M/S Royal Signature Nile Cruise

Upon your arrival in Luxor, whether at your hotel, Luxor International Airport, or Luxor Train Station, you will be met by our representative and comfortably transferred to embark on your luxurious Nile Cruise. After completing your check-in and settling into your cabin, you'll enjoy a delightful lunch on board as the ship prepares for its journey.

In the afternoon, your captivating exploration of ancient Egypt begins with a guided visit to the magnificent East Bank of the Nile, home to some of the most iconic and impressive monuments.

• Karnak Temple Complex:
  • More than just a single temple, Karnak is a spectacular and sprawling complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons, and obelisks. It is the largest ancient religious site in the world, built and expanded over centuries by numerous pharaohs, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt's rulers. Karnak was the most important place for the worship of the Theban Triad: Amun (the king of the gods), his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu. Its sheer scale, intricate carvings, and vastness are truly awe-inspiring, offering a profound sense of ancient Egyptian power and devotion.
  • Prepare to be dwarfed by the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, a massive forest of 134 stone pillars. Discover the sacred Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected Karnak to Luxor Temple, and explore the various courts, chapels, and the Sacred Lake, all telling a continuous story of millennia of worship.
• Luxor Temple:
  • Located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city known today as Luxor (anciently called Ipet-resyt or "the southern sanctuary" by the Egyptians), this elegant temple was largely built by the New Kingdom Pharaoh Amenhotep III. It was later completed with significant additions by King Tutankhamun and the Great King Ramesses II. Unlike many other temples that served as funerary monuments or cult centers for specific gods, Luxor Temple was primarily dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and played a central role in the annual Opet Festival, where the cult images of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded from Karnak to Luxor Temple.
  • Marvel at the grand First Pylon, constructed by Ramesses II and magnificently decorated with detailed reliefs depicting his military victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Explore the beautiful courtyards and colonnades, which are particularly enchanting when illuminated after sunset.

As evening falls, you will return to the comfort of your cruise ship. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board, reflecting on the day's incredible discoveries, before spending your first overnight in Luxor.

• Overnight Cruise Luxor
• Meals lunch, Dinner

Wake up to a delightful breakfast on board your Nile Cruise, preparing for a morning of profound historical exploration on Luxor's renowned West Bank, the ancient "City of the Dead."

The Valley of the Kings:

• Once known to the ancient Egyptians as "The Great Place of the Truth," this isolated and majestic valley is now famous as the Valley of the Kings. It served as the secret burial ground for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (Dynasties 18 to 20), who sought immortality by having their tombs carved deep into the Theban cliffs. The valley's design aimed to protect their mummies and vast treasures from robbers. The isolated valley, nestled behind the Temple of Deir el-Bahari, is dramatically dominated by a pyramid-shaped mountain peak, believed to have influenced the choice of this royal necropolis.
• Optional Entrance (Extra Cost): For those wishing to delve deeper, there's an optional opportunity to visit the iconic tombs of Tutankhamun (famous for its intact treasures, though most are now in the Grand Egyptian Museum, you can still see his mummy and sarcophagus) or the exquisitely preserved tomb of Seti I (known for its unparalleled artistry and depth). These require separate, additional tickets.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari):

• Description: This architectural wonder rises majestically out of the desert plain, built directly into the towering limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first and most successful female pharaoh, the temple is a masterpiece of ancient design. Its distinctive multi-terraced structure features elegant colonnades and ramps that seamlessly merge with the natural rock formations, giving the impression that nature itself created this extraordinary monument.

Colossi of Memnon:

• These two imposing, colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III stand silently as guardians on the Theban plain. Rising about 18 meters (nearly 60 feet) from the ground, they are the last visible remains of what was once the grandest and largest mortuary temple complex on the West Bank, built by Amenhotep III. Over millennia, the temple itself has largely eroded, but these massive figures remain.

After an inspiring morning exploring these legendary sites, you will return to the cruise for a delicious lunch on board.

Afternoon Sailing & Esna Lock Experience: Following lunch, your cruise ship will begin its scenic journey sailing south towards Esna. Relax on the sun deck and enjoy the charming views of traditional Egyptian villages, lush green riverbanks, and daily life along the Nile. As you approach Esna, prepare for a fascinating engineering marvel.

Enjoy a delightful dinner and your overnight stay on board the cruise as you continue sailing towards Edfu.

Optional Hot Air Balloon (Early Morning - Extra Cost):

• Description: For an truly unforgettable perspective, consider an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over Luxor. Before your West Bank tour, you'll be picked up pre-dawn for a silent, serene flight. As the sun dramatically rises over the desert and the Nile, you'll float gently above the Valley of the Kings, the sprawling temple complexes, and the fertile farmlands.
• Overnight Cruise Edfu
• Meals B, L, D

Enjoy a delightful breakfast on board your Nile Cruise as you prepare for another day of exploring Egypt's fascinating ancient sites.

Morning Tour: Edfu Temple This morning, you'll experience a touch of old-world charm as you reach the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn carriage, giving you a unique feel of 19th-century travel through the local town.

• Temple of Horus at Edfu: This is arguably the most completely preserved temple of the ancient world. Built during the Ptolemaic period (between 237 BC and 57 BC), it is a colossal structure dedicated to Horus, the powerful falcon-headed god of kingship and protection. Its remarkable state of preservation provides an unparalleled opportunity to visualize what ancient Egyptian temples truly looked like. The detailed inscriptions covering its walls offer a wealth of information about the daily cult rituals, the temple's construction, and the elaborate mythology surrounding Horus, including the dramatic "Myth of the Contending of Horus and Seth."

