Egypt Holidays
Egypt is quite simply a living museum with an astonishing wealth of history that never ceases to amaze those who visit this exotic melting pot of cultures and traditions. From the ancient Pharaohs, who ruled one of the world’s greatest ever dynasties for almost 3000 years, to the Romans, Ottoman Turks and British who sought to occupy it, Egypt continues to exert an aura of fascination and timeless drama.
Abu Simbel
Situated at the southern end of Lake Nasser’s wide expanse of calm, green-blue water, Abu Simbel is one of the most remarkable temple sites in Egypt. Originally carved out of a mountain on the west bank of the Nile in the 13th Century BC, the temples with its four colossal statues of Ramses II were designed as an awesome sentinel watching over any boats sailing into the pharaoh’s lands from the south.
With the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the consequent creation of Lake Nasser, the temples would have been lost were it not for the UNESCO project to resurrect them above the new high water level.
Day excursions to Abu Simbel by road or air are possible from Cairo or Aswan, or else you can visit the monuments as part of a Lake Nasser cruise.
Alexandria
On the north coast of Egypt, west of where the Rosetta branch of the Nile leaves the Delta and the desert sands meet the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, lies the charming city of Alexandria, once the shining gem of the Hellenistic world.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and then developed by Ptolemy, the city became one of the major ports on the trade route between Europe and Asia, as well as a renowned centre for scientific, philosophical and literary thought and learning with a famed library containing more than 500,000 volumes. The beacon of Pharos, which was built on an island offshore, served as a symbol of Alexandria’s greatness and was counted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
After falling into decline with the end of the Roman Empire and the Muslim invasions of the 7th Century AD, Alexandria’s revival did not come about until the 19th Century as one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports with a multicultural influx of peoples from all over Europe.
Nowadays you can explore the Rosetta with its date palms, fishing boats and stunning old Turkish houses, make a foray into the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa and eat excellent grilled fish at one of the city’s open-air restaurants. Nearby is the famous town of El Alamein, where the tide of the WWII North African campaign turned in the favour of the allies; beyond that to the west lie several attractive Mediterranean resorts.
Our preferred hotels in Alexandria include:
The Four Seasons
The Metropole
Windsor Palace
El Salamlek Palace
Aswan
Over the centuries Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, has been a garrison town and frontier city, the gateway to Africa and the now inundated land of Nubia, a prosperous marketplace at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Its name is derived from the word meaning ‘trade’ or ‘market’ in the days when it was visited by great caravans of camels and elephants laden with slaves, gold, ivory, spices, cloth and other exotic wares. Aswan is situated at the northern end of the First Nile Cataract, one of six rocky areas between Aswan and Khartoum, and the Nile here is at its most beautiful as it flows around giant granite boulders and palm-studded islands protruding from the cascading rapids.
The original Aswan Dam or Old Dam was built by the British at the turn of the 20th Century and on its completion was the largest of its kind in the world. It stands above the fertile and picturesque First Nile Cataract but is now surpassed in size and function by the High Dam, some 6 km upstream, which was built in the 1960’s. When it was completed the water that collected behind it became Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake.
One of Egypt’s traditionally legendary visitor attractions situated near to Aswan and reached by boat is the Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, the greatest of all the Egyptian goddesses by Roman times. Built over a period of 500 years commencing in the 4th Century BC and surrounded by date palms and mimosa trees this is one of Egypt’s most majestic and compelling temple sites.
It is also possible to visit the town’s fascinating Nubian Museum and exotic souks, as well as to take a romantic felucca ride on the Nile at sunset.
Our preferred hotels in Aswan include:
Old Cataract Hotel
Movenpick Elephantine Island
Isis Pyramisa Hotel
Cairo
Cairo is known as the ‘City of Minarets’, the semi-mythical capital of the Arab world and today a vibrant and energetic metropolis. Founded on top of earlier settlements by the Fatimid dynasty in the 10th Century and dramatically expanded by the Egyptian Khedive Ismail in the mid-19th Century, Cairo has an extremely rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage and serves as a fascinating gateway to this ancient land.
