Royal Nile Cruise 4 Days 3 Nights from Aswan to Luxor Full Board

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
(Wednesday) – Arrival in Aswan & Pickup from Aswan Airport, train station, or hotel. Check-in to a 5-star Nile Cruise.
2 stops
1
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam is one of the most significant engineering projects of the 20th century, located across the Nile River in Aswan. Completed in 1970, the dam was built to control the annual flooding of the Nile, provide water for irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power for Egypt. Stretching over 3,800 meters in length and 111 meters in height, it created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, extending into Sudan. The construction of the dam transformed Egypt’s economy by ensuring a stable water supply and producing about half of the country’s electricity at the time of completion. However, it also led to the relocation of thousands of Nubian people and the rescue of ancient temples, such as Abu Simbel, which were moved to higher ground. Today, the Aswan High Dam remains a symbol of modern Egypt’s ambition, engineering achievement, and ability to harness the power of the Nile for national development.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
2
Philae Timple
The Temple of Philae in Aswan is one of Egypt’s most enchanting monuments, dedicated to the goddess Isis, symbol of motherhood and magic. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was threatened by rising waters after the Aswan High Dam. In a UNESCO rescue project (1960s–70s), it was dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, preserving its beauty. Built mainly during the Ptolemaic period (4th–1st centuries BCE), the complex features elegant colonnades, courtyards, and sanctuaries decorated with reliefs showing the myths of Isis, Osiris, and Horus. The temple was not only a religious center but also a place of pilgrimage for Egyptians and Nubians. Today, visitors enjoy its harmony of architecture and nature, with structures surrounded by the Nile’s clear waters. At night, the Sound and Light Show brings its legends alive, making Philae one of Aswan’s most atmospheric and unforgettable sites.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
(Thursday) – Nubian Village & Sailing to Kom Ombo
2 stops
3
Nubian Village
The Nubian Village in Aswan is a colorful and lively destination that introduces travelers to the unique traditions and hospitality of Egypt’s Nubian people. Located along the west bank of the Nile, often in Gharb Soheil, the village is famous for its houses painted in bright colors with geometric designs. Visitors can stroll through its narrow streets, shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, spices, and textiles, and learn about Nubian culture and history. Meeting local families is often a highlight, with many welcoming guests into their homes to share tea, display traditional decorations, or even allow visitors to hold a baby crocodile—a custom rooted in Nubian heritage. The village is also alive with music and dance, reflecting Nubia’s deep connection to the Nile. Surrounded by golden sand dunes and palm trees, the Nubian Village offers an authentic cultural experience that combines tradition, hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere, making it an unforgettable stop in Aswan.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Temple of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo stands uniquely on a bend of the Nile between Edfu and Aswan. Built during the Ptolemaic period (180–47 BCE), it is a rare double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed protector. The temple’s design is perfectly symmetrical, with twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries for each deity. Its walls are richly decorated with fascinating reliefs, including detailed depictions of medical instruments, calendars, and sacred rituals, offering valuable insight into ancient Egyptian daily life and science. Nearby, the Crocodile Museum displays mummified crocodiles that were once worshipped here, emphasizing the strong cult of Sobek in the region. Overlooking the Nile, Kom Ombo combines striking architecture with beautiful views, making it a memorable highlight on any Nile Cruise journey.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
(Friday) – Sailing from Edfu to Luxor via Esna Lock
2 stops
5
Temple of Karnak
Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt and one of the world’s most remarkable monuments. Unlike a single temple, Karnak is a vast sanctuary that grew over more than 2,000 years, expanded by successive pharaohs from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period. Dedicated mainly to Amun-Ra, along with Mut and Khonsu, it formed the Theban Triad. The highlight is the Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 colossal columns soaring over 20 meters, resembling a monumental stone forest. Visitors can also see the Sacred Lake, once used for priestly rituals, and obelisks such as that of Queen Hatshepsut, still standing today. Each ruler added pylons, chapels, and statues, turning Karnak into a living history of Egypt’s power and devotion. It was also the center of great festivals, especially the Opet Festival, when statues of the gods were carried to Luxor Temple along the Avenue of Sphinxes. A visit to Karnak offers a breathtaking journey into the grandeur of ancient Thebes.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is one of the most magnificent monuments of ancient Thebes, located in the heart of modern Luxor on the east bank of the Nile. Unlike Karnak, which was dedicated to the gods, Luxor Temple was primarily built to celebrate the Opet Festival, symbolizing the rejuvenation of kingship and the link between the pharaoh and the divine. Constructed mainly by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, the temple is famous for its grand entrance flanked by colossal statues of Ramses and an obelisk—its twin now stands in Paris’s Place de la Concorde. Inside, visitors can admire impressive colonnades, decorated chapels, and reliefs depicting pharaonic ceremonies. Later additions by Alexander the Great and Roman emperors show its continued importance through centuries. At night, the temple is beautifully illuminated, offering a magical atmosphere that highlights its majestic columns and sacred courtyards.The Temple stands as a timeless witness to Egypt’s grandeur and spiritual traditions.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
(Saturday) – Check-out, visit Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple before departure.
2 stops
7
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is one of the most iconic archaeological sites, serving as the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE). Nestled in a desert valley on the west bank of the Nile, it holds more than 60 tombs carved into the limestone cliffs. This sacred burial ground was chosen to hide the tombs of powerful pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I, protecting them from grave robbers. The tombs are decorated with hieroglyphs, colorful paintings, and symbolic scenes from the Book of the Dead, designed to guide the pharaohs through the afterlife. Each tomb tells a unique story of ancient beliefs, daily life, and royal power. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter brought worldwide fame to the site, making it one of Egypt’s most visited attractions. Walking through the Valley of the Kings offers an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari in Luxor is one of ancient Egypt’s most striking monuments, dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs. Built in the 15th century BCE against dramatic limestone cliffs, the temple is renowned for its unique terraced design, blending harmoniously with the landscape. It consists of three wide terraces connected by ramps, once adorned with gardens, pools, and statues. The walls are decorated with vivid reliefs depicting key events, such as Hatshepsut’s divine birth and her expedition to the Land of Punt. The temple was mainly dedicated to the sun god Amun-Ra but also honored Hathor and Anubis. Its architecture reflects innovation, symmetry, and elegance that influenced later monuments. Despite damage from time and defacement by successors, the temple still conveys Hatshepsut’s legacy of power, ambition, and devotion. Visiting it offers a breathtaking glimpse into Egypt’s artistic and political history.
2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

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