Aswan: A Charming City Celebrated for Nubian Culture - Visit the Temple of Philae & Aswan High Dam

Temple of Philae - Arrive in Aswan, the enchanting city renowned for its Nubian culture. We’ll pick you up to start our first tour along the Nile, where we’ll take a motorboat to visit the magnificent Philae Temple. Next, we’ll visit the impressive Aswan High Dam. In the evening, take the opportunity to explore Aswan’s famous local market. Check in to your Nile cruise for an overnight stay.

Aswan High Dam - The Aswan High Dam, also known simply as the High Dam, is a significant water dam on the Nile in southern Egypt. Constructed during the era of Gamal Abdel Nasser with assistance from the Soviets, the dam has been instrumental in controlling water flow and mitigating the effects of the Nile flood. It also generates electricity for Egypt. The dam is 3,600 meters long, 980 meters wide at the base, 40 meters wide at the summit, and 111 meters high. It comprises 43 million cubic meters of cement, iron, and other materials. The dam can handle a water flow of 11,000 cubic meters per second. Construction began in 1960, costing an estimated one billion dollars, with one-third of the cost covered by the Soviet Union. About 400 Soviet experts worked on the dam, completing it in 1968. The final 12 electric generators were installed in 1970, and the dam was officially inaugurated in 1971.

Abu Simbel Temples & Temple of Kom Ombo & Sailing to Edfu

Abu Simbel Temple Complex - Construction of this temple complex began around 1244 BC and continued for approximately 21 years until 1223 BC. Known as the “Temple of Ramses, beloved by Amun,” it is one of six rock temples in Nubia built during the reign of Ramses II. Its purpose was to impress neighboring countries in southern Egypt and to reinforce the Egyptian religion’s status in the region. Historians believe the design of Abu Simbel reflects Ramses II’s pride. The temples were abandoned over time and covered in sand. By the 6th century BC, sand had buried the statues of the main temple up to their knees. The temple was forgotten until 1813 when Swiss orientalist Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it. He shared his findings with Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni.

Temple of Kom Ombo - This temple was established during the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor, but its decoration was completed in the Roman era under Emperor Tiberius. The temple shares design, architectural, and decorative features with other Ptolemaic temples in Egypt. However, it has a unique aspect due to local worship practices, where two local deities, Sobek and Horus, were worshipped side by side without merging. This is the only temple with two adjacent sanctuaries, each with its own set of gates and walls.

Temple of Edfu & Sailing to Luxor

Temple of Horus - Around 5:00 am, get ready to visit the ancient city of Edfu, known to the Egyptians as Geb and to the Greeks and Romans as Apollinopolis Magna. Edfu was the capital of the second region in Upper Egypt during the Pharaonic era. Archaeological excavations since the late 19th century have revealed its significance in early ancient Egyptian history, particularly the Old Kingdom cemetery dating back to the third millennium BC. The city was under the protection of the falcon deity Horus.

Hot Air Balloon & Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon & Temple of Karnak

HodHod Soliman Hot Air Balloon Rides in Luxor, Egypt - Around 4:30 am, experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride.

Valley of the Kings - Also known as the “Valley of the Gates of the Kings,” this valley in Egypt was used for royal burials over 500 years between the 16th and 11th centuries BC. Located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes (modern-day Luxor), the Valley of the Kings is divided into two sections: the Eastern Valley, where most royal tombs are found, and the Western Valley.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari - This temple from the 18th Dynasty is one of the best-preserved temples, built about 3,500 years ago in Deir el-Bahari, Egypt. Constructed by Queen Hatshepsut on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes (modern-day Luxor), the temple is notable for its unique architectural design. It consists of three terraces with open courts, built of limestone. Statues of Osiris and Queen Hatshepsut, originally painted, adorn the second terrace.

Colossi of Memnon - These two massive statues, erected around 1350 BC, are all that remains of a temple built in memory of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Standing 19.3 meters tall, the statues represent King Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful ruling families. The Greeks named the statues “Memnon” after the eastern statue produced a sound resembling the legendary hero Memnon calling his mother, the goddess of dawn, each morning.

Temple of Karnak - The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak, is a vast collection of temples, buildings, and columns. Construction and expansion continued from the Middle Kingdom through to the Roman era in Luxor, Egypt, on the eastern bank of the Nile. The complex was dedicated to the Theban Triad: Amun (Amun-Ra), his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. The name “Karnak” is derived from the Arabic word “Khorang,” meaning “fortified village.”

Luxor Temple - Located on the eastern bank of the Nile in Luxor, this large temple complex was founded in 1400 BC. Built for the worship of Amun-Ra, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu, the Luxor Temple was constructed during the 18th and 19th Dynasties. The most significant structures were built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, with King Thutmose III also contributing to the temple’s construction.

• Meals included from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
• 3 nights accommodation onboard the cruise.
• Comfortable cabins with all necessary facilities.
• Guided visits to all listed sites in the itinerary.
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.
• Enjoy local cuisine with included lunch and dinner.
• Explore sites in a unique horse and carriage ride.
• Start your day with a provided breakfast.
• Knowledgeable Egyptology guide throughout the tour.
• Convenient hotel/port pickup and drop-off service.

• Gratuities(optional)
• Entrance fees