LOS ANGELES (May 10, 2010) – As a result of increased popularity and overwhelming demand, Viking River Cruises has announced the addition of a new Egypt cruisetour itinerary. The 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids program will begin in September 2010 and continue throughout the 2011 season.
“Egypt is one of the world’s up-and-coming travel destinations,” states Richard Marnell, Viking’s senior vice president of marketing. “Ever since launching our Egypt itineraries just a few years ago, we have seen incredible interest in this region. In fact, the interest has been so great that we had to develop a new program to accommodate the influx of guests wanting to sail with Viking along the Nile River.”
The Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary combines both Nile River and Lake Nasser cruising with a Cairo hotel stay. Highlights include excursions to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza as well as a visit Abu Simbel, a felucca ride on Nile and a guided tour through the King Tut gallery at Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
“We are extremely proud that our Egypt cruises have gained so much recognition and our departures were selling out very quickly,” continues Marnell. “With the launch of this itinerary, we are providing even greater opportunities for both new and returning guests alike to explore another interesting destination with Viking.”
During the 12-day itinerary, guests will experience the best of Egypt, from the sprawling metropolitan capital of Cairo to the wind-swept desert landscapes of Wadi el Seboua to the ancient pyramids of Giza and the monumental Aswan Dam. To further enhance the trip, an experienced Egyptologist will guide the tours and provide additional insight into the history and culture of ancient Egypt as well as Egypt today.
The Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is launching with dates from September through December 2010 and will be available year-round in 2011. Guests will explore Egypt in comfort and luxury with hotels and ships provided by Viking’s partners, the world’s finest hosts. The cruise portion of the trip will be hosted aboard the Royal Lily along the Nile and Prince Abbas on Lake Nasser.
To extend their Egypt vacation, guests can add one or both of the Explore More™ land extension programs visiting Israel or Jordan; both are 4-night programs. For additional details, see the full itinerary online or contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best River Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 18 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.