From the majestic temples of Luxor to the vast, serene waters of Lake Nasser and along the historic Nile, this itinerary offers a beautifully balanced, immersive pace to ensure you experience Egypt’s most spectacular southern wonders. Traveling aboard two distinct, world-class vessels, this tour serves as a perfect complement to your travels in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe, providing a luxurious and relaxing vantage point of the region's ancient landscape.

Egypt's rich history and diverse landscapes offer an abundance of exploration opportunities, effortlessly experienced across two distinct types of premium accommodation. On Lake Nasser, you will cruise aboard a grand 5-star ship like the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam or African Dream, featuring an onboard spa, elegant lounge bars, and a refreshing pool deck. For the legendary Nile portion, you will transition to a deluxe 5-star river cruiser complete with panoramic observation decks, a library, and fine dining, ensuring this comprehensive tour encompasses all the major historical landmarks while enticing you to return sooner rather than later.

During your journey, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of Abu Simbel, the colossal temples carved directly into the mountainside by Ramses II. Here, you can stand in the shadow of giants and marvel at one of history's greatest engineering feats right from the water, deeply enhancing your experience of this remarkable country.

• 5 Star Luxury Lake Nasser Cruise Omar el Khayam

• Abu Simbel Sound & Light Show

• Abu Simbel Temples

• Nubian Temples on Lake Nasser

• 5 Star Deluxe Nile River Cruise

• Philae Temple

• Komombo Temple

• Edfu Temple

• Luxor Temple

• Karnak Temple

• Valley of the Kings

• Valley of the Queens

• Tomb of Nefertari

• Step Pyramid of Saqqara

• Giza Pyramids

• Sphinx

• Egyptian Museum

• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

• Khan el Khalili Bazaar

Welcome to Egypt and the beginning of your once in a lifetime experience.
Our Pink Lotus Egypt Tours representative will meet and assist you through Cairo International Airport, then transfer to your hotel.

Meals are at your leisure today.

 * Please note pre-accommodation is available if you prefer to arrive a day or two early and relax before the tour

Breakfast at hotel before early flight to Abu Simbel

Discover the ancient sites of Upper Egypt in elegance and luxury on the Omar El Khayam or African Dream Lake Nasser Cruise boat. Unforgettable feel-good experiences of a very special kind await you in the ship's own Spa.

If you appreciate a stimulating conversation with your fellow passengers, you can agree to meet up for a game in the inviting billiard room. Enjoy the unique views over the panorama of Upper Egypt from the sun deck, where you can also cool down in the pool. During your stay on board the team of chefs in the main restaurant, will tempt your palate with delicacies from Egypt and specialties of international cuisine.

You can round off an eventful day in style in one of the two lounge bars or you can also try the whirlpool and the pool bar, where the barkeeper will serve you refreshing drinks.

Please note it is quite a distance between Abu Simbel and Aswan so there is plenty of time to enjoy the boat and its facilities. You will disembark the boat each day.

 Embarkation before lunch
- Lunch on board
- Visit the temples of Abu Simbel
- Sound & light performance in Abu Simbel 
- Dinner on board
- Overnight in Abu Simbel

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Sailing to Kasr Ibrim • Amada • Wadi El Seboua

Enjoy breakfast on board as your Lake Nasser cruise continues through the peaceful desert landscapes of southern Egypt, where the deep blue waters of the lake contrast dramatically with the surrounding golden desert.

Kasr Ibrim – Exterior Viewing

This morning, sail towards Kasr Ibrim, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites of ancient Nubia. Unlike many monuments in the region, which were relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, Kasr Ibrim remains close to its original location and today rises dramatically above the waters of Lake Nasser.

The site has a remarkably long history, with remains representing several periods of Nubian civilisation. Over the centuries it served as a fortified settlement, religious centre and strategic stronghold, with influences from the Pharaonic, Roman, Christian and Islamic periods.

Due to the archaeological importance and fragile nature of the site, visitors generally admire Kasr Ibrim from the cruise vessel, enjoying excellent views of the ruins while your guide explains its history and significance.

Return to the restaurant for lunch on board as the vessel sails towards Amada.

Amada Temple Complex

In the afternoon, visit the archaeological area of Amada, home to several important monuments rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

The highlight is the Temple of Amada, one of the oldest surviving Egyptian temples in Nubia. Originally constructed during the reign of Thutmose III and later enlarged and decorated by Amenhotep II and Thutmose IV, the temple is particularly admired for the remarkable preservation and colour of its interior reliefs.

