Luxor and A Cruise On Lake Nasser 8 Days / 7 Nights

Meet and assist upon arrival at Luxor Airport. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Luxor.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the West Bank of the Nile to explore the highlights of the Theban Necropolis:

Valley of the Kings

Nestled within the limestone hills of ancient Thebes, the Valley of the Kings served as the royal burial ground of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. This majestic necropolis contains more than 60 tombs, many of which still preserve their vibrant wall paintings and intricate decorations. Your guide will select some of the most remarkable tombs for your visit.

Medinet Habu Temple

Visit the magnificent Temple of Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III. This vast complex is renowned for its imposing gateways, massive columns, and exceptionally preserved reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s military victories, including battles against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples.

Colossi of Memnon

Stop at the famous Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues standing approximately 18 meters high and weighing around 700 tons each. They represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III, accompanied by smaller figures of his mother and wife, and have guarded the entrance to the Theban Necropolis for over three millennia.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Karnak Temple Complex

Continue to the spectacular Karnak Temple Complex, considered the largest religious site ever built in the ancient world. Expanded over more than 2,000 years—from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period—Karnak is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. The site continues to be studied and excavated by archaeologists and fascinates visitors with its colossal scale, towering columns, elegant obelisks, and richly decorated sanctuaries.

In the late afternoon, depart by road for Aswan (approximately 4 hours).

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Overnight at the hotel in Aswan.

After breakfast, depart to visit:

Philae Temple

Discover the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Threatened by the rising waters caused by the construction of the High Dam, the entire complex was carefully relocated to a nearby island. During your visit, you will explore the main Temple of Isis, the elegant Chapel of Hathor, and the famous Kiosk of Trajan, one of the most iconic monuments of the site.

After the visit, transfer to the Lake Nasser Cruise Port.

Board your cruise ship around midday.

Enjoy a welcome cocktail and settle into your cabin.

Lunch will be served on board.

The afternoon is free for relaxation as you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Nasser. Tea and coffee will be served on the sun deck while you admire the stunning scenery.

Dinner and overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, depart to visit the remarkable monuments of the Kalabsha region:

Kalabsha Temple

Visit the impressive Temple of Kalabsha, originally built during the Roman period on the foundations of an earlier sanctuary. Dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, the temple is renowned for its elegant Greco-Roman architecture, beautifully preserved reliefs, and magnificent views over Lake Nasser.

Beit El-Wali Temple

Continue to Beit El-Wali, a rock-cut temple commissioned by Ramesses II. Its walls are decorated with colorful scenes depicting military victories, religious ceremonies, and offerings to the gods.

Kiosk of Kertassi

Visit the charming Kiosk of Kertassi, a small yet beautifully carved monument located near Kalabsha. Its graceful columns and decorative details make it one of the hidden gems of Nubian heritage.

Return to the ship and begin sailing towards Wadi El Seboua, approximately 120 km away.

Lunch will be served on board.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while enjoying the tranquil scenery of Lake Nasser. Tea and coffee will be served later in the day.

Upon arrival, the ship will dock at Wadi El Seboua.

Dinner and overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, depart to visit:

Wadi El Seboua Temple

Explore the magnificent Temple of Wadi El Seboua ("Valley of the Lions"), built by Ramesses II. The temple is famous for its impressive avenue of sphinxes leading to the sanctuary. Inside, visitors can admire remarkable wall reliefs, colorful decorations, and colossal statues that reflect the grandeur of the New Kingdom.

A pleasant walk of approximately 1.5 km will then lead you to two additional archaeological sites:

Dakka Temple

Visit the Temple of Dakka, originally begun by the Meroitic king Arkamani and later completed during the Roman period. Dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, the temple features two sanctuaries and a rich collection of beautifully carved reliefs.

Maharraqa Temple

Continue to the Temple of Maharraqa, a small but fascinating Greco-Roman monument dedicated to Isis and Serapis. Although never fully completed, it remains notable for its distinctive architectural design and elegant decorative elements.

Return to the ship and begin sailing towards Amada, approximately 60 km away.

Lunch will be served on board, followed by a relaxing afternoon as you cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser.

In the late afternoon, visit:

Amada Temple

Discover the Temple of Amada, the oldest surviving temple in Nubia, dating back to the 18th Dynasty. Carefully relocated to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved and vibrant wall paintings.

Temple of Derr

Continue to the nearby Temple of Derr, a rock-cut sanctuary commissioned by Ramesses II and dedicated to his deified form. The temple contains beautifully carved pillars, symbolic friezes, and impressive religious scenes.

Tomb of Pennut

Visit the Tomb of Pennut, the burial place of a local governor who served during the reign of Ramesses VI. This fascinating rock-cut tomb features painted ritual scenes, inscriptions, and sculpted figures that offer valuable insight into life in ancient Nubia.

Return to the ship.

Dinner and overnight on board.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning cruise southward across Lake Nasser (approximately 60 km).

Qasr Ibrim

Discover Qasr Ibrim, the only archaeological site on Lake Nasser that remains in its original location. Although visitors cannot disembark, the site can be admired from the ship. Its ancient fortifications and commanding position above the lake provide a fascinating glimpse into Nubia’s rich and multi-layered history.

Lunch will be served on board.

Continue sailing towards Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.

Abu Simbel Temples

Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, carved directly into the sandstone cliffs during the reign of Ramesses II.

The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II and features four colossal seated statues guarding its entrance. Nearby stands the smaller temple dedicated to his beloved queen Nefertari, one of the few temples in ancient Egypt devoted to a royal consort. Together, these masterpieces represent the grandeur, artistic excellence, and engineering achievements of the pharaonic civilization.

Return to the ship after the visit.

Optional: Attend the spectacular Sound & Light Show at Abu Simbel, which brings the history of the temples to life through music, narration, and dramatic illumination.

Dinner and overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, Check out and end of the cruise.

Drive towards Aswan (approximately 3 hours).

Stop for lunch en route.

Felucca Ride – Elephantine Island

Enjoy a relaxing felucca sailing trip around Elephantine Island, one of the most historically significant islands on the Nile. Considered a natural frontier between Egypt and Nubia, it has been inhabited and fortified since ancient times.

During the sail, you will see the Temple of Khnum, the ancient nilometer used to measure the Nile’s flood levels, and the famous Aswan Botanical Garden, home to exotic plants from around the world.

In the late afternoon, continue your journey to Luxor (approximately 4 hours).

Arrive and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Luxor Airport for your return flight.