Stylish river fun in the footsteps of the gods
Her eyes are dazzled by the sun. Suddenly it gets dark all of a sudden. While your eyes are still adjusting to the new light conditions, you raise your head and realise that this total solar eclipse is man-made: you have stepped into the gigantic shadow of one of mankind's most impressive monuments. The Pyramid of Cheops.
Huge, well-preserved temples, towering obelisks, colourful hieroglyphics and, of course, mysterious tombs such as the pyramids of Giza have always cast a spell over travellers. But Egypt is also inextricably linked with the Nile. The lifeline of this unique civilisation connects all of the country's significant sites. A cruise on this magical river automatically takes you on an unforgettable journey to the pharaohs and their thousands of years of history. You will also follow all the daring explorers who have been unearthing new and fascinating masterpieces from ancient times.
Flight to Cairo
You will be met at the airport and driven to Giza in a private car. Your luxury hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the mighty pyramids Mena House in a unique location.
2 nights at the 5★ Hotel Marriott Mena House, Premier Pyramid View incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel
Cairo
After an enjoyable breakfast on the terrace, your exclusive, guided private excursion to the unique pyramids of Giza awaits you. Look forward to experiencing the last wonders of the ancient world up close. These impressive structures have been standing on a rocky plateau on the edge of the desert, not far from the outskirts of the Arabian metropolis, for 6,000 years. Even today, the gigantic architectural masterpieces still harbour countless exciting secrets. The Great Sphinx of Giza, a huge stone figure with the body of a lion and a human head, watches over everything. This monumental statue impassively overlooks the hustle and bustle.
You will be back at the Mena House Hotel for lunch to fortify yourself for the next, particularly impressive experience: In Cairo's Egyptian Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, you will see numerous sarcophagi, mummies and precious treasures from the pharaonic era as well as, of course, the impressive finds from Tutankhamun's burial chamber with the famous death mask made of pure gold. Go on an exciting journey back in time and feel the indescribable excitement that Egyptologist Howard Carter must have felt when he discovered the burial chamber in 1922.
Cairo - Luxor
Early in the morning, you will be taken to the airport, where you will take a one-hour flight from Cairo to Luxor.
The temple district on the eastern bank of the Nile is a must for every visitor to Egypt. Start by exploring the exciting Luxor Temple and then make your way along the avenue flanked by mighty ram sphinxes to the huge complex of the Karnak Temples. The religious heart of the pharaonic empire beat here for centuries. The area is full of superlatives: among the ten pylons of the Temple of Amun-Re, for example, the largest is an incredible 113 metres wide, 15 metres thick and has a planned height of around 45 metres. Make sure you also take a look at the gigantic columned hall and the huge obelisk.
Deeply impressed by the enormous dimensions of the pharaonic architecture and with many unforgettable impressions, you now board the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. The small and luxurious 5-star de luxe river boat with its cosy atmosphere will be your comfortable home for the next few days - during your unforgettable cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Naturally, you will be staying in the best location on the top deck in a spacious cabin with expansive panoramic windows.
After a first delicious lunch on board and a short crossing to the west bank of the Nile, you will reach Thebes West. There you will visit the famous Valley of the Kings with its numerous tombs, including that of Tutankhamun. On the way back to the ship, you will pass the impressive twin statue of the Colossi of Memnon and one of the most important and unique creations of Egyptian temple architecture: the huge terraced complex of the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Hatshepsut from the 18th dynasty.
4 nights on board the Sanctuary Sunboat IV, Promenade Deck Cabin incl. full board & excursions from on board – Details about the hotel
Luxor
About 60 kilometres downstream from Luxor lies Dendera. There you will visit the excellently preserved Hathor Temple, which was dedicated to the goddess of the same name. This is made clear by the six enormous "Hathor columns", each with a two-storey, four-sided capital, which shows the face of the goddess on all sides. The building from the Greco-Roman period is a particularly vivid example of the structure and detailed design of Egyptian temples due to its completeness, numerous images, hieroglyphs and countless fine sculptures.
