Take a short flight this morning to Aswan, the southernmost city of Egypt. Its laid-back charm is greatly influenced by its sizable Nubian population. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Temple of Isis, dedicated to the Goddess of health, marriage, and wisdom. This remarkable temple was rescued from the Nile's rising waters and relocated to Philae Island, showcasing exquisite decorative pylons adorned with some of Egypt's finest carvings. It is undeniably one of the treasures of Upper Egypt. The afternoon is yours to discover at your own pace. In the evening, immerse yourself in modern Nubian culture by visiting a nearby village. Enjoy a leisurely sail on a traditional felucca, which will take you to join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner in the village on the island of Elephantine, savoring traditional dishes like okra stew or Tagen, a delectable tomato-based dish, accompanied by sanasel bread to enjoy the flavorful sauces.

Accommodation:

5* Nile River Cruise (1 night)

Included Activities:

• Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
• Aswan - Philae Temple
• Aswan - Felucca Sail

Optional Activities:

• Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
• Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP60
• Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) – USD50
• Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD40

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special Information:

Nile cruise boats are generally spacious, accommodating around 150 passengers. All cabins have private facilities, and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Meals are provided onboard, but beverages will be extras.

This morning, embark on a drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you'll discover magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, these temples served as the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans, with their grand facade clearly marking the boundary between the Pharaoh's land and beyond. The Great Temple, guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses, is carved directly into the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, leaving a lasting impression as one of Egypt's most remarkable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before returning to Aswan, where you'll board a Nile cruise boat. After enjoying lunch on board the ship, you'll embark on your first destination, Kom Ombo. This complex, dating back to the second century BC, is truly unique as it features a symmetrical design with each side dedicated to different gods. One section is devoted to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, while the other honors Haroeris, the falcon god. The temple is adorned with captivating reliefs. Following your visit, return to the ship and continue cruising upstream. Relax on the sundeck, taking in the breathtaking sights of desert hills against lush riverbanks, observing fishermen casting their nets and farmers tending to their land. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board before the ship docks in Edfu late at night.

Accommodation:

Cruise Boat (1 night)

Included Activities:

• Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
• Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special Information:

This morning, your ship will be moored near Edfu, offering you the opportunity to explore the beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, after breakfast on board. Continuing your journey, the ship will move towards Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. As the ships queue up for passage, take a moment to observe the process from the deck, sipping a refreshing drink while hearing the animated voices of captains navigating their vessels through the bustling small boats of merchants vying for attention. Upon arrival in Luxor, you’ll find yourself in the captivating open-air museum of Luxor. From the awe-inspiring temple complex of Karnak to the renowned Valley of the Kings, Luxor offers a wealth of remarkably preserved remnants from the time of the Pharaohs. Accompanied by your guide, embark on a journey to explore Karnak Temple, a truly impressive testament to the monumental works of the ancient Pharaohs. As one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak showcases grand pylons, obelisks, and chapels, revealing its finest sections such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the magnificent Great Temple of Amun during your guided tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax, peruse the excellent bazaar (which remains open until late), or immerse yourself in the ambiance of a local teahouse. Return to the ship for dinner, marking your final night on board.

Accommodation:

5* Nile River Cruise (1 night)

Included Activity:

• Edfu – Edfu temple of God Horus (may happen without a guide – only a driver).
• Luxor - Karnak Temple

Optional Activities:

• Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) – EGP140
• Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
• Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance & transport) – USD40

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special Information:

Concluding your Nile cruise, after enjoying breakfast, disembark from the ship and drop off your luggage at the hotel in Luxor. embark on a private vehicle adventure to explore ancient Thebes. Your first stop will be the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues standing at a height of 17 meters on Luxor's west bank. Continue your journey to the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 pharaohs' tombs are concealed beneath the arid hills. Many of these tombs are adorned with exquisite reliefs and paintings. With your tour guide, delve into this remarkable place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were clandestinely laid to rest for eternity, and where new discoveries continue to be made. Your guide will provide insight into the history and legends of these extraordinary individuals, as well as the significance of the well-preserved paintings and hieroglyphics found in the deepest tombs. You will have the opportunity to visit three royal tombs. The journey continues to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an impressive colonnaded structure set against towering cliffs, creating a breathtaking natural amphitheater. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, whether that entails shopping in the market or visiting one of the most impressive museums ever – the Museum of Luxor – where it hosts some of the most perfectly preserved statues found only in 1989 in Luxor temple underground.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Classic Style) / Family home stay (Culture Style)

Included Activities:

• Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
• Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
• Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple

Optional Activities:

• Luxor - Valley of the Queens
• Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple
• Luxor - Deir El Madina
• Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1600
• Luxor - Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings - USD130

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Special Information:

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a short flight back to Cairo. Once you return to the capital, your guide will accompany you on a visit to the Islamic sections of the city and the vibrant alleys of the bazaar. Khan al-Khalili, a sprawling market located around the historic Al-Azhar area, is one of the world's largest and oldest markets. It offers a quintessential Cairo experience with its maze-like streets and stalls that offer a wide array of captivating scenes. You may choose to explore the gold market, "Perfume Street," and the spice market, where delightful aromas fill the air, or browse the adjacent cloth market for a purchase. Another option is to visit the atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo's oldest cafes, and discover why it has been in operation for over 200 years. You will have an option to visit one or some of the oldest mosques in the world in this area.

Accommodation:

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activity:

• Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Special Information:

There are no planned activities for the final day, and you are free to depart at your convenience. Please make sure to confirm the check-out time. If you desire to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Included Activities:

• Departure transfer from the Hotel to the airport

Meals Included:

• Breakfast.