Luxor to Aswan

Arrive in Luxor and check in aboard your luxurious river cruise ship in time for lunch. After a leisurely meal on board, begin your exploration of Egypt's ancient wonders with visits to the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

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Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt. Constructed over a period of nearly 2,000 years, it features colossal columns, towering obelisks, sacred lakes, and monumental gateways dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra.

Later, visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated by the afternoon sun. Built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, the temple served as a centre for royal ceremonies and is famous for its grand statues, impressive avenue of sphinxes, and remarkable state of preservation.

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Return to your ship for dinner and overnight in port at Luxor.

After breakfast, cross to Luxor's legendary West Bank, known as the City of the Dead. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two giant stone statues standing over 18 metres high, guarding what was once one of Egypt's largest mortuary temples.

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Continue to the spectacular Valley of the Kings, burial place of Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Hidden within the desert hills are richly decorated tombs adorned with colourful hieroglyphics and scenes from the afterlife.

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Next, visit the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most remarkable rulers. Built dramatically against towering limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, the temple is renowned for its elegant terraces and unique architectural design.

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Return to the ship for lunch before setting sail towards Esna Lock. Passing through the lock is a unique Nile cruising experience, as vessels are raised or lowered to accommodate changing water levels, a fascinating opportunity to observe local river life and traditional trading activity along the banks.

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Continue sailing south to Edfu, where you will spend the night on board.

This morning, travel by traditional horse and carriage to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu. Dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God, Edfu Temple is widely regarded as the best-preserved temple in Egypt, with a towering entrance pylon, beautifully carved walls, and well-preserved halls.

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After your visit, return to the ship and continue sailing along the Nile, arriving at Kom Ombo around sunset. Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, the only temple in Egypt dedicated equally to two gods, Horus the Elder on one side, and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, on the other. The temple's riverside setting and symmetry make it one of Egypt's most distinctive ancient monuments.

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After the visit, continue sailing to Aswan, where you will spend the night on board.

Early this morning, there is the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (supplement applies). The magnificent temples, built by Pharaoh Ramses II over 3,000 years ago, are among Egypt's most iconic monuments, the colossal statues guarding the entrance are truly awe-inspiring. In the 1960s, the entire complex was painstakingly relocated stone by stone to save it from flooding following the construction of the High Dam.

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After breakfast, explore the highlights of Aswan, beginning with the impressive High Dam, responsible for controlling the annual flooding of the Nile and creating Lake Nasser. Continue to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, located on an island and reached by a short boat ride, one of the most picturesque sites in Egypt, also relocated to protect it from rising waters.

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Following lunch, enjoy a relaxing sail aboard a traditional Nile sailboat as you cruise around Aswan's islands, drifting peacefully between palm-fringed banks and granite outcrops.

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Return to your cruise ship for dinner and your final overnight stay in Aswan.

After breakfast, check out of your Nile cruise and bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Your unforgettable journey along the Nile comes to an end as you continue to your next destination, whether travelling to the airport, railway station, hotel, or onward to another exciting adventure in Egypt.