Archives for November 3, 2017

Enjoy EXCLUSIVE use of the stunning Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya for up to 12 people!  Perfect for a large family, multi-generation travel or a special occasion.

Agatha Christie set Death on the Nile at the cataracts of Aswan. It’s likely she opted to travel the Nile in a dahabiya.

For your classic Nile cruise the old-world charm of these river-going sailboats is perfect. This is how aristocrats travelled in the relaxed age of Egyptian monarchs (1920-40).

The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is today’s luxury dahabiya. Effortlessly blending old-world elegance with modern comforts, you’ll feel thoroughly spoiled as you explore the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt. With just six cabins it’s ideal for a group or family trip. This classic Nile cruise is executed with elegance and flair.

Holiday Length: 7 nights

Day 1 to 3: UK – Luxor

Fly overnight to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your private dahabiya, the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau.  Your own crew and Egyptologist, awaits. Your classic Nile cruise begins at the Temple of Karnak and its halls of giant pillars. The spectacular 3km corridor of Sphinxes magnetically draws you into the Temple of Luxor. Gain a fast-track lesson in Egyptian antiquities at the Luxor Museum before returning to your dahabiya and trading ancient splendour for timeless elegance.

A trip to the West Bank takes you to the Valley of the Kings, home of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber. You’ll also find the temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and have the chance to admire the artwork on the walls of the stonemason’s homes in nearby Deir El Medina.

Day 4 & 5: Luxor – Esna – El Kan – Edfu

Enjoy breakfast onboard your dahabiya while cruising up river to Esna. Once there and after lunch, your Egyptologist will guide you around the Temple of Khnum at Esna, devoted to the crocodile god. Afternoon tea and views of the Nile are the order of the day as you relax onboard afterwards.

In the morning of day 5, set sail for El Kab to visit the prehistoric and Pharaonic settlements, rock-cut tombs of the early 18th Dynasty, remains of temples dating from the Early Dynastic period, as well as part of the walls of a Coptic monastery. Continue on to Edfu and the Temple of Horus – the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. Your final destination today will be El Fawaza, where you’ll moor overnight.

 

Day 6: Silsila – Kom Ombo

Sail on to Jabal Silsila in the morning over breakfast. After visiting the ancient sandstone quarries, cruise over lunch to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, your Egyptologist will show you the Temple of Kom Ombo, a temple devoted to two gods – Sobek and Horus the Elder. As such, all the hallways, doors and chambers here are duplicated symmetrically. You’ll overnight moored at a nearby island.

Day 7 to 9: Aswan – UK

You set sail this morning for Aswan. In the afternoon, visit the spice market followed by a visit to the Nubian Museum. Called the Land of Gold by the ancient Egyptians, Nubia extended from Aswan in the north to Sudan in the south, and had its own distinct culture and language.

On day 8 at Aswan, the choice is yours. Visit Philae Temple, which stands proud on Agilkia Island and is devoted to Isis, the goddess of purity. Take a trip to the half-hewn Unfinished Obelisk at the nearby granite quarries. Explore the Temple of Kalabsha, built by the Romans around 30 BC. Whatever you choose, a gourmet on-board dinner and spectacular sunset awaits you.

 

On your final morning after breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London.

Best time to go: September to May

Price: From £1,895pp for 7 nights cruise based on 12 people travelling together

If you wanted to hire the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya exclusively for 4 nights and include it in a larger itinerary, then this element would be available from as low as £700pp (based on 12 travelling), inc FB and guided tours, for a 4 night cruise as part of a tailored FIT package.

The price shown is a guide. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Please do provide us with your chosen dates and we can provide a more accurate cost – 01428 658777

 

 

 

Explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt as you marvel at pyramids, discover temples, stroll through medieval streets, bustle in bazaars and cruise down the majestic River Nile. Your own private Egyptologist will be on hand to unravel all the mysteries of classical Egypt as you follow in archaeologist Howard Carter’s footsteps and peek inside Tutankhamun’s final resting place in the Valley of the Kings.

Holiday Length: 10 days

Days 1 to 3: Cairo

You will be met at at Cairo International Airport and take you to Fairmont Nile City, a centrally located hotel with views of the mighty river, the bustling city and the pyramids of Giza.

On day 2  you will plunge straight into the ancient world with a trip to Sakkara. Here there are hundreds of tombs and among the 14 pyramids is the oldest stone structure in the world: the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Having served your appetiser today’s main course is some of the most iconic monuments in the world. At the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids the ancient stonemasons’ feat of engineering will leave you speechless.

On day 3 a trip to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities will reveal the ancient mummies and opulent burial treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. You can explore the maze of medieval alleys in Cairo’s Old Town and visit Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, home to hundreds of tightly packed stalls selling a huge array of goods.

Day 4: Cairo to Luxor

Hop on a plane to Luxor and myriad more ancient wonders await you. The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV will transport you down the meandering Nile, past treasures and temples and ethereal landscapes. This will be your home for the next seven nights.

Day 5: The Nile is the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate the wonders of this ancient land. The banks of the river have set the scene for daily life for thousands of years, and today it can seem as though nothing has changed. Dendera is home to the Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor, complete with underground passages and pillars covered in inscriptions. Later, enjoy dinner on board, accompanied by traditional Egyptian dance. Note, this day may be done overland if water levels are low.

Day 6 & 7:  Luxor – Kom Ombo – Aswan

The Sun Boat IV will head south today, past the city of Esna, with its ancient Temple of Khnum. You’ll reach the Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god. After a day’s sightseeing, head back to the cool environs of the cruiser at Kom Ombo, for a delicious Egyptian supper.

Today you’ll head for Aswan and the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island. The temple didn’t start life here – it was moved when the Aswan Dam was constructed across the Nile, flooding its original home. Watching the sun set over the Nile from the deck of the Sun Boat IV has to be the perfect way to round off the day.

Day 8 & 9: Aswan – Kom Ombo

You get the chance to explore beautiful, ancient Aswan today. Right on the river, this city has been a place of strategic importance since antiquity. Today you can peruse its vibrant souks and take shade under the palm trees. Catch a single-sail felucca and visit some of the small islands around here, which are home to some important ruins.

We head back up the river and the Temple Kom Ombo now, home of 300 mummified crocodiles dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. When you return to the Sun Boat IV this evening, take your time relaxing and getting ready for dinner – an Egyptian banquet awaits.

Day 10: Nom Ombo – Luxor

We’re coming to the end of the trip, but there’s still much to see and do. Your Egyptologist will guide you through the Temple of Karnak. After lunch, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered nearly 100 years ago. Over at the Valley of the Queens is the resting place of the female pharaoh, Hatshepsut.

Day 11: Luxor – UK

After breakfast, you’ll be transported to the airport so you can catch your flight back to the UK.

Best time to go: September to May

Price: From £2,325pp

The price shown is a guide – based on two people sharing and generally includes economy flights. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Please do provide us with your chosen dates and we can provide a more accurate cost – 01428 658777

NB: Gemma took a very similar trip in October 2017.  She stayed 2 nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons First Residence followed by 3 nights cruise on the Sun Boat IV – a shorter itinerary to above.  This itinerary would be from £1,775pp