Giza is situated on the outskirts of Cairo and is renowned as the home of the great Pyramids. The sole survivors from the ancient Wonders of the World, the Pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction since their construction some 4500 years ago. These incredible stone monuments and the nearby Sphinx are some of Africa’s most wondrous attractions.
Other fascinating sights in and around Cairo include the Egyptian Museum, Memphis and Sakkara, the Coptic Museum and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar for some excellent shopping opportunities.
Our preferred hotels in Cairo include:
Mena House (Giza)
Meridien Pyramids (Giza)
Four Seasons – Nile Plaza (Central Cairo)
Four Seasons – First Residence (Central Cairo)
Grand Hyatt (Central Cairo)
Intercontinental City Stars (Suburban Cairo)
Fairmont Heliopolis (Near Airport)
Desert Safaris
A 4×4 jeep safari into the Western Desert, a vast expanse that starts on the western banks of the Nile and continues into Libya covering some 2.8 million sq. km, is a journey into a world of desolation and beauty, and one of the great adventures for intrepid travellers to Egypt.
Dotted with five isolated oases such as Siwa, remote settlements that were formally the bustling hubs on trade routes between Africa and the Mediterranean, the Western Desert offers the chance to explore little visited archaeological sites and the culture of the Bedouin, as well as to experience the extraordinary landscapes and endless vistas.
Desert safaris to the Sinai Peninsula to discover the ecology and culture of this very different area can be combined with a safari in the Western Desert or else be arranged separately, starting and finishing in Sharm el-Sheikh. Accommodation throughout is in small hotels or under canvas.
The best time of the year to enjoy these trips is between October and May, although the winter nights between December and February can be very cold. During the summer months of June to September temperatures can soar to unbearable levels.
Lake Nasser Cruises
The landscape around Lake Nasser is dominated by the contrasting smooth brown desert and the calm green-blue water of the lake, an austerely beautiful region known to the ancient Egyptians as Nubia.
As the world’s largest artificial lake measuring 5,250 sq kms, it is home to minimal human settlement owing to the fluctuating water levels (except a few thousand fishermen who make their living on the life-giving waters), instead playing host to a host of migrating birds, gazelle and fox, with enormous Nile perch, crocodiles and monitor lizards living in the lake itself.
A cruise between Abu Simbel and Aswan (or vice versa) will give you the chance to explore the treasures of ancient Nubia, the temples, tombs and forts dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, Greeks and Romans.
Our recommended cruise boats on Lake Nasser are:
M.S. Kasr Ibrim
M.S. Eugenie
Luxor
One of the most striking vistas in Egypt greets you on arrival on the West Bank at Luxor: as you pass through lush, irrigated fields, desert mountains loom ahead in which are ranged the gaping black holes of tombs and temples of the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Once called the ‘Place of Truth’, the isolated canyon now known as the Valley of the Kings consists of 62 known tombs of pharaohs and nobles, its steep, scorching cliffs devoid of life and a fitting domain for the inhabitants of the sarcophagi who were awaiting immortality. Many of the tombs display an extraordinary level of artistic design with well preserved colour paintings and sunken reliefs on the walls of the passages and chambers.
The nearby Temple of Hatshepsut; the massive pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon and Medinat Habu, beautifully sited against the backdrop of sheer mountain cliffs, are other remarkable historical highlights to be found on the West Bank.
In Luxor itself are sited the spectacular complex of sanctuaries, temples, columns and obelisks of Karnak, dedicated to the Theban gods and the greater glory of Egypt’s pharaohs, as well as the strikingly graceful Luxor Temple built by the New Kingdom pharaoh Amenhotep III.
The town of Luxor is a pleasant place to explore by horse-drawn trap and it is also possible to arrange a felucca ride on the Nile from the central corniche or enjoy a balloon ride over the West Bank.
