Description
Mon: Luxor
8.00pm: Get settled into your cabin for the start of your Egyptian adventure. Take this opportunity to get acquainted with your home for the next 7 nights, then as night falls, the ship sets sail.
Tue: Luxor - Karnak and Luxor Temple (boat to Esna)
A full day of adventures, visiting some of Egypt's most beguiling and ancient sites. First stop is the Karnak and Luxor Temples that are shadows of their former selves, but as you wander around the vast statues, towering columns and decorated walls that remain, you will appreciate their original ornate grandeur. After this visit, you'll catch the boat at Esna for the overnight cruise to Edfu.
Wed: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple
You'll pay a visit to the wondrous Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed God, Horus, which gets a generous amount of sunlight throughout the day. Admire its magnificent construction and look out for a variety of battle and religious inscriptions on the walls as you explore its library, sanctuary and numerous other chambers. Then it's time to sail onto Kom Ombo and visit its memorable temple perched on a high dune overlooking the Nile. Afterwards, it's back to the boat to sail towards Aswan.
Thu: Aswan
Another full day of exploring with a visit to the famous 111-metre high Aswan Dam, a major feat of engineering. This will be followed by a trip to the unfinished obelisk and Philae Temple, known as the 'pearl of Egypt', moved brick by brick to make way for the dam. After lunch, you'll enjoy a felucca ride across the ancient Nile River. Overnight in Aswan.
Fri: Abu Simbel
After breakfast, there's an optional trip to the famous Abu Simbel. This 3,200-year-old temple, carved out of a mountainside, is one of the best preserved and most magnificent temples in Egypt, taking 25,000 workers 25 years to complete. You then have free time until you set sail for Kom Ombo, at 2.00pm.
Sat: Esna - Luxor
In the morning, you'll enjoy a visit to the West Bank of the Nile, taking in the lush vistas and buying a few local souvenirs. Then you'll sail onwards to Luxor via Esna.
Sun: West Bank - Luxor
Explore the sights and sounds of Luxor's West Bank in the morning, then in the afternoon, you can choose to relax in the sun or enjoy another shore visit.
Mon: Disembark in Luxor
All too soon your Egyptian adventure has drawn to a close and you're back to dry land for your return to the UK.
M/S Darakum Ship Information
- 5-star Cruise Ship
- 5 Decks (4 Cabin Decks)
- 44 Cabins and 8 Suites, all with Panoramic Windows
- Large Restaurant
- Pub
- Luxurious Lounge and Bar
- Disco
- Recreation Area
- Swimming Pool
- Sun Deck
- Library
- Reading and Playing Room
- Gift Shop
- Mini-gym
- Laundry
- Cabins with either Twin or a King-size Bed
- En-suite Bathroom with Bath
- Hairdryer
- Mini-bar
- Satellite TV
- Air-conditioning
- Safety Deposit Box
Stay and Cruise Options
This Nile cruise departs from Luxor every Mon night, and is a great opportunity to journey back in time and discover the fascinating land of the pharaohs. Why not make the most of your stay in Egypt by adding on a stay at an hotel in the city of Cairo or the Red Sea, before or after your Nile experience? We have our favourite stay and cruise options here but for a wider choice of hotels, visit virginholidays.com or call our specialist cruise team on 0844 557 3939.