Join us aboard the SS Misr, a propeller steam vessel accommodating just 44 guests, and discover the many ancient wonders along the banks of the Nile. A cruise on a Nile steamer as a leisure pursuit was pioneered by British tourists in the late 19th century looking for a comfortable way to visit Egypt’s sites and we are delighted to have chartered the lovingly restored SS Misr to offer our passengers the chance to discover the many wonders of this ancient land in a high degree of comfort.
Our cruise along a 600 mile stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Cairo is a passage through antiquity, an incomparable river voyage which brings to life the great monuments of the Pharaohs, the divine kings comprising thirty dynasties, who ruled Egypt during the 3000 years before Christ. Such a journey has only been made possible once again by the reopening of the lower Nile allowing the opportunity to visit some of the lesser known archaeological sites and temples, and experience the wonders of the great civilisation that flourished in the Nile Valley.
We will travel with local guides and will be joined on board by a Guest Speaker who will add immeasurably to our knowledge of this ancient land. We will visit Beni Hassan private tombs, Tel El Amarna, Abydos and Dendera temples, not forgetting of course some of the most famous sites in the country including the Great Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and magnificent Karnak. We will cruise at a gentle speed which is essential to be able to drink in the rhythm of life on the banks of the river. From the spacious decks you can observe the dramatic division between the fertile flood-plain and the arid majesty of the deserts flanking the river and witness traditional village life. Although the Egypt of the Pharaohs came to an end almost two millennia ago, this cruise will leave you with a wealth of memories about its people, its monuments and its mysteries.
Misr
Originally built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, the SS Misr is a propeller steam vessel. Having served in World War I in May 1918, the SS Misr (“Egypt” in Arabic) also participated as a warship and troop transporter for the British Egyptian joint task force. After retiring from active duty, SS Misr went through an entire overhaul; converted into a luxury yacht in 1938 to be used by Egypt’s last Monarch, King Farouk. After Egypt’s monarchy was overthrown in 1952, the SS Misr became state property and was allocated to the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation where it languished in a shipyard in a Cairo suburb until it was purchased in 2003. With special permission from the state authorities, the steam ship was then entirely rebuilt according to its original drawings and re-launched and returned to the glorified splendour of her heyday in 2006.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Aswan, Egypt.
Fly by evening scheduled flight to Aswan via Cairo arriving just after midnight. Upon arrival transfer to the SS Misr and embark. Moor overnight this evening in Aswan.
Day 2 Aswan.
This morning we will visit the Nubian Museum. Due to the materials recovered from tombs, temples and settlements, UNESCO was encouraged in the 1980s to plan a Nubian museum although it was not until 1997 that the museum opened its doors. The complex is 50,000 square metres and is enclosed by walls to evoke the traditional Nubian village architecture. After lunch we will visit the High Dam at Aswan, considered an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s with a huge impact on the economy and culture in Egypt. Today it provides electricity and irrigation for the whole of Egypt. We continue to the temple of Philae which is dedicated to the goddess Isis, wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. The story of Osiris is represented on the walls of the temple with two of its inner chambers which are rich in symbolic imagery. The temple was originally on Philae Island but due to high water levels was dismantled in 1977 and reconstructed on a nearby higher island called Algilkia. The main elements of the temple such as the two pylons, hypostyle halls and sanctuaries were built by the Ptolemaic kings. Later the Roman rulers added the colonnades in front of the temple as well as the ceremonial entrance to the island known as Trajan’s Kiosk. We end our day with afternoon tea at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel with its fine Nile views. Relax and enjoy magnificent views of the Nile while experiencing a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Day 3 Kom Ombo.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board or alternatively take the optional excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel (by road approximately four hours each way) which is without a doubt the most impressive of all Nubian antiquities. Not only can we admire the outstanding sculptures, culture and reliefs which embellished the temples of Ramesses the Great and Queen Nefertari, cut out of the sandstone cliff around 3300 years ago, we can also applaud the achievement of archaeologists, architects and engineers in the 20th century AD who organised the rescue of the monuments to their new site above Lake Nasser. We will set sail this afternoon to Kom Ombo and after lunch depart for a visit to the temple of Kom Ombo which was mainly built during the Ptolemaic dynasty and completed under the Roman Emperors. The temple is unique due to its ‘double’ design which meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for the two gods that worshipped here. The southern half of the temple was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris. Among the carved reliefs along the inside of the outer wall are images thought to be connected with Egyptian medicine, including displays of birthing chairs and surgical instruments. Tonight enjoy a welcome cocktail party and dinner on board. This evening we sail north to Edfu where we moor overnight.
