Nile Cruise 3 Night/4 Days

Day by Day Program

Day 1: Check in Nile Cruise, Aswan sightseeing

We start our program with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, which produces electricity to all of Egypt as well as for export. Opened in 1972, and holds back the artificial Lake Nasser, which used to flood hundreds of temples and forced over 100,000 Nubians to move from their homes. The Isis temple is perhaps the most beautiful temple in all of Egypt because of its incredible location in between two dams. We also recommend you to add on the trip to a Nubian village by Felucca (sailing boat). You will see the small village of Soheil Island and experience a Nubian house from inside.

Meals: Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet on board.

Day 2: Sailing Kom Ombo-Edfu-Luxor

We have arrived the city known for sugar production: Kom Ombo. Within a few hundred yards walking from our docking boat, we find the only remaining double temple dedicated to the two gods Sobek & Haroeries. The temple is small but lovely and has a story to tell. Despite being situated on the banks of the Nile and being subjected to both floods and sand storms, it has been restored quite well. This temple served as a hospital in ancient Egypt and is famous for the usage of medical instruments and calendar. The actual temple was started by Ptolemy VI, Philometor, in the early second century BC. Ptolemy XIII built the outer and inner hypo style halls. The outer enclosure wall and part of the court were built by Augustus sometime after 30 BCE, but are mostly gone now. Our cruise ship will continue its journey sailing 28 miles to Aswan.

We have arrived the village of Edfu. After breakfast we visit the Horus temple in Edfu, which is situated on the other side of the village. It takes only a few minutes from the boat to the temple by horse carriage. Edfu temple is not only the best preserved of Egypt’s temples, but also the second largest, right after Karnak. We have a great deal of information about its construction since Edfu is very young – “only” 2200 years old It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. We can see the battle between Horus and Seth in on temple walls, as well as fantastic festivals. The world’s first library was found here. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet on board.

Day 3: Luxor visits

After breakfast we continue our tour with a visit to the Karnak and Luxor temples. Karnak is the largest temple complex in Egypt, with hypostyle halls, 134 huge columns, a sacred lake and much more. In the distance we see the restoration project of the southern buildings, and get an impression of how huge this temple must have been at that time the high priests ruled. The tour continues on to the much smaller Luxor temple, built by Amenofis the 3rd, but his beautiful temple will definitely amaze you. If you are interested in architecture, engineering, or masonry designs, then you can see the world’s first architectural sketch, which is of the Luxor temple. The temple was continued by Ramses the 2nd.

At Luxor temple we can see evidence of the three great historic eras of Egypt; Pharaonic, Christianity, and Islamic eras. Ancient Thebes was a center of festivals, and the temple of Luxor was the setting for the most important festival, the festival of Opet, designed to merge the ruler`s human and divine aspects. After our three hour visit to the Karnak and Luxor temples, we head back to our cruise ship for lunch. The boat will sail towards Esna, wait for its turn to pass through the locks. Please see the news board at the reception area for updates such as shows and other entertainment activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet on board.

Day 4: Luxor, Check out cruise.

Breakfast onboard before check out.

Information About the Cruise Boats

It may vary which cruise boat we will use. Pictures of cruise boat are for illustration. All the cruise boats we use are 5 star standards. All staterooms have windows or French balcony. Stateroom will be cleaned twice a day – morning and evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant. On top floor there are swimming pool, sundeck with sun beds and towels, sitting groups in shaded area. The size of the cruise boats are mostly standard, as they has to fit in Esna lock. Boats has 80-120 cabins. You will sign for your drink in restaurant, bar and sundeck. Drinks are paid for upon check out in Egyptian Pounds or US Dollar. There will be added fees if paying with credit cards.

Important Notes

Be aware that no pictures are allowed inside the tombs in Valley of Kings and at the Aswan High Dam.
Tut Ankh Amon’s tomb is not included in the ticket for Valley of Kings. Separate ticket can be bought upon arrival.
It is not allowed to picture or film the Police or Military in Egypt.
Visits might switch days, according to unforeseen happenings, like the queue in Esna lock, water level in the Nile, traffic in the Nile, etc. In winter, cruise ships cannot enter through Esna lock, and will only sail between Esna and Aswan. Visits in Luxor will go by bus from Esna.
Excursion to Abu Simbel can depart morning and noon. Check with you tour guide. Visit in Aswan will be adjusted accordingly.

Included in Program

4 nights in 5 star Nile Cruise including 3 daily meals. Check in by lunch, check out by breakfast. Please note that the cruise is not responsible for missing meals if late arrival or early check out, but they will do their best to accommodate you. By early check out, breakfast boxes are provided.
Visits: 3 tombs in Valley of Kings, Hatshepsuts temple, Karnak temple, Luxor temple, Edfu temple, Kom Ombo temple, Aswan High Dam, Philae temple

Not Included in Program

Drinks to lunch and dinner onboard
Entrance to tomb of King Tut Ankh Amon
Gratitude to cruise and guide
Transfers to/from cruise

AlfaOmega Tours can provide transfers from/to Airport or hotel in Luxor and Aswan for extra charge.