Nile Cruise Itinerary

11 FREE Excursions included (No Hidden Extras)

For centuries travellers have been fascinated by the mystical allure of the Nile. A relaxing cruise, alongside Egypt's many archaeological wonders, provides the perfect combination for an unforgettable holiday. Depart from the banks opposite the Luxor Temple, through the infamous Valley of the Kings. Explore the best of Egypt's land of the living until moving South to Esna to the sacred places of worship for the ram-headed god. Explore Aswan, the perfect blend of contemporary commercial hub and archaeological beauty; visit the landmark that represents them both, at the Aswan High Dam and then onto the tranquillity of Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens on General Kitchener Island. Begin the return journey, visiting the falcon God and then onto the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple.

Day 1: Luxor

Depart UK. Upon arrival met and transferred from Luxor International Airport to your Nile cruise boat. Dinner on board or for late arrivals a light snack will be served. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 2: Luxor

Breakfast on board, early morning visit to the West Bank including the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, burial sites for many of the most powerful and successful pharaohs and high priests, as well as the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Day 3: Esna - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Breakfast and Lunch on board whilst continue the journey south before sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the temple before dinner. This temple, unlike many others in Egypt, was dedicated to two gods; the Southern section is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile headed man, god of fertility, and the Northern section to the Falcon headed god Horus. There is also a fascinating crocodile museum to visit with many artefacts and mummified crocodiles. Sail to Aswan and overnight in Aswan.

Day 4: Aswan

After breakfast, visit the High Dam in Aswan, built in 1960-1971 to provide electricity to the villages along the Nile, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Lunch on board and afternoon at leisure with an opportunity to revisit the Temple of Philae for an **optional sound & light show in the evening (priced at approx. £50pp).

Day 5: Aswan

After breakfast there is the option of a morning at leisure or an early morning **optional visit to Abu Simbel (priced at approx. £120pp by road or £280pp by air). This impressive temple, built by Rameses II stands on the banks of Lake Nasser. After lunch on board, there is a relaxing boat trip around Elephantine Island to the Botanical Gardens on General Kitchener Island. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Day 6: Aswan - Kom Ombo

Morning at leisure. Lunch on board and then set sail to Kom Ombo. After a brief stop at Kom Ombo, continue sailing and overnight.

Day 7: Esna - Luxor

After lunch you will be taken by coach to visit the ‘world’s largest greatest open air museum’ known as Karnak Temple, which covers a large area of land and includes several temples, the largest of them being the Temple of Amun. Then drive a short distance to Luxor Temple. Originally, the temple was joined to Karnak by a long avenue of Sphinxes, many of which can still be seen today. Returning to the boat for Dinner on board. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 8: Luxor

**Optional early morning balloon ride for the adventurous (priced at approx. £110pp). Breakfast on board followed by check-out and onward transfer to the airport or next destination.