Enchanting Egypt 2022 / 2023

10 Days: Cairo, Luxor, Esna and Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Nile Cruise

Highlights:

  • 4 nights stay at a 5 star hotel in Cairo
  • 1 night stay at a 5 star hotel in Luxor
  • On board lectures and activities
  • Boogie down on board at the Disco party
  • Galbya (toga themed) party while sailing through the Nile
  • Sail abroad on a local felucca (traditional wooden sailboat)
  • Live entertainment with belly dance shows after dinner
  • Enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant

6 Sightseeing Tours

  • CAIRO: Full day excursion includes Sphinx & many famous pyramids. Tours features visit to King Tut’s tomb
  • LUXOR: Tour of East bank & Luxor & Karnak Temples
  • ESNA: Tour includes “Valley of the Kings” & more attractions
  • EDFU: Carriage ride to visit Temple of Horus
  • KOM OMBO: Tour of Temples of Kom Obo
  • ASWAN: Exploring through Fila Temple & the High Dam

Cruise Portion Features Includes:

  • Nile Cruise – 4 nights Luxor to Aswan
  • Accommodations for 4 nights in all outside facing cabins the 5* Deluxe M/S “FARAH” in your choice of cabin categories
  • 12 meals during sailing (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners)
  • All sightseeing & shore excursions as specified
  • English speaking Cruise Manager throughout
  • Audio units included on all tours and excursions
  • New and enhanced safety protocols applied to all sailings 

Land Portion Features Includes:

  • All arrival and departure transfers with luggage handling if air purchased through us.
  • Cairo: 4 nights at  the 5* Marriott Le Meridien or similar
  • Luxor: 1 night at the 5* Sonesta St. George hotel or similar
  • 9 Meals: 5 buffet breakfasts and (4) three course meals (excluding drinks)
  • Sightseeing: All sightseeing as specified aboard luxury air conditioned vans or buses, all entrance fees and all escorted by professional English speaking Egyptologists.

Not Included:

  • International airfare (can be priced separately)
  • Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
  • Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
  • Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
  • Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
  • Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
  • Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
  • Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

Click here to see our full terms and conditions.

DAY 0 FLY TO EGYPT      

Overnight flights to Egypt.           

DAY 1 CAIRO 

On arrival, pass through customs and meet our representative who will transfer you to your 5* hotel Due to various arrival times, no activities are planned for today. Meals are on your own.

DAY 2 CAIRO (B, D)

After a sumptuous buffet breakfast, depart on your full day tour which will include stops at the famous pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus as well as the impressive Sphinx carved in rock. After a break for lunch (on own), visit the Papyrus Institution which contains the largest collection of papyrus reproductions of all the famous paintings of ancient Egypt. Tonight transfer to a luxurious dinner cruiser on the Nile to enjoy a lavish welcome dinner, live entertainment and stunning views of Cairo at night!

DAY 3   CAIRO/FLY TO LUXOR (B, D)

*Domestic airfare is not included with cruise rate

After breakfast, visit the fabulous Egyptian Museum with its ancient art and the treasures of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, before transfering  to Cairo Airport for your short afternoon flight to Luxor.  Upon arrival you with be met by our representative for the transfer to your hotel. Check in is followed by dinner and overnight accommodation.

DAY 4   LUXOR/ NILE CRUISE (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and embark on your tour of the East Bank and the fabulous Luxor and Karnak Temples. Then, transfer directly to your 5 * ship for check-in and lunch on board. The afternoon is free for you to explore your floating hotel or the vibrant markets located dock-side. Dinner on board.

DAY 5   NILE CRUISE/ESNA/ EDFU (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart on your tour of the West Bank, the “Valley of the Kings” where 64 of Egypt’s Pharaohs have their resting places. Continue to visit the palatial Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and stop at the humongous Collossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail on via the Esna Lock toward Edfu. An evening welcome drink will precede dinner followed by a Disco party!