Day 4 Edfu & Luxor.
Today we visit Edfu Temple, an ancient Egyptian temple which is set on the West Bank of the Nile and said to be one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. The temple is dedicated to the Falcon god Horus and built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. After lunch enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board admiring the passing scenery as we cruise the Nile to Luxor via the Esna Lock. Upon arrival to Luxor this evening we will visit the Luxor temple, situated on the east bank of the river Nile.
Day 5 Luxor.
This morning we visit the West Bank, one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in the world. See the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs for a period of 500 years. The tombs vividly depict the journey of the sun god and pharaoh through the dangers of the underworld. In the temple of Queen Hatshepsut we will discover scenes commemorating the reign of this exceptional monarch such as the ambitious voyage where she sent her ships to the Red Sea and the mysterious land of Punt. We stop at the Colossi of Memnon to witness the two imposing 18 metre high quartzite seated statues which marked the entrance to the now vanished memorial temple of the pharaoh Amenhotep III whose reign in the 14th century BC was one of the most opulent in Egyptian history. Return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon we will visit the magnificent temples of Karnak. Here you will witness the unbelievably vast array of monuments dedicated to Amun-Ra, king of the gods, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu. Just two of the highlights we will see are the great hypostyle hall with over 130 columns, some 22 metres high, and the obelisk of the powerful Queen pharaoh Hatshepsut. Our tour will conclude with a visit to the Luxor Museum, an archaeological museum which was inaugurated in 1975. Whilst the range of artefacts on display is more restricted than the country’s main collections in the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo; this was deliberate since the museum prides itself on the quality of the pieces it has.
Day 6 Dendera Temple & Naga Hammadi.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we sail towards Qena. After lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to the goddess Hathor as we visit the Dendera Temple also known as the ‘castle of the Sistrum’. Hathor was the goddess of love, joy and beauty. The Dendera Temple was associated with healing and patients who travelled there for cures could stay in special buildings so they could rest, sleep and commune with the gods in their dreams. We continue sailing towards Naga Hammadi passing the bridges and moor overnight.
Day 7 Sohag & Abydos Temple.
Today we cruise towards Sohag, passing Abu Homar lock. We arrive in Balyana this morning and visit the temple that the Greeks called the Memnonium in Abydos, dedicated to Seti, Osiris, Isis, Ptah, Ptah- Sokar, Nefertem, Re-Horakhty, Amun and Horus. Its structure, built of white limestone is one of the most impressive religious structures in Egypt.
Day 8 Cruising.
Enjoy a day cruising along the Nile. Relax on deck and enjoy the passing scenery as we sail to Tel El Amarna via Asyut Lock and perhaps attend a lecture or two. We will moor overnight in Tel El Amarna.
Day 9 Tuna El Gebel, Ashmunein & Tel El Amarna.
This morning we visit the tombs and catacombs of Tuna El Gebel, the necropolis of Khmun located in Al Minya and visit the Ashmunein open air museum. Afterwards we continue to Akhenaten’s royal city, tomb and palace at Amarna; it is here we visit the tombs of Ahmose, Pentu, Meryrae and the Royal tomb of Akhenaten.
Day 10 Beni Hassan.
Today we visit the Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hassan, an ancient Egyptian cemetery site, located south of Minya. The necropolis of Beni Hassan reflects the political differences between the province rulers and the Pharaoh Kings. Due to the layout and more complex decorations, the tombs mark a transition stage in the style of the tombs from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon sailing to Beni Suef.
Day 11 Beni Suef.
We transfer this morning to Maydom pyramid which is dedicated to the King Snefru of the 4th dynasty. Return to the SS Misr for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we sail to Cairo where we will moor overnight.
Day 12 Cairo.
