The Ultimate Egyptian Adventure with Uniworld
Here’s a new one for you: time travel cruises.
On that front, we have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that time travel cruises haven’t actually been invented yet. The good news is that a cruise through Egypt with Uniworld comes pretty close (and with an action-packed itinerary, world-class service, exclusive access to must-see locations and a vessel more akin to a floating palace than a cruise ship, who needs time travel anyway?)
The truth is that the storied mythology, maze like bazaars and monument-studded horizons of Egypt are at the top of many a bucket list yet often remain as impassable as the crypts and chambers sheltered within its sands. Harsh weather, teeming crowds and vast distances between historical sites can make Egypt feel a little like a hieroglyphic code only crackable by a select few.
That’s where Uniworld comes in.
Their ‘Splendours of Egypt and The Nile’ itinerary has been carefully curated as an accessible yet deeply immersive journey through the bucket list hotspots and hidden gems of the Nile, leaving surface level and run-of-the-mill experiences far behind. Guests embarking on this jaw-dropping journey will discover wonder and intrigue around every corner, whilst being ensconced in the sumptuous luxury for which Uniworld are renowned.
Indeed, in true Uniworld style, the ship guests will call home has been painstakingly designed to reflect the region’s heritage in every detail, with everything from the bathroom tiles to the menus paying homage to the culture and style of Egypt. Featuring blonde wood fittings, a lapis lazuli-hued colour palette, mosaic finishes and ornate gold detailing, the S.S. Sphinx upholds Uniworld’s aim of providing a fully immersive experience throughout, whether you’re setting out on an excursion, sipping a cocktail in the opulent lounge area or simply taking a quiet moment in your suite.
Ok, you’re convinced. You want to book your place on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage RIGHT NOW. Don’t worry, we get it.
But first…what will this trip actually look like?
Well, we guarantee you’ll be off to a flying start before you even set foot on the ship, with a two-night pre-cruise stay in the Four Seasons Cairo (the best luxury hotel in Cairo, don’t you know). You’ll stay in the Superior Citadel View Room, dine in the Zitouni restaurant and be the one of the first people to visit Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum, an ultra-contemporary space housing the greatest treasures of Egypt (including the entire collection of Tutankhamun). The museum has been in the works for some time and now, twenty years and $1 billion later, it has opened its doors to the public.
Once aboard S.S. Sphinx, first on the agenda is a jaunt (and overnight stay) in Dendera, home of the Temple of Hathor and its famous carvings of Cleopatra. Not only are Uniworld one of the only cruise lines to offer this port, Uniworld guests are also permitted exclusive access to the rooftop and the hidden crypt beneath, so you can be content in the knowledge that you have seen every corner of this fascinating place as you sail away into the sunset, onto your next fabulous destination.
Whilst we’re on the subject of ‘exclusive access’, how would you like an early morning visit to the famous Valley of The Kings, beating both the beating sun and the hordes of tourists?
Naturally, you’ll be taken to the best three rooms and have the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Yes, we thought you’d be interested in that.
Over the next few days, you’ll visit the majestic Kom Ombo temple, glide through Aswan aboard a traditional white-sailed Felucca and enjoy a sunset afternoon tea at the iconic Old Cataract hotel, the inspiration behind Agatha Christie’s ‘Death on The Nile’ and a filming location for the film adaptation.
Next up is a trip to the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel (this excursion in an extra add-on, but we defy you to check out the photos and not book immediately) which you will travel to by plane and then air-conditioned coach. You’ll certainly arrive a lot fresher than the non-Uniworld guests, who will have to make the whole journey by shuttle bus. The final stop of the trip’s cruise portion is a cultural tour at Esna emple, before you’ll disembark in Luxor. Your journey comes full circle with another Four Seasons stay and a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx (the real one, not the cruise ship). You’ll also have the extraordinary opportunity of stepping inside either the Chephren or the Menkaure Pyramid—we can’t stress enough that this is an experience very few people on earth will ever get, so make the most of it!
Pretty incredible, right?
As if the stunning ship, thrilling itinerary and exclusive access weren’t enough, there are plenty of other reasons to sail with Uniworld, namely the people.
Throughout your cruise, you will be accompanied by your own dedicated Egyptologist, a knowledgeable historian, experienced guide and skilled storyteller all in one. Their job is to regale you with facts and mythology and bring all the wonder and intrigue of the Nile to life (and we think you’ll find they do a fantastic job). You will also have the opportunity to spend time with a local Nubian guide during cultural and nature excursions, as well as enjoy evening entertainment courtesy of local dancers and dervishes.
Immersive, engaging and crammed with fascinating discovery and unforgettable moments morning, noon and night, we believe there is no better way to see Egypt than on a Nile River cruise. For a voyage fit for a Pharaoh, it has to be Uniworld. Find out more here.
