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Discover the beauty of the Nile on a river cruise

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A beautiful twilight scene on the Nile at Aswan

October half term, November and December Nile cruises from £1,295 

Holidaymakers looking for some hot autumn sunshine can now book a seven-night Nile cruise departing from Luxor after Egypt was removed from the Government’s red travel list last month. 

Specialist tour operator, Discover Egypt has availability for departures on 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 November on board the five-star MS Tulip for £1,295 per person, plus limited availability for the October half term from 25 October for £1,495 per person. Weekly departures in December also cover the festive period. 

The five star luxury river cruiser MS Tulip

The price includes return flights from Heathrow to Luxor, transfers in Egypt, full board cruise and 10 guided excursions to see some of the top ancient sites along the Nile.

These include the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Ptolemic Temple at Kom Ombo.

The cruise also stops at Aswan for the chance to visit the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae on Agilika Island. 

The five-star MS Tulip was added to Discover Egypt’s programme in 2018 after being totally refurbished and features 50 guest cabins and a chic interior, with a large sun deck, swimming pool, sauna and small fitness suite, plus a deck bar, lounge bar and main restaurant. 

Top from left, clockwise, a spectacular Luxor at night, the temple at Abu Simbel, the Temple of Hapshepsut, the Horus at Edfu and the mask of the Boy King Tutankhamun

Most standard cabins have a panoramic opening window with balcony rail and the upper deck terrace suites have private sit-on balconies to enjoy the views. There are also two single cabins that can be booked without a single supplement. 

Discover Egypt also offers pre or post cruise stays in Cairo, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna and Soma Bay for those that want to explore more of this fascinating country. 

Temperatures in Egypt are around 33 deg C in October and 28 deg C in November, making it a great time to visit with hot days and balmy evenings. 

For more information and to book contact Discover Egypt on 020 7407 2111 or www.discoveregypt.co.uk

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Travel, Travel news

All aboard for first cruise

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Borealis has returned to the UK after Iceland journey (Picture by Richard Lovelock)

Olsen praises milestone voyage

Report by Tom Parry

Fred Olsen has become the first cruise line to complete an international sailing from the UK since March 2020.

Borealis has returned to the UK after carrying around 800 guests on an itinerary to Iceland.

The line’s new ship Borealis returned to Britain on 23 August after carrying around 800 fully vaccinated guests on an itinerary to Iceland which set sail on 14 August.

The cruise called into Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Eyjafjörður and Seyðisfjörður, and guests were able to leave the ship and explore ashore in organised excursions.

They were required to complete pre-registration forms and testing prior to arrival in Iceland and before returning to the UK. 

Fred Olsen currently has two ships sailing, Borealis and its new flagship Bolette, both of which are offering more international sailings from September.

Claire Ward, the line’s director of product and customer service, said successfully completing the cruise had been “a big achievement not just for us, but for the cruise industry”.

“Being the first international sailing, this cruise was not without its challenges, but we worked very closely with the Icelandic authorities to ensure all went smoothly and, of course, safely, both for our guests and crew and those living and working in the ports we visited,” said Ward.

“It is the first time in 17 months that anyone has been able to explore overseas on a cruise again, and our destinations team worked closely with our shore tour providers to help as many guests as possible have safe yet genuine experiences ashore and enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland.

“This is a real milestone for Fred Olsen, and we can’t wait to welcome guests back on board for international sailings throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”