Nearby stands the Temple of Derr, a rock-cut temple constructed during the reign of Ramesses II and dedicated principally to the sun god Ra-Horakhty. The temple was carefully dismantled and relocated to this site as part of the international campaign to save Nubia's monuments.

Also visit the Tomb of Pennut, the rock-cut tomb of an important Nubian official who served during the reign of Ramesses VI. Its beautifully carved scenes provide a fascinating glimpse into religious beliefs, daily life and the administration of Nubia during the New Kingdom.

Following your visit, return to the vessel and continue sailing across Lake Nasser towards Wadi El Seboua.

Enjoy dinner on board surrounded by the tranquility of the Nubian desert.

Overnight: Lake Nasser Cruise – Wadi El Seboua

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wadi El Seboua • Temple of Dakka • Sail to Aswan

Enjoy breakfast on board before setting out to explore another remarkable collection of ancient Nubian monuments along the shores of Lake Nasser.

Wadi El Seboua – Valley of the Lions

Begin with a visit to the impressive Wadi El Seboua Temple, whose name means “Valley of the Lions,” referring to the avenue of sphinxes that once formed the ceremonial approach to the temple.

The temple was constructed during the reign of Ramesses II and dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra and Ra-Horakhty. Its dramatic entrance, pylons, courtyards and sanctuary reflect the monumental style associated with Ramesses II, who built extensively throughout Nubia.

Walk along the remains of the sphinx-lined processional avenue and through the temple complex while your guide explains the symbolism of its reliefs and the important role Nubia played within the Egyptian empire.

Like many monuments now found along Lake Nasser, Wadi El Seboua was carefully dismantled and relocated to higher ground during the UNESCO-led rescue campaign associated with the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Temple of Dakka

Continue to the nearby Temple of Dakka, an elegant Greco-Roman period temple dedicated to Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing and knowledge.

The temple has an interesting history, with construction beginning under the Nubian king Arkamani and later additions made during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Its architecture therefore reflects centuries of cultural interaction between Nubia, Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world.

Explore the imposing pylon, courtyards, chambers and surviving reliefs while learning about the religious traditions that flourished in this region during the later periods of ancient Egyptian history.

Following your sightseeing, return to the cruise vessel for lunch on board.

Sail to Aswan

Spend the afternoon relaxing as your vessel sails north towards Aswan. Enjoy the changing scenery of Lake Nasser, with vast stretches of water framed by rugged desert landscapes and distant rocky islands.

Dinner will be served on board this evening.

Nubian Show

Tonight, enjoy a lively Nubian Show on board, featuring traditional music, rhythms and entertainment inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Nubia. It is a colourful and enjoyable way to celebrate your final evening of cruising on Lake Nasser.

The vessel will overnight in Aswan, ready for the next stage of your journey.

Overnight: Lake Nasser Cruise – Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Lake Nasser • Kalabsha • Beit El Wali • Nile River Cruise

Enjoy your final breakfast on board your Lake Nasser Cruise before visiting two fascinating monuments located near the Aswan High Dam.

Temple of Kalabsha

Visit the impressive Temple of Kalabsha, one of the largest and best-preserved temples of Nubia. Originally located approximately 50 kilometres south of Aswan, the temple was dismantled and reconstructed at its present location as part of the international effort to save Nubia’s monuments from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam.

The existing temple was largely constructed during the Roman period under Emperor Augustus, on the site of an earlier sanctuary, and was dedicated primarily to Mandulis, a Nubian solar deity.

Walk through the monumental pylon into the courtyards, columned halls and sanctuary, where surviving reliefs illustrate the fascinating blending of ancient Egyptian, Nubian and Roman religious traditions. Its elevated position also provides beautiful views across Lake Nasser and the surrounding desert landscape.

Beit El Wali

Continue to nearby Beit El Wali, a small but historically important rock-cut temple constructed during the reign of Ramesses II.

Dedicated to Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Khnum and Anuket, the temple contains detailed reliefs depicting Ramesses II making offerings to the gods as well as scenes associated with military campaigns and Egypt’s relationship with Nubia.

Despite its relatively compact size, Beit El Wali offers a fascinating insight into the political and religious importance of Nubia during the New Kingdom. The temple was also relocated to higher ground during the UNESCO Nubian monument rescue campaign.

Disembark Lake Nasser Cruise

Following your sightseeing, return to the vessel to check out and disembark, bringing your Lake Nasser journey to an end.

You will then transfer to your Nile River Cruise, which will be your floating hotel for the next three nights.

Embark Nile River Cruise

Check in before lunch and settle into your cabin. Lunch will be served on board.

