Egyptian Marvels (Aswan)

Here is the best of Egypt in 11 Days.
Visit the top sites in Cairo and Giza and then cruise the Nile
aboard King Fouad’s luxurious steamship the S/S Sudan
Boarding Aswan

His Majesty King Fouad’s Steamship, The Sudan, offers 21 staterooms including 5 suites. Now you can live the luxury, amenities and style of days gone by aboard the steamship Sudan. Built for King Fouad toward the end of the nineteenth century, it is no re-creation of the grand era, but the real thing, lovingly restored, and the last of its kind to cruise the great river. You’ll cruise as princes, kings, ambassadors and royal retainers once did, to ancient temples and villages bypassed by time. Perhaps you’ll be inspired as Agatha Christie once was, on this very ship, to write a great mystery.

DAY 1: CAIRO – Daily Year Round
On arrival, our local representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. While this is a daily arrival tour, we may change the number of days for your stay in Cairo before and after the cruise to accommodate the Steam Ship The Sudan’s embarkation dates, cruise embarkation is from Luxor or Aswan, we will confirm the embarkation point at the time of your booking. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport.

VIP Meet and Greet service upon arrival at Cairo Airport
Visa issued locally in Cairo (for a limited number of nationalities) no photos required. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, and EU, Canadian, Singaporean and Japanese citizens. For the rest of nationalities please check with the Egyptian Consulate nearest to you.

You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel.

Hotel choices or similar: Four Seasons (Nile View room), Marriott (Club Level room) or upgrade to a suite, rates listed below.

DAY 2: CAIRO (BL)
On your first full day in Egypt we show you the Egyptian Museum including the “Mummies Room” and King Tut’s Treasure Pavilion. Lunch is included at the Ritz Carlton next door or Naguib Mahfouz restaurant or similar. The day is devoted to the Egyptian Museum collection, time permitting we will visit the Manial Palace as well as Royal Abdeen Palace Museum.

Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
By Walaa [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons

Lunch is included at the Mena House. In the afternoon we tour Memphis, Sakkara and the small yet charming Imhotep Museum, of course we include the Step Pyramid and Nobles Tombs, and stop at el Harania, before heading back to the hotel. To get ready for dinner which is included at Abu El Sid restaurant, or similar.

Private Touring in Abu Simbel – Nubia

Day 4: Aswan (or Luxor) – Abu Simbel – Aswan – Board Your Luxury Nile Steamer (BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel, our local rep. will assist with your private transfer to the airport to board your flight to Aswan or Luxor.
Lunch Box will be prepared by your hotel in Cairo.
Today we will be flying Cairo to Abu Simbel with a brief stop in Aswan. Fly over Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sunrise above the horizon. We reach the great temples where your “Private guide”, Private driver and Private air-conditioned vehicle await you. In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for our lunch, and refreshments. Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we head for Abu Simbel Airport and fly back to Aswan. Due to the planes’ configuration between Aswan, Abu Simbel and back to Aswan, first or business class may not be available. We will provide business or first class airfare in Egypt whenever the plane’s configuration permits, in Aswan our local rep, will meet and escort you from the airport to the cruise. The crew of the Sudan will welcome you aboard and settle you into your luxurious cabin or suite, in the afternoon, you’ll commence your explorations of this charming Nubian town:

Aswan, gateway to Nubia (the land of gold in ancient times), the southern region of Egypt that stretches on to Sudan, our visit today includes the island temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, mother and wife of Osiris, and embodiment of fertility and motherhood. Its reliefs and frescoes make it one of the most attractive temples in Egypt.

The Ancient Goddess ISIS:
Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis: “I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled.” Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth. Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra! Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world. Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt when you Travel in Style!

Time permitting, we have included a horse-drawn carriage ride then a brief stroll through Aswan to discover the climate, crafts and cultures that have long attracted wintering European royalty before enjoying our dinner together on board. We have also included tonight the Sound and Light show at Philae temple.
Dinner on board and overnight in Aswan.

Day 5: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu – On Board Your Nile Cruise (BLD)
We head north and enjoying our cruise on the Nile to arrive in Kom Ombo, a very unique temple dedicated to two divinities, a true awesome site with the double temples, dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon, we head back to the Steam Ship The Sudan in time for lunch. Proceed further north and sailing to Edfu where a horse-drawn carriages await to convey us to Edfu temple, one of the best-preserved in the land, dedicated to the gods Horus and Hathor, begun in the third century (Greek Ptolemaic period) and completed 170 years later in the fourth century BC. Back on board and on to Esna where we dock for the night.

