Day 1

Depart from the UK, fly direct to Luxor. On arrival transfer to your cruise boat (approx 20 minutes) for a seven night cruise. A welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead will take place either this evening or the following morning, depending on your flight arrival time.

Day 2

An early morning start crossing over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit The Valley of the Kings, (for an extra charge you can visit the Tomb of Tutanhkhamun, see your guide for more details), Hatshepsut's Temple, the Valley of the Queens and Colossi of Memnon. (This whole morning tour takes approximately 5 hours.) On arrival back at the boat, a buffet lunch will be served and the boat will sail for Esna. The afternoon can spent relaxing on the sundeck while watching the varied local life on the river and its banks. Afternoon tea will be served on the sun deck. After Dinner, there's a small informal cocktail party where the management of the boat is introduced to everyone. Overnight in Edfu.

Day 3

Wake up at leisure and after breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu. Afterwards, there is time to roam the local market where you will be able to prepare for this evening's Galabeya Party. Back on board the boat lunch will be served as the boat sails to Aswan. This wonderful journey takes approximately 10 hours and gives you chance to take a dip in the plunge pool, read a book or simply to enjoy the view. In the evening there will be a Galabeya party, where everyone dresses up in traditional Egyptian costumes for dinner and the party games. Late that night the boat will dock in Aswan for a stay of two nights.

Day 4

Morning visit to the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk and then by boat to the Temple of Philae. In the afternoon sail by felucca around Kitchener's Island and its Botanical Gardens. Dinner and evening entertainment on board.

Day 5

Today can be spent either at leisure or on optional excursions. The most popular excursion is to the Temple of Abu Simbel which is available by coach (approx £85) or by air (approx £195). In the afternoon an optional excursion to a Nubian Village via camel or boat can be arranged. In the late afternoon the boat will sail to Kom Ombo and a visit to the Ptolemic Temple usually takes place that evening. Dinner, evening entertainment and overnight on board.

Day 6

The day is spent at leisure as the boat heads to Luxor arriving later that evening.

Day 7

The day begins with a morning visit to the Temple of Karnak, the papyrus museum and the traditional perfume shops of Luxor. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor, afterwards there is ample opportunity to explore the markets of Luxor for souvenirs and gifts. That evening there is an optional excursion to the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple.

Day 8

The morning can be spent at leisure. In the afternoon, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or continue to your next resort.

Please note: For operational reasons, Nile Cruises can be subject to alteration locally at short notice. During certain periods the boat may have to sail after dark therefore the number of hours of daylight sailing is subject to change. When the boat is moored, vessels may have to berth alongside each other restricting views and requiring clients to pass through a number of boats to disembark. Upon disembarkation clients will be required to walk along a gangplank and there may be steps to climb.

Life on board
Time aboard is as special as the scenery outside, between sights your time on board is your own. All the cruises we feature offer good standards of comfort and amenities; each one has either a swimming or a plunge pool, large sundecks where you can relax with a book and watch the world go by, bars to meet new friends for drinks after a busy days sightseeing and splendid restaurants offering a sumptuous selection of international and Egyptian cuisine. All Nile cruises operate on a full board basis and generally offer a buffet breakfast followed by lunch and dinner which are taken in one sitting and can either be a set menu or buffet style. Drinks are not included but you can easily purchase a range of soft drinks, beer, wine or bottled water to accompany your meal.

5* Viking Princess

The five-star Viking Princess offers an informal cruise experience with warm and friendly service, comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine. With just 49 cabins decorated in a traditional style and a range of facilities this cruise is an experience not to be missed. Facilities Four decks, three of which have cabins; large sun deck with plunge pool and bar, sunloungers and shaded areas with easy chairs; restaurant serving a range of international and local cuisine; bar; lounge; gift shop.

Accommodation

All the standard 49 cabins have panoramic windows and measure 16 square metres. 20 twin cabins are situated on the lower deck. Twin cabins have twin beds, air-conditioning, internal telephone, LCD satellite TV, mini-fridge, en-suite shower and toilet, hairdryer, and personal safe. The middle deck has 10 twin cabins on the same level as the reception and restaurant whilst the upper deck has 19 twin cabins all with the same facilities.