The Nile and Lake Nasser Discovery + Red Sea

Colossi of Ramses II, Abu Simbel

Explore the heart of Egypt on this exciting cruise, from spectacular Nile-side temples to atmospheric Abu Simbel and sparkling Lake Nasser to the secluded, sun-swept temples of Nubia.

After your cruise why not add 7 nights at a Red Sea Resort Hotel.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Luxor.

Fly to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship, MS Magic 2 (see page 133 and our website for details) for embarkation. (D)

DAY 2: Luxor - Esna.

Begin your exploration of Egypt with a tour of the magnificent West Bank. Marvel at highlights such as the Valley of the Kings, the impressive Mortuary Temples and the monolithic Colossi of Memnon, before crossing the river to the East Bank. See the aeons-old Temple of Karnak, before heading into Luxor city centre for a visit to Luxor Temple. (B, L, D)

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

After crossing the impressive Esna Lock, continue sailing to Edfu for a visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. Built between 237-57 BC, the glorious sandstone structure was buried under the sun-baked desert sands for nearly two thousand years, preserving many of its richly decorated reliefs, murals and hieroglyphs. Later, sail to Kom Ombo for a visit to the wondrous 'double' Temple of Horus & Sobek. Dedicated to both the falcon and the crocodile gods of ancient Egypt, Kom Ombo's Greco-Roman temple contains sanctuaries where Egypt's first doctors are thought to have performed complex operations on ailing patients. (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. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Aswan - Abu Simbel.

Disembark MS Magic 2 this morning and transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your ship, Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas. After lunch, visit the lake's west bank to experience the captivating beauty of imperious Abu Simbel. This 3,200-year-old complex is a fantastically preserved UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the grandiose Great Temple, fronted by four mighty, seated colossi of Ramses II, and the breathtaking smaller Temple of Hathor. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Abu Simbel - Qasr Ibrim - Amada - Wadi el Seboua.

This morning, cruise to the former cliff-top city of Qasr Ibrim. From the deck of your ship, admire the atmospheric ancient citadel ruins before continuing your cruise to Amada for a visit to its impressive sandstone edifice, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia. Admire the extraordinary forest of decorated pillars, murals and elaborate inscriptions in the covered hall dedicated to Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Wadi el Seboua - Aswan.

Today, explore Wadi el Seboua, a distinctive temple complex also known as the Valley of the Lions for its impressive avenue of sphinx sculptures. Visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Amun, a treasure trove of imposing statuary and intricate relief murals, before viewing the nearby Greco-Roman temple fortress of Dakka, once dedicated to Thoth, the ibis-headed wisdom god, and the Temple of Meharakka, an unfinished structure dedicated to the Alexandrian god Serapis, unique in ancient Egyptian architecture for its spiral staircase. This afternoon, begin your cruise back to Aswan, crossing the Tropic of Cancer on the way. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Aswan - Luxor.

After breakfast, disembark your cruise ship in Aswan and transfer by road to Luxor when you will transfer to El Gouna to your Red Sea Resort hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 to 14: Red Sea

Enjoy time at leisure exploring the Red Sea Resort of El Gouna. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Red Sea - Luxor - UK.

After breakfast transfer to Luxor airport for your return to the UK. (B)

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.

Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas

Exclusively built for cruising on Lake Nasser, the deluxe 5 star Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas offers spacious and comfortable public areas, 65 well-equipped cabins and a good range of facilities to choose from. Elegantly furnished throughout, Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas is an ideal base from which to explore the ancient sites and natural wonders of the River Nile and Lake Nasser.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Plunge pool with Jacuzzi; shaded terrace and sundeck; restaurant; lounge bar; fitness room; observation room; gift shop; laundry service.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Meals are served in the main restaurant and include both local and international dishes. Breakfast is buffet style while lunch and dinner can be either buffet style or chosen from a set menu. Afternoon tea is served whilst sailing. Evening entertainment includes a Nubian Show.

Cabins

All cabins are outside cabins and have twin or double beds; air-conditioning; television; telephone; fridge; tea & coffee making facilities; safety deposit box; shower and wc; and a panoramic window.

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 - side view

  Deck 4, 3, 2 or 1 twin or double cabin with window or porthole

Stella Makadi
4diamond rating

Set on the blissful Makadi Bay, Stella Makadi is a chic, modern, property offering plush, well-appointed accommodation, an enormous swimming pool, a good selection of restaurants and a delightfully decadent spa centre. The hotel is also renowned for its fantastic house reef, ideal for snorkelling, its long, private jetty and its dive school, which offer superb access to the glorious underwater panoramas of the Red Sea Coast.

Location: Set on Makadi Bay just 50m from the beach. El Gouna resort is within 55km and Hurghada resort centre is within 30km. A daily shuttle bus to Hurghada is available at a charge.

Facilities: Private jetty with house reef; PADI dive centre; 5 swimming pools (one heated in winter); 3 restaurants including 1 buffet and 2 à la carte; 2 pool bars; lounge bar; beach bar serving snacks; Bedouin tent; spa centre health club; internet café; shops; disco; laundry service; minibar in bedrooms.

Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV; safety deposit box; hairdryer; balcony or terrace.

Options: Single room; pool view; sea view.

Official category: 5 star.

ALL THIS INCLUDED

Meals: Full board with buffet breakfast, snack lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea. Snacks served at selected times between meals.

Drinks: Unlimited hot, soft and alcoholic drinks (excluding international brands and cocktails) served for a minimum of 12 hours per day, served by the glass.

Activities: Tennis; table tennis; billiards; bocce; gym; beach volleyball; mini golf; chess; watersports including snorkelling; PADI approved dive school.

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

The Nile and Lake Nasser Discovery + Red Sea

Holiday Highlights

  • Luxor Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temples, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor & Karnak Temples
  • Edfu Temple of Horus
  • Kom Ombo Temple of Horus & Sobek
  • Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Botanical Garden
  • Abu Simbel Great Temple, Temple of Hathor
  • Lake Nasser
  • Qasr Ibrim Scenic cruise
  • Amada Amada Temple
  • Wadi el Seboua Temple of Amun, Dakka Temple, Meharakka Temple

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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