Luxor to Aswan

Start the day at the Temple of Karnak built, over more than a thousand years, by generations of Pharaohs. Transfer to your 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat, Sanctuary Sun Boat III, where you will be welcomed by the reception staff. Lunch will be served on board followed by a visit to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings. Visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens and visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. On the way back to the river Nile, pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

In the evening you are greeted by your Boat Manager for a Cocktail Reception, who reviews your cruise program for the upcoming days. Complimentary cocktail and a selection of canapés are served followed by a gourmet dinner.

Breakfast buffet on board while you cruise northwards to Qena. Enjoy a morning visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Goddess Hathor in Denderah, complete with a massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages and towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs. 

Afternoon tea is served on board, from which your Egyptologist guides you on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor, to the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor dedicated to the God Amun.

Cruise to Edfu with a morning visit to explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus. There is an Egyptian cooking lesson presented on board. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Tonight's dinner on board is an "Egyptian Night" costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian "galabeyya".

Sail to Aswan followed by a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. Next, proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.

In the afternoon (weather permitting) take a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener's Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (life jackets will be provided).

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Aswan.