Our preferred hotels in Luxor include:
Old Winter Palace
Steigenberger Hotel
The Hilton
Al Moudira (West Bank)
Nile Cruises
A cruise on the River Nile is the most relaxing and enjoyable way to discover the true source of Egypt’s fabled history and the reason for its rise in status to become one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilisations. Likened by the ancient Egyptians to a lotus flower – the Delta being the flower and its valley the stem – the Nile is nothing short of the lifeblood of the country, creating the fertile soils necessary to grow abundant maize, sugar-cane, wheat and other vegetables and fruits.
As the world’s longest river stretching for a total length of some 6680 kms – originating as the White Nile from Lake Victoria in Uganda and as the Blue Nile from Lake Tana in the Ethiopian Highlands – the two rivers converge at Khartoum before flowing northwards into the Mediterranean. Before the creation of the High Dam at Aswan the annual summer flood of the Nile would cover the surrounding land with a rich layer of silt, ideal for agriculture; now the flow of water is controlled by the dam, resulting in a reliable inundation in years of poor rainfall further south.
A Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor (or vice versa) allows you to visit a number of remarkable temple sites en route such as Edfu and Kom Ombo, whilst travelling quietly along the majestic river, which is home to myriad birdlife and a fascinating culture which has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.
Our recommended Nile cruise boats include:
Oberoi Zahara
Oberoi Philae
Sanctuary M/S Nile Adventurer
Sonesta St George
Sonesta Star Goddess
Sonesta Nile Goddess
Sonesta Moon Goddess
Royal Lotus
Radamis II
Our recommended Nile dahabiyas include:
Feddya
Hadeel
Sonesta Amirat
Red Sea Coast
Egypt’s Red Sea coast stretches for more than 800 km from Suez in the north to the village of Bir Shalatein near the border with Sudan in the south. Famed for its brilliant turquoise waters, splendid corals and exotic creatures of the deep, the Red Sea is the place to come for scuba diving and snorkeling, or else some relaxed and luxurious pampering after a historical tour, Nile cruise or desert safari.
Hurghada boasts a number of large hotels and resorts, amongst which stands out one gem: the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, an all-suite five star deluxe hotel (some rooms boast their own swimming pools) with fine al fresco dining, a tennis court, beach club, very large swimming pool with infinity edge and well-equipped health club with spa. The snorkelling just offshore from the beach and jetty is superb, whilst scuba diving and other sightseeing excursions in the area can be arranged.
At the foot of the Sinai Peninsula, a region of awesome beauty with barren, jagged mountains and desert plains, lies Sharm el Sheikh, home to some the world’s most brilliant underwater life. Snorkelling and diving, as well as other watersports, are naturally the principal attraction here, although desert excursions and a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai are also highly recommended.
Our preferred Red Sea Coast hotels include:
The Four Seasons (Sharm el Sheikh)
Royal Savoy (Sharm el Sheikh)
The Savoy (Sharm el Sheikh)
Ritz Carlton (Sharm el Sheikh)
Hyatt Regency (Sharm el Sheikh)
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh (Hurghada)
Kempinski Soma Bay (Hurghada)
Movenpick (El Gouna)
Movenpick (El Quseir)
Alexander the Great
Location: Alexander The Great is a luxurious and elegant cruise boat on the Nile, operating between Luxor and Aswan.
Rooms: 30 suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge bar, boutique shop, beauty salon, internet room, laundry.
Activities: Swimming pool, sun deck, spa, fitness equipment, jacuzzi, sun deck.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of the superior Nile cruise boats.
Al Moudira
Location: Located on the West Bank of Luxor, the Al Moudira Hotel is a convenient base for visiting the Valley of the Kings & Queens.
Rooms: 56 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, laundry, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, tour desk, concierge service.
Activities: Massage, Turkish/steam bath, outdoor pool (all year).
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A delightful hotel situated away from the main town of Luxor, across the Nile on the West Bank.
El Salamlek Palace
Location: Located about 10 km from Alexandria’s city centre. Set within the Montazah Gardens, this 5 star hotel is housed in a hunting lodge dating back to 1892.
Rooms: 20 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, private beach area, business centre, laundry, barber/beauty shop, souvenirs/gift shop, concierge service.
