Taste of Egypt

10 days from Cairo to Cairo

Cruise WUAY

Was from

£2,628pp

Now from

£2,428pp

Prices shown exclude flights and transfers

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Overview

Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages. Arrive in Cairo, and explore the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. See the Ramses II statue in Memphis and King Tut’s tomb in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. (Note: upon its opening in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.) In Old Cairo, see the Church of the Virgin Mary (also called the Hanging Church), built in the place where Mary and Jesus were said to find refuge during their flight to Egypt, and visit the Alabaster Mosque. These and more exciting discoveries are to be found as you see Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history.

Fly to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise. You’ll visit the Luxor Temple, Avenue of the Sphinxes, monument of Karnak, and the Temple of Amun-Ra before enjoying an onboard welcome reception on your ship. Visit the valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, where the pristine tomb of King Tut was found with undisturbed riches and splendor. This incredible cruise on the Nile River takes you to amazing ancient sites, including the twin temples at Kom Ombo, devoted to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus. Ponder the magnitude of the task of building the pyramids with a visit to the granite quarries—where an unfinished obelisk still remains. Visit the Temple of Isis, then take a return flight to Cairo to wander the world’s largest open-air museum, and browse the bustling maze of the endless bazaar in Cairo’s medieval alleys. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation tour in Cairo, expedition to the Egyptian pyramids, and a Nile River cruise you’ll never forget.
Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages. Arrive in Cairo, and explore the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. See the Ramses II statue in Memphis and King Tut’s tomb in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. (Note: upon its opening in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.) In Old Cairo, see the Church of the Virgin Mary (also called the Hanging Church), built in the place where Mary and Jesus were said to find refuge during their flight to Egypt, and visit the Alabaster Mosque. These and more exciting discoveries are to be found as you see Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history.

Fly to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise. You’ll visit the Luxor Temple, Avenue of the Sphinxes, monument of Karnak, and the Temple of Amun-Ra before enjoying an onboard welcome reception on your ship. Visit the valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, where the pristine tomb of King Tut was found with undisturbed riches and splendor. This incredible cruise on the Nile River takes you to amazing ancient sites, including the twin temples at Kom Ombo, devoted to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus. Ponder the magnitude of the task of building the pyramids with a visit to the granite quarries—where an unfinished obelisk still remains. Visit the Temple of Isis, then take a return flight to Cairo to wander the world’s largest open-air museum, and browse the bustling maze of the endless bazaar in Cairo’s medieval alleys. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation tour in Cairo, expedition to the Egyptian pyramids, and a Nile River cruise you’ll never forget.
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Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic
<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>
Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 CAIRO, EGYPT

Welcome to Cairo, “Mother of the World”

Day 2 CAIRO

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Desert Sands and Secrets of the Sphinx

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

This morning take a close-up look at one of the World’s Seven Wonders and guardian of the great pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built, and of course enjoy the visit to the newly discovered the Sun Boats.Drive to Sakkara, a vast desert necropolis built for kings and nobles, and its “Stairway to the Sky,” the oldest of all pyramids. Also admire the special tomb of Mary Loca and the Step Pyramid.


Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Guided Excursion to the pyramids this evening features a Sound and Light Show complete with historical stories and secrets of the Sphinx.


Day 3 CAIRO

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Ancient Cairo, a Boy King, and the Christ Child

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Enjoy a guided visit to the now-famous Tahrir Square and visit the Egyptian Museum. Peruse King Tutankhamun’s fabulous treasures and many other priceless artifacts of ancient Egypt. Drive to walled city of Old Cairo, with Saladin’s 12th-century citadel, and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Drive to “Coptic Cairo” to see the Hanging Church where the Virgin Mary and Jesus sought refuge while in Egypt. Walk to see Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue, founded in the 9th century.


* Note: upon its opening in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.

Day 4 CAIRO–LUXOR (EMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum
Fly 300 miles up the Nile Valley to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise.

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

See the stunning monuments of Luxor and Karnak, ancient cities whose combined populations swelled to more than one million. Walk among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amun Ra and along the Avenue of the Sphinxes for an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.


