5 Days / 4 Nights Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan

Your Egyptian odyssey starts in Luxor, the former capital of Thebes.

• Arrival and Welcome: Upon arrival at Luxor Airport or Train Station, you will be warmly greeted by your expert Egyptologist guide and immediately begin your exploration.
• Luxor East Bank Tour: Dive into history with a visit to the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built. Marvel at the massive obelisks, the Sacred Lake, and the imposing Avenue of the Sphinxes.
• Temple of Amun-Re: Continue to Luxor Temple, an elegant temple dedicated to the God Amun-Re, which is often viewed at sunset for its spectacular lighting.
• Embarkation & Sailing: Transfer to your luxurious Nile Cruise ship for check-in. Enjoy your first onboard lunch.
• Overnight: The ship begins its gentle sail south towards Aswan. Enjoy dinner and the first night onboard.

Today, we cross the river to the West Bank, the ancient city of the dead.

• Breakfast Onboard: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
• Valley of the Kings: Begin the tour at the world-renowned Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground where pharaohs sought eternal rest. You will have the chance to explore several beautifully preserved tombs.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit the striking Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), a masterpiece of ancient architecture carved into the towering cliffs.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stop for a photo opportunity at the two massive statues known as the Colossi of Memnon, which once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
• Afternoon Sailing: Return to the cruise ship for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxing and enjoying the views as the ship sails further south.
• Overnight: Dinner and a relaxing evening onboard as you continue your journey down the Nile.

Enjoy the scenic cruise through the fertile Nile Valley, visiting two unique temples en route.

• Nile Valley Views: Enjoy breakfast while sailing through the picturesque agricultural landscapes of the Nile Valley, an unforgettable view from your deck.
• Esna Lock: Experience the fascinating transit through the Esna Lock (timing depends on river traffic).
• Edfu Temple: The ship will stop at Edfu. Take a charming horse-drawn carriage to visit the stunningly preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God, which provides a complete view of ancient temple architecture.
• Kom Ombo Temple: Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple. This temple is symmetrically divided to honor two deities: Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Haroeris, the Falcon God.
• Arrival in Aswan: Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard. The cruise docks in Aswan for the overnight stay.

Dedicate the day to exploring the architectural marvels and natural beauty of the Nubian heartland.

• Aswan Engineering & History: After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour starting with the modern engineering feat, the High Dam.
• Unfinished Obelisk: Visit the ancient granite quarries to see the massive Unfinished Obelisk, providing a glimpse into the incredible scale of ancient Egyptian stonework.
• Philae Temple: Take a peaceful motorboat ride to visit the gorgeous Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis, resting elegantly on Agilkia Island.
• Felucca Ride: In the afternoon, unwind with a delightful Felucca boat ride around the islands, including the lush Kitchener Botanical Island and viewing the exterior of the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
• Overnight: Enjoy your final dinner and overnight stay onboard in Aswan.

Your incredible Nile journey concludes.

• Farewell Breakfast: Enjoy a final breakfast on the cruise ship.
• Check-out & Transfer: Complete your check-out procedures. You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport or the Train Station for your final departure.

Optional Upgrade: Be sure to ask about adding the spectacular early morning excursion to Abu Simbel Temples on Day 4.