Mystical Egypt

1. 7 nts Nile Cruise (Full Board or All inclusive)
   And 7 nts Luxor Stay (Half Board or All inclusive)

   We can amend the duration in Luxor, please enquire.

   

2. For centuries travellers have been fascinated by the mystical allure of the Nile. A relaxing cruise in luxurious surroundings, alongside Egypts many archaeological wonders, provides the perfect combination for an unforgettable holiday.Our Classic Nile Itinerary takes you from Luxor to Aswan, visiting some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world including the stunning Valley of the Kings, the burial place of the Pharoahs including that Tutankhamen and the breathtaking temples Karnak and Luxor.

3. Luxor has often been called the worlds greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world that know of. To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since. Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year.

   Luxor possesses undeniable charm. Here and there among the palace halls and gardens and on facades of nineteenth-century buildings with corbelled balconies there is a glimpse of the past and of a time of British colonials and Egyptian monarchs, of wealthy English, and of beys and pashas. As the sun sets, the Temple of Luxor, close to the large tourist souk, seems to stand apart from the world of the living. Its columns, colossal statues and bays recover their serenity, oblivious to the carriages passing by. On the other side of the Nile, the village of Gurna slumbers peacefully with its back to the mountain under stars shining more brightly than ever.

4. Monday departures from Heathrow. Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow or Edinburgh via Heathrow.

5. ITINERARY

   Day 1: Luxor

   Depart UK. Upon arrival met and transferred from Luxor airport to your cruise vessel, dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.

6. Day 2: Luxor - Esna

   After an early breakfast, visit the West Bank including the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, burial sites for many of the most powerful and successful pharaohs and high priests. The Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu Temple. Lunch on board as the boats sets sail to Esna dinner on board. Overnight in Esna.

7. 

   Day 3: Esna - Kom Ombo - Aswan

   Breakfast on board and morning visit of the Temple of Khnum at Esna. The temple is dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, who was patron god of cataract. He is said to have fashioned mankind from Nile clay on a potter's wheel. We continue our journey south to the Temple of Edfu for a brief stop before lunch and sailing to Aswan and overnight.

8. Day 4: Aswan

   After breakfast visit the High Dam in Aswan, built in 1960-1971 to provide electricity to the villages along the Nile, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Lunch on board. In the afternoon is free time on board or to stroll into Aswan city centre for shopping. Dinner on board and overnight in Aswan. Optional evening sound & light show priced at approx. £25pp

9. 

   Day 5: Aswan

   Optional early morning visit to Abu Simbel (priced at approx. £95pp by road or £270pp by air), the impressive site built by Rameses II to show his strength and power. Abu Simbel stands on the bank of Lake Nasser. Afternoon a relaxing and enjoyable boat trip around Elephantine Island and sail to the Botanical Gardens on General Kitchener Island. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.

10. Day 6: Aswan - Edfu

    Morning at leisure. Lunch on board and set sail to Kom Ombom to visit the temple. This temple, unlike many others in Egypt, was dedicated to two gods; the Southern section is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile headed man, god of fertility, and the Northern section to the Falcon headed god Horus. There is also a fascinating crocodile museum to visit with many artefacts and mummified crocodiles. Set sail to Edfu and overnight.

11. Day 7: Luxor

    Breakfast on board and sail to Luxor. In the afternoon visit the East Bank and Luxor Temple. Originally, the temple was joined to Karnak by a long avenue of Sphinxes, many of which are still able to be seen today. Followed by a visit to the world's largest greatest open air museum known as Karnak, which covers a large area of land and includes several temples, the largest of them being the Temple of Amun. Overnight in Luxor.

12. Day 8: Luxor

    Breakfast followed by checkout and transfer to the hotel of your choice in Luxor for a 7 night stay

    Optional Balloon flight excursion at sunrise priced at approx. £100pp.

13. Days: 9-14

    Enjoy the fascinating sights and sounds of Luxor, stroll through the colourful streets of Luxor. A wide range of optional excursions available. Visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Tutankhamen's tomb, the Temple of Hatshepsut or take a felucca trip down the Nile.

14. Day 15

    Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.