After arriving in Aswan, a member of our team will be waiting for us to assist us during the visa process, inform us about all the details of our trip, and clear up any doubts or questions we may have, as well as give a brief presentation of the city and its daily life. Then we will be transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Aswan. Once there, we will embark to visit the inaccessible island of Philae and thus be able to see the temple built in honor of the goddess Isis, which, like the temples of Abu Simbel and others in Egypt, had to be moved from its location due to the danger of being covered by the flooding of the Nile. We will continue and visit the famous Aswan Dam, an imposing hydraulic engineering work initiated by the British Empire and completed by the Egyptians in the mid-last century. Afterward, we'll enjoy a scenic ride on a "Faluca," a traditional Egyptian wooden boat known for its maneuverability, allowing us to admire the landscape and understand why a civilization thrived around the Nile. During the ride, we will pass by Elephantine Island, one of the oldest ivory trade centers, Kitchener Island famous for its botanical garden, and the Mausoleum of Agha Khan, a spot chosen by the Ismaili Chief for his final rest. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner on board before resting. Tip: The afternoon is the perfect opportunity to try Karkadé, a Nubian infusion made with hibiscus flowers that can be served cold or hot.
At dawn, we will begin sailing toward Kom Ombo, where we will enjoy breakfast before visiting the temple dedicated to Haroeris the falcon god, and Sobek the crocodile god. We will also see an exhibit of well-preserved mummified crocodiles, offering insight into Ancient Egyptian culture. Afterward, we will head to Edfu to visit the temple of Horus, traveling by "calesa," a small, modern Egyptian vehicle. This sanctuary is the best-preserved temple in Egypt, having been hidden under sand for centuries until its discovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the 19th century. After the visit, we will return to the cruise to enjoy a delicious dinner and marvel at the sunset from the stern in Esna. Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to have a coffee, the most typical being Turkish coffee flavored with cardamom.
In the morning, we will enjoy a tasty breakfast on board before arriving in the city of Luxor, located on the banks of the Nile and also known as "The City of a Hundred Gates" according to Homer, or as ancient Thebes, the capital of the Middle and New Kingdoms. We will visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, renowned for their towering structures. These temples are remarkable testaments to the grandeur of Ancient Egypt. Karnak, in particular, is the largest religious complex of the ancient world, famous for its massive columns and striking reliefs. After an exciting day, we will return to the cruise ship to have dinner, rest, and enjoy the Nile, and if we feel like it, try Egyptian tea or local tobacco with various flavors at nearby cafes. Tip : Check the optional excursions available at the upcoming cruise stops to make the most of every minute!
Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast on board, we will depart with our guide to the other bank of the Nile to visit the Necropolis of Thebes, perhaps one of the most important symbols of this ancient civilization and an archaeological treasure in itself. The highlight of the Theban necropolis is the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs and queens were buried in tombs carved into the rock by skilled artisans. Notable tombs we will visit include those of Ramses IV, Tutankhamun, and Set I, with stories shared by our guide. Next, after concluding the visit to the Valley of the Kings, we will continue towards the Valley of the Artisans, a tribute to those skilled individuals who constructed the Valley of the Kings. Afterward, we will continue our adventure towards the funerary temple of Ramses III, currently also known as "Medinet Habu," which stands out for its variety of colors and for being an icon of architecture from the New Kingdom period. After the visit, we will enjoy a panoramic view of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at "Deir el-Bahari," along with the remains of Amenhotep III's temple, featuring the famous Colossi of Memnon, which depict Amenhotep III, who reigned during one of the empire’s most prosperous times. After the visit, we will transfer to Luxor airport. Tip: The hot air balloon ride in Luxor is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn't miss, purchase it in step 1 when making your reservation.
Reserve your ideal trip early for a hassle-free trip; secure comfort and convenience!