5-Day Nile Cruise from Hurghada:

East Bank, West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan Highlights

This itinerary offers a fantastic journey through ancient Egyptian history, blending a relaxing Nile cruise with immersive visits to iconic archaeological sites in Luxor and Aswan.

Day 1: East Bank of Luxor

Your incredible 5-day Nile cruise begins with a morning pick-up from your Hurghada hotel. A private, air-conditioned vehicle will comfortably transport you to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your expert Egyptologist tour guide, who will lead you on a captivating journey through Luxor’s East Bank.

Karnak Temple Complex: A Glimpse into Ancient Piety

Step into the colossal Karnak Temple complex, the world’s largest open-air museum. Spread across 247 acres and built over millennia (2000 BC to 30 AD), Karnak vividly showcases the religious heritage of the ancient Egyptians. Here, you’ll discover the grandeur of the “Pr-Imn house of Amun,” dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, alongside numerous other deities, each with their own dedicated shrine. Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate details of this magnificent site.

Following your exploration of Karnak, we’ll transfer you to your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship. Settle in, enjoy a delicious lunch, and relax as you anticipate the evening’s adventure.

Luxor Temple by Night: Illuminating Ancient Majesty

As dusk falls, we’ll pick you up once more for a mesmerizing evening tour of Luxor Temple. Often called the “Southern Sanctuary,” this majestic temple, built around 1400 BC, primarily honored the pharaoh and served as the focal point for the Opet festival, a grand celebration of the revival of monarchy. Witness the temple’s captivating beauty under the soft glow of night, a truly unforgettable experience. Luxor Temple joined the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979.

After this magical evening, return to your cruise ship for a delightful supper and a restful night on board.

Food: Lunch and Dinner Throughout the night: On the Cruise

Day 2: West Bank of Luxor

Wake up to the serene views of the Nile and enjoy a hearty breakfast on board your cruise. Today, prepare for an extraordinary exploration of Luxor’s West Bank, the ancient necropolis, with your private tour guide and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

The Valley of the Kings: Resting Place of Immortals

Journey to the legendary Valley of the Kings, nestled at the base of a sacred hill and deep beneath the desert surface. This sacred valley holds the mummies and invaluable treasures of the immortal ancient Pharaohs from the New Kingdom (1570–1050 BC). Explore some of the 63 tombs, adorned with intricate decorations, golden artifacts, and jewels from legendary monarchs such as Seti I, Hatshepsut, Ramses the Great, and Tutankhamun.

Temple of Hatshepsut: A Queen’s Enduring Legacy

Continue your historical expedition to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (1507–1458 BC). This architectural masterpiece honors Amun, the sun god, and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most successful pharaohs. Admire the charming Hatshepsut Temple, a prime example of traditional Egyptian architectural brilliance.

Colossi of Memnon: Sentinels of the Past

Your final stop on the West Bank brings you to the magnificent Colossi of Memnon. These two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, originally sculpted in 1350 BC and then transported 700 meters to Luxor, once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s now-damaged mortuary temple. Stand in awe of these ancient sentinels.

Following this enriching journey, return to your ship to enjoy a leisurely lunch, a satisfying supper, and another comfortable night on board.

Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Throughout the night: On the Cruise

Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

Savor a delicious breakfast on board as your Nile cruise continues its captivating journey. Today, we delve into the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, revealing more secrets of ancient Egyptian beliefs and architectural prowess.

Edfu Temple: Honoring Horus, The Victorious Deity

Your first stop takes you to the Edfu Temple, a remarkable memorial to eternal victories. Constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC, this incredibly well-preserved temple honors the deity Horus. Edfu Temple stands as a true masterpiece, offering invaluable insight into Hellenistic religion, myth, and language through its detailed inscriptions and grand scale.

After exploring Edfu, re-board your ship and enjoy lunch as you cruise towards Kom Ombo, ready for your next fascinating discovery.

Kom Ombo Temple: A Dual Sanctuary

Arrive at Kom Ombo and visit its unique temple, often described as a “two-in-one marvel.” Built between 180 BC and 47 BC, this extraordinary temple features two symmetrical sections, complete with two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries. One side is devoted to Sobek, the crocodile god of the Nile, while the other honors Haroeris (Horus the Elder). The dual design beautifully reflects the shared worship of these two powerful gods.

After experiencing the unique charm of Kom Ombo, return to your ship for a delightful supper and a peaceful night on the cruise.

Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Throughout the night: On the Cruise

Day 4: Attractions in Aswan

Begin your day with breakfast on board as your cruise docks in Aswan, a city renowned for its stunning Nile scenery and significant ancient sites. Today, your guided tour will unveil Aswan’s major attractions.

The High Dam: A Modern Engineering Marvel

Your tour starts at the immense Aswan High Dam. Constructed between 1960 and 1970 across the Nile River, this monumental structure has profoundly impacted Egypt’s economy and culture through its capacity to generate energy and control the Nile’s vital waters.

The Unfinished Obelisk: A Glimpse into Ancient Craftsmanship

Next, explore the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s ancient granite quarries. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC), this grandest never-realized marvel was intended to accompany the Lateran Obelisk at the entrance to the Karnak Temple. It serves as one of the world’s largest outdoor museums, offering unparalleled insight into the colossal scale and ingenious techniques of ancient Egyptian stonework.

Temple of Philae: The Jewel of Isis

Conclude your Aswan tour at the holy Philae Temple, a living marvel brimming with eternal beauty and art, dedicated to the goddess Isis of Love and Beauty. Ptolemy II constructed the temple in 280 BC, and it boasts some of history’s most fascinating ornamentation, narrating the stories of celebrated Egyptian deities like Isis, Osiris, and Horus. This remarkable temple was heroically moved to Agilkia Island in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the monumental UNESCO Nubia Campaign project, saving it from submersion.

At the end of an enriching day, return to your ship for a delicious lunch, a final supper on board, and a comfortable overnight stay.

Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Throughout the night: On the Cruise

Day 5: Concluding Your Nile Cruise

Enjoy your last breakfast on board your Nile Cruise. After checking out, a modern vehicle will transport you to the railway station in Aswan.

Journey to Qena and Departure from Hurghada

Board a train bound for Qena, enjoying the scenic journey. This marks the exciting conclusion of your five-day Nile Cruise excursion from Hurghada. Upon arrival in Qena, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Hurghada, leaving you with unforgettable memories of ancient Egypt.

Dining: Breakfast