Start packing your explorer's gear, fellow globetrotters, because Viking® is sailing us into an exciting new chapter of Egyptian exploration! The company today announced that voyages on its latest Nile River gem, the Viking Hathor, are now open for booking. Scheduled to make her grand debut in 2024, the Viking Hathor will proudly join Viking's growing fleet of custom-built ships, traversing the beloved 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
With the 2023 season fully booked and some 2025 sailings already sold out, it's clear that Egypt continues to enchant travelers worldwide. "Egypt continues to be one of our most popular destinations," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "As a country rich with history and culture, we are pleased to bring the Viking way of exploration to Egypt for our guests. With the addition of the Viking Aton this summer and the Viking Hathor next summer, we are looking forward to meeting the growing demand in the region."
These exciting developments follow hot on the heels of recent accolades for Viking's river fleet in Egypt. In her inaugural year, the Viking Hathor's identical sister ship, the Viking Osiris, was hailed as one of the "Best New Cruises" in Conde Nast Traveler's "2023 Hot List." Moreover, TIME magazine's "World's Greatest Places of 2023" featured both Giza and Saqqara, lauding Viking for being among the few to stop at both locations where exciting archaeological sites are currently under excavation.
The Viking Hathor, capable of hosting 82 guests in 41 chic staterooms, is a vision of elegance with its award-winning Scandinavian design. Joining the ranks of its sister ships, the Viking Aton and the Viking Osiris, the Viking Hathor boasts familiar features beloved by Viking guests, like a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. The expanding Egypt fleet, which includes the Viking Ra and the MS Antares, will grow to a total of six ships by 2025, with the Viking Sobek, another new sister ship, currently under construction.
Now, let's set sail on Viking's Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. This 12-day journey begins with a three-night stay in a first-class Cairo hotel. Here, guests will be able to visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Necropolis of Saqqara, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The journey continues with a flight to Luxor, visits to the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, and an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, with Privileged Access to various monumental sites and a visit to a traditional Nubian village. Finally, the itinerary concludes with a return flight to Cairo for a final night in this ancient city.
Guests seeking to prolong their Egyptian escapade can also take advantage of Viking's Pre and Post Extensions, providing Privileged Access to various archives and exhibits. These unique extensions include an unforgettable journey through London's renowned Egyptian collections and an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle, home to an impressive private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
So, travelers, it's time to stow away your maps and let Viking® steer you into a world rich with history and breathtaking scenery. The Nile River awaits, with its captivating tapestry of past and present, ready to unfold before your very eyes. Embark on the adventure.
