Egypt: Pyramids, Temples and the Nile

Take in the lights of Cairo as you sail down the Nile on a felucca boat. In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the boarding point. Climb aboard the felucca and make yourself comfortable. This traditional boat is used on the river and its open, narrow design makes it perfect to take in the views. As you sail on the water, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and tell you about their historical and cultural significance. Then, sit down for a five-course meal of Middle Eastern delicacies with the soothing sound of a lute playing in the background. As you enjoy dinner, soak in beautiful views of the passing scenery. After the cruise winds up, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: five-course dinner, drinks on own account; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

The sound and light show at Karnak Temple highlights the fascinating history of ancient Thebes. As you walk through the illuminated complex, the sovereigns narrate their life stories accompanied by haunting music. Learn about the city that was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms, and how it was a religious and intellectual hub. Listen to poetic recitations about the birth of the Karnak Temple and the achievements of some of the pharaohs. Known as Ipet-Sut, ‘The Most Esteemed of Palaces’, Karnak’s magnificence was enhanced over more than 13 centuries by successive pharaohs. You will also gain insight into the royal family of the 18th Dynasty, who made Amun-Ra the state god. Hear legends about prominent Egyptian rulers including Thutmose I, II and III, and Queen Hatshepsut. Finally, take your seat at the Great Sacred Lake and watch the last act which wraps up the spectacle. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1900/2015/2130/2245 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to 5 ppl confirmed)

Take in ancient Thebes and the Nile from above during this tour. Very early in the morning, you will take to the launch site for your hot air balloon flight. As you prepare for a memorable journey over ancient Thebes, watch the dawn light begin to give the sky a rich glow. You will lift off and gain altitude, while catching glimpses of the Valley of the Kings. Fly over the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut and spot the row of sphinxes that guard the stairs. Then, glide over the landscape replete with fields of sugarcane and dotted with palm trees. See the pink and orange hues of the Egyptian sunrise light up the sky and drift over the massive Colossi of Memnon. On the banks of the Nile River, you will see homes with adobe walls and flat rooftops with palm canopies. Soak in the aerial views as you float above dusty desert roads, before slowly descending and gently landing. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0300 hrs (summer)/0400 hrs (winter); Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to weather conditions)

Discover the culture and heritage of ancient Egypt on this four-night cruise on the Nile River. Begin your adventure at Luxor where you will board the ship. Check into your comfortable accommodations before enjoying a guided tour of the east bank temples. You will visit the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, built in honor of the god Amon, and the famous Luxor Temple where the creator god Amun is the deity. After a sumptuous dinner and entertainment onboard, enjoy a good night’s rest. The next day, after breakfast, head to the west bank where you will see the Valley of Kings with its rock-cut tombs, Hatshepsut Temple, and the massive stone statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch and take in the riverside scenery as you sail towards Edfu. You could relish afternoon tea and later mingle with fellow guests at the captain’s cocktail reception before dinner. On the third day, head to the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus and Hathor. You will also explore Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design dedicated to two deities — the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Wind up the day with a fun Galabia party as the vessel sails to Aswan and drops anchor for the night. On the penultimate day of your cruise, visit the impressive High Dam that supplies water for irrigation and electricity generation. You will then see the awe-inspiring Philae Temple complex that sits on Agilika Island. Accessible only by boat, this temple complex was relocated block by block to prevent it from being submerged in the flood waters of the dam. Before returning to the ship, stop by the massive, unfinished obelisk located in the northern stone quarries. After lunch onboard, go sailing around Kitchener’s Island in a traditional felucca as you enjoy views of the Aga Khan mausoleum. Dinner and an engaging Nubian show marks your last night on the cruise ship. In the morning, disembark after breakfast and head to your next destination. (Duration: five days/four nights; Private activity; Private transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

Experience the wonders of ancient Egypt on a 4-night Nile River cruise. Sail from Luxor to Aswan and trace the history of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of daily rural life, learn about the country’s rich history and get up close with its cultural treasures. Soak in the riverbank scenery, as the onboard Egyptologist offers information about the sites. Luxury vans are arranged at each port for sightseeing. In Luxor, tour the 2,000-year-old Karnak Temple complex and Valley of the Kings, where you’ll explore tombs with intricate and colorful hieroglyphics. View the Colossi of Memnon and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, before sailing to Esna. At the Temple of Edfu, see an array of inscriptions known as the ‘Sacred Drama’. While in Kom Ombo, tour the unique double temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek. Finally, sail into Aswan, a busy market town. Here, visit the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple and Botanical Garden before wrapping up your voyage. (Duration: 5 days/4 nights; Shared activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; All meals are included, please inform us of any food allergies in advance.)

Immerse yourself in a captivating sound and light show at Philae Temple. As you enter one of Egypt’s most revered archaeological sites, you will see the temple’s magnificent architecture that serves as the backdrop for the audio-visual presentation. Be transported to the ancient world of Philae Temple via a seamless blend of sound, light and storytelling. Hear the narrator recount the interesting history and legends associated with the site. Listen to stories about Egyptian gods and goddesses, pharaohs, and ancient rituals, intricately woven together with evocative music. Admire the illuminated temple and take in its beauty as you gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical significance before the show ends. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 2000/2100 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

Discover the ancient Elephantine Island and the archaeological treasures housed in the Aswan Museum. Head to the Temple of Khnum, where you can explore the well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs that honor Khnum, the ram-headed god of Elephantine Island. Delve into its history as you walk along the Nilometer, an age-old device that is used to measure the water levels of the Nile. Your guide will tell you about how this ingenious invention played a crucial role in predicting the annual flooding of the river and its impact on the livelihoods of the people. Next, venture into a vibrant Nubian village. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets adorned with colorful houses, and learn about local traditions and culture. Conclude your tour at the Aswan Museum. View an extensive collection of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi from various periods of Egyptian history. Gain insight into the island’s rich archaeological heritage before returning to Aswan. (Duration: half day, Time: 0900/1400 hrs, Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear walking shoes)