Introduction to King Fuad’s Nile Steamer

For many, the image of a Nile cruise was set by the classic 1978 film of Agatha Christie’s atmospheric and evocative mystery ‘Death on the Nile’. With an all-star cast which included Peter Ustinov, David Niven and Bette Davis, it recreated a leisurely turn-of-the-century sailing on a Nile paddle steamer. One such vessel which remains in service today is the SS Karim. Previously retained for private use by the Kings and Presidents of Egypt, the SS Karim is now reserved exclusively and very successfully for the guests of Citiescapes. Accommodating just 30 travellers in some comfort, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the river and the ancient civilisation of Egypt in an atmosphere of period elegance – almost in the style of a ‘house party’ from earlier times. The travel writer Jan Etherington enthusiastically described the SS Karim in her ‘Luxury Ride to Luxor’ article in ‘The Sunday Telegraph’ as ‘the oldest, slowest and smallest passenger boat on the river – and also the most elegant’. This charming vessel has proved extremely popular with our clients in the past and early booking is recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly from Dublin to Luxor via London. Transfer to the SS Karim, your home for the next seven nights. Sail in the evening to Esna for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Sail to Edfu to visit the temple of Horus and continue to Kom Ombo for an overnight stay.

Day 3 Visit the temple of Sobek and Haroeris and continue sailing to Aswan. Afternoon cruise by felucca or private boat to the Kitchener Island Botanical Gardens.

Day 4 Visit the High Dam followed by the island temple of Philae.

Day 5 Optional excursion to Abu Simbel (bookable in advance). Sail later to Edfu where the night is spent.

Day 6 The day is spent on the SS Karim sailing to Luxor.

Day 7 A morning visit to the West Bank includes the Valley of the Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon visit the temple of Karnak and the Luxor Museum. Luxor Temple private reception (during May-Oct, a cocktail reception at the Old Winter Palace followed by a visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple).

Day 8 Transfer to Luxor airport for the return flight.

Exclusive event – Day 7: Luxor Temple Reception

Those who rediscovered ancient Egypt in the 18th and 19th centuries enjoyed magical overnight stays and this has prompted us to arrange private evening access to the Luxor temple, enhanced by striking illumination, to savour the unique night-time atmosphere. A private reception has been arranged at the temple exclusively for the guests of Citiescapes. Enjoy a cocktail served by staff in pharaonic uniform at the illuminated Luxor Temple before strolling through the temple unimpeded by other visitors. A recording of Verdi’s Aida, once staged in the temple, will provide a musical background to the occasion and local musicians will play the Egyptian ‘takht’ music. Note: During May-Oct, a cocktail reception at the Old Winter Palace followed by a visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Luxor
• Transfer on arrival to board SS Karim
• 7 nights onboard, based on 2 sharing a main deck cabin
• Meals on a full board basis
• Tours as per the itinerary
• Flights Luxor to Dublin
• Taxes & Charges of €235

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Single supplement €1,289
• Cabin upgrade supplement €208 pp
• Balcony cabin supplement €425 pp
• Optional Insurance €25 (conditions apply)
• Optional excursion to Abu Simbel (by road) €100
• Prices are correct at time of going to press, flight supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated airfares

Accommodation details

SS Karim

Built in Britain in 1917 for the then Sultan of Egypt, Fuad, and titled King after 1922, the SS Karim was inherited in 1936 by his son Farouk. Following the revolution of 1952 and the subsequent formation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, it became government property.

Still powered today by its original steam engine and stern quarter wheel paddles, the SS Karim has been extensively renovated and combines the comforts of the modern era with the images and elegance of a bygone age. Restaurant, lounge bar and 15 air-conditioned twin and double cabins, with private facilities (shower), mini-bar and satellite TV. The lower sun terrace provides a shaded seated area with a deck bar, whilst the upper deck has sun loungers and a jacuzzi pool.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
26 Dec 2011	€2,979
16 Jan 2012	€2,829
06 Feb 2012	€2,899
20 Feb 2012	€2,899
05 Mar 2012	€2,979
12 Mar 2012	€2,979
02 Apr 2012	€3,269