Aswan to Luxor

Arrival in Aswan

Check in to your Nile river cruiser after 11:00am and settle into your cabin before enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the highlights of Aswan, one of Egypt's most picturesque cities.

​

Visit the impressive High Dam, one of the greatest engineering achievements of modern Egypt, constructed in the 1960s, it controls the annual flooding of the Nile and created the vast Lake Nasser. Continue to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, situated on an island and reached by boat, one of Egypt's most enchanting temple complexes.

​

After your sightseeing, return to the ship for dinner and your first overnight stay on board in Aswan.

Optional Abu Simbel & Nubian Village Excursions, Kom Ombo

This morning, you may choose from two optional excursions (additional charges apply), and it is perfectly possible to enjoy both.

​

Optional Abu Simbel Excursion: Travel south to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago. Guarded by four colossal statues carved directly into the mountainside, these temples are among the most iconic sights in Egypt, saved from flooding and rebuilt on higher ground in one of the greatest archaeological rescue projects ever undertaken.

​

Optional Nubian Village Excursion: Alternatively, or in addition, visit a traditional Nubian Village on the banks of the Nile. Explore colourful houses decorated with vibrant artwork, learn about local customs and traditions, and enjoy the warm hospitality for which the Nubian community is famous.

​

Return to the ship for lunch before beginning your cruise northwards. Later in the afternoon, arrive at Kom Ombo and visit its remarkable temple, the only temple in Egypt dedicated equally to two gods, Horus the Elder and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god.

After the visit, return to the ship for dinner and continue sailing to Edfu, where you will spend the night on board.

Edfu, Esna Lock and Luxor

This morning, travel by horse and carriage to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, considered the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt, with a towering entrance pylon, impressive columns, and beautifully carved walls.

​

After the visit, return to the ship and continue your cruise towards Luxor. During the journey, pass through the famous Esna Lock, watching the ship carefully enter the lock chamber before being raised or lowered is fascinating, while local traders often approach the boats selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

​

Upon arrival in Luxor, visit the magnificent temples of the East Bank. Karnak Temple, the largest religious site ever constructed in ancient Egypt, features monumental gateways, giant obelisks, and the spectacular Great Hypostyle Hall. Luxor Temple, built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, was once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.

​

Return to the ship for dinner and your final overnight stay on board in Luxor.

Luxor West Bank & Departure

After breakfast, it is time to check out and say goodbye to your Nile cruise. Before continuing your onward journey, visit Luxor's famous West Bank: the Colossi of Memnon, two massive seated statues of Amenhotep III; the Valley of the Kings, legendary burial place of Egypt's pharaohs; and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set dramatically against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

​

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor (additional charge applies): for a truly unforgettable finale, rise before sunrise and gently float above the Nile Valley as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the temples, tombs, villages, and fertile fields below, panoramic views over the Valley of the Kings, the River Nile, and the surrounding desert.

​

Following your sightseeing, continue with your onward arrangements, whether travelling to the airport, railway station, hotel, or another destination within Egypt.