Embark on an extraordinary journey along the Nile, where the monumental temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor leave an indelible impression. Aboard a felucca, the gentle breeze whispers tales of antiquity as you drift along the timeless river. The Temple of Philae, painstakingly restored by UNESCO, stands as a testament to human determination. This voyage illuminates why the Nile is Egypt's lifeblood, tracing back through history amidst the sand-covered tombs and temples of Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. Witness the engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam and the vibrant life along palm-fringed riverbanks, all culminating in the awe of Egypt's ancient wonders.
Day 1 - Luxor
Join your tour group at the hotel.
Day 2 - Luxor
Today is free. Take in the swaying palms and sweeping views across the mighty Nile from several vantage points across the hotel’s elegant communal areas, as you enjoy a spot of sunbathing and reading. If you’d like to explore, take a stroll to the nearby shopping district and wander the eclectic shops.
Day 3 - Luxor
Today, there’s more time to relax poolside. Or you can take an optional excursion to the fascinating Dendera temple complex. Its honey-hued Temple of Hathor is home to gloomy yet astounding chambers, crypts and flawless hieroglyphs. It was here too that the celebrated Dendera zodiac was discovered, one of the world’s earliest recorded depictions of the zodiac.
Day 4 - Luxor
This morning, we transfer to our ship for a seven-night cruise along the Nile aboard MS Livingstone - a small but luxurious ship that carries 124 passengers, with 65 cabins, a restaurant, two bars, spa, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and library. Once settled in, we’ll head out on an included excursion to the East Bank of Luxor to experience the astounding temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, two sites once linked by the wonderful Avenue of Sphinxes. Karnak is a breathtaking complex of more than 100 hectares with immense pylons and obelisks, tranquil lakes and sanctuaries and the Hypostyle Hall, where 134 soaring columns, each with a diameter of more than 3m, are arranged in perfect geometric rows. The slightly smaller, yet still vast site of Luxor temple complex is just as impressive. Afterwards, we’ll return to the ship to freshen up before our evening meal.
Excursions & visits: Visit the East Bank of Luxor, including the Temples of Karnak and Luxor (afternoon)
Day 5 - Luxor - Edfu
Today, we head out to explore the West Bank, beginning at the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Our guide will introduce a few of the most impressive tombs and you may also choose to enter the plainer, ‘cursed’ Tomb of Tutankhamun (extra charge). We also visit the impressive mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, before returning to the ship. We continue our Nile cruise, sailing to Edfu, where we’ll moor overnight.
Day 6 - Kom Ombo - Aswan
There can be few more serene ways for you to pass time than sailing down the Nile on a river ship. We sail to the fascinating Greco-Roman double-temple of Kom Ombo, arriving late morning. A temple dedicated to the falcon-headed Horus, Egyptian god of the sky, hunting and war; and crocodile god Sobek, the god of the Nile, creator of the world, and worshipped for his strength and fertility. We return to the ship and set sail to Aswan.
Excursions & visits: Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo (morning)
Day 7 - Aswan
Today pays tribute to ancient and modern feats of architectural engineering, with visits to the 111m-high Aswan High Dam and then a motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae - painstakingly relocated by UNESCO to protect the temple from the dam’s floods. It’s perhaps Egypt’s most captivating and beautiful temple and an optional light show in the evening brings to life ancient stories of gods and goddesses, under a magical glow.
Excursions & visits: Visit to the Aswan High Dam and Temple of Philae (morning)
Day 8 - Aswan
This morning is for leisure. Relax on deck with a good book, or perhaps explore the riverside city independently. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to the legendary Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II. In the afternoon, we’ll feel the wind on our faces as we travel by felucca to the serene botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island - a peaceful paradise of exotic birds and bright flowers.
Excursions & visits: Sail on a felucca to Kitchener’s Island (afternoon)
Day 9 - Aswan - Edfu
We visit the Nubian Museum this morning, a stunning showcase of Nubia’s history, art and culture. Later, we’ll continue making our way back to Luxor, stopping overnight in Edfu.
Excursions & visits: Visit to the Nubian Museum (morning)
Day 10 - Luxor
The day is free on board, as a serene morning of sailing awaits. Drink in the views of everyday life on the Nile, before we arrive back in Luxor this afternoon.
Day 11 - Luxor
Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Please note: Exact itineraries may vary slightly depending on departure date - your full itinerary will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Note: The order of excursions is subject to change. At the hotel in Luxor, two drinks per person are included with lunch and dinner. On board your cruise, unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks are served between 11am and 10pm. Due to current flight schedules, dinner on day 1 will be a plate of chilled food served in your room.
Various departure available between September - November 2024, January to November 2025. Pricing below based on 9 June 2025 departing from Luxor
Call our team today to find out more - 1300 414 198.
Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Note: that prices are subject to change without notice.
Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor (5-star)
MS Livingstone (5-star)
Each tour has been given a rating from 1 to 3, with 3 being the most strenuous. It’s really important that you discuss with us your suitability for this tour prior to booking.
The above tour has been classified as:
Please note: This is a guide only. Please be aware that for each level you should also be comfortably able to manage the requirements set out in the lower levels. For cruising, this guide refers to the onboard experience and included excursions only.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
A non-refundable deposit of $550 per person is required within 7 days.