5 Days Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Luxor East Bank
2 stops
1
Temple of Karnak
Our first destination is the monumental Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to the Theban triad: Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu. This architectural marvel, built and expanded by successive pharaohs over centuries, reveals the evolving religious and artistic sensibilities of ancient Egyptians. As you traverse the vast courtyards, pylons, and sanctuaries, your Egyptologist will illuminate the temple's intricate symbolism and historical significance. The highlight is undoubtedly the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 colossal columns adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, a testament to the sheer scale and ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineering.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
2
Luxor Temple
Following Karnak, we proceed to the Luxor Temple, gracefully situated in the heart of modern Luxor. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and later embellished by Ramses II, this temple served as a focal point for the Opet Festival, a crucial religious celebration.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Luxor West Bank
3 stops
3
Valley of the Kings
Our first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, a hidden valley where pharaohs of the New Kingdom sought eternal repose. You will have the opportunity to explore three meticulously decorated tombs, each a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian artistry. The vibrant colors and intricate hieroglyphs adorning the tomb walls offer a glimpse into the pharaohs' beliefs about the afterlife and their journey to immortality. While we pass by the valley, your guide will provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring you grasp its historical context and significance.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
4
Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
Next, we visit the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking architectural achievement built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri. Your Egyptologist will recount the fascinating story of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most powerful female rulers, her rise to power, and her ambitious building projects. The temple's terraced design and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape are truly breathtaking.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
5
Colossi of Memnon
Our final stop on the West Bank is the Colossi of Memnon, two imposing statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded his mortuary temple. These colossal figures, weathered by time and legend, stand as silent sentinels overlooking the Nile Valley, offering a poignant reminder of Egypt's glorious past.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Temples of Horus and Kom Ombo
2 stops
6
Temple of Horus
After a relaxing night, we arrive at Edfu, home to the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. This Ptolemaic-era temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples, offering a vivid glimpse into the religious practices and architectural styles of a later period. Your Egyptologist will guide you through the temple's intricate reliefs and sanctuaries, explaining the myths and rituals associated with Horus.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
Temple of Kom Ombo
Returning to the cruise, we continue our journey along the Nile, arriving at Kom Ombo. Here, we explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek, the crocodile god. This dual temple, with its symmetrical design and intricate carvings, reflects the ancient Egyptians' reverence for both benevolent and fearsome deities. Your guide will illuminate the temple's fascinating history and the symbolism of its reliefs.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Philae, the High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk
3 stops
8
Temple of Philae
Today, we reach Aswan, the southernmost city of our Nile journey. After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive tour of Aswan's iconic landmarks. Our first stop is the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This temple, relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, is a masterpiece of Ptolemaic architecture, adorned with exquisite reliefs and hieroglyphs. Your Egyptologist will recount the temple's fascinating history and the legends associated with Isis.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
9
Aswan High Dam
Next, we visit the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that transformed the Nile Valley. This massive dam, built in the 1960s, controls the Nile's flow, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
10
Unfinished Obelisk
Our final stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite obelisk that lies partially carved in its quarry. This colossal monument, abandoned due to a crack in the stone, offers a fascinating insight into the ancient Egyptians' quarrying and obelisk-making techniques.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Departure & Abu Simbel (Optional)
1 stop
11
Aswan
After breakfast, we check out from our Aswan accommodation and transfer you to your chosen departure point – the airport, train station, or hotel. You have the option to take an early morning excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples (optional). These colossal temples, built by Ramses II and relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, are among Egypt's most iconic monuments. Their sheer scale and intricate carvings are truly awe-inspiring.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags