Cruising The Nile and Lake Nasser

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, clear customs and collect your luggage. Our representative will meet you at the arrival halls and assist you with being transferred to your hotel. Cairo, dubbed Al-Qahirah in Arabic, is not only one of the largest cities in Africa with a population of 17 million, but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. The citys old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairos architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, especially in commercial architecture — particularly as the citys population boomed during the 19th century.




Overnight in Cairo

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an exhilarating full-day excursion to the Pyramids, Sphinx of Giza, Memphis, and Sakkara. Your adventure begins with take-off, and lunch will be served at a local restaurant en-route.



The Giza Pyramid Complex, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx of Giza, represents the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt (2600-2500 BC). It's on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, alongside several cemeteries and a workers' village, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.



Memphis, ancient capital of Lower Egypt, was the birthplace of Egyptian civilization, thriving as a center for trade and religion. It was founded by King Menes and maintained its importance throughout history. The ruins near Mit Rahina offer glimpses into its rich past.



Saqqara, an Egyptian village, features the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest complete stone building complex in history. It remained a significant burial site for both royal and non-royal figures for over 3,000 years. After this enriching experience, return to your hotel.




Overnight in Cairo

Today early in the morning you will be transferred back to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship on the Nile, your floating hotel for the next five days. Enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, embark on a half-day journey to Luxor's East Bank, where you'll explore the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple. The Luxor Temple, built around 1400 BCE, stands on the east bank of the Nile in modern-day Luxor (formerly Thebes). It's dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and may have been a site for royal coronations. The Karnak Temple Complex, a vast collection of ancient structures near Luxor, dates to around 2000-1700 BCE. It was the primary place of worship for the 18th Dynastic Theban Triad, with Amun as its chief deity. The complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.



Your tour concludes with a welcoming reception, evening entertainment, and dinner on board.




Overnight Onboard Cruise in Luxor

In the morning after breakfast, enjoy a half-day excursion to Luxor's West Bank, featuring visits to iconic sites such as the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a historic Egyptian valley where, over a period spanning nearly 500 years from the 16th to the 11th century BC, elaborate rock-cut tombs were carved out for pharaohs and influential nobles of the New Kingdom (specifically, the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The Temple of Hatshepsut, a majestic mortuary temple, was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut from the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Situated opposite the city of Luxor, it stands as a testament to ancient architectural excellence. Later, embark on a sailing journey to Edfu, passing through Esna.



During the voyage, savor a delightful onboard lunch and partake in afternoon tea. In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner onboard as you spend the night in Edfu.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

After breakfast, Embark on a half-day journey to the Edfu Temple on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. This well-preserved sanctuary, constructed during the Ptolemaic Kingdom (237-57 BC), offers insights into Hellenistic-era language, myths, and religion through its inscriptions. It's known for its association with Horus, also identified as Apollo in the Hellenistic tradition. After your visit, sail to Kom Ombo, where you'll enjoy lunch onboard and afternoon tea. Kom Ombo Temple, dating back to the Ptolemaic dynasty (180-47 BC), is a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, boasting perfect symmetry along its main axis. From there you will sail to Aswan to enjoy an Egyptian Buffet dinner.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

Today, start your day with a delicious breakfast on board as you embark on a half-day tour to explore the marvels of Aswan. Your first stop is the High Dam, the world's largest embankment dam, built between 1960 and 1970 to control flooding, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity. It has significantly impacted Egypt's economy and culture. You'll then visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal ancient marvel commissioned by Hatshepsut. This abandoned project offers insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques. Next, you'll explore the Philae Temple, a picturesque complex moved to its current location to save it from being submerged by the High Dam. It was once a center of the cult of the goddess Isis and is a testament to Egypt's rich history. Lunch will be served on board, followed by a tranquil felucca ride on the Nile around Kitchener Island, offering stunning views. As the day ends, savor a delicious dinner on board and enjoy evening entertainment.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

In the morning after breakfast disembark from your Nile Cruise and proceed to Aswan airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Lake Nasser Cruiser, Movenpick Prince Abbas, where you will be staying for the next three nights. Get settled in and enjoy lunch on board.



14:00 - Embark on a half-day tour to explore the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple. Located in the village of Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near the Sudan border, these two colossal rock-cut temples are a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, approximately 230 km southwest of Aswan (about 300 km by road), these temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the \"Nubian Monuments.\" This site extends from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae, encompassing other Nubian sites like Amada and Wadi es-Sebua. The Abu Simbel Temples were originally carved into the mountainside during the 13th century BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Rameses II from the 19th Dynasty. These temples serve as an enduring tribute to Pharaoh Rameses II's victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Notably, smaller figures of his wife Nefertari and children can be observed near his feet, although of lesser importance in scale. The massive external rock relief figures of the temples have become iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.



Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam on the River Nile, which created the vast Lake Nasser reservoir, the temples were relocated in their entirety in 1968. This remarkable undertaking was overseen by Polish archaeologist Kazimierz Michałowski, from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw. The temples were placed on an artificial hill constructed from a domed structure, towering above the Aswan High Dam reservoir. This relocation was essential to prevent the submergence of the temples. The project was executed as part of the UNESCO Nubian Salvage Campaign.



16:00 - Enjoy a leisurely tea-time on board the cruise.



20:00 - Experience the captivating Sound and Light Show at the Abu Simbel Temple.



21:00 - Conclude your day with a delightful dinner served on board the cruiser.




Overnight Onboard Cruise in Abu Simbel

Today, Set sail for Kasr Ibrim in the morning and savor breakfast while aboard the boat. While access to the site is restricted, savor a guided exploration of the Kasr Ibrim Citadel from the deck of the ship. Following this, venture to the captivating temples of Amada, Derr, and the Penout Tomb. In the afternoon, continue your cruise towards Wadi El Seboua, where you can marvel at the breathtaking temples of Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, and Meharakka. Conclude your day with a delectable dinner and a tranquil overnight sojourn aboard the Cruise.




Overnight Onboard Cruise in Wadi El Seboua

In the morning have your breakfast and sail to Aswan, savoring the picturesque views. As you glide past the Tropic of Cancer, relish a refreshing cocktail, followed by a sumptuous onboard lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Kalabsha temple, Beit El Wali, and the Kiosk of Kertassi. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay on the cruise.




Overnight Onboard Cruise in Aswan

After breakfast, get ready to disembark the cruise and youll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Cairo

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to explore world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you will stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. Visit the Citadel situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Hills of Old Cairo. The Citadel served as the nerve center of Egypt for nearly 700 years. Construction of the grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Ruler of Egypt in the late 19th century. Mamluk sultans and Turkish governors resided in the Citadel, one of the worlds most splendid monuments of medieval warfare. Your tour will also include a visit to Khan El Khalili, known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, built-in 1382 by Emir Djaharks ElKhalili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. Until this day, the bazaar remains a center of trade and communion in the city and offers a wide range of antiques, handicrafts of gold, silver, and copper, and numerous old coffee shops and local restaurants attracting Egyptians and tourists alike.




Overnight in Cairo

Today you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.