The Itineraries: Your Gateway to Ancient Egypt

5-Day Luxor to Aswan Itinerary: A Journey Through Time

Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Stepping Into the Ancient World

Your unforgettable journey begins as you arrive in Luxor, a city that holds the keys to Egypt’s fascinating past. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and embark on your luxurious M.S. Esplanade Nile cruise. After checking in, you’ll set off to explore the Karnak Temples, a monumental site that dates back over 4,000 years. Walk amongst towering obelisks, massive statues, and intricate hieroglyphs. Then, head to Luxor Temple, where ancient Egyptian rulers once celebrated their victories. After your day of discovery, return to your floating home on the Nile for a delicious dinner served onboard, surrounded by stunning views of the river as the sun sets over Egypt.

Day 2: West Bank Wonders – The Valley of Kings & Beyond

The next morning, after a peaceful breakfast aboard your cruise, the magic continues on the West Bank of Luxor. Today, you’ll stand in awe as you enter the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Walk through the tombs, and let the vibrant colors of ancient wall paintings tell their stories. Next, you’ll visit Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, an architectural marvel that blends harmoniously with the desert backdrop. As the ship sets sail to Edfu, enjoy a delicious lunch on board, followed by afternoon tea. In the evening, relax with a gourmet dinner as the Nile glides by, preparing you for another exciting day ahead.

Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo – Exploring the Gods

Wake up to the sounds of the Nile and set off to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Feel the grandeur of this ancient site as you walk through its massive pylons and halls, letting your imagination transport you back in time. After lunch aboard the cruise, we continue sailing to Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. The temple’s location along the riverbank makes it one of the most picturesque sites in Egypt. As you return to your cruise for afternoon tea, relax and prepare for tonight’s entertainment: an Egyptian Night costume party, where you’ll be invited to dress in traditional galabeyyas. Enjoy a buffet dinner filled with Egyptian specialties, followed by live music and dancing under the stars.

Day 4: Philae Temple & Felucca Sailing – A Day of Serenity

After a sumptuous breakfast, set sail towards Philae Temple on Agilika Island. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this tranquil temple has a magical atmosphere, surrounded by the peaceful waters of Lake Nasser. Afterward, discover the ancient Granite Quarries, where the Egyptians mined the stone for their temples and pyramids. There, you’ll find the unfinished Obelisk, a reminder of the massive feats the ancient Egyptians undertook. In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca boat for a serene sailing experience around Elephantine Island, and enjoy a stunning view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens. As the day draws to a close, join your fellow travelers for a gala dinner, followed by a Folkloric Show and mesmerizing Dervish performance.

Day 5: Aswan – A Fond Farewell

Your adventure concludes as you enjoy one final breakfast aboard the M.S. Esplanade. As you disembark in Aswan, you’ll reflect on the unforgettable sights and experiences of the past few days. Before saying goodbye, you may have time for optional visits including the iconic Abu Simbel Temples (available at an extra charge). Alternatively, you may visit the Nubian Museum or local markets to immerse yourself in the culture of Aswan (also at an extra charge). These activities offer a final opportunity to experience the wonders of this enchanting region. Depart with cherished memories of the Nile and ancient Egypt.

4-Day Aswan to Luxor Itinerary: A Voyage into Egypt’s Heart

Day 1: Embark in Aswan – The Temples of Philae and Felucca Magic

Your Nile adventure begins in Aswan, a city known for its laid-back charm and ancient wonders. As you board the M.S. Esplanade, the excitement starts to build. After checking in, you’ll be whisked away to the serene Philae Temple on Agilika Island, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The tranquil setting will leave you in awe, as you wander through its columns and monuments. Then, visit the Granite Quarries, where the Egyptians sourced the hard stone for their monumental structures. After lunch, hop aboard a traditional felucca sailboat and glide across the Nile, taking in views of Elephantine Island and Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner onboard as you prepare for a night of Folkloric and Dervish performances, bringing Egypt’s vibrant culture to life.

Day 2: Cruising the Nile – Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Wake up to another beautiful day as you set sail from Aswan to Kom Ombo, home to the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Marvel at the symmetry of the temple as you explore its twin sanctuaries. Afterward, continue sailing toward Edfu, enjoying lunch and afternoon tea as you cruise. Once you arrive, prepare to explore the grand Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, where the spirits of the ancient gods seem to linger. Tonight, you’ll be treated to an Egyptian Night costume party, where you can dress up in traditional galabeyyas and indulge in a buffet of Egyptian specialties, accompanied by lively music and dancing.

Day 3: Luxor Temples and the Temple of Horus

As you continue your journey northward, you’ll arrive in Luxor, one of Egypt’s most iconic cities. After a hearty breakfast, begin your exploration with a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus, dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god of the sky and kingship. Next, you’ll visit Karnak Temple, an enormous complex that tells the story of the pharaohs through its towering columns, statues, and walls adorned with intricate hieroglyphs. From there, continue to the Luxor Temple, where the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture surrounds you. As you sail back to the boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and relax with an afternoon tea. In the evening, indulge in another delectable dinner onboard, followed by a lively Egyptian cultural show.

Day 4: Disembark in Luxor – The Valley of the Kings Awaits

Your final day brings you to the legendary West Bank of Luxor, where the Valley of the Kings awaits. This ancient burial ground is home to the tombs of some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. As you explore the tombs and marvel at the stunning wall paintings, you’ll feel transported back in time. Visit Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, a striking monument carved into the cliffs, and stop by the famous Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that once stood at the entrance to a temple. After this final exploration, it’s time to say farewell to the magical Nile as you check out and take one last look at the timeless beauty that surrounds you.

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