Private: 5-Days Luxury Nile Cruise Luxor To Aswan with sightseeing

Today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating West Bank of Luxor, the necropolis of the ancient pharaohs. After breakfast onboard, you'll cross the Nile to the West Bank and begin your journey at the Valley of the Kings. This hidden valley, nestled amongst the Theban Hills, was the final resting place for numerous New Kingdom pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun. You will have the opportunity to visit several royal tombs, each uniquely decorated with vibrant murals depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and the afterlife. The sheer artistry and preservation of these ancient paintings are truly awe-inspiring. Your guide will provide insights into the beliefs and rituals surrounding death and the journey to the netherworld. Please note that photography is usually restricted inside the tombs to protect the delicate artwork. Next, you'll visit the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most remarkable female pharaohs. This mortuary temple, dedicated to the sun god Amun, is architecturally stunning, rising in a series of terraces from the desert floor and blending harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs. You'll learn about Hatshepsut's extraordinary reign and the significant role she played in Egypt's history. The temple's reliefs depict scenes from her trade expeditions and divine birth, offering a fascinating glimpse into her accomplishments. On your way back to the river, you will stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that once stood guard at the entrance to his mortuary temple. Though the temple itself is largely gone, these imposing statues remain, weathered by time and the elements, but still captivating in their grandeur. You'll return to the MS Mayfair for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing south along the Nile towards Edfu. Take this opportunity to relax on the sundeck, soak up the Egyptian sunshine, and admire the picturesque landscapes along the riverbanks, dotted with fertile fields and traditional villages. Afternoon tea will likely be served on the sundeck as you cruise.

Upon your arrival in Luxor, you will be transferred to the MS Mayfair Nile cruise ship, your luxurious home for the next few nights. After settling into your elegant cabin, you'll have some time to explore the ship's amenities, including its tastefully decorated public spaces and the spacious sundeck, perfect for enjoying the stunning Nile views. In the afternoon, your guided exploration of Luxor begins with a visit to the Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious site in the world. This sprawling complex is a testament to centuries of construction by various pharaohs. You'll walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, leading to the massive Hypostyle Hall, a forest of colossal columns adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. Your guide will explain the significance of the different sections, including the sacred lake and the obelisks, each telling stories of Egypt's glorious past. Imagine the grand processions that once took place here, connecting Karnak with the nearby Luxor Temple. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city. Unlike Karnak, which was dedicated primarily to the worship of the Theban Triad (Amun, Mut, and Khonsu), Luxor Temple had a different purpose. It was mainly used for royal and religious festivals. One of its most striking features is the impressive colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its towering columns and well-preserved reliefs. You'll also see the Abu el-Haggag Mosque, which was built within the temple walls centuries later, showcasing the layered history of this site. As the sun begins to set, the temple is beautifully illuminated, offering a magical atmosphere as you wander through its ancient courts and chambers. In the evening, you'll return to the MS Mayfair for a delicious dinner onboard. You might also enjoy some of the ship's evening entertainment, which could include a traditional Egyptian music and dance performance.

After breakfast, you'll arrive in Edfu and take a short horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus. This exceptionally well-preserved Ptolemaic temple is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples in existence. Its impressive entrance pylons are adorned with towering images of Horus battling his mythical enemy Seth. Inside, you'll explore the various halls, chambers, and sanctuaries, adorned with intricate carvings and statues that tell the story of the ancient Egyptian myths and rituals associated with Horus. The temple provides a fantastic insight into the religious beliefs and architectural prowess of the Ptolemaic period. After your visit to Edfu Temple, you'll return to the MS Mayfair, which will continue its sail south towards Kom Ombo. Enjoy lunch onboard and the leisurely pace of the cruise. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at Kom Ombo, where you'll visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo. This unusual temple is dedicated to two deities: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (a form of Horus). This duality is reflected in the temple's layout, with two identical entrances, two parallel sanctuaries, and two sets of altars. You'll see fascinating carvings depicting surgical instruments, offering insights into ancient Egyptian medical practices. The temple also houses a small museum displaying mummified crocodiles, further highlighting the reverence for Sobek in this region. In the evening, you'll return to the Cruise, which will set sail towards Aswan. Dinner will be served onboard, and you might have the opportunity to enjoy more evening entertainment.

Today you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Aswan, known for its Nubian culture and stunning natural beauty. After breakfast, your exploration of Aswan begins with a visit to the Philae Temple, a beautiful temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of the Nasser Lake following the construction of the High Dam. You'll take a short boat trip to reach the island, where you can admire the temple's graceful columns, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings. The story of its relocation is a testament to international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. Next, you'll visit the High Dam, a modern marvel of engineering built in the 1960s. This massive dam created Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes, and significantly impacted Egypt's agriculture and energy production. You'll have panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape from the top of the dam. You'll also see the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite obelisk that was abandoned in the ancient quarries, providing valuable insights into the techniques used by ancient Egyptians to carve and transport these monumental structures. In the afternoon, you might have the opportunity to enjoy an optional felucca ride on the Nile. These traditional Egyptian sailboats offer a relaxing and picturesque way to experience the river's beauty. You can sail around the Elephantine Island, see the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Tonight, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner onboard the MS Mayfair in Aswan. You might also experience some Nubian entertainment, showcasing the unique culture of this region.

After a final breakfast onboard, it will be time to disembark from the Nile cruise in Aswan. Depending on your onward travel plans, you might have the opportunity to explore Aswan further, perhaps visiting the Nubian Museum or taking a trip to Abu Simbel to see the magnificent temples of Ramses II (this is usually an early morning excursion due to the distance).