100% customisable travel idea
On the Nile Legendary Hotels and a Cruise on the Steam Ship Sudan
Egypt - Nile Valley
Legendary Egypt
The Nile aboard the Steam Ship Sudan
Built at the dawn of the 20th century for Thomas Cook and Sons, the Steam Ship Sudan is now the last authentic paddle steamer sailing on the Nile. It stands apart from other cruise ships due to its intimate capacity and its ability to blend original atmosphere with modern comfort. A double teak deck is set upon a black hull, which for nearly a century has been cutting through the sacred river's waters, propelled by the slow rhythm of its paddle wheels, while the ship's funnel exhales steam with a slow, steady breath. On board, there are twenty-three cabins, including five suites, each named after a figure linked to the ship's or Egypt's history: Agatha Christie (who found inspiration for Death on the Nile here), Mariette Pasha, Farouk, Jean-François Champollion, Herodotus, Oum Kalthoum... Voyageurs du Monde maintains full control over the quality of onboard services, such as catering (the Sudan is the first boat to be supplied with 100% organic fruit, vegetables, and eggs from the Nile Delta) and the recruitment of exceptional guides. Furthermore, should you wish, a private guide could accompany you throughout the cruise. During the cruise, you can lose yourself in a book whilst admiring the scenery, relax on a sun lounger on the upper deck, or even learn something new and fun during a hieroglyphics or cooking class - these can be booked through your travel expert.Your Aswan address - The Old Cataract
This hotel truly keeps the legend alive. Many of the rooms in the historic wing have been transformed into suites. Meanwhile, the ‘Eléphantine’ (Nile Wing), where one unpacks their bags, offers a contemporary elegance. The entire establishment now boasts an expansive spa with a swimming pool. While distinguished travellers such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, and iconic 20th-century statesmen helped create the hotel's aura, this palace continues to uphold its traditions of hospitality and comfort, always striving for refinement and impeccable service. Behind its ochre walls, framed by the river and rocks, the myth endures.Dining options - Oriental and gourmet cuisine at restaurant 1902; a cosy atmosphere with all-day service at Al Saraya; Egyptian flavours at the Oriental Kebabgy; a tropical and informal vibe at Palms by the pool; and afternoon tea at The Terrace...
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
International flight to Cairo, then a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, a private transfer and check-in at an exceptional address, a true haven of serenity, preserved from the city centre's bustle. Between the refreshing pool, the carefully curated decor - where hand-painted frescoes, moucharabiehs, and Eastern furniture mingle - and the magic of the secret gardens, everything invites one to wander and disconnect. Beneath the domes and arches of this distinctive residence, one fully enjoys absolute comfort and a level of refinement truly befitting a palace from the Arabian Nights.
Things to do and experience: Refresh yourself with a karkadeh, made from Hibiscus sabdariffa; take a dip in the pool at the end of the day; or, as night falls, witness the sound and light show at Karnak Temple.
Optional extra: Soar over the Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon.
After a private transfer, board the Steam Ship Sudan, then settle into your cabin, Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, explore the East Bank of Luxor with a visit to the Karnak complex, one of the largest sacred sites in the world. It is home to the temple of the god Amun, built over the course of nearly two thousand years, from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period. Return to the boat and begin sailing towards Qena, north of Luxor. This stretch of the Nile, rarely visited by cruise boats, is magnificent. Before dinner, planned on board, you enjoy your first sunset.
Depart in the early morning for Abydos (2 hours by road). Abydos is a sacred city - the city of Osiris, ruler of the realm of the dead and god of resurrection - and, since the Old Kingdom, an exceptional place of pilgrimage. The temple, dating from the time of Seti I, is a marvel, with its richly coloured bas-reliefs, the fine craftsmanship of which marks the birth of Ramesside art. On the way back, visit the site of Dendera, the spectacular temple of Hathor, goddess of joy and love, protector of women and nurse of the pharaohs. Isolated at the edge of farmland and desert, the sole remaining vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of Egypt’s best-preserved great monuments. It features richly decorated chapels, columns with cow-headed capitals, dark corridors and stairways, terraces, and a rooftop with a splendid view over the Upper Egyptian countryside. Return to the boat for lunch, then depart for a wonderful afternoon sailing back to Luxor. Dinner is served on board.
