Day 1 - Athens ➝ Luxor (Flight), Visit to the Temples of Karnak & Luxor ➝ Embarkation on the Nile Cruise
Meet at the airport for your direct flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes during the Ptolemaic era.
Upon arrival, your journey into the golden age of the Pharaohs begins. We visit the monumental Temple of Karnak, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring religious complexes in the world, featuring its iconic hypostyle hall with 134 towering columns and the sacred purification lake. Dedicated to the god Amun, the temple was the spiritual heart of ancient Thebes for centuries.
Following the visit, transfer and embarkation on your 5-star cruise ship, your “floating hotel” for the days ahead. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Luxor, a masterpiece devoted to the renewal of kingship, once connected to Karnak by the famous Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Lunch and dinner served on board. Overnight on the ship.
Day 2 - Luxor ➝ The West Bank ➝ Valley of the Kings ➝ Temple of Hatshepsut ➝ Sail to Edfu
This morning, we cross to the West Bank of the Nile, the sacred land where, according to Egyptian mythology, the Sun was believed to die and be reborn. Here lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis of ancient Thebes, home to over sixty tombs, including that of the famous boy-king Tutankhamun.
Next, visit Deir el-Bahari, where the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut rises in perfect harmony with the cliffs. Built for Egypt’s only female Pharaoh, its three sweeping terraces seem to climb directly into the rock face, a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a testament to her enduring power.
Return to the ship and cast off, cruising along the Nile’s verdant banks toward Edfu.
Lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on the ship.
Day 3 - Edfu ➝ Kom Ombo ➝ Cruise to Aswan
In the morning, we arrive in Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic era (3rd century BC), its walls recount the epic battle between Horus and Seth, while the detailed reliefs offer invaluable insight into the language, rituals, and beliefs of the time.
We then continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, home to Egypt’s only double temple, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder, the falcon god of the sky. Built during the Greco-Roman period, the temple stands majestically above the Nile, creating an unforgettable sight as the sun sets over the river.
As evening falls, the ship continues its journey southward through Upper Egypt, bound for Aswan.
Lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on the ship.
Day 4 - Aswan ➝ The Aswan High Dam ➝ Philae Temple ➝ Felucca Sailing (Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel)
Today’s exploration takes us to the heart of Aswan, the gateway to Nubia. We begin with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that stands as a modern symbol of Egypt’s ambition and ingenuity.
Next, we travel to Philae Island, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and motherhood. The Temple of Isis was among the last active sanctuaries of the ancient world, and within its walls lies the final known hieroglyphic inscription (dated 394 AD), carved by a devoted priest of the goddess, a poetic farewell to Egypt’s pharaonic age.
In the afternoon, unwind aboard a traditional felucca, gliding across the tranquil waters of the Nile as the sun sets behind Aswan’s golden dunes, a serene moment of beauty and stillness.
Lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on the ship.
Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel (Indicative cost: €100 per person, depending on participation)
For those willing to start early, this optional overland excursion is well worth it. Journey 280 km south of Aswan, near the Sudanese border, to one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites, Abu Simbel.
Here stand two colossal temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II (1244–1224 BC) to honor the gods Ptah, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun-Ra, as well as his beloved wife Nefertari. Carved entirely into the rock face, these masterpieces remain among the greatest achievements of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II himself, is a marvel of astronomical precision: twice a year, on February 22 (his birthday) and October 22 (his coronation day), the rising sun’s rays penetrate the temple’s inner sanctum, illuminating the statues of the pharaoh and the gods. Four colossal 20-metre statues of Ramses dominate the facade, depicting him seated in regal calm, wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
The Small Temple, devoted to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, stands out for its delicate carvings and intimate atmosphere, a rare tribute to a royal consort. Both temples were meticulously relocated stone by UNESCO in the 1960s, to save them from submersion following the creation of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
This excursion offers not just history, but a profound encounter with Egypt’s timeless grandeur and a breathtaking drive across the desert landscape.
Return to Aswan and rejoin the group.
Day 5 - Aswan ➝ Flight to Cairo ➝ Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo, Egypt’s vibrant and ever-bustling capital. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the energy of Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s legendary bazaar and one of the oldest marketplaces in the Middle East. Wander through its maze of narrow alleys lined with shops bursting with color, brass lanterns, handwoven textiles, perfumes, and exotic spices fill the air with the scent of the East. Pause for a traditional Egyptian tea at the historic El Fishawy Cafe, a favorite gathering spot for artists, writers, and travelers for over two centuries.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 6 - Cairo ➝ Pyramids of Giza ➝ The Sphinx ➝ Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
This morning begins with one of the world’s most iconic sights: the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Rising from the desert sands, they stand as an eternal testament to human ambition and the brilliance of ancient engineering. Nearby, the Great Sphinx, half lion, half Pharaoh Khafre, gazes silently across the plateau, guarding the necropolis for more than 4,500 years.
We then visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum ever built, which officially opened its doors in October 2024. Within its vast, light-filled halls, the story of Egypt unfolds through priceless artefacts, including the legendary treasures of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time in history.
Our day concludes with brief stops at papyrus and perfume workshops, before enjoying lunch aboard the elegant Le Pacha 1901, one of Cairo’s most celebrated floating restaurants.
Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 7 - Cairo ➝ Full-Day Excursion to Alexandria
Early morning departure for Alexandria, the legendary city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, a crossroads of civilizations where Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures once met. Our tour explores the city’s Hellenistic heritage, including the Greek Patriarchate, the House of Constantine Cavafy, and the neighborhoods that still echo the city’s cosmopolitan past. We’ll also admire from the outside the Qaitbay Citadel, built in 1477 on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
A highlight of the day is our visit to the New Library of Alexandria, a masterpiece of modern architecture and a living tribute to the great library that once held the wisdom of the ancient world. Lunch will be served at the Hellenic Naval Club, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a perfect setting to take in the maritime charm of the city.
Evening return to Cairo. Overnight stay.
Day 8 - Cairo ➝ Citadel of Saladin ➝ Church of St. George ➝ National Museum of Egyptian Civilization ➝ Flight to Athens
Our final day in Egypt begins at the Citadel of Cairo, also known as the Saladin Citadel, a monumental fortress that dominates the city’s skyline. Built in the 12th century, this vast complex served as the seat of power for centuries and remains one of the most impressive strongholds of the Islamic world, a true architectural symbol of Cairo’s historic grandeur.
Next, we explore the Church of St. George, dating from the 7th–8th century. Unique for its circular design, it was constructed atop the foundations of a Roman tower and stands as one of the most important landmarks of Coptic Christianity in the region. Our last stop is the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the first museum in the Arab world dedicated to the entirety of Egypt’s cultural journey, from prehistory to the modern era. Its collection of over 50,000 artefacts includes the famed royal mummies, a moving testament to the endurance of Egyptian civilization.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Athens, carrying with us the timeless allure of the Nile and the spirit of ancient Egypt.