During your Nile cruise, some time will be spent docked at each destination to allow sightseeing at the temples and archaeological sites along the route. Nile cruise vessels frequently dock side-by-side, and you may occasionally walk through another vessel to reach the shore. This is a normal part of cruising on the Nile due to the number of vessels operating between Aswan and Luxor.

Aswan High Dam

This afternoon, visit the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s most significant modern engineering projects. Completed in the 20th century, the dam transformed Egypt’s ability to control the annual flooding of the Nile, generate hydroelectric power and manage water resources.

From the dam, enjoy views across Lake Nasser, the vast reservoir created by its construction, and learn how the project also led to the extraordinary international campaign to relocate and preserve many of Nubia’s ancient monuments.

Unfinished Obelisk

Continue to the ancient granite quarries of Aswan to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk.

Had it been successfully completed, it would have been one of the largest obelisks ever erected in ancient Egypt. A major crack appeared while it was being carved directly from the granite bedrock, causing the project to be abandoned.

Still lying where ancient workers left it, the obelisk provides an extraordinary insight into the techniques used by ancient Egyptian stoneworkers to quarry and shape these immense monuments.

Philae Temple

Complete your sightseeing with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Philae, one of Aswan’s most atmospheric ancient sites.

Dedicated principally to Isis, goddess of motherhood, healing and magic, Philae became one of the most important centres of her worship in the ancient world. The temple complex developed over many centuries, with significant construction during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Following the construction of the Aswan dams, the temples were threatened by rising water and were eventually dismantled and painstakingly reconstructed on Agilkia Island as part of the UNESCO rescue campaign.

A short motorboat journey takes you across the water to the island, where you can explore elegant colonnades, courtyards, sanctuaries and beautifully carved reliefs surrounded by the Nile.

Return to your cruise vessel and enjoy dinner on board.

Overnight: Nile River Cruise – Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Kom Ombo • Edfu • Sail to Luxor

Your Nile River Cruise begins sailing early this morning towards Kom Ombo. Enjoy breakfast on board as you travel through the beautiful scenery of the Nile Valley, passing fertile farmland, traditional villages, date palms and desert landscapes.

Kom Ombo – Temple of Sobek & Haroeris

On arrival at Kom Ombo, disembark to visit the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically positioned on a bend of the Nile.

The temple is unusual because of its distinctive double design, with two parallel entrances, halls and sanctuaries dedicated to two different deities. One side honours Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility, protection and the power of the Nile, while the other is dedicated to Haroeris – Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god.

Explore the beautifully carved columns and reliefs, including fascinating scenes associated with ancient Egyptian medicine, religious rituals and the measurement of the Nile.

Nearby, visit the Crocodile Museum, where mummified crocodiles and other artefacts provide further insight into the ancient worship of Sobek.

Return to your cruise vessel and continue sailing towards Edfu, with meals served on board according to the cruise schedule.

Edfu – Temple of Horus

On arrival in Edfu, visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt.

Constructed during the Ptolemaic period, the temple was dedicated to Horus of Behdet, represented as a falcon or falcon-headed deity. It's remarkable state of preservation allows visitors to experience the scale and layout of an ancient Egyptian temple in extraordinary detail.

Enter through the enormous, monumental pylon, decorated with dramatic reliefs of the pharaoh before the gods, before continuing through spacious courtyards, columned halls and increasingly sacred chambers leading towards the sanctuary.

The walls are covered with extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions and reliefs describing religious ceremonies, festivals and the mythological struggle between Horus and Seth. Within the sanctuary you can also see the sacred granite shrine and a replica of the ceremonial barque once used during religious processions.

Following your visit, return to the vessel and continue your journey downstream towards Luxor, sailing through the landscapes of Upper Egypt.

Enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing on board as your cruise continues towards the ancient city of Thebes.

Overnight: Nile River Cruise – Luxor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxor • Karnak Temple • Local Markets • Luxor Temple

Enjoy breakfast on board before setting out to explore the magnificent monuments of Luxor’s East Bank, once the heart of ancient Thebes and one of the most important religious centres of ancient Egypt.

Karnak Temple Complex

Begin your morning with a visit to the extraordinary Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest and most impressive religious complexes ever constructed.

Developed and expanded by successive pharaohs over approximately 2,000 years, Karnak was principally dedicated to Amun-Ra, together with his divine family, Mut and Khonsu. Generations of rulers added temples, pylons, chapels, obelisks and monumental gateways, creating an extraordinary record of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Walk along the ceremonial avenues and enter the spectacular Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 massive stone columns rise above you in a vast forest of carved sandstone. See towering obelisks, sacred lakes, monumental statues and beautifully carved walls depicting pharaohs making offerings to the gods and celebrating important events.

