Cruise the wonders of ancient Egypt

Marking the centenary of King Tutankhamun's discovery in the Valley of the Kings, Viking River Cruises has launched the Viking Osiris, an ultra-modern ship designed especially for cruising on the River Nile.

Egypt and the Nile offer a unique and appealing alternative to more established and well-versed river cruises in Europe.

Arguably the longest river in the world, Viking has been cruising the Nile since 2004, bringing decades of expertise from its European heartland for guests eager to explore other exciting parts of the world.

At the launch of Viking Osiris, Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said, "Egypt has always drawn curious explorers for its rich history and ancient antiquities, our guests continue to be amazed by the country's many cultural treasures."

All aboard the Viking Osiris

Viking Osiris doubles Viking's existing fleet sailing in Egypt, joining the Viking Ra on its 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary.

The Osiris was designed in Sweden and purpose-built in Egypt for luxury Nile cruising, featuring 41 staterooms for 82 passengers.

This square-bowed vessel offers luxury comfort and intimate cruising, with large staterooms with French-windowed balconies. Spacious two-roomed suites are also available for those seeking more space. 

Viking Osiris features 21 Verandah staterooms.

Dining takes place at the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, with meals enjoyed surrounded by panoramic views as you slowly glide along the Nile between stops for excursions to the monuments of ancient Egypt. 

At one end of the ship, guests can enjoy the Viking Lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors for relaxing. Upstairs on the top deck, there's a pool and sun deck to enjoy.

Unlike Europe and its low bridges, the pool deck on Viking Osiris can be enjoyed throughout the voyage.

To meet growing demand, Viking will launch a sister ship to Osiris, the Viking Aton, in 2023. Two more vessels are under construction and will join the fleet in 2024 and 2025, all following the tradition of being named after ancient Egyptian deities.

The wonders of Egypt

The tour begins with a three-night stay in Cairo, allowing time to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, Muhammad Ali's Mosque, and Sakkara's necropolis.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt's most renowned attractions.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (not to be confused with the existing Egyptian Museum in Cairo) will be a must-see for avid Egyptologists.

Opening in Giza in November 2022, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world by size, displaying over 18,000 exhibits.

The complete Tutankhamun collection of over 5,000 pieces will be housed there, including the famous solid gold death mask.

Egypt has long sought to bring back ancient artifacts taken in the past, with many more items being unearthed from storage and relocated from other museums.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will be located two kilometres from the Pyramids of Giza.

The tour then flies to Luxor, a 75-minute flight to southern Egypt.

Luxor, formerly Thebes, was the pharaoh's capital at the height of their power.

In close proximity to Luxor are the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Tomb of Queen Nefertiti in the Valley of the Queens, and the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramesses in the Valley of the Kings.

Departing Luxor is the luxury eight-day round-trip cruise aboard the Viking Osiris, sailing south to the Aswan.

There are stops to visit other significant monuments of ancient Egypt including visits to the Temples in Esna and Qena, plus a visit to a Nubian village and the Aswan high dam.

Luxor is home to some of ancient Egypt's most captivating landmarks.

While Viking is one of many companies offering Nile river cruises, it targets the luxury market with its state-of-the art vessels and all-inclusive packages. This includes privileged access to some of the tombs not offered on other tours.

More great discoveries await

At the naming, 'godfather' of the Osiris, the Earl of Carnarvon commented: "The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was one of the great explorers and excavators of his time, and today you may join in his love of the glories of ancient Egypt, all in the exceptional comfort and style of the Viking Osiris." 

The Earl of Carnarvon is the great-grandson of the 5th Earl, who, along with the famed Egyptologist Howard Carter, discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.

Travellers spend eight nights sailing the Nile on the Viking Osiris.

This association allows Viking to offer a unique experience through visits to Highclere Castle, the home of the Carnarvons, and the setting for Downton Abbey. 

Photographs and artifacts from the Earl's private Egyptian collection will be on show for those cruising on the Osiris.

Our fascination with ancient Egypt and its culture never wanes. Through stories like Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile' to the mysteries or coincidences surrounding the legend of the curse of Tutankhamun's tomb, we are captivated by its wonders.