On the return journey to Luxor, you will have plenty of time to relax on the deck of the Sun Boat IV and watch the hustle and bustle in the settlements on the banks of the Nile. Admire the green, fertile landscape of the Nile Valley with its subtropical vegetation, which stands in stark contrast to the desert immediately adjacent. The arrival in Luxor is a sensory experience of a special kind: the atmospherically illuminated Luxor Temple greets you from afar.
Edfu - Kom Ombo
You will first reach Edfu on your comfortable luxury boat. On the western outskirts of the city, you will visit the Temple of Horus. This ancient Egyptian temple complex, which was dedicated to the local god Hor-Behdeti, is one of the best preserved in the country. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the mysterious atmosphere of this building.
On the onward journey, you can learn how to prepare typical local culinary delicacies in a cookery course on board. Dishes such as falafel, the tasty tomato, egg and onion mixture shakshuka and the aubergine and potato casserole musaqqaʿa reflect the diverse Mediterranean and Arabic influences on Egyptian cuisine.
In the afternoon you reach Kom Ombo, about 150 kilometres south of Luxor. The double temple, which was buried under sand for a long time, rises impressively directly on the banks of the Nile. It was only uncovered and restored by archaeologists at the end of the 19th century. The double temple of Kom Ombo dates back to the time of Ptolemaic rule. What makes it special: It was simultaneously dedicated to the crocodile-headed god of water, fertility and creation, Sobek, and the god of light, heaven and war, Haroeris.
Aswan
After your arrival in Aswan, you will visit the Philae Temple. It was relocated to the island of Agilkia when the Nile was flooded due to the construction of the Nasser Dam. Admire the "unfinished obelisk" made of rose granite in an ancient Egyptian quarry. With a planned height of almost 42 metres, it would have been the largest obelisk of antiquity once completed. A typical boating experience with a special charm awaits you in the afternoon when you sail around the Nile island of Elephantine on a felucca, a small two-masted sailing boat. On this occasion, you will have a wonderful view of the monumental staircase, an ancient Egyptian water level measuring station: like many others of its kind, the Nilometer of Elephantine was used to predict the flooding of the Nile; in Greco-Roman times, the site was also an important meeting point for the annual processions. Spend the evening savouring culinary delicacies on your elegant cruise ship and relax and reflect on the day and all its impressions. If you wish, you can of course also enjoy the company of the other Nile cruisers on or below deck.
Aswan
After a final restful night on the Sanctuary Sunboat IV and a hearty breakfast on board, you disembark the ship. Now you can experience Aswan live, mingle with the people and watch the oriental hustle and bustle on the streets. Optionally, you have the opportunity to marvel at the colossal rock temples from the reign of Ramses II on a short flight to Abu Simbel. With incredible logistical effort, they were relocated to higher ground in the 1960s thanks to a brilliant feat of engineering and thus saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
On your return to Aswan, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the Nile in your luxury hotel. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract spend. To this day, the legendary hotel is enthroned almost majestically on the rose-coloured granite rock high above the Nile.
1 overnight stay at the 5★ Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Luxury Nile Wing Room incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel
Aswan - Cairo - Germany
After breakfast, your private transfer to the airport and a short domestic flight will take you from Aswan to Cairo in around 1.5 hours. Your return flight to Germany departs from here.
Included in your trip:
Would you like more experiences that you will never forget? We will also be happy to inform you of the surcharges for Club rooms, suites and flights in business class.
The Mena House is actually a city hotel - but the magnificent gardens, the restaurants and the spacious rooms as well as the leisure facilities create a resort-like holiday feeling. A special wow effect is guaranteed when you look out over the mighty pyramids of Giza, which are only 700 metres away.
Room
From your room, you can see the imposing pyramids of Giza in the distance as soon as you wake up. Your room is pleasantly bright and tastefully furnished. You can freshen up in the spacious marble bathroom and round off the day on your own balcony after an enjoyable dinner - naturally with a view of the unique architectural masterpieces of the ancient Egyptians.
