Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs and capture the romance of the River Nile as you cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Absorb the stunning sights on the banks of the Nile, visit majestic temples and see the treasures of these age-old dynasties. With a variety of tours to allow you to discover Ancient Egypt, combined with ample relaxation time, our 'Mysteries of the Nile Cruise' offers you the perfect holiday experience.

Day 1, Monday Fly to Luxor or transfer from your chosen accommodation and join the cruise ship. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 2, Tuesday After breakfast on board, travel to the West Bank of the Nile. Visit the final resting place of a succession of mighty Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. The valley is littered with intricate tombs, beautifully coloured and decorated with hieroglyphics. The tombs are now empty, with any surviving artefacts and the treasures of Tutankhamun removed to the Cairo Museum. Whilst on the West Bank you can also discover the Temple of Hatshepsut, the first female Pharaoh, and see the gigantic statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to the East Bank to see the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. The Luxor Temple was erected by Amenophis II as a palace for Mut, the vulture-headed wife of the god Amun. It was added to through the centuries by Tutankhamum and Ramses II, and also shows evidence of Christian, Roman and Muslim influences. Dinner is served on board. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 3, Wednesday Enjoy a day on board at leisure, taking full advantage of the cruise ship facilities, or take one of the optional excursions that are offered, such as an early morning hot air balloon ride, or half-day visit to Denderah. This small village is home to the ancient temple of the goddess of joy, Hathor. Built in the Ptolemaic period (305BC - AD30), it is very well preserved and fronted by six columns bearing the image of the goddess's head. There is a further option to visit the fantastic Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple in the evening. All meals are taken on board. Overnight in Esna.

Day 4, Thursday Enjoy a day's sailing to Aswan. On the way, visit the Edfu Temple. Edfu is home to the wonderfully preserved 200 year old Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of the sun and plants. Go back to the cruise ship for lunch and continue towards Aswan, to the stunning sight of Kom Ombo, standing on a headland at a bend in the Nile, where you can visit the Sobek Temple. This was built in 250BC to honour two gods, the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Dinner is taken on board. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 5, Friday After breakfast there is a half-day visit to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the gentle goddess Isis, and set like a jewel on an island in the Nile. Experience the High Dam, built during the 1960s to save Egypt from devastating floods. You will also see the unfinished obelisk set in the granite quarries of Aswan. After taking lunch on board, enjoy a felucca ride (traditional Egyptian sail boat) along the Nile. Dinner will be served on board. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 6, Saturday A leisurely day on board the ship, enjoying the facilities that the cruise ship provides. Alternatively, make the most of the optional excursions such as an early morning trip to Abu Simbel (by air or by bus). This great sun temple was built by Ramses II, who had four gigantic statues of himself hewn into the desert mountainside to confront travellers as they entered Egypt from Africa. Another option is a day trip to an Aswan Nubian Village and National Park. For an evening treat, why not experience the Sound and Light show in the Philae Temple? All meals are taken on board. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 7, Sunday A leisurely morning of sailing to Luxor via Esna (the cruise ship does not stop here). Make the most of your last full day on the ship. All meals will be taken on board, and you can relax and enjoy the cruise ship's amenities. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 8, Monday After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to your hotel in Luxor.

Day 9. Tuesday to day 15, Sunday At leisure in Luxor.

Day 15, Monday Transfer to Luxor airport for your return flight home.

Please be advised that due to local operational and/or adverse weather conditions, the order and/or components of the tour may be subject to change.

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