Egypt

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Egypt is a fascinating country to visit - a holiday in Egypt provides amazing travel opportunities, the River Nile flows through the entire country from Aswan in the south to Luxor and Cairo in the North, and provides the lifeblood to the country. The Great Pyramids and majestic Sphinx at Giza are just some of the wonders to behold. Egypt is melting pot for Arabian, African and European cultures, rich in history, where a visit can only thrill and beguile you - whether it be on a city break in Cairo or Luxor, a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or at a luxurious resort on the Red Sea.

Sharm el Sheikh, the Red Sea Riviera

Sharm el Sheikh lies at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsular where the desert sands meet the clear blue waters of the Red Sea. Beautiful golden beaches shelve gently into a colourful world of offshore reefs and tropical fish. Enjoying a reputation amongst diving enthusiasts as one of the best dive sites of the world, the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park and the Straits of Tiran are both within easy reach of the resort. The climate is hot and dry with very little rain, from November to February the daytime temperatures rarely fall below 24oC. British Airways operate scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Sharm, offering both economy and Club Europe classes.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm el Sheikh, set in a vast tropical landscape boasting sparkling pools, cascading waterfalls, bridge and a lazy river this spacious beachfront resort hotel offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms and suites in low rise buildings. Numerous dining options, a luxury spa and fitness centre, tennis courts and a dive centre make this an ideal option for a stylish and elegant short break.

Hyatt Regency, offering pure luxury and indulgence on the Red Sea, the Hyatt Regency boasts three cascading pools which lead you down to the beach front, where you will find secluded coves and an excellent water sport centre. Regency Club, Hyatt’s hotel within a hotel concept, offers discerning guests the ultimate in luxury and comfort with an exclusive swimming pool, garden, clubhouse and private beach.

Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh, the Four Seasons Resort offers exceptional service in luxurious surroundings. Dining opportunities include the Arabesque restaurant offering indoor and al-fresco dining with a Mediterranean, Middle Eastern theme and the Il Frantoio offering authentic Italian specialities. The Daniela Steiner Beauty Spa offers the ultimate spa experience with nourishment and rejuvenation the order of the day.

The Savoy Sharm el Sheikh, with its palm trees and waterfalls the Savoy offers an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation. Guest bedrooms are superbly furnished with the cool elegance of marble and wood, providing a simplistic yet inviting feel that encapsulates the Savoy’s sumptuous signature look. Excellent dining options, numerous land and water sports and the Arabian Spa and Wellness Centre are all available to guests. The hotel also operates a Children’s Club for 2 – 12 year olds and a babysitting service.

Nile Cruises

From the comfort of your floating hotel you will be able to watch 5000 years of history slowly drift by – in the company of an Egyptologist you will be escorted around the fascinating sights of Luxor and Aswan, and take optional tours to Abu Simbel and the Sound and Light shows in Luxor and Aswan.

Presidential Nile Cruises - offering comfortable surroundings and good service. Each cabin is tastefully furnished and features private facilities and air-conditioning, TV, mini bar and are outside facing with a picture window On board entertainment includes belly dancing, a Nubian show and an oriental party. A swimming pool and sundeck offer relaxation.

Movenpick Radamis II – a good quality cruise boat with 69 air conditioned cabins and 6 suites each with private facilities, TV, minibar and hairdryer. Cabins have a panoramic wall to wall window, suites feature a private balcony. The lounge bar has a resident DJ for music and dancing, theme nights and fancy dress Galabeya parties are also hosted.

Oberoi Shehrayar – a superior category of boat, offering high levels service by the Oberoi Group. 29 deluxe cabins and 2 suites with private facilities, air conditioning, TV mini bar and safety deposit box. This boat features an elegant restaurant offering international and Oriental cuisine, costume parties provide evening entertainment.

Oberoi Philae – This grand cruiser offers the elegance of Edwardian travel, bone china and fine crystal glassware adorn the restaurant. Temperature controlled cabins and suites are luxurious, with balconies.

4 nights, full board and daytime excursions, from £270 per person, based on 2 people sharing.

Oberoi Zahra – known as the Nile’s most luxurious cruiser and offering 7 night leisurely cruises, this all suite boat boats timber floors and elegant interiors. Large windows give panoramic views, suites are beautifully appointed, complete with plasma TV and terrace – some with private Jacuzzi for pure relaxation. The Zhra also has a swimming pool and gym.

7 nights, full board and daytime excursions, from £585 per person, based on 2 people sharing.

Typical 7 night Itinerary

  • Depart from the UK for your flight to Luxor, where you will be met and transferred to your chosen boat.
  • In the morning, visit the Luxor Museum and in the afternoon visit the Temples of Karnack and Luxor on the East Bank.
  • Visit the highlights of the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, sail via Esna Lock to Edfu.
  • Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu before continuing along the Nile, mid-morning to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon visit Temple of Sobek and Haroerisin Kom Ombo and then continue on to Aswan.
  • Spend the day exploring the sights of Aswan with a visit to the High Dam and the Temple of Philae in the morning and a relaxing trip on a felucca past the Agha Khan Mausoleum and Elephantine Island in the afternoon.
  • Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan with the option of a trip to Abu Simbel. In the afternoon, sail from Aswan to Edfu.
  • Sail from Edfu to Esna, visit the Temple of Khnum at Esna before crossing the lock and continuing on to Luxor.
  • After breakfast, disembark your cruise boat and transfer to Luxor for your return flight to the UK.

Cairo

Cairo is the largest city in Africa, and the capital of Egypt - a unique and exciting city offering a blend of ancient and modern civilisations. Situated on the banks of the river Nile, it is home to temples, mosques, tombs and churches, museums and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Four Seasons at the First Residence, Cairo is an impressive hotel adjacent to the Nile offering excellent standards of service and luxury – all rooms have views either of the Nile, the Zoological Gardens or the Pyramids, and have deep-soak tub. Facilities include a spa and wellness and fitness centre and the Hotel allows direct access to an elegant three-storey shopping mall and casino.

Mena House Oberoi – is the place to stay for a true experience of Egypt’s past, set in 40 acres of beautiful gardens with the Pyramid of Cheops towering above. Rooms are furnished traditionally but offer all the amenities of a modern hotel, along with a good choice of restaurants, a swimming pool, tennis courts and an 18 hole golf course.

Luxor

Luxor is a perfect place to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt, visit the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings on the west bank which is dotted with tombs of the Pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen.

Sofitel Old Winter Palace is Luxor’s most prestigious hotel and combines the opulence of its glorious past with the modern needs of today. It is situated along the Nile cornice and next to the Luxor Temple. The 96 air conditioned rooms offer both views of the gardens and of the Nile (Supplement applies) The pool set in the landscaped gardens is ideal for relaxation.

Weather

Average temperatures and rainfall for Egypt (Luxor)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp (°C) 23 25 27 35 39 41 41 40 39 35 29 24
Rainfall (inches) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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