DAY 6   NILE CRUISE / KOM OMBO/ ASWAN (B, L, D)

After breakfast in Edfu, a carriage ride will take you to the superbly preserved Temple of Horus dedicated to the Falcon God. Return to the ship for lunch and sail on to Kom Ombo. On arrival, tour the Temples of Kom Ombo dedicated to two deities; the crocodile headed “Sobek” and the “Haroeris” the double headed sparrow/hawk. On board lectures and other activities will be available on board – or just sit back on the sun deck with a cool drink and enjoy the passing vistas. Tonight prepare for the Galabya (Toga) party!

DAY 7   NILE CRUISE /ASWAN (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, begin your exploration of gorgeous Aswan with a tour of the Fila Temple, the High Dam, ending with a delightful sail aboard the local feluccas.  Return to your ship for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore Aswan’s many markets. Dinner on board will be followed by a Belly Dance show!.

DAY 8   END CRUISE:ASWAN / FLY TO CAIRO (B, D)

*Domestic airfare is not included with cruise rate

After breakfast, the morning is free to give you time to explore Aswan or to take the optional air excursion to the fantastic Temples of Abu Simbel. Then bid your crew goodbye as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 CAIRO (B, L)

Depart this morning for a walking tour of the massive Khan el Khalili bazaar in search of thise last minute souvenirs.  Enjoy a final lunch at a local restaurant then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or continue your exploration and return to the hotel on your own. Dinner tonight is on your own.

DAY 10 CAIRO/HOME  (B)

As all good things must come to an end, so does your Egypt adventure as you pack away your memories and transfer to the airport for your flights home         

Abu Simbel - $325 (Pre-Paid or $359 (Pre-Paid) or $395 (On Board)

Situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, the complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”, which run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae (near Aswan). The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. They serve as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari, and commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh.

M/S Farah

Introducing the newest most luxurious cruiser along the Nile – the MS “Farah”. This opulent brand new vessel, launched in October of 2010 boasts of world class facilities, accommodations and superior on board service! She features 62 extra spacious all outside facing cabins 250 sq ft and 2 luxurious 550 sq ft suites. Low deck cabins have windows while all other cabins feature floor to ceiling French Balconies, flat screen LCD TV’s, mini bars, elegant bathrooms with hair dryers, individual climate controls and a unique western style feature – free wireless internet throughout! Public areas include a one sitting restaurant with buffet breakfasts and lunches and the first ever a’la’carte dinner options, a night bar, entertainment lounge, library, lobby souvenir shop, sauna and massage and a pool/Jacuzzi on the elegant sun deck! A gorgeous addition to the Nile that will surely satisfy even the most discriminating cruise aficionados! Non-smoking (exteriors-outside only).

Cabins

Upper Deck, Junior Suite with Balcony, 51 m2 (550sq ft)

  • Floor to ceiling windows and a balcony to view
  • Elegant private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower with bathtub
  • Choice of bath amenities with towel and hair dryer
  • Hotel-style beds, set as double as default
  • Private lounge area with double sofa
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • LCD Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
  • Mini-fridge
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

Category A: Upper Deck, Deluxe State Room with French Balcony 23 m2 (250 sq ft)

  • Located on the Upper Deck
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
  • Elegant private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower with bathtub
  • Choice of bath amenities with towel and hair dryer
  • Hotel-style twin beds
  • Sitting and table area
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • LCD Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
  • Mini-fridge
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

Category B: Middle Deck, Deluxe State Room with French Balcony 23 m2 (250 sq ft)

  • Located on the Middle Deck
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
  • Elegant private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower with bathtub
  • Choice of bath amenities with towel and hair dryer
  • Hotel-style twin beds
  • Sitting and table area
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • LCD Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
  • Mini-fridge
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

Category C: Main Deck, Standard State Room with French Balcony 23 m2 (250 sq ft)

  • Located on the Main Deck
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
  • Elegant private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower with bathtub
  • Choice of bath amenities with towel and hair dryer
  • Hotel-style twin beds
  • Sitting and table area
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • LCD Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
  • Mini-fridge
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

Category D: Low Deck, Standard State Room with Half Windows (windows do not open), 23 m2 (250 sq ft)

  • Located on the Low Deck
  • Elegant private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower with bathtub
  • Choice of bath amenities with towel and hair dryer
  • Hotel-style twin beds
  • Sitting and table area
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • LCD Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
  • Mini-fridge
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

Main Deck Cabin, 15 m2 with 2 smaller Upper windows (not able to open)

  • Comfortable, with twin smaller river view windows
  • Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower
  • Choice of bath amenities from L’Occitane
  • Hotel-style beds, set as double as default
  • Vanity desk and chair, plus a hair dryer
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • Flat-screen TV offering several European channels
  • Internal telephone
  • PIN-coded safe

 

 

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Download the detailed list of Travel Tips For Danube Discovery Cruise.