Today is dedicated to the capital city of Cairo and this morning we will visit the impressive Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the tombs of the great Pharaohs and their queens. Enjoy lunch with the view of the Pyramids before we continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This complex is a cultural hub and includes one of the largest museums in the world displaying the heritage of a single civilisation. The museum contains over 50,000 artefacts, reflecting Egypt’s past from prehistory until the Greek and Roman Periods. As you enter the museum, you cannot miss the colossal statue of King Ramses II, nor the 87 huge royal artefacts exhibited at the grand stairs. These stairs lead up to an impressive 28 metre high glass facade overlooking the pyramids of Giza. The museum also hosts over 5000 artefacts from the tomb of the golden Pharaoh Tutankhamun. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner on board.
Day 13 Cairo to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Cairo airport for your return scheduled flight to London Heathrow.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 23 October to 4 November 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck | £6395 | £6195 |
| 3 Twin/Double cabin on Upper deck | £6795 | £6595 |
| 2 Suite on Main/Upper deck | £7295 | £7095 |
| 1 Panorama Suite on Main deck | £7595 | £7395 |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on Lower/Main deck for Sole Use | £7695 | £7495 |
Tour Reference Code: RCMISRTIMELESS
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the SS Misr on a full board basis • Wine or beer & unlimited soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions with local English speaking guides • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Egyptian visa, optional excursion to Abu Simbel.
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All Decks
Misr
Originally built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, the SS Misr is a propeller steam vessel. Having served in World War I in May 1918, the SS Misr (“Egypt” in Arabic) also participated as a warship and troop transporter for the British Egyptian joint task force. After retiring from active duty, SS Misr went through an entire overhaul; converted into a luxury yacht in 1938 to be used by Egypt’s last Monarch, King Farouk. After Egypt’s monarchy was overthrown in 1952, the SS Misr became state property and was allocated to the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation where it languished in a shipyard in a Cairo suburb until it was purchased in 2003. With special permission from the state authorities, the steam ship was then entirely rebuilt according to its original drawings and re-launched and returned to the glorified splendour of her heyday in 2006.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 44
Length: 62.9 metres
Width: 13.80 metres
Draft: 1.55 metres
Registered: Egypt
Crew/Staff: 65
Year built: 2006
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 1500 tonnesAIR-CONDITIONING
All public rooms and cabins on the ship are air-conditioned. An individual climate control allows you to regulate the temperature in your own room. For best results, keep windows closed whenever the air-conditioning is switched on.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
ALL ABOARD
The daily programme will clearly specify the ship’s arrival and departure times in the various ports you will visit each day. When participating in shore excursions, our local guides will ensure that you return to the ship in time for departure. Should you set off to explore on your own, please return to the ship no later than the ALL ABOARD TIME stated in your daily programme. It is your responsibility to be aboard in time for the vessel’s departure. Always carry the ship’s contact number (noted on the contact card which you’ll receive once you embark the vessel) so you can notify the ship’s personnel should you ever need assistance while ashore.
BAR/BEVERAGES
The ship’s comfortable bar offers a wide selection of drinks for purchase.
CABIN FACILITIES
All cabins feature a private bathroom, hairdryer, LCD TV, internal telephone, minibar, kettle with tea/coffee amenities replenished daily, safety deposit box and private balcony.
CABIN SIZES
• Category 4 twin/double cabins on the lower/main deck measure 21 square metres
• Category 3 twin/double cabins on the upper deck measure 21 square metres
• Category 2 suites on the main/upper deck measure 30 square metres
• Category 1 panorama suites on the main deck measure 35 square metresCURRENCY
All your extras will be charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an invoice for any on board charges incurred (itemised invoices are available upon your request). All onboard charges will be in Egyptian pounds, payable by credit card (Visa and MasterCard). Please note that pre-paid credit cards, personal cheques, travellers cheques or a cash advance from a credit card are not accepted. Credit cards from non-Egyptian banks will be charged at the exchange rate established by the bank.
DAILY PROGRAMME
The daily programme is printed on board and delivered to your cabin each evening during dinner. It provides details of the following day’s programme, mealtimes and other activities.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Maitre’D on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board the ship is casual and comfortable by day and smart casual for dinner. Kindly do not wear bathing attire in the restaurant or lounges at any time, and please be advised that shorts are not suitable for dinner. You may wish to wear your best attire for the welcome cocktail party.
