Escorted Tours 2023-2024

and Horus, god of the sky, with separate gateways and chapels for each god. The amazingly detailed etchings and carvings on the columns and walls of these temples are one of its most incredible features and a walk through the interior takes you into elaborately decorated chambers and passageways. Return to your ship and journey towards Aswan for an overnight stay. Day 6: Nile River Cruise B/L/D After breakfast, disembark to tour this colourful riverside city, nestled between water and desert. Start with a visit to the gigantic Aswan High Dam; the construction of this source of hydro-electricity required the movement of a number of nearby monuments to protect them from flooding. Continue on to the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive slab of granite that was carved but never erected, though it retains its status as the world’s largest ancient obelisk. Travel to the river island of Agilkia and take in the splendid Temples of Philae, built by the cult of Isis in honour of the Egyptian goddess of health and marriage. After lunch, enjoy a unique sailing experience as you breathe in fresh river breezes during a ride on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat which carries you to the botanical gardens of Kitchener’s Island. Make your way back to your vessel, remaining for the night in the tranquil waters off Aswan Day 7: Nile River Cruise B/L/D Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore Aswan at your own pace, perhaps taking in the rock-cut Tombs of the Nobles which are nestled in the foothills and consist of more than 400 tombs belonging to nobles from the 6th dynasty to the Graeco-Roman period or why not embrace the views from the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum or the fragrant spices, woven baskets and colourful robes of the city’s souk. Alternatively opt to visit Abu Simbel, a series of temples intricately cut into a rocky cliff overlooking the Nile or join a bird- watching excursion and visit to Nubian house (both payable locally). Day 8: Nile River Cruise B/L/D Today offers a leisurely day of cruising, as you sail downstream to Edfu, bound for Luxor, passing through the Esna lock. Enjoy a day on board to soak in the sights on the river shores, lounge on the sun deck, take a dip in the swimming pool or relax on the deck with a cocktail. Day 9: Nile River Cruise B/L/D This morning starts with a visit to the vast Karnak Temple complex - over 200 acres housing temples and sanctuaries adorned with intricate hieroglyphics. Return to your ship for lunch, before continuing to the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple and explore the interior, statues and carvings of this religious site. Day 10: Luxor to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, via Cairo, or continue on to your chosen extension. River Nile Cairo Temple of Horus Life on-board Tastefully decorated throughout, this deluxe cruise boat offers high standards of service, accommodation and Egyptian hospitality. Each deluxe cabin has complimentary toiletries, air-conditioning, full-length opening panoramic windows and a balcony rail. Further amenities include a restaurant, a lounge bar, a large sun deck and a swimming pool. Tour pace: Intermediate Departures & from prices 4 Mar 23 £2,179 6 Jan 24 £2,099 11 & 25 Mar 23 £2,049 20 & 27 Jan 24 £2,099 22 Apr 23 £1,999 3 & 10 Feb 24 £2,099 6 & 13 May 23 £1,899 17 & 24 Feb 24 £2,099 20 & 27 May 23 £1,949 2 & 9 Mar 24 £2,099 3 Jun 23 £1,799 16 & 23 Mar 24 £2,099 10 & 17 Jun 23 £1,699 30 Mar 24 £2,499 24 Jun 23 £1,799 20 Apr 24 £1,999 1 & 8 Jul 23 £2,099 27 Apr 24 £2,299 5 & 12 Aug 23 £2,199 4 & 11 May 24 £1,899 19 & 26 Aug 23 £2,199 18 & 25 May 24 £1,899 2 & 9 Sep 23 £1,949 1 Jun 24 £1,799 16 & 23 Sep 23 £1,899 8 & 15 Jun 24 £1,699 30 Sep 23 £2,099 22 Jun 24 £1,799 7 Oct 23 £2,099 6 Jul 24 £2,149 21 Oct 23 £2,299 24 Aug 24 £2,199 28 Oct 23 £2,099 31 Aug 24 £1,899 4 Nov 23 £2,099 7 & 14 Sep 24 £1,899 11 & 18 Nov 23 £1,999 5 & 26 Oct 24 £2,199 25 Nov 23 £1,999 9 & 16 Nov 24 £1,999 2 Dec 23 £2,099 23 Nov 24 £1,999 More dates available on our website • A single supplement starts from just £499 • Tipping paid locally £60 Extend your tour Luxor city stay, 2 nights, 5 H B&B from £139 Hurghada beach stay, 4 nights, 5 H All-Inclusive from £329 Meal plan: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners Upgrade your Nile Cruise to All-Inclusive from £199 Accommodation: Cairo, 5 H Ramses Hilton Hotel Nile River Cruise, 5 H MS Royal Viking Flights: London Heathrow to Egypt with Egypt Air Africa 115 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk