Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or to the stunning Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar).
The ancient quarter of Cairo is intense—the colors, the sounds, the density of people—and it’s likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12th-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Mosque, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.
Prepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, a massive and absolutely astounding site, with gigantic columns, broad avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. This evening, you’ll revel in a Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard.
Dendera, also spelled Denderah, Tentyris, or Tentyra is a small town and former bishopric in Egypt situated on the west bank of the Nile, about 5 kilometres south of Qena, on the opposite side of the river.
Like its twin shrine, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.
Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.
The word “colossal” will take on a whole new meaning after today’s excursion to the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s just the beginning—you’ll also visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display.
After visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god today (don’t miss the display of some of the 300 mummified crocs found in the local area), take a ride in a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat—and enjoy afternoon tea at a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile.
Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city and remains hot and dry all year round. It is considered the most picturesque setting on the Nile and serves as a base for tourist excursions to many local sites of interest.
Today is an epic day, filled with wonders from start to finish. You’ll visit a marvel of modern engineering—the Aswan High Dam—as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another back in the 1970s. But wait, there’s more. You’ll also hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along the Nile.
Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city and remains hot and dry all year round. It is considered the most picturesque setting on the Nile and serves as a base for tourist excursions to many local sites of interest.
Spend the day at leisure or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
Esna is a city of Egypt. It is located on the west bank of the Nile some 55 km south of Luxor. The city was formerly part of the modern Qena Governorate, but as of 9 December 2009, it was incorporated into the new Luxor Governorate.
On today’s excursion, you’ll learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built. Your Egyptologist guide will share all sorts of fascinating insights about this significant cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.
Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.
Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. After checking in to your luxury hotel, you’ll have time to relax on your own and explore Cairo at your leisure. Alternatively, join a Masterpiece Collection visit to one of Egypt’s great museums.
It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to see a number of amazing monuments—including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. You’ll have a thrilling opportunity to view the pyramids from an up-close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur.
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem.
Royal Suite (651 sq ft – 60.5 sq m)
All beautifully appointed suites feature a French balcony and custom-made beds draped with the finest bed linens. Added conveniences include a vanity and make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, iPod® docking station and flat-screen television with satellite channels. Private bathrooms have both a bathtub and shower, and are stocked with thick towels, cozy robes, his and her slippers and soothing bath amenities
Grand Suite (313–335 sq ft – 29.1–31.1 sq m)
All beautifully appointed suites feature a French balcony and custom-made beds draped with the finest bed linens. Added conveniences include a vanity and make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, iPod® docking station and flat-screen television with satellite channels. Private bathrooms have both a bathtub and shower, and are stocked with thick towels, cozy robes, his and her slippers and soothing bath amenities
Culinary Excellence
We treat cooking as an art form, a very delicious art form.
From Farm to Ship: Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy culinary buzzword around here. It’s a governing philosophy and commitment to serving you the very best local dishes created by our master chefs. When in Italy, dinner may consist of Prosciutto di Parma pizza and Osso Buco Milanese, prepared to your liking, with meats and vegetables sourced from just miles away. After a day immersed in Indian culture, your taste buds may do some immersing of their own with Gajar Shorba and Tandoori Chicken Tikka for lunch. Live brilliantly. Dine locally.
Creative Culinary Options: For those interested in healthier dining options, our Traveling Lite menu conveniently highlights the lightest dinner options every evening. We also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as gluten-free replacements upon request. If you have a specific meal preference, just ask. Our chefs will be happy to accommodate.
We learned from the best: Mrs. Beatrice Tollman’s culinary vision lives on with her many Signature Dishes you can enjoy onboard. Mrs. Tollman’s memoir, A Life in Food, chronicles her gastronomic prowess and joy of being able to share her life’s passion with thousands of guests. You’ll discover many of the recipes Mrs. Tollman published on our menu, including Bea’s Chicken Soup, Sesame Fried Chicken and Honeycomb Ice Cream. If the all-inclusive amenities and luxurious accommodations weren’t enough to put you in a state of comfortable bliss, the homegrown cooking will.
Expertly Curated Excursions
Immerse you in every destination
Every Uniworld cruise is meticulously crafted to be an experience you won’t find anywhere else, filled with moments that are each more breathtaking than the last. We’ve gone the extra mile to ensure our included and optional excursions immerse you in the authentic culture, sights, and cuisine of the places you’ll visit.
Let’s Go
Our active excursions invite you to appreciate the natural world with invigorating walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golfing activities.
Do as the Locals Do
Whether we’re seeking local favorite treats or hopping on public trams to zip around town, these tours capture what it’s like to live in the destinations you visit.
Private Experiences
From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.
Village Day
On a Village Day, you’ll select from a few different ways to explore village life, often by diving into a cultural pastime or getting to know someone in town.
See your destinations in a whole new light
From private after-hours tours of popular attractions to local nightlife experiences, this new line of included excursions will go the extra mile to bring you uniquely memorable moments on your all-inclusive, luxury river cruise.
These sustainably minded excursions offer our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
Travelling with Uniworld means you’re travelling with purpose—supporting sustainable tourism as well as local communities and wildlife. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences take that even further, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
They are selected with great care using a proprietary assessment tool endorsed by industry experts, which ensures that our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences directly advance United Nations Global Goals.
The Masterpiece Collection
of add-on experiences
One of the many qualities that set a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise apart is the degree and quality of our all-inclusive amenities. We offer more inclusions—and more luxurious inclusions—than any other river cruise line. Our guests will always find everything they need and more to enjoy a wonderful holiday with Uniworld.
For the guests looking to take their journey one step further, we’ve curated a Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions that go above and beyond our included experiences, available for an additional charge.
