The Nile

"Egypt is truly a gift of the Nile", cut like a long-stemmed flower from the desert; the life blood of Egypt, an oasis in the middle of barren sands. Experience the Nile and discover its treasures.

EGYPTIAN PRINCESS

A truly authentic 5-star Nile Cruiser, elegantly furnished in Islamic style. The suites are equipped with air conditioning, en-suite facilities,fridge, TV, internal telephone and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• 60 Islamic suites
• Restaurant, bar, lounge
• 24-hour reception
• Sun deck with swimming pool
• Gift shop
• 4 Decks

KING TUT II and III

Two new jewels in the Shalkamy Fleet, these modern, 5-star deluxe Nile Cruisers, launched November '98 and November 99 are two of the most luxurious on the Nile. Each suite offers air conditioning, en-suite facilities, TV, internal telephone, fridge and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• 90 suites on each cruiser
• Spacious lounge and bar
• Restaurant
• 24-hour reception
• Sun deck with swimming pool
• Gift shop
• 4 Decks

Typical Itinerary

For centuries travellers have been fascinated by the mystical allure of The Nile. A relaxing cruise in luxurious surroundings, alongside Egypt's many archaeological wonders, provides the perfect combination for an unforgettable holiday.

Day 1

Met and transferred from Luxor airport to your cruise vessel, dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 2

Enjoy your first Egyptian sunrise, followed by a visit to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon sailing and overnight stay at Esna

Day 3

Morning departure to Edfu where you will visit the extraordinary Temple of Horus, the mythical son of Isis and Osiris. Here, according to myth, Horus avenged the murder of his father, Osiris, by defeating his father's brother Seth in combat. Sail on to Kom Ombo to visit the temple of Sobek and Haroeris and then on to Aswan for the night.

Day 4

Visit the High Dam - finished in 1971; it has ensured up to three harvests a year. The Unfinished Obelisk - still rooted to the bedrock of pink granite and the Temple of Isis on Philae Island - with an optional excursion to Abu Simbel on Lake Nasser by air, can be booked onboard or priced at £138 per person pre-booked. Overnight at Aswan.

Day 5

Relax and enjoy a trip in a traditional felluca, which will take you around Elephantine Island to the Botanical Gardens. Given as a present to General Kitchener in 1890, visitors can now enjoy the beautiful flowers imported from Africa, India and the Far east. Sail on and overnight at Esna.

Day 6

Visit the partly-excavated Temple of Khnum at Esna. Dedicated to the Ram-headed god Khnum, the patron god of the cataracts, said to have fashioned man from the mud on his potter's wheel. Sail back to Luxor and overnight there.

Day 7

Tour the East Bank with a visit to Luxor Temple - until the end of the 19th Century, almost the whole of Luxor Village stood within (and on top of) this site. Visit Karnak, which covers a huge area and includes several temples, the biggest of which is the temple of Amun. Overnight in Luxor with an optional Karnak Sound & Light show, priced at £20 per person.

Day 8

Leisure time in Luxor before your transfer to Luxor airport for your return flight home.

Please Note: The order or content of your itinerary may have to be amended due to lock closures, low water levels or other unforeseeable circumstances.

General Information:

Occasionally, due to operational difficulties, a change of vessel can occur. However, the sightseeing itinerary will remain the same. Traditionally, a tip is expected at the end of your cruise, at a rate of LE25 (approx. £5), per person, per night which includes coach drivers, bell boys, housekeeping staff, crew and bar/restuarnt staff. additional tipping is not expected. Credit cards are not accepted on all boats although travellers cheques and English Pounds and US dollars can be readily exchanged.

We can also 'Tailor-Make' itineraries to include a stay in Cairo, Luxor or a choice of either Hurghada, El Gouna or Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea Coast.