4 Night Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan with Guided Sightseeing

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Exploration
3 stops
1
Luxor
If your flight arrives in the morning, your guide will take you directly from the airport to explore the East Bank of Luxor. After the tour, you will proceed to your Nile Cruise ship for afternoon check-in, followed by lunch and dinner on board. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, you will be transferred to your Nile Cruise ship for afternoon check-in and lunch on board, followed by a guided visit to the East Bank of Luxor.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
2
Temple of Karnak
First, visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex – the largest religious structure ever built in the history of mankind, with its main temple dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Hear the stories of ancient pharaohs, capture stunning photos, and admire the towering columns, intricate hieroglyphs, and sacred lake that have stood the test of time for over 3,000 years, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the grandeur and spiritual devotion of Ancient Egypt.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
3
Luxor Temple
Next, you will visit the majestic Luxor Temple, built by a king of the 12th Dynasty and later completed by Pharaoh Ramses II. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, this temple was dedicated to Amun-Re and played a central role in the Opet Festival, when statues of the gods were carried in grand procession from Karnak to Luxor. As you wander its grand colonnades, admire the massive statues, carved walls, and the blend of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic influences accumulated over centuries. The temple’s nighttime illumination creates a magical atmosphere, bringing its history to life. After your visit, return to your cruise ship for dinner, relaxing on the sundeck as the Nile reflects the city lights before resting for the night. Optional: On your first day in the evening, enjoy the Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show for $40 per person, a captivating spectacle of lighting, music, and storytelling that revives the history and legends of ancient Thebes.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Hot Air Balloon Adventure, West Bank Wonders & Sailing to Edfu
4 stops
4
Enjoy a breakfast box on board before an early start. In the early morning, a representative from the balloon company will pick you up and transfer you to the balloon airfield for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Luxor — an unforgettable start to your day. As the first light of dawn touches the horizon, watch the crew prepare the colorful balloons while the morning air is still cool. Once aloft, you’ll drift gracefully above the West Bank, gliding over ancient temples, fertile farmlands, and the winding ribbon of the Nile River. From this vantage point, the monuments of Thebes, including the Valley of the Kings, seem to whisper their millennia-old stories. The rising sun bathes the desert and fields in golden hues, creating perfect photo opportunities. After landing, instead of returning to the cruise, the balloon company will transfer you to the Colossi of Memnon, where our guide will be waiting to begin your guided tour of the West Bank, starting with these iconic statues.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Colossi of Memnon
Start your guided West Bank visit with the Colossi of Memnon, the towering statues of King Amenhotep III. Standing at an impressive 18 meters high, these monumental guardians have watched over the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years. Your guide will share the legends surrounding the Colossi, including the mysterious “singing” sound they were said to make at dawn in ancient times. Admire the incredible craftsmanship of the statues, noting the intricate details carved into their faces, bodies, and bases. From this vantage point, you can glimpse the surrounding landscape, including nearby temples, ruins, and the vast desert stretching toward the Nile. Photographers will find endless opportunities here, capturing the majesty of the statues and the dramatic play of light and shadow as the sun rises. Your guide will provide context about the Colossi’s historical significance, their role in royal funerary practices, and the cultural legacy they continue to represent today.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Valley of the Kings
After Colossal of Memnon, your guide will take you to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt’s ancient pharaohs’ burial site. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds over 60 tombs carved into limestone cliffs, decorated with vibrant, millennia-old paintings. You’ll visit tombs of legendary rulers, including boy king Tutankhamun, whose nearly intact tomb was found in 1922. Your guide will explain the afterlife beliefs, symbolic art, and engineering marvels of these eternal sanctuaries. The cool tomb interiors contrast with the desert sun, adding to the mystery. Admire hieroglyphs still glowing with color and imagine the sacred rituals performed here before moving on to your next adventure. Standard admission includes access to three tombs of your choice. Optional add-ons payable on-site: Tutankhamun's Tomb: EGP 700 Ramesses VI Tomb: EGP 220 Seti I Tomb: EGP 2000 Feel free to customize your visit by choosing extra tombs, if time permits, to deepen your connection with Egypt’s rich history.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
7
Temple of Hatshepsut
Conclude your West Bank exploration with a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, an architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs. Rising in three terraces, this temple honors Egypt’s only female pharaoh. Your guide will share stories of her reign and building projects. Stroll the colonnades and admire reliefs depicting her divine birth and the Punt expedition — a perfect moment to reflect on ancient history. Next, stop briefly at a local alabaster workshop and bazaar, where artisans preserve ancient carving techniques. See how alabaster was crafted using simple tools and skilled hands. There’s no pressure to buy — enjoy the experience and gain appreciation for this timeless craft. After capturing photos, return to your cruise ship for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck as the breeze carries you along the Nile, passing lush riverbanks and villages. Dinner will be served on board as you approach Edfu, ready for the next chapter of your journey.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo, Sailing to Aswan
