All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
7 nights from
£2595
An intriguing interlude in ancient Egypt, this week on the Nile is equally rewarding for the first-time visitor and repeat travellers. Packed with special touches and superb sightseeing, the tour is accompanied by an Egyptologist and expert local guides, sharing a wealth of knowledge to give you the best perspective at every port of call. Your vessel, the first-class MS Hamees, combines contemporary style and comfort with superb service and cuisine. Sailing through thousands of years of Egyptian life, we travel between Luxor and Aswan, taking in visits to Kom Ombo’s double-deity shrine, the Ptolemaic temple of Edfu, and Aswan’s High Dam and islands, at the first cataract of the Nile. Bookended by Luxor’s astonishing ancient sites, ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’. Optional activities range from hot-air ballooning over Luxor to visiting incredible Abu Simbel; while special experiences include sailing on a traditional felucca, and the unique opportunity to witness Nubian life and culture in a family home at Gharb Soheil, a pocket of peace, a hub of crafts, and a colourful step back in time.
A must-do felucca sailing in Aswan around Kitchener’s Island, followed by a motorboat ride to explore the hidden gems of Gharb Soheil Island and visit one of the last multi-generational Nubian houses on the Nile’s edge. Meet the family and learn about their lifestyle and Nubian heritage and customs, over a cup of tea. Later, wander through the colourful market filled with authentic treasures.
Temple and tomb visits are on foot with steps and uneven surfaces.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Whilst the vessel carries more, sightseeing will be limited to 25 guests.
Refurbished in 2018, this lovely vessel has spacious public rooms, and a restaurant with a combination of waiter and buffet service. Evening entertainment, lounge, bar, gift shop, laundry, a large panoramic sundeck with plunge pool and WiFi (free/limited). 70 air-conditioned outside cabins (233 sq. ft.) with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and mini-fridge. All cabins have picture windows except the Lower Deck and the two Main Deck single cabins (161 sq. ft.), which have portholes.
A highlight of any journey to Egypt is a visit to the rock temples of Abu Simbel. The construction of the Aswan high dam resulted in the flooding of a vast area and a huge operation was mounted by UNESCO in the mid-60s to rescue amongst many other sites the great temple in statues of Ramesses II from the rising waters or what later became known as Lake Nasser, the two immense rock statues of Rameses II and his queen Nefatari were dismantled into over 1000 blocks hand cut from the original rock face and reconstructed some 65 metres above on a rocky outcrop of the mountains which overlooked the Nile at this point.
Take to the skies above Luxor in a hot-air balloon and enjoy panoramic views of the world's greatest open-air museum. Leaving at sunrise, enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the sun rising over the east bank of the Nile, illuminating the land of the ancient Pharaohs on your scenic flight over Egypt's iconic monuments, this experience promises to be one of the highlights of your journey, as you drift over the Valley of the Kings & Queens, getting a bird’s eye view off the tombs and the Nile delta in a hot air balloon.
Enjoy an optional afternoon interlude for High Tea, overlooking the Nile, at the Old Cataract Hotel, from where Agatha Christie wrote ‘Death on the Nile’.
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, full board on cruise, excursions, Egyptian tour manager/Egyptologist, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement fee, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The 600-Mile Nile
Exploring Egypt’s ancient past, the ‘full Nile cruise’ crosses four thousand years of regal and rural life, revealing the tales and tombs of pharaohs, and the temples of the Gods
Lake Nasser & the Nile
This very special tour of ancient Egypt starts with a stay in Cairo, in the shadow of the pyramids, takes to the river for Nile-side temples and tombs of the pharaohs in Luxor, and cruises Lake Nasser to barely known and rarely visited treasures
Pyramids & the Nile
The pyramids of Giza are the country’s most photographed monuments, the timeless Nile is its most vital asset. These two icons of Egypt come together on a tour of tombs, temples, and treasures
The Original Nile by Royal Steamer
Aboard the royal steamer SS Misr, this fabulous cruise takes you to Egypt’s most famous and almost forgotten sites, from Cairo’s Sphinx to the ‘living museum’ of Luxor, and Aswan’s High Dam
