The Wonders of the Nile Cruise is a fascinating insight into the world’s most famous civilisation. With so much of the Egyptian population concentrated on the banks of the river, the Nile is the thread that runs through centuries of ancient history.
Hand-picked excursions with expert guides are complemented by on-board lectures from qualified Egyptologists on ancient and modern Egypt. This cruise blends sightseeing with peaceful days on the river, the perfect mix of interest and relaxation.
Your cruise ship offers low passenger numbers for a relaxed and intimate ambiance. Five-star accommodation is partnered with award-winning cuisine and all the convenience of modern amenities for an unforgettable Nile voyage.
Embark on a voyage of discovery and exploration with this 14-night cruise on the River Nile. See all the legendary monuments, including famous pyramids and tombs, and then return to your luxury cruiser to enjoy fabulous river views and five-star accommodation. Join on-board lectures from qualified Egyptologists, or just relax and unwind in elegant surroundings.
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your luxury cruise vessel, the MS Mövenpick Darakum.
See the Great Pyramids on the Giza Plateau, a short drive from Cairo, plus marvel at the size of the Mighty Sphinx. View the relics from the tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun, in the Egyptian Museum and plenty of other artefacts and treasures.
Today’s excursion is to the pyramids at the necropolis of Saqqara, which are smaller than Giza, and illustrate how these structures were built. Later, guests discover Cairo’s Christian history with a visit to the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.
Wave goodbye to Cairo and sail past farms, canals, and plantations, heading towards the small town of Beni Suef, where your cruiser moors overnight. Guests can enjoy on board lectures on ancient and modern Egypt from expert speakers.
Enjoy the beauty of the Nile Valley scenery from the shade of the Sun Deck loungers before arriving in Minya, where the ship will moor for two nights.
Guests visit Tuna El Gebel, the necropolis of Hermopolis, and can also explore the tomb of Petosiris and the catacombs, once home to thousands of mummified baboons and ibis. Later, the tour reaches the tombs at Beni Hassan.
Amarna is the one-time capital of the Pharaoh Akhenaten and his famous Queen Nefertiti. Guests visit Akhenaten’s tomb and then continue their voyage on the Nile past Egypt’s Coptic monasteries. The vessel moors overnight in Assyut.
Enjoy a day to relax aboard your luxury cruiser and watch the world glide past from your elegant cabin or one of the many spacious public areas.
Abydos was a centre of pilgrimage for centuries and dedicated to the cult of Osiris. The Temple of Seti is one of Egypt’s most mysterious sites and is famous for its Gallery of the Kings, which lists all pharaohs. From Abydos, we sail to Qena.
The Dendera Temple Complex is famed for its beautiful sculptures and reliefs. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor and her son, Horus, this is one of Egypt’s most complete and well-preserved monuments.
Situated on the West Bank of the Nile, guests visit the Valley of the Kings and the beautifully preserved home of the famous treasure hunter Howard Carter. Adjacent is a newly opened replica of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The Temple of Karnak is reputedly the largest religious centre of the ancient world, with the breath-taking Hypostyle Hall the showpiece of this vast complex. Guests also visit the Temple of Luxor. Later, the ship sails for Edfu.
The temple at Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods, making it unique in Egypt. One of these is the crocodile, and there have been many mummified remains of crocodiles discovered nearby. Later on, the ship sails to Aswan.
From the ancient to the modern, the last day of this adventure is spent at the Aswan High Dam, a feat of engineering. A felucca trip to Kitchener Island, a beautiful botanical park, follows a Nubian Museum tour.
It’s time to bid farewell to Egypt and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Follow in the footsteps of the explorers of yesteryear aboard the MS Darakum with a unique construction, meaning all parts of the Nile are navigable. Enjoy luxury Morooccan-themed interiors and a stunning Sun Deck.
Surround yourself with ancient history on a Nile River Cruise
MS Mövenpick Darakum
Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.
Some of the historical sites we visit have uneven paths and slopes, which might present a problem for passengers with limited mobility. Some of the tombs involve steep descents with narrow steps. Guests should also note that there are no lifts on board the ship. Temperatures are generally very warm, but we arrange the early morning and late afternoon tours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. You should consult your GP at least a month before you travel for advice on the appropriate inoculations.
No guiding or photography is allowed inside the pyramids and tombs; this rule also applies to the museums on the tour. Some attractions only allow entry to a limited number of visitors, so access cannot be guaranteed on the day you visit.
Our gourmet chefs produce delicious menus fresh every day and will be able to adjust meals to suit your needs; just let us know your requirements when you book. There is always a selection of vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
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