deposits are forfeit - you don't get your money back. Whoever operates this website and service could charge a nominal fee so support the development and hosting - 2% maybe?



Of course there would have to be ground rules such as groups no larger than say 25 or 30, time limits in the tomb, etc. all defined in a legal disclaimer that you would have to agree to before depositing the cash.



What are your thoughts?

[Spark_man]

Boy this is an engaging group! C'mon people, what are your thoughts? How do you feel about not being able to experience (because of the cost) what I'm told is probably the most stunning tomb in Egypt? Has anybody on this board had the opportunity to visit this tomb? Tell us about your experience!

[Jane Akshar]

Already been done, there are tour groups that do organise trips to Neferari and to Seti I, try http://www.sevenwonderstravel.com/weeks/TMP2007.pdf

[Spark_man]

Already been done, there are tour groups that do organise trips to Neferari and to Seti I, try http://www.sevenwonderstravel.com/weeks/TMP2007.pdf

Your idea of "working class" and mine must be two completely different things.

The cost of that trip (the link you provided) is over $6000 US per person. If I could afford that, I wouldn't be asking this question - I'd probably be Bill Gates or Brad Pitt! What I'm talking about is a modest compromise that satisfies Mr. Hawass's requirement and something that people with AVERAGE means can afford, to see something truly spectacular.

My suggestion could benefit several smaller tour operators, their clients, the Egyptian government and could even provide funding to projects like the Theban Mapping Project like the trip in the link above without breaking the bank of poor slobs like me.

Put on you thinking caps people! November 2007 is just around the corner for me, and I'd like to get this all worked out before I get there!

[Spark_man]

this was a good idea...but why nobody replied??

I dunno? Chicken maybe?

[~Mintaka~]

I think it's a wonderful idea.
I know myself I would give my right arm and maybe my left....to see this tomb.
It's the green stuff I don't have roflol....
So who would be willing to set this up?
Someone would have to be in charge and organise this event.
This person would have to be in close contact with Hawass and the proper authorities.
We can email him lol...oh yeah I forgot...he's not taking any more emails according to his site.
Face it...we got no pull.
So who does?

We all know that humidity is the killer for these awesome works of art.

So set up some dehumidifiers??? Just shooting in the breeze here...
I know how you feel...
Luv & Huggs,
~Mintaka~

[Nightshade]

So nearly a year since the last post, is it still closed? Some of the guide books seem to act like it's open. I'm sure hoping it is! For $20,000 I think I could just go live in Egypt for a few years LOL.

Athena

[irma]

Boy this is an engaging group! C'mon people, what are your thoughts? How do you feel about not being able to experience (because of the cost) what I'm told is probably the most stunning tomb in Egypt? Has anybody on this board had the opportunity to visit this tomb? Tell us about your experience!

hello; i am a dutch new member; excuse me for my English
I have been in the Nefertari tomb when it was just restored (?) and it gave me tears in my eyes; I have seen many tombs since then and think it was/is the most beautiful tomb of the King/Queen valley. I believe i was very lucky to be in Luxor at the right moment, because a month later it was closed. It costed me about 15 euro pp.
Irma

[Jane Akshar]

I have been in it in 2000 and although I enjoyed the experience I have had others in Egypt that have been as good or better. personally I feel the most beautiful thing in Egypt is the white chapel of Senusret I in the open air museum at Karnak.

It is not just about having the money it is about having the clout. That is harder. also numbers are restricted because of the danger to the tomb and I think 25 would be over the limit. There are companies that cam organise it for you. I put a link to one in my previous post. They have the clout and the money.

Permission needs to be obtained from the SCA in Zamalek. AFAIK Dr Hawass personally signs everything, he certainly signed my Tazreer card. While I was getting that I saw several tour company reps coming in for permissions to various things. I have no idea what, my Arabic does not stretch that far.

[Spikesgirl]

This is an interesting thread. I was just watching a class lecture on this and they were charging $50 (okay, it was an old show) to visit Nefertari's Tomb. I suspect the tomb will eventually be totally closed off to tourist as the Getty Foundation suggested. My question, what books or dvds would be the best for someone like me (i.e. poor) to 'visit' the tomb?

Charlie

[~Mintaka~]

I have a book called "Valley of the Kings" by Kent Weeks and photo's are from Araldo De Luca.
The book is a tad heavy lol I'm guessing 10lbs or so, but worth it.
take a look here to see the cover http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Kings-Kent-R-...s/dp/8880957120

Luv & Huggs,
~Mintaka~

[Joerg]

I`d recommend this one by John McDonald:
House of Eternity: The Tomb of Nefertari
The beautifully structured House of Eternity is replete with full-color photographs
of the contrasting desert landscape, the elaborate tomb, and the paintings.
Included are explanations of the hieroglyphs and artwork, plus interesting snippets
from Nefertari's culture.

[Spikesgirl]

Thank you both for the suggestions - I shall pursue them as I don't think we'll be coughing up the cash to (or have the time to get permission) to the actual tomb.

Has anyone done a 3-d computer tour like they've done from other closed sites (not necessarily Egyptian in nature)? I would think that it would be the way to go.

Charlie

[~Mintaka~]

Thank you both for the suggestions - I shall pursue them as I don't think we'll be coughing up the cash to (or have the time to get permission) to the actual tomb.

Has anyone done a 3-d computer tour like they've done from other closed sites (not necessarily Egyptian in nature)? I would think that it would be the way to go.

Charlie

The only one I can think of at the moment is here
http://www.osirisnet.net/3d-tours/e_3d-tours.htm

Of course it's nothing compared to the real thing

Hope this helps sweetie.
Luv & Huggs,
~Mintaka~

[Spikesgirl]

The only one I can think of at the moment is here
http://www.osirisnet.net/3d-tours/e_3d-tours.htm

Of course it's nothing compared to the real thing

Minitaka - it never is! Thanks you so much. Once my hubbie is up, we'll go on a little tour. I'd heard that they'd been making an extensive 3-D imaging map of K-5 (Ramses's sons's tomb) and just wondered if something similar had been tried in an effort to preserve Nefertari's tomb a little more.

I really appreacite your help, your guidance and suggestions with this! you folks are my eyes until I get there for myself.

Charlie

[Spikesgirl]

just have to check back in and say that the site was fabulous. What a great treat! Thank you, again and again, for sharing this info with us, Minitaka!

Charlie

[~Mintaka~]

Not a problem, that's why we are here.
Luv & Huggs,
~Mintaka~

[apriljune]

queen nefertari's tomb is very wonderful,

if i have enough time i well roam around the place
so that i can explore more