2 stops
8
Temple of Horus
After breakfast on board, meet your guide for a journey into the ancient world with a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu — one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this stunning structure was built during the Ptolemaic period and offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient religious practices. As you walk through its massive pylons and along its perfectly aligned courtyards, marvel at the detailed reliefs that depict epic battles between Horus and his rival, Seth. Your guide will explain the symbolic meanings behind the artwork, the temple’s role as a center of worship, and the impressive engineering techniques used in its construction. Return to the ship and enjoy a leisurely lunch as you sail along the scenic Nile towards Kom Ombo, passing palm groves, traditional fishing boats, and small riverside communities that reflect Egypt’s timeless charm.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
9
Temple of Kom Ombo
In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). This rare double dedication is reflected in the temple’s perfectly symmetrical design, with twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries for each deity. Admire the intricate carvings depicting medical instruments, ancient calendars, and scenes of divine rituals. Nearby, visit the small Crocodile Museum, where mummified crocodiles and artifacts tell fascinating stories of Sobek’s worship. After your visit, return to the ship, relax on the sun deck, and soak in the timeless landscapes of the Nile — the lifeblood of ancient Egyptian civilization. Dinner will be served on board as the ship sails to Aswan, arriving later that night under a starlit sky, where the gentle hum of the river and the warm evening breeze set the perfect tone for tomorrow’s adventures.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
High Dam, Philae Temple & the Unfinished Obelisk
3 stops
10
Aswan High Dam
After breakfast, join your guide to explore the highlights of Aswan, beginning with the impressive High Dam — constructed in the 1960s under President Gamal Abdel Nasser to control the Nile’s floods, generate hydroelectric power, and provide water for irrigation across Egypt. Standing atop the dam, take in panoramic views of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, stretching into the horizon. Your guide will explain the dam’s remarkable engineering feats, its role in transforming Egypt’s agricultural economy, and the significant cultural impact of its construction, including the massive UNESCO-led effort to relocate ancient monuments threatened by rising waters. Feel the breeze off the lake and admire the contrast between the vast expanse of blue water and the golden desert beyond before continuing to your next Aswan landmark.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
11
Temple of Philae
Next, enjoy a scenic motorboat ride across the tranquil waters to Agilika Island, where the beautiful Philae Temple awaits. Dedicated to Isis, the revered goddess of magic and motherhood, this temple is celebrated for its graceful colonnades, intricate reliefs, and romantic island setting. Your guide will share the temple’s fascinating history, including its rescue and relocation by UNESCO to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Wander through the courtyards, admire the vivid carvings, and feel the serene atmosphere that has inspired travelers for centuries. After your visit, glide back to the mainland and stop at a traditional perfume shop, where you’ll discover the ancient art of fragrance-making. Learn how essential oils and scents were crafted in Pharaonic times, sample exotic aromas, and perhaps take home a bottle as a fragrant memory of your journey — please note that any purchases made at the perfume shop are at your own expense and not included in the tour price.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
12
Unfinished Obelisk
Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, still connected to its bedrock and carved from red granite in the quarries of Aswan. Intended to honor Amun-Ra, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected, but construction was halted when a deep crack appeared in the stone. Your guide will explain ancient quarrying techniques and the immense effort needed to shape and transport monumental works. Afterward, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board as you take in the tranquil views of the Nile. Relax on the deck, watch traditional feluccas glide by, and soak in the timeless beauty of the riverbanks that inspired civilizations for millennia. Feel the warm breeze on your skin and listen to the gentle lapping of water—a peaceful moment to recharge before a delightful dinner served on board in the evening. Optional: In the afternoon, visit the colorful Nubian Village for $40 per person. Explore its painted houses, meet friendly locals, browse handmade crafts, and discover Nubian heritage.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Cruise Check-Out & Departure from Aswan
1 stop
13
Aswan
After breakfast, check out from the cruise. Our representative will escort you to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Nile and desert landscapes, providing a final glimpse of Egypt’s timeless beauty from above. Optional: For those wishing to extend their adventure, after checkout, enjoy a guided tour to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples for $150 per person. These iconic temples, carved out of a mountainside by Ramses II, stand as monumental tributes to ancient Egyptian power and artistry. The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entry fees, making it a seamless and unforgettable excursion.
8 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Booking is available for adults only — children and infants cannot be added.
• Each cabin includes a private bathroom and full onboard facilities for your comfort.
• Single Cabin (king bed): Maximum 1 adult only (children and infants not permitted), with private bathroom and standard amenities.

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