TUI launches new Egypt programme with flights and a cruise - 'marvel' at ancient cities and 'soak up' winter sun

TUI Airways celebrated its inaugural flights to Luxor, Egypt on November 7, 2024, departing from Manchester and London Gatwick airports.

Two flights per week will operate from the airports to Luxor, a city which TUI describes as "encompassing a mesmerising blend of history, architecture, and culture".

Britons can snap up direct flights from November 7, 2024 until April 24, 2025. For those looking to get ahead of the game and book their 2026 winter break, flights will return from November 4, 2025 to April 21, 2026.

The flight is set to delight TUI customers looking for an Egyptian city break, with a choice of eight hotels in and around Luxor, a "stone’s throw" away from the River Nile.

Customers can opt for a stay in the Hotel Hilton Luxor, and may even choose to combine their stay with the bespoke TUI tour, Highlights of Luxor, which includes tours of Luxor Temple, Kanark Temple, Valley of the Kings, Abydos Temple and Edfu Temple.

In some exciting news for cruise enthusiasts, TUI River Cruises' newly refurbished five-star ship, TUI Al Horeya, set sail on its maiden voyage along the River Nile on November 11, operating a seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor called The Legends of the Nile.

TUI Al Horeya can host 141 passengers and offers 72 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites.

Passengers will be able to experience the wonders of a hybrid multi-functional Top Deck, home to a swimming pool and two hot tubs by day, and an al fresco dining space, Felucca, by night.

For a true insight into Egypt and its rich history, passengers will be able to consult the two Egyptologists onboard.

Days and evenings can be enjoyed spectating live entertainment from the TUI River Cruises team, plus "live traditional whirling dervishes and Nubian acts".

On the seven-night cruise, passengers will be able to experience the wonders of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, before returning to Luxor.

TUI River Cruises customers can also select a Cruise & Stay option, allowing them to "expand new horizons and visit new destinations" post-cruise. The Legends of the Nile itinerary will give holidaymakers the choice to stay at various Egyptian hotels in Luxor for seven nights, or Hurghada for a four-night hotel stay post-cruise or three-night pre-cruise.

Britons keen to experience the magic of Egypt courtesy of TUI River Cruises can set sail from £1785 per person for two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin on Tui Al Horeya on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes flights from London Gatwick Airport on November 4, 2025, plus transfers.

Holidaymakers keen to join the adventure can see tui.co.uk/river-cruises, the TUI app or visit their local Tui holiday store.

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Head of TUI River Cruises, Katy Berzins, said: "We are excited to be welcoming our first passengers onto our first river cruise ship down the River Nile, TUI Al Horeya, this winter season on these inaugural flights from Manchester and London Gatwick airports.

"This inaugural sailing and flight to Luxor is the first of many to come for the river cruise line and TUI Airways; passengers will be able to marvel in the greatness of the ancient cities along the Nile or soak up that well-needed winter sun in our nearby TUI hotels in Hurghada or Luxor."

Head of Aviation Business Development at Manchester Airport, Lucie Hinton, added: "We are thrilled to see TUI launching this new service to Luxor.

"Manchester Airport is proud to connect the North with over 200 destinations worldwide – but this is our first Luxor service and will offer holidaymakers an unforgettable experience delving into the history and culture of Ancient Egypt."

In other cruise news, those keen to set sail have been invited on a four-year voyage around the world to "escape politics".

Here, cruisegoers will have the opportunity to visit 140 countries across all seven continents.