At a Glance
Attune your senses to inexplicable bliss, cruising on the grand Nile River to unwrap marvelling history in ancient temples, fascinating nature, imposing landmarks, and impressive cultures. Let the Movenpick M/S Darakum engulf and lead you on this 5-day euphoric adventure from Luxor to Aswan, with elite hospitality in its Moroccan-inspired luxury suites, where comfort and relaxation are ubiquitous.
Start the adventure in Luxor with an embarkation on the Movenpick M/S Darakum. Touch down on the Nile's east bank to visit the grand temples of Karnak and Luxor still glistening in pristine glory. Proceed to the west bank to tour the Valley of Kings & Queens, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, before sailing to Edfu via Esna Lock. Arrive at Edfu to visit its magnificent temple dedicated to the gods of ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 4 nights accommodation aboard the luxury MS Darakum from Luxor to Aswan (or MS Hamees and MS Sunray), on a twin share basis *From Aswan to Luxor is 4 day 3 night cruise program (downstream)
- Meals: 4x breakfast, 4x Lunch, 4x dinner
- Sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive trip planne
Itinerary
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Begin this thrilling adventure with a check-in on the Movenpick M/S Darakum at Luxor. At noon, a tasty lunch is served onboard as the voyage proceeds to the Nile's east bank. Here, we disembark to visit the grand temples of Luxor and Karnak. The Karnak temple complex is an assemblage of temples, chapels, pylons, and other historic buildings, culminating into a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Luxor. The Luxor Temple is a similar complex directly on the east bank of the Nile and was believed to have been constructed in 1400 BC. Unlike most temples in the Thebes region of Egypt, the Luxor isn't dedicated to a deity but was erected to symbolise the renewal of kingship. Hence, it is believed that most kings of Egypt were crowned here, including Alexander the Great who made the claim himself. The Luxor complex is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will return to the cruise ship after our tour. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your discretion and leverage the extra time to indulge in the ship's luxury amenities and facilities. Plunge into the refreshing outdoor pool on the sundeck to enjoy invigorating laps and cool off from the day's heat. Step into the lounge bar for some leisure and social time, making new friends and sipping cocktails as light music resonates in the background. Tonight, enjoy a tantalising dinner on board, featuring regional and international options, coating your taste buds in gastronomic excellence. Retire to your cabins and relish a relaxing night’s sleep as you overnight in Luxor. |
MS Darakum or MS Hamees and MS Sunray
Lunch, Dinner |
This morning, wake up and be saluted by the enchanting morning beauty of the Nile as the cruise ship sails gracefully onward. Breakfast is the day's opener, and then we proceed to the epic west bank. Here, we disembark to visit the world-famous Valley of the Kings, a massive site bearing tombs of ancient late Pharaohs carved out of rocks. The tomb of Tutankhamun, one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs is in this site and also the reason for the valley's popularity among global tourists. Most of the tombs are in the valley's east end, with 18 of them opened to the public. Next, we visit the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of the Pharaohs are buried. Both the Valley of the Kings and Queens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites of global repute as we will discover. The last historic site for the day is Queen Hatshepsut, a mortuary temple opposite Luxor. There are many temples, statuettes and shrines here that we will observe before retreating to our vessel. At the vessel, sailing continues to Edfu via Esna Lock. However, it won't be an idle sail as we will devour a delectable lunch onboard, followed by an afternoon tea and a welcome reception cocktail. Dinner is the last act of the day, which promises to be tasty, serving as the perfect palatable delight to end a day filled with wonder and special moments. Overnight in Edfu. |
MS Darakum or MS Hamees and MS SunrayBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Awake to a heartwarming breakfast, complemented by gorgeous views of the Nile. Arriving at Edfu on the west bank, we touch down on the shore and proceed inland to visit the Edfu temple. Draped in sandstone, this temple was constructed for the gods Horus and Hathor of Dendera. Magnificent as ever, it was reportedly built between 237 and 57 BC as the largest temple of Horus and Hathor of Dendera. Afterward, we embark on our vessel and sail further to Kom Ombo, having lunch and a tasty afternoon tea onboard. Arriving at Kom Ombo, we visit its grand temple, which is a combination of two temples. A sizable chunk of the temples lie in ruins due to natural disasters, but what meets the eye won't be disappointing. There's also a crocodile museum in the temple for Egyptian mummies. After a tour of the temple, we head back to the vessel for a floating yummy dinner as the night is coloured by an oriental show (Galabia Party). We sail towards Aswan and arrive before dawn. |
MS Darakum or MS Hamees and MS SunrayBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today is going to be unique as we shall embark on an exciting adventure on the Nile. However, the day starts with an enriching breakfast as usual before we proceed to see the high dam in Aswan. The dam is one of the world's largest embankment dams and was built to replace the previous low dam. Afterward, we proceed to Philae Island in the Aswan low dam reservoir to behold its iconic temple complex, dedicated to the god Isis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site still oozes regal splendour even after being constructed around 6th and 7th century BC. The temple is also said to be one of the internment sites of the god Osiris. We will visit an unfinished Obelisk before returning to the vessel to enjoy a hearty lunch and delve into the highlight of the day. |
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We embark on the Felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, and cruise along the Nile, especially around Kitchener Island. The experience offers a similar thrill and burst of adrenaline that explorers in the past felt when they embarked on odysseys to discover the world. Enjoy this feeling while it lasts and we will return to the vessel for our last dinner onboard. A Nubian show entertains us for the night before we retire to our beds. Overnight in Aswan. |
MS Darakum or MS Hamees and MS SunrayBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
On the final day of the trip, enjoy your last sensational breakfast that may hit the right spot and leave a lasting gastronomic memory as you depart. Exchange last-minute pleasantries and contacts, bid farewell to new acquaintances, and we shall disembark the ship to return to our various destinations. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
The price is based a Double Cabin, twin share. Please enquiry for available departures and cabins. Cabin upgrade to Suites is available at an additional cost. Single supplement is available for solo. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Luxor
- The finish point is Aswan
- Reverse route is available from Aswan to Luxor
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Luxor and Aswan.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.
Standard Cabin: provide large, panoramic windows for stunning views of the river. Cabins are fully air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. Further amenities include an LCD TV with marine satellite, internal phone, music channel, minibar, safety deposit box and two life jackets. Cabins are 20sqm
Superior: provide large, panoramic windows. They are fully air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. Further amenities include an LCD TV with marine satellite, internal phone, music channel, minibar, safety deposit box and two life jackets. Cabins are 20sqm
Deluxe Cabin: provides stunning views with its panoramic windows. It is fully air-conditioned and has a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. Further amenities include an LCD TV with marine satellite, DVD player, internal phone, music channel, minibar, safety deposit box and two life jackets. Cabins are 26 sqm
Panorama Suite: provides stunning views of the Nile through its panoramic windows. This suite is fully air-conditioned and has a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. Further amenities include two LCD TVs with marine satellite, DVD player, internal phone, music channel, minibar, safety deposit box and two life jackets. Suites are 34 sqm
Senior Suite: provide stunning views of the river Nile through their panoramic windows. The suites are fully air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. The larger suites feature two bathrooms. Further amenities include two LCD TVs with marine satellite, DVD player, internal phone, music channel, minibar, safety deposit box and two life jackets. Two of the suites are 34 sqm and two 40 sqm.
- Swimming Pool
- Sun deck with recreational area
- Lounge Bar
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Private Dock in Luxor
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
