PLEASE NOTE: SINGLE OCCUPANCY CABINS NOW FULL
We travel in true AWT style there are no galabeya parties; there is no musak; there are no quizzes and only AWT passengers – like-minded travellers enjoying the serene beauty of the River Nile. Of course our world famous expert Dr Kent Weeks will be on hand to give us all the latest news on his work in Egypt.
Day 1
- Monday 02 May 2022
Fly London to Cairo with EgyptAir. On arrival in Cairo we transfer to our luxury cruiser the S/S Misr for fourteen nights on full board basis. This elegant, 5-star steam vessel, fully restored and air-conditioned, still retains its 19th century character and will be our home for the next fourteen nights.
Day 2
- Tuesday 03 May - to Giza
Today we head to the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramids and admire the mighty Sphinx. We return to the cruiser for lunch. Later we visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Day 3
- Wednesday 04 May - Sailing
Today is a wonderfully relaxing day on the river as we sail from Cairo towards the city of Beni Suef where we overnight. A day to sit on deck and watch the ever changing river banks as our captain navigates the river Nile.
Day 4
- Thursday 05 May - Meidum Pyramid
We begin our day exploring the spectacular Meidum Pyramid and the brick built mastabas nearby. There will be time to enter the pyramid for those who wish. We return to Misr for lunch and sail on for Minya where we moor for the night.
Day 5
- Friday 06 May - Beni Hassan and Tuna el Gebel
This morning we head to the superbly decorated rock-cut tomb-chapels of the local governors of Beni Hassan. Next, a rare chance to visit the V and VI Dynasty rock-cut tombs named after their excavator, Gary Frazer. We return to the boat for lunch and sail on to Amarna.
Day 6
- Saturday 07 May - Amarna
Today we explore Amarna, the amazing capital city of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. We will visit the Royal Tomb for Akhenaten, the Southern and Northern Tombs. Time also for the central city and the Great Temple of The Aten. We spend the day at this incredible site with a light lunch break back on the Misr at midday. We overnight at Tel el Amarna.
Day 7
- Sunday 08 May - Sailing to Asyut
A day to relax on the River Nile as we sail towards Asyut. A fantastic time for birdwatching, reading and taking afternoon tea on the sundeck. We have a lecture or two over the next two days that are entirely given over to sailing south. We moor at Asyut for the night.
Day 8
- Monday 09 May - Sailing to Sohag
Another day of calm, enjoying the comfort of SS Misr and the delights of the River Nile. We moor overnight at Sohag.
Day 9
- Tuesday 10 May - Abydos
We sail towards Balyana and after breakfast we make the short coach journey to the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. Here we see some of the finest reliefs in Egypt including the famous ‘King List’. Time to view the intriguing Osireion before we return to our cruiser and sail via the Nag Hammadi Bridges to our overnight stop at Qena.
Day 10
- Wednesday 11 May - Dendera
We travel by road to the Ptolemaic Temple of Dendera dedicated to the goddess Hathor. In the Hypostyle Hall we can now see the astronomical ceiling restored to its original colours. This afternoon we sail on to Luxor where we moor for two nights.
Day 11
- Thursday 12 May - Ancient Thebes
We visit the Valley of the Kings where we have entrance tickets to three of the tombs of your choice that are open on the day. Then on to the impressive Ramesseum, Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II, where we view the fallen colossi that inspired Shelly’s Ozymandias . Time to view the Colossi of Memnon before we return to Misr for lunch. This afternoon we visit Luxor Museum and finally Luxor Temple as the sun sets over the Nile.
Day 12
- Friday 13 May - Mighty Karnak
This morning we explore the Temple of Amun at Karnak. We visit the main elements of the temple and explore some hidden corners. This afternoon we sail on towards Aswan.
Day 13
- Saturday 14 May - Kom Ombo
At a strategic bend in the river we find Kom Ombo and there we have a chance to visit the lovely Ptolemaic Temple of Haroeris and Sobek. Approaching the temple by river is a grand highlight of any cruise. After our visit we continue to Aswan where we dock for two nights.
Day 14
- Sunday 15 May - Temple of Isis
Today we visit the Temple of Philae built by Ptolemaic and Roman rulers to honour the cult of Isis. We also visit the Unfinished Obelisk set in its open air museum. Later we visit the Nubia Museum. Tonight a farewell dinner and time to say goodbye to all the staff and friends we have made while on board the Misr.
Day 15
- Monday 16 May 2022 - Homeward bound
We take our private transfer to Aswan Airport for our flight home via Cairo.
Our cruise is accompanied throughout by Kent Weeks, one of the most celebrated archaeologists in the world. Known for his work on the Theban Mapping Project and his re-discovery of KV5, the largest tomb ever found in the Kings’ Valley, Kent’s enthusiasm for his subject and ability to communicate with depth and humour makes him a star expert on this once in a lifetime tour.
B = Breakfast BL = Breakfast and Lunch BD = Breakfast and Dinner BLD = Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
