3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Description
No visit to Egypt would be truly complete without experiencing a cruise along the Nile, an unforgettable highlight of any trip to this magnificent destination. This itinerary spans three days, beginning in Aswan and culminating in Luxor, the historical capital of Thebes.
3 Night Nile Cruise
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan + Philae Temple
On your arrival day, you will be greeted at the Aswan airport or, alternatively, at your hotel or the train station. You will then be trasladated in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the motonave, the term used for the Nile riverboats where your journey begins.
After settling into your cabin, we will regroup for a visit to the Philae Temple. Situated on an island and devoted to the goddess Isis, this temple remained submerged for years due to the original Aswan Dam.
To round off your first day, we'll visit a local perfumery to discover the process of crafting their exquisite scents— a delightful way to start your adventure!
Day 2: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu
Following breakfast, those who wish can embark on a journey to the Abu Simbel temples, an essential experience while in Aswan.
Upon returning to the vessel, lunch will be served as we commence our sailing down the Nile, arriving at the stunning Kom Ombo Temple during sunset, a scene that will linger in your memory. After our temple visit, we will continue toward Edfu, where we will dock for dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Edfu – Esna – Luxor
After breakfast, recharge your energy for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu, where you will explore the temple dedicated to the god Horus.
We will then navigate toward the Esna lock, which functions as an elevator for boats to manage a 10-meter drop in the water level.
Reaching the enchanting city of Luxor, we will explore two of Egypt's most remarkable temples: the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. You may find it interesting that these temples were originally connected by the 3-kilometer-long Avenue of the Sphinxes.
After dinner, we will dock in Luxor for a restful night.
Please note: The exploration of Edfu will be conducted via horse-drawn carriage. If preferred, alternative transport can be arranged with prior notice to your guide.
Day 4: Luxor
After breakfast and check-out, we will depart around 6 AM to the nearby grand necropolises. Our tour will include a visit to the Valley of the Kings (where we will enter three tombs), the Hatshepsut Temple (honoring the only woman to rule Egypt extensively), and the Colossi of Memnon. Additionally, we will stop at a local store featuring stone, sculpture, and alabaster crafts to appreciate local artistry.
You will also have the opportunity for a fascinating Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride on this day.
The tour wraps up around 4:30 PM, after which we can transport you to the Luxor airport, the train station, or any location you prefer within the city.
Boats & Categories
There are two types of boats available for this journey:
- 5-Star Standard: Options include MS Pioneer II, MS Mirage, MS Nile Delta, Miss Egypt, Beaurivage II, Grand Princess, Voyager, MS Jasmin, MS Grand Princess, or similar.
- 5-Star Premium: Choices encompass Royal Esadora, MS Zeina, MS Nile Dolphin, MS Tuya, Royal Princess, Crown Jewel, MS TiYi, MS Liberty, MS Renaissance, MS Stéphane, MS Jaz C. Jubilee, MS Nile Marquiz, or similar.
The specific riverboat will be assigned approximately one week prior to the commencement of the cruise.
All vessels promise comfort, making your cruise experience enjoyable. For those seeking a more lavish option, the two luxury cruises stand out with superior rooms, service, and cuisine.
If you select a standard category, arrive at your convenience on the initial day in Aswan; the same applies to the premium category for a Friday arrival. However, bookings for the premium category with a Wednesday arrival require you to be in Aswan by noon, as you will join a tour that day.
Price Information
- The stated price is per person sharing a double room or cabin. Solo travelers will incur a supplement fee.
- Reservations for three people will be accommodated in a double room with an extra bed. A supplement will apply for the third person seeking a separate single room.
Itinerary Adjustments
The sequencing of activities may vary depending on the boat, however, all outlined experiences will be fulfilled as indicated. Once onboard, guests can also arrange additional excursions not included in the primary itinerary, such as the Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina, or the Unfinished Obelisk.
Holiday Periods
From December 20 to January 2 (Christmas), and during Holy Week, refunds will not be processed for cancellations.
Pickup from Hotel
If you prefer to be collected from your Accommodation in Aswan instead of the airport or train station, please note the following:
For accommodations situated on the following islands in Aswan, pickups will occur at these designated locations:
- From Western Aswan Island (Gharb Aswan): Pickup at the West Bank Ferry Terminal.
- From Elefantina Island (Guizirit Alfantin): Pickup at the Kornish Al Nile KFC or the Telecom Egypt Office on El Sadat Road.
- From Suhil Island (Guizirit Suhil): Pickup at the West Bank Ferry Terminal.
If your accommodation is not in the city center or on any of these islands, please make your way to one of the listed pickup points.
Booking for Families with Children
The discounted rate for children applies only when a child shares a room with two adults.
If you have questions during the booking process, feel free to reach out to the customer support team for assistance.
What's included
- Pickup and drop–off from airport, hotel, or train station
- 3 nights all–inclusive cruise
- Tours & visits mentioned in the description
- Admission tickets to the locations visited (except the Tomb of Tutankhamun)
- Official English–speaking guide
- Port taxes
- Tips
What's not included
- Drinks
- Admission to the Tomb of Tutankhamun: 12EUR per person
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 48 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
Our guides will collect you from the meeting point selected by you, at the scheduled time. If you have selected the train station or airport for pickup, the driver will be waiting for you upon arrival with a Civitatis and Dunas Travel sign.
If, instead of the airport or the Aswan train station, you'd like to be picked up from your accommodation in the city, please keep in mind the following:
If your hotel or boat is located on one of the following islands in Aswan, we'll collect you at the listed meeting points:
- For accommodation on the Western Aswan Island (Gharb Aswan): We'll collect you from the West Bank Ferry Terminal. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/m1g4ynxV54hHafzh8)
- For accommodation on Elefantina Island (Guizirit Alfantin): We'll collect you from the Kornish Al Nile KFC or the Telecom Egypt Office on El Sadat Road. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmvGEFw45n4e5xdX6)
- For accommodation on Suhil Island (Guizirit Suhil): We'll collect you from the West Bank Ferry Terminal. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/m1g4ynxV54hHafzh8)
If your hotel or boat in Aswan, is not located in the city centre, or on any of the islands mentioned, please make your way to one of the mentioned meeting points.
Important
- Check-in will be at 12 pm and check-out will be at 8 am. The boat's pool is cleaned between 8 am and 12 pm, as such, for example, it will not be open at 10 am.
- To be able to take photos of the Valley of the Kings, you'll need permission. According to the Ministry of Antiquities, it costs around 300 Egyptian pounds (around 15EUR) and is bought at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings
- If you don't want to take part in the buggy tour around Edfu and you'd prefer to go in a different type of vehicle, like a car or minibus, you can let your guide know so that another form of transport can be arranged. The cost of this will be 15EUR per person.
Insurance
This tour doesn't include insurance, so we recommend getting it separately on the Civitatis website.
Tips and Taxes
Bookings made before 1st July 2024 don't have taxes or tips included. You'll have to pay these at the destination.
Lunch
Although you'll have a full range of food available to you onboard the cruise, if you arrive after 9 pm on the first day (due to late flights), you won't be able to enjoy dinner on the first night, instead, a cold picnic will be prepared for you.
Holiday Periods
From December 20 until January 2 (Christmas) and during Holy Week, it will not be possible to receive a refund if a cancellation is made.
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