Start the day at the Temple of Karnak built, over more than a thousand years, by generations of Pharaohs. Transfer to your deluxe Nile cruise boat, Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, where you are welcomed by the reception staff.

Lunch is served on board followed by a visit to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings. Then, visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens and visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. On the way back to the river, pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

In the evening you are greeted by your Boat Manager for a Cocktail Reception, who reviews your cruise program for the upcoming days. Complimentary cocktails and a selection of canapés are served followed by a gourmet dinner.

A breakfast buffet is served on board as you cruise northwards to Qena (if there is low water, typically between November to December, take a bus to Denderah). Enjoy a morning visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Goddess Hathor in Denderah, complete with a massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages, and towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs. Hathor was the goddess or pleasure and of love, usually associating her with Aphrodite. Return to the boat for lunch as you sail back to Luxor.

Afternoon tea is served on board. Next, your Egyptologist guides you on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor to the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor dedicated to the God Amun. Enjoy dinner on board, followed by a belly dancer and whirling dervish show.

Breakfast is served on board as you cruise to Edfu, followed by a morning visit to explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea on board and take part in an Egyptian cooking lesson as you continue cruising to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Tonight enjoy an onboard “Egyptian Night” costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian “galabeyya”. Dinner is a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialities, followed by oriental music and dancing for everyone.

A breakfast buffet is served on board as you cruise to Aswan, followed by a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. Next, proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.

After lunch on board, take a ride on a felucca (a typical Egyptian sail boat, weather permitting) around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (life jackets are provided). Afternoon tea is served in the lounge.

Tonight enjoy a gala farewell dinner (jacket required), with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.

Enjoy a final buffet breakfast on board before disembarking in Aswan at 8 a.m.