Classic Egypt: Nile Cruise & Stay

This Classic Egypt tour is the perfect way to see the best of Egypt’s ancient sights. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful sites along the Nile, from Luxor to Aswan but also the magnificent treasures and exciting atmosphere of city of Cairo.

Itinerary 

Day 1 Cairo:
Depart the UK to Cairo. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay.

Day 2-3 Cairo:
Explore this exciting and bustling city where the ancient blends with the modern. No trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx plus a visit to the Egyptian Museum to see the famous treasures of Tutankhamun. This is offered as an optional excursions (including lunch) for £95 per person per day which can be pre-booked, please ask for further details.

Day 4 Luxor:
Depart from Cairo to Luxor. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your chosen cruise boat (transfer time approx 30 minutes). Overnight in Luxor.

Day 5 Valley of the Kings:
Today cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for the first excursion, The Valley of the Kings. From here visit the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut. Afterwards there is a visit to the enormous statues of the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served back on board the boat. Set sail upstream to Esna and pass through the Lock. Overnight in Esna.

Day 6 Edfu and Kom Ombo:
Early morning visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The cruise continues upstream to Kom Ombo where there is a late afternoon visit to the Ptolemic Temple dedicated to the gods Haroeris and Sobek. Afterwards still sailing upstream the boat will arrive in Aswan where you will remain for two nights.

Day 7 Aswan:
Today is spent exploring the delights of Aswan. Sightseeing includes a visit to the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk and then by boat to the Temple of Philae on Agilika Island. After lunch board a Felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat for your included cruise down the Nile and around the picturesque Kitchener Island before returning for dinner.

Day 8 Abu Simbel:
The morning can be spent at leisure to roam Aswan some more or alternatively join the optional excursion to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II which for many will be the highlight of the cruise. This popular excursion is available by coach (approx £95) or by air (approx £345). In the afternoon an optional bird watching excursion and a visit to a Nubian house can be arranged, please ask for further details.

Day 9 Nile River:
Today we enjoy a quieter day sailing downstream along the Nile before arriving late evening in Esna. During this pleasant journey you can choose to take a dip in the pool, catch up on some reading or simply enjoy the view. Overnight on board in Esna.

Day 10 Luxor Temples:
Sailing from Esna to Luxor arriving at lunch time. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Karnak – an enormous complex of three temples dedicated to the Theban Gods. Afterwards explore the magnificent Temple of Luxor which was once connected to the Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes. In the evening there is an optional excursion to the exhilarating Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple (approximately £28.00 per person).

Day 11 Fly to the UK:
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.

Notes: This itinerary may be reversed, departing on a Monday, in order to have the Nile Cruise first followed by 3 nights in Cairo. Please note that visits to the Temples and Tombs are usually on foot and can involve steps and uneven surfaces.Boats often moor alongside each other causing obstructed views. Access to your boat is sometimes through other vessels’ lobbies and across gangplanks. The programme may be altered due to navigational factors or local conditions.

Accommodation Options 

Le Meridien Pyramids
A superb luxury hotel in a wonderful setting, the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa is one of the closest hotels to the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx and offers a wealth of facilities and a variety of superb restaurants. All the rooms and suites feature private facilities with bathtub and shower, hairdryer,  minibar, air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone and safe. Le Méridien Pyramids has two elegantly designed swimming pools, with waterfalls. Other facilities include 24-hour room service and Concierge Desk, a shopping arcade, beauty salon and 24-hour currency exchange.

MS Tulip
The M/S Tulip cruise ship was totally refurbished in 2018. Contemporary themed cabins and spacious communal areas with panoramic views from the large windows. Most standard cabins have a large opening window with balcony rail while the Upper Deck Terrace Suites have private sit-on balconies. Each of the standard 40 cabins have panoramic window and balcony rail. The 8 Upper Deck Terrace Suites also offer an outside terrace with table and chairs. All cabins and suites offer air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and overhead shower. Hair dryer, satellite TV and an individual safe and mini fridge. Tea and coffee making facilities with tea bags and coffee sachets. A large bottle of mineral water is provided in the cabin daily.

There is a large sun deck with sun beds and stylish furniture. It provides a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile and the swimming pool is ideal for a refreshing dip during the day. The Deck bar offers cool daytime refreshments and the lounge bar offers drinks and entertainment in the evening. There is also a Sauna, small fitness suite that is free to use and a massage service with charge.

Contact us to departure dates and prices