Karnak was also connected to Luxor Temple by the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes, the ceremonial route used during the great Opet Festival.

Following your visit, return to the cruise vessel for lunch on board and some time to relax.

Luxor Markets

Later, enjoy time exploring the colourful markets of Luxor, where traditional shops and stalls offer spices, perfumes, textiles, scarves, jewellery, handicrafts, alabaster and souvenirs.

This is an opportunity to experience some of the everyday atmosphere of modern Luxor, browse for local products and perhaps practise the Egyptian tradition of friendly bargaining.

Luxor Temple

Continue to the beautiful Luxor Temple, particularly atmospheric later in the day as the light softens and the ancient stonework begins to glow.

Unlike many Egyptian temples, Luxor Temple was not primarily dedicated to a single god or pharaoh. It played an important role in the Opet Festival, during which sacred images of Amun, Mut and Khonsu travelled ceremonially from Karnak to Luxor.

Much of the temple was constructed during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, with later additions reflecting the long history of the site.

Enter through the monumental gateway of Ramesses II, guarded by colossal statues and an impressive obelisk. Explore the great courtyards, elegant colonnades and beautifully decorated chambers while your Egyptologist explains the temple’s history and religious significance.

The site also reveals the many layers of Luxor’s history, with a mosque incorporated into the ancient complex and evidence of its later use during the Roman and early Christian periods.

Return to your Nile cruise following your visit and enjoy dinner on board.

Overnight: Nile River Cruise – Luxor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxor West Bank • Valley of the Kings • Tomb of Nefertari • Fly to Cairo

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before checking out and disembarking from your Nile River Cruise in Luxor.

Today, cross to the West Bank of the Nile, the ancient land of the dead, where pharaohs, queens and nobles constructed their magnificent tombs and funerary monuments against the dramatic backdrop of the Theban mountains.

Valley of the Kings

Begin with the legendary Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom and one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

For approximately 500 years, many of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs were buried in elaborate tombs carved deep into the limestone mountains. Unlike the monumental pyramids of earlier periods, these hidden tombs were designed to protect the royal burials and the treasures placed within them for the journey into the afterlife.

Descend into a selection of the tombs open on the day of your visit and discover corridors and burial chambers decorated with remarkably preserved hieroglyphs and colourful scenes from ancient Egyptian funerary texts. Your Egyptologist will explain the beliefs surrounding death, rebirth and the pharaoh’s journey through the underworld.

The valley is also home to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Entry to certain special tombs may require a separate ticket depending on the program selected.

Valley of the Queens

Continue to the nearby Valley of the Queens, where queens, royal children and other members of the royal family were laid to rest during the New Kingdom.

Known to the ancient Egyptians as the “Place of Beauty,” the valley contains more than 90 known tombs, several of which preserve beautiful painted scenes illustrating the deceased making their symbolic journey into the afterlife.

Tomb of Queen Nefertari (subject to availability)

A highlight of your visit is the extraordinary Tomb of Queen Nefertari, beloved Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II.

Considered one of the most beautiful tombs in Egypt, Nefertari’s burial chamber and passageways are decorated with exceptionally vivid paintings. Against brilliant white backgrounds, the queen is depicted in elegant robes and elaborate jewellery as she is guided by the gods through the stages of her journey towards eternal life.

The remarkable colours, intricate details and graceful figures make this tomb a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art and one of the most memorable experiences on Luxor’s West Bank.

*Entry to the Tomb of Nefertari is subject to its opening schedule and local regulations at the time of travel.

Lunch on the West Bank

Following your sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Luxor’s West Bank, with time to relax after your morning exploring the royal necropolises.

Luxor to Cairo

After lunch, transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor International Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, marking the end of your Nile journey from the ancient temples of Nubia through Upper Egypt to the capital.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Saqqara • Giza Pyramids • Great Sphinx

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your Egyptologist guide for a fascinating day exploring some of Egypt’s most important ancient sites, tracing the development of pyramid building from its earliest monumental beginnings at Saqqara to the magnificent pyramids of Giza.

Saqqara & the Step Pyramid of Djoser

Travel south of Cairo to Saqqara, the vast ancient necropolis associated with the former capital of Memphis and one of Egypt’s most archaeologically significant sites.

The centrepiece is the remarkable Step Pyramid of King Djoser, constructed during Egypt’s Third Dynasty more than 4,600 years ago. Designed by the celebrated architect Imhotep, it is regarded as Egypt’s earliest monumental stone pyramid and represents a revolutionary moment in ancient architecture.

Originally conceived as a traditional mastaba tomb, the structure developed into a six-tiered step pyramid rising above an extensive ceremonial complex. Explore the surrounding courtyards, colonnades and reconstructed architectural elements while learning how Djoser’s monument influenced the evolution of pyramid construction that would eventually culminate in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Depending on opening schedules and the planned program, there may also be an opportunity to visit selected tombs or other monuments within the extensive Saqqara archaeological area.

Lunch

Following your visit to Saqqara, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Giza Plateau.

Giza Pyramids

This afternoon, visit the legendary Giza Pyramid Complex, home to the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

Stand before the magnificent Great Pyramid of Khufu, constructed during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty approximately 4,500 years ago. Originally reaching around 146 metres in height, its extraordinary scale and precision continue to inspire visitors today.

Continue to the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, learning about the pharaohs who commissioned these enormous monuments, the sophisticated organisation required to build them and the ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding kingship and the afterlife.

Enjoy time at the panoramic viewpoint, where the three principal pyramids and surrounding desert create one of Egypt’s most iconic landscapes and a wonderful opportunity for photographs.

Entry inside the Great Pyramid or other pyramids is subject to opening schedules and requires a separate entrance ticket unless specifically included in your tour arrangements.

The Great Sphinx

Continue to the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most recognisable monuments of the ancient world.

Carved directly from the limestone bedrock, the colossal figure combines the body of a lion with the head of a king and is generally associated with the pharaoh Khafre. For thousands of years, the Sphinx has stood as a powerful guardian of the Giza necropolis.

Explore the Sphinx complex and nearby Valley Temple, where enormous limestone and granite blocks demonstrate the extraordinary skill of ancient Egyptian builders.

After an unforgettable day exploring the evolution of Egypt’s pyramids, return to your Cairo hotel.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Grand Egyptian Museum • National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation • Khan El Khalili

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your Egyptologist guide for a full day exploring Egypt’s extraordinary history, from the treasures of the pharaohs to the cultural heritage of Cairo.

Grand Egyptian Museum

Begin your day at the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located close to the Giza Pyramids and created to showcase Egypt’s ancient civilisation on an unprecedented scale.

Enter through the impressive atrium, dominated by the colossal statue of Ramesses II, before exploring the museum’s vast galleries and monumental spaces.

A major highlight is the extraordinary collection associated with King Tutankhamun, bringing together the young pharaoh’s funerary treasures and personal possessions. Alongside these famous objects, the museum presents thousands of artefacts spanning different periods of ancient Egyptian history, helping tell the story of kingship, religion, daily life, craftsmanship and beliefs surrounding the afterlife.

The museum’s dramatic architecture and views towards the Giza Plateau provide an impressive modern setting for one of the world’s great archaeological collections.

Lunch at Leisure

Following your museum visit, enjoy lunch at your own leisure at one of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s cafés or restaurants.

Lunch today is not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose where and what you would like to eat before continuing your sightseeing.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) in Fustat.

Unlike museums concentrating primarily on the pharaonic period, NMEC presents the broader story of Egyptian civilisation across thousands of years, tracing the development of Egyptian society and culture from prehistoric times through the ancient, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern eras.

One of the museum’s most important attractions is the atmospheric Royal Mummies Hall, where a collection of Egypt’s ancient kings and queens is displayed with dignity in a specially designed environment.

The experience provides a fascinating opportunity to come face-to-face with rulers whose temples, monuments and tombs you may have encountered throughout your journey.

Khan El Khalili Markets

Finish your day amid the atmosphere of historic Cairo with a visit to the famous Khan El Khalili Markets.

For centuries, this bustling district has been a centre of commerce and traditional craftsmanship. Wander through narrow lanes filled with shops and stalls selling jewellery, lanterns, spices, perfumes, textiles, leather goods, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Take time to absorb the sights, sounds and aromas of old Cairo, perhaps stopping for traditional Egyptian tea or coffee at one of the historic cafés.

Afterwards, return to your hotel following a memorable final day exploring Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy one last breakfast then sadly, it is time to return home.

If you have a later flight you can enjoy the pool or maybe indulge in massage or spa treatment before you leave for home or your onward journey.

A representative of Pink Lotus Egypt Tours will transfer you to Cairo International Airport and assist with all check-in procedures.
 
Meals: Breakfast