The
popular Nile Cruise ship, Viking II, is an excellent choice for
cruising the Nile and it has been carefully designed with comfort
in mind to offer a small and more intimate cruising experience with
warm and friendly service.
Accommodation is spread across 33 standard cabins all of which
are located on two decks and are equipped with twin beds, an en-suite
shower and WC, panoramic windows and air-conditioning. Junior suites
are also available, subject to availability, at a supplement and
are more spacious than the standard cabins each with en-suite shower
and WC double or twin beds and a living area with a convertible
third bed.
The small and welcoming restaurant onboard the Viking II Nile Cruise
ship is located on the upper deck and there is also a cosy lounge
bar to relax in and enjoy the evening's entertainment. The dining
experience offers a tempting selection of international and Egyptian
cuisine is served in the on board restaurant. Breakfast is buffet
style, with a choice of fruit juices, tea and coffee, cereal, rolls
and breads, cheese and cold meats, pastries, boiled eggs or omelette.
Lunch and dinner are taken in one sitting often buffet style with
a wide selection of starters including salads and delicious soups
with fresh rolls and breads. A number of main course choices are
available - chicken, beef and fish dishes, fresh vegetables, pasta
and rice. For dessert take your pick from superb pastries and creamy
puddings whilst a healthy option of fresh fruit is usually available
if you prefer. To accompany your meal, choose from a range of soft
drinks, beer, wine or bottled water. Remember, you just sign for
them as you go along and pay at the end of your cruise. Afternoon
tea and cake is usually served on the sundeck when the boat is sailing.
There is an open deck with plunge pool and sunbeds plus a shaded
area with tables and chairs where you can relax and watch the River
Nile as you sail along.
Facilities onboard:
Restaurant
Lounge bar
Gift shop
Safety depsoit boxes(available at reception)
Sundeck with plunge pool
Apart from a full range of excursions, entertainment is provided
in the lounge bar on most evenings. Drawing inspiration from the
traditions of the surroundings, the distinctive entertainment includes
belly dancing, Nubian dancers and music plus the legendary Galabeya
Party renowned as a hugely entertaining evening, where guests can
dress up in traditional Egyptian costume.
Viking II Cruise Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from the UK, fly direct to Luxor. On arrival transfer to
Viking II (approx 20 minutes) for a seven night cruise. A welcome
meeting to discuss the week ahead will take place either this evening
or the following morning, depending on your flight arrival time.
Day 2:
An early morning start crossing over to the West Bank of the Nile
to visit The Valley of the Kings, (for an extra charge you can visit
the Tomb of Tutanhkhamun, see your guide for more details), Hatshepsut's
Temple, the Valley of the Queens and Colossi of Memnon. (This whole
morning tour takes approximately 5 hours.) On arrival back at the
boat, a buffet lunch will be served and the boat will sail for Esna.
The afternoon can spent relaxing on the sundeck while watching the
varied local life on the river and its banks. Afternoon tea will
be served on the sun deck. After Dinner, there's a small informal
cocktail party where the management of the boat is introduced to
everyone. At some stage during the evening the boat will pass through
the lock at Esna then dock overnight in Edfu 3-4 hours later.
Day 3:
Wake up at leisure and after breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu.
Afterwards, there is time to roam the local market where you will
be able to prepare for this evening's Galabeya Party. Back on board
the boat lunch will be served as the boat sails to Aswan. This wonderful
journey takes approximately 10 hours and gives you chance to take
a dip in the plunge pool, read a book or simply to enjoy the view.
In the evening there will be a Galabeya party, where everyone dresses
up in traditional Egyptian costumes for dinner and the party games.
Late that night the boat will dock in Aswan for a stay of two nights.
Day 4:
Morning visit to the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished
Obelisk and then by boat to the Temple of Philae. In the afternoon
sail by felucca around Kitchener's Island and its Botanical Gardens.
After dinner, tonight's entertainment will be an Egyptian style
'Treasure Hunt'.
Day 5:
Today can be spent either at leisure or on optional excursions.
The most popular excursion is to the Temple of Abu Simbel which
is available by coach (approx £60) or by air (approx £100).
In the afternoon an optional excursion to a Nubian Village via camel
or boat can be arranged. In the late afternoon the boat will sail
to Kom Ombo and a visit to the Ptolemic Temple usually takes place
that evening. Dinner, evening entertainment and overnight on board.
Day 6:
The day is spent at leisure as the boat heads to Luxor arriving
later that evening. After dinner, enjoy the delights of a traditional
Belly Dancer.
Day 7:
The day begins with a morning visit to the Temple of Karnak, the
papyrus museum and the traditional perfume shops of Luxor. In the
afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor, afterwards there is ample
opportunity to explore the markets of Luxor for souvenirs and gifts.
That evening there is an optional excursion to the Sound and Light
Show at Karnak Temple.
Day 8:
The morning can be spent at leisure. In the afternoon, disembark
and transfer to the airport for your return flight or continue to
your next resort.
Please note: For operational reasons, Nile Cruises can be subject
to alteration locally at short notice, especially during the closure
of Esna Lock during June and early December. Guests will join and
leave the boat in Esna during the closure period. Cruises will then
sail Esna-Aswan-Esna. All excursions will take place but not necessarily
in the order given. During certain periods the boat may have to
sail after dark therefore the number of hours of daylight sailing
is subject to change.
When the boat is moored, vessels may have to berth alongside each
other restricting views and requiring clients to pass through a
number of boats to disembark. Upon disembarkation clients will be
required to walk along a gangplank and there may be steps to climb.
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