8 Days Nile River Cruise of Mystery for Seasoned Explorers

Valley of the Queens

Valley of the Queens has been dubbed the "Place of Beauty" as it acted as the burial site for queens, princes, princesses, and high-ranking officials of the new kingdom. It houses 91 tombs dating back to the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of the new kingdom of ancient Egypt (1550 – 1070 BC), which include those of the wives of Ramesses I, Seti I, and Ramesses II, with Queen Nefertari's (1290–1224 BCE) tomb being the most renowned that stands as the most epic example of funerary art.

Habu Temple

Medinet Habu Temple is a remarkable archaeological marvel dating back to the 12th century BC. It features the well-preserved Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. The temple served as the economic center of Thebes and housed the Temple of Ay and Horemheb, the Temple of Amun, and various other structures, including temples, storage rooms, workshops, a royal palace, and administrative buildings.

Deir El-Medina

Deir El Medina offers a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient Egyptian workers and artisans who worked in the Valley of the Kings during the New Kingdom period. The area is located at 5,600 square meters and is filled with marvelous artifacts and monuments that provide valuable information on aspects such as religion, organization, living conditions, law, medical care, and social interactions within the community.

Kom Ombo Temple

The magnificent Kom Ombo Temple was established on the golden hill that stands as a symbol of the Ptolemaic dynasty's reign from 205 to 180 BC under King Ptolemy V. This dual unique temple complex was divided into two symmetric parts dedicated to the Haroeris, also known as Horus, the Elder, in the north, and Sobek, the revered crocodile god of the Nile, in the south. It is a true marvel of architecture and artistry, as seen across all the carvings and decorations, which offer insights into the medical and astronomical knowledge of ancient Egypt during the Greek-Roman period.

Aswan Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is a celestial piece of land in the core of the Nile River, located downstream of the Nile's first cataract, which holds natural beauty and historic significance. It spanned 1,200 meters by 400 meters and dates back to the Second Intermediate Period, which served as a fort and worship center for Khnum, the ram-headed god.

Nubian Village

The Nubian Village is a natural gem of culture that stretches along the Nile from Aswan to Khartoum and is known to be a natural spectacle and a cultural milestone. It originated around 2000 BCE, which, with time, was able to cultivate vibrant traditions, architectural marvels, intricate artworks, epic customs, crafts, and jewelry that reflect its deep-rooted, rich artistic heritage.

Aswan Kitchener Island

Kitchener Island is an enchanting oasis shaped like an oval and spanning one kilometer by half a kilometer. It evolved into a botanical paradise under Lord Kitchener's vision and care from 1911 to 1914. The Aswan Botanical Garden exhibits a diverse collection of exotic trees and plants collected from all over the world. The garden is now under the control and maintenance of the Egyptian government.

Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel Temples is an enduring marvel of the magnificence and might of Ramses the Great that was created between 1264 BC and 1244 BC. It honors Amun, Ra, and Ptah and commemorates Ramses's prowess in the battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC, which ended in the signing of the first documented peace treaty in history. The temple of Ozymandias hosts the celebrated Sun Festival annually on October 22nd and February, while the second temple pays homage to his beloved wife of Hathor Queen Nefertari.

Edfu Temple by Horse Carriage

Edfu Temple embodies a divine chronicle that preserves the legendary saga of Horus's triumphant vengeance against his malevolent uncle Set. It was constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC and graces the western bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, just 60 kilometers north of Aswan. It is one of the biggest and most preserved creations and is one of Egypt's most treasured archaeological marvels.

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Complex is an immortal spiritual marvel that was cultivated over a 2000-year history between 2000 BC and 30 BC from the early days of the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt to the end of the Ptolemaic period. It means "The most select of places" and later as Pr-Imn, or "House of Amon" which is found on 247 acres of hallowed ground and stands as the largest and oldest religious center on Earth which is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. This temple complex is seen as a shimmering example of ancient artistry and architecture as seen across the mystical Avenue of Sphinxes, the enchanting Luxor Temple, the Precinct of Amun-Re, and the majestic hypostyle hall, plus other wonders.

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a sanctuary steeped in ancient Egyptian royalty. It embodies the essence of kingship made around 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and Ramses the Great. The temple honors the 18th dynasty Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It was the center of the Opet festival, which celebrates the renewal of kingship and bridges the mortal and divine realms, thus uniting the human aspect of kings with their divine decree.

Lunch Time

You will have your lunch, then continue to:

Luxor Museum

Luxor Museum is a great establishment that reflects the immense richness of the ancient Egyptian civilization. It opened in 1975 across the east bank of the Nile River. The two-story building can offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt that spanned thousands of years. Everyone can explore the hall of mummies and discover a marvelous selection of artifacts from the famed tomb of Tutankhamun, including statues, jewelry, and personal belongings that shed light on the life and treasures of the boy king, plus statues and relics from the reigns of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten.