Overview
Explore ancient temples and beautiful tombs along the Nile on a luxury cruise.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx Stand in awe of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and discover the mysteries of ancient Egyptian engineering.
- Explore the treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo See King Tutankhamun’s famous golden mask and thousands of ancient artifacts that bring Egypt’s pharaonic history to life.
- Cruise the Nile River by traditional felucca or modern cruise boat Sail between Luxor and Aswan and experience the timeless beauty of the Nile and riverside temples.
- Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple Walk through ancient tombs filled with vivid artwork and explore the legacy of Egypt’s only female pharaoh.
- Visit the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor Admire colossal columns, towering obelisks, and sacred sanctuaries built to honor the gods of ancient Egypt.
- Relax in the vibrant city of Aswan Enjoy Nubian hospitality, visit the beautiful Philae Temple, and shop in colorful souks.
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel Witness the awe-inspiring twin temples of Ramses II, relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
- Blend culture and comfort Travel with a small group, stay in character-filled accommodations, and enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time to explore.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport
Arrive at Luxor Airport where you will be met by our Egypt Tour Specialists’ Representative who will assist you with your visa and passport control. Transfer to your hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to relax a/o explore. Meals included: Dinner
Touring the East Bank of the Nile
After breakfast, you will meet your Egyptologist and start touring the east bank of the Nile to explore the largest religious complex that was ever built for a god in the history of mankind, the Karnak Temple that was built throughout more than a thousand years by several generations of successive pharaohs. Afterwards, walk through the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor, which once was connected to Karnak via the Avenue of Sphinxes, approximately 3 kilometers in length. Built in 1380 BC by Amenhotep III, the site was added to by other pharaohs later down the history; predominantly Ramses II. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Tour to West Bank of Luxor
Early this morning, you will be driving across to the west bank and explore the grandeur of architecture which was the hidden burial place for the famous icons of the new kingdom kings, the Valley of the Kings. Your Egyptologist will cherry-select three tombs to visit according to your preference and personal abilities. In addition, you can opt for a ticket to visit the tomb of the golden boy, King TutAnkhAmun, and a few more. Next, take a short ride to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. With a temple carved into the bedrock that speaks of her authority, this female ruler set a turning point in the history of women in Ancient Egypt. On your way back, stop to visit the Colossi of Memnon where once were King Amenhotep’s figures, hearing the voice of the past whistling out at dawn carrying the legend of Memnon. In the afternoon, we will visit the mummification museum with its well-presented exhibits explaining the art of mummification, vitrines showing the tools and materials used in the mummification process – check out the small spoon and metal spatula used for scraping the brain out of the skull, and much more to discover yourself. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day to Aswan
Early this morning, we will be driving to the southern town of Aswan. Embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River. In the afternoon, ride to the port of Kalabsha Temple that was built as a tribute to the Nubian sun god, Mandulis, during the rule of Augustus around 30 BC. Next, take a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Temple of Isis at Philae, the goddess of love and passion who -according to ancient legends- traveled all over Egypt gathering her husband Osiris’s remains after he was cut into pieces by his brother Seth, the god of evil. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
The Cruise Trip in Aswan
We can spend a leisurely morning on board of the cruise ship; or upon your preference, we can take a trip to Abu Simbel (optional*) where you can experience the extraordinary temples. In the afternoon, sail to Kom Ombo Temple that was dedicated to the crocodile and the falcon gods. Visit the Crocodile Mummification Museum to see crocodile mummies that are thousands of years old. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day to Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu
(Optional*) Riding a horse carriage, you will visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most intact temple from the ancient world. Continue sailing towards Luxor. Meals included: Breakfast
Visit to The Temple of Madient Habu
After breakfast, with this morning breeze, visit The Temple of Madient Habu that is one of the most impressive monuments in Luxor built by the great Pharaoh Ramses III who was a great military leader. Many of the colors and reliefs of the temple were preserved due to the fact that the temple was converted into a Christian monastery when they covered the walls with plastic sheets. Next, explore the Valley of the Queens that is highly famous for being the burial site of many wives of pharaohs. However, parting at death, the pharaohs themselves were buried separately in the Valley of the Kings! You will certainly have the possible option to purchase the entry pass to Queen Nefertari’s tomb, the finest of all tombs for its vivid colors and outstanding scale of depictions. Finally, walk through the unique Workmen’s Village, which was home to the artisans and craftsmen of Thebes, those who built and decorated the royal tombs in the nearby Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. The ancient inhabitants called the village, Pa Demi (the village), but it was referred to in official correspondence as Set-Ma’at (The Place of Truth) because the workers there were thought to be inspired by the gods in creating the eternal homes of the deceased kings and their families. Meals included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then transfer with Egypt Tour Specialists’ personnel to Luxor Airport for your departure flight. Meals included: Breakfast
Included
- Joyce Travel representatives will provide meet and assist services at all airports.
- All airport transfers and ground transportation will be handled via private, air-conditioned vehicles.
- The tour includes four nights of accommodation in Cairo at a five-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
- The tour includes two nights of accommodation in Aswan at a five-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
- The tour includes two nights of accommodation in Luxor at a five-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo are included in the package.
Excluded
- Extra tickets not mentioned in the itinerary.
- International flights.
- Extra meals.
- Entry visa to Egypt.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.