Luxor / Aswan

The Steam Ship Sudan sails between Luxor and Aswan as in the twenties when itw as launched. Set sail from ancient Thebes for a 6 day cruise up the Nile to explore the major sites of Upper Egypt. Karnak Temple , Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Nobles , Edfu, Philae Temple…  you will take in the most breathtaking panorama of Ancient Egypt. This six day  cruising is also a privileged way to admire the amazing scenery of the Egyptian countryside. For security reasons, children under 6 cannot be accepted aboard.

DAY 1
LUXOR / QENA

Transfer to the ship. Settle in on board and into your cabin. Lunch on board.
Afternoon visit of Luxor’s East bank during the discovery of the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest sacred sites in the world; it comprises, above all, the Temple of Amun, the patron deity of Karnak. Its construction took place from the Middle Kingdom till the Ptoleamic Kingdom. Visit of the Temple of Luxor. Built under Amenophis III and extended under Ramesses II, the Temple of Luxor is the most elegant
pharaonic building. Sailing towards Qena, located north of Luxor. Only a few ship sail to this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy the sunset and admire both banks of the Nile.
Dinner and overnight stay on board in Qena.

DAY 2
QENA / DENDERA / ABYDOS / LUXOR

Early start (2-hour drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult center of Osiris, regent of the
Kingdom of the Dead and god of resurrection. From the Ancient Kingdom era, Abydos
was an exceptional site of pilgrimage. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colorful
and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art.
Visit of the Temple of Dendera on the way back. Dendera is the name of the spectacular
Temple of Hathor, Goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nur-
sing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly deco-
rated chapels, its Hathor-headed columns, its obscure corridors and stairs, the unique
vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of the most famous and best-preserved mo-
numents in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof.
Back on board for lunch. Relaxing afternoon sailing to Luxor.
Dinner and overnight stay on board in Luxor.

DAY 3
LUXOR / ESNA / EDFU

The morning is dedicated to the discovery of the Theban necropolis, land of mysteries and god Osiris home under the New Kingdom: the Valley of the Pharaohs, whose beautifully decorated tombs which tell us the journey of the deceased in the afterlife and visit the 116 meter long tomb of Ramses VI; the Valley of the Queens, secret necropolis of the royal wives and visit the tomb of Nefertari, the best known of the wives of Ramses II (depending on visitor numbers for the day, entrance to this tomb cannot be guaranteed); the Valley of the Nobles, which is the necropolis of officials, high dignitaries and the court in general, who did not come from royalty and visit the tomb of Ramose; the Valley of Craftsmen known as Deir el-Medina, created to welcome the sculptors, painters and stonemasons who worked on the necropolises.
Then we return to the boat for lunch. Navigation towards Esna, then Edfu.
Dinner on board

DAY 4
EDFU / KOM OMBO

Morning visit of the Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to Horus and Hathor, its construction started during the 3rd Century BC under the Ptolemaic Dynasty and was completed 170 years later; it’s one of the best-preserved buildings of Ancient Egypt.
Back on board and sailing to Kom Ombo for sunset. Evening visit of the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique architectural and religious type of complex in Egypt as it was dedicated to two divinities. Two temples are erected on the same site. The South part is dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God and the North part to Sobek, the Crocodile God.
Overnight on board.

DAY 5
KOM OMBO / ASWAN

Sailing to Aswan at the end of the Nile Valley, where ancient Nubia begins. Large sandy banks are slowly replacing cultivated land along the Nile. This is where civilization once ended. From the 3rd Century, Elephantine Island was a trading center. Nubia (which means gold in Nubian) had a rich soil, providing Egypt not only with gold but also soldiers, precious woods and ivory.
Visit of the Temple of Philae, home to Isis, Goddess of marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine who ruled over life, death and resurrection. Philae was one of the most important sanctuaries in Egypt and Nubia till 550 AD, when Byzantine emperor Justinian ordered its closing.
Free time in Aswan before dinner. Optional « Light and Sound » show in Philae.
Overnight stay in Aswan.

DAY 6
ASWAN

Departure from the boat before lunch.


Between the end of November and mid-February,
due to low water, the Nile no longer allows navigation from Luxor to Qena.
We offer you another program, do not hesitate to contact us for more details.