TUI River Cruises expands Nile itineraries, targeting UK market with direct flights

TUI River Cruises is expanding its itineraries with the announcement of a new Nile cruise program for the 2024 Winter season.

TUI will be offering charter flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor, Egypt, which will make it the only UK tour operator offering direct, non-stop flights from the UK to Luxor.

The fully refurbished five-star ship TUI Al Horeya, meaning “freedom,” will operate the new Nile cruises, carrying 145 passengers in 74 cabins, including singles, standard cabins, and suites.

The 7-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor, will enable guests to experience the Nile and visit landmarks like the Luxor and Edfu Temples. Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom at the height of the pharaohs power, during the 16th–11th centuries B.C.

The two huge ancient monuments: graceful Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, a mile north stand testament to the city’s history, while the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are on the river’s west bank.

“TUI River Cruises is going from strength to strength, and we are so excited to introduce this latest offering on the Nile which we are confident our customers will love,” said Chris Hackney, Managing Director of TUI River Cruises.

“A cruise along the Nile offers a serene and unforgettable experience with lush landscapes, traditional villages, and other iconic landmarks such as the Luxor and Edfu Temples,” he added.

“With year-round sunshine, Egypt is the perfect destination for exploring ancient history and allowing guests to immerse themselves in a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.

To enhance the customer experience, dedicated licensed Egyptologists will be on hand throughout the trip to provide insights and answer any questions about the historical significance of the sites visited.

While not ashore immersing themselves in Egyptian history, guests will enjoy the various amenities aboardTUI Al Horeya, including a top-deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, an entertainment area, a restaurant, Al Fresco dining, a lounge bar, a wellness studio and a boutique shop.

Guests can also enjoy a day and night entertainment program and a range of expert-curated excursions that offer a journey back to the era of pharaohs and dynasties.

The cruises are available from around £1399 based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin on an All-Inclusive basis, which includes flights from the UK.