Nile Cruise from Cairo by Flight

Embark on a timeless journey down the legendary Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt since the dawn of civilization. This 5-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan invites you to relax aboard a luxurious vessel while uncovering the awe-inspiring majesty of ancient temples, royal tombs, and monuments that have captivated travelers for millennia. Let our expert guides bring the stories of pharaohs, gods, and goddesses to life as you sail through a landscape of stunning beauty and profound history.

Day 1: Arrival in Luxor & The Grandeur of the East Bank

• Your adventure begins: Our representative meets you at your Cairo hotel for your transfer to the airport and your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, your personal Egyptologist guide will greet you and escort you to the East Bank to explore its magnificent temples. After your tour, you will be transferred to your Nile cruise for check-in. The evening includes dinner and a captivating belly dance show.
• • Karnak Temple: Explore this vast complex of temples, pylons, and obelisks. Key highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 towering columns, the Avenue of Sphinxes, and the Sacred Lake.
  • Luxor Temple: Discover the impressive temple dedicated to the Theban Triad, and marvel at its grand colonnades and the colossal granite statues of Ramses the Great.
• Optional Evening Activity: Experience the magic of the Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show, where the ancient stones are brought to life with dramatic narration and illuminations.

Day 2: The Royal Tombs of the West Bank

• After breakfast, journey across the Nile to the fabled West Bank, the ancient necropolis of Thebes. Following your exploration, you will return to the ship, enjoy lunch, and set sail towards Esna. The evening features a disco party aboard the cruise.
• • Valley of the Kings: Delve into the heart of Egypt's royal burial ground, where generations of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. (Entrance to King Tut's tomb requires a separate ticket).
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari): Admire the stunning, terraced architecture of this unique mortuary temple, built into a dramatic cliff face.
  • Colossi of Memnon: On your return, pause to witness the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which have stood guard over the Theban necropolis for over 3,400 years.
• Optional Morning Activity: For an unforgettable perspective, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Drift peacefully over the West Bank, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the valleys and temples below. (Approx. 45 minutes, weather permitting).

Day 3: Temples of Horus & Sobek at Edfu and Kom Ombo

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you cruise along the Nile. Today you will visit two of the best-preserved temples of the Ptolemaic era. After the day's tours, relax and enjoy the amenities of the cruise as you sail overnight.
• • Temple of Horus at Edfu: Discover one of Egypt's most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.
  • Temple of Kom Ombo: Explore the unique dual temple dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

Day 4: Aswan's Engineering Marvels and Ancient Wonders

• Wake up to the beautiful scenery of Aswan. Your day is dedicated to exploring the city's most famous modern and ancient landmarks. Spend the final night of your cruise docked in Aswan.
• • The High Dam: Visit the incredible engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam, which reshaped Egypt's landscape and created the vast Lake Nasser.
  • Philae Temple: Journey by boat to the island of Agilkia to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, which was meticulously relocated to save it from the rising waters of the Nile.

Day 5: Optional Abu Simbel & Departure

• Final Morning: After a final breakfast on board, it is time to disembark. You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport for your return flight to Cairo, where our representative will meet you for your transfer back to your hotel.
• Optional Morning Tour: Don't miss the chance to visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. These colossal rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, are a testament to ancient ambition and were saved from the Nile's waters in a remarkable international rescue effort. The tour includes a visit to the main temple of Ramses II and the nearby temple dedicated to his queen, Nefertari.

What's Included

• Domestic Flights: Round-trip economy airfare (Cairo/Luxor - Aswan/Cairo).
• Accommodation: 4 nights aboard a Nile cruise ship.
• Meals: Full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the cruise.
• Transportation: All airport transfers and ground transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Guided Tours: All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Expert Guide: Services of a professional, English-speaking Egyptologist guide.
• Entrance Fees: All admission fees to the sites listed in the itinerary.
• Taxes: All service charges and applicable taxes.

What's Not Included

• Beverages and personal expenses.
• Optional tours (Sound & Light Show, Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel).
• Gratuities (tipping).

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

• Cairo: Le Méridien - Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan - Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa.
• Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara.

Option (A)

• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara

Option (B)

• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara