The Nile Encounter

Egypt, 11 Nights

Cruise the Nile on the exclusive Sun Boat III owned by Abercrombie & Kent. Be amazed by the Pyramids at Giza, see the Mummies Room at Cairo Museum and the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus.

Day 1 - London/Cairo.
Arrive to Egypt's bustling capital on British Airways from London-Heathrow. Choose from downtown accommodation at the Conrad Cairo with spectacular Nile views or the west bank location of the elegant Four Seasons Hotel at The First Residence.

Day 2 - Cairo.
Today starts with a visit to Memphis and nearby Sakkara, dominated by the stepped pyramid of Zoser I. Later, visit the mystical pyramids at Giza and the Solar Boat Museum.

Day 3 - Cairo.
Let us lead you to the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Mummies Room at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. After a splendid lunch, explore medieval Cairo, including the highly visible Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the colossal 14th century Sultan Hassan Mosque, then wander through the famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar displaying jewellery and antiques.

Day 4 - Cairo/Aswan.
Fly to Aswan, to join Sun Boat III, spending the next seven nights afloat. Take an optional early morning excursion to the astonishing gigantic temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. After a tasty lunch, sail in a felucca around the islands of the Nile. Learn about Nubian culture and civilization at the Nubian Museum.

Day 5 - Aswan.
Invoke the healing powers of the goddess Isis with a visit to the Temple of Philae and the delightful Temple of Isis. See how obelisks were made in the Ancient Granite Quarries, followed by a visit to the gigantic Aswan High Dam. After lunch enjoy time at leisure on board with time to visit the aromatic spice market.

Day 6 - Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu.
Enjoy breakfast whilst you set sail for Kom Ombo where mummified crocodiles await your arrival at the Temple of Sobek. Sail to Edfu to explore the great pylon, courts, sanctuary and halls of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus.

Days 7 to 8 - Esna/Luxor.
Set sail for Esna to visit the interesting reliefs and inscriptions of the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising onto Luxor and watch the Nile go by. The next day explore the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens with a special visit to the colourful tomb of Ramses VI.

Day 9 - Luxor/Nagaa Hammadi/Qena.
Sail early to Nagaa Hammadi arriving in time for a lunch. Drive to Abydos, closely associated with the legend of Osiris and see the seven-sanctuaried temple, then enjoy leisurely cruising onto Qena.

Day 10  - Qena/Luxor.
Delve into the dark courts and crypts of Temple of Hathor at Dendarah before sailing back to Luxor to visit the Temple of Luxor, residence of Amun-Ra's consort.

Day 11 - Luxor/Cairo.
After breakfast, take your flight to Cairo with the rest of the day at leisure and a last night at your hotel. Alternatively extend your stay and relax at The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh on the Red Sea.

Day 12 - Cairo/London.
Morning departure to London-Heathrow arriving early afternoon.

Note: this cruise also operates in reverse.
Ask for details about our Private Tomb openings.

Pricing

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timscale. However, as a guide, our Nile Encounter journey will cost from £3,939 per person based on two persons sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.