Egypt Tours and Cruises

THE WEST BANK LUXOR

Across the Nile from Luxor’s majestic temples lie the magnificent mortuary complexes of the West Bank. Here the barren hills that overlook the fertile plains of the Nile Valley hide the final resting places of some of Egypt’s most renowned Pharaohs: Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses II, as well as the equally elaborate tombs of their queens and consorts. The Valleys of the Kings and Queens contain some of the most intricate and beautiful workmanship ever revealed, presenting a unique insight into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The workers’ village at Deir el-Medina, meanwhile, unearths some quite extraordinary facets of life amongst the ordinary artisans and masons hired to build these remarkable tombs.....

THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Without doubt, hosting the most comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, the expansive galleries of the Cairo Museum contain a staggering 120,000 exhibits, encompassing a unique wealth of ancient treasures, from delicately ornate jewellery and towering granite statues, to the mummified remains of the ancient Pharaohs. Its most prized possessions though must surely be the treasures of Tutankhamun himself, including the magnificent golden funerary mask of the boy-king, which, along with the exquisite collection of artefacts unearthed by Howard Carter in 1922, ranked amongst the greatest of all archaeological finds.....

KARNAK TEMPLE

The magnificent Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak represents one of the finest memorials in Egypt to the grandiose designs of the pharaohs. Dating from the 2nd millennium BC it is a structure of exceptional splendour, approached by an avenue of sphinxes and filled with a dazzling array of temples and chambers, obelisks and halls that spans the cultural zenith of ancient Thebes, presenting one of the highlights to any journey down the beguiling Nile Valley.....

ABU SIMBEL

Constructed in the 13th century BC by Ramses II, Abu Simbel is one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites, built to convey the might of the Pharaohs to Egypt’s southern neighbours. Even today, lying beside the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser, this magnificent temple complex conveys an immense aura of power and majesty that is a lasting tribute to the reign of one of Egypt’s most powerful Pharaohs. No less remarkable is the incredible effort taken to rescue it from the rising waters of the lake in 1963, when an $80 million project saw the entire complex relocated to a site some 65 metres higher than its original setting, in a truly remarkable feat of archaeological engineering. An optional excursion by air from Aswan costs from £155 per person. The flight takes 45 minutes each way and the visit to the temples lasts about an hour.....

BALLOON FLIGHTS OVER LUXOR

Drift over Luxor and Western Thebes by the award-winning hot air balloons of the Hod Hod Soliman company. Float in the ethereal light of the early morning above this magnificent area, a never-to-be-forgotten experience. The balloons operate throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. Price £85 per person. Please ask for details.....

THE RED SEA

The spectacular marine life, clear warm waters and captivating corals of the Red Sea make this stretch of water one of the world’s meccas for divers and water enthusiasts. Its reefs are unequalled anywhere, stretching for 2,000 kilometres along the coastline and boasting some 200 varieties of coral that provide a rich and colourful haven for over 1,500 species of fish, sharks, turtles and rays, some found nowhere else on earth.....

MENA HOUSE OBEROI HOTEL CAIRO

Located close to the Great Pyramid, this is Egypt’s most historic hotel. Built originally as a hunting lodge by the King of Egypt, it was meticulously renovated by the Oberoi Group. The hotel combines the best of the old and the new with its arabesque Islamic design and furnishings plus all the modern comforts and conveniences of a deluxe hotel. The hotel also features a large swimming pool set in 40 acres of gardens.....

TEMPLE OF PHILAE

The Temple of Isis on the beautiful island setting of Philae is without doubt one of Egypt’s most enchanting sites. Dedicated to the cult of the sister/ consort of the God Osiris, the temple rose to prominence during the Ptolemaic period. As with Abu Simbel, the building of Aswan’s High Dam threatened the temple’s continued existence, until it was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground.....

ASWAN

Aswan is an eclectic mix of Arabic, Coptic and Nubian influences, which has left it with a unique and vibrant culture that sits perfectly with some of antiquities most impressive monuments. Egypt’s most southerly city, the romance of Aswan’s exotic location is perfectly matched by the classic surroundings of the Old Cataract Hotel, set on a rocky cliff top overlooking the waters of the Nile.....

CRUISING ON LAKE NASSER

A cruise on Lake Nasser differs from a Nile river cruise. For those in search of relaxation, it offers wonderful desert landscapes, with the colours changing dramatically as the day wears on; sunsets and sunrises in particular can be spectacular. Many of the monuments can only be visited from Lake Nasser – there is no access by road – and there is no doubt that arriving by water to visit Abu Simbel is an unforgettable experience.....

