Arrival Day in Luxor: Welcome to Egypt

Luxor - Begin the Egyptian adventure upon arrival at Luxor Airport or Luxor Train Station, where a warm welcome awaits from the dedicated tour manager of Amarco Nile Sailing.

An expert Egyptologist guide will then lead a fascinating journey to the captivating city of Esna.

Explore the hidden gem of Esna, a vibrant merchant town famed for its ancient Temple of Khnum.

This extraordinary temple is situated nine meters below the city’s surface, providing a unique and immersive experience.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you wander through bustling streets, adorned with colorful textiles and a variety of exotic treasures.

Temple of Karnak - Begin the visit with Karnak. The Karnak Temple, located in Luxor, Egypt, is one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes globally. It was primarily dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The temple’s construction began during the Middle Kingdom and continued into the Ptolemaic period, making it a site rich in history and architectural splendor.

The complex boasts a vast array of temples, chapels, and pylons, with the Great Hypostyle Hall being one of its most notable structures. This hall is renowned for its 134 massive columns, each adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics.

Karnak was not only a religious center but also a significant political and economic hub throughout ancient Egyptian history. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors annually, drawing interest for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Luxor Temple - Luxor Temple, located in Luxor, Egypt, is an ancient temple complex dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and the god Amun. Built during the New Kingdom, primarily by Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II, it features impressive architecture, including a large courtyard and a grand colonnade.

Notable for its well-preserved statues and inscriptions, Luxor Temple was the site of important religious festivals, including the Opet Festival. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its archaeological significance and stunning nighttime illumination.

After finishing the Luxor east bank tour, guests will be driven to the lovely dahabiya to relax and enjoy a fresh lunch.

West Bank of Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour

Valley of the Kings - After enjoying a warm breakfast, the journey continues to the west bank of Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is a renowned archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt. It served as the royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period (approximately 1550–1070 BCE).

The valley contains over 60 tombs, most notably the tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. The tombs are famous for their elaborate decorations and hieroglyphs that depict the deceased’s journey to the afterlife.

The Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is significant for its insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices, beliefs about the afterlife, and the artistry of the time. Today, it remains a key attraction for visitors interested in ancient history and archaeology.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari - The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, is an impressive ancient structure located at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt. Built during the reign of Hatshepsut (circa 1479–1458 BCE), it is dedicated to her and the god Amun.

The temple is renowned for its unique architectural design, featuring a series of terraces, colonnades, and ramps that blend harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate reliefs depicting Hatshepsut’s achievements, including her famous trading expedition to Punt.

This temple is not only a testament to Hatshepsut’s reign and her role as a female pharaoh but also an outstanding example of ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Today, it remains one of the most visited and admired sites in Egypt, offering insight into Hatshepsut’s legacy and the grandeur of the New Kingdom.

Colossi of Memnon - The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt. They were originally built during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (circa 1386–1349 BCE) to guard his mortuary temple, which is now in ruins.

Each statue stands about 18 meters (59 feet) tall and portrays the pharaoh seated on a throne, flanked by high-backed chairs. The statues are made of quartzite and were once painted, although most of the color has faded over time.

The Colossi of Memnon are famous for their acoustic phenomenon; in ancient times, they were said to “sing” at dawn due to the expansion and contraction of the stone caused by temperature changes. This phenomenon attracted visitors and pilgrims, leading to the statues becoming a popular tourist site in antiquity.

Today, they remain iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian art and architecture, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at their grandeur and historical significance.

Esna - After completing the west bank sightseeing, the journey continues with sailing to Edfu.

Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo in the Afternoon

Temple of Horus - The Temple of Horus, located in Edfu, Egypt, is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Horus, often depicted as a falcon. This temple is one of the most well-preserved temples from ancient Egypt and was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, around 237 to 57 BCE.

The temple features impressive architectural elements, including a grand entrance, towering columns, and intricate carvings that depict various myths and religious rituals associated with Horus. One of the notable aspects of the temple is its large hypostyle hall, adorned with detailed reliefs that illustrate the myth of Horus avenging his father Osiris.

