Day 1: Cruise Check-in & Luxor East Bank Wonders
Your journey begins with a private, air-conditioned transfer from your Soma Bay hotel. Upon arrival, you will board your luxurious Nile cruise ship and meet your expert tour guide. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable 5-day Nile adventure!
Karnak Temple
First, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, considered one of the largest ancient buildings ever constructed. From 2055 BC to 100 AD, it served as a vital religious center, earning its distinction as the largest open-air museum on Earth. Karnak Temple showcases the wealth and religious landscape of ancient Egypt, spanning from the Middle Kingdom to the Greco-Roman era. This sprawling complex covers 247 acres and boasts 25 temples, statues, and obelisks, all waiting for your discovery. After your captivating visit, you’ll check into your Nile cruise cabin and enjoy a delightful lunch onboard.
Luxor Temple by Night
As darkness falls, prepare for a unique experience: Luxor Temple by Night. Built around 1400 BC, this temple was once home to the Theban Triad. It connects to Karnak Temple via the famed Avenue of Sphinxes. Witnessing its ancient grandeur illuminated against the night sky is truly magical.
Your cruise will spend the night at sea. You will enjoy both lunch and dinner onboard today.
Day 2: Luxor’s West Bank & Sail to Edfu
After a delicious breakfast on board, you’ll venture to Luxor’s West Bank with your private tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle.
The Valley of the Kings
Your first stop is The Valley of the Kings, a truly unique site carved into the mountainside. This remarkable necropolis houses 63 tombs of various kings and queens, including Seti I, Tutankhamun, and Hatshepsut. These 20 royal tombs from the New Kingdom (1570–1070 BC) are filled with astonishing jewels and artifacts, many now housed in the Egyptian Museum.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Next, discover the awe-inspiring Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BC). Constructed in 1479 BC to honor Amun and preserve Hatshepsut’s legacy, it stands as one of the largest, most beautiful, and best-preserved temples in history.
Colossi of Memnon
Finally, marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues of Amenhotep III (1386–1350 BC). Originally intended for his temple in Cairo, they were later relocated to Luxor. These 18-meter-tall statues gained fame in the Greco-Roman era for their ethereal “singing” sounds.
In the afternoon, your cruise will set sail towards Esna and Edfu. You will spend the night in Edfu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served onboard.
Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples; Sail to Aswan
After breakfast, your Nile journey continues.
Edfu Temple
Your first stop is Edfu Temple, a remarkable example of Ptolemaic-era architecture (237–27 BC). Built to honor Horus, the god of triumph and the sky falcon, it beautifully blends Pharaonic and ancient Greek architectural and cultural styles.
Next, you will continue sailing until you reach Kom Ombo.
Kom Ombo Temple
Here, you’ll explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, also known as the Hill of Gold. Situated right on the banks of the Nile, this temple features a distinctive double-temple design. It honors two deities: the crocodile god Sobek and Horus.
You will spend the night in Aswan. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard your cruise today.
Day 4: Aswan’s Highlights & Cruise Night
After breakfast this morning, you will be guided to Aswan’s prominent attractions.
The High Dam
First, visit the Aswan High Dam. Constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, this monumental structure in Upper Egypt protects against Nile floods and generates electricity for the region.
The Unfinished Obelisk
Next, see The Unfinished Obelisk, the largest ancient obelisk in Egypt. Queen Hatshepsut commissioned it for the entrance of the Karnak Temple. Unfortunately, it tragically cracked during its creation, remaining in its quarry.
Temple of Philae
Finally, explore Aswan’s enchanting Philae Temple. Built between 380 and 362 BC during the Ptolemaic period, it served as the sacred residence of Isis, the goddess of motherhood. Renowned for its grace and charm, the temple vividly tells the story of Osiris.
You will spend the night onboard your cruise. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served today.
Day 5: Farewell Nile Cruise
Your incredible 5-day Nile cruise from Soma Bay concludes today. After enjoying breakfast onboard, you will check out of the ship. From Luxor, you will take a first-class train, followed by a comfortable drive back to your hotel in Soma Bay.