FAQ's

Yes, visas are currently required for traveling to Egypt. So before leaving home, please ensure that you have your valid PASSPORT and appropriate VISA. Please make sure your U.S. passport has a validity of at least 6 months beyond your scheduled travel dates and check for visa updates with the U.S. or the appropriate foreign consulates at least 90 days prior to your departure. If you are a foreign national – please check with your country’s consulate, as rules may be different.

***Remember: obtaining a visa and proper travel documents are YOUR responsibility!***

All visitors to Egypt are required to have a visa and a passport. Visas can be obtained on arrival for approximately $30 per person. For Jordan (if buying our Jordan extension) the entry visa costs $30 per person – purchased on arrival. If flying via Egypt air and returning to Egypt another re-entry visa $25 must be paid. (valid at the time of printing – subject to change)

If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.

Introducing the newest most luxurious cruiser along the Nile – the MS “Farah”. This opulent brand new vessel, launched in October of 2010 boasts of world class facilities, accommodations and superior on board service! She features 62 extra spacious all outside facing cabins 250 sq ft and 2 luxurious 550 sq ft suites. Low deck cabins have windows while all other cabins feature floor to ceiling French Balconies, flat screen LCD TV’s, mini bars, elegant bathrooms with hair dryers, individual climate controls and a unique western style feature – free wireless internet throughout! Public areas include a one seat restaurant with buffet breakfasts and lunches and the first ever a’la’carte dinner options, a night bar, entertainment lounge, library, lobby souvenir shop, sauna and massage and a pool/Jacuzzi on the elegant sun deck! A gorgeous addition to the Nile that will surely satisfy even the most discriminating cruise aficionados! Non-smoking (exteriors-outside only).

There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which is divided into 100 piastres, though you will not find coins or bills smaller than 25 piastres. The exchange rate at the time of printing is approximately: 1 USD = 17.80 Egyptian pounds.

The currency on the ship is the Egyptian pound. Major credit cards are accepted. Most credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Visitors are advised to take traveler checks in US Dollars or Pounds to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Banks are usually closed on Friday and Saturday, but private exchange bureaus, called ‘Forex’, are open daily and banks in major hotels are open 24 hours. Cairo branches of the Egyptian British Bank and Banque Misr have ATMs available that accept Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus and are quite common in the main tourist areas.

Most definitely! We do our best to ensure that each of our programs offer a healthy balance of cultural immersion through our included tours and free time for our passengers. You will have plenty of free time to shop for souvenirs, explore on your own, or take one of the optional tours (when provided.)

Tipping today has become commonplace in all tourist destinations, including Egypt. Due to the volatile nature of the local economy, salaries for regular folk are pitiful compared to the rising costs and inflation – let alone if we compare them to western standards. For the majority of the people working in the service industries (hotels, ships, restaurants, travel), tips and gratuities have become large sources of their income. Therefore, your gracious generosity will be appreciated throughout your trip. However, tips in the “East” are still left to your discretion. Therefore, no service – no tip! We generally recommend that each person set aside $200-$250 to cover all tipping needs for the total duration of the program – but this is merely a suggested amount. You may leave as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. If you endear yourself to any particular crew member and wish to award them directly – please feel free to do so!

For more information about tipping, including Individual vs. Pooled Tipping, please take a look at our detailed Egypt Travel Tips.

Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.

For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Egypt Travel Tips. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!

Electrical current in hotels and on board the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use any appliances, (including shavers, chargers for cameras etc.) you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Please check your equipment: some of the latest electronics automatically convert between a range of voltage)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at a travel or appliance store before you leave.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.