DRINKS
Bottled water is available in your cabin and is replenished daily.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity on board is 220 volts, with 2-round pin power outlets. In case you need an adapter please contact Reception.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
The SS Misr was built to the highest safety standards, equipped with the latest technology, and is manned by a reliable and well-trained crew. In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. Please carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of your cabin door and read the safety information sheet which will be placed on the bed in your cabin on the day of your arrival. The life vests are located in the wardrobe in your cabin. For safety reasons, the Sun Deck may be temporarily closed on certain stretches of the river with low bridges or locks. Please refrain from leaning out your cabin balcony whenever the ship is entering or exiting a lock. We also recommend keeping your balcony closed whenever you leave your cabin, especially while the ship is docked.
FIRE SAFETY
Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew. Please note that smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only and the use of clothing irons is prohibited.
FIRST AID
A first aid kit is available at the reception desk. Should you require further medical attention, please contact Reception or your Tour Manager immediately. A doctor is available on board.
GAMES & BOOKS
A selection of games and books is available on the ship.
GIFT SHOP
You can find a selection of souvenirs and accessories in the ship’s gift shop which is located in front of the dining room. The boutique is open daily during daytime hours, unless stated otherwise in the daily programme.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOT TUB/SWIMMING POOL
There is a refreshing swimming pool on the Sun Deck, perfect for lounging and enjoying a cocktail.
HOUSEKEEPING
The excellent housekeeping staff attend to your cabin twice daily. The cabin will be cleaned after you leave the cabin in the morning and during dinner in the evening.
KEYS TO CABIN
Each cabin will receive their own cabin key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the cabin key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship, please return your shore pass to reception in exchange for your cabin key.
LAUNDRY
A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a form with prices can be found in the closet in your cabin. Please fill out the form and leave it with your laundry on your bed, either in the morning or before you go to dinner. Laundered items will be returned within 24-hours. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
LOUNGE
The vessel features a large, comfortably furnished Main Lounge which serves as a gathering place for onboard announcements, lectures and entertainment. The lounge is open 24 hours.
MEALS
All meals on board are prepared by Egyptian chefs and feature European-style dishes, all carefully selected to please a broad range of palates. Each day’s mealtimes are indicated in your daily programme. The times may vary according to each day’s scheduled activities and shore excursions. Breakfast is served international buffet style and you may dine any time during breakfast hours. Lunch and dinner are buffet style offering different cuisines such as Egyptian, Italian and seafood. In good weather the ship also arranges barbeques on the Sun Deck. There is an open seating policy in the main restaurant and table reservations are not accepted.
MOSQUITOES
During the summer months we recommend keeping your cabin windows and balcony doors closed to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Manager.
RECEPTION
Reception desk staff will be on duty 24 hours a day. Please feel free to contact them any time you need assistance. To call the reception desk from your cabin, dial “0”.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away
from your room. Oversized items may be stored in the ship’s safe at the reception desk.SMOKING
Smoking inside the ship is a severe fire hazard. Smoking is only permitted at the rear of the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all guests on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.
SUN DECK
For your safety, the Sun Deck may be temporarily closed on certain stretches of the river due to the low bridges or locks. Please follow the instructions of our nautical crew at any time.
TELEPHONE
All cabins have telephones that can be used to call other rooms. Please dial the room number you wish to call. All outside calls should be made through the reception desk, and the cost will be charged to your room account.
TOUR MANAGER
Although the ship does not have a Cruise Director, the ship’s professional, English-speaking guides will look after your comfort and answer questions. Please do not hesitate to contact them at any time. A Noble Caledonia Tour Manager will also accompany you on your voyage.
TOWELS
The ship aims to be an environmentally-friendly river cruise line. For this reason, towels will not be automatically changed every day. The ship asks that you put used towels on the floor of the bathroom if you wish them to be exchanged for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
WATER
Tap water on board is not drinkable. The ship will restock your cabin with small bottled water on a daily basis.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi is available in some locations on board the ship. Please kindly note that service may at times be interrupted and is not always guaranteed, especially when travelling through locks and certain geographical areas.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.1 October 2022
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Deck Plan
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All Decks
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All Decks
Video Library
Travelling with You
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Ernest Rea
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio.
He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 to 2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all religious television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this period, he spent much time in the United States, brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales.
He is in wide demand as a speaker at international inter faith conferences, literary festivals and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council of Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith Understanding. He has First Class Honours Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics which helped to fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the way in which they impact on the ancient and modern worlds.
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000