From Luxor to Assouan
5 days / 4 night
Board the Steam Ship Sudan in Luxor for a 5 day journey through time. On this refined cruise from Luxor to Aswan, you will visit all the major archaeological sites of Upper Egypt and discover the spirit that so inspired Agatha Christie to write ‘Death on the Nile’…
D1 – LUXOR
Transfer to the Steam Ship Sudan; boarding before lunch. Settle into your original Edwardian cabin or suite. Gourmet lunch served on board. Today you will be introduced to one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Egypt, the Temple of Karnak. Under the command of the great Pharaohs, this awe inspiring ancient city was built over approx. 2000 years. Walking through this vast open air museum, you will be struck by the almost perfect illustrations that honour the Pharaohs and their Gods. Evening visit of the temple of Luxor. Your first night will be spent at the Port of Luxor.
D2 – LUXOR / ESNA / EDFOU
The steamship departs early for a day of discovery starting with the Valley of the Kings. Situated on the west bank of the Nile, this limestone valley houses the burial chambers of the great Pharaohs, powerful nobles – and later the royal spouses – of the 18th-21st dynasties. 63 magnificent temples of eternal life line the valley including Tutankhamen’s Tomb which was famously discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The vibrant colour and conservation of the hieroglyphics lining the tomb of Ramses III never ceases to captivate. At approx. 2.30pm, the Steam Ship Sudan will navigate towards Esna, 60km south of Luxor. After passing through the lock at Esna, the ship with cruise under the star filled sky towards Edfu, a further 46km. Lunch and dinner served on board. Overnight at Edfu.
D3 – EDFOU / KOM OMBO
A morning exploration of the Temple of Edfu. This sanctuary is considered to be one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. The site, built in honour of the falcon-headed sky god, Horus, whose eyes were the sun and the moon, was abandoned by the Roman Empire in 391 AD. The temple lay buried under a protective layer of sand until it was excavated by French Egyptologist, Auguste Mariette, in the 1860s. Gourmet lunch served on board. Languidly cruise 145km south and unveil the pillars of Kom Ombo resting grandly on the banks of the Nile. Being a favoured basking spot for crocodiles in ancient times, the temple at Kom Ombo was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. The temple dates back to 180BC during the Ptolemaic era, with notable Roman influences. Sunset over Kom Ombo and dinner on board. The steamship will remain docked at Kom Ombo over night.
D 4 – KOM OMBO / ASSOUAN
The Steam Ship Sudan gracefully navigates a further 48km south, past fertile fields and sandy river banks, to reach Aswan at the end of the Nile Valley. It is here where ancient Nubia begins. Today marks your discovery of the Temple of Philae, the domain of the Goddess Isis, the universal mother who reigned over life, death and resurrection. Philae was one of the most important shrines of ancient Egypt and Nubia until 550AD when the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian, ordered its closing after 4000 years of worship. The temple was dismantled and rebuilt on Agilika Island (just south of Aswan) due to the construction of the crucial irrigation system, the High Dam. Before dining on board, you will have time to explore the Aswan markets where you will find indigo, saffron and other treasures. There is an option for the evening entertainment – the ‘Light and Sound’ show which illuminates the Temple of Philae. Overnight on board in Aswan.
D5 – ASSOUAN
Here marks the end of your journey. Breakfast on board. Transfer
from the ship after breakfast.