Movenpick Darakum Nile Cruise Itinerary 12 days /11 nights Cairo – Luxor

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12-day Nile cruise aboard the Mövenpick Darakum, journeying from Cairo to Luxor and exploring the rich tapestry of Egypt’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Your adventure begins in Cairo with boarding the cruise and enjoying a welcome dinner on board, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage along the world’s most legendary river.

Discover the wonders of Cairo, including the Pyramids of Giza, the iconic Sphinx, and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Explore the ancient capital Memphis, the vast necropolis of Sakkara, and the spiritual heart of Coptic Cairo, with visits to the Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, and Jewish Synagogue. Each day combines immersive excursions with relaxing moments aboard the cruise, providing a seamless blend of comfort and discovery.

As the cruise sails south, witness the grandeur of ancient Egypt in Minya, Ashmunein, Tuna El Gebel, and the Beni Hassan tombs, where intricate wall paintings bring the lives of pharaohs and nobles to life. Experience the Amarnian heritage at Tel El Amarna, including the northern tombs, palaces, and small temples, with a scenic stop at Prince Tawdrous Monastery. Continue to Sohag, El Balyana, and Naga Hammadi, discovering sacred temples such as Abydos and the magnificent Dandarah Temple near Qena.

In Luxor, explore both the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the East Bank, home to the grand Karnak and Luxor Temples. Evening entertainment on board, including belly dancing, adds a touch of traditional Egyptian culture to your journey.

Throughout the cruise, passengers enjoy comfortable accommodations, daily meals on board, and expert-guided tours that illuminate Egypt’s millennia-old civilization. From Cairo’s urban landmarks to the timeless temples of the Nile Valley, this cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Egypt in luxury, comfort, and depth, leaving travelers with lifelong memories of the country’s iconic treasures and the serene beauty of the Nile.

Sailing Dates:
9th October 2024
4th November 2024
19th February 2025
17th March 2025
12th April 2025
8th May 2025
13th September 2025
9th October 2025
4th November 2025

Included/Excluded

Accommodation on board the Mövenpick Darakum Nile Cruise for 11 nights
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board
Guided excursions to all listed temples, tombs, museums, and historical sites
Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Transfers between cruise docks and sightseeing locations
Professional English-speaking tour guides during all excursions
Sightseeing tours in Cairo, Minya, Tel El Amarna, Sohag, and Luxor
Taxes and service charges

International and domestic flights (unless specified)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, drinks, and phone calls
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise crew

Tour Plan

Day 1

Embarkation on the cruise in Cairo.
Dinner on board. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2

06:00 Breakfast on board.
07:00 Visit Pyramids & Sphinx.
11:30 Lunch on board.
12:30 Visit to the Egyptian Museum.
19:30Dinner on board.
21:00 Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3

06:00 Breakfast on board.
07:30 Visit Memphis & Sakkara.
11:30 Lunch on board.
12:30 Visit Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, and Jewish Synagogue.
19:30 Dinner on board.
21:30 Overnight in Cairo.

Day 4

07:00 Breakfast on board.
08:00 Full day sailing to Beni Suef.
13:00 Lunch on board.
20:00 Dinner on board. Overnight in Beni Suef.

Day 5

05:00 Sail to Minya.
07:00 Breakfast on board.
12:30 Lunch on board.
19:30 Dinner on board. Overnight in Minya.

Day 6

05:00 Breakfast on board.
06:00 Visit Tuna El Gebel & Ashmunein.
12:30 Lunch on board.
13:30 Visit Beni Hassan tombs to visit Tomb of Baqet III (BH15), Tomb of Khety (BH17), Tomb of Amenemhet (BH2), Tomb of Khnumhotep II (BH3), (one-hour drive from Minya dock & Approx. 2-hour visit).
16:00 Back to the boat.
19:30 Dinner on board. Overnight in Minya.

Day 7

05:00 Sail to Tel El Amarna, the home of the Amarnian experience.
07:00 Breakfast on board.
10:00 Visit northern tombs of Tel El Amarna, the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten, the northern Palace, and the Small temples of Aten.
13:00 Lunch on board &sailing to Assyut.
13:30 Stop in front of Prince Tawdrous Monastery to view the monastery from the boat (the guide will, of course, provide some explanation on the importance of the monastery).
19:30 Dinner on board. Overnight Assyut.

Day 8

05:00 Sail to Sohag.
07:00 Breakfast on board.
13:00 Lunch on board.
19:30 Dinner on board. Overnight in Sohag.

Day 9

03:30 Sail to El Balyana.
07:00 Breakfast on board.
09:30 Visit Abydos temple, the holy city of Osiris, God of the Dead, and the New Kingdom temple of Seti I.
11:30 Back to the boat and sail to Naga Hammadi via Naga Hammadi lock & Bridges.
13:00 Lunch on board.
19:30 Dinner on board. Arrive & Overnight in Naga Hammadi.

Day 10

05:00 Sail to Qena
07:30 Breakfast on board.
10:00 Visit Dandarah temple, which is a 20-minute drive.
13:00 Return to the boat and sail to Luxor.
13:30 Lunch on board.
19:30 Dinner on Board. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 11

06:00 Breakfast on board.
07:00 Visit the West Bank (Valley of Kings + Hatshepsut Temple).
12:30 Lunch on board.
19:30 Dinner on board. Belly dancer show & Overnight in Luxor.

Day 12

06:30 Breakfast on board.
07:30 Visit East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples).
13:00 Lunch on board. Disembarkation after Lunch.