Activities: Sauna, casino, spa and wellness centre, massage, hot tub.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of Alexandria’s most prestigious hotels.
Fairmont Heliopolis
Location: At the heart of Cairo’s diplomatic and presidential neighborhood and a few minutes’ drive from Cairo Airport.
Rooms: 588 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, souvenirs/gift shop.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, solarium, hot tub, squash, outdoor swimming pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A luxurious 5 star hotel, ideal for an overnight stay between flights.
Feddya Dahabiya
Location: The Movenpick SB Feddya is a boutique dahabiya sailing along the River Nile between Luxor and Aswan, offering fascinating shore excursions to explore the ancient Egyptian wonders. This boat operates a 7 nights’ itinerary, allowing plenty of time to relax on the sundeck of this traditional style sailing boat while enjoy the wonders of the river.
Rooms: 4 suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge & sun deck bar, laundry, internet, butler service, shops.
Activities: Fitness centre, swimming pool
Children: On request.
Our View: One of the Nile’s most luxurious dahabiyas.
Four Seasons, Alexandria
Location: The Four Seasons is located on a private sandy beach on the shores of the Mediterranean, approximately 9 km from Alexandria Airport, whilst the Corniche seafront promenade along the Bay of Alexandria is 15 minutes’ drive away.
Rooms: 118 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, private beach area, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, tour desk, concierge service.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, hot tub, squash, outdoor pool (seasonal), indoor pool (all year).
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: An excellent 5 star hotel in Alexandria with all modern amenities.
Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo
Location: Four Seasons Nile Plaza is located in the heart of Cairo, approximately 45 minutes drive from Cairo Airport.
Rooms: 366 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, hot tub, indoor pool, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of Cairo’s most sought after 5 star hotels.
Four Seasons First Residence, Cairo
Location: Four Seasons First Residence is part of the First Residence complex of elegant boutiques and unique shops in central Cairo. The hotel is located in the heart of the financial district and is a 45 minutes’ drive from Cairo International Airport.
Rooms: 269 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, concierge service.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, games room, casino, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, hot tub, horse riding, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A superb 5 star hotel in central Cairo offering a host of first class amenities and activities.
Four Seasons, Sharm el Sheikh
Location: Overlooking the warm inviting waters of the Red Sea near Sharm el Sheikh, the magnificent Four Seasons Resort captures the beauty and serenity of the Sinai peninsula.
Rooms: 200 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, fitness centre, beauty services, baby sitting, laundry, internet.
Activities: Swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, tennis, volleyball, horse riding, basketball, aerobics.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: Arguably the finest hotel in the Sharm el Sheikh area with consisently high standards of service and cuisine.
Grand Hyatt, Cairo
Location: The hotel is situated on the peaceful haven of Roda Island, overlooking the Nile, yet is on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural, tourist and business attractions.
Rooms: 256 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, laundry services, business centre, safety deposit boxes.
Activities: Fitness centre, massage, sauna, steam room
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: An excellent base within central Cairo.
Hadeel Dahabiya
Location: A symbol of grace and gentility, dahabiyyas were built for wealthy Egyptian aristocrats to cruise the Nile in utmost style. Powered only by sail, these beautiful boats are once again sailing the mighty river, reviving the age old tradition and bringing elegance back to Nile cruising.
Rooms: 8 cabins
Facilities: Dining room, stylish lounge, internet.
Activities: Jacuzzi, sun deck, on shore sightseeing.
Children: On request.
Our View: A superb dahabiya that allows for off the beaten track exploration of the Nile’s sights between Luxor and Aswan.
Hilton Luxor
Location: The Hilton Luxor is set in leafy gardens on the banks of the River Nile, surrounded by many archaeological attractions. Transfer time from the airport is approximately 15 minutes.
Rooms: 236 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, tour desk.
Activities: Fitness centre, golf course (within 3 km), spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, library, Turkish/steam bath, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of Luxor’s most attractive modern hotels.