After your captivating visit to Edfu Temple, you'll return to the boat and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as the cruise continues its scenic sail towards Kom Ombo. The gentle movement of the ship offers a perfect opportunity to relax and take in the changing landscapes along the Nile.

• Afternoon Tour: Kom Ombo Temple In the afternoon, your cruise will arrive at Kom Ombo, and you'll disembark for another unique temple experience.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: This temple stands out as a rare dual-deity temple, perfectly symmetrical along its main axis. It has two parallel halves, each dedicated to a different set of gods. The southern half is devoted to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility and creator of the world, often associated with the Nile's generative power and protective qualities. The northern half is dedicated to Horus the Elder (Haroeris), the falcon-headed god of kingship and the sky, a distinct form of Horus from the son of Osiris. Built primarily during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the temple's dual nature is reflected in its twin entrances, courtyards, and sanctuaries.
• Visit the Crocodile Mummification Museum: Adjacent to the Kom Ombo temple, this modern museum provides a fascinating insight into the crocodile cult of ancient Egypt. It showcases a remarkable collection of mummified crocodiles of various sizes, found in the vicinity, alongside artifacts and depictions related to Sobek's worship. This visit offers a deeper understanding of why crocodiles were considered sacred and how they were honored.

After your enriching visit to Kom Ombo, you'll return to the cruise. Enjoy a delightful dinner and overnight on board as your ship continues its serene journey, sailing towards the beautiful city of Aswan.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after a satisfying breakfast on board your cruise ship, you'll delve into the unique charm and historical significance of Aswan, a city beautifully intertwined with the Nile and Nubian culture.

Morning Tour: High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk

• High Dam:
  • This modern engineering masterpiece, inaugurated in 1971, stands as a symbol of contemporary Egypt's ambition. It was designed to tame the mighty Nile River, providing crucial benefits like hydroelectricity generation (powering much of Egypt), reliable water for irrigation to millions of acres of farmland, and protection from the devastating annual floods that once characterized the Nile. Its construction led to the creation of Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes.
• Temple of Philae:
  • A truly magical complex, Philae Temple is dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic, and holds profound spiritual significance as one of the last outposts where this ancient goddess was worshipped. This exquisite temple was meticulously relocated stone by stone during a remarkable UNESCO rescue project in the 1960s and 70s. Originally situated on Philae Island, it was gradually being submerged by the waters from the Aswan Low Dam and later threatened by the High Dam. It was painstakingly moved to its current, higher location on Agilkia Island, preserving its beauty and history for future generations.
• Unfinished Obelisk:
  • Journey into the ancient granite quarries of Aswan to see the largest obelisk ever attempted, still lying in situ and partially carved from the bedrock. Aswan was the primary source of the fine pink and red granite used by ancient Egyptians for countless statues, temples, pyramids, and obelisks. This monumental unfinished piece, likely commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, provides a unique and invaluable glimpse into the ingenious yet labor-intensive ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques. Had it been completed, it would have weighed an estimated 1168 tonnes, making it the heaviest single piece of stone ever fashioned by the Egyptians. It was likely abandoned due to cracks discovered in the granite during the carving process.

After your enriching morning, you will return to the cruise for a delicious lunch on board.

Afternoon at Leisure or

• Optional Nubian Village Visit (Highly Recommended - Extra Cost):

Discover the vibrant and colorful world of the Nubian people with a visit to one of Aswan's traditional villages, often accessed by a charming boat ride along the Nile. The Nubians are an indigenous ethnic group of southern Egypt and northern Sudan, with a distinct culture, language, and traditions that have been preserved for thousands of years, despite the challenges of displacement caused by the Aswan High Dam.

Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board the cruise, savoring the last moments of your floating hotel experience. Today offers a remarkable opportunity for an optional excursion to one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring ancient sites.

• Optional Tour to Visit Abu Simbel (Highly Recommended - Extra Cost):
  • For those who choose this magnificent journey, an early morning start is required. You will travel from Aswan to the remote location of Abu Simbel (either by private air-conditioned vehicle, a scenic drive across the desert, or a domestic flight for a quicker journey). Here, you will witness the legendary two temples of Ramesses II and his beloved Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari. These colossal structures were carved directly out of the mountainside on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, serving as a powerful testament to the pharaoh's might and devotion.
    • The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II himself and three principal state gods: Ra-Harakhty, Amun-Ra, and Ptah. Its magnificent façade features four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, each towering over 20 meters tall.
    • The second, smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, equally impressive with its regal statues.
  • Flexibility: We understand your travel preferences are paramount. If you wish to visit Abu Simbel on Day 4 instead of Day 5, we are flexible to arrange that for you, allowing you to maximize your time in Aswan or accommodate your onward travel plans. Please inform us of your preference in advance.

Disembarkation & Departure: After breakfast on board (and following your return from the optional Abu Simbel tour, if taken), it will be time to complete your check-out from the cruise. Our dedicated representative will then facilitate your transfer directly to your hotel in Aswan, Aswan International Airport (ASW), or Aswan Train Station, depending on your onward travel arrangements. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Nile Cruise experience.