On the Nile Legendary Hotels and a Cruise on the Steam Ship Sudan

The Nile Valley trip with Voyageurs du Monde has recently been given a makeover. The cruise on board the Steam Ship Sudan, the oldest steam ship still sailing on the river, now lasts for six days. Embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan - direction of travel depends on departure dates. In both cities, you will stay in legendary, timeless palaces that play an important role in the legend of the Nile. Between the two, you will embark on a majestic voyage imbued with calm and history, to discover the great legends of Ancient Egypt. The cruise includes Qena to visit the lesser-known Dendera and Abydos temples, a magical sunset over the monumental Karnak temple complex and sunrise over the Valley of the Kings, taking in the Esna lock, and the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. A timeless journey, for an unforgettable insight into Egypt.

The Nile on board the Steam Ship Sudan

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 the original atmosphere is combined with modern comfort. The two teak decks rise above a black hull that has been gliding through the waters of the sacred river for nearly a century, moving to the slow rhythm of its paddle wheels, while steam rises slowly and regularly from the ship's chimney. There are twenty-three cabins on board, including five suites, each named after a figure connected to the history of the boat or Egypt: Agatha Christie (who found inspiration for Death on the Nile on the ship), Mariette Pacha, 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 sailing, you can read while taking in the scenery, lounge on the deckchairs on the upper deck, or learn something new in a fun hieroglyph or cookery class - must be booked with your travel specialist.

Your accommodation in Luxor - the Sofitel Winter Palace

On the banks of the Nile, near Luxor Temple, stands another historic monument, the Winter Palace. The opening of this grand hotel in 1886 marked the beginning of tourism in the region. While it’s been updated to suit the demands of today’s traveller, a Victorian atmosphere still lingers over the grand marble staircase and in the elegant, gentrified lounges. The bellboys in sarouels and tarboushes, and the Concierges in tailcoats add to the ambience. The hotel has a hundred or so rooms - spaces that feel more like museum pieces than modern. Just take a look at the photo gallery: the great and the good have all passed through. In the newer section, also known as the "Pavillon", the rooms are larger and more modern.
Insider tip - Head to the terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens at nightfall to fully appreciate the magic of the place

Your accommodation in Aswan - The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

A legendary hotel if ever there was one. Most of the rooms in the historic wing have been transformed into suites. The "Elephantine" Wing (Nile Wing) - where you will stay - is all modern elegance. Topped off with a spacious spa with a swimming pool. While great travellers such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and the iconic statesmen of the 20th century may have added to the aura of this place, the palace continues to uphold its traditions of hospitality and comfort, with the focus on understated elegance and peerless service. Behind its ochre walls, against the backdrop of the river and rocks, the legend lives on.
Dining options - Middle Eastern and gourmet cuisine at the 1902 Restaurant; an intimate atmosphere and all-day service at Al Saraya; Egyptian flavours at Oriental Kebabgy; a tropical, informal atmosphere by the pool at Palms; afternoon tea at the Terrace.