Viking Cruises

Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 19 Viking's Nile itinerary, often called 'Pharaohs & Pyramids', weaves together 12 nights onboard one of Viking's many state-of-the-art ships. I board the Viking Sobek, which was only launched last year. The journey begins in Cairo, where we visit the Khan El Khalili markets and are introduced to the Pyramids of Giza plus the Sphinx. These icons of the ancient world are inspiring in a 'pinch-me' way and will leave you standing in awe. Unlike a typical city tour, Viking's approach ensures expert Egyptologists guide every visit, turning stone monuments into vivid stories of dynasties, deities, and daily life thousands of years ago. Just a stone's throw from the pyramids is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), designed by Heneghan Peng Architects and featuring a striking trapezoidal form aligned with the Pyramids of Giza, clad in translucent alabaster that bathes the interiors in soft natural light. The largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, visitors are greeted by a colossal 11m statue of Ramses II in the grand atrium. Exhibits are arranged both chronologically and thematically across 12 galleries, guiding guests through ancient Egypt's society, kingship, and beliefs. Among standout artefacts are the complete Tutankhamen collection (over 5,000 pieces), Queen Hetepheres' golden armchair, and restored solar boats, uniting Egypt's masterful past with contemporary museum innovation. From Cairo we fly to Luxor, the city that was once the capital of ancient Egypt. Here, the Viking cruise begins, and the Nile unfurls like a ribbon of green through an otherwise arid desert, its fertile banks sustaining villages and farmers as it did in antiquity. As the ship glides silently downstream there is a sense of the timeless rhythm of life along the river. A FLOATING BOUTIQUE HOTEL The Viking Sobek is more than just a vessel – it feels like a floating boutique hotel which has been designed specifically for the Nile. Scandinavian elegance blends seamlessly with local touches, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. The ship accommodates just over 80 guests, ensuring intimacy and personalised service. Staterooms are airy and spacious, many with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to sweeping Nile views. Public spaces include a panoramic lounge, a sun deck with a pool, and elegant dining rooms where Egyptian-inspired cuisine sits alongside international favourites. R A M STATUE , K A R N A K TEMPLE KOM OMBO HIEROG LY PHIC S , A SWA N

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