Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, the largest temple complex in Egypt, constructed over a span of 2,000 years with contributions from nearly thirty pharaohs. Walking through the magnificent Hypostyle Hall is a highlight—its 134 towering columns, each 70 feet high and shaped like papyrus stalks, create an unforgettable experience.

The tour continues to the more intimate yet equally captivating Temple of Luxor, built by Pharaoh Amenophis III. This elegant structure showcases stunning architecture, intricate engineering, and impressive masonry. Pharaoh Ramses II later expanded the temple, adding rooms and walls adorned with relief carvings that differ significantly in style from those of his predecessor.

In ancient times, Thebes (modern-day Luxor) was a vibrant center of festivals. The Temple of Luxor served as the setting for the grand Opet Festival, one of the most important religious celebrations, symbolizing the merging of the pharaoh’s human and divine natures.

🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏 Overnight: Sonesta St. George hotel (or similar standard) 

 Check out of the hotel.

This morning, we head to the legendary "City of the Dead", located on the west bank of the Nile, home to countless ancient tombs. Our journey begins with a visit to the renowned Valley of the Kings, the royal burial site of Egypt’s pharaohs and a true highlight of the tour.

Before entering the tombs, our guide will provide historical context from the outside, sharing fascinating stories about the rulers buried here. Inside, you'll marvel at the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture—long corridors adorned with exquisite reliefs and vivid natural colors that have survived for over 3,500 years.

Your ticket includes entry to three tombs, as well as access to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The young king died at the age of 18, and his tomb—discovered intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter—remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.

We will make a short stop at a local stonemason's workshop, where you can observe traditional craftsmanship and browse handmade souvenirs such as small statues, vases, and other unique pieces.

Next, we visit the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel carved into the cliffs. This temple features what is considered the world’s first historical documentary, depicting an expedition to the distant lands across the Red Sea—believed to represent the earliest recorded instance of international diplomacy.

Finally, we stop at the majestic Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues steeped in mythology. Here, you’ll learn about the legends and history behind these iconic monuments, which have stood watch over the Theban necropolis for millennia.

🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch & Dinner on Nile Cruise
🛏 Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

 Visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu
Our day begins with a visit to the impressive Temple of Horus in Edfu, renowned as the best-preserved temple in Egypt and second in size only to Karnak. Because the temple is relatively "young"—built just 2,200 years ago—we have a wealth of detailed information about its construction and use.

According to ancient mythology, the temple was built on the very site of the legendary battle between Horus and Seth. These epic scenes are vividly depicted on the temple walls, alongside carvings of elaborate religious festivals. Remarkably, this site is also believed to have housed the world’s first library.

Afterward, we sail for approximately three hours to the town of Kom Ombo, known for its sugar production. Just a short walk from the docking point, we’ll explore the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

Though smaller in size, this temple is rich in history. It once served as a hospital in ancient Egypt and is notable for its carved medical instruments, calendars, and scenes depicting healing practices. Construction began under Ptolemy VI Philometor in the early 2nd century BC, with the outer enclosure walls added later by Emperor Augustus after 30 BC.

🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏 Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

Excursion to one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring temple sites.

A Highlight of Your Nile Journey

Begin your day with an unforgettable excursion to the majestic temples of Abu Simbel, considered among the most extraordinary in all of Egypt. Nestled on the shores of Lake Nasser, these breathtaking temples—built by Pharaoh Ramses II in honor of himself and Queen Nefertari—are carved directly into the mountainside.

Saved from submersion by an ambitious UNESCO relocation project, the temples now stand as powerful symbols of ancient engineering and modern preservation. 

Massive statues of the pharaoh tower at the entrance welcome visitors with grandeur.

Inside, you'll be amazed by the remarkably well-preserved colors and vivid reliefs that celebrate Ramses’ achievements and legacy. Towering statues of the Pharaoh stand guard at the entrance, creating a truly majestic sight.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy some leisurely time in Aswan, soaking in the charm and serenity of this riverside city.

 🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏 Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

 Disembark from the cruise.

Today we begin with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that provides electricity to all of Egypt and even supports export. Completed in 1972, the dam created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. While vital for irrigation and energy, its construction submerged countless ancient temples and displaced over 100,000 Nubians from their ancestral homes.

We continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, a fascinating site that reveals how the ancient Egyptians carved massive stone pillars directly from bedrock. This particular obelisk, abandoned due to a visible crack, offers rare insight into the techniques and challenges of ancient stonework.

Next, we take a scenic motorboat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Often described as the most beautiful temple in Egypt, its serene location between the Old Aswan Dam and the High Dam makes it especially memorable. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was painstakingly relocated to Agilika Island in the 1960s to save it from flooding.

The temple is a striking fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences and stands as a symbol of devotion across civilizations.

Check in hotel.

🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
🛏 Overnight: Basma hotel, Aswan (or similar standard)

In the early morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo.

Exploring the Treasures of Old Cairo

From the airport, we embark on a journey to Old Cairo, home to Egypt’s first capital, Al Fustat, founded in 641 AD. One of the city's most remarkable landmarks is the Hanging Church, a sacred site dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with sanctuaries honoring Saint John the Baptist. Also known as the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa, it gets its name from its construction atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Layers of palm tree logs and stone were built over the ruins of the fortress, serving as its foundation.

The Hanging Church is an architectural marvel, distinguished by its wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark. From the 7th to the 13th century, it served as the residence of the Coptic Patriarch, witnessing significant religious ceremonies and patriarchal elections. The church as we see it today is believed to have been built during the patriarchate of Isaac (690–692 AD).

We then visit the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), where a small cave is believed to have sheltered the Holy Family for three months during their time in Egypt.

A short distance away (approximately 1.5 miles), we explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), home to 22 royal mummies from the necropolis of Luxor.

Our journey continues to the Citadel of Salah el-Din, built in 1198, where we visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque. Constructed between 1830 and 1848 on the site of old Mamluk buildings, the mosque was not fully completed until the reign of Said Pasha in 1857. Designed by Yusuf Bushnak, its architecture was inspired by the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.

We conclude our day with a visit to the bustling bazaars of Khan el-Khalili, the largest and oldest market in the Middle East, dating back to the 14th century. As we stroll through its narrow alleyways, we discover hundreds of shops and stalls, where artisans skillfully craft precious metals, leather goods, and intricate woodwork inlaid with camel bone and mother-of-pearl. Here, bargaining is not just expected but an essential part of the experience!

Check in hotel.

🍽 Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch  
🛏 Overnight: Ramses Hilton hotel Cairo (or similar)