your holiday map

Sorry, your web browser does not support our availability calendar. If you wish to book online please update your web browser, click here to find out how.

Alternatively, call us on 0871 622 4344 to check availability & prices.

CHECK PRICES
& AVAILABILITY
Click highlighted departure dates for prices
M T W T F S S

Scroll availability by month.
Only months with available departures are displayed

Help & support

No Availability Found

We're sorry, but we are unable to find availability for your selection.

Please try selecting a different hotel or duration option from below (where applicable) or call 0871 622 4344 and we'll be happy to check for you.

No Availability Found

We are unable to find availability for 2008 holidays.

However, availability has been found for 2009 holidays.

Click here to view alternative dates

(Please note: 2009 product details may vary slightly, so please check carefully before booking)

  1. Select optional extension
  2. Go!

    Help & support

Discover Cairo & the Ancient Nile
8 DAYS FROM £945

This holiday has departures available between: 22nd Dec 2008 to 22nd Dec 2008

Marvel at the ancient, sun-baked wonders of Luxor and Aswan before experiencing the treasures of Cairo and the spectacular pyramids at Giza.

Included highlights

Luxor Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak & Luxor Temples
Edfu Temple of Horus, Temple of Kom Ombo
Aswan Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam, Temple of Philae, Felucca trip & botanical gardens
Cairo Pyramids & the Sphinx

Included in the Price

Flights: UK - Luxor; Aswan-Cairo; Cairo - Luxor; Luxor - UK
Accommodation as per cruise ship and hotel details
Meals: Full board on cruise ship
Transfers between the overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
All local, port and airport taxes/service charges

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Luxor.
Fly to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship, MS Magic 2. (D)

DAY 2: Luxor - Esna.
Your Nile odyssey begins this morning with a tour of the spectacular ancient sites of the West Bank, Karnak and Luxor. Marvel at the aeons-old Pharaohs' rock tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the burial chambers of the Valley of the Queens, including the staggering Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, as well as the Colossi of Memnon. You'll also see the magnificent Temple of Karnak, located on the northern outskirts of Luxor. Built as a place of worship to the god Amun, this stunning complex has a forest of soaring pillars and was the most important of its kind in ancient Egypt. Another highlight today is Luxor Temple, situated in the centre of the bustling town, with its superb colossi, obelisk, courts and halls also dedicated to the mighty Amun. Tonight, your vessel sets sail for Esna. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Esna - Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan.
This morning, see the Temple of Horus, the largest after Karnak and one of Egypt's best preserved. Built 2,000 years ago to the falcon god Horus and covered by sands for centuries, this richly decorated temple is adorned with fascinating reliefs, friezes and inscriptions. Afterwards, your vessel sails to Kom Ombo to see its imposing Greco-Roman temple, beautifully located overlooking the slow moving Nile. Constructed in 250 BC in honour of both Horus and the crocodile god Sobek, the temple contains sanctuaries where Egypt's first doctors are believed to have performed sophisticated operations on sick patients. Later, sail to Awsan. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Aswan.
Today, marvel at El-Mesala El-Naksa, the mighty unfinished obelisk lying in a granite quarry just south of Aswan. At 41 metres high and 1,200 tonnes in weight, it was the largest obelisk ever built but the ancient Egyptians left it in the quarry when they discovered a flaw in the granite. From there, continue on to the colossal, 111-metre high Aswan Dam, built between 1960 and 1971, which created Lake Nasser. Next, wonder at the beautiful Temples of Philae, relocated from the island of Philae to prevent them being flooded by the Nile after the building of the modern Dam. This afternoon, there is time at leisure to relax on board your ship. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Aswan - Cairo.
This morning, don't miss our optional excursion to imperious Abu Simbel. Carved from rock in the 13th century BC, the complex comprises the mighty Abu Simbel Temple, fronted by four giant seated colossi of Ramses II, and the smaller Temple of Hathor, both of which make awe-inspiring sights. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxed visit to the picturesque Botanical Gardens in Aswan, travelling by one of the white-sailed 'feluccas' that are a common sight on the Nile's waters. Later, bid farewell to your cruise vessel, disembarking and transferring to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo for a three night stay. (B, L)

DAY 6: Cairo.
Why not make the most of this exhilarating city by joining an optional visit to the extraordinary Egyptian Museum? In central Cairo, this vast museum houses chamber after chamber of spectacular exhibits - numbering over 2,000,000 in all - from mummified pharaohs to ancient relics and most breathtaking of all, the priceless treasures found in the burial chambers of Tutankhamun. Marvel at the boy king's solid gold sarcophagus and his stupendous death mask, inlaid with lapis lazuli, turquoise and coral. Next on an optional tour, visit the glorious 12th century Citadel of Salah El Din and Mohamed Ali Mosque, before enjoying lunch at a typical Cairo restaurant. End the day with a stroll through the bustling, narrow streets of Khan El Khalili, Cairo's world-famous bazaar, packed with carpets, gold and silver, and craft stalls: perfect for picking up souvenirs of your trip. (B)

