Aswan’s Ancient Treasures & Nubian Culture
Your journey begins with pickup from your Aswan hotel, Aswan International Airport, or Aswan railway station, followed by your first exploration of Aswan with your Egyptologist guide.
Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still resting in the ancient granite quarry where it was being carved more than 3,000 years ago. Had it been completed, it would have been one of the largest obelisks ever created. Its unfinished state offers a remarkable look at the stoneworking techniques used by ancient Egyptian craftsmen.
Continue to Philae Temple, the beautiful island temple complex dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis. Rescued from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam, the temples were carefully dismantled and reconstructed on Agilkia Island.
Later, experience another side of Aswan with a visit to a Nubian village. Travel along the Nile and spend time among the colorful homes and welcoming surroundings while learning about Nubian traditions, culture, and life in southern Egypt.
Board your Nile cruise and settle into your cabins before enjoying dinner and your first evening aboard.
Abu Simbel & Temples Along the Nile
Begin early for the journey south to Abu Simbel, home to two of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient temples. Carved directly into the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II, the Great Temple is dominated by four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh. Beside it stands the smaller Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, honoring Queen Nefertari.
After exploring both temples with your Egyptologist guide, return toward Aswan and rejoin your Nile cruise as it continues north.
Along the sailing route, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple overlooking the Nile and dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, or Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design, detailed reliefs, and connection with ancient medicine make it one of the Nile Valley’s most distinctive temples.
Return to the ship and continue sailing north, enjoying dinner and the evening aboard.
Edfu & Luxor’s Ancient Temples
Continue north to Edfu, where you will visit the magnificent Temple of Horus. Protected for centuries beneath layers of settlement and sand, Edfu is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Walk through its monumental pylons, courtyards, halls, and sanctuary while your Egyptologist brings the temple’s history and mythology to life.
Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor.
Upon reaching Luxor, continue your exploration of ancient Thebes with visits to its remarkable temple complexes. Explore Karnak Temple, an enormous religious complex developed by generations of pharaohs, and walk among its pylons, obelisks, sacred spaces, and the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Continue to Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes and closely associated with the ancient Opet Festival.
Your Luxor sightseeing also includes two of the West Bank’s important mortuary temples: Medinet Habu, dominated by the remarkably preserved Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, and the Ramesseum, the great mortuary temple built for Ramses II.
Return to the cruise for dinner and your final evening aboard, with entertainment according to the ship’s scheduled program.
Sunrise Over Luxor & Treasures of the West Bank
Begin before sunrise for one of Luxor’s most memorable experiences: a hot air balloon flight over the West Bank. As daylight spreads across the Nile Valley, take in sweeping views of the green fields, desert mountains, temples, and ancient burial grounds below.
After landing, continue your exploration of Luxor’s West Bank with your Egyptologist guide.
Descend into the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground where New Kingdom pharaohs created elaborately decorated tombs hidden within the Theban hills.
Continue to the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built into the cliffs for one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable rulers.
Before leaving the West Bank, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the entrance to his vast mortuary temple.
After sightseeing, return for breakfast and check-out before your transfer to your next destination in Luxor.
Cruise is Full board.
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