Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

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, or continue on to your chosen extension. PLEASE NOTE: Your cruise and excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays and will be shared with other travellers. Luxor Tutankhamun’s golden mask Aswan 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. The whole trip was very good as there was a lot to see and take in. With a very good tour guide (Yasser Mohammed) during the trip, made the trip very enjoyable.” N. Mistry What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Egypt with Egypt Air ✔ Where you’ll stay Cairo, 5 H Swiss Inn Pyramids Golf Nile River Cruise, 5 H MS Royal Viking ✔ 24 meals Upgrade your Nile Cruise to All-Inclusive from £199 ✔ 8 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Extend your tour Luxor city stay, 2 nights 5 H B&B from £179 Hurghada beach stay, 4 nights, 5 H All-Inclusive from £359 Departures & from prices Feb 24 £2,199 Feb 25 £2,149 Mar 24 £2,199 Mar 25 £2,099 Apr 24 £2,399 Apr 25 £2,549 May 24 £2,049 May 25 £1,949 Jun 24 £1,849 Jun 25 £1,849 Jul 24 £2,299 Jul 25 £2,049 Aug & Sep 24 £2,049 Aug 25 £2,399 Oct 24 £2,349 Sep 25 £2,299 Nov 24 £2,149 Oct 25 £2,349 Jan 25 £2,249 Nov 25 £2,399 • Lead-in price based on 8 & 15 Jun 24 & 28 Jun 25 • A single supplement starts from just £609 • Tipping paid locally £50 pp per tour Save £100 on selected departures with code TOUR100 Tour pace: Intermediate 111 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details Africa