This 5-day Christmas Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan brings ancient history to life during the holiday season. American travelers will enjoy luxury accommodations, festive dining, and expert-guided visits to temples and tombs including Karnak, Hatshepsut, Philae, and Edfu. Book this magical cruise and celebrate Christmas along the timeless Nile.
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Luxor Attractions
Aswan Attractions
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Upon your arrival in Luxor during the enchanting Christmas season, your captivating journey will commence as you meet your personal guide, who will unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt for you. The marvels along the Riverbank will reveal themselves, beginning with Luxor's East Bank:
Karnak Temple reflects the devotion of the ancient Egyptians, showcasing the rich history of their civilization from its construction between 2000 BC and 30 BC. For centuries, this sacred site has spanned 247 acres, featuring temples, pylons, chapels, and numerous structures dedicated to the Theban triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Visitors can explore this vast open-air museum and admire its most remarkable highlights, including the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Upon boarding your 5-star Nile cruise, you will enjoy lunch, followed by an evening revealing yet another extraordinary experience:
Luxor Temple is illuminated by moonlight, embodying a golden splendor and royal magnificence that has endured since its construction in 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. This sanctuary was the site of numerous coronation ceremonies and the mystical Opet festival, a celebration that echoes the ancient rituals and royal renewal of the past.
In the evening, you will return to the comfort of the cruise, where dinner and an overnight stay await you in the serene surroundings of the Nile.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
Begin your day with a golden sunrise aboard the cruise and travel to Luxor's West Bank, where history rests within ancient valleys:
For centuries, the Valley of the Kings has served as a royal gateway to the afterlife, where pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasty of the New Kingdom (1570 – 1050 BC) were interred in elaborately decorated tombs. Sixty-three hidden chambers uncover stories of greatness associated with Ramses the Great, Hatshepsut, Seti I, Tutankhamun, and others, alongside significant artifacts that provide valuable historical insights.
The Hatshepsut Temple is a stunning monument carved into the hills of Deir El Bahari, celebrating the remarkable legacy of Queen Hatshepsut (1507–1458 BC). Built in 1479 BC over a period of 15 years under the direction of her vizier and Overseer of Works, Senenmut, this temple honors her role as the chief priestess and wife of Amun. Its architectural splendor, cultural significance, and historical importance reflect the achievements of one of Egypt’s most distinguished pharaohs.
The Colossi of Memnon, built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386 - 1349 BC), are monumental statues completed in 1350 BC. They have undergone numerous restorations throughout history, particularly during the Greco-Roman era. Serving as silent guardians, they have stood watch over the treasures of ancient Egypt for centuries.
As the sun sets, you will return to your cruise ship for lunch and dinner, as it sails towards Edfu and remains overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
Enjoy breakfast aboard the Nile cruise before proceeding with your tour guide to:
Edfu Temple is a revered and magnificent monument dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed sky god. Its impressive architecture and excellent preservation reflect stories of triumph and divine strength dating back to its construction between 237 BC and 57 BC. Built on the site where Horus defeated his malevolent uncle, the temple immortalizes his legendary tale of vengeance.
Kom Ombo Temple is a magnificent golden structure located on the riverbank, serving as a place of worship dedicated to Haroeris and Sobek. This Double Temple, situated right on the river’s edge, offers an impressive demonstration of the craftsmanship and ingenuity of ancient Egyptian architects. The temple’s numerous decorations reveal insights into the medical techniques and astronomical understanding of the ancient Egyptians.
You will return to your Nile Cruise for lunch and dinner, then continue your journey overnight as the gentle flow of the Nile leads you to the vibrant city of Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
In the early morning, enjoy your breakfast before continuing your Christmas journey, where Aswan reveals a stunning array of sights and marvels:
The Aswan High Dam is a remarkable modern engineering achievement constructed during the 1960s and 1970s to support the region's industrial development. This impressive structure combines cultural significance with economic growth by harnessing the power of the Nile River to sustain the land.
The Unfinished Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut (1508-1458 BC) stands as a remarkable example of craftsmanship that remains incomplete due to circumstances beyond control. This unfinished work highlights the skill of ancient artisans and the methods employed by the builders in working with this type of stone.
The Philae Temple is a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Isis, the mother goddess, constructed in 280 BC by King Ptolemy II to honor her legend and rituals. Every stone narrates a story of mythology and reverence, safeguarding the heritage of Osiris with detailed carvings.
As the Christmas journey comes to a close, you will return to your cruise to enjoy lunch and dinner, followed by an overnight stay onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
In the early morning, enjoy your breakfast before checking out of your Nile Cruise in Aswan, concluding your wonderful Christmas Nile cruise experience.
Meals: Breakfast
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