Day 1: Explore Luxor’s East Bank
In the morning, meet your tour guide and begin your 7-night Nile cruise. Today, you’ll explore the ancient sites on Luxor’s East Bank, starting with:
Karnak Temple: This is Egypt’s most spectacular landmark and the largest temple complex ever built by humans. It represents the culmination of efforts from countless pharaohs and generations of ancient builders, spanning 247 acres and comprising three major structures, numerous smaller enclosed structures, and several outside structures.
Afterward, board your 5-star Nile cruise for lunch and some relaxation. In the evening, we’ll take you to enjoy:
Luxor Temple: The Luxor Temple primarily served as the venue for the significant Opet festival. Amenhotep III and Rameses II largely built it to bring the ruler’s divine and human halves closer together.
Enjoy the temple, then return to the ship to spend the night. Meals include Lunch and Dinner (L.D.).
Day 2: Free Day on the Nile Cruise
Enjoy a free day on your voyage as you sail to Edfu. All meals are included (B.L.D.).
Day 3: Visit Edfu Temple, then Sail to Kom Ombo
In the morning, your private Egyptologist will accompany you in a horse-drawn carriage to see:
Edfu Temple: This is the best-preserved Greco-Roman structure in all of Egypt. Its walls depict a “Play” illustrating Horus’ victory over the malevolent deity Seth.
You’ll arrive in Aswan late in the evening. All meals are included (B.L.D.).
Day 4: Discover Aswan’s Landmarks
Enjoy breakfast before continuing to Aswan’s highlights for the final night of your seven-night Nile cruise. You’ll see:
Aswan High Dam: People constructed a bridge across the Nile at Aswan between 1960 and 1970. It has profoundly impacted Egypt’s economy and culture.
The Unfinished Obelisk: This is the largest known ancient obelisk. Queen Hatshepsut (1508-1458 BC) commissioned it, likely as a compliment to the Lateran Obelisk, which originally stood at Karnak and later moved to the Lateran Palace in Rome.
Philae Temple: This temple honors Isis, the goddess of Love and Beauty. As part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign initiative, workers disassembled and moved the temple complex to the adjacent Agilkia Island to safeguard it and other sites before the Aswan High Dam finished in 1970.
Spend a night at sea with all meals included (B.L.D).
Day 5: Private Car Tour to the Abu Simbel Temples
Get your breakfast boxes early, then meet your private tour guide for a private guided tour of the Abu Simbel temples:
Abu Simbel Temples: These two rock-cut temples, built around 1200 B.C. during King Ramses II’s reign, represent pinnacles of ancient Egyptian architecture. One temple honors King Ramses II, while the other honors his loving wife, Queen Nefertari. Both temples boast beautiful decorations with sculptures and artwork, including hand-carved pillars, wall paintings, sculptures, and statues. This temple is a must-see.
Return to your cruise ship for an overnight stay in Aswan. All meals are included (B.L.D.).
Day 6: Sail Back to Kom Ombo Temple
While eating breakfast aboard the boat, set sail towards Kom Ombo in the morning. Join your tour guide after reaching Kom Ombo to visit:
Kom Ombo Temple: This temple overlooks the Nile and features a unique design, divided into two separate temples with two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries.
Continue sailing toward Luxor, arriving after midnight. All meals are included (B.L.D.).
Day 7: Visit Luxor’s West Bank Landmarks
As you continue your journey, your tour guide will take you on a tour of Luxor’s West Bank, beginning with:
The Valley of the Kings: This site holds the tombs of Egypt’s kings from the 18th to the 20th dynasties, including those of the renowned Pharaoh Ramses II and the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tombs came fully furnished with everything a monarch might want in the afterlife. Most of the interior decorations remain in good condition.
Temple of Hatshepsut: This is one of the most exquisite and well-preserved Egyptian temples. Builders constructed the temple on three levels, connected by two large ramps in the middle.
Colossi of Memnon: Only two enormous stone sculptures of King Amenhotep III remain from a once fully constructed funerary temple. The sculptures come from quartzite sandstone stones originally found in Cairo and transported 700 km to Luxor.
After lunch, return to the ship to spend the night. All meals are included (B.L.D.).
Last Day: Conclude Your 7-Night Nile Cruise Program from Luxor
After breakfast, check out and make your way to Luxor, where your journey through the heart of Egypt will conclude.