SIWA OASIS

A lush and fertile island amidst a sea of sand, Siwa is the ultimate ideal of a desert oasis. Its date and palm groves are fed by the waters of some 300 freshwater springs and its people still retain the fierce independence and traditions of their Berber ancestors. Famed throughout antiquity as the home of the great oracle of Jupiter Amun, it was to here that Alexander the Great trekked for eight days, across the open desert in order to seek confirmation that he was the son of Zeus. Today’s oasis still retains the feel of a remote desert outpost and the steep, winding streets of the fortified ghost town of Shali evoke a powerful vision of life amongst the desert sands. Siwan handicrafts – long admired and sought after for their fine details – and ornate jewellery are becoming increasingly rare these days.....

ALEXANDRIA

Home to Cleopatra and the most spectacular library of antiquity, the city of Alexander the Great – founded in 331 BC – has been a crossroads for trade and culture for nearly 2,500 years. A stay at the historic Sofitel Cecil Hotel, overlooking the eastern harbour, affords the perfect base to explore something of this cultural hybrid on the shores of the Mediterranean.....

Nostalgic Nile Dahabiyya

Our dahabiyyas offer some of the most authentic sailing experiences on the Nile, the regal elegance of these charming boats recreate the leisurely spirit of an age unhurried and intimate exploration. Each boat offers guests comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities and colonial period furniture, whilst a large communal lounge and shaped upper deck area provide ideal venues for relaxing contemplation.....

Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Situated in Giza, overlooking the Pyramids, the Mena Garden is part of the famous Mena House Hotel, and is set in 40 acres of delightful grounds. A deluxe hotel, amenities include a selection of restaurants offering oriental and international cuisine, nightclub, swimming pool, golf course and tennis courts. All Garden Wing rooms are attractively furnished and overlook the Pyramids or the gardens; all rooms are fully air-conditioned with private bath and toilet, balcony, telephone and television. The hotel accepts payment by major credit cards for personal hotel bills. ....

Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel

he Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel opened in 1899 and was considered to be one of the most romantic of Egypt's hotels. Overlooking the Nile, across from the legendary Elephantine Island the Old Cataracts elegant architecture combines with its interior décor, influenced by the Orient. This unique hotel inspired the Agatha Christie novel, Death on the Nile and its guest list bears witness to its perennial appeal: Tsar Nicholas II, Sir Winston Churchill, the Shah of Iran, King Farouk, and more recently Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter and Princess Diana. After a long period of closure the hotel is reopening in September 2011. The Nile Wing accommodation includes 62 units 25 rooms and 37 suites. These rooms all have a private terrace overlooking the Nile and are furnished in a blend of both modern and historical elegance. Facilities include LCD TV, marble bathroom, shower, bathtub, and French amenities. The Oriental Kebabgy Restaurant is a Mediterranean restaurant with a spectacular terrace ov....

Four Seasons First Residence

The Four Seasons First Residence is a sanctuary on the west bank of the Nile, at the centre of the prestigious new First Residence shopping and residential complex. The Hotel's 269 guest rooms and suites, the largest in the city, take full advantage of the diverse setting with dramatic views. From each room guests will enjoy a spectacular view of either the Nile, Giza plateau or the Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The Hotel is at the center of the First Residence apartments and shops on the west bank of the Nile. All rooms are air conditioned with private bathroom and room facilities include TV, CD player, hairdryer, mini bar, safe, tea and coffee maker, wireless internet access. Located on the fourth floor, is the open-air pool sitting on top of the podium that links the hotel and residential towers. The podium also houses the shopping mall. Facilities include a well-equipped exercise room, a rooftop pool terrace and the cities largest Spa and Wellness Centre.....

Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer

The newly renovated Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer is an exquisite 5* cruise boat which offers intimate and relaxed cruising on the Nile River. The boat has just 32 beautifully designed cabins which are spacious and modern with exceptional bathrooms which are the hallmark of each cabin. Comprised within the 32 cabins are 2 presidential suites with offers exceptional luxury and space. Dinning onboard is a highlight with a mixture of a la Carte menus, buffets and barbeques; all cuisine is prepared by gourmet chefs and is of an exceptional standard. The public areas are fitted with luxurious furniture and oriental ornaments that beautifully reflect Egypt’s perfect mix of East and West. The sun deck, with its bamboo seats and teak floors, is the perfect place for sipping on a cocktail while floating past the beauty and serenity of Upper Egypt’s timeless landscapes. The vibrant, contrasting colours of the lounge are a great backdrop for lively evening conversation and afternoon gatherings.....

Movenpick Hotel

The Movenpick Hotel in Aswan is a medium grade property situated in its own private gardens on Elephantine Island in central Aswan. A courtesy hotel ferry plies the two minute crossing day and night between the mainland and the hotel. In addition to private bathrooms, rooms have telephone, radio, air-conditioning and a balcony. Hotel facilities include a shop, hairdresser, swimming pool and tropical gardens. The restaurant often features buffet menus, which generally include a selection of international, Indian and Egyptian specialities. Other facilities include the health centre, with a wide range of amenities at a reasonable charge including jacuzzi, sauna, sandbaths and fully equipped gymnasium. Please note that this hotel, formerly the Aswan Oberoi, was taken over by the Movenpick Group in 2004, and some changes may be made during the course of the year; the information given is correct at the time of writing. (www.movenpick.com) ....

