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. A 7 night River Nile cruise on the Amber or Musk visiting Luxor, Karnak, Medinet Habu, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae

Special Offers
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays discount Book now and save £50ppTerms and conditions apply9 days for the price of 8 on Christmas departure - 18 Dec 2010

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 between four and 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.

Dahabiyya

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.

Sphinx and Pyramid

Our dahabiyyas – the 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!

Evening on the River Nile

More information about traditional Dahabiyyas

W227: Cruise Departure Dates 2010/11
2010: Aug 28; Sep 4, 11, 18, 25;
Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20, 27;
Dec 4, 11, 18, 26;
2011: Jan 2, 8, 15, 22, 29;
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5, 12, 19, 26;
Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
W227: Nostalgic Nile - 8 day cruise 2010/11£ price per person
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays discount Book now and save £50pp
Terms and conditions apply
9 days for the price of 8 on Christmas departure - 18 Dec 2010
Prices are per person, based on 2 adults sharing a twin room.
Optional excursion: Abu Simbel by air from £195pp. Day 6 Balloon Flight Over Luxor: from £85pp
Business Class airfare supplements: These are also available from £720 per person depending on departure date. Please contact us for details.
Art Cruise: The renowned artist Sherree Valentine Daines will be hosting an art cruise in 2010. Please call for further details.
Prices shown are the best priced dahabiyya. There may also be availability on a different dahabiyya at a higher price for the same date
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706532
International: +44 1756 706532
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706532
International: +44 1756 706532

Aswan - Luxor Itinerary
Day 1
London to Cairo and on to Aswan

Morning non-stop flight by bmi to Cairo (4 hours 40 minutes). On arrival you will connect with your EgyptAir flight to Aswan (1 hour, 25 minutes) and embark on the Amber, your exclusive ‘dahabiyya’, for a relaxing week spent cruising on the Nile. Overnight at the private mooring near Aswan. Meals: D

Day 2
Aswan and Abu Simbel option

This morning there is the opportunity to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air. 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. This afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at your private mooring near Aswan. Meals: B, L, D

Day 3
High Dam, Kom Ombo

Early this morning 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. Later you will 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 4
Edfu

This morning you will sail to Edfu where you will visit 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 5
Esna to Luxor

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey to Esna, cross the lock and onwards to Luxor, where the boat moors overnight. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6
Valley of the Kings and Queens

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?). Today cross over to the West Bank to visit the tombs of the Pharaohs, the romantic Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to your dahabiyya for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you will overnight at our mooring near Luxor. Meals: B, L, D

Day 7
Karnak

This morning your East Bank sightseeing begins with a visit to 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 the boat for lunch. Later this afternoon 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 8
Cairo to London Heathrow

Today bid farewell to the crew and disembark the boat after breakfast. Transfer to Luxor airport for your Egypt Air flight to Cairo (1 hour 5 minutes). On arrival in Cairo transfer to the Iberotel (formerly Le Passage Heliopolis) for lunch (at own expense). Return to the international terminal for your bmi flight to London Heathrow. Meals: B

The cruise also operates the reverse itinerary from Luxor to Aswan. 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. Note: Jan 10 2010 is a 7-day cruise; Jan 02 2011 is a 6-day cruise. Please contact us for details.

The upper deck on Amber

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 Amber/Musk
  • Exclusive private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
  • Sightseeing as detailed, including entrance fees
  • Tipping included for transfers, porters, the private guide and crew on board the dahabiyya
  • Exclusive ‘dahabiyya’. 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
  • Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included on the cruise
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.