At a Glance
Tap into a Nile River odyssey with 10 days onboard the 5 star MS Darakum luxury ship. This long Nile river cruise itinerary offers a taste of the ancient wonders from Luxor to Cairo including cryptic tombs of Pharaohs, revered temples, and time-forgotten historical archives as you sail on this entrancing river voyage into the soothing embrace of Egypt’s Nile.
Begin your enchanting journey in Luxor, nestled along the lush banks of the Nile. Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt aboard the luxurious Mövenpick MS Darakum, from the Valley of the Kings to Karnak Temple and Hatshepsut Temple on Luxor's west bank. Explore Dendera Temple with its magnificent Columns, crypts, and passages that whisper tales of bygone eras. Continue to Tel El Amarna, Ashmunein, and Tuna El Gabal, then reach the ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals while onboard including international buffet meals, BBQ, seafood delights and set-menu, teatimes, beverages and treats
- 9 nights onboard the luxury MS Darakum on a twin-share basis based on a Standard Double Cabin. Cabin upgrade to Suites is available at an additional cost
- All sightseeing as specified with knowledgeable local guides
- Return airport transfers
Itinerary
Welcome to Luxor, a radiant gem nestled on the banks of the timeless Nile. Enjoy a private transfer from Luxor Airport to the port where you’ll step aboard the luxurious Mövenpick MS Darakum vessel waiting to take you on an adventure of a lifetime! The sights, sounds, and flavours of this breathtaking destination await you! Be greeted warmly by the crew as you step onto the deck, before settling in for a delicious dinner spread featuring an international buffet. A light dinner will be available for late arrivals. After dinner, be treated to delightful music at the lounge bar while you tap your feet to the beat. Perhaps a sip of your favourite beverage while getting acquainted with your fellow travellers will be a great way to tap into the lively ambiance. Relish an overnight stay aboard the vessel in Luxor, nestled within exquisitely designed cabins, complete with full air conditioning, an LCD TV featuring marine satellite, an internal phone, minibar, two life jackets, a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. The vessel boasts premium amenities for your utmost comfort, including a sun deck, restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, recreational area, and gym The cruise promises to be an unforgettable experience, and Luxor is just the beginning of your thrilling voyage! You’ll overnight in Luxor |
Wake up to a refreshing breakfast on board, surrounded by breathtaking views and the calming breeze of the Nile Sea. Today's adventure takes us to the awe-inspiring west bank of Luxor. Our first stop is The Valley of Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the eternal resting place of over 60 Pharaohs, including the legendary King Tutankhamun. Prepare to be mesmerised by the secrets and stories hidden within these ancient tombs. Next, we'll visit the Hatshepsut Temple, an architectural marvel that showcases the power and success of one of Egypt's most influential Pharaohs. Following our exciting exploration, we'll return to the ship for a mouthwatering international buffet lunch, filled with tantalising options to please your taste buds. The second leg of our expedition takes us to the East bank. Prepare to be enchanted by the grandeur of the Karnak Temple, an ancient religious site with awe-inspiring temples and majestic columns. As you wander through this sacred labyrinth, adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and vivid reliefs, you're transported to an era when gods and pharaohs walked among mortals, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of time Our journey continues with a visit to the magnificent Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. You'll be left utterly astounded by its stunning architecture and artistic brilliance. Round off the day's expedition back aboard with a Manager's Cocktail Party, where you can try enchanting cocktails while relaxing at the bar. Treat yourself to a mouth-watering international buffet dinner featuring delicacies from around the world. And the evening gets even more captivating with a mesmerising performance from a belly dancer, leaving you enchanted by her graceful moves. You’ll overnight in Luxor. |
Start the day with a mouthwatering breakfast as you sail toward Qena before partaking in an educating fire drill, learning the process of safety incase of an emergency. Following the drill, we'll Indulge in a delectable international buffet lunch in preparation for our expedition today. The magnificent Dendera Temple is our first pit stop. This sacred sanctuary pays homage to Hathor, the goddess of love, music and joy. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt while feeding your eyes with timeless antiques found at every turn. We'll return to our vessel in Quena, and continue our voyage towards the enchanting Naga Hammadi. Take a moment to drink in the serene beauty of the Nile River as you enjoy a leisurely tea time, while the cares of the world slips away with each sip. Tonight, the tantalising aroma of a barbecue dinner wafts through the air, inviting you to revel in a feast fit for royalty. And what better way to cap off an extraordinary day than with live music in the vibrant bar, a symphony that soothes the soul and transports you to a world of pure bliss. In time, we get to the bridges of Naga Hammadi, lose yourself in the breathtaking scenery that unfurls before your very eyes under the nighttime skies as we glide across the illuminated bridges before retiring for the night You’ll overnight in Nagi Hammadi. |
A fresh breeze and bright morning sun create the perfect day for a journey through Egypt's ancient heartland. Start your day with a delicious breakfast onboard, offering fresh fruits, pastries, and hot dishes to fuel up for adventures. The first agenda item is the Abydos Temple, a majestic complex dedicated to the god Osiris. Its intricate carvings and courtyards showcase ancient Egyptian skill and artistry. After exploring the temple, enjoy a leisurely sail to Sohag with a sumptuous international buffet lunch. Feast on diverse dishes while admiring passing landscapes. This afternoon, it's time for some relaxation and indulgence, with a tea time and Egyptian wine tasting session. Sipping on fragrant teas and rich, flavorful wines, you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful river journey. To crown a perfect day, a lavish oriental buffet dinner is served on deck, with an array of aromatic and flavorful dishes. And with the evening in full swing, it's time for a lively Galabeya Party - a traditional Egyptian costume party with music, dancing, and plenty of fun. You’ll overnight in Sohag. |