Hyatt Regency, Sharm el Sheikh
Location: This luxurious 5 star resort in Sharm El Sheikh is set in landscaped gardens home to lagoon-style swimming pools, overlooking the azure waters of the Red Sea.
Rooms: 471 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, shops, private beach area, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, tour desk.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, billiards, table tennis, hot tub, scuba diving, squash, snorkelling, outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A very attractive and luxurious resort set on a sloping hillside overlooking the Red Sea outside the town of Sharm el Sheikh.
Kempinski Soma Bay, Hurghada
Location: The resort is located between Hurghada and Port Safaga, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Hurgada Airport.
Rooms: 325 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, private beach area, shops, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, tour desk, currency exchange.
Activities: Tennis court, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, windsurfing, scuba diving, squash, snorkelling, outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of the most attractive beach hotels in the Hurghada area.
Le Metropole Hotel, Alexandria
Location: The hotel is situated a short walk from the city’s sandy beaches, whilst the library of Alexandria is 1.5 km away. Situated in an 18th Century building with classical decorations and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Rooms: 66 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, safety deposit box, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, tour desk.
Activities: Local attractions.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: An atmospheric, first class hotel in Alexandria.
Mena House, Giza
Location: Overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, the world-renowned Mena House is set in 40 acres of verdant gardens.
Rooms: 420 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, babysitting/child services, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, concierge service, tour desk.
Activities: Spa and wellness centre, massage, horse riding, outdoor swimming pool (all year).
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: The place to stay near the Pyramids!
Le Meridien Pyramids, Giza
Location: Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa boasts unparalleled views of the majestic Giza Pyramids, which are located only 1 km away.
Rooms: 633 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, babysitting/child services, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop.
Activities: Sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, hot tub, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A very good hotel situated close to the Pyramids & Sphinx.
M.S. Kasr Ibrim, Lake Nasser
Location: M.S. Kasr Ibrim was named after the ancient citadel on Lake Nasser, the only Nubian monument that still exists in its original location. This is one of the recommended cruise boats sailing around the lake between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Rooms: 55 large cabins
Facilities: Restaurant, main lounge and bar, saloon lounge, reception, boutique and gift shop, library and games.
Activities: Fitness centre, sun deck, sauna, steam room, swimmimg pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: This is one of the recommended cruise boats on Lake Nasser, with excellent facilities and guiding.
M.S. Eugenie, Lake Nasser
Location: The M.S. Eugenie was named after the grand opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, attended by the crown heads of Europe including the Empress Eugenie of France. This is one of the recommended cruise boats sailing around the lake between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Rooms: 52 cabins and 2 luxury suites
Facilities: Buffet restaurant, main lounge and bar, safari lounge with TV, library, card tables, shop.
Activities: Fitness room, sauna, steam room, massage, sun decks, swimming pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: Together with the M.S. Kasr Ibrim, the M.S. Eugenie is a first class way to visit the historical sights of Lake Nasser.
Movenpick Elephantine Island
Location: Located on Elephantine Island in the middle of the River Nile at Aswan, the Mövenpick Resort offers luxurious accommodation with excellent service.
Rooms: 230 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, babysitting/child services, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, concierge service, tour desk.
Activities: Tennis court, fitness centre, massage, children’s playground, billiards, table tennis, karaoke, library, BBQ facilities, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A very good base for overnight stays in Aswan with a unique location on the Nile.
Movenpick, El Gouna
Location: The Movenpick Resort & Spa at El Gouna is situated on the shores of the Red Sea, set in colourful gardens and offering 3 km of beachfront, tranquil lagoons and extensive facilities.
Rooms: 554 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, babysitting/child services, laundry, currency exchange, tour desk, souvenirs/gift shop.
Activities: Tennis court, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling, outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A large resort hotel with a first class range of amenities.
Movenpick El Quseir
Location: A 5 star resort located on a delightful bay of the Red Sea coast some 140 km to the south of Hurghada.
Rooms: 250 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, babysitting/child services, laundry, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenir/gift shop.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, cycling, scuba diving, horse riding, squash, snorkelling, outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A luxury Red Sea resort on a remote stretch of the Egyptian coast.
