In October 2025, the tomb of Amenhotep III reopened after a 20-year renovation project. While not yet opened for general visits, Big Five remains steadfast in our commitment to spotlighting local archaeologists who are a wealth of knowledge yet are not given the proper due credit. Though the televisions cameras don’t see them, we do.
It was in 2024, when we made a commitment to highlight local archeologists in order to create a fair opportunity for them to showcase their work for our guests. You can read about that initiative here: Big Five Tours & Expeditions Adds New Initiative in Egypt
Well, our work with the local community of the brightest minds, and the new tomb of Amenhotep III converged like two worlds into one amazing experience in Luxor when four local archeologists in charge of the restoration project personally led us through. I read about this article in the Associated Press just two months earlier with unabashed excitement and challenged our team to find a way to be among the first to enter this tomb. Traveling with this year’s amazing group of archaeologists, we proceeded with the short walk up the dirt hill.
Unlocking the gate at the entry was an experience you see in Hollywood movies, a padlock preventing access, being removed by a colleague with a ring full of keys so large, it would make a facilities manager proud. Down the stairs we went, so silent you could hear your heartbeat and a pin drop at the same time. No lines here, no tourists thinking they are the next Peter Lik, it was just us.
As I glanced back at the group descending, their eyes were wide with curiosity, yet no one spoke. Even our Egyptologist, deeply experienced in the field of archaeology, was visibly awed and grateful for another rare firsthand encounter. I then looked to our country manager, a second father to me, and he said the words he always does when he knows I’m left speechless: “You’re welcome.”
You can also read about this opening here: Pharoah’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings reopens to the public after 2-decade renovation
Enjoy the second video in our two-part dispatch.
Back in Egypt, it is time for Part I of our annual Egypt Dispatch. Returning here with my extended family is always special but the timing of this year’s adventure is quite auspicious, with the inauguration of the GEM. While I’ve visited the new museum for years, seeing the Tut exhibit and solar boat finally move, and all the new exhibits on display, I was both relieved and excited.
It was earlier that day that a photo popped up on my feed. It was a picture of Tahrir Square from 2010, and modern day that I shared back in 2021 when the royal parade took place. Looking back 15 years later, one has to marvel at how far Egypt has come. From a dark period, Egypt rose to a time with the largest collection of antiquities in the world, the focus of global attention, the subject of countless documentaries on every streaming platform, and a genuine buzz like I have never seen before. Egypt is truly at the center of the universe, where it belongs. I remember seeing this group of advisor partners chuckle when I told them we’d visit the pyramids first thing in the morning “to get them out of the way”. They didn’t know what that meant until we arrived at the GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum). Now the GEM visit visuals are in the video accompanying this blog, however what cannot be shown is what is the most important.
Before entering the GEM, we surprised the group with a private visit to an area of the museum not open to the public. After a video blackout was enforced, we entered a sterile, hospital-like hallway and passed through two large laboratory doors. There she was, a mummy from the 2018 discovery at the Amun temple in Luxor. Her face, turned slightly to the side and unwrapped, revealed the jewelry she wore and the terrified expression that was likely her last before mummification. Linked to the era of Amenhotep and dated between 1543 and 1292 B.C., she was in the process of restoration and prepped for her eventual display (remember the name Amenhotep for Dispatch II).
Experiences like this are part of our ongoing commitment to support local archaeologists and excavators who work quietly behind the scenes. Since 2023, we’ve made it our mission to help ensure they receive the recognition and resources their work deserves, as part of our sustainable pledge to Egypt.
Enjoy the video and stay tuned for Part II
It was amazing seeing so many of you at ILTM in Cannes. This is by far our favorite international show, not because we get to see you but also because we get to enjoy Cannes all lit up for the holidays. It looks like something straight from a postcard. The weather has been more forgiving this year, not as cold, however the light snowfall is definitely missed.
That said there are two main reasons I love coming here. First, I get to see all of you, and I get to be in Cannes. The yearly ritual of pizza on the final night at Le Vesuvio is a tradition started by my friends and advisor partners, Sandy, Ena, and Melissa. Though they were not in Cannes this year, the tradition lived on with a lively spirit and plenty of laughter so much that I’m sure the wait staff couldn’t wait for us to leave. Second, the macaroons, which are not for me. Let me explain. My wife and my early teen daughter eagerly look forward to the French macaroons I pick while transiting through Paris. The packaging keeps them fresh while amazing advisor partners like Alyson Nash help translate into French what I can barely say in English, “Keep these on ice. I will be back to pick them up, so they stay fresh for the trip home.” Thanks to all these wonderful people and more who helped me feel at home in Cannes.
This year might have been our most productive yet. Thanks to the digital avatar platform my friend Dr Jill Schiefelbein helped connect us with, daily videos of Flat Ash (yes he is back), are being sent to each day’s meeting attendees along with a landing page that helps continue the conversation. That means we finally break the cycle of sending those dreaded “I wanted to follow up with you” emails that we all know don’t get read. Instead, we are providing instant access that is both efficient and respectable of our advisor partners’ valuable time.
You can check out that video and landing page here – The Big Five Effect
As Cannes wraps up, the annual migration to Egypt begins as the 2025 Egypt Educational starts in the next few days with incredible advisor partners joining us for what will be an unforgettable journey. Stay tuned for that dispatch.
In the mean time, Au plaisir de vous revoir. Next stop, Cairo!
