Sonesta St George I Nile Cruise

Welcome to Luxor! Upon your arrival, embark on board the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise before lunch. Enjoy a warm welcome, traditional hospitality, and time to settle into your luxurious cabin.

In the afternoon, begin your exploration of the East Bank of Luxor, home to two of Egypt’s most magnificent temples:

• Karnak Temple Complex:
  A vast open-air museum covering more than 100 hectares. Walk along the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes leading to the imposing First Pylon, and explore the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 towering columns. Discover sacred lakes, obelisks, and sanctuaries that reflect over 1,500 years of devotion to the god Amun-Re.

• Luxor Temple:
  Illuminated by the afternoon light, this graceful temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. Admire colossal statues of Ramses II, the Abu Haggag Mosque built into its courtyard, and the continuation of the Sphinx Avenue connecting it to Karnak.

Return to your cruise for tea time on the sun deck, followed by an elegant dinner on board.

After an early breakfast, begin your journey through the wonders of Luxor’s West Bank, the final resting place of Egypt’s most powerful rulers.

• Valley of the Kings:
  Explore the ancient tombs of the pharaohs, carved deep into the cliffs and adorned with vibrant wall paintings depicting their journey to the afterlife. Visit three royal tombs, with optional entry to Tutankhamun or Seti I (extra cost).

• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut:
  A stunning architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This multi-terraced temple honors Egypt’s first female pharaoh and offers panoramic views of the Theban necropolis.

• Colossi of Memnon:
  Two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing guard for over 3,000 years and famous for the ancient legend of their “singing” at dawn.

Return to the cruise for lunch, then begin sailing south toward Esna, passing through charming villages and lush riverbanks. Experience the unique passage through the Esna Lock before continuing to Edfu. Enjoy dinner on board as the ship sails under the stars.

Optional Activity – Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Float gently above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, witnessing breathtaking views of the Valley of the Kings, temples, and the Nile’s fertile plains bathed in golden light. (Extra cost)

Enjoy breakfast on board, then travel by horse-drawn carriage to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples:

• Temple of Horus at Edfu:
  Dedicated to Horus, the falcon god of protection, this magnificent temple is the most complete in all of Egypt. Walk through its monumental pylons and explore intricate carvings depicting the epic battle between Horus and Seth.

Return to the cruise for lunch and sail toward Kom Ombo.

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique dual temple perfectly mirrored on both sides: one half devoted to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other to Horus the Elder. Learn about ancient medicine through carvings of surgical tools and visit the Crocodile Mummification Museum nearby.

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight on board, as the cruise continues to Aswan.

After breakfast, begin your Aswan sightseeing with three of its most iconic landmarks:

• The High Dam:
  A monumental achievement of modern engineering, built to control the Nile’s floods and provide hydroelectric power. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Nasser.

• Philae Temple:
  A breathtaking island sanctuary dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic. Relocated stone by stone during UNESCO’s rescue project, it remains one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.

• The Unfinished Obelisk:
  Lying in the ancient granite quarries, this massive monument offers insight into ancient Egyptian stone-carving techniques.

Return to your cruise for lunch on board, followed by a leisurely afternoon or an optional felucca sail around Aswan’s islands. Enjoy your final dinner on board as the sun sets over the Nile.

Optional Excursion – Nubian Village Visit:
Take a scenic boat ride to visit a traditional Nubian village, where vibrant painted homes, friendly locals, and rich cultural traditions offer a warm glimpse into life along the southern Nile. (Extra cost)

Enjoy your final breakfast on board, then disembark in Aswan.

Optional Excursion – Abu Simbel Temples:
Travel early in the morning by car or flight (extra cost) to the majestic Abu Simbel Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Carved directly into a sandstone cliff overlooking Lake Nasser, these colossal monuments stand as a timeless tribute to love, power, and ancient Egyptian artistry.

After the visit, return to Aswan for your onward flight or travel arrangements, marking the end of your unforgettable Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise experience.