Gastronomy
Enjoy fine Italian cuisine in the Alfredo or look forward to international specialities in the 139 Restaurant. The Sultan Bar offers classic drinks and imaginative creations.
Wellness, Activities
Work out in the well-equipped fitness centre, relax in the whirlpool or swim a few lengths in the pool.
The Sun Boat IV is the newest ship in the Sanctuary fleet on the Nile. The cruise operator's many years of experience and the tried and tested crew promise a completely smooth Nile adventure. As a passenger on the noble Sun Boat IV, you will enjoy the exclusive pleasure of private jetties that no other ship is allowed to call at. On board, an experienced Egyptologist will be on hand to answer all your questions about this historic region. The modern and luxurious ship exudes a great deal of Agatha Christie-style charm with its unrivalled Art Deco design. The only 36 luxurious cabins and 4 suites promise a small and exclusive travelling party.
While you are on board, the luxury cruiser offers you every conceivable comfort: enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool on the upper sun deck, relax in style with a cool drink at the sun-protected bar, savour exclusive multi-course menus in the ship's restaurant and use the multilingual library or the fitness room at your leisure.
The small and luxurious 5-star de luxe river boat with its familiar atmosphere will be your comfortable home on the Nile - during your unforgettable river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, or vice versa. The only 36 luxurious cabins promise a small and exclusive travelling party. We recommend the spacious cabins on the top deck with expansive panoramic windows.
Technical information
72 metres long, cruising speed 16 km/h, 4 passenger decks, 36 cabins, 2 Royal Suites, 2 Presidential Suites
The legendary luxury hotel has a long and rich history and is located directly on the banks of the Nile with a wonderful view of Elephantine Island. It was built in 1899 by Englishmen in the middle of the Nubian Desert. Since its construction, it has attracted many prominent guests, including Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and Lady Diana. Much of the original beauty has been preserved behind the Victorian façade: the historic lobby with its polished marble floor and high, red and white arches is reminiscent of earlier times.
Room
The elegant décor with many refined details and the warm colours of your 60 square metre room round off your unforgettable cruise perfectly. With a view of the tropical garden, you can review the highlights of your trip in peace and quiet - and get a good night's rest before your return journey.
Gastronomy
Savour French cuisine in the famous signature fine dining restaurant "1902" in a romantic, fairytale ambience with an Arabian dome like something out of the Arabian Nights. The kitchen team serves creative dishes with oriental influences.
Wellness, Activities
Recharge your batteries in the hotel's own hammam in the So Spa, including a whirlpool and heated indoor pool. The many sparkling mosaic tiles give this place a uniquely magical ambience.
German citizens require a passport to enter the country, which must be valid for at least 6 months after travelling.
German citizens require a visa to enter the country. This can be applied for prior to entry at an Egyptian mission abroad, since December 2017 as an "e-visa" or also on arrival. "Visa on arrival" is included in the group tour.
You can find detailed and up-to-date information and regulations for your country of travel at:
www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de
There are no vaccination requirements for direct entry from Germany. The Federal Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations according to the current vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute for children and adults (see: www.rki.de) when travelling and completing them if necessary.
The country's climate ranges from Mediterranean on the Mediterranean coast and in the Nile Delta to desert-like in Cairo, Middle and Upper Egypt.
The best time to visit Egypt as a whole is from mid-March to mid-May and from mid-September to mid-November. This excludes the very hot and dry summer months and the somewhat cooler winter months, when temperatures are lower, especially at night. Depending on the region - whether on the Mediterranean coast, on the Red Sea, in the Nile Valley or in the Arabian Desert - there are small differences.
In spring, from March to June, a hot sand and dust wind from the south, the Chamsin, often blows through the country.
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Payment by credit card is usually possible in hotels and restaurants frequented by tourists. Withdrawing cash from ATMs is usually possible with a credit card, with bank cards only at banks.
Important note:
This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in our holidays. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call us directly at + 49 30 69 80 21 90.
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