4 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan free Abu Simbel

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Aswan
3 stops
1
Luxor
Your driver will meet you at your hotel or preferred location in Luxor at the arranged time. After a warm greeting, you will board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for your journey to Aswan. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Nile River, lush farmlands, and small traditional villages that line the route. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be dropped off directly at your Nile cruise ship, ensuring a hassle-free start to the next stage of your journey.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Temple of Philae
Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Aswan, your dedicated Egyptologist guide will warmly greet you, marking the commencement of your enchanting Nile adventure. Your first immersion into the wonders of ancient Egypt begins with a captivating boat trip to the Temple of Philae, a jewel rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to the serene Agilkia Island. Dedicated to Isis, the revered goddess of magic, motherhood, and healing, this graceful temple complex, with its elegant colonnades and intricate carvings dating back to the Greco-Roman era, exudes an aura of profound spirituality. Allow yourself ample time after the guided tour to wander through its sacred halls, capturing the picturesque beauty of the temple against the backdrop of the tranquil Nile. The gentle sway of the motorboat, included in your experience, adds to the magical ambiance of this island sanctuary.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
3
Aswan High Dam
Following your exploration of Philae, you will be driven to a testament to modern engineering – the Aswan High Dam. This monumental project, initiated in 1960 and completed in 1971, stands as a symbol of Egypt's ambition and progress. As you stand atop this impressive structure, take in the panoramic vista of Lake Nasser, the second-largest man-made lake in the world, its vast expanse shimmering under the Egyptian sun. Your guide will share insights into the dam's significant impact on the region, both in terms of irrigation and power generation.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo Temples
2 stops
4
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
An early start awaits you today as you prepare for an awe-inspiring excursion to the legendary Temples of Abu Simbel. A thoughtfully prepared breakfast box will accompany you as our representative escorts you from the ship's lobby at 4:00 AM. Embark on a comfortable journey (approximately 290 km south of Aswan) alongside a knowledgeable group guide to witness these colossal rock-cut temples, a testament to the power and ambition of the great Pharaoh Ramses II during the New Kingdom. Marvel at the sheer scale of the Great Temple of Ramses II, its façade adorned with four colossal statues of the pharaoh himself, each towering over 20 meters high. Explore the inner sanctuaries, adorned with intricate reliefs depicting Ramses' victories and religious beliefs. Adjacent to it stands the equally impressive Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the king's beloved wife, Nefertari, its façade graced by statues of both Ramses and Nefertari, signifying their equal stature.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Temple of Kom Ombo
Later in the day, the ship will dock at Kom Ombo, a city officially part of the Aswan Governorate, situated approximately 55 km north of Aswan. Here, you will embark on a unique guided tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo, a remarkable dual temple dedicated to two distinct deities: Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and the power of the Nile, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), a falcon-headed god representing the sky and kingship. Admire the symmetrical design of the temple, with its twin entrances, courtyards, and sanctuaries, reflecting its dual dedication. Adjacent to the temple, you will also visit the fascinating Crocodile Museum, which houses a collection of mummified crocodiles discovered in the vicinity, offering further insight into the ancient Egyptians' reverence for this powerful creature. The temple is conveniently located on the riverbank, allowing for a leisurely walk.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Sailing the Nile & Edfu Temple
1 stop
6
Temple of Horus
After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will accompany you on a memorable journey to the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu. Your mode of transport for this short excursion will be a traditional horse-drawn carriage, offering a charming glimpse into local life as you make your way to the temple. The Temple of Horus stands as the second-largest and arguably the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt. Constructed in 237 BC during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, this impressive structure is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship. Spend approximately two hours exploring its towering pylons adorned with dramatic battle scenes, its grand colonnaded courtyard, and its intricately decorated inner sanctuaries. Your guide will vividly recount the myths and legends associated with Horus and the temple's fascinating history. The return journey to the ship will once again be via horse-drawn carriage.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Luxor Sightseeing
5 stops
7
Valley of the Kings
Your journey begins on the West Bank, the necropolis of the pharaohs. You will first venture into the legendary Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs (dynasties 18, 19, and 20) dating back approximately 3500 years. With the assistance of your knowledgeable guide, you will visit a selection of the most well-preserved tombs, adorned with vibrant murals and hieroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the beliefs and afterlife rituals of ancient Egypt. The ticket provided will grant you access to a designated number of tombs.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
8
Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
A short ten-minute drive will then take you to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, the mortuary temple of the remarkable Queen Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Admire the temple's unique architectural design, seamlessly blending with the dramatic cliffside backdrop of Deir el-Bahari. Its terraces and colonnades stand as a testament to Hatshepsut's power and vision.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
9
Colossi of Memnon
Your exploration of the West Bank will conclude with a brief visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal sandstone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, remnants of his once-grand mortuary temple. Take a moment to appreciate their imposing presence and hear about the ongoing archaeological discoveries in the area.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
10
Temple of Karnak
In the afternoon, you will cross over to the East Bank of Luxor, home to two of Egypt's most awe-inspiring temple complexes. Your guide will lead you through the sprawling Karnak Temple, the largest religious structure ever built and a testament to the enduring power and devotion of the ancient Egyptians. This vast complex, constructed and added to by various pharaohs over centuries, is dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra. Wander through its towering hypostyle hall, a forest of colossal columns adorned with intricate carvings, and explore its numerous sanctuaries, obelisks, and sacred lake. Your guide will provide invaluable context to the history and significance of this monumental site, and you will be granted at least 30 minutes of free time to wander, meditate, and capture the grandeur of Karnak at your own pace.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
11
Luxor Temple
Your Egyptian odyssey culminates at the majestic Luxor Temple, another remarkable cult temple located in the heart of the modern city. Unlike Karnak, Luxor Temple was primarily dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and was largely built by Amenhotep III (around 1320 BC) and later added to by rulers such as Alexander the Great, Roman emperors, and even early Christians and Muslims, leaving a fascinating tapestry of historical influences. As you explore its impressive colonnades, courtyards, and the Avenue of Sphinxes (partially restored), you will feel the weight of millennia of history.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• 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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