The morning is devoted to exploring the Theban necropolis, a land of mysteries and the domain of the god Osiris during the New Kingdom: the Valley of the Kings, where beautifully decorated tombs recount the journey of the deceased through the afterlife. You visit the tomb of Ramses VI; the Valley of the Queens,/strong> the secret necropolis of royal wives, including a visit to the tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II; the Valley of the Nobles, the burial place of officials, high dignitaries and members of the court who were not of royal blood; and finally, the Valley of the Artisans, created to house the sculptors, painters and stonecutters who worked on the necropolises. The day ends with a visit to Luxor Temple, the most elegant of the pharaonic monuments, built under Amenhotep III and later expanded by another great builder, Ramses II. You then return to the boat to continue your journey, passing through the Esna lock on the way to Edfu. Dinner is served on board.
In the morning, visit the Temple of Edfu, built from the 3rd century BCE onwards and dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god; his wife, Hathor, goddess of beauty and love; and their son, Harsomtus. This temple is one of the best preserved in Egypt. Then, you have lunch on board before sailing to Kom Ombo. In the evening, you visit Kom Ombo Temple, the originality of which is both architectural and religious. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two deities, with two temples brought together in one place. The southern part was devoted to the falcon god Horus the Elder (Hera-Ur), and the northern part to the crocodile god Sobek. Dinner is served on board.
Sail towards Aswan, the gateway to Nubia. The cultivated banks give way to wide sandy shores. It was once the edge of the civilised world. As early as the third millennium BCE, a commercial exchange centre had developed on Elephantine Island. Nubia (“gold” in Nubian) was a rich land; it supplied Egypt not only with gold but also with soldiers, prized woods and precious ivory. In Aswan, visit the Temple of Philae, relocated in 1974 to Agilkia Island after Philae was submerged by the reservoir waters of the dam. This sanctuary was dedicated to Isis, the universal mother and magician, who presided over life, death and resurrection. Goddess worship continued there for a long time, until the Byzantine emperor Justinian transformed it into a Coptic church in the 6th century. Dinner is served on board.
Disembark after breakfast for a private transfer to the Old Cataract. Spend the night in the Nile Wing, the hotel's modern wing, originally built to accommodate Russian and Egyptian engineers during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Thanks to its renovation and interior design by Sybille de Margerie, it now offers rooms and suites of luxurious, more contemporary elegance, all opening onto the river. Their decor features the colours of ancient Egypt, with shades of sea green, turquoise, and sand echoing the landscape's hues.
Already planned - Afternoon tea on the Terrace, one of the hotel’s bars, with a selection of teas accompanied by scones and strawberries with cream.
Things to do and experience - Relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment; visit Elephantine Island, the centre of the cult of Khnum, master of the cataract, which houses an impressive array of ancient ruins; explore the Nubian Museum...
Optional - A visit to the temples of Abu Simbel.
A private transfer takes you to the airport, followed by a flight to Cairo and then the international flight home.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
The Theban Necropolis by Hot Air Balloon
Soaring over the Valley of the Kings and Queens on the West Bank of the Nile, bathed in the peaceful glow of dawn, is an unforgettable and magical experience. It offers a privileged glimpse into the sheer wealth of the region's cultural treasures. Transfers, the 40-minute flight, and a light pre-flight snack are all included.The Temples of Abu Simbel
Located 300 km from Aswan, deep in the heart of Nubia, the Temples of Abu Simbel were carved into two sandstone hills facing the Nile, built to glorify the great Pharaoh Ramesses II. Bathed in African light, this magnificent complex showcased the Pharaoh's power to the southern peoples, over whom Egypt asserted its supremacy. This mythical site is best explored with a private guide.With a few extra days, the Red Sea
For those fortunate enough to have more time in Egypt, extending your journey to the Red Sea is an excellent option. From Luxor, you travel to El Gouna. As your refuge, we have selected an elegant Mediterranean house, set right on the beachfront. The varying shades of blue - from the walls, the pool, and the sky - blend seamlessly, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation. Heading northwards, the monasteries of Saint Paul and Saint Anthony offer a deep dive into the history of Christianity and Egyptian monasticism. Some monks, in their quest to fully embrace their faith, would settle in desert caves. Saint Paul, considered the founder of monasticism, is said to have lived there for 90 years. Saint Anthony followed a similar path. At each monastery, a monk welcomes and guides you, gladly sharing the history of these sacred places.A Few Days in Cairo
Consider a short trip to the capital, either before or after exploring Upper Egypt, to visit Cairo's iconic landmarks - the Pyramids of Giza and the incredible Grand Egyptian Museum - and to soak up the unique atmosphere of this bustling city.
Why visit Egypt with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Egypt
- Globally unique concierge service
- Wi-Fi: 1 GB/day included
- CO2 absorption
