Know Before You Go: Egypt with Zahi Hawass

This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa welcomes Dr. Zahi Hawass a formidable figure in Egyptology. As the Former Director of Excavations at Giza, Saqqara, and the Valley of Kings… and two-time Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, Dr. Hawass has made a number of major discoveries that have shaped the way we understand the ancient world. Dr. Hawass’s finds include the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis, the Lost Golden City near Luxor, and many more. He also used modern forensic techniques to locate King Tut's relatives.  Beyond his extensive discoveries and adventurous spirit, one of the things that set Dr. Hawass apart as an Egyptologist and archaeologist is his dedication to public education and promoting Egyptian tourism globally. He has sparked international interest in Ancient Egypt through numerous television appearances and books he has authored on his discoveries. He has also been an outspoken advocate for the conservation of ancient sites and the preservation of cultural heritage. In case you’re interested in hearing Dr. Hawass speak in person, he will be in the United States this May and June on a Grand Lecture Tour where he plans to announce new groundbreaking discoveries for the first time. There are rumors he will reveal the discovery of Queen Nefertiti’s mummy… Then John Cantrell, Destinations Director at Indagare Travel, joins Melissa to share his tips for exploring Egypt's ancient history and culture.