From Cairo to Abu Simbel Ancient Egypt, on the river and in the temples

Your journey begins in Cairo, over a thousand years old but still as vibrant and captivating as ever. Every era, every dynasty has left its mark here - as can be seen from its minarets, in every style and from every period. No other Islamic capital city can boast this variety. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum has recently opened near the famous Giza Pyramids. A colossal complex covering nearly 50 hectares (124 acres), bringing together 3,000 years of history and almost 100,000 artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Another noteworthy event to add to your Cairo itinerary: a tour with a local that takes the form of a spontaneous stroll tailored to your interests - wandering among the attractions of Islamic Cairo or exploring the cafes that have made the city famous. Then you move on to the Nile Valley. Two legendary hotels at either end of your cruise: the Winter Palace in Luxor and the Old Cataract in Aswan. Emblematic of the first travellers in Upper Egypt, these buildings are perfectly suited to the atmosphere of the temples. The cruise on board the Steam Ship Sudan is the natural extension of this journey through time.

The Steam Ship Sudan, your Voyageurs Maison on the Nile

Built at the dawn of the 20th century for Thomas Cook and Sons, the Steam Ship Sudan is the last authentic steam ship still cruising on the Nile. It differs from other cruise ships because of its small size and the way it combines the original atmosphere with modern comfort. The two teak decks rise quietly above a hull that, for nearly a century, has been gliding through the waters of the sacred river at the slow pace of its paddle wheels. There are twenty-three cabins (including five suites) on board, each named after a figure connected to the history of the boat or of Egypt: Agatha Christie (who found inspiration for her novel Death on the Nile on this deck), Mariette Pasha, King Farouk, Jean-François Champollion, Herodotus and Oum Kalsoum among others. Voyageurs du Monde oversees the quality of onboard services such as dining (the Sudan is the first ship in the Nile Delta to be supplied with organic fruit, vegetables and eggs) and the recruitment of top-notch guides. If you want, you can have a private guide with you throughout the cruise. While the ship sails, guests can read or relax on the sun loungers on the upper deck, learn something new in a fun hieroglyph or cookery class, spend time playing backgammon in the lounge or chat with the crew members.

Your legendary hotels

Before embarking, you spend a night in Luxor. And your hotel is the perfect introduction to the kind of service you can expect on the Steam Ship Sudan. The opening of the Winter Palace in 1886 marked a milestone in the city’s history. While the walls are over one hundred years old, the interiors have been updated to meet the needs of modern travellers. We recommend walking slowly down the marble staircase and savouring the moment. The staff are attentive to your every need, while remaining unobtrusive. Insider tip: head to the terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens at nightfall to fully appreciate the magic of the place. When you disembark from the boat, you will be in Aswan, and your accommodation is none other than the Old Cataract. This historic building dates from 1899. It has been cleverly restored, changing only the essentials, without altering the soul of the place. The Nile Wing was built later to accommodate Russian and Egyptian engineers during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Inside you will find contemporary elegance and state-of-the-art facilities. On the agenda for your evening: a relaxing spa treatment, a nap by the outdoor pool overlooking the river, and finally, dinner in the majestic dining room of 1902, the hotel's gourmet restaurant housed under a white marble and dark woodwork dome.