Nile Cruise – Sonesta Star Goddess

The Sonesta Star Goddess features 33 suites named after famous composers, giving it a touch of elegance and sophistication. It is the perfect way to explore all of the fascinating archaeological sites along the river Nile.

The ship comprises 27 Beethoven Suites (each 40m), 4 Mozart Suites (each 35m), and 2 superior Chopin Suites (each 52m). Each of the 33 suites has a private balcony and is designed to offer maximum comfort and space. All of the rooms feature plasma TV, satellite channels and in-house movies, wireless Internet connection(fee payable), panoramic windows , private balcony, individual climate control, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and bathrooms equipped with full-size bathtub. The vessel also has a spa & fitness centre, with gym, sauna and steam bath and offers guests nightly entertainment.

Breakfast and lunch are normally served from the buffet and dinner is table service. Lunch is sometimes also table service instead of buffet when the number of guests on board is less than 20 persons. You can also enjoy the sun Deck Bar & barbecue which has panoramic views of the Nile, the Sun Deck serves cocktails and beverages during daylight hours. You can also use the Lounge Bar which features a dance floor, and a range of cocktails and beverages.

Itinerary

Day 1 Luxor:
Depart the UK to Luxor. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your chosen cruise boat (transfer time approx 30 minutes). Overnight in Luxor.

Day 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 Abu Simbel:
The morning can 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 £85) or by air (approx £225). In the afternoon an optional bird watching excursion and a visit to a Nubian house can be arranged.

Day 6 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 7 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 8 Luxor:
Transfer to the airport, for your flight home or to your next destination.

Tour Information: All excursions and Entrance fees are included unless referred to as “optional”. 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.

Departure Dates and Cost per Person