A wonderful Nile Cruise

Upon arrival in Luxor, you will join your cruiseboat. The crew will welcome you on board.

Your Nile cruise begins by exploring one of Egypt's most renowned archaeological sites: the beautiful Valley of the Kings. Here over 700 pharaohs tombs are located into the rocky crags and crevices of the Theban Hills. It was within this desolate canyon that several mummies were locked in burial chambers as part of their journey to the 'afterlife'. Nearby the stunning and important Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is located. This sacred place, known as the "splendour of splendours", is carved into a solid rock face and is sure to amaze you. The west-bank discovery ends with a trip out to the Colossi of Memnon. This latter is a complex formed by two gigantic enthroned figures, which have been attracting visitors for centuries. You will arrive in Edfu to overnight.

Your cruise brings you to the mammoth Temple of Horus, a real must-see place! Here you will admire two enormous black granite falcons watching the entrance to the imposing Temple of Horus at Edfu. Horus is an ancient shrine devoted to the god of the sky. This sacred place is incredibly well preserved and provides real evidence about the real aspect of the ancient Egyptian temples during their glorious ages. Wander through the temple and imagine how it must have looked in its heyday during a festival adorned with flowers and scented with incense. Afterwards, the tour continues on Nile's water to reach Kom Ombo where it is possible to explore the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, dedicated to the crocodile-headed god and the falcon-headed god. The shrine is designed according to a symmetrical form. Nearby the Chapel of Hathor is situated: it is worth visiting and will enrapture you with its several mummified crocodiles.

Today you will visit the main sights of Aswan. First of all its High Dam, which is a true feat of modern engineering. It was built during the 1960's and used 18 times more material than the giant Great Pyramid in Cairo. From its top you can enjoy breath-taking views of Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake. Cuddled among its lush palms are a number of Nubian houses painted bright blue, pink and yellow. Then, you have the chance to discover the Temple of Philae, a temple complex.

You can choose either to relax in Aswan, discovering the city according to your personal style, or visit Abu Simbel, a Nubian Village. In this village, the Temple of Ramses II is located. It is adorned with very tall figures of gods and pharaohs. At the end of the day you will arrive in Ensa.

Sailing back, you will arrive in Luxor. But, this time you will visit the east bank of the city. The remains of Luxor Temple perfectly complement the verdant banks of the Nile. The first thing that strikes you about Karnak Temple is its size: it is big enough to enclose no fewer than 10 cathedrals and covering around 100 acres. The construction of this complex, formed by three temples, lasted around thirteen centuries. Do not forget to explore the famous Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of gigantic columns. And enjoy the end of the day admiring a romantic waterfront setting, the shrine stands proud in the heart of Luxor itself and nowadays incorporates a mosque and the remains of a Roman fort.

From Luxor you will reach Qena by boat and discover the remains of the Temple of Dendera. It was built in honour of Hathor, the goddess of love and happiness. It was built by Romans, although this sacred place reminds of the Egyptian style. This is why the Hypostyle Hall boasts detailed reliefs representing the Emperor Tiberius as he were a pharaoh.

Returning to Luxor, your Nile cruise comes to an end, transfer to the airport if needed. You also have the opportunity to extend your vacation in Egypt.