Nile River Cruises

The Nostalgic Nile - cruise the River Nile in the leisurely style of yesteryear

A totally new concept of cruising on the Nile River. Return to the bygone days and sail in a newly built craft recreating the 19th century aristocratic way of cruising the River Nile.The cruise includes Cairo (3 nights); cruising on the Zahra or Nesma (7 nights) visiting Luxor, Karnak, Medinet Habu, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae and Cairo (1 night)

Special Offer
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays discount Book now and save £50ppTerms and conditions apply

This is an entirely different way of sailing on the Nile to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt.

In the 19th century aristocrats and sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in style in the comfort of their private ‘dahabiyyas’, beautifully crafted wooden ships with from four to ten cabins and a host of servants.

They rented the boats for days or weeks at a time, and made their way from temple to temple enjoying the river breeze.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Dahabiyyas were popular amongst those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks.

We have revived those elegant days, but with modern comforts and conveniences.

Zahra Upper Deck

Our dahabiyyas – Zahra, Nesma, Amber and Musk are exclusive to us and our partners, and you will not find anything similar offered by any other tour operator in the United Kingdom.

Join us on an idyllic, tranquil journey on a sailboat fit for a king or queen!

More information about traditional Dahabiyyas

W205: Cruise Departure Dates 2010/11
2010: Aug 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29;
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24;
Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 29;
2011: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26; Feb 2, 9, 16, 23;
Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr 6, 13, 20, 27
W205: Nostalgic Nile 2010/11£ price per person
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays discount Book now and save £50pp
Terms and conditions apply
Prices are per person, based on 2 adults sharing a twin room.
Prices shown are the best priced dahabiyya. There may also be availability on a different dahabiyya at a higher price for the same date
Optional excursions: Abu Simbel by air: from £195pp. Day 5 Balloon Flight Over Luxor from £85pp
Airfare supplements: Club World supplement from £860, World Traveller Plus supplement from £270. Please contact us for details.
The cruise price includes
  • Scheduled direct flights, including all U.K. and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges
  • Exclusive experienced English-speaking guide on board the dahabiyyas
  • Exclusive private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
  • Sightseeing as detailed, including entrance fees
  • Tipping is included for transfers, porters, the private guide and crew on board the dahabiyya
  • Modern first class hotels
  • Exclusive ‘dahabiyya’. 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.
  • Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included on the cruise
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706532
International: +44 1756 706532
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706532
International: +44 1756 706532

Luxor to Aswan Itinerary
Day 1
London to Cairo

Afternoon non-stop flight by British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 40 mins). On arrival you will be met by our representative and taken direct to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel (Garden Wing), the nearest hotel to the Pyramids of Giza. We have a limited number of Pyramid View rooms at no supplement. These will be allocated according to the order of booking.

Day 2
Cairo

We have left the time in Cairo free. Our representatives can offer a variety of optional excursions in and around this great city. Not to be missed are the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, easily reached from your hotel, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in the centre of Cairo and the superb monuments at ancient Memphis and Saqqara. Meals: B

Day 3
Cairo

We have left the time in Cairo free. Our representatives can offer a variety of optional excursions in and around this great city. Meals: B

Day 4
Luxor

Today fly to Luxor (1 hour, 5 minutes) and embark on the Musk, your exclusive 'dahabiyya', for a relaxing week spent cruising on the Nile. Visit Luxor's East Bank, taking time to explore the magnificent setting of the Luxor Temple. This sumptuous monument was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner. Overnight mooring in Luxor. Meals: B L D

Day 5
Valleys of Kings and Queens, Karnak

There is the option of rising at dawn to take a hot air balloon flight over Luxor. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see "Pre Bookable Extensions & Excursions"). This morning visit the West Bank and enter the atmospheric setting of the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the once mighty pharaohs lie amongst the desert landscapes of the Nile Valley. Also pay a visit to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, passing the imposing Colossi of Memnon en route. After lunch return to Luxor's East Bank to explore the Karnak Temple. Built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak's immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner and overnight mooring on the Nile banks of Luxor. Meals: B L D

Day 6
Esna

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey to Esna where you will pass through the lock and overnight at your private mooring near Esna. Meals: B L D

Day 7
Edfu

Today your voyage continues, with a visit to the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed in the 3rd century BC and, after Karnak, the largest temple in Egypt. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island. Meals: B L D

Day 8
Kom Ombo

Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Ptolemaic temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods - the falcon god Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Its superb location overlooking the Nile and perfect double symmetry make this one of the most picturesque on the river. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island. Meals: B L D

Day 9
Aswan

A final morning of cruising will bring us to Aswan, where we have the afternoon to relax. Overnight at a private mooring near Aswan. Meals: B L D

Day 10
High Dam, Philae Temple

Today we will visit the High Dam, Old Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Return to the boat for lunch. Once more overnight at your private mooring near Aswan. Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Cairo

Today bid farewell to the crew and disembark the boat after breakfast, with an opportunity to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air, before the EgyptAir flight back to Cairo (1 hour 25 minutes). Built by Ramses II, the setting of this magnificent structure, besides the shores of Lake Nasser, makes it one of the most spectacular of Egypt's ancient sites. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see "Pre Bookable Extensions & Excursions"). On arrival in Cairo transfer to the Sonesta Cairo Hotel and Casino. Meals: B

Day 12
Cairo to London Heathrow

Morning non-stop flight by British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon. Meals: B

The cruise also operates the reverse itinerary from Aswan to Luxor. Please note that the exact sequence of sightseeing and sites visited may be altered to suit local conditions, the water level and lock closures. Due to mooring restrictions along the Nile, boats may have to tie up alongside each other.

Nesma Sundeck

Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706532
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you  book your holiday through us.