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Heroes and Heroines Cruise the Nile
Follow in Agatha Christie’s footsteps, cruising the Nile on a luxury boat.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Highlights of Egypt including a Nile Cruise
Egypt is arguably one of the most interesting countries in the world both historically and culturally, with antiquities of such scale and beauty to leave you speechless.
This holiday is the perfect introduction to Egypt and not only offers some very welcome winter sun but more than that, it is the atmosphere of Egypt that is so intoxicating.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Cairo
Cairo is epitomised by the pyramids of Giza. The main highlights can be easily covered in a short stay of two or three days.
3Egyptian Temples
Explore some of the many ancient temples that line the banks of the Nile including Karnak, Philae and the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens.
4Aswan
Relax in the picturesque town of Aswan, with an option to visit Abu Simbel.
Why we like it
Containing all the main highlights of Egypt, this itinerary also provides the opportunity to experience the River Nile aboard one of our recommended luxury cruise boats.
Day 1
Cairo
Day 2-3
Cairo
Day 4
Cairo - Luxor
Day 5-8
River Nile
Day 9
Aswan
Day 10
Aswan
Day 11
Aswan - Cairo
Day 1
Cairo
Explore the breathtaking pyramids of Giza, the only remaining structure of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the site of Memphis, the ancient capital that was a flourishing metropolis during the time of the Pharaohs. Wander around Saqqara to see the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first freestanding stone structure in the world.
Day 2-3
Cairo
Visit the Egyptian museum which houses the world’s greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities from 2700 BC to the 6th century AD. Admire the amazing treasures of the young king, Tutankhamun, including his famous mask made out of solid gold. Explore old Cairo, a relatively small part of the city, but rich with history. Take a walk amongst narrow cobbled streets full of churches including the Hanging Church of St. Sergius.
Day 4
Cairo - Luxor
Fly to Luxor and spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Karnak Temple complex.
Day 5-8
River Nile
Taking a Nile cruise is the best introduction to this fascinating country. Sail between Luxor and Aswan taking in temples and ancient sites en route.
Day 9
Aswan
Aswan is as far south as you can go before entering the desert, Nubia and Sudan. Explore the local market or take a cruise to Elephantine island.
Day 10
Aswan
Take an optional excursion by air to Abu Simbel Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 11
Aswan - Cairo
Fly to Cairo to connect with International flight arrangements
More details
Cairo
Your journey through history starts with the pyramids of Giza and the iconic sphinx as well as the fascinating treasures hidden within the walls of the Cairo Museum. Also spend time visiting the less known Step Pyramid of King Zoser and venture into Old Cairo, known as Coptic Cairo this part of the city is rich with history.
Luxor And The Nile
Luxor can be accessed by a short flight from Cairo. View the magical temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, before boarding a boat on which you cruise The Nile River. Sail between Luxor and Aswan taking in temples and ancient sites en route, with time to just soak up the rural scenery, daily life and birdlife that frequent the river. Opt for either a four or five-night cruise to reach Aswan. The focus of any Nile cruise is, of course, the wealth of ancient sites to visit on the banks of the Nile. Sightseeing is done in small groups and the Egyptologists on board are known for their enthusiasm and knowledge.
Steam Ship Sudan
One of the boat options that we recommend is the charming Steam Ship Sudan which offers four or five-night cruise options. Propelled by a hybrid diesel and steam engine this authentic near-century-old ship oozes character and offers a truly wonderful base from which to gently cruise the Nile. For those looking for an authentic, Agatha Christie-style experience on the Nile, this is the boat to choose.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Another fantastic river cruiser is the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV which cruises between Luxor and Aswan over three or four nights. Longer seven-night cruises are also available, starting and ending in either Luxor or Aswan. The Sunboat IV is one of the few boats on the Nile to visit the Dendarah Temple on a four-night itinerary. This much less visited temple is known as the Temple of Hathor and is located to the north of Luxor.
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan. This iconic 19th-century palace hotel is a destination in itself. Restored to its former glory, this grand property oozes soul and splendour, blending Victorian, Oriental, and French styles with a contemporary twist. Boasting 220 luxurious rooms, including 82 stunning suites, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers the ultimate Egyptian retreat, affording magnificent hospitality and luxurious facilities, including an indulgent spa and fine dining establishments.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling, the cruise boat chosen and cruise duration.
Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Low Season
From £2,995 Per person
High Season
From £4,895 Per person
When to travel
Egypt in January
January is an optimum time to visit Egypt, as generally, it is the coldest month of the year, but still warm with an average daytime temperature of 22°C. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Egypt in February
Temperatures in February are generally warm by day, with an average daytime maximum temperature of 22°C, while on average the temperature falls to 14°C at night. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Egypt in March
The weather in March is typically warm, but not uncomfortable, with the average daytime temperature of 25°C, making it a pleasant time to visit. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Egypt in April
April is the first of the generally hot months in Egypt, although the heat is not as intense than the later summer months.
Egypt in May
In May, temperatures can reach 32°C, and you can expect around 11 hours of sunshine a day, along with warm sea water temperatures, making a dip very inviting.
Egypt in June
Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40 degrees and higher.
Egypt in July
Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40 degrees and higher.
Egypt in August
Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40°C and higher.
Egypt in September
In September the temperature begins to cool, but it still remains very humid and averages around 30°C with zero rainfall.
Egypt in October
The most popular time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, from October to March. The temperature begins to cool in October, but it still remains exceedingly hot with an average of 30°C. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Egypt in November
November is relatively warm and dry, with an average of 3 mm of rain during this month. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Egypt in December
Daytime temperatures rise to an average of 23°C, and with generally low humidity, December a perfect time of year to visit. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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