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
Location: Overlooking its private beach along the Red Sea, this 5 star resort offers spacious suites with private terrace. Hurghada’s airport is a 25 minutes’ drive away from the hotel.
Rooms:102 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, shop, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning.
Activities: Tennis court, fitness centre, games room, spa and wellness centre, massage, children’s playground, snorkelling, outdoor pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: Arguably the most prestigious hotel in the Hurghada area with a fine beachfront location and excellent snorkelling.
Oberoi Philae
Location: The Oberoi Philae is a classic Nile cruiser operating in both directions between Luxor – Aswan. Built in 1995 to replicate a sternwheeler river boat, the 236 foot-long vessel boasts attractively furnished guest cabins (each with a private, furnished balcony), gourmet dining, a well-rounded enrichment program and an international crew and staff trained in the art of hospitality.
Rooms: 56 cabins and suites
Facilities: Dinning room lounge bar, Wi-Fi, hair salon and gift shop.
Activities: Swimming pool, sun deck, library, indoor fitness centre.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: The Oberoi Philae is one of the Nile’s most impressive cruise boats, offering fine hospitality and an excellent level of guiding.
Oberoi Zahara
Location: The Oberio Zahara is a luxury Nile cruiser, extending the Oberoi tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality and offering some of the most spacious accommodation on the Nile today. It sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing for a leisurely discovery of more than 5,000 years of Egyptian history and culture.
Rooms: 27 cabins and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge bar, marine satellite TV, room service, laundry, internet access.
Activities: Fitness room, swimming pool, sun deck, library, games room, spa.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: An exclusive 5 star deluxe cruise boat offering an extended Nile itinerary.
Old Cataract Hotel
Location: Located on the outskirts of Aswan on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel is a an elegant and historically fascinating retreat,.
Rooms: 138 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, concierge service.
Activities: Fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: The ‘grande dame’ of hotels in southern Egypt, the Old Cataract is a legendary retreat of timeless character, boasting a unique heritage and history.
Old Winter Palace
Location: Located on the banks of the River Nile, the Old Winter Palace occupies a stately position on Luxor’s riverfront corniche and is within easy walking distance of Karnak and Luxor Temple.
Rooms: 92 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, laundry, souvenirs/gift shop, bicycle rental, tour desk.
Activities: Massage, billiards, table tennis, outdoor swimming pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the Old Winter Palace is a majestic testament to a bygone age of fine living. Rooms overlook either the gardens or Nile, and jacket & tie are required by gentlemen in the evenings.
Radamis II
Location: Movenpick H.S Radamis II cruises the Nile between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), a distance of 220 km offering itineraries of 3, 4 or 7 nights with onshore sightseeing en route.
Rooms: 75 cabin and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge & sun deck bar, laundry, internet, gift shop, safe boxes, shop.
Activities: Fitness centre, massage, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A very good value, superior cruise boat plying the waters of the River Nile with fascinating shore excursions.
Ritz Carlton, Sharm el Sheikh
Location: The Ritz Carlton is set among colourful, tropical gardens, commanding beautiful views over the Red Sea near Sharm el Sheikh. Crisp white architecture blends with tranquil waters and cascading waterfalls.
Rooms: 321 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, shops, private beach area, babysitting/child services, laundry, barber/beauty shop.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, scuba diving, snorkelling, mini golf, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: One of the most luxurious of the Sharm coastal hotels with dazzling white architecture and fine service.
Royal Lotus
Location: Movenpick M/S Royal Lotus sails between Aswan and Luxor, or vice versa, twice weekly.
Rooms: 62 cabin and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge & sun deck bar, laundry, internet, gift shop, safe boxes.
Activities: Fully equiped gym, swimming pool, spa centre and massage, plunge pool, bridge table, sightseeing.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: A first class Nile cruiser offering a very high standard of service and accommodation, as well as excellent guiding.
