Day 1- Embarkation - Visit Abu Simbel
An agent will pick you up from your lodging in Abu Simbel or the local airport, and you'll be transported to your Lake Nasser Cruise for boarding and registration. Boarding the Cruise is scheduled for 1:00 P.M., followed by a meal on board.
You will then tour the Abu Simbel Temple. Nestled between the first and second waterfalls of the Nile, on its west bank, Abu Simbel boasts some of Egypt's most iconic ancient structures. It is home to two temples etched into a mountainside, constructed by Pharaoh Ramesses II (1303-1213 B.C). The current location of Abu Simbel is not where it originally stood in ancient times."The choice to construct a new High Dam at Aswan in the early '60s led to the temples being disassembled and moved in 1968 to a desert plateau, situated 64 meters (approximately 200 feet) higher and 180 meters (600 feet) west from their initial position. The former site is now submerged. Following the awe-inspiring exploration of the Temple, you will indulge in afternoon tea aboard the cruise, allowing for some downtime and rejuvenation. Evening meals and overnight stay will be catered for on the cruise."
In the dusk, there awaits a captivating Sound & Light spectacle at the Abu Simbel Temple.
The Sound and Light display will transport you back to the era of the pharaohs. The mesmerizing tunes and vivid animations breathe life into the ancient world, with projections on the temples illustrating their past glory. The program is offered in multiple languages, with headphones available. This is an event that should not be overlooked; it will transform your visit to Abu Simbel into an unforgettable memory.
Meals Day 2- Sail to Qasr Ibrim - Visit Amanda - Sail to Wadi El Seboua
Enjoy your breakfast aboard the cruise before we set sail for Kasr Ibrim. You can observe Kasr Ibrim from the sundeck, a once powerful city that dominated the Nile River, now appears as an island due to the Aswan High Dam's construction. Your lunch will be served on the cruise. Following this, your guide will accompany you to the Temple of Amada. This temple was first constructed by Pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18th dynasty and continued to be expanded and embellished by his son, Amenhotep II. When Amenhotep passed away, his successor, Thutmose IV, initiated numerous modifications, including adding a roof to the original temple's open-style forecourt. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Temple of Derr. Ramses II is a particularly notable figure in Egyptian history due to his extensive and successful rule, and the many temples and structures he commissioned during this era.
The Temple of Derr stands out as a unique gem due to its initial location on the Nile's east bank, where very few other buildings were situated. Not to mention, it serves as an exceptional specimen of the pharaoh's favored rock cut architecture. Eventually, your journey will take you to the Tomb Of Pennut. Following a straightforward path that veers from the two temples, you'll soon encounter one of Egypt's most uncommon sights - a rock-cut tomb belonging to a Kush Viceroy. The intriguing aspect about this specific tomb is that, just like the neighboring temples, it was also moved from its original spot to protect it from the inundation caused by the Aswan High Dam's construction in the 1960s. Once your day trips are complete, you will return to your cruise where a cocktail party awaits you later, followed by an exciting Nubian performance on board the cruise. Dinner will be served on the cruise and you'll stay there overnight.
Meals Day 3- Visit Wadi El Seboua - Sail to Aswan
Begin your day with a morning meal aboard your cruise. Embark on an unforgettable journey to the unique location of Wadi El Seboua while navigating Lake Nasser. This region is renowned for housing several ancient sites that have been relocated. Presently, Wadi El Seboua is the location of two temples from the "New Kingdom" period, along with the Dakka Temple and Maharraqa Temple. Many who visit here are keen to explore these structures, often devoting an entire day to do so. Typically, visitors start their tour at the renowned "Valley of the Lions," a path lined with sphinxes that leads to the older of the two "New Kingdom" temples. This particular temple was constructed by Amenhotep III and dedicated to a Nubian interpretation of the deity, Horus. It's a temple cut into rock, with a brick pylon that's preserved in its original condition. The courtyard and main hall have survived to this date, boasting some admirable artwork. Afterward, lunch will be served on your cruise as you set sail for Aswan. Later, enjoy dinner aboard the cruise and spend the night in Aswan.
Meals Day 4- Visit Kalabsha Temple - Sail to Aswan
Your journey will begin with a hearty breakfast served on your cruise ship. Following this, you'll be accompanied by an Egyptologist guide to explore the Temple of Kalabsha. Situated within sight of the High Dam, cruises on Lake Nasser often make their first stop at this temple. It was relocated here from its original location 30 miles to the south, post the dam's construction.
The temple's construction was initiated during the culmination of the Ptolemaic Dynasty and was eventually completed under the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. This led to an intriguing mix of Egyptian and Roman iconography, with illustrations of Roman emperors and pharaohs worshipping along with the Egyptian deities. The temple was primarily dedicated to Mandulis, the Nubian god.
Subsequently, you'll disembark from your cruise and our representative will escort you to your hotel in Aswan for your stay.
Meals