Karim Nile Steamer Cruise

Eatly start (2 hours drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre 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 colourful 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 nursing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly decorated 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 best preserved monuments 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.r

EEarly start to the Theban Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings was the Pharaoh’s burial site, and the Valley of the Queens was the Pharaohs’ wives and daughters necropolis during the Dynasties XIX and XX. The Valley of the Nobles hosts the Tomb of Ramose. Its beautiful and fine reliefs show an exceptional realism.

Visit of the Temple of Ramesses III in Medinet Habu ; almost entirely preserved, it is the most perfect mortuary temple of the Ramesside Dynasty.

Back on board and sailing to Esna for an evening passing through the Esna lock and more night sailing to Edfu.

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 building 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 gathered 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.

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 civilisation once ended. From the 3rd Century, Elephantine Island was a trading centre. Nubia (which means gold in Nubian) had a rich soil, providing to Egypt not only 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 sanctuary 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