4 days Nile cruise (Aswan/Luxor) (2) – YourTourGuide - Egypt Vacation Packages

Enjoy your breakfast on board as your Nile cruise gently sails northward from Aswan, passing picturesque views of palm-lined villages and golden desert horizons. Relax on the sundeck and watch daily life unfold along the Nile — fishermen casting their nets, children waving from the riverbanks, and graceful feluccas gliding by.

🐊 Kom Ombo Temple

Arrive at the riverside town of Kom Ombo to explore one of Egypt’s most unique temples. Built during the Greco-Roman period (circa 205–180 BC) under Ptolemy V, the temple of Kom Ombo is remarkable because it is perfectly symmetrical, dedicated to two gods at once — Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility and creator of the world, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god of protection.

The structure stands on the site of a much earlier temple known as “Per Sobek” or the House of Sobek. Inside, you’ll see finely carved reliefs depicting ancient surgical instruments, calendars, and offering rituals — all beautifully preserved. Don’t miss the nearby Crocodile Museum, which displays mummified crocodiles that once symbolized the local reverence for Sobek.

After your visit, return to the cruise ship and continue sailing to Edfu. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as the Nile scenery drifts by, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.

🌙 Overnight in Edfu

Wake up to the tranquil rhythm of the Nile as your cruise docks in Edfu. After breakfast, you’ll disembark to explore one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt — a true masterpiece of the Ptolemaic era.

🦅 Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus)

The magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu stands as one of the most complete and beautiful temples in Egypt. Construction began during the reign of Ptolemy III in 237 BC and was completed under Ptolemy IV. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of divine kingship and protection, this temple once served as the scene of grand festivals celebrating his legendary victory over the god Seth — symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

As you walk through the towering gateways and hieroglyph-covered walls, you’ll feel the timeless aura of devotion and royal power that once filled this sacred space. The carvings here are among the most vivid and well-preserved in Egypt, offering a vivid picture of ancient religious ceremonies and myths.

After your visit, return to the cruise ship and continue sailing downstream toward Luxor, the ancient city once known as Thebes — capital of the New Kingdom and the world’s greatest open-air museum.

🏛️ Luxor Temple

Upon arrival, visit the graceful Luxor Temple, originally known in the New Kingdom as Ipet Resyt — “The Southern Sanctuary.” Built largely by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II, this temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and served as the setting for the magnificent Opet Festival — a grand celebration connecting Luxor and Karnak Temples.

Luxor Temple is unique in that it has been in continuous religious use for thousands of years. A Coptic church and later the mosque of Abu al-Haggag were built right within its courtyard — both still standing as powerful symbols of Egypt’s living heritage.

🌙 Optional evening activity: Attend the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temples (available at additional cost).

🍽️ Dinner and Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast on board.

Optional experience: Soar above the ancient wonders of Luxor with a Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank (additional cost).

After breakfast, check-out from your cruise and begin exploring the legendary sites of Luxor’s West Bank:

The Valley of the Kings:
Discover the royal burial ground of Egypt’s pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties. For nearly 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, this valley was the final resting place of the mightiest rulers — including the great Pharaoh Ramses II and the young King Tutankhamun, whose tomb was famously discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.

The Temple of Hatshepsut:
Visit the remarkable mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh. She rose to power during the New Kingdom after the death of her father Tuthmose I and her half-brother (and husband) Tuthmose II. Her temple, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, stands as one of the architectural masterpieces of ancient Egypt.

The Colossi of Memnon:
Enjoy a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon — two massive stone statues of King Amenhotep III, the only remnants of his once grand mortuary temple. Each statue was carved from quartzite blocks transported over 700 km from Cairo to Luxor — an incredible feat of ancient engineering.

Lunch:
Savor a delicious meal at one of Luxor’s finest local restaurants, offering authentic Egyptian flavors and a relaxing atmosphere.

Visit the East Bank of Luxor:

The Karnak Temples:
Conclude your journey with a visit to the majestic Karnak Temple Complex — the largest religious structure ever built. Covering 247 acres, this site was continuously expanded by generations of pharaohs eager to leave their mark. Walk through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall and explore the sacred lake — a true symbol of devotion and divine power in ancient Egypt.

After the tour, YourTourGuide will transfer you wherever you wish within Luxor city.