Egypt Temples & Nile Cruise: Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan (8 Days)

Prepare for a bucket-list day as you stand before the legendary Pyramids of Giza, including the magnificent 5,000-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu. To make your morning unforgettable, choose an (optional) venture inside the Great Pyramid’s burial chamber or set off on a scenic camel ride across the desert dunes for a breathtaking panoramic view of nine pyramids in a single shot. Nearby, come face-to-face with the iconic Great Sphinx, the ancient lion-bodied guardian carved directly from limestone bedrock. Continue your journey into antiquity at the state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where the monumental statue of Ramses II welcomes you at the grand entrance. Explore world-class galleries showcasing thousands of pharaonic artifacts, crowned by the complete, golden collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together in their full glory for the very first time. (Camera tickets can be purchased at the entrance.)

Overnight in Cairo hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Savor a hearty breakfast before your private representative escorts you to the airport for your short flight south to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, step straight into the grandeur of the pharaohs at the majestic Karnak Temple Complex, the vast sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra. Wander through the world-famous Great Hypostyle Hall, getting lost among a towering forest of 134 massive stone columns intricately carved with ancient hieroglyphics. Continue along the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes to explore the magnificent Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Following your temple explorations, step aboard your Nile cruise ship—your elegant floating hotel for the next four nights—and settle into your cabin as your incredible voyage along the Nile begins.

Overnight on-board Nile River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included

Following an early breakfast, cross over to Luxor’s breathtaking West Bank, where ancient rulers were laid to rest in eternal glory. Venture deep into the legendary Valley of the Kings, descending into the brilliantly preserved, vividly painted royal tombs carved straight into the rocky mountainside millennia ago. Next, behold the dramatic terraced sanctuary of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, nestled against sheer limestone cliffs in honor of Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh. On your return to the river, pause at the monumental Colossi of Memnon two soaring stone statues that have stood watch over the West Bank for thousands of years. Re-board your cruise ship for a delicious lunch, then spend a glorious afternoon relaxing on the sundeck: take a refreshing dip in the pool, sip a cold drink, and soak in the timeless landscapes of the Nile as you sail.

Overnight on board cruise ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Begin your morning with a relaxing sail down the Nile before stepping ashore to discover the majestic Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this extraordinary sanctuary is celebrated as one of the most remarkable and best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Return to your cruise ship to unwind as you glide gently toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, take a short, picturesque stroll from the boat to explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo—Egypt’s only dual sanctuary, built symmetrically to honor both Haroeris the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god. Here, wander past ancient, finely carved reliefs detailing early surgical instruments and medical tools still recognizable today, offering a fascinating glimpse into the brilliance of pharaonic medicine.

Overnight on board.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.

Embark on an unforgettable (optional) day trip as you journey south to the breathtaking rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel—widely celebrated as the crown jewel of ancient Egyptian architecture. Carved directly into the sheer desert cliffs, these colossal monuments were built to honor the mighty Pharaoh Ramses II and his beloved Queen Nefertari. Marvel at the sheer scale of the statues guarding the entrance and learn the incredible modern engineering feat of the 1960s, when UNESCO successfully relocated the entire mountain complex stone by stone to save it from the rising waters of the Nile. Return to Aswan for a well-deserved lunch on board your cruise ship. In the afternoon, unwind as you glide gently across the tranquil waters of the Nile aboard a traditional felucca—a graceful, white-sailed wooden boat mirroring the vessels used by pharaohs thousands of years ago, offering a peaceful and authentic finale to your day.
Overnight on board.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.

Following a final, scenic breakfast on board, disembark your cruise ship to discover the romantic treasures of Aswan. Board a swift motorboat across the Nile to Philae Temple, a serene island sanctuary dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic. Continue your exploration at the nearby granite quarries to marvel at the sheer scale of the massive Unfinished Obelisk, then witness modern engineering at its finest with a visit to the colossal Aswan High Dam, which created Lake Nasser. Later today, board your short return flight to Cairo and transfer seamlessly to your luxury hotel for your final night in Egypt, reflecting on an extraordinary journey through the land of the pharaohs.
Overnight in Cairo hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Your unforgettable Egyptian journey comes to an end today. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your private representative will meet you for a smooth, comfortable transfer to Cairo International Airport. Bid farewell to the ancient Land of the Pharaohs as you board your flight home or embark on your next thrilling destination, carrying a lifetime of extraordinary memories with you.
Meals: Breakfast