The MS Darakum and The Nile Monarch operate 'The Original Nile Cruise' route. This 'long cruise' offers a range of wonderful sights and sounds and operates from Cairo all the way down to Aswan (or vice versa). This cruise of discovery includes much less-visited sites such as Tel El Amarna, the remains of the desert city of Akhenaten, the tombs of Beni Hassan, Abydos Temple (one of the most complete temples of its era in Egypt) and Dendarah Temple (which has remarkable scenes and beautifully preserved colours).
These 5-star super deluxe cruisers are among the most best on the river. Offering comfortable and spacious accommodation with a contemporary design. The cabins are large and well-appointed whilst the main restaurant serves a range of international and local cuisine. Travel in style on board this wonderful Nile boat and enjoy lounging at the swimming pool, reading or playing games or enjoying the views on the sun deck.
The spacious cabins and suites have large panoramic windows.
Possible itinerary durations are 9 nights Luxor to Cairo, 11 nights Cairo to Luxor, 12 nights Aswan to Cairo and 14 nights Aswan to Cairo. The cruise includes up to 19 guided excursions.
Scheduled Itineraries:
Luxor - Cairo 9 Nights from £2999pp
Cairo - Luxor 11 Nights from £3445pp
Aswan - Cairo 12 Nights from £3819pp
Cairo - Aswan 14 Nights from £4259pp
Highlights Include:
Flights to/from Cairo and Aswan or Luxor from London Heathrow with Egypt Air
Full Board on 5-star MS Darakum or the fab Nile Monarch.
Up to 19 excursions escorted by our on board qualified Egyptologist
Long Nile Cruise 14-Night Itinerary Detail:
DAY 1: CAIRO
Arrival day into Cairo where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Nile cruise. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: CAIRO
Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting Giza where the famous Pyramids stands as monuments to the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt and the Great Sphnix, which has kept its secrets for centuries. Afternoon at your own leisure. (Optional Tours available through your guide). Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: CAIRO
Depart after breakfast to visit the Egyptian Museum containing treasures from Egypt’s ancient past and including the wonderful Tutankhamun collection. Continuing to the Citadel located on a limestone plateau, the Citadel built to withstand the onslaught of the Crusaders has wonderful views over Cairo city. Afternoon at your leisure (Optional Tours available through your guide). Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: BENI SUEF
Enjoy the beauty of the Nile whilst sailing from Cairo to Beni Suef. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Beni Suef.
DAY 5: EL MINYA
A full day’s sailing to Minya. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Minya.
DAY 6: MINYA
After breakfast visit three of the rock-tombs of Beni Hassan that are carved into the high limestone cliffs of the east bank of the Nile. The painted scenes depict the daily lives of the rulers and their families including scenes of desert hunting, weaving, spinning, fishing, country living, gathering crops and catching birds. Sailing to Tel El Amarna Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Tel Amarna.
DAY 7: MINYA TEL-AMARNA
Morning sailing to Tel El Amarna. After breakfast visit the Tel El Amarna site, once the city of Akhenaten, the Pharaoh known for his revolutionary religion that worshiped Aten. Continue to the Tuna El Gabal, the necropolis of Khmun, to visit the Tomb of Petosiris, Tomb of Isadora and the sacred Catacombs of Thoth then on to the Ashmunien. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Assuit.
DAY 8: ASSUIT TO SOHAG
Full day sailing to Sohag. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Sohag.
DAY 9: EL BALYANA
An early morning sail to El Balyana. Enjoy breakfast and visit Dendarah is one of the best preserved in Egypt. After visiting Dendarah you will visit Abydos Temple, the holy city of Osiris God of the Dead and the New Kingdom Temple of Seti 1. You will be transferred back to the boat in Nagaa Hamadi. Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Nagaa Hamadi.
DAY 10: LUXOR
An early morning sail to Luxor whilst enjoying your breakfast on board the Nile Monarch. After lunch visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak located on the East bank. Dinner on board overnight in Luxor.
DAY 11: LUXOR
Breakfast on board followed by a visit to the beautiful West Bank. Visit the sites of the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepshut. Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Luxor.
DAY 12: EDFU
Early morning sailing to Edfu. After breakfast visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved Temple in Egypt. Afternoon sailing to Kom Ombo. Lunch and Dinner on board overnight in Kom Ombo.
DAY 13: KOM OMBO – ASWAN
After breakfast a morning visit to the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. 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. Lunch and Dinner on board sail to Aswan and overnight in Aswan.
DAY 14: ASWAN
After breakfast there is an option of a morning leisure or an early morning *Optional excursion to Abu Simbel please see the guide on board*. This impressive Temple built by Rameses II stands on the banks of Lake Nasser. After lunch on board, there is a relaxing trip around Elephantine Island to the Botanical Gardens on General Kitchener Island. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.
DAY 15: ASWAN
Your journey has come to an end you will disembark cruise and transferred to Aswan Airport by our Travel Representative.
Re-opened in 2012 after 18 years, this cruise from Aswan to Cairo offers a fantastic opportunity to visit the lesser-known archaeological sites of Middle Egypt including the impressive Denderah Temple complex and the Temple at Abydos. This is the ideal way to fully explore the Nile and ancient Egyptian sites, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views of the river on a very comfortable 5-star boat.
Cairo - the Egyptian Museum & the Tutankhamun collection, Pyramids & the Great Sphinx Rock-tombs of Beni Hassan Tel El Amarna once the city of Akhenaten Abydos & Temple of Seti I Sail to Naga Hammadi where you pass through some of the most beautiful scenery along the Nile Dendarah one of the best preserved temple complexes in Egypt.
East & West Banks in Luxor
Kom Ombo
Aswan - High Dam & Temple of Isis on Philae Island
What's Included
Return Flights
All Transfers
All Meals
Luxury Cabin On Board
Up to 19 Excursions
Option to extend your stay in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan with a luxury hotel enjoying Pyramid or Nile Views from your room.
There are also possibilities to spend time relaxing in the sun on the Red Sea Riviera in Hurghada, El Gouna or Soma Bay after your Nile Cruise.
Prices are from and based on the cheapest date available at the time of publishing.