Day 6: Esna – Luxor – On Board Your Steam Ship The Sudan (BLD)
After going through the Esna lock, we reach Luxor, the Ancient Egyptian Capital City of Thebes. Afternoon visit of the majestic site of Karnak temple complex, think big, this is the largest religious site ever known so far, most of the monuments here are dedicated to the God Amun, patron of the New Kingdom’s Pharaohs.
Evening visit of the Temple of Luxor. The evening light particularly highlights the perfection of Amenophis III’s columns. That’s where the Feast of Opet was held every year to celebrate the Nile flood and pray for better crops and the fertility of the land. Dinner on board and overnight in Luxor.

Day 7: Luxor – Qena – Dendera – On Board Your Luxurious S/S The Sudan Nile Cruise (BLD)
Sailing to Qena, north of Luxor, few ships sail this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy a relaxing morning admiring both banks of the Nile with scenery that changed little since Biblical times. Enjoy lunch on board before we head out for our visit of the Temple of Dendera.
Dendera is the name of the spectacular temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nursing Pharaohs, the temple is just on the edge of the outer limits and border of the Nile Valley and the cultivated field overlooking the desert and the start of the seemingly endless sea of sand, Goddess Hathor’s Temple has richly decorated chapels, Hathor-headed columns, obscure corridors and stairs, the ancient city of Dendera offers us one of the best preserved most unique monuments in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof top. Dinner on board and overnight in Qena.

Day 8: Abydos – Luxor – Cruising The Nile In Luxury (BLD)
Very early morning start with your private Egyptologist, private vehicle and chauffeur (2 hours drive), heading to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre of Osiris, regent of the Kingdom of the “AfterLife” and god of resurrection, during the Ancient Kingdom period, Abydos was a the Mecca of Ancient Egypt and the greater ancient Empire Egyptian empire from the Levant to Nubia and Kush, one of the most important pilgrimage sites. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colorful and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art. Enjoy lunch on board, then maybe sip your drink on the sun-deck as we cruise the afternoon sailing to Luxor. Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.

Day 9: Luxor – Disembarkation – Cairo (BL)
Very early start once again, always with a private Egyptologist, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur . We’ll cross the Nile this morning to visit the sites of the Valley of the Kings, where the rulers of ancient Egypt and their wives were laid to rest for eternity in fabulous tombs that befit living deities. In the Valley of the Nobles is the Ramose tomb with reliefs of exceptional artistic value. Visit as well Valley of the Queens, the secret necropolis of the royal wives, we tour Queen Hatshepsut Temple before we head for Medinet-Habu, where we visit the temple of Ramses III, almost entirely intact, exemplifying the temple tombs of the Ramses dynasty, then off to the time capsule and and intimate look into the personal lives of the real ancient Egyptians:

Deir El Medinah, the first known “Workers Village” these were the true creative heroes who built the temples & tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of the Nile Kingdom. Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank where you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs. Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers’ paradise, we’ll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs.

Statuette of Kha. Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbera, Wikimedia Commons.

Time permitting, visit TT8 or Theban Tomb 8. This was the tomb of Kha, the overseer of works from Deir el-Medina in the mid-18th dynasty and his wife, Merit:
The New Kingdom tomb was one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of ancient Egypt, one of few tombs of nobility to survive intact. It was discovered by Arthur Weigall and Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1906 on behalf of the Italian Archaeological Mission. Its discoverers used 250 workers to dig in pursuit of the tomb for several weeks. The pyramid-chapel of Kha and Merit was already well-known for many years; scenes from the chapel had already been copied in the 19th century by several Egyptologists, including John Gardiner Wilkinson and Karl Lepsius. Egyptologists also knew that Kha was an important foreman at Deir El-Medina, where he was responsible for projects constructed during the reigns of Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III.The pyramidion of the chapel had been removed by an earlier visitor and was in the Louvre Museum.

Schiaparelli was surprised to discover the tomb in the isolated cliffs surrounding the village and not in the immediate proximity of the chapel itself, as was conventionally the case for other burials of Egyptian nobility.

Please have your luggage packed before you leave for the tour. Lunch is included at the Winter Palace time permitting or another fine establishment then we head to the airport and fly back to Cairo, you will be confirmed in business or first class airfare in Egypt whenever the plane’s configuration permits, in Cairo, our local rep. will be waiting for you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. Hotel choices or similar: Four Seasons (Nile View room), Marriott (Club Level room) or upgrade to a suite.

