Day 1 – Welcome to Luxor & Explore the Magnificent East Bank

Your Golden Nile Cruise adventure begins in Luxor, where you'll board the cruise before lunch and settle into your cabin. After enjoying lunch on board, set out to discover two of the most spectacular temple complexes in Egypt.

Your first stop is the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever built in the ancient world. Walk along the impressive Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes before entering the towering First Pylon. Explore the legendary Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns, admire the sacred lake, towering obelisks, and the remarkable temples dedicated to Amun-Re, all reflecting more than 1,500 years of ancient Egyptian history.

Continue to the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated by the afternoon sun. Admire the colossal statues of Ramses II, the historic Abu Haggag Mosque built within the temple walls, and the famous Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected Luxor Temple with Karnak.

Return to the cruise for afternoon tea, relax on the sun deck, then enjoy dinner and your first overnight stay on board in Luxor.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – The Legendary West Bank & Sailing to Esna

Begin your morning exploring Luxor's legendary West Bank.

Visit the famous Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest inside beautifully decorated tombs carved deep into the Theban mountains. Your visit includes three royal tombs, while entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I is available at an additional cost.

Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece rising dramatically against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Its elegant terraces, impressive colonnades, and beautifully preserved reliefs celebrate Egypt's first great female ruler.

Before returning to the cruise, stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, the two massive statues of Amenhotep III that have guarded the Theban Necropolis for thousands of years.

Guests may also choose an optional Hot Air Balloon ride before the sightseeing tour. As the sun rises above Luxor, drift peacefully over the Nile, ancient temples, fertile fields, and the Valley of the Kings for one of Egypt's most unforgettable experiences.

Return to the cruise for lunch before sailing toward Esna. Watch local villages and lush riverbanks pass by as the ship crosses the fascinating Esna Lock, then continue sailing toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

After breakfast, ride through Edfu by traditional horse-drawn carriage to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus.

One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, this remarkable Ptolemaic monument honors Horus, the falcon-headed god. Walk beneath its enormous gateway, explore spacious courtyards, admire detailed reliefs depicting the battle between Horus and Seth, and visit the sacred sanctuary where ancient rituals once took place.

Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo while enjoying lunch on board.

Later, discover the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare double temple dedicated equally to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Explore its perfectly symmetrical halls, remarkable medical carvings, ancient calendar, and stories of healing before visiting the nearby Crocodile Mummification Museum.

Return to the cruise for dinner as you continue sailing toward Aswan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Discover the Wonders of Aswan

This morning introduces you to the beauty and history of Aswan.

Begin at the impressive High Dam, one of Egypt's greatest engineering achievements, offering panoramic views across the waters of Lake Nasser.

Continue by boat to the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic. Beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island during UNESCO's rescue campaign, the temple remains one of Upper Egypt's most breathtaking archaeological treasures.

Your final included visit is the Unfinished Obelisk, where you'll see the largest obelisk ever attempted, still lying within the ancient granite quarry and offering fascinating insight into the techniques of ancient Egyptian stone workers.

Return to the cruise for lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon on board or joining the optional Felucca sailing trip around Aswan's beautiful islands.

You may also choose an optional visit to a traditional Nubian Village, where colorful houses, friendly locals, lively traditions, music, and authentic Nubian culture provide a memorable glimpse into southern Egypt's unique heritage.

Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Farewell Aswan & Optional Abu Simbel

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before checking out.

Before leaving Aswan, you may join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Travel by road or domestic flight to admire the monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carved directly into a sandstone cliff overlooking Lake Nasser. Carefully relocated during UNESCO's famous rescue project, these magnificent temples remain one of the world's greatest achievements of ancient engineering and are considered an essential highlight of any visit to Egypt.

Following breakfast and disembarkation, your unforgettable Golden Nile Cruise journey comes to an end.

Meals Included: Breakfast