Royal Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh
Location: Located on the beachfront of the Red Sea with views of the Tiran Islands, the Royal Savoy features a private beach and a swimming pool surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Rooms: 56 rooms and suites
Facilities: Bar, safety deposit box, private beach area, laundry, dry cleaning, barber/beauty shop.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, massage, scuba diving, snorkelling, outdoor swimming pools
Children: Children under 12 cannot be accommodated at the hotel.
Our View: One of Sharm’s most attractive 5 star hotels with modern rooms and direct access onto White Knight Beach. Good snorkelling off the hotel’s jetty. Guests of the Royal Savoy also have full access to the neighbouring 4 star Savoy Hotel.
Sanctuary M/S Nile Adventurer
Location: The elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is a luxurious yet relaxed Nile cruise boat, operating in both directions between Luxor-Aswan. Decorated in a contemporary style, the ship’s design combines modern Egyptian culture with seven thousand years of heritage. Add gourmet cuisine as well as sightseeing experiences with the country’s most experienced Egyptologists, this is a taste of genuine 5-star luxury on a timeless river.
Rooms: 32 suites
Facilities: Dining room, lounge bar, library, laundry service, room service, gift shop, internet access.
Activities: Swimming pool, deck, games room, small gym.
Children: Children aged 3 years and above are welcome.
Our View: A first class Nile cruise boat with excellent facilities and guides for onshore sightseeing excursions.
The Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh
Location: Located at the heart of spectacular White Knight Beach, close to Ras Mohammed National Park, the Savoy Hotel is set along a 300 metres’ stretch of fine sand and colourful corals.
Rooms: 470 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, shops, private beach area, babysitting/child services, laundry, barber/beauty shop, tour desk.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, games room, spa and wellness centre, massage, kids’ club, scuba diving, snorkelling, outdoor pools.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A very attractive, good value 4 star hotel near Sharm el Sheikh which is great for couples and families alike.
Steigenberger Hotel
Location: This Steigenburger hotel is situated in the heart of Luxor and provides modern accommodation with stunning views of the Nile. It is a short walk away from Karnak and Luxor Temple.
Rooms: 304 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, laundry, barber/beauty shop, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, tour desk.
Activities: Tennis court, sauna, fitness centre, massage, outdoor pool.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View: A great base in the heart of luxor, ideal for exploring the town and historical sites on foot.
Sonesta St George
Location: The Sonesta St George Nile cruise boat sails from Luxor to Aswan and back on a 7 nights’ itinerary (shorter 3 or 4 nights’ itineraries are also possible).
Rooms: 57 cabins and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, lounge, laundry, internet, shops, room service.
Activities: Full service spa, fitness centre, live entertainment, guided excursions, swimming pool.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: One of Sonesta’s flagship Nile cruise boats offering a top class level of service, accommodation and guiding.
Sonesta Star Goddess
Location: The Sonesta St George Nile Cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan and back on a 7 nights’ itinerary.
Rooms: 33 suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, lounge, laundry, internet, shops, room service.
Activities: Swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, entertaiment.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: A first class Nile cruiser offering the highest standards of comfort and luxury.
Sonesta Moon Goddess
Location: The Sonesta Moon Godess sails between Luxor and Aswan on the River Nile.
Rooms: 53 cabin and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, lounge, laundry, internet, shops, room service, safety deposit box.
Activities: Swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, live entertaiment, guided excursions.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: One of the most attractive Nile cruise boats of the Sonesta fleet.
Sonesta Nile Goddess
Location: The Sonesta Nile Goddess sails between Luxor and Aswan on 3, 4 and 7 nights’ cruises.
Rooms: 53 cabin and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge & sun deck bar, laundry, internet, safe boxes.
Activities: Swimming pool, spa centre and massage, gym, nightly entertaiment, guided excursions.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: An excellent value Nile cruise boat offering superior accommodation and service with very good guides for onshore sightseeing.
Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya
Location: The Sonesta Amirat is a traditional and authentic dahabiya which allows you to experience the Nile at a slower pace. You enjoy not only the magnificent historical sights of upper Egypt, but also stop at some of the more remote locations to experience true local culture.
