Viking has announced 99 new departure dates for its Egypt river voyage. With the current seasons almost sold out, the highly popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary now has increased availability in 2024 and 2025.
In response to the strong demand for the region, Viking has launched three new ships to navigate the Nile River in the last two years. The latest additions Viking Hathor and Viking Ra will commence sailing in 2024 and 2025 respectively, allowing for the additional departure dates. Viking will have six ships sailing the Nile by the end of 2025, with Viking Sobek already under construction and will be delivered in 2025.
“We’ve seen exceptional interest for our Pharaohs & Pyramids voyage in the last two years, with many Australians eager to explore all that Egypt has to offer in comfort onboard our new purpose-built ships. Our itinerary includes seven nights sailing the Nile, which is almost double the time of other operators and includes eleven guided tours, making it one of the most comprehensive journeys along the Nile,” said Michelle Black, Managing Director ANZ at Viking.
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Hathor and Viking Ra are inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with elegant Scandinavian design. The purpose-built ships feature several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
Viking’s 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary from Cairo return starts from $9,595 per person for 2025 departures. During this voyage, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the new long awaited Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day, round-trip voyage on the Nile River, featuring Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan.
Guests also visit a colourful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
For guests looking to extend their journey, Viking also offers Pre and Post Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits. The five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension begins in London, where guests will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum and London’s Petrie Museum.
Additional offerings include a Pre Extension in Jerusalem where guests will explore the ancient history and vibrant culture of Israel’s fascinating capital and a Post Extension to Jordan – Petra, Dead Sea & Amman to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For additional information, contact Viking at 138 747 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit viking.com.
