Discover the secrets of ancient Egypt via river cruise

Cairo

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative for a seamless welcome. After receiving assistance with your arrival, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Cairo. Once there, check into your room and settle in, ready to begin your exciting adventure in Egypt.

Cairo

Day 2: Discover the ancient world of Egypt

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx at the Giza Plateau, marveling at the immense Khufu (Cheops) Pyramid, built with 2.5 million limestone blocks.

Afterward, visit a papyrus institute and enjoy some free time for shopping. Following lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Egyptian Museum for a guided tour, with highlights including the treasures of King Tut and his golden mask.

In the evening, join an Egyptian family for a hands-on cooking class and dinner in a traditional local home, offering a unique cultural experience.

Cairo - Luxor

Day 3: Journey to Luxor & board your Nile cruise

Today, check out and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken on a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, once the most important temple in ancient Thebes. Known as "Ipet-Sut" or "The Most Select of Places," this grand complex was dedicated to the worship of Amun and held significant political power.

After your tour, transfer to your Nile cruise for embarkation and enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the Luxor Temple, a site dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, where many pharaohs were crowned. After exploring this historic site, return to the cruise for a relaxing evening.

Luxor - Edfu

Day 4: Set sail for Valley of the Kings

Begin your day with breakfast on board before heading out to visit the famed Valley of the Kings, carefully chosen as the royal burial ground for its location on the west side of the Nile. This site holds deep significance as the setting sun symbolized death and rebirth in ancient Egyptian beliefs, with cemeteries traditionally placed on the western bank.

Next, visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, located in Deir al-Bahari. This magnificent temple, built by the queen who became Pharaoh, rises in three terraces against the cliff, offering an awe-inspiring view. The site was sacred to Hathor, the goddess who nurtured kings, linking the temple to Egypt’s mythological past.

Return to the ship for lunch as you sail toward Esna. After passing through the Esna Lock, continue sailing to Edfu. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Day 5: A day exploring Egypt's temples

Start your day with breakfast on board, followed by a visit to one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC. The temple's inscriptions offer valuable insights into the language, mythology, and religion of the Hellenistic period, including details of its construction and the mythical significance of temples as the "Island of Creation."

Return to the cruise for lunch as you sail toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, explore the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, with its mirrored design featuring two separate sets of sanctuaries and halls. The southern section is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, while the northern part honors Haroeris, the falcon god. After your visit, return to the cruise and sail onward to Aswan.

Aswan

Day 6: Gliding along the Nile

Begin your day with a visit to the impressive High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Next, explore the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This sacred site remained active until the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I ordered the closure of pagan temples in the 6th century AD. Philae is notable for being the location of the last known hieroglyphic inscription, carved in 394 AD. Over time, the temple was converted into a Christian church, with many of its original inscriptions deliberately defaced.

After your visit, return to the cruise for lunch on board. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing felucca ride, gliding along the Nile with stunning views of Aswan as the sun sets. Return to the cruise for dinner and an overnight stay.

Aswan - Abu Simbel

Day 7: Journey to Abu Simbel & embark a new river cruise

After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your next cruise for embarkation.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board before heading out to explore the magnificent Abu Simbel temples, renowned for their colossal statues and breathtaking architecture, built by Ramses II to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari. Return to the cruise for a peaceful evening on the Nile.

Amada - Wadi El Sebou

Day 8: Views of the citadel & Amada Temple

Start your day with breakfast on board as you sail towards Kasr Ibrim, where you’ll enjoy a captivating view of the ancient citadel from the sundeck. After lunch on board, continue sailing to Amada to explore the remarkable Amada Temple, known for its well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions. Later, sail onward to Wadi El Sebou for the evening. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at this serene location.

Wadi El Sebou - Aswan

Day 9: Enjoy the beauty of the Nile

Head out to explore the fascinating Wadi El Seboua, known for its ancient temples and monuments. After your visit, return to the ship for a relaxing lunch as you sail back to Aswan. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board and settle in for an overnight stay in Aswan, surrounded by the beauty of the Nile.

Aswan - Cairo

Day 10: Dinner & exploration in Cairo

After checking out, start your day with a visit to the Klabsha Temple, known for its remarkable historical significance.

Following your tour, transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Cairo with a visit to the bustling Khan El Khalili market, perfect for shopping and exploring. Stroll along Moaaz Street, soaking in the city's rich history and culture.

Cap off your day with a delightful dinner at the renowned Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, celebrated for its exceptional Egyptian cuisine. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Cairo

Day 11: Goodbye, Egypt

After checking out, a representative will assist you with a transfer to Aswan Airport for your departure.