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Escape to the ancient and natural wonders of exquisite Egypt
NILE CRUISE & Desert CURIOS
CRUISE AROUND THE CORNER
Egypt spans the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia forming part of the land bridge that is the Sinai Peninsula. Often considered the cradle of civilisation, its history and cultural heritage is a strong part of its national identity, stretching back to the 6th - 4th millennia BCE.
Climate plays a large part in its everyday existence, and Egypt is known as the driest, sunniest country on the globe. A dry hot wind, the Khamaseen, originating in the vast deserts to the south brings with it sand storms and intense heat, and blows for almost two months signalling the arrival of spring. The sand-dune vistas of the White and Black Desert are awesome by day, but turn magical at dusk. And their star studded night skies, reveal curious wind-worn sculptures of sparkling quartz and calcium at dawn.
Along the banks of the River Nile the land is fertile, and a variety of wildlife has learned to adapt to the harsh weather conditions. The largest wild animal that is found in Egypt is the Aoudad – a type of bearded sheep, along with the Dorcas Gazelle, the Fennec (a small, desert-dwelling fox), the Nubian Ibex, the Egyptian Hare, the Jerboa (a mouse type rodent with long hind legs used for jumping), the Caffre Cat, the Egyptian Mongoose, Egyptian Jackal, and a wide variety of lizards.
Egypt has a wealth of birdlife too, with more than 200 migrating types and in excess of 150 resident species. The Hooded Crow and the Black Kite are common, with birds of prey such as the Lanner Falcon, Kestrel, Lammergeiers and Golden Eagles living in the Eastern Desert. The Great White Egret, Cattle Egret and the Hoopoe (a bird with an erect fanlike crest) can be seen in the Nile valley and Al-Fayyūm.
Most people visit to see the ancient artefacts and monuments. The Giza Necropolis is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence, while the Great Sphinx, the ruins of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings are all magnificent spectacles. So much so the varied wildlife and stunning landscapes are often inadvertently overlooked by travellers keen to soak up the ancient culture, but so often provide those unforgettable moments of connection to a truly exquisite environment.
Brelade understands that our clients want to take the time to see the world from a different perspective – we create interesting and diverse itineraries whilst keeping the pace relaxed and standard high – just like the illustration below.
Knowledge: Our Operations Director, Laurence, has lived on the Arabian Peninsular, guiding in the desert and becoming well acquainted with the local culture. He is due to return to the area shortly – retracing some old routes, and discovering some new ones. He's the man to talk to about your next trip to the region!
OVERVIEW
Nights: 13
Price: from £3,000 per person [excluding international flights, and based on 2 people sharing]
A leisurely pace and personalised service makes this itinerary a truly luxurious way to enjoy an exquisite destination.
Journey down river in style – swim, sail and be entertained with music and dancing, before striking out beyond the crowds to experience the calm and beauty of the desert.
Complete your tour in Cairo, to ensure the ancient wonders and artefacts are ticked off your bucket list!
Perfect for :
- September to May
- Anniversaries, Honeymoons, Active Adventure
- Vistas, Photography, Birdspotting, History & Culture
- Rebalancing mind, body and spirit
WHAT YOU COULD SEE...
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Day by day...
Guests are greeted at Luxor International Airport and driven by air-conditioned limousine directly to the port where they will board the SS Misr, a luxury Nile steamer. Originally built by the British Royal Navy in 1918, the vessel was later repurposed for King Farouk – offering opulence and period charm along with a very personalised service across its 16 cabins, 8 suites, stylish bar, lounge gourmet restaurants, sundeck and pool.
Relax, swim and settle into your suite. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
After breakfast, guests will have the opportunity to visit the Valley of the Kings & Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (El-Deir El-Bahari), before returning to the boat for Lunch.
Guests have the afternoon free to relax and swim while the boat sets sail to it first port of call. Afternoon tea is served on board.
Following an evening cocktail party, guests will be served dinner before the vessel docks in Edfu, where it will anchor for the night.
After Breakfast, the vessel sails to its next port of call – Kom Ombo. Guests will have free time in the morning to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities. Following Lunch, guests will have the opportunity to visit Kom Ombo Temple.
A short sail to Aswan before Dinner, followed by a themed evening entertainment show.
After breakfast, guests have the opportunity to take a full morning's excursion to visit High Dam, the temple of Philae & the unfinished Obelisk, before returning for Lunch on board.
Afternoon activities include sailing a Felucca, which is a traditional riverboat, around Kitchener Island, before Afternoon Tea.
The vessel will overnight in Aswan. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared on board.
The vessel remains docked in Aswan where guests can enjoy the town and beach with swimming in the Nile.
All meals are available on board during the day.
The vessel sets sails early for the return trip up river, passing by Kom Ombo before breakfast, and then on to Edfu, where there is an opportunity for guests to visit the Edfu Temple.
Back on board, Afternoon Tea is served during the sail to Esna.
Dinner is served on board, followed by a themed entertainment show.
After Breakfast, the vessel sets sail to Luxor.
Following Lunch, guests have the opporunity to visit East Bank - Karnak & Luxor Temples.
Dinner is served on board, followed by a themed entertainment show.
Guests disembark after Breakfast on-board, and will be met on the dock by their English speaking Bedouin guide.
They will drive by 4x4 into the desert where they will stay in opulent Bedouin accommodation, dine on finely prepared meals using local produce in a stunning wilderness, and spend evenings relaxing around a camp fire. Lunches are served in small family owned village restaurants.
Guests will visit, trekking on foot, by camel and by 4x4, the White and Black Deserts, the Crystal Mountain, and the beautiful site of El Agabat, the Small and Big Valleys, and Ain Khadra.
Departing the desert, guests will be chauffeured to the capital city, Cairo where they will check into an internationally reknowned five star hotel.
In Cairo, Guests will have the opportunity to take private guided tours with priority viewing of the city by day and by night, including but not limited to short trips from Tahrir Square and the large Egyptian Museum, home of the royal mummies and Tutankhamun artefacts, Giza, the site of the iconic pyramids and Great Sphinx, dating to the 26th century BC. And of course in Gezira Island’s leafy Zamalek district, 187m Cairo Tower from which they can take in magnificent vistas across the city.
Fine-dining Dinners and Full Breakfasts will be served in the hotel.
After breakfast guests are driven by limousine to Cairo International Airport to return to their country of origin.
Back to your daily routines, but now the sights and sounds of the Nile river and desert beyond will never be out of your mind. Yes, it was that special, for some even life-changing. We look forward to hearing all about your adventures and we'll be here when you are ready to make the call and book your next trip.
All the best from the Brelade Travel team!
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