The Temple of Horus is significant for its extensive inscriptions and artwork, which provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian religion and culture. It remains a major archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction, highlighting the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Temple of Kom Ombo - Arrive at Kom Ombo in the afternoon to explore The Temple of Kom Ombo, an ancient Egyptian temple located near Aswan, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Built during the Ptolemaic period in the 2nd century BCE, it features a unique symmetrical design with two identical halves.

The temple is known for its impressive columns and intricate reliefs, including depictions of medical instruments, highlighting its role in ancient Egyptian medicine. Today, it is a popular tourist site, admired for its unique architecture and historical significance.

Aswan City: Visit Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, and High Dam

Temple of Philae - The Temple of Philae, located on Philae Island near Aswan, Egypt, is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally built during the Ptolemaic period, the temple complex features beautiful architecture and intricate carvings that reflect ancient Egyptian religious practices.

Philae was an important pilgrimage site for worshippers of Isis, and its structures include a main temple, a hypostyle hall, and several smaller temples and chapels. The temple was partially submerged due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, but it was relocated to higher ground in the 1960s to preserve it.

Today, the Temple of Philae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its stunning location, historical significance, and the artistry of its carvings and reliefs.

Unfinished Obelisk - The Unfinished Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian obelisk located in the northern quarry of Aswan. It is notable for its size and the fact that it was never completed. If finished, it would have stood approximately 42 meters (138 feet) tall and weighed around 1,200 tons, making it one of the largest obelisks ever erected.

The obelisk was commissioned during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut in the 15th century BCE. However, during its carving, cracks appeared in the stone, leading to its abandonment. The site provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques and the challenges faced by workers in shaping such massive stone structures.

Today, the Unfinished Obelisk is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the engineering and artistry of ancient Egypt, as well as the historical context of obelisk construction.

Aswan High Dam - The Aswan High Dam is a significant embankment dam located across the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt. Completed in 1970, it was built to control flooding, provide hydroelectric power, and improve irrigation in the region.

The dam creates Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, which serves as a critical water reservoir for Egypt. The hydroelectric power generated by the dam significantly contributes to the country’s energy supply, supporting industrial and agricultural development.

While the Aswan High Dam has brought many benefits, it has also had environmental and social impacts, such as changes in the Nile’s ecosystem and the displacement of communities. Despite these challenges, the dam is considered a major engineering achievement and a key element in Egypt’s modernization efforts.

Last Day: Check Out and Optional Tour to Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel Temple Complex - Abu Simbel is an ancient archaeological site located near the Nile River in southern Egypt, famous for its two massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. The site is renowned for its grand architecture and stunning sculptures, particularly the four seated statues of Ramses II that dominate the facade of the Great Temple.

The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, while the smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. The temples are remarkable not only for their size and artistry but also for their historical significance, as they celebrate Ramses II’s reign and military victories.

In the 1960s, the temples were relocated to higher ground to avoid flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to admire its incredible sculptures and learn about ancient Egyptian history.

Aswan International Airport - After visiting the Abu Simbel temple, guests will be taken to the airport for their flight or to their hotel in Aswan if they plan to extend their stay.

• Private tours to all temples, no joining groups.
• Private tour guide Egyptologist.
• Entrance fees to all sightseeing as per itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.
• Pick up and drop off service at the beginning and the end of the Nile cruise.
• All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Meals as per itinerary: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Any Personal Expenses.
• Tipping.

Set sail on a luxurious and memorable 6-day Nile cruise aboard the KAZAZIAN Dahabiya.

This sophisticated vessel will guide you through the heart of ancient Egypt, from the lively city of Esna to the enchanting oasis of Aswan.

Explore a realm of timeless marvels as you visit iconic temples and delve into the rich history of the area.

Reveal the mysteries of the Temple of Khnum in Esna, a hidden treasure beneath the city streets.

Proceed to the Temple of Nekhbet in El Kab, where the goddess of protection once held sway.

Witness the magnificence of Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, and admire the meticulously preserved hieroglyphs and grand statues.

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