Rooms: 8 cabins and suites
Facilities: Dining room, stylish lounge & sun deck bar, safe, television.
Activities: Jacuzzi, on shore sightseeing.
Children: On request.
Our View: A superb way to enjoy the colourful variety of sights along the River Nile.
Triton
Location: The Triton is a luxury Nile cruise boat, decorated in an English style with gleaming brass and antique pieces.
Rooms: 21 suites
Facilities: Dining room, lounge bar, laundry service, room service, gift shop.
Activities: Swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), sun deck, spa, massage, fitness centre, jacuzzi, sun deck.
Children: Children are welcome.
Our View: A wonderful way to cruise on the Nile in 5 star deluxe comfort.
From the rich and pristine waters of the Red Sea to the mountainous deserts of the Sinai Peninsula, or from the frantic hustle of Cairo to a tranquil cruise along the Nile, this country has an enormous diversity of attractions. Stretching from Abu Simbel in the south to Cairo in the north, the life-giving waters of the Nile dictate the country’s daily existence, and not only will a cruise along this ribbon of water offer an intriguing glimpse of rural Egypt, but it is here that such archaeological treasures as the Temple of Karnak or the Necropolis of Thebes will be revealed.
For those who just love to soak up the sun, then the opportunity to spend some time relaxing at Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, home to a range of luxurious five star star hotels where you can enjoy some of the finest food, service and scuba diving in the world at an affordable price, is an unbeatable attraction.
Wherever your interests lie you are assured of a welcoming smile on arrival in Egypt and the chance to gain a fascinating insight into an historical and cultural gem
Classic Egypt
This week-long trip will give you an excellent insight into the most important of Egypt’s fabulous historical wonders, including the Valley of the Kings, Medinat Habu, the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. Nights are spent in the country’s most atmospheric and elegant hotels..
Please note that it is possible to extend your stay in each area if required, with the chance also to fly from Luxor to Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea Coast at the end of the trip.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Cairo – Mena House Oberoi – 2 nights
Day 2 – Private half day tour to visit the Egyptian Museum and a city orientation.
Day 3 – Fly to Aswan – Movenpick Hotel – 2 nights
Day 4 – Private half day tour
Day 5 – Fly to Luxor – Old Winter Palace – 2 nights.
Day 6 – Private full day tour
Day 7 -Fly to Cairo – Mena House Oberoi – 1 night. Half day tour of the great Pyramids and Sphinx.
Day 8 – Fly to London Heathrow
2012 price from £1,534 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Cairo/London)
N.B. Please note that on occasions some ancient historic sites and temples may have to be closed for maintenance. Excursions in the summer months start very early in the morning to avoid the high midday temperatures. Sites can become very busy at peak times.
The Best of Egypt
This itinerary is designed to give you an in-depth look at the very best of Egypt’s extraordinarily rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, whilst allowing you to explore the fabled land of the Pharaohs in unrivalled comfort and style.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Cairo – Mena House Oberoi – 2 nights.
Day 2 – Private half day tour to visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx Egyptian Museum and a city orientation.
Day 3 – Fly to Aswan – Movenpick Hotel – 1 night
Day 4 – Transfer to Nile Adventurer for cruise to Luxor – 3 nights
Day 5 – Sail to Edfu – Visit Kom Ombo Temple – sail to Luxor
Day 6 – Visit to the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, as well as the Colossi of Memnon and Medinat Habu.
Day 7 – Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada Oberoi Sahel Hasheesh – 3 nights
Days 8 & 9 – Two full days at leisure on the beach
Day 10 – Fly to Cairo- Mena House Oberoi 2 nights
Day 11 – Half day tour of the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Day 12 – Fly to London Heathrow.
2012 price from £2,104 per person
(Price is based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Cairo/London)
N.B. Please note that on occasions some ancient historic sites and temples may have to be closed for maintenance. Excursions in the summer months start very early in the morning to avoid the high midday temperatures. Sites can become very busy at peak times.