Day 10: Islamic and Medieval Cairo (BL)
Full day: Crown Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Museum and then on to the Islamic Art Museum, Saladin’s Citadel, the Alabaster Mosque, then a brief stop at El Rifai Mosque where the late Shah of Iran is buried, as well as King Farouk, Egypt’s last king. Lunch is included at Hadaik el-Azhar, followed by a walking tour of Khan El Khalili and Muezzledeenallah districts.

Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant or if you prefer: please join us for a very unique experience:

Dinner is included at a local home
Meet the locals: This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town).

Day 11: Cairo – VIP Airport Service (B)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Checkout, our local rep. will assist with your transfer to the airport, always on a private basis. Cairo Airport: VIP airport departure.

(*) Suites Upgrades:

• Outside Suite for the confirmed steamer/ dahabiya/ Nile cruise.
• Four Seasons Hotel: Diplomatic Suite or higher upgrade.
• Marriott Hotel: Marriott Suite or higher upgrade.
• Hotels and Nile cruises are subject to change based on availability at the time of booking.

For Dec 20 – Jan 2, Easter Season please add: 10% supplement

For safety reasons, the Sudan steamship doesn’t accommodate children under the age of seven.

Price includes:

• Transportation to all sites as per itinerary including while aboard the Nile steamer Sudan or similar.
• Nile Cruise Steamer / Dahabiya accommodation with all shore excursions provided with a private guide/Egyptologist, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur.
• All hotels and cruise taxes and service charges
• Entrance fees to all the sites listed in the itinerary
• All meals (BLD) while on board the Nile Cruise, with tea or coffee as well a large bottle of water for each and every guest.
  
• Bottled water (one per person) delivered to your cabin daily while you are on board the cruise.
• Hotel accommodation in Cairo, the Four Seasons: Nile view room, The Cairo Marriott (club level room) or similar hotels, upgrade to a suite as per listed rates.
• Domestic airfare between in Egypt in business class or first class, yet Abu Simbel flights may be available only in economy class, all is subject to plane configuration and availability.
• Private guide for all touring in Cairo as well as while on board the cruise as per itinerary.
• Private chauffeur for all touring and transfers.
• All private airport transfers and tour transportation using a private air-conditioned sedan, coach or mini- Coach based on the number in your party.
• Meals as indicated: B = breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner.
• One large bottled water for each guest with each lunch and each dinner.
• Tea or coffee with each and every meal listed.

• VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
  Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required). Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you to your hotel. 

Not included:

• Airfare between home country and Egypt.
• Optional beverages or services not specifically mentioned
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance. 
• Visa/ visa fee for Egypt, for nationalities that are not listed above.

The Royal Nile Steamer, The S/S Sudan:
The dahabeya was built in approximately 1900, the Royal Dahabbiyas were originally painted in gold and these Royal boats were called ‘dahabeya’ which means ‘Golden Boat’. Each stateroom has two windows and has access to the promenade deck. Four of the steamer five suites, located at the bow and upper deck, and the fifth “King Farouk” suite, is located at the bow (main deck), the suites are very much in demand, and it is first come, first serve, we regret that we do not offer any wait listing for the suites. Average square meter space for the cabin is about 20 – 23 square meter, suites are about 30 square meter. Suites are sought for the panoramic view they offer.

For nature lovers we include a tour of the Botanical Garden Island in Aswan (while others will simply have you sail around the island without setting foot on it!), then we go on to Gharb Sehail and tour some of the mini nature protected Islands in the middle of the Nile with sandy beaches and beautiful rare plants.

The Sudan is faithful to its origins, with authentic fixtures and period furniture, rich woodwork, leather upholstery, brass bedsteads, paneled passageways, and wooden decks. Yet modern conveniences are integrated in the most sensitive fashion, including luxurious plumbing with large tubs, and air conditioning. Untouched since the glory days is service that anticipates every need and caters to every request.

Watch Egypt pass by from the comfort of the upper deck, retire to the lounge to read quietly, or enjoy conversation or a card game with new friends, and dine on the finest Egyptian and French cuisine.

And travel with the assurance that the Sudan embodies responsible tourism. Cooling water is recycled to steam boilers, and waste is treated. Local craftsmen and contractors restore, maintain, and re-create the heritage environment. Travel in Style to Egypt, unforgettably and responsibly, aboard the steamship Sudan.