Discover Egypt, Viking III Review

Overall Rating

For years I've always dreamed of visiting Egypt, but as I'm not a fan of package holidays, and independent travel not advisable, I never got round to it. However, for an advertised price of £399 for a weeks Discover Egypt, Viking III Nile cruise with full board and excursions included, I figured I had nothing to lose.

The flight down over Europe was spectacular. We were lucky enough to have clear skies, and my first sight of the Nile was worth the 6 hour plus flight. What did surprise me was the width of the river itself; I'd somehow always imagined it being mightier than what it really is.

The airport arrivals hall was chaotic, and I still can't remember how we managed to make our way through and onto our allocated coach. However, that said, I'm sure it was obvious, as from that point on everything was organised efficiently by Discovery tours.

On the short bus journey from the airport into Luxor, we were informed that we had been upgraded from a 3* to a 4* boat. No complaints with that one. I will be honest that upon seeing the boat and our cabin, our enthusiasm was a little dampened. A few minutes later we wandered up to the top deck and quickly got chatting to a couple who had been on the boat for a couple of days. They were the perfect introductory tonic, and within minutes had us in stitches over some of their observations. In fact, due to the small size of the boats there is an intimate feel to the holiday, and within a day or two we recognised or knew almost everyone.

Dinner that evening was a little like being marshalled into the school canteen; told to wash your hands, where to sit and that you were to sit there all week. It was all taken in good humour by all, and our selected dining companions were a friendly bunch. The food itself was good, although by the end of the holiday I think we were all looking forward to giving chicken and beef a bit of a break.

The staff on the boat were a friendly and efficient lot, although worth a special mention was the young man who took the trouble each day to create a work of art with each days fresh towels. We had towels formed into elephants, monkeys and flowers, but my personal favourite was a fantastic crocodile eating a soft camel toy which I had bought. Little gestures like these were just as memorable as the most magnificent temple.

The week long cruise was thoroughly enjoyable, although tiring at times, and I'm sure that at some point everyone had reached their own personal quota of temple visits. As we went in March, the heat wasn't too much of a problem, although I'd hate to have gone in the height of their summer.

Although at times this review may seem slightly negative, it's only meant to point out what perhaps may disappoint on encountering. However, once you get past this, and remember that you aren't at home; you are in for a wonderful trip through one of the world's most impressive ancient lands, cruising on one of the worlds greatest rivers. You have fantastic days where you are riding on a camel, cruising on the river boat, sailing on a felucca; it's anything but monotonous.

The one down side to the trip, which I would perhaps mention, as this was at least in our case an optional excursion, was the trip to a Nubian village. It was uncomfortable in the extreme. And although you do get used to the constant haggling by merchants in general, at the village excursion I saw grown adults almost reduced to tears by the pressure. I'd advise you to give this particular one a miss.

Egypt is one of those places where you really do have to bite the bullet and relinquish your personal freedom to the organisers. However, each day is so hectic and brings such exciting new discoveries, you're too busy to notice, and you merrily join the queue to get back on the coach.

Would I go back? Probably not for a long time to be honest.
Am I glad that I went? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared to be badgered at every opportunity by vendors, and be careful of the sun whilst cruising on the river, as the wind stops you from feeling the true heat and it's very easy to get yourself badly burned without realising it at the time.