viking egypt 2023 Review

Here’s a full review of Viking Egypt 2023 — especially the Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary and what people have said about the experience. If you want a version geared to clients of Zaho Tours, I can tweak it.

Table of Contents

Viking Egypt 2023 — Overview

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is a 12-day journey combining land (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, etc.) and river cruise along the Nile. You spend several nights in Cairo, fly to Luxor, cruise for 8 days, visit many major ancient sites, then return to Cairo. Viking has been expanding its fleet: in 2023 the Viking Aton began service, and more sister ships are planned. vikingcruises.co.uk+3vikingcruises.co.uk+3River Cruise Advisor+3

What’s New / What Stands Out in 2023

The Viking Aton, 82 guests, 41 staterooms, launched in August 2023. It is built specially for Nile River cruising, with features that mirror Viking’s ocean & river vessels (Scandinavian design, etc.). vikingcruises.co.uk+1
Demand has been very strong: many 2023 sailings sold out; some 2024/2025 voyages also filling quickly. vikingcruises.co.uk+2vikingcruises.co.uk+2
Viking continues to improve ‘privileged access’ to certain tombs/sites (Valley of the Queens, Dendera, etc.). vikingcruises.co.uk+1

What Works Well

Here are the strong points of Viking Egypt 2023, drawn from official sources and traveler feedback:

High Quality Ships & Comfort
The new ships are modern, elegant, and well-designed. Viking’s attention to detail tends to be praised. The cabins, service, and onboard amenities are generally of a high standard. There’s a sense of luxury without excess.
Excellent Itinerary & History
The itinerary covers many major Egyptian highlights: pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Grand Egyptian Museum, temples in Luxor, Karnak, Aswan, Abu Simbel, etc. Good mix of land-based history plus river views.
Expert Guides & Enrichment
Viking provides experienced Egyptologists, and “privileged access” to certain tombs and sites which helps avoid crowds and enhances the learning experience.
Seamless Logistics
From flights between Cairo / Luxor / Aswan, to hotel stays + cruise, Viking generally offers smooth transitions. Pre- and post-extensions are available.
Strong Reputation / Awards
Viking has been highly rated in “best river cruise” categories by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, etc. vikingcruises.co.uk+2latecruisenews.com+2

What to Be Careful About / Challenges

No tour is perfect. Here are things travelers have flagged in 2023:

Crowds
Some key sites (e.g. pyramids, tombs, museums) can get very crowded, especially during peak travel times. Though “privileged access” helps, external crowding is still an issue.
Early Starts & Busy Days
The schedule is full. Many excursions begin early, and days are long with many walking and heat. People who prefer a more relaxed pace may find this demanding.
Visa & Admin Hassles
Some reviews mention that obtaining the Egypt visa process was frustrating: website glitches, confusing fields, tight timing. It helps to start that well in advance. From one traveler:

“Visa application … user interface awful … screen frequently crashed … in hindsight, huge mistake to leave this until late.” Reddit
Vendor & Shopping Experiences
Some guests complained about vendor sales onboard/shore being quite aggressive; marking up prices, confusing currency situations. Be cautious when buying souvenirs or jewelry. Reddit
Cost
Viking is on the premium end. Price reflects inclusion, service, accommodations, but some felt certain meals or extras didn’t always match the cost or expectations (though this varies widely based on cabin category, season, etc.).

Traveler Impressions & Anecdotes

Some direct feedback from travelers:

One group said the trip was “fabulous”, with cultural and gastronomic highlights. Reddit
Another said mornings were very early, but generally the experience exceeded expectations. Reddit
On the flip side, delays and confusion around visa were stressful. Reddit
Regarding comfort: the ships are praised for quiet elegance, though some cabins (especially near engines or lower decks) may pick up more noise or vibration.

Who This Is Best For

Viking Egypt 2023 is ideal if you:

Enjoy history, archaeology, and want to be deeply immersed in Ancient Egypt.
Appreciate comfort, good service, and a high standard of logistics.
Are okay with early starts and fairly full days.
Don’t mind paying for the premium experience.

It may be less ideal if you:

Prefer slow travel, more flexibility, rest-days, or time to wander unstructured.
Are budget-sensitive (there are cheaper options, though with less luxury).
Have very limited time and want just a short or focused stay.

Overall Verdict

Viking’s 2023 Egypt offering delivers strongly on what it promises: comfort, depth, reliability, and access. For travelers who want a comprehensive look at Egypt’s highlights with high standards of accommodation and service, it is among the top choices. There are small trade-offs (crowds, pace, visa headaches), but they tend to be outweighed by the positives for many travelers.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Viking Egypt 2023:

Do I need to arrange a visa before I go?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to start your visa application well in advance. The online Egypt visa portal has had usability issues. Alternatives include visa on arrival.
What type of ship is the Viking Aton and how small or large is it?
Viking Aton carries about 82 guests, with 41 staterooms. It’s purpose-built for the Nile, designed for comfort, good amenities, and style.
Will I be able to visit ‘off the beaten path’ sites?
The itinerary includes major sites and some less-visited ones (e.g. Dendera, Nubian village). However, the tour keeps to a schedule — flexibility for very off-grid excursions is limited.
How active or strenuous is the trip?
Fairly active. Expect walking, some steps, early mornings, and warm weather. Comfortable shoes and being in reasonable health help.
What is included vs extra cost?
Included: accommodations, many meals, guided excursions, flights within Egypt, etc. Extras may include tips, souvenirs, optional extensions, some premium services. Also be alert to costs from vendors.

Recommendation

If I were advising someone (or Zaho Tours clients) choosing Viking Egypt in 2023, I would say:

Go for it if you want an all-in one, high-quality Egyptian experience.
Plan the visa process early.
Budget for comfortable clothes, sun protection, good walking shoes.
Be mentally prepared for packed days, especially in peak season.
Try to choose a departure date outside extremely busy periods to reduce crowds.

If you like, I can also pull together a version of this review tailored for your clients, perhaps with comparisons to more “budget / mid-range” alternatives. Would you prefer I do that?