Elegant interiors with teak panelling, parquet floors, European antiques and Oriental carpets create an ambience of luxury throughout the Oberoi Philae. The feeling is of refined English country house living, with charming Oriental touches. The Philae restaurant offers fine dining in impeccable surroundings. For those who still have energy to spare, the Oberoi Philae’s Lounge Bar hosts a discotheque where guests can dance the night away. All of the cabins have their own private balcony, with sun loungers provided - a real bonus, allowing you to watch the ever-changing view in peaceful contemplation, as the Oberoi Philae sails.
Recapturing the elegance and style of old world grandeur, this captivating cruise navigates the Nile’s historic course between Luxor and Aswan. One of the world’s top rated cruises, the journey allows time to enjoy the delights of Cairo and Aswan, before sailing through some of antiquity’s most beguiling of landscapes, taking in the riverside temples and ancient tombs that represent some of the crowning glories of Egypt’s matchless inheritance.
Day 1.
Flying on EgyptAir from London Heathrow this afternoon, you arrive in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, later today (4 hours 40 minutes) and transfer to the historic Mena House Oberoi Hotel (Garden Wing) close to the Pyramids of Giza. You may request a guaranteed Pyramid View Room for a supplement starting from £60 per person (twin share) for the duration of your stay.
Day 2.
The next two days have been left free to enjoy Cairo’s myriad of wonders at your own pace. There are numerous optional excursions available.
Day 3.
Day at leisure with the option to visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, the magnificent Egyptian Museum and the remarkable monuments at Memphis and Saqqara.
Day 4.
Fly to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes) today and embark on the Oberoi Philae in time for lunch. In the afternoon, sail north to Qena where the boat moors overnight. This evening, enjoy an a la Carte dinner.
Day 5.
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Denderah (116BC) by bus. This marvellous site is rarely included in cruise itineraries, but is remarkably intact and famous for its unique astronomical ceiling. Return to the boat for lunch and in the afternoon sail back to Luxor. Tonight you will dine to an Egyptian buffet dinner. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 6.
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 Option Excursions’ below). This afternoon visit the superbly preserved XVIIIth Dynasty Luxor Temple and the astounding Temple at Karnak. Luxor Temple was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Karnak Temple was built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak’s immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. This evening begin with a cocktail reception before your à la Carte dinner, music and dancing. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 7.
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 Temple of Medinet Habu, the village of Deir El Medina and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Esna where the boat moors overnight. This evening enjoy a black and white dress dinner, music and dancing.
Day 8.
This morning you will sail to Edfu where you will visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Return to the boat and sail to Kom Ombo. After lunch visit the Ptolemaic temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus (237 BC), god of the morning sun. Enjoy an Egyptian buffet dinner and a Galabiya costume party. Overnight in Kom Ombo.
Day 9.
Morning at leisure whilst sailing to Aswan. After lunch visit the High Dam, Old Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. This evening, enjoy an a la Carte dinner, music and dancing. Overnight in Aswan.
Day 10.
Disembarking after breakfast there is an option to fly to the majestic temple complex of Abu Simbel. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see ‘Pre Bookable Option Excursions’ below). Return to Cairo by air (1 hour 25 minutes) to overnight at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Day 11.
Transfer to the airport for your morning non-stop flight by EgyptAir to London Heathrow, arriving in the early afternoon.
OBEROI PHILAE
