Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Luxor

Egypt, just the name is enough to set your imagination spinning back to the start of recorded human history – to a time when all-powerful Pharaohs controlled a mysterious and fabulously wealthy empire which lasted virtually intact for over 5,000 years! Our Nile cruise explores the mighty monuments, the intriguing history and the extraordinary artistic masterpieces from the greatest and oldest of all the ancient civilizations.

We start in Cairo, the heart of modern-day Egypt. The largest city on the African continent and much-maligned for its traffic congestion, Cairo remains a fascinating fusion of western, Islamic and Christian culture, all mixed up with something a lot more ancient. The iconic symbols of these ancient roots are the three Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, on the edge of the city. Visited by the greatest names in history, from Alexander the Great, to Caesar and Napoleon, the Pyramids are actually the world’s oldest tourist attraction!

Right in the centre of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum houses so many priceless treasures, that it would take months to see it all. Its Tutankhamun exhibition alone contains over 3,500 finds from the small tomb that Howard Carter discovered in 1922. Although the centre of the collection is the mesmerising solid gold funerary mask, equally impressive is the section devoted to the daily life of the ancient, as are the touchingly realistic funerary portraits from Egypt’s Graeco-Roman period.

We’ll also visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, just south of Cairo and built over 4,600 years ago, this is Egypt’s first proper pyramid, and is now considered to be the oldest stone building in the world.

After two days of relaxing sailing on the world’s longest river our tour continues with visits to the tombs of Beni Hassan, followed by one of the most imposing temples in all of Egypt, at Abydos. Our exploration continues with the temple of Hathor at Dendera, built during the time of the Ptolemies, heirs to Alexander the Great’s empire.

Today’s Egyptians are immensely proud of their ancient lineage and with typical middle-eastern courtesy and hospitality they are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you are likely to meet.

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin. Sole occupancy cabins are available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

• Ten nights’ accommodation on the MS Movenpick Darakum
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Scheduled flights to Cairo and from Luxor via Cairo to the UK 
• Transfers and all internal coach travel
• The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

Included excursions: guided tours of Cairo, the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx, entrance to the Egyptian Museum; Beni Hassan tombs, Amarna, Abydos & Dendera temples

Visa not included.

Discover Even More

 

Luxor to Aswan extension

The cruise continues south to Aswan for a further four nights and visits the Valley of the Kings. It is ideal for those on their first trip to Egypt and who prefer the most complete experience.

Click here to view and book our 15-day Wonders of the Nile from Cairo to Aswan cruise.

Fact File

• Currency: Egyptian Pound
• Flight Time: Approx. 4 hrs 40 mins
• Language: Arabic
• Time Zone: GMT+2
• Country: Egypt

Visa Information

Along with a valid passport, UK citizens must have a visa in order to travel to Egypt. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements

Visa cost is US$25 per person. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent with your booking confirmation.

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

Please note that visa costs may be subject to change.

Health

Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that in visiting a number of historical sites, paths are uneven and uphill and we often enjoy walking tours of the main sights.

A reasonable level of fitness is required to get the best out of this tour, for example there are no lifts on board the MS Darakum and entry into some of the tombs involve steep descents with numerous narrow steps. Therefore, this holiday will not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility.

Daytime temperature levels will also be high for most of the year and in summer months most excursions start early in order to avoid excessive midday desert heat.

Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for Egypt at least a month before departure.

Mobility

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.

Things to Note

• No photography or guiding is allowed inside tombs or pyramids, as well as in museums.
• Entry into the Egyptian Museum’s Mummy room and into any of the Great Pyramids is payable extra locally.
• The order of visits may vary according to the season & local conditions.

All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.