After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of ancient Egypt’s most iconic sites. Begin at the Giza Plateau, where the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure rise from the sands. Stand before the mysterious Sphinx, its gaze eternal.

Continue to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the world’s first stone structure—tells of an architectural revolution.

Visit the open-air museum of Memphis, the first capital of unified Egypt, and behold the colossal statue of Ramses II.

Lunch is served at a refined Nile-side restaurant. Return to the Mena House for a restful evening.

Fly to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your super deluxe Lake Nasser cruise ship for a 4-night journey unlike any other.

Later this evening, attend the magical Sound & Light Show at the Temples of Abu Simbel, where Ramses II and Nefertari speak through light and music. Overnight onboard.

Wake early to explore the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. These colossal structures, carved into sandstone cliffs, were miraculously relocated in the 1960s to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Return to the ship and sail to Qasr Ibrim, the only Nubian monument still in its original location. View its fortress ruins from the deck, as shore access is restricted. Overnight onboard.

Today’s visits include the Amada Temple, with some of the most vivid and well-preserved wall reliefs in Egypt. Continue to the Temple of Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, an official of Ramses IV.

As the ship glides through the calm waters, the Nubian Desert unfolds in golden silence. Overnight onboard.

Sail toward Wadi El Seboua, home to a temple built by Ramses II and once guarded by sphinxes. Visit the Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, and the Roman-era Temple of Meharakka, known for its spiral staircase.

These lesser-known gems offer solitude and an intimate connection with the Nubian landscape. Overnight onboard.

In the morning, disembark at Kalabsha, where the elegant sandstone Temple of Kalabsha, the Temple of Beit el-Wali, and the Kiosk of Qertassi await.

Then transfer to the storied Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel. Settle into your room with a Nile view and toast the sunset from the historic terrace. Overnight in Aswan.

Board your second cruise — this time along the fertile stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Vessels such as Sanctuary Sun Boat IV or Oberoi Zahra redefine river cruising with their elegance, cuisine, and personalized service.

After lunch onboard, visit the Temple of Philae, devoted to the goddess Isis and set on its own island. Then see the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in the ancient granite quarries. End with a relaxing felucca ride to Kitchener’s Island, a botanical oasis. Overnight onboard.

Sail north to Kom Ombo, where a rare double temple honors both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed protector. Visit the adjacent Crocodile Museum, filled with mummified reptiles once venerated as divine.

In Edfu, travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt. Its towering pylons and celestial reliefs are a highlight of the Ptolemaic era. Overnight onboard.

Arrive in Luxor, ancient Thebes. Cross the Nile to the West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings holds the tombs of Egypt’s greatest rulers, including Tutankhamun.

Visit the awe-inspiring Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, seamlessly carved into the cliffs, and stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two silent guardians of forgotten glory. Overnight onboard.

Disembark and transfer to the Sofitel Winter Palace, a treasure of Edwardian elegance. The afternoon is yours to relax in the palm-shaded gardens or enjoy tea on the Nile terrace. Overnight in Luxor.

Explore the monumental Karnak Temple, a complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and obelisks built over two millennia. Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes and end at the mystical Luxor Temple, glowing golden at sunset.

Enjoy your final night in Luxor, surrounded by layers of history.

After breakfast, fly back to Cairo. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your international departure, carrying with you the echoes of pharaohs and the warmth of the Nile.