Long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise

On the morning of the second day of your long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, your river journey begins as you sail towards Beni Suef. You will have time to explore city landmarks like the Abusir area, known as a center for Osiris worship and containing tombs from the Roman and Greek periods. Then, you will proceed to the Hiba area, established during the Twenty-first Dynasty and see the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and the Monastery of Saint Anthony, both significant Coptic sites.

Available Activities to Do in Beni Suef

• Taking a stroll along the tourist promenade located on the Corniche which offers nice views.
• Going to the local zoo to see different types of animals such as hippos, lions and various reptiles housed there.
• Practicing swimming inside the Armed Forces Club, though access may depend on current local permissions for visitors.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the third day of the long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, you will arrive in the Minya region to visit Tell el-Amarna, one of the well-known archaeological cities in Minya governorate. This site is located on the banks of the Nile River and served as the main residence for Queen Nefertiti and Akhenaten. After that visit, you will head towards Beni Hassan which is a large archaeological area holding numerous tombs primarily dating back to the Middle Kingdom era, noted for the quality of their wall paintings.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the fourth day of your tour, the cruise continues towards Asyut for a visit to the Monastery of Al-Muharraq which is a famous tourist site in Asyut. It is considered an important religious destination that holds significant historical value for many pilgrims who visit annually.

Activities That Can Be Done in Asyut

• Discovering ancient artifacts in areas near the city as Asyut has its own historical sites distinct from other major locations like Luxor.
• Wandering through Al-Azhari Park and enjoying the sight of its pleasant natural landscapes offering a quiet break.
• Discovering historical city landmarks such as the Abu al-Saud Mosque which represents local Islamic architecture.
• Engaging in some recreational activities and games at available amusement parks or local entertainment centers if time permits.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the fifth day of your journey, you will arrive in Sohag to facilitate a visit to the Temple of Abydos, recognized as one of the most famous temples in the Sohag governorate. This temple complex contains numerous varied artifacts and notable inscriptions, in addition to its interesting design which reflects aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization, making Abydos an important historical and religious center in the area.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the sixth day of this long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, the ship will sail towards Qena, allowing for a visit to the Temple of Dendera. This temple is one of Qena’s most popular sites, attracting many tourists each year who come to see its well-preserved colors and unique inscriptions related to the goddess Hathor. The Temple of Dendera was built for the worship of this goddess of joy and love according to ancient beliefs and the complex also includes other features like a sacred lake and a sanatorium, making it an important stop in Qena.

Most Important Available Activities in the City of Qena

• Strolling along the Nile Corniche in Qena provides relaxing views and a pleasant environment for a walk.
• Practicing activities or seeing events in Qena Park might be possible depending on schedules during your visit.
• Visiting Islamic landmarks like Al-Omari Mosque in nearby Qus and the Mosque of Abd al-Rahim al-Qanawi in Qena itself.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the seventh day of your tour, you will arrive in Luxor to visit the Karnak Temple complex which is considered one of the most important temple sites in Luxor. This large complex includes numerous columns, pylons and significant archaeological decorations developed over centuries. The ancient Egyptians called it ‘Ipet-isut’ or ‘The Most Select of Places,’ showing its religious and historical importance. After touring Karnak, you will head to Luxor Temple which is another significant structure from the Pharaonic civilization dedicated to the god Amun-Ra and related deities. It contains buildings from different historical periods which makes it a place rich with events that show its importance over time.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the morning of the eighth day of the long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, the plan involves exploring Luxor’s West Bank, starting with the Valley of the Kings. This area contains many important historical tombs including that of Tutankhamun, the tomb of Ramesses VI and the tomb of Seti I, among others belonging to New Kingdom rulers. Afterwards, the tour proceeds to the Temple of Hatshepsut which is a famous ancient mortuary temple located against the cliffs on the Nile’s West Bank, noted for its distinctive terraced design. It was constructed to honor Queen Hatshepsut, who was one of the most well-known female rulers of Egypt during the Pharaonic era and the temple serves as evidence of her significant reign.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

Your tour begins the ninth day of the Nile journey by sailing towards Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus located there which is considered one of the key Pharaonic temples. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic era, relatively late in ancient Egyptian history, specifically to honor the falcon god Horus. The temple is noted for its impressive state of preservation and detailed Pharaonic inscriptions which can offer visitors an interesting experience reflecting past times.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the tenth day of our tour, you will head towards Kom Ombo to visit the Double Temple situated there which was built uniquely to worship two gods: Sobek and Haroeris. The temple is noted for the precision involved in its construction and the appealing harmony visible between the historical scenes depicted and its decorated walls.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the eleventh day of the long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, the ship will sail to Aswan itself for a visit to the High Dam which was built during President Nasser’s time. The main purpose of its construction was to control Nile floods and generate electricity. Following this modern site, you will head to the Philae Temple complex, now located on Agilkia Island after being moved. It is primarily dedicated to the goddess Isis and includes several Pharaonic structures like the Kiosk of Nectanebo I and the Temple of Mandulis, making Philae an important attraction many tourists enjoy visiting each year.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the morning of the twelfth day of the cruise, you will start with a visit to a Nubian Village which is an important cultural attraction in Aswan known for its colorful houses. After that experience, you will head to the Botanical Island (Kitchener’s Island) which is known for containing many different types of plants and trees from various regions.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

On the morning of the thirteenth day of the long Cairo Aswan Nile cruise, you will head towards the Abu Simbel temples, located south of Aswan. These are considered very important archaeological sites in the region, originally built by King Ramesses II during his reign. The main temple is known for featuring several large statues of the king, making it a major tourist attraction in the Aswan area requiring an early start.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner.
• Overnight: On Board.

You will begin your fourteenth day by relaxing onboard the ship and enjoying the final views of the passing natural scenery along the Nile. Later, preparations will be made for the transfer back towards Cairo, likely by flight or train, in readiness for your departure or continued travel plans.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Final Departure.