Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Egypt - The River Nile - Aswan - Luxor
100% customisable for you
Your Egyptian adventure begins today. Arrive in Aswan, Egypt’s southern gateway and one of its most evocative cities, set dramatically at the First Cataract of the Nile. Here, granite outcrops rise from the river, palm-fringed islands drift past traditional felucca boats, and the atmosphere feels distinctly Nubian.
You’ll be met on arrival and privately transferred to your luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile. The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather enjoy the sunset views over the river or sample your first taste of Aswan’s relaxed, colourful souqs (markets).
Set sail this morning on a private boat gliding along the Nile to explore Aswan’s islands and cataracts – one of the most scenic stretches of the river. Your first stop is Elephantine Island, just north of the First Cataract and once the ancient city of Abu. Here, wander among atmospheric ruins dedicated to Egypt’s flood gods, including the temples of Satet and Khnum, and pop into the small on-site museum for a deeper dive into the island’s past.
Back on the water, cruise around the Saluga Islands, which are protected nature reserves and serve as a peaceful haven for birdlife, before continuing to Sehel Island. Once considered sacred, Sehel served as both a natural flood barrier and a refuge for pilgrims travelling the Nile. Ancient soldiers, traders and travellers also left their mark here – quite literally – by carving inscriptions into the rocks, many of which remain visible today.
After soaking up thousands of years of history, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before drifting back to Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax before dinner back at your hotel.
This morning, you’ll be met at your hotel for a private transfer to the Steam Ship Sudan, your glamorous home for the next six days. Once on board, settle into your cabin before lunch is served as you glide along the Nile.
Built in the early 20th century, the Steam Ship Sudan is now the last vintage steamship still sailing the river. With just 24 cabins, it feels wonderfully intimate – and Agatha Christie herself found inspiration for Death on the Nile on this very deck.
This afternoon, visit the Temple of Philae, which is set on its own island and dedicated to Isis, goddess of healing and magic. Later, enjoy free time to browse some of Aswan’s lively souqs before returning aboard for dinner and your first overnight stay, moored at the quay in Aswan.
Rise early this morning as the Steam Ship Sudan glides north towards Kom Ombo, where you’ll step ashore to explore its riverside temple. Dedicated to two gods instead of the usual one – Horus the Elder and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility – it’s a fascinating insight into Ancient Egypt’s dual belief systems, with sweeping Nile views thrown in for good measure.
Back on board, enjoy a tasty lunch as you sail onwards to Edfu. This afternoon brings a visit to the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Edfu, one of the finest surviving examples of Ptolemaic sacred architecture. Expect towering pylons, intricate carvings and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Return to the ship for a relaxed evening on deck as you cruise towards Esna, where you’ll dock overnight.
This morning, cruise through Esna’s lock before continuing north to Luxor, a city built atop ancient Thebes and one of Egypt’s greatest open-air museums. After lunch on board, head out to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex, dedicated to Amon, protector of the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Think colossal columns, towering statues and enough hieroglyphs to keep your camera busy for hours.
As dusk falls, visit Luxor Temple, when the soft evening light brings the elegant columns of Amenhotep III to life. The legendary landmark is also the setting for the historic Opet Festival, which celebrates the Nile’s annual fertility – and yes, even Alexander the Great claimed divine links here.
After a history-filled day, return to the ship for dinner and your overnight stay in Luxor, drifting off with ancient stories still echoing in your mind.
This morning, sit back and watch life unfold along one of the Nile’s quieter stretches as the ship heads north towards Qena – a route few cruise boats take. Palm-lined banks, sleepy riverside villages and fishermen casting their nets set the pace for a slow, contemplative start to the day. Lunch is served on board before heading ashore at Denderah.
Once you reach this ancient city, explore the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, music and protection. Set in a remote desert landscape, the site feels wonderfully untouched, with richly decorated columns, chapels and stairways leading up to panoramic rooftop views across Upper Egypt’s countryside.
Back on board, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay docked at Qena.
It’s an early start this morning (coffee first, questions later) as you head inland to Abydos, one of ancient Egypt’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and the spiritual home of Osiris, god of resurrection. The highlight here is the Temple of Seti I, celebrated for its remarkably delicate low-relief carvings – some of the finest examples of Ramesside art you’ll see on the trip. Take your time wandering through its beautifully preserved halls, soaking up the quiet power of a place that has drawn worshippers for thousands of years.
Back on board, lunch is served as the ship sails south towards Luxor, giving you a chance to relax on deck and watch rural Egypt drift by. This evening, enjoy another delicious dinner on board before docking in Luxor for your overnight stay.
This morning, cross to Luxor’s West Bank and step into the Theban Necropolis, once believed to be the realm of Osiris. Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, entering three royal tombs as well as the extraordinary burial chambers of Seti I and Ramses V/VI, whose richly painted walls tell the story of the soul’s journey into the afterlife.
You’ll also visit the Valley of the Nobles, including the beautifully preserved tomb of Ramose, before heading to Deir el-Medina, the former village of the sculptors, painters and stonemasons who created these masterpieces.
Back on board, it’s time to check out of the Steam Ship Sudan and enjoy lunch before disembarking. Don’t worry, the fun’s not over yet: a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Luxor, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind.
Today, you have a full day to enjoy Luxor at your leisure. This is a chance to absorb the atmosphere of what was once ancient Thebes at your own pace.
You may choose to revisit your favourite sites, explore local markets, visit the Luxor of Mummification Museum, or simply unwind at your hotel. Come evening, head out to enjoy a taste of the local cuisine – our clued-up Concierge is on hand for any restaurant recommendations.
Sadly, your Egyptian adventure along the Eternal River comes to an end today. Make sure your bags are packed this morning ready for a private transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements.
Want to avoid Cairo? No problem: direct international flights from Luxor operate twice weekly, and we can arrange these on request.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
