Looking for the most stylish way to see the world’s oldest travel destination? A luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, taking in some of Egypt’s finest historical sites, might just be the answer.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Nile cruise package – the ‘Nile in Style’ – kicks off in Cairo, with three days to explore the city. See everything from the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World – the Pyramids of Giza – to the treasures of Tutankhamun, there’s plenty of time to see the best of Cairo, before relaxing at the Four Seasons Cairo Hotel each night.
Next, you’ll fly to Luxor, where the beautifully refurbished Sanctuary Sun Boat IV awaits. Discover dazzling temples and ancient tombs on your Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. From world-famous sites like the Valley of the Kings to the extraordinary Temple of Horus, the 9-day Nile cruise covers the best of ancient Egypt from the style and comfort of the Nile’s most luxurious small vessel.
Stay in style at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
After you land in Egypt, you’ll be privately transferred to the Four Seasons Cairo Hotel on the banks of the Nile. Your luxurious home for the next three nights. This elegant hotel on the Corniche has stunning river views and is the perfect base for exploring the city.
The hotel itself is an ideal retreat from the busy, hot streets of Cairo at the end of the day. With rooftop pools surrounded by lush leafy landscaping, a luxury spa and seven restaurants to choose from, you’ll find everything you need to relax and recharge before another day of exploring.
Nile Cruise: Visit the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World
Start your Nile adventure in Cairo, Egypt’s chaotic but charismatic capital city. First up is a trip to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Here, you’ll be walked through more than 7,000 years of history by your own private Egyptologist. Home to some 120,000 artefacts, including the solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun, there’s no better place to understand the stories behind the places you’ll discover during your Nile cruise. Later, choose from exploring the streets of Old Cairo to visiting the Khan El Khalili bazaar.
The following day, journey south to the necropolis of Saqqara – a site that once featured 16 royal pyramids. You’ll have the chance to visit the Imhotep Museum and the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, (also known as Saqqara Pyramid) before continuing to one of Egypt’s most famous destinations – the Pyramids of Giza.
The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Cheops) is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence today. As part of Abercrombie & Kent’s luxury ‘Nile in Style’ cruise, you’ll have VIP access to the tomb. Nearby is the legendary Great Sphinx – an unmissable sight on any Egypt tour.
Finally, visit the Solar Boat Museum to view the reassembled funerary boat of King Cheops. This is one of the most important archaeological finds in Egypt since the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
Discover the ancient wonders of Luxor
After three days of exploring Cairo and surrounds, it’s time to set off for Luxor. Once your short flight from the capital lands, you’ll be met and transferred to private riverside docks. Here, the luxury Sanctuary Sun Boat IV awaits.
Visit the Temple of Luxor and take an Egyptologist-led tour of the Valley of the Kings. The most famous site – the tomb of Tutankhamun – was discovered here by Howard Carter in 1922. Afterwards, there’s a chance to visit the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the famed Colossi of Memnon.
The following day, take in the world’s largest religious site at Karnak. Finally, visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna, before setting sail for your next destination on the Nile.
Step on board the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
If you’re looking for all-out luxury, the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV offers a Nile cruise experience like no other. The recently refurbished, beautifully styled vessel has a range of luxury cabins, suites and spacious public areas. Each air-conditioned cabin comes with panoramic views, allowing for uninterrupted views of the Nile.
Onboard dining is provided by award-winning chefs, with exquisite dishes combining local fare and international flavour. Meanwhile, there’s a heated pool, onboard gym, a library and gift shop to explore while you sail between destinations.
Temples, tea and traditional entertainment
The next stop on the Nile cruise is Edfu. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt – the Temple of Horus. To make visiting this impressive landmark even more exciting, you’ll be taken to the temple by horse-drawn carriage. Next, the cruise sails on to Kom Ombo, where the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek.
Back on board the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, you’ll be served a luxurious afternoon tea. There’s also an opportunity to try your hand at Egyptian cooking as you sail towards Aswan. Later in the evening, guests are invited to a themed event with traditional entertainment and local cuisine.
Finish your Nile cruise in bustling Aswan
After arriving in the busy market town of Aswan, board a motorboat to the Island of Agilika. Here, you can visit the majestic Philae Temple. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It was rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s and rebuilt on higher ground. Next, see the origins of the pyramids at the Granite Quarries. This site supplied the ancient Egyptians with stones for incredible constructions. This is also the location of the Unfinished Obelisk. The impressive structure is nearly one-third larger than any ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected.
But exploring Aswan doesn’t stop here. You’ll also have the chance to take a traditional Egyptian sailing boat out. Set off on an adventure around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. In addition, you can take a short flight the following morning to the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel, before returning to Cairo.
Egypt’s luxurious Nile cruise
The Nile has long been one of the world’s most loved travel destinations. It provides a glimpse of the ancient world that few other places on earth can offer. Now, you can witness these important historical sites in luxury, with a unique Nile cruise experience. A 9 day Nile cruise starts from AU$7,990pp. To find out more, visit abercrombiekent.com.au
This article was produced in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent. abercrombiekent.com.au