Oberoi Zahra

Oberoi’s brand new flagship, the Oberoi Zahra is the only luxury cruiser on the Nile with 3 massage suites, offering unrivalled luxury in combination with the breathtaking majesty of the Nile Valley. Its 25 beautifully appointed and spacious deluxe cabins offer timber floors, stylish interiors and panoramic views, whilst gourmet cuisine and a range of wellness options afford a quite unique and unforgettable cruising experience. The facility of private docking ensures guests on board the Oberoi Zahra a relaxed experience while getting on and off the boat.....

Eugenie

The first ship to sail Lake Nasser, the Eugenie launched a new era of tourism, offering travellers fresh vistas of Egypt’s natural beauty and archaeological treasures. Lake Nasser extended the boundaries of Egypt’s tourist possibilities, while the Eugenie reminds us of this ancient country’s endless capacity for renewal. The Eugenie was proudly named to evoke an historic event in Egypt’s recent past: the grand opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, attended by the crown heads of Europe including the Empress Eugenie of France. The completion of the Suez Canal marked Egypt’s passage into modernity, and a new era of international trade and interaction. The Eugenie was constructed in the style of a turn-of-the-century Nile steamship. Each of the 52 fully air-conditioned cabins are tastefully furnished with en suite facilities. Amenities include a lounge and bar area, small swimming pool, Jacuzzi and health club facility for sauna, restaurant and sundeck. ....

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is the most luxurious resort in the Hurghada area on the Red Sea. A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is located on 24 acres of private beach, with a panoramic view of the clear blue sea and silver sands, the hotel's design has been adapted from the local Islamic architecture; its unique combination of domes, arches and columns creates a breathtaking impression. Guest accommodation includes 90 deluxe suites, 8 Grand Suites and 6 Royal Suites. Leisure facilities include the swimming pool, fitness centre and Banyan Tree Spa. There is an in-house diving centre. Ideal for those who want to get away from it all the resort is located approximately 25 minutes from downtown Hurghada.....

Sofitel Cecil Hotel

For our stay in the Mediterranean port of Alexandria we have chosen the venerable Sofitel Cecil Hotel, overlooking the eastern harbour. Built in 1929, and renovated 3 years ago, the Cecil has 86 rooms. Period features include the traditional wrought-iron lift, but the rooms themselves have modern facilities. The hotel has 3 restaurants: the lobby level Le Jardin, where buffet breakfast is served, as well as lunch and dinner, the more formal Plat d’Or Grill Room, and the rooftop Italian restaurant. Monty’s Bar is located on the first floor. (www.sofitel.com/sofitel) ....

Villa Belle Époque

Villa Belle Époque is Cairo's first truly boutique hotel, this 1920s house is located in the Maadi suburb set among a garden of date palms and fruit trees. The property has been tastefully converted, featuring period furnishing and its own private contemporary art collection. The property has 13 luxury rooms each with its own distinctive period décor. Relax by the inviting swimming pool, sipping a cool drink during the day or retire to the authentic fire place during cold winter evenings. The spacious gardens offer ample space for outdoor dining allowing you to soak up the ambience.....

Al Moudira

Al Moudira was designed with traditionally styled architecture incorporating actual pieces saved from old Egyptian buildings. Designed by Egyptian architects and constructed using local material, Al Moudira took almost two-and-a-half years to build. It has a panoramic backdrop of mountains and the Valley of the Queens, bordered by the desert on one side and agricultural land on the other. There are 54 rooms in the hotel which are grouped into units of four or more which open onto a private courtyard with lush greenery, a fountain and a comfortable shaded sitting area. Each room carries a different Arab theme or period, including Pharaonic designs. Columns and archways add to the Oriental feel. Frescoes depicting Arabic artwork and styles decorate the walls. All of the rooms have satellite TV and air-conditioning.....

Having lived in Egypt in my early twenties I always feel like I am returning to my second home when I arrive in Egypt. From the moment I get off the plane its intricacies make me smile, the organised chaos of the driving rules and the persistence of vendors are a marvel of the Arabic world topped only by their elaborate greetings of Sabah El Fol (morning of flowers) and Sabah El Ishta (morning of cream). I love the sights and sounds of Cairo but always love to make it down to Aswan where life is a little slower. For me a trip to Egypt would not be complete without a trip to the Red Sea, having dived all over the world I still return here whenever I can and can say with confidence that some of the worlds best diving is located in the warm waters off the Egyptian coast. So whether you are looking for culture, history or relaxation Egypt has something for you. - Tom Grimes