Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys

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Historic Nile - 8 days (20120

*International flight included
8 days/7 nights in Egypt in Africa and The Middle East
From £1895 pp
To book this tour, call Experts NOW on
0844 417 3382

Tour Summary

Recapturing the golden age of 19th century cruising, these exclusive journeys sail the waterways between Luxor and Aswan aboard beautifully crafted dahabiyyas; elegant wooden sailing ships that afford the chance to experience the Nile without the usual crowds. With expert guides, small groups and 7 nights aboard to fully appreciate the classic landscapes, this exceptional and best selling itinerary offers antiquity and ambience in equal measure.

Musk
Musk
Nile Cruise
Nile Cruise
Nesma Cabin
Nesma Cabin
Nile Cruise Dining
Nile Cruise Dining
Nile Cruise
Nile Cruise

 

Day 1: London - Cairo - Aswan - Dahabiyya cruise

Fly to Aswan and embark on your dahabiyya for a relaxing week spent cruising on the Nile. Overnight at the private mooring near Aswan. Note this itinerary is for cruise direction Aswan to Luxor but the cruise may travel in reverse direction (Luxor to Aswan) depending on departure date. (D)

Day 2: Aswan - High Dam, Old Dam, Philae Temple

This morning visit the High Dam, Old Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. This afternoon is at leisure, overnight at your private mooring near Aswan. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Aswan - Kom Ombo

Early this morning there is the opportunity to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air. Around midday you will sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Ptolemaic temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods - the falcon god Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Its superb location overlooking the Nile and perfect double symmetry make this one of the most picturesque on the river. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Edfu

This morning you will sail to Edfu where you will visit the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed in the 3rd century BC and, after Karnak, the largest temple in Egypt. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Esna - Luxor

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey to Esna, cross the lock and onwards to Luxor, where the boat moors overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Valley of the Queens

There is the option of rising at dawn to take a hot air balloon flight over Luxor. Today cross over to the West Bank to visit the tombs of the Pharaohs, the romantic Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to your dahabiyya for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you will overnight at our mooring near Luxor. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Luxor - Temples of Luxor and Karnak

A leisurely morning is planned, affording the time to relax and take in the surroundings. After lunch visit Luxor's East Bank, taking time to explore the magnificent settings of the Luxor and Karnak Temples. These sumptuous monuments, built over 4000 years ago, represent the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Karnak's immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner. Overnight mooring in Luxor. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Luxor - Cairo - London

Today bid farewell to the crew and disembark the boat after breakfast, before taking the EgyptAir flight back to Cairo and onwards to London Heathrow. (B)

 

  • Scheduled flights, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges
  • Experienced English speaking guide throughout your tour
  • Air-conditioned transfers (please note these transfers may be shared and not exclusive to Virgin Holidays clients)
  • Sightseeing as detailed including entrance fees
  • Accommodation as shown
  • Meals as shown
  • Tipping included throughout this tour

From £1895 pp

Group departures - departs weekly on Saturdays throughout the year except June, July and August