Built in 1993, and refurbished in 2006, the Five Star M.S. Da Vinci carries a maximum of just 136 guests in air-conditioned comfort along the river Nile.

From the moment you enter at reception, with its marble floors, two seating areas and ornate marble staircase to the Upper Deck, you will be assured a warm welcome and friendly smile from all staff on board.

Facilities
On the Upper Deck you will find a small shop which offers a selection of jewellery, souvenirs, post cards and clothing.

On the next deck there is a light and airy restaurant with its large windows offering wonderful views of the Nile as you dine at one of the tables for either 6 or 8 people. Choose from a wide selection of items at the hot and cold buffet breakfast whilst lunch and dinner are either buffet or waiter service.

There is also a well-furnished, comfortable lounge and the separate Panorama lounge bar lives up to its name as you marvel at the scenery whilst sipping a cocktail of the day. There is a pool table, and a separate area where you can play a relaxing game of cards, backgammon or chess.

On the Sun Deck there is an inviting swimming pool, a pool bar with seating area and a large sun bathing terrace with canopies or umbrellas to shelter you from the sun. Pool towels are provided free of charge. You can also be pampered by taking a massage in a secluded open-air area on deck.

Other facilities include a laundry service and, for your peace of mind, make sure you ask reception for a safety deposit box, which is available free of charge. There is also a resident doctor on board and a cabin service where you can purchase drinks of your choice between 0900 and 2300 hours.

Entertainment
Evening entertainment includes occasional dancing and theme nights complete with belly-dancers.

Cabins
All cabins are bright and airy and have a private shower (which is over a small bath) and wc, hairdryer, individually controlled air conditioning, an internal telephone, taped music, fridge, television, a table and two chairs and a large window. Single cabins (211 & 316) have a private shower and wc. Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins.

There are four suites, two of which are ‘Junior’ and all have a double bedroom with eating area comprising a sofa, table and two chairs. The two larger suites benefit from the double bedroom and seating area being separate from one another. Each one has complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

All suites have a walk-in shower with power jets, ideal for easing those aches and pains and bath robes are also provided.

Please note: It may be possible to accommodate a third person in both the twin berth cabins and suites. However, space will be limited and the extra bed is likely to be of a folding or camp bed style and therefore recommended only for children up to 15 years of age.

Facts and Figures
Built: 1993 (Refurbished in 2006)
Official Rating: 5 STAR (from Egyptian Tourist Authority)
Gross Registered Tonnage: 2,466 tons
Length: 73m Width: 13.60m Draught: 1.60m
Registered: American Bureau of Shipping
Cruise Team: Egyptian
On board currency: Egyptian Pounds

Itinerary

Day 1: Monday. Gatwick - Luxor.
Depart Gatwick or Manchester for your flight to Luxor. On arrival, embark M.S. Da Vinci.

Day 2: Tuesday. Luxor - Edfu.
In the morning, you cross to the West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the imposing Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, sail to Edfu, passing through the Esna lock en route.

Day 3: Wednesday. Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan.
At Edfu there is a visit to the Temple of Horus, probably Egypt’s best preserved temple. Sail to Kom Ombo for a visit to the Temple before sailing to Aswan.

Day 4: Thursday. Aswan.
In the morning you visit the High Dam and the Philae Temple which was dedicated to the gentle Goddess Isis. In the afternoon you can view the Aga Khan’s Mausoleum and Botanical Garden whilst enjoying your trip on the Nile by felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat. In the evening, there is an opportunity to see the Sound and Light show at the Philae Temple (approx. £18 per person).

Day 5: Friday. Aswan - Edfu.
Spend the day at leisure in Aswan. Perhaps enjoy a trip on a horse-drawn carriage from the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote "Death on the Nile". Or take an optional full day sightseeing excursion by road or air to Abu Simbel (approx. £55 per person by road/duration approx. 9 hours; approx. £100 per person by air/duration approx. 5 hours). In the afternoon, sail to Edfu for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Saturday. Edfu - Luxor.
In the morning, relax on board as you sail back to Luxor, passing through the Esna lock on route. In the afternoon you visit the famous Karnak Temple, a superb example of ancient Egyptian architecture depicting life around 1600 BC, and the well preserved Luxor Temple which is situated in the heart of town.

Day 7: Sunday. Luxor.
A day to explore this bustling and colourful town at your leisure. Or take an optional full day excursion by air to Cairo and vist the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, with lunch included (approx. £130 per person). Do not miss the Sound and Light show at the Karnak Temple (approx. £16 per person).

Day 8: Monday. Luxor - Gatwick.
Morning at leisure. For an unforgettable end to your holiday, why not take an optional hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the West Bank (approx. £70 per person, approx. 45 minutes in the air). Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Gatwick or Manchester.

Please note that the itinerary may be amended if local conditions deem it necessary.

Tipping:
Upon embarkation your Tour Leader will collect £15pp to be dsitributed amongst the crew and staff of MS Da Vinci as well as for the driver(s), boatmen and other personnel who have provided services during shore visits. Tour Guides are not permitted to accept any money for themselves from these funds. If you have been happy with your Tour Guide you may wish to thank them by way of a separate discretionary gratuity which is given directly to him. As a guideline we suggest £1.50pp per day.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND DECEMBER THE ITINERARY IS SLIGHTLY AMENDED DUE TO ESNA LOCK BEING CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE*