M.S. Fleurette Nile Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Monday. UK - Luxor.
Depart from Gatwick or Manchester for your flight to Luxor. On arrival, transfer by coach (approx. 30 minutes) and embark.
Day 2: Tuesday. Luxor.
In the morning, you visit the famous Karnak Temple, a superb example of ancient Egyptian architecture depicting life around 1600 BC, and the well-preserved Luxor Temple which is situated in the heart of town. Afternoon at leisure. Do not miss the Sound and Light show in the evening at the Karnak Temple (EG£240, approx. £24 per person).
Day 3: Wednesday. Luxor - Edfu.
In the morning, you cross to the West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the imposing Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, sail to Edfu, passing through the Esna Lock en route. Overnight at Edfu.
Day 4: Thursday. Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan.
At Edfu there is a visit to the Temple of Horus, probably Egypt's best preserved temple. Sail to Kom Ombo for a visit to the Temple before sailing to Aswan.
Day 5: Friday. Aswan.
In the morning, you visit the High Dam and Philae Temple which was dedicated to the gentle Goddess Isis. Afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion by boat to visit the Botanical Garden and Mango Island (EG£130, approx. £13 per person). In the evening there is an opportunity to see the Sound and Light show at the Philae Temple (EG£260, approx. £26 per person).
Day 6: Saturday. Aswan - Esna.
Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan. Perhaps enjoy a trip on a horse-drawn carriage from the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote "Death on the Nile". Or take an optional sightseeing excursion by road or air to Abu Simbel (EG£790, approx. £79 per person by road/duration approx. 9 hours; EG£1450, approx. £145 per person by air/duration approx. 5 hours). Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes is spent at Abu Simbel. In the afternoon, you can view the Aga Khan's Mausoleum and Botanical Garden whilst enjoying your trip on the Nile by felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat before sailing to Esna for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Sunday. Esna - Luxor.
In the morning, sail to Luxor with the afternoon at leisure. Time to shop for those last minute souvenirs and take those final memorable photographs. Or take an optional full day excursion by air to Cairo and visit the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, with lunch included (EG£2100, approx. £210 per person). There is also an optional half day excursion by road to visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera (EG£330, approx. £33 per person). These two optional excursions depart early morning from Esan and return to Luxor.
Day 8: Monday. Luxor - UK.
Morning at leisure. For an unforgettable end to your holiday, why not take an early morning optional hot air balloon flight over the West Bank (EG£850, approx. £85 per person, approx. 45 minutes in the air). After lunch on board, transfer by coach to the airport for your return flight to Gatwick or Manchester.