Day 1: Aswan ( / / )
Arrival in Aswan. Meet and assist at Aswan airport and transfer to your hotel in Aswan.
OPTIONAL: Philae Temple, High Dam & unfinished Obelisk
Take a short motorboat ride to visit the Temple of Philae, built in honour of Isis, one of the great mother goddesses of Ancient Egypt. This beautiful temple was moved, with the help of UNESCO, to its present location on Agilka Island to save it from the rising waters caused by the construction of the High Dam. Its construction in the 1960’s was somewhat controversial due to the loss of Nubian villages and temples which now lie under Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake. However, the resulting electricity generated by the dam supplies the whole of Egypt.
You will also stop at the stone quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk. Here, listen to your guide as they explain the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive moments and see marks from workers' tools, which are still clearly visible on the bedrock.
Overnight in Aswan.
Day 2: Aswan (B/L/D)
Abu Simbel Temples
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early morning transfer to Abu Simbel by road (3 hours one way) or by flight (flight duration 45 minutes one way)
As you approach the entrance to Abu Simbel temple, notice the four enormous statues of Pharaoh Ramses II that look out over Lake Nasser, which are carved from one piece of rock. The temple is dedicated to the god Ra-Hurakhti and was built by Ramses II during the 13th century BC. The walls inside depict the pharaoh in his various exploits and next door is the temple that Ramses dedicated to his favorite wife, Nefertari.
Check out and transfer to the cruise ship.
Return to Aswan, board the ship.
Lunch on board.
Return to the boat for dinner.
Overnight on board.
Day 3: Aswan – Kom Ombo (B/L/D)
Kom-Ombo Temple
Morning at leisure in Aswan to discover the city on your own.
Lunch on board and departure of the cruise to Kom-Ombo for a visit the magnificent Temple of Kom-Ombo. The temple is dedicated to two gods and has two parallel axial passages running through its columned halls, terminating in two sanctuaries, one for each god. The southern axis (on the right) is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, and the northern (on the left) Harwer’s. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.
Afternoon tea on board while you cruise to Edfu.
Continue to cruise towards Esna.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Luxor (B/L/D)
Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings
Breakfast buffet on board during sailing to Luxor.
Arrival in Luxor and departure for the visit of Luxor Temple. Built by Amenhotep III in 1380 BC, the site was added to by later pharaohs. The temple enjoyed many celebrations, the most important being the Festival of Opet which lasted almost a month.
Lunch on board of the ship.
In the afternoon, we visit the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs. Pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.
Return to the boat for afternoon tea.
Tonight's farewell dinner will be a gala dinner ,serving gourmet cuisine followed by a belly dancer.
Overnight on board.
Day 5: Luxor – Hurghada (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
Disembarkation and transfer to Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Nestled on the Gulf of Suez, Hurghada is one of Egypt's busiest beach resorts with many hotels. Diving is the main attraction since the area is famed for its reefs, and nearby Giftun Island is a snorkeler's paradise. If you want to experience a bit of history, the nearby monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony are worth a day trip.
Arrival in Hurghada, check in to the hotel for 3 nights on all inclusive basis
Overnight in Hurghada.
Day 6: Hurghada (B/L/D)
Free day for Leisure. Why not take an optional snorkeling tour?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: At your hotel in Hurghada.
Day 7: Hurghada (B/L/D)
Free day for Leisure. Why not take an optional safari or a city tour?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: At your hotel in Hurghada.
Day 8: Hurghada (B/ / )
Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Hurghada airport.