Being the day with a delicious breakfast onboard. The route to Tel El Amarna passes through Asyouts, famous for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenery. We'll set course for Tel El Amarna, gliding along the waters to reach the lock, an engineering marvel allowing boats to traverse different water levels in the canal. Passing through this lock, we'll enter Tel El Amarna, a city that once served as the residence for the royal family during the reign of Akhenaten. The afternoon brings with it, a delightful lunch onboard lunch with a wide selection of international dishes. A highlight stop is Prince Tawdrous Monastery, a historic site standing for centuries and our focus for the afternoon. Come face to face with this magnificent structure as you view its magnificence from the vessel and learn its importance from your guide. In the late afternoon, relish a lovely tea time on the sun deck while enjoying the stunning views of the sea. A cookery lesson commences afterwards, aboard the ship. Partake in a blissful experience as you learn to prepare traditional Egyptian dishes with the help of a skilled chef. The night brings with it an exciting starlit barbeque dinner amidst Tel El Amarna's serene beauty. You’ll overnight in Tel El Amarna. |
Today starts with a delicious breakfast on board, setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead. Our first stop for today is the Northern tombs of Tel El Amarna, where you'll explore the Royal tomb of Akhenaten, immersing yourself in history and ancient wonders. You'll also discover the northern Palace and the small Temples of Aten, each offering unique insights into the site's past. Halfway through our exciting expedition today, we will visit Ashmunein and Tuna El Gabal, unveiling hidden treasures and intriguing archaeological sites. Head back to the cruise for delightful lunch served on board, offering a sumptuous international buffet as we set sail towards the enchanting city of Minya. The route to Minya spraws invigorating sceneries amidst the stunning Nile. Take to the sun deck and savour a soothing teatime treat while admiring the views that come with the imposing Nile. Indulge in a culinary feast for dinner on board, accompanied by the gentle ambiance of the Nile. That's not all! A folkloric show this evening hands you the opportunity to witness diverse cultural performances showcasing the region's traditions and heritage. You’ll overnight in Minya. |
Today, we'll start the day with a delightful breakfast served on board your vessel before setting course for the fascinating Beni Hassan tombs. Our voyage to the Beni Hassan tombs collectively offers a glimpse into the lives, roles, and cultural activities of individuals from the Middle Kingdom period, contributing to our understanding of ancient Egyptian society, art, and history. We'll explore the ancient wonders of the tomb of Baqet III (BH15), the tomb of Khety (BH17), the tomb of Amenemhet (BH2), and the tomb of Khnumhotep II (BH3). The tombs are a one-hour drive away from Minya, and you can expect an approximate two-hour visit. Following our findings, we'll return to the boat in time as we continue our voyage to the enchanting city of Beni Suef. Today's lunch is an exquisitely curated seafood buffet boasting an assortment of seafood thoughtfully poised to satisfy the most discerning of epicurean tastes. A delectable BBQ dinner awaits you onboard, ensuring a delightful dining experience. To add some fun and excitement, participate in a quiz night, challenging your knowledge and having a great time with fellow travellers. Finally, as the day draws to a close, we arrive at Beni Suef, where you'll spend a comfortable and restful overnight stay. You’ll overnight in Beni Suif. |
Relish a hearty breakfast onboard as the boat gracefully glides along the soothing Nile this morning. Before we get to our destination, peruse the ship's many facilities. Perhaps, a dip in the pool or a scenic view by the sundeck should make for a perfect diversion. In the afternoon, we savour an international buffet for lunch, expertly crafted by our world-class chefs in preparation for the adventure ahead. Our first stop will be the ancient neighbourhood of Coptic Cairo, where you will discover the Hanging Church, a beautiful basilica that has stood magnificently since the 4th century. Then, we'll head the Coptic Museum, where you can observe the rich and fascinating history of Christianity in Egypt. Afterwards, we'll visit the Jewish Synagogue, a striking and historic structure that dates back to the 1800s. Upon your return to the vessel, indulge in an international buffet for dinner, followed by an engaging Takht (Oriental music). As your feet tire, bask in the comfort of your cosy cabin, embracing a tranquil night's rest while absorbing the serene Nile panorama. You’ll overnight in Cairo. |
We embark on an exciting journey to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx on the outskirts of Cairo. Our first stop is the Giza Pyramids, a testament to the engineering prowess and artistic achievements of ancient Egyptians. The Giza Pyramids consist of three majestic structures: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and Pyramid of Menkaure. These tombs were built for pharaohs during ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom period. Adjacent to the pyramids stands the great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and a pharaoh's head, believed to represent pharaoh Khafre. It symbolises ancient Egyptian royalty and power, leaving you astounded and mesmerised. Afterward, refuel with a delicious international buffet lunch before we continue our journey to Cairo's iconic Egyptian Museum, boasting an extensive collection of antiquities and artefacts that vividly depict ancient Egypt's rich history. In the evening, relive every moment spent exploring the wonders of Egypt with a fabulous set-menu cuisine reflecting the country's culinary culture. Afterwards, we set the energy high with some music in the bar while sipping our favourite drinks. You’ll overnight in Cairo |
Following the rising sun on our final day, sit back for a befitting breakfast while reminiscing on the fond memories this voyage has bestowed on you for the past days. Enjoy one last lunch boasting an international buffet before departing this vessel for your transfer to Cairo Airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
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 Cairo
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Luxor.
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.