Consider an Optional Guided Excursion to enjoy the sound and light show in Karnak Temple.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LUXOR


Day 5 LUXOR–EDFU

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Royal Resting Places of Kings and Queens

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Venture to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile where generations of pharaohs and nobles were entombed in cliffside crypts. See where 62 royal tombs have thus far been discovered, of which one was virtually intact—the splendid tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922. Visit Deir El-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut’s monumental rock temple. Stop for pictures at the two Colossi of Memnon guarding the valleys.


OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN EDFU


Day 6 EDFU–KOM OMBO–ASWAN

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Egyptian Gods of the River and Sky

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

This morning visit the Temple of Horus with its menacing black stone statue of the falcon god. Enjoy beautiful Kom Ombo for a short walk to its bluff-top twin temples. The right side is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra, while the left side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus.Enjoy a leisurely sail to Aswan.


Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Enjoy an exclusive lecture on this ancient civilization by your Egyptologist.


OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ASWAN


Day 7 ASWAN

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Temples from Above and Islands Below
This morning, consider a Guided Optional Excursion with a flight over the huge massive sandstone temples of Abu Simbel (weather permitting).

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Board a Felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) and cross the blue waters of the Nile. En route, see the ancient water measurement system, “Nilometer,” on the Nile’s Elephantine Island. Visit Kitchener Island’s lush Botanical Gardens and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum on the left bank.


Join an Optional Excursion to the Sound and Light show in Philae Temple.
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ASWAN


Day 8 ASWAN (DISEMBARKATION)–CAIRO

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Work in Progress and the Goddess Isis

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Join a Guided Sightseeing Excursion at to explore the Granite Quarries that supplied ancient Egypt with its hard stones for the pyramids in Giza. See the famous unfinished obelisk, still remaining in the quarry. Visit the gigantic Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970. Board a motor launch to the island of Agilika between the two dams. Visit the Temple Of Isis, which was dismantled from the submerged island of Philae and reassembled here.


Board your flight back to Cairo later today, and consider attending an Optional Dinner Cruise on the Nile to celebrate your Egyptian adventure.

Day 9 CAIRO

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Amazing Palaces and Marketplace Mazes

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Enjoy a special tour of the world’s widest open-air museum to admire palaces and mosques. Browse the maze of shops in the vast labyrinths of the Khan al Khali Souk bazaar and Medieval alleyways. Take in a full panoramic view of Cairo from the Nile River—on board a traditional wooden sailing vessel (Felucca). Discover Cairo by night on an orientation tour in the old city.


Day 10 CAIRO

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements.  Request a callback or email us.

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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Ship details

MS Farah

In Arabic, Farah means Happiness and Joy. In keeping with the Avalon difference in keeping our guests happy from start to finish, your Nile River cruise features the MS Farah river cruise ship-one of Egypt's most elite ships on the Nile. Cruise in style and comfort, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in the Egyptian landscapes. The MS Farah ship offers 60 deluxe cabins and 2 Royal Suites that feature style and comfort with oversized windows that are virtually wall-sized. Deluxe staterooms feature spacious, well-appointed bathrooms with the luxury you crave-including a full bathtub. Like the Farah's impeccable staterooms, her Royal Suites are sleek and comfortable with the finest of amenities, while featuring a separate, comfortable sitting area with its own immense sliding window. Enjoy ample closet space, mini bar, Internet, hair dryer, individual climate control, smoke detector and sprinkler system safety features, personal safe, LCD television, personalized pillow selections, and handmade Egyptian cotton sheets. Avalon insists on the best view and the best crew to treat you like royalty while exploring the treasures of the pharaohs on this Nile River cruise!

