Luxury Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
Overview
Experience Egypt's ancient wonders on a 4-day luxury Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess. Explore temples & tombs with experts.
This four-day Nile cruise aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess sails from Aswan to Luxor, taking in essential temples including Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
The cruise opens in Aswan with the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, then sails downriver to Kom Ombo's twin temple honoring Horus and Sobek. Edfu's well-preserved Temple of Horus, reached by horse-drawn carriage, follows before the ship continues to Luxor, where the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon are covered, closing with the East Bank's Karnak and Luxor Temples at checkout.
A highly knowledgeable, fluent English-speaking Egyptologist guide accompanies every excursion, and the cruise includes all stated services, government taxes and charges, pickup and drop-off at arrival and departure points, private deluxe vehicle transfers, entrance fees to every historical site specified, and luxurious full-board accommodation aboard the Moon Goddess.
Gratuities for guides, drivers and cruise staff, flights of any kind and optional excursions beyond the itinerary are not included. All government taxes and service charges are folded into the fare, leaving only gratuities and add-ons to budget separately.
- Four days, sailing Aswan to Luxor
- Philae Temple included among the Aswan sights
- Both banks of Luxor covered on the final day
Trip at a Glance
Duration
5 Days
Price
From $1168
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Route
Aswan → Edfu → Luxor
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.
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Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Aswan! A dedicated representative will greet you and transfer you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to meet your expert Egyptologist. Our first stop reveals the monumental engineering triumph of the Aswan High Dam, a project of immense scale completed in the 1970s. Next, we journey to the ancient granite quarries to witness the colossal Unfinished Obelisk, an awe-inspiring testament to the ambitious construction techniques of the pharaohs. Finally, we'll visit the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was carefully relocated to Agilika Island, preserving its beauty for generations. Afterward, you'll be escorted to your luxurious 5-star Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile cruise ship to check in. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner onboard, settling into your opulent surroundings.
- Aswan High Dam — Explore this remarkable feat of modern engineering, crucial for Egypt's agriculture and power.
- Unfinished Obelisk — Stand beside this immense, abandoned obelisk, offering unique insights into ancient carving methods.
- Philae Temple — Discover the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to a beautiful island setting.
Start your day with a delightful breakfast onboard as we sail downriver. Our first stop brings us to Kom Ombo, home to the unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. This Ptolemaic masterpiece offers fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian duality. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner back on the ship as we continue our scenic journey towards Edfu. The evening promises relaxation and stunning Nile vistas.
- Kom Ombo Temple — Discover the 'twin temples' of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two different deities, elegantly poised by the Nile.
Luxor TempleAfter breakfast, a charming horse-drawn carriage will transport you to the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's most remarkably preserved ancient sanctuaries. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, its intricate reliefs and grand pylons provide an unparalleled glimpse into ancient religious practices. Following our visit, we return to the ship to continue our cruise to Luxor, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard. The afternoon offers tranquil cruising as we approach the legendary city of Luxor.
- Edfu Temple — Journey by horse carriage to the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu, a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess.
Valley of the KingsAfter a final breakfast onboard, it's time to check out from your cruise ship. Accompanied by your private guide, today is dedicated to exploring the unparalleled wonders of Luxor. We'll cross to the West Bank to delve into the legendary Valley of the Kings, the 'Place of Truth,' where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Next, we marvel at the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an iconic three-terraced structure carved into the desert cliffs, celebrating one of Egypt's most formidable female rulers. Our West Bank exploration concludes with the majestic Colossi of Memnon, two colossal seated statues guarding ancient Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor. Our journey culminates on the East Bank with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city that expanded over two millennia. Finally, we provide a comfortable transfer to your Luxor accommodation or preferred drop-off point, concluding your incredible Nile adventure.
- Valley of the Kings — Descend into the famous burial chambers of pharaohs, adorned with vibrant hieroglyphs and ancient treasures.
- Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced design of Queen Hatshepsut's temple, a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
- Colossi of Memnon — Witness the immense, ancient statues of Amenhotep III, standing as silent guardians.
- Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the expansive and awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a city of pylons, courtyards, and sanctuaries.
Highlights
Upper Egypt's Grandeur
- Soak in the monumental splendor of Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of sanctuaries and pylons
- Wander through Luxor Temple, an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate carvings
- Descend into the Valley of the Kings, the hallowed burial grounds of pharaohs and nobles
- Marvel at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning terrace construction dedicated to Egypt's most powerful female ruler
- Gaze upon the colossal statues of Memnon, silent sentinels guarding the West Bank
Nile-side Narratives
- Explore the magnificent twin temples of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Horus and Sobek
- Journey by horse-drawn carriage to the exquisitely preserved Temple of Edfu, honoring the falcon god Horus
- Discover the serene beauty of Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, nestled on Agilika Island
- Witness modern engineering at the Aswan High Dam, a pivotal project shaping contemporary Egypt
- Peer into the past at the Unfinished Obelisk, a testament to ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques
Included
- All stated services, government taxes, and charges are fully covered.
- Seamless pick-up and drop-off services from your arrival and departure points.
- Private, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle transfers for all excursions.
- Entry fees to all historical sites specified in the itinerary.
- Services of a highly knowledgeable, fluent English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout your tours.
- Luxurious accommodation aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise on a full-board basis.
Excluded
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
- Any flights, international or domestic.
- Optional excursions or personal expenses not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (cotton or linen recommended).
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring extensive archeological sites.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen for sun protection.
- Swimwear for enjoying the cruise ship's pool.
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings on the deck.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- A small backpack or day bag for daily excursions.
- A camera to capture unforgettable memories.
- Any personal medications, along with copies of prescriptions.
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Licensed Experts
Fully bonded and licensed Egyptian tour operator.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
Always available via WhatsApp throughout your trip.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.