Day 1- Luxor East Bank
Upon reaching Luxor airport or terminal, our liaison will escort you to your Nile Cruise via a private air-conditioned van. Boarding will be done before noon. In the afternoon, you will explore Luxor's East bank, which is inclusive of the Karnak Temples Complex. These are the most colossal edifices ever constructed in human history. The main structure is dedicated to the god Amun Ra, as it was perceived as the terrestrial abode of the deity. The earliest structure can be traced back to the Middle Kingdom, but there are citations indicating the existence of buildings as old as the 3rd dynasty. Subsequently, you will continue your exploration with a visit to the Temple of Luxor.
Situated in the core of historic Thebes, this shrine, similar to Karnak, was devoted to the principal deity, Amun Re. Upon completion of your day's exploration, you'll be escorted back to your vessel for relaxation and rejuvenation. As evening sets in, the crew will orchestrate a show featuring traditional Egyptian folklore. A meal will be provided and you'll spend the night in Luxor. (L-D)
Meals Day 2- Luxor West Bank - Sail to Edfu
Start your day with breakfast on board the Nile cruise, before embarking on an enchanted journey through Thebes, a city deemed sacred. Your exploration begins on the west bank of Luxor and includes a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Known as the final resting place of Theban kings and ancient Egyptian rulers, this is where our Pharaohs were laid to rest. Following this, you'll proceed to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari. A magnificent example of ancient Egyptian architecture, this temple stands out as it's entirely carved into the mountain. The tour concludes with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, an artifact associated with King Amenhotep III. Afterward, you'll return to your vessel for lunch. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, followed by dinner and an overnight stay on the cruise.
Meals Day 3- Edfu - Kom Ombo - Sail to Aswan
Begin your day with breakfast aboard your Nile cruise before embarking on an intriguing expedition into the realm of mysteries. Today, you will be guided to one of Egypt's most extraordinary temples, the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is renowned for being among the best-preserved sites in Egypt. Following your exploration, you will return to your ship, where lunch will be served as you sail towards Kom Ombo.
In the afternoon, continue your historical journey by visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo. This was a place of worship for the two deities, Sobek and Haroeris, for a certain period. After this enlightening visit, return to your ship for a delightful lunch.
Spend some time on the sun deck, absorbing the unparalleled views of the majestic Nile River. It's along these banks that ancient Egyptian civilization was born and thrived.
As you sail towards Aswan, a scrumptious dinner will be served on board. You will reach Aswan late in the evening, where you will stay overnight.
Meals Day 4- Aswan City Tour - Aswan
Your ship will offer breakfast to start your day. Subsequently, join your guide, an expert in Egyptian history, to explore the magnificent city of Aswan. Your tour will begin with The High Dam, a monumental structure built by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to shield Egypt from the devastating floods of the Nile. Following this, relish a motor boat ride on the Nile River until you reach Agilika Island. Here, you'll discover the Philae Temple, constructed during the Greco-Roman era and a tribute to the goddess Isis (the divine mother of Horus). Your next stop is one of Aswan's most astonishing attractions, The Unfinished Obelisk. Carved from red granite, it was meant to honor the god Amun Ra. After a day of exploration, return to your ship where lunch awaits. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a serving of tea onboard. Evening is yours to spend at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay will be provided in Aswan.
Meals Day 5- Disembarkation From Cruise
The journey to the Abu Simbel temples can be undertaken either by personal vehicle or through a regional flight. Upon arrival in Aswan, our fluent English-speaking guide will meet and accompany you to Abu Simbel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Located on the western shore of the Nile, south of Aswan and 180 miles south of the First Cataract, this was once Nubia's territory. Historically known as Meha, the site was first referenced during the 18th Dynasty when Ay and Horemheb commissioned the carving of sacred chapels into the southern hillsides. Once you reach it, your tour of the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples will begin. These temples were the creation of the renowned King Ramses II. The larger one, known as the Great Temple, was dedicated to the revered god Rahorakhty and constructed by Ramesses II. The smaller temple was dedicated to King Ramesses II and his stunning wife, Queen Nefertari. After completing your tour for the day, you will be transported back to Aswan. Upon reaching Aswan, a private air-conditioned vehicle will take you to your selected hotel for check-in and relaxation, or, if needed, you will be taken to Aswan Airport for your internal flight back to Cairo.
Meals