5-Day Deluxe Nile cruise from Luxor including Abu Simbel Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Temples
3 stops
1
Temple of Karnak
Our first destination is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest religious structure ever built by humankind. Prepare to be mesmerized by its sheer scale and the intricate details that speak volumes about the power and devotion of the pharaohs. Stretching over a vast area, Karnak is not a single temple but a sprawling complex of sanctuaries, pylons, obelisks, and the famed Hypostyle Hall, a forest of towering columns adorned with hieroglyphs that narrate tales of gods and pharaohs.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
2
Avenue of Sphinxes
Wander through the Avenue of Sphinxes, once lined with hundreds of these mythical creatures guarding the sacred path to the temple. Marvel at the colossal statues of pharaohs, including the imposing figure of Ramses II. Your guide will illuminate the significance of the various sections of the temple, from the sacred lake to the intricately carved obelisks that reach towards the sky, each telling a story of ancient rituals and beliefs.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
3
Luxor Temple
As the sun dips further, casting long shadows across the monumental architecture, we will proceed to the elegant Luxor Temple. Situated closer to the Nile and once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor Temple exudes a different yet equally captivating charm. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and later added to by Ramses II, this temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Luxor's West Bank
3 stops
4
Valley of the Kings
Our first destination on the West Bank is the legendary Valley of the Kings, a site that has captivated archaeologists and historians for centuries. This dramatic, arid valley served as the final resting place for pharaohs of the New Kingdom (circa 1550-1070 BC), their tombs hewn into the Theban Hills in a bid to protect their mummified remains and the treasures meant to accompany them into the afterlife. Within this remarkable necropolis, over 65 tombs have been discovered, each a testament to the elaborate beliefs surrounding death and resurrection in ancient Egyptian culture. The vibrant colors and remarkably well-preserved scenes adorning the walls of these subterranean chambers offer an unparalleled glimpse into the mythology, daily life, and royal aspirations of the pharaohs.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
Our exploration of the West Bank continues with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut. This unique mortuary temple, dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, stands in stark contrast to the traditional temple designs of her male predecessors. Carved into the towering cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the temple's architectural grandeur is breathtaking. Its series of colonnaded terraces rise majestically, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Your guide will recount the fascinating story of Hatshepsut, her rise to power, her ambitious building projects, and the eventual attempts to erase her legacy from history. Admire the intricate reliefs depicting her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt and the divine birth narrative, offering insights into the political and religious climate of her reign.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
6
Colossi of Memnon
Our final stop on the West Bank is the Colossi of Memnon. These two colossal sandstone statues, once guarding the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III (of which little else remains), stand as silent sentinels overlooking the Theban plains. Marvel at their sheer size and the weathered inscriptions that have intrigued travelers for centuries. Your guide will share the legends and history associated with these iconic landmarks, including the mythical "singing" of the statues in ancient times.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Edfu andKom Ombo Temples
2 stops
7
Temple of Horus
Following breakfast, we will disembark the cruise ship to embark on a visit to the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu. A comfortable transfer will take you to the city of Edfu, where the magnificent Temple of Horus awaits. This Ptolemaic temple is considered the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt and the second largest after the sprawling Karnak Temple. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the son of Osiris and Isis, this impressive structure offers an unparalleled insight into the religious beliefs and architectural prowess of the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BC).
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
8
Temple of Kom Ombo
As the ship approaches Kom Ombo, you will prepare to visit the unique dual temple dedicated to two distinct deities: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus. This fascinating temple, dating back to the Ptolemaic era, features a symmetrical design with two parallel entrances, courtyards, and sanctuaries, one for each god. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the temple, explaining the distinct mythologies and significance of Sobek, associated with fertility and the power of the Nile, and Horus, representing kingship and protection. Admire the intricate carvings that depict scenes of worship, royal offerings, and surgical instruments, reflecting the advanced medical knowledge of the time.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Aswan Sightseeing
2 stops
9
Aswan High Dam
Our first stop is the impressive High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that has significantly impacted the region. Built in the 1960s, the dam controls the Nile's annual floodwaters, provides hydroelectric power, and has created Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. Your guide will explain the dam's construction, its benefits, and its environmental impact, offering a perspective on the interplay between ancient traditions and modern development in Egypt. From the top of the dam, you will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nasser and the surrounding landscape.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
10
Temple of Philae
Next, we will embark on a short and scenic boat trip to Philae Temple, a jewel of Nubian history. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple complex was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island during the construction of the High Dam to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, Philae Temple exudes grace and beauty. Its elegant pylons, adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes and imperial decrees, reflect the influence of the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Explore the various sanctuaries, colonnades, and the well-preserved Temple of Hathor, each telling a story of devotion and ancient beliefs. The island setting and the temple's exquisite architecture create a truly enchanting atmosphere.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Abu Simbel Temple Complex & Departure
1 stop
11
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
Following an early breakfast onboard and check-out procedures, you will embark on a day tour to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. This journey will be undertaken in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, ensuring a comfortable and efficient transfer through the desert landscape. The drive to Abu Simbel, located approximately 280 kilometers south of Aswan near the Sudanese border, takes around three to four hours. As you travel, you will witness the stark yet captivating beauty of the Egyptian desert. The magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, built by the great pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, are a testament to his power, ambition, and devotion to the gods. These colossal structures were miraculously saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in a remarkable international engineering feat during the 1960s. The entire complex was dismantled, moved, and reassembled on higher ground, a testament to human ingenuity and the global commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

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

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