A classic Nile Itinerary:
Day 1:
Depart
from the UK, fly direct to Luxor. On arrival transfer to your chosen
ship (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. At some stage during
the evening the boat will pass through the lock at Esna then dock
overnight in Edfu 3-4 hours later.
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. After
dinner, tonight's entertainment will be an Egyptian style 'Treasure
Hunt'.
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 £60) or by air (approx £100). 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. After dinner, enjoy the delights of a traditional Belly
Dancer.
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. With
the introduction of a second lock at Esna it is anticipated that there
will no longer be the need to close it during June and early December.
If a lock closure does occur then guests will join and leave the boat
in Esna during the closure period. Cruises will then sail
Esna-Aswan-Esna. All excursions will take place but not necessarily in
the order given. 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.
Alexander
The Great operates from a Tuesday to Monday which means the first night
on arrival will be spent at the Old Winter Palace in Luxor.