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Royal Suite (Suite)
430 - sq.ft - (Wheel H.)
  • Bathtub
  • LCD TV
  • Mini bar
  • Private safe box
  • Internet connection
  • Private bathroom
  • Hairdryer
  • Individually controlled air-conditioned system
  • Pillow menu included: you will be able to choose from a range of soft, water pillow, orthopedic, spongy pillows
  • Large panoramic window
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. A, P)
239 - sq.ft - (Main,Second,Wheel H.)
  • Bathtub
  • LCD TV
  • Mini bar
  • Private safe box
  • Internet connection
  • Private bathroom
  • Hairdryer
  • Individually controlled air-conditioned system
  • Pillow menu included: you will be able to choose from a range of soft, water pillow, orthopedic, spongy pillows
  • Large panoramic window
Deck Plans
MS Farah deck plan
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dates & prices

Hotels

It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative, similar standard, hotels to those shown

Marriott Mena House

Marvel at the wondrous beauty of the ancient Pyramids from the magical setting of this luxurious 523-room hotel which is just a 5 minute drive away from the Giza Pyramid Complex and Great Sphinx. Originally a hunting lodge, this historic property has played host to Monarchs, dignitaries, and celebrities for over 130 years and its interiors of today reflect this rich history with original works of art and antiques. Upscale air-conditoned guestrooms offer a taste of modern luxury with indulgent bedding, marble bathrooms, coffee/tea making facilities, and in-room safes. There is a large outdoor swimming pool (heated during the winter months), a 24-hour gym, and a spa. Dining options include seven restaurants and bars offering everything from relaxed Italian cuisine to delicious oriental and Indian specialities. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.

Location

6 Pyramids Rd PO Box 12556, Giza, Cairo, Egypt

Marriott Mena House

Hotel Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Pool
  • Spa Services
  • Currency Exchange
  • Free WiFi
  • Business Center
  • Ice Machine
  • ATM
  • Parking/Valet
  • Fitness Room
  • Hot Tub
  • Concierge desk
  • Laundry Available
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Beauty Salon
  • Luggage Storage
  • Elevator

Room Facilities

  • Mini-bar
  • Alarm Clock
  • Coffee Maker
  • Complimentary Newspaper
  • Disabled Access / Rooms
  • Air Conditioning
  • Climate Control
  • Wake-Up Calls
  • Room Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Cable/Satellite
  • Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Pay Movies
  • Smoking Rooms
  • Television
  • Phone
  • Window Opens
  • Voicemail
  • Internet Access
  • Non-smoking Rooms
  • In-Room Safe
  • Desk
  • Complimentary Toiletries

Hilton Heliopolis

The Hilton Heliopolis is conveniently located in Heliopolis, a prestigious modern neighborhood that is home to diplomats and politicians. This 589-room resort style hotel has lush outdoor gardens and offers easy access to all of Cairo's mysterious wonders and historical gems with free Wi-Fi available throughout the property. Spacious air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board, tea/coffee making facilities, and an in-room safe. Dining options are limitless with a choice of 18 different restaurants and bars serving cuisines from all corners of the world ranging from light snacks at the pool bar to Middle Eastern delicacies served with live entertainment. Leisure amenities include a wellness spa, beauty salon, two outdoor swimming pools (one heated), a fitness center, and outdoor tennis/squash courts.

Location

El-Orouba Qism El-Nozha Cairo Gov, Cairo, Egypt

Hilton Heliopolis

Hotel Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Pool
  • Currency Exchange
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry Available
  • ATM
  • Luggage Storage
  • Concierge desk
  • Ice Machine
  • Parking/Valet
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Business Center
  • Hot Tub
  • Fitness Room
  • Spa Services
  • Elevator
  • Beauty Salon

Room Facilities

  • Alarm Clock
  • Wake-Up Calls
  • Cable/Satellite
  • Phone
  • Coffee Maker
  • Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
  • Disabled Access / Rooms
  • In-Room Safe
  • Mini-bar
  • Air Conditioning
  • Desk
  • Television
  • Voicemail
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Pay Movies
  • Complimentary Toiletries
  • Climate Control
  • Smoking Rooms
  • Window Opens
  • Non-smoking Rooms
  • Room Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet Access
  • Complimentary Newspaper
See staterooms,
dates & prices