Home > Discover Cairo & the Ancient Nile Cruise - Included Excursions

Discover Cairo & the Ancient Nile Cruise - Included Excursions

Marvel at the ancient, sun-baked wonders of Luxor and Aswan before experiencing the treasures of Cairo and the spectacular pyramids at Giza.

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Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

The Sphinx and Pyramids, Cairo
The Colossi of Memnon, Luxor
Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor
Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor
Sacred Lake, Karnak Temple
Amun statue and obelisk, Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple
Avenue of the Sphinx, Karnak Temple
Aerial view of Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple
Statue of Horus, the falcon-headed god at Temple of Horus, Edfu
Temple of Horus, Edfu
Temple of Kom Ombo
Heiroglyphs at Kom Ombo Temple
Aswan High Dam
Temple of Isis, Philae
Temple of Isis, Philae
Aswan
Kitchener's Island, Aswan
Botanical Garden, Aswan
Enjoy an optional visit to Abu Simbel
Temple of Hathor, Abu Simbel
Pyramids, Cairo
The Sphinx on Giza plateau, Cairo
King Djozer's step pyramid at Sakkara, Cairo
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo
Salah El Din Citadel, Cairo
Cairo cityscape
Mohammed Ali Mosque, Cairo

DAY 1: UK - Luxor.

Fly to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship, MS Magic 2. (D)

DAY 2: Luxor - Esna.

Your Nile odyssey begins this morning with a tour of the spectacular ancient sites of the West Bank, Karnak and Luxor. Marvel at the aeons-old Pharaohs' rock tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the staggering Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, as well as the Colossi of Memnon. You'll also see the magnificent Temple of Karnak, located on the northern outskirts of Luxor. Built as a place of worship to the god Amun, this stunning complex has a forest of soaring pillars and was the most important of its kind in ancient Egypt. Another highlight today is Luxor Temple, situated in the centre of the bustling town, with its superb colossi, obelisk, courts and halls also dedicated to the mighty Amun. Tonight, your ship sets sail for Esna. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Esna - Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan.

This morning, see the Temple of Horus, the largest after Karnak and one of Egypt's best preserved. Built 2,000 years ago to the falcon god Horus and covered by sands for centuries, this richly decorated temple is adorned with fascinating reliefs, friezes and inscriptions. Afterwards, you sail to Kom Ombo to see its imposing Greco-Roman temple, beautifully located overlooking the slow moving Nile. Constructed in 250 BC in honour of both Horus and the crocodile god Sobek, the temple contains sanctuaries where Egypt's first doctors are believed to have performed sophisticated operations on sick patients. Later, sail to Aswan. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Aswan.

This morning, enjoy a visit to the remarkable Aswan High Dam, a major feat of modern engineering constructed between 1960 and 1971 to control flooding and generate electricity. Cruise the glistening waters of Lake Nasser, the immense reservoir created by the dam, and visit the spectacular Temple of Philae, moved brick by brick from the now submerged Philae Island to the nearby island of Agilika to make way for the dam. This afternoon, sail in a traditional white-sailed felucca to Kitchener's Island for a visit to the blissful botanical garden before returning to your cruise ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Aswan - Cairo.

This morning, don't miss an optional excursion to imperious Abu Simbel. Carved from rock in the 13th century BC, the complex comprises the mighty Abu Simbel Temple, fronted by four giant seated colossi of Ramses II, and the smaller Temple of Hathor, both of which make awe-inspiring sights. Later, bid farewell to your cruise ship, disembarking and transferring to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo, for a three night stay. (B, L)

DAY 6: Cairo.

This morning, there's an included visit to the incredible Pyramids of Giza. One of the world's most instantly recognisable sights, these staggering architectural wonders were constructed from millions of massive stone blocks in around 2600 BC and stand next to the mysterious, regal-looking Sphinx, another astonishing sight. In the afternoon why not join an optional excursion to Memphis, believed to have been the ancient capital of Egypt from around 1300 BC? Once a magnificent city, the remaining statues and columns of the settlement include an alabaster sphinx and a limestone colossus of Ramses II, which make a poignant sight. From there, continue on to Sakkara, the royal cemetery of Memphis, crowned by the Step Pyramid of King Djozer - the first pyramid to be built in Egypt and Sakkara's largest funerary complex. (B)

DAY 7: Cairo.

Why not make the most of this exhilarating city by joining an optional visit to the extraordinary Egyptian Museum? In central Cairo, this vast museum houses chamber after chamber of spectacular exhibits - over 2 million in all - from mummified pharaohs to ancient relics and most breathtaking of all, the priceless treasures found in the burial chambers of Tutankhamun. Marvel at the boy king's solid gold sarcophagus and his stupendous death mask, inlaid with lapis lazuli, turquoise and coral. Next on an optional tour, visit the glorious 12th century Citadel of Salah El Din and Mohamed Ali Mosque, before enjoying lunch at a typical Cairo restaurant. End the day with a stroll through the bustling, narrow streets of Khan El Khalili, Cairo's world-famous bazaar, packed with carpets, gold and silver, and craft stalls: perfect for picking up souvenirs of your trip. (B)

DAY 8: Cairo - Luxor - UK.

Early morning, transfer to Cairo airport and fly to Luxor for your flight to the UK.

Note: Specific named cruise ships, times and itineraries are subject to change. Nile Cruises are not suitable for the less mobile or children under 12.

Due to the late departure of the return flight, you may be transferred to a ship or a hotel for the day in Luxor where lunch will be provided.

Accommodation on Tour

Cairo: Ramses Hilton.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required to enter Egypt. This can be obtained from the Egyptian Embassy or can be purchased on arrival in Luxor. The current price is £15 (payable with £5 and £10 notes only).

Our Price Includes

Nile cruises include excursions, transfers, pre-paid baggage and porterage on the cruise.

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Discover Cairo & the Ancient Nile Cruise - Included Excursions

MS Magic 2
Twin cabin, MS Magic 2
Lounge bar, MS Magic 2
Restaurant, MS Magic 2
Swimming pool, MS Magic 2
Sun terrace, MS Magic 2

MS Magic 2

Equipped with state of the art technology, MS Magic 2 is a well-appointed and stylish Nile cruise ship, accommodating 140 passengers in 72 light, comfortable cabins. The excellent on board amenities and friendly English-speaking staff are sure to help you make the most of this cruise.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck with plunge pool, sunbeds and bar; restaurant; lounge bar; mezzanine bar; billiards room; reading room; bazaars; wireless internet service; laundry service; room service on request.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Meals are buffet style and include a good selection of international dishes. Afternoon tea is served whilst sailing. Evening entertainment includes a Galabeyah party, folklore show, Oriental night with belly dancing, and a nightly disco in the lounge bar.

Cabins

All cabins are outside cabins and have twin or double beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; central video system; fridge; safety deposit box; hairdryer; shower and wc.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in Egypt. Expect to budget for about £30 for tips. For your convenience this may be collected at the beginning of the cruise.

MS Magic 2

MS Magic 2 Sun Deck
MS Magic 2 Deck 4
MS Magic 2 Deck 3
MS Magic 2 Deck 2
MS Magic 2 Deck 1

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices