Classic Nile Cruise

• Day 1:
• Arrive in Luxor

We welcome you on your arrival in Luxor, and transfer you to the cruise boat. Cabins are available from around 2pm onwards. After you settle in, we introduce you to your Egyptologist guide who will accompany you on the cruise and be your private guide for all the sightseeing trips. The rest of the day is free to relax and have a look around Luxor centre.

• Day 2:
• Luxor. Karnak & Luxor temple
  

You start your exploration of Egyptian ancient history today with tours to two important Pharaonic temples. Firstly you visit Karnak, one of the largest temple complexes in the world, and then the impressive Luxor temple situated right in the centre of Luxor. In the afternoon the boat leaves Luxor and sails south to the locks on the Nile at Esna where you overnight.

• Day 3:
• Esna, Edfu & Komombo.
  

You visit the small Esna temple this morning before sailing further south, past Edfu temple and on to Komombo. While on the river you can enjoy watching rural Egyptian life pass you by on the banks of the river while you relax on the sun-deck.

• Day 4:
• Sail to Aswan - Philae Temple
  

You sail on to Aswan today where the Nile is at its most picturesque. After mooring in town, you visit the beautiful island temple of Philae by boat and your Egyptologist continues his explanations of the development of Pharaonic culture and customs.

• Day 5:
• Aswan - Felucca trip. Abu Simbel option
  

You have a free morning today to explore Aswan's markets and walk along the Corniche on the banks of the Nile. Alternatively you can take an optional early morning tour to see the temples to Ramses II at Abu Simbel. One of Egypt's main highlights, these temples were completely dismantled and rebuilt when Lake Nasser was flooded. In the afternoon we take you on a felucca sailboat trip around some of the islands on the Nile.

• Day 6:
• Sail back towards Luxor - Komombo temple.
  

The boat heads north again today as you leave Aswan and stop to tour the riverside temple at Komombo en-route back to Luxor.

• Day 7:
• Luxor - West bank tour
  

You start early this morning to avoid the crowds and the extreme heat in the middle of the day, which particularly at the Valley of the Kings can be oppressive. We tour the Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, visit the unique tiered temple to Queen Hatchepsut, and explore the impressive Medinat Habu temple with its colourful hieroglyphics before returning back to Luxor via a stop to view the Colossi of Memnon. Your afternoon is free in Luxor to do some last shopping in the bazaar or visit one of the good local museums. You can also do a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile today.

• Day 8:
• Luxor - Tour ends
  

Your tour finishes today and your time is free until we transfer you to Luxor airport for departure.