A treasure trove of ancient sights…Step aboard and prepare to be thrown back in time to a magical land of myth and wonder. Explore archaeological sites where the names of once great pharaohs and jackal-headed gods echo upon the winds. Offset these ancient splendours with Egypt’s modern achievements including the mighty Aswan High Dam. Join us on this cruise of discovery as you wend your way along the sparkling waters of the River Nile to some of Egypt’s most impressive treasures.
4T+ Nile Discovery Cruise with Thomson Platinum.
Thomson Holidays – Hotel Reviews of the 4t+ Nile Discovery Cruise
Other facilities
- Swimming pool
- Sundeck
- Dining room
- Lounge bar
- Shop
- Twice weekly evening entertainment
- Massage service
- Internet service
Cabin facilities include marine satellite LCD TV, air-conditioning, fridge, hairdryer, individual safety deposit box and picture windows, please note that cabin windows do not open.Single cabins offer the same facilities but are half the size of a twin cabin. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a twin cabin with shower and WC.If you’re combining the cruise with one or more of our hotels in Cairo, Luxor or the Red Sea Riviera, please see the individual hotel descriptions for further accommodation details.Please note: there are no cabins with balconies.
Itinerary
Included in your Nile Cruise holiday are visits to:The Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak and Luxor Temples, Edfu Temple, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple, Denderah Temple, Kom Ombo Temple.
Day 1
Your Itinerary
Day 1 – UK – LuxorFly direct to Luxor and join the Crown Prince, moored on the banks of the Nile.
Day 2
Day 2 – Luxor – West Bank – EdfuVisit the famous Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut.Ever since the 19th-century, when the first steamboats began chugging down the Nile, Luxor has been a magnet for discerning tourists eager to discover Egypt’s historical delights. Built on the remains of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is renowned for its overwhelming profusion of archaeological relics. Nearby lies the world famous Valley of the Kings where over 700 royal sepulchres pepper the arid hillsides. Interred in sarcophagi, mummified pharaohs were sealed in stony tombs as part of their journeys to the ‘afterlife’. Like an intrepid explorer, uncover the myriad of vaults and chambers that make up this vast Pharaonic resting ground. You’ll also get to visit the Colossi of Memnon, an enormous pair of enthroned statues that once guarded the entrance to a long lost temple. Round off your day with one of the most impressive sights on Luxor’s West Bank, the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut. Built in honour of the only woman to ever reign over Egypt as pharaoh, it’s built into a cliff-face and rises up in a series of monumental terraces. Gaze in amazement at elegant columns stretching into cloudless blue skies and wonder in awe at the intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Day 3
Day 3 – Edfu – Kom Ombo – AswanVisit one of the Nile’s “”must-see”" sites – the mammoth Temple of Horus.Dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god, the huge edifice of the Temple of Horus is perhaps the best preserved of Egypt’s ancient shrines and provides an excellent insight into how temples once looked. Two giant granite falcons greet you as you pass through the colossal gateway, beyond which lies an extensive network of splendid colonnades, courtyards and sanctuaries adorned with detailed wall carvings. Sailing on to Kom Ombo, visit the fascinating Temple of Sobek. Set on the banks of the Nile, the Temple is unique in that it was dedicated to two divinities, falcon-headed Haroeris and the crocodile god, Sobek. The dual nature of the Temple is reflected in the twin entrances, chapels and halls that make up this site. Of particular note is the chapel of Hathor, home to three mummified crocodiles.
Day 4
Day 4 – AswanBe awed by the massive Aswan dam and later enjoy a relaxed boat trip out to Elephantine Island.Travel forward in time, visit a modern-day example of monumental construction as you sail to the spectacular Aswan High Dam. The sheer size of the barrage is sure to overwhelm you. Standing at over 300ft high, it took 35,000 workers 11 years to complete. Nearby lies one of Egypt’s most enchanting sites, Philae Temple was very nearly lost forever. However, thanks to the efforts of the world heritage organisation UNESCO, the temple was removed and reassembled stone by stone on Agilkia Island. The shrine was dedicated to the cult Isis, the goddess of nature, and boasts an impressive colonnade and two enormous stone pylons replete with carved reliefs. Later, enjoy a boat ride to view Elephantine Island. Nestled among its lush palm groves are a number of Nubian houses painted bright blue, pink and yellow.
Day 5Day 5 – Aswan – EsnaA day to relax or to take the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel.Enjoy a morning at leisure in Aswan or alternatively join the optional excursion out to Abu Simbel to see the towering figures of gods and pharaohs which adorn the facade of the Temple of Ramses II.
Day 6
Day 6 – Esna – Luxor: East Bank excursionYour chance to visit Karnak & Luxor Temples.The Temple of Karnak never fails to evoke wonder and amazement. This expansive site incorporates no fewer than three shrines as well as a myriad of obelisks and monuments. Make sure you take a look at the enormous Hypostyle Hall – boasting over 130 soaring papyrus-shaped columns, it covers an area big enough to house both St Paul’s Cathedral in London and St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Returning to Luxor, visit the architectural masterpiece that is Luxor Temple. Follow an avenue of sphinxes down to the shrine itself and discover its elegant array of courtyards and chapels overlooking the sparkling waters of the Nile.
Day 7
Day 7 – Luxor – Qena – LuxorSailing on to Qena, explore the remains of the Temple of Denderah.Built in honour of the cow-headed Egyptian goddess of love, Hathor, the great Temple of Denderah is actually a Roman creation. Built during the Roman occupation, it emulates traditional Egyptian architectural styles but with a Latin twist. Make sure you take a look at the famous astronomical ceiling in the Hypostyle Hall. Its symbolic representation of heavenly bodies and signs of the zodiac offers a unique insight into ancient Egypt’s solar rituals and cults.
Day 8
Day 8 – Luxor – UKYour cruise along the Nile comes to an end in Luxor where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Alternatively, choose to extend your holiday in Egypt.