DAY 7: Cairo.
This morning, an included visit to the incredible Giza pyramids. One of the world's most instantly recognisable sights, these staggering architectural wonders were constructed from millions of massive stone blocks in around 2600 BC, and stand next to the mysterious, regal-looking Sphinx, another astonishing sight. In the afternoon why not join an optional excursion to Memphis, believed to have been the ancient capital of Egypt from around 1300 BC? Once a magnificent city, the remaining statues and columns of the settlement include an alabaster sphinx and a limestone colossus of Ramses II, which make a poignant sight. From there, continue on to Sakkara, the royal cemetery of Memphis, crowned by the Step Pyramid of King Djozer - the first pyramid to be built in Egypt and Sakkara's largest funerary complex. (B)

DAY 8: Cairo - Luxor - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo airport to fly to Luxor for your return flight to the UK.
Note: Due to the late departure of the return flight, you may be transferred to a hotel for the day in Luxor where lunch will be provided. (B, L)

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Cairo: Mövenpick Pyramids (5*)

Visa Requirements

A visa is needed to enter Egypt which can be obtained from the Egyptian Embassy. Alternatively Tourist Visas can also be purchased on arrival in Luxor, the current price is £15 (payable with £5 and £10 notes only).

Monarch Premium

We are pleased to offer Monarch premium seats from Gatwick to Luxor on departures up to the end of October 2008, subject to availability. Benefits include:

For your comfort:
Premium seats with an improved seat width
Seat pitch of up to 34 inches
Increased seat recline with adjustable headrests, pillows and blankets
Pre bookable seats free of charge
Free amenity pack - includes toiletries, eye mask, ear plugs and flight socks
For your entertainment:
Personal video screens with private DVD entertainment system
Free headsets
At your service:
Complimentary welcome drink and FREE bar service
Upgraded meals with a choice of entrees and superior wine
Free newspapers (inbound and outbound)
Increased baggage allowance of up to 30kgs
Dedicated check in at Gatwick
Priority boarding and baggage reclaim

Hotels

  • Mövenpick Pyramids DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Located close to the Giza Pyramids, the Mövenpick Pyramids offers a wide range of facilities including a swimming pool in an attractive garden setting. The hotel is also just a short taxi ride (20 minutes) from the centre of Cairo.

    Location: In the Giza district, close to the Pyramids.
    Facilities: Restaurants; pool bar; bar; concierge services; outdoor pool; sauna; massage; steam bath; tennis; football; safety deposit boxes.
    Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; hairdryer; TV with satellite channels; minibar; alarm clock; desk; air-conditioning; telephone.
    Options: Half board; single room.
    Official category: 5 star.

Cruise Ships

  • MS Magic 2 DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamondplus

    MS Magic 2 is a well-appointed ship, providing stylish accommodation for your cruise along the Nile. Built to the highest standards and equipped with state of the art technology, MS Magic 2 accommodates 140 passengers in 72 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 swimming pool; restaurant; lounge bar; bar; table tennis; billiards room; reading room; bazaar.
    Dining
    Your cruise includes full board. The on board restaurant serves international, buffet-style meals. Afternoon tea is served on the sun deck whilst the ship is sailing. Evening entertainment includes an Oriental Galabeyah party, folklore shows and a nightly disco in the lounge bar.
    Cabins
    Your holiday price includes a twin/double cabin with shower and wc; satellite TV (when docked); central video system; hairdryer; minibar; safety deposit box.
    Tipping
    Tipping is expected in Egypt. Expect to budget about £30 for tips. For your convenience this may be collected at the beginning of the cruise.

Holiday Extensions

  • Add a week in Luxor - 7 Extra nights from £110

    Ancient Thebes is now much expanded, but it retains its mystique and fine Nile-side setting. On the East Bank is the modern area of Luxor, the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. The West Bank is the location of the 'City of the Dead' with the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, including Queen Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Add a week at the Sheraton Luxor at the end of your Discover Cairo & the Ancient Nile holiday.

Accommodation on Extensions

Add a week in Luxor - 7 Extra nights from £110

  • Sheraton Luxor DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The Sheraton Luxor is set in eight acres of grounds on the east bank of the River Nile. It provides a modern, comfortable base from which to explore the magnificent treasures of the city of Luxor.

    Location: On the banks of the Nile and about 2 km from the centre of Luxor.
    Facilities: 2 swimming pools (1 heated in winter); sunbeds and parasols; mini-fridge; shops; laundry service; hairdresser; safety deposit boxes in the reception; restaurants; pool snack bar; lounge bar; 24-hour room service; 2 floodlit tennis courts.
    Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with bathroom; balcony; air-conditioning; TV with cable channels; hairdryer.
    Note: Rooms may be of a bungalow style, set in the gardens with no balcony.
    Options: Half board; single room; Nile view.
    Official category: 4 star.