Aswan: The Temple of Philae - The High Dam

Luxor Travels - Luxor Travels

Temple of Philae - The Temple of Philae was constructed in honor of the goddess Isis. Following this visit, you will proceed to the High Dam, an engineering marvel serving as an embankment dam across the Nile River. Built in the 1960s, it was designed to shield Egypt from annual flooding. You will return to the cruise ship for lunch, where you can also enjoy cruise activities and dinner in the evening. Spend the night on board in Aswan.

Aswan High Dam - You will visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel serving as an embankment dam across the Nile River, constructed in the 1960s to protect Egypt from annual flooding.

Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Complex

Abu Simbel Temple Complex - This archaeological site is located within the mountain, south of Aswan, and consists of two large temples carved into the rock. Built by King Ramses II in 1250 BC, these temples are among the greatest in ancient Egypt. They are often referred to as the “Great Temple of Abu Simbel” and the “Little Temple of Abu Simbel,” both of which are more expansive and grand than any other Egyptian rock temples. At the entrance of the other temple, there are six statues, four of Ramses II and two of his wife Nefertari.

Luxor West Bank

Valley of the Kings - You will first be transported to the Necropolis of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. This ancient necropolis is a must-see for Luxor travelers, featuring tombs embedded in the Theban mountains. Here, you will visit three tombs from various dynasties. Your Egyptologist tour guide will be available to recommend and advise you on which tombs to explore.

Tomb of Ramses III - The tomb of Ramesses III, known as KV 11, is a complex system in the Valley of the Kings. Known since antiquity, its stunning decorations include colorful painted sunken reliefs featuring traditional ritual texts (Litany of Ra, Book of Gates, etc.) and Ramses before the gods. Unique to this tomb are the secular scenes in the small side rooms of the entrance corridor, depicting foreign tributes, such as intricately detailed pottery from the Aegean, the royal armory, boats, and, in the last of these side chambers, the blind harpists that gave the tomb one of its alternative names: ‘Tomb of the Harpers’.

Tomb of Ramases IX - The Tomb of King Ramesses IX was the third pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. His name before ascending the throne was Amonhirkhopshef. He was the fifth son of Ramesses III and was appointed crown prince by the twenty-second year of his father’s reign when all four of his elder brothers predeceased his promotion to crown prince. The tomb is richly colored and detailed, even the ceiling above the sarcophagi with its goddess Nut stretching across the space. The sarcophagus is one of the largest in the valley, and despite some deterioration of the paintings, it remains one of the most decorated.

Tomb of Merenptah - In Egyptian mythology, Ptah is the demiurge of Memphis, god of craftsmen and architects. In its falcon form, the new deity began to be placed in tombs to accompany and protect the dead on their journey to the West of Luxor. Tomb 8, located in the Valley of the Kings, was the burial place of Pharaoh Merneptah and serves as a model of royal tombs. Merneptah was a son of Ramesses II and Queen Isis-Nofret. The tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1903. There is a notable decrease in the number of lateral rooms and a dramatic increase in the height of the corridors and rooms. He eliminated the jogged axis used since the time of Horemheb and instead built the entire tomb on a single axis. Additionally, for the first time, the entrance was made considerably wider than earlier tombs.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari - The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el Bahari) is dedicated to the only woman to reign over Egypt as Pharaoh. This queen was an ancestor of King Tutankhamun and belonged to the same dynasty.

Temple of Medinat Habu - The Temple of Ramses III, known as “Habu,” is one of the most significant Pharaonic temples. Its establishment dates back to the Twentieth Dynasty in ancient Egyptian history and held special religious significance for the ancient Egyptians.

Colossi of Memnon - The Colossi of Memnon are the two largest ancient statues in Egypt, dating back to the era of King Amenhotep III. These two vast 60-foot (18-meter) seated statues are a sight to behold.

Luxor East Bank

Temple of Karnak - The Temple of Amun, also known as Karnak Temples, is considered one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. Located on the East Bank of Luxor, Karnak is a complex of temples built during different reigns, starting with the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis I, the Temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarab of Amenophis III, and the Sacred Lake. Karnak surpasses every other pharaonic monument: it is simply one of the most beautiful ancient monuments in Egypt.

Luxor Temple - Luxor Temple is dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu. Here, you will see the granite statues of Ramses the Great. These ancient temples are a must-see for Luxor travelers.

Luxor Museum - The museum includes artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, displaying mummies, items from Tutankhamun’s tomb, and more.

• Comfortable air-conditioned transport
• Convenient hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Expert guidance by qualified Egyptologist

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary
• Gratuities
• Accommodations

Spend four days exploring the ancient sites of Aswan and Luxor with a private guide, on a tour that includes all transport, entrance fees, guided visits and independent time to explore. Visit the Philae Temple, the Aswan dams, and the Nubian temples of Abu Simbel, then tour the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temples, and Luxor sites. This tour begins in Aswan and concludes in Luxor.

• Passport name, number, and country is required at time of booking for all participants

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.