A boat inhabited by the memory of the King Fouad who received it as a gift in 1885, the memory of the Belle Époque travellers who used it, or that of Hercule Poirot who Agatha Christie had walking its decks in her writings…
Along the broad passageways, one can easily picture refined ladies with parasols and gentlemen archaeologists strolling or relaxing in comfort. With the eager anticipation of a Champollion or a Carter, we look forward to discovering the magical sites that will punctuate our journey along the Nile.
Life on board takes one gently back in time, stopping off in the early days of the last century. At the bar in the lounge, the woodwork, copper and furniture are genuine period craftworks. The walls display old photographs of visitors who made their mark in Egyptian history, such as the legendary King Farouk. The restaurant has lost nothing of its period charm, and as the velvet strains of Oum Kalsoum's golden voice enchant us, we can settle down in comfort to enjoy the finest Egyptian cuisine. The crew is made up of both Muslims and Christians, sharing one unique religion: service with a smile.
Each cabin is a haven of Belle Epoque refinement and comfort, allied to services and facilities worthy of a grand hotel. RESERVATIONS ARE FOR SPECIFIC SUITES OR CABINS.
The 6 suites and 18 cabins are laid out between the two decks, off broad passageways where the passengers can sit, relax and read in the evening, or enjoy a delicious hibiscus punch. Each cabin proudly bears a name linked to Egyptian history. On the upper deck, the Agatha Christie and Lady Duff Gordon suites, at the prow of the vessel, benefit from spectacular views over the river. The Aida and Queen Victoria suites, nestle spaciously in the gentle curves of the stern. The warm-toned wooden panelling, gilded and copper bed-frames, classical furniture and distinguished parquet floors bestow a definite period charm, revealed in every detail, such as the bathroom fittings. The decor is subtle and airy, enlivened by colored textiles and fabrics in shades of fuschia, orange or absinthe. Every bedroom has air conditioning.
0 - 01.99 Free
2 - 05.99 pay 25% of the tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12 years and over pay the full price of the trip per adult person
Transfer to the Steam Ship Sudan. Settle in into your cabin. Lunch on board. Afternoon visit of the Temple of Philae – the Pearl of Egypt – in Nubia, dedicated to the cult of the Goddess Isis since the 3rd Century BC. Late afternoon free time in Aswan. Why not discover its colourful and popular souk. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Early start sailing to Kom Ombo, north of Aswan. Visit of the Temple at Kom Ombo, erected on the Nile banks, on one of the most seducing site of Upper-Egypt. This singular temple was dedicated to two devinities: Horus, the Falcon God and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Lunch on board while sailing to Edfu. Late afternoon visit of the Temple at Edfu, the best preserved temple of the Ptolemaic Dynasty; its buildings are perfect examples of Ancient Egypt sacred architecture. Back on board. Night sailing to Esna. Overnight stay in Esna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the passing of the Esna lock, sailing to Luxor, the Ancient Egyptian City of Thebes. Afternoon visit of the majestic site of Karnak, dedicated to the God Amun, patron of the New Kingdom's Pharaohs. Evening visit of the Temple of Luxor. The evening light particularly highlights the perfection of Amenophis III's columns. That's where the Feast of Opet was held every year to celebrate the floodings of the Nile and the fertily of the land. Dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sailing to Qena, north of Luxor. Only a few ships sail this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy a relaxing morning admiring both banks of the Nile. Lunch on board and visit of the Temple of Dendera. Dendera is the name of the spectacular temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nursing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly decorated chapels, its Hathor-headed columns, its obscure corridors and stairs, the unique vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of the best preserved most famous monuments in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof. Dinner and overnight stay in Qena.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early start (2 hours drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre of Osiris, regent of the Kingdom of the Dead and god of resurrection. From the Ancient Kingdom era, Abydos was an exceptional site of pilgrimage. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colourful and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art. Lunch on board. Relaxing afternoon sailing to Luxor. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early start to the Theban Necropolis, a place of mysteries and the territory of Osiris under the New Kingdom, Visit of the Valley of the Kings whose magnifically decorated tombs tell the afterlife journey of the dead. Visit the Valley of the Queens, the secret necropolis of the royal wives. In the Valley of the Nobles, the Tomb of Ramose shows the art of the Akhenaten's era. Late morning visit of the Temple of Medinet Habu where Ramesses III engraved for eternity its successful battles against the Sea People.
Meals: Breakfast
- Slight changes might occur due to circumstances beyond our control
- Our boat generally does not sail during the month of June and in July due to maintenance work.
Transfer to the ship. Settle in on board and into your cabin. Lunch on board. Afternoon visit of Luxor's east bank through the discovery of the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest sacred site in the world; it especially comprises the Temple of Amun, the patron deity of Karnak. Its construction lasted from the Middle Kingdom till the Ptoleamic Kingdom. Visit of the Temple of Luxor. Built under Amenophis III and extended under Ramesses II, the Temple of Luxor is the most elegant pharaonic building. Sailing towards Qena, located north of Luxor. Only a few ships sail this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy the sunset and admire both banks of the Nile. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Qena.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Early start (2 hours drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre of Osiris, regent of the Kingdom of the Dead and god of resurrection. From the Ancient Kingdom era, Abydos was an exceptional site of pilgrimage. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colourful and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art.
Visit of the Temple of Dendera on the way back. Dendera is the name of the spectacular temple of Hathor, Goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nursing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly decorated chapels, its Hathor-headed columns, its obscure corridors and stairs, the unique vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of the most famous best preserved monuments in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early start to the Theban Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings was the Pharaoh's burial site, and the Valley of the Queens was the Pharaohs' wives and daughters necropolis during the Dynasties XIX and XX. The Valley of the Nobles hosts the Tomb of Ramose. Its beautiful and fine reliefs show an exceptional realism. Visit of the Temple of Ramesses III in Medinet Habu; almost entirely preserved, it is the most perfect mortuary temple of the Ramesside Dynasty. Back on board and sailing to Esna for an evening passing through the Esna lock and more night sailing to Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning visit of the Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to Horus and Hathor, its construction started during the 3rd Century BC under the Ptolemaic Dynasty and was completed 170 years later; it's one of the best preserved building of Ancient Egypt. Back on board and sailing to Kom Ombo for sunset. Evening visit of the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique architectural and religious type of complex in Egypt as it was dedicated to two divinities. Two temples are gathered on the same site. The south part is dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God and the north part to Sobek, the Crocodile God. Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sailing to Aswan at the end of the Nile Valley, where ancient Nubia begins. Large sandy banks are slowly replacing cultivated land along the Nile. This is where civilization once ended. From the 3rd Century, Elephantine Island was a trading centre. Nubia (which means gold in Nubian) had a rich soil, providing to Egypt not only gold but also soldiers, precious woods and ivory. Visit of the Temple of Philae, home to Isis, Goddess of marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine who ruled over life, death and resurrection. Philae was one of the most important sanctuary in Egypt and Nubia till 550 AD, when Byzantine emperor Justinian ordered its closing. Free time in Aswan before dinner. Optional Light and Sound show in Philae. Overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End of the journey, transfer from the ship after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
- Slight changes might occur due to circumstances beyond our control
- Our boat generally does not sail during the month of June and in July due to maintenance work.