Due to the unique nature of Masterpiece Collection experiences, booking and pricing vary by excursion. Some may be booked in advance, while others can only be booked once onboard. Most Masterpiece Collection experiences also have minimum and maximum participation requirements. Please contact our reservations team at 0808 168 9231 for more information about booking specific excursions.
The Lounge boasts a scenic views, a full-service bar and a dance floor. Thanks to its proximity to the onboard library, it’s a great place to unwind whilst reading a good book, or partake in lively conversation with like-minded passengers.
The Reception can be found on the Cairo Deck.
Relax whilst letting the world go buy, work on your tan, or have some fun in the pool.
Guests will find a well-equipped fitness centre, and massage room onboard.
How to pack: Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the warm weather. Long sleeves, sunglasses, hats, and ankle-length pants will help protect you from the strong sun. Please keep in mind that revealing clothing is frowned upon. You are required to cover your arms and legs while visiting a mosque. In the winter months, you may wish to bring a jacket for morning excursions, when temperatures can be as low as 50º F / 10º C.
When to go: Spring usually sees sunny and warm weather with occasional rain while summer can be extremely hot and dry. Somewhat cooler days and even cooler evenings in autumn and winter make it an ideal time to visit.
Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Travelling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.
Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests should be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.
It’s best to pack for a range of weather conditions, depending on the season and regions visited. Wearing layers will allow you to easily adjust to temperature changes. Limiting your wardrobe to a simple mix-and-match color scheme will keep your bags to a minimum.
We recommend wearing comfortable, smart-casual clothing both onshore and onboard. We also suggest sturdy walking shoes, as you will do a significant amount of walking on shore excursions, often over cobblestones or uneven terrain. A sun hat, rain gear, and a coat or wrap for chilly evenings are useful items to have. For dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc., men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit. Neckties are optional. Please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.
Egypt: For evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire; however, we require footwear to be worn at all times in the dining room. Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. You may wish to pack at least one “smart casual” outfit for the onboard Gala Reception.
For those on the Jordan extension, while sleeping quarters will be heated, the winter months can drop below freezing at night. Please pack accordingly for outside weather.
Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.
For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.
We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.
Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.
Passengers are required to advise the Company at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation, the Passenger is required to advise the Company.
The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.
The Company welcomes Passengers with special needs or disabilities, however please note that the Company does not provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any Passenger who requires services of a personal nature.
The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.
Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, stairs, and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours.
The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Company’s Terms and Conditions.
High quality, luxurious amenities
There’s all-inclusive, and then there’s the unmatched level of inclusive luxurious amenities that only we provide. To ensure truly carefree and effortless travel, we’ve gone ahead and included it all—so the only thing you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your holiday.
NEVER BE BORED
Our onboard programming leaves nary a dull moment. Early risers will appreciate morning yoga sessions. Foodies may want to join a cooking demo. And those looking to dance the night away will find local entertainment in the lounge.
NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS
With every carefully selected inclusion, you’ll find that we are committed to providing only the highest quality amenities. This makes every moment an opportunity for surprise and delight.
NEVER GO HUNGRY
Enjoy sumptuous buffet breakfasts and lunches during the day, then a four-course gourmet dinner in the evening. Craving a bite in between? Inquire about 24-hour room service and å la carte menus.
NEVER BE THIRSTY
Never restricted to mealtimes or happy hours, you’ll find that fine wines, local beers, and premium spirits flow freely throughout the cruise. Our bar closes when the last guest turns in for the evening.
Travel has provided us the chance to give back and lift up others, and we strive to do so whenever possible. We focus on making a positive impact and advocating for environmental, social and economic responsibility with the help of our not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation. Founded in 2008 by our parent company, The Travel Corporation, our collective mission is to safeguard people, wildlife and the planet for generations to come and to #MakeTravelMatter.
People
We work with local artisans and small business everywhere we travel, so we can bring you authentic local experiences while also supporting the livelihoods of the people who make these communities special.
Planet
Every year, we find more ways to cut back on our carbon footprint, from committing to eliminate more than 60 types of single-use plastics to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 or sooner and ensuring that at least 50% of our electricity is renewable by 2025.
Wildlife
Partnering with leading wildlife organizations, we work to protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino and big cat populations around the world, while also educating our guests on ethical wildlife experiences.
We’re Committed to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 or Sooner
Our five-point plan starts with Measuring our emissions in order to Reduce and Offset our carbon footprint, supports third-party efforts to Remove the existing carbon in the atmosphere and forms critical partnerships so that we continue to Evolve. We’re also ensuring that at least 50% of our electricity is renewable by 2025.
You can get involved too! With our leading carbon offset provider, South Pole, you can purchase carbon offsets to cancel out the emissions produced by your travel. They have 700+ high quality and verifiable offset projects to choose from around the world.
Make Travel Matter® experiences
On our cruises and trips across our TTC family of brands, we offer a selection of included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. They are chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests who experience them, and the people and places they visit, and they support one or more of the United Nation’s Global Goals.
Make Travel Matter® pledge
We’ve partnered with TreadRight and The Travel Corporation to launch the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Pledge. Uniworld employees, alongside our 10,000 colleagues across 42 travel brands worldwide, have been asked to take this pledge to make travel matter and help protect people, the planet and wildlife. As travellers, travel providers and members of the global travel industry, this pledge serves as the next step in our long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism and conscious travel.
Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics
It is estimated that an additional eight million tons of plastic pour into our oceans every year. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, if nothing is done to push back against the deluge of plastics currently overwhelming our oceans there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.
Under the guidance of The Travel Corporation and TreadRight, we will ban more than 60 types of single-use plastics across all operations—including straws, water bottles and plastic bags—by 2022. It’s all part of our commitment to ensure the environment remains vibrant for generations to come.