Arrival in Aswan & Aswan Sightseeing & Sailing

Aswan - The exciting Egyptian journey begins upon arrival at Aswan International Airport or when picked up from an Aswan hotel. A warm welcome is extended by a knowledgeable and passionate Egyptology guide. From there, the exploration of Aswan, a city celebrated for its serene beauty and historical significance, commences.

Temple of Philae - The first destination is the stunning Philae Temple, a magnificent tribute to the goddess Isis. Accessible via a short, scenic boat ride across the Nile, this temple was carefully relocated piece by piece to its current island location to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. As visitors wander through its grand courtyards, past towering pylons adorned with intricate carvings, and into its sacred sanctuaries, the guide will bring to life the myths and rituals that once took place within these revered walls. The enduring love story of Isis and Osiris, the power of ancient Egyptian deities, and the architectural brilliance of a civilization that built structures to last millennia are all explored. The temple’s stunning setting, surrounded by the Nile’s shimmering waters, enhances its ethereal beauty, especially as sunlight dances upon its ancient stones.

Aswan High Dam - The journey continues to the modern marvel of the Aswan High Dam. This monumental engineering achievement, constructed in the 1960s, transformed Egypt’s landscape and economy by controlling the annual flooding of the Nile, providing hydroelectric power, and creating the vast Lake Nasser. The guide will explain the dam’s significant impact on contemporary Egypt, discussing its benefits in agriculture and energy, as well as the challenges faced during its construction, including the relocation of Nubian villages and historical monuments. From the dam’s vantage point, a unique perspective on the sheer scale of this project and its lasting legacy is gained.

Then the Nile Cruise sets sail, beginning its northward journey. The rhythm of the river lulls travelers into a state of tranquility as they watch local life unfold along the banks – farmers tending their fields, children playing, and traditional feluccas gracefully gliding by. The journey includes a visit to the unique Kom Ombo Temple.

Temple of Kom Ombo - Kom Ombo Temple is an extraordinary double temple dedicated to two distinct deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and creator of the world, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god.

As visitors explore this fascinating temple, the guide will highlight the symmetrical design, with two parallel sanctuaries, courtyards, and hypostyle halls. Remarkable reliefs depicting medical instruments, ancient calendars, and the rituals performed in honor of both gods are on display. The temple’s proximity to the Nile, and the ancient crocodile mummies found nearby, offer a captivating glimpse into the intertwined lives of the ancient Egyptians and the sacred animals of their world.

Temple of Horus & Arrival in Luxor

Temple of Horus - After the insightful visit to Kom Ombo, travelers return to the cruise ship for another delightful meal as the vessel continues its leisurely sail. The afternoon brings them to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved and most complete ancient Egyptian temples. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon god, this magnificent structure offers unparalleled insight into ancient Egyptian religious practices and architectural grandeur. Reaching the temple by horse-drawn carriage, visitors feel transported back in time. Inside, towering pylons, vast courtyards, and dimly lit sanctuaries are adorned with incredibly detailed hieroglyphs and vibrant reliefs that narrate the epic battle between Horus and his wicked uncle Set. The guide meticulously explains the temple’s inscriptions, revealing the stories of divine kingship, cosmic order, and the daily rituals performed by priests.

Luxor West and East Banks & Departure

Valley of the Kings - The final day of the cruise is a crescendo of historical discovery as travelers arrive in Luxor, often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum.” This day is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of both the West Bank and the East Bank, providing a comprehensive understanding of ancient Thebes.

The exploration begins on the West Bank of Luxor, a vast necropolis where pharaohs and nobles sought eternal rest. The first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, a stark, dramatic landscape hiding the subterranean tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun. Visitors descend into several of these intricately decorated tombs, marveling at the vibrant paintings and hieroglyphs that adorn the walls, designed to guide the deceased ruler on their journey through the afterlife. The guide explains the intricate beliefs surrounding the afterlife and the significance of these elaborate burial chambers.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari - Next, the striking Temple of Hatshepsut is visited, a unique mortuary temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Carved directly into the limestone cliffs, its multi-terraced design and grand ramps are a testament to her vision and reign. The guide recounts Hatshepsut’s fascinating story, her rise to power, and the achievements of her prosperous reign.

Colossi of Memnon - Finally, on the West Bank, a pause is made at the colossal Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These towering sentinels, though weathered by millennia, still command an imposing presence, hinting at the grandeur of the mortuary temple that once stood behind them. The guide shares the legends surrounding these ancient giants and their historical significance.

Temple of Karnak - Crossing back to the East Bank of Luxor, the final, breathtaking destination awaits: Karnak Temple. This sprawling complex is not merely a temple but a vast open-air museum of colossal proportions, representing centuries of construction by numerous pharaohs. Visitors wander through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately carved with hieroglyphs and reliefs. Sacred lakes, obelisks, and chapels dedicated to various deities, particularly Amun-Ra, the chief god of the New Kingdom, are explored. The guide unravels the layers of history within this monumental site, explaining its architectural evolution and its profound religious and political importance. The sheer scale and intricate details of Karnak Temple are a truly unforgettable experience, a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Luxor - As the incredible journey through ancient Egypt concludes, filled with memories of pharaohs, temples, and the timeless Nile, travelers are comfortably transferred directly to Luxor International Airport for departure, carrying with them a lifetime of cherished experiences and a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.

• Qualified licensed driver
• Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Private Egyptologist tour guide
• 2-night accommodation on board 5-star Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, with full board meals
• All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Motorboat ride to Philae temple
• Assistance with luggage

• Entrance fees
• Gratuities

Embark on a 3-day Nile cruise, a captivating journey through the heart of ancient Egypt from Aswan to Luxor. The adventure begins with a pickup in Aswan, leading to an expert-guided tour of the stunning Philae Temple and the impressive High Dam. Guests will then check into a luxurious Nile cruise ship, enjoying an overnight stay in Aswan. As the cruise sets sail, travelers will visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo before heading to Edfu to admire its exceptionally preserved temple dedicated to Horus. The voyage continues to Luxor, where the final day reveals the marvels of the West Bank. Explore the enigmatic Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, and the iconic Colossi of Memnon. Conclude this historical journey on the East Bank with a visit to the grand Karnak Temple before a smooth transfer to Luxor Airport. This experience offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history and tranquil river cruising.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.