Embark on a mesmerizing Nile cruise adventure with Movenpick, exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt in luxurious comfort. From the legendary temples of Luxor and Karnak to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, this journey offers an unforgettable experience through the heart of Egyptian history and culture.
Karnak Temple
Embarkation and Luxor Exploration
Embarkation on board before lunch sets the stage for an incredible journey. We will pick you up from your starting point in Luxor to join a private Egyptologist tour guide to start a mesmerizing Nile cruise trip by visiting Karnak Temple; it's the most religious temple in history which is a vast complex of outstanding structures symbolize the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Walk along the grand Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes leading to the imposing First Pylon, then explore the legendary Hypostyle Hall, home to 134 towering columns, each richly inscribed with hieroglyphs. After that, we will drive you to check in 5* luxury Movenpick Royal Lily where you will enjoy an open buffet lunch then head to witness Luxor Temple at night and have an atmospheric dinner on board Movenpick Royal Lily and overnight in Luxor.
Gracefully lit by the afternoon sun, Luxor Temple was a center of divine rejuvenation. Built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, this temple was the center of rituals and festivals.
Experience the magic of Luxor from above with an early morning hot air balloon ride. As the sun rises over the Nile, you'll float gently above the Valley of the Kings, temples, and farmlands, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of ancient Thebes bathed in golden light.
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The West Bank: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
Start with breakfast on the cruise then you will be taken to continue your trip in Luxor with your personal Egyptologist by visiting Queen Hatshepsut Temple; it's one of the most beautiful of Ancient Egypt legacy which displays the rarest example of architecture and decorations then you'll go to Valley of the Kings; it's the most impressive burial site where Howard Carter had discovered the glorious tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922 then you will be taken to Colossi of Memnon then let's have lunch onboard and set sailing to Edfu. Relax on the sundeck of the cruise while sailing, have dinner, and overnight on board.
Hatshepsut Temple
Enter the legendary necropolis of Thebes, where pharaohs like Ramses II and Tutankhamun were buried. Walk through richly decorated tombs with stunningly preserved wall art depicting the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife. You'll visit three royal tombs, each carved deep into the Theban cliffs and painted with vibrant scenes of the afterlife.
An architectural wonder built into the limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. An architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Two imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, once guarding a grand temple long lost to time.
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Edfu and Kom Ombo: Temples of Horus and Sobek
Morning time, you will have your breakfast then you will be taken by a horse carriage accompanied by your private Egyptologist to visit Edfu Temple; it's a cemetery site that dates back to the Ptolemaic reign and it was the center of worship for the god Horus. Then, continue sail to Kom Ombo to visit Kom Ombo Temple; it's a twin dedicated temple to the gods Sobek and Horus and it's perfectly asymmetrical Ptolemaic temple built by the local limestone. Lunch and dinner are included onboard and sail to Aswan for an overnight stay.
Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage to one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon god. The most completely preserved temple of the ancient world. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it celebrates Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection.
A rare dual-deity temple, perfectly symmetrical and mirrored. One half honors Sobek, the crocodile god, protector of the Nile; the other is dedicated to Horus the Elder, god of kingship and the sky. A rare double temple that honors two gods-Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design, impressive columns, and ancient surgical instruments carved in stone reflect the medical and spiritual significance of the site.
Aswan: Nubian Culture and Engineering Marvels
Aswan is the crown of the ancient Egyptian civilization so that we will drive on the 4th day of your trip towards the best supreme monuments in this Nubian City such as Aswan High Dam then move to the Unfinished Obelisk; it's one of the New Kingdom legacies which was designed on the prestigious Greek style of architecture before you will head to Philae Temple; it's one of the most terrific ruins which was the center of worship for the god Isis. Lunch and dinner will be served on board Movenpick Royal Lily and overnight in Aswan.
Discover one of Egypt's most significant modern achievements. A modern engineering masterpiece that tamed the mighty Nile, providing electricity and irrigation to millions.
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Discover the colorful world of the Nubian people with a visit to one of Aswan's traditional villages. Accessible by boat along the Nile, you'll explore charming mud-brick homes painted in vibrant colors, meet friendly locals, and learn about Nubian customs, music, and lifestyle.
NILE CRUISE, EGYPT | 3-Day Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan (Full Guide)
Philae Temple and the Island of Agilkia
A magical complex located on Agilkia Island, accessible only by boat. Set on Agilkia Island, this serene temple dedicated to the goddess Isis is only reachable by boat. Dedicated to Isis, goddess of love and magic, this temple was meticulously relocated stone by stone during the UNESCO rescue project.
Abu Simbel: A Monumental Experience
Check out Movenpick Royal Lily then you'll leave for Abu Simbel by a private A/C vehicle with your personal guide to witness Abu Simbel temples; it's a spectacular miracle that exhibits all the scenes of beauty and bliss. The site contains two mesmerizing temples; the major temple is dedicated to Ramses the Great to honor his own timeless projects and the other temple was erected for his beloved wife Queen Nefertari.
Abu Simbel
An early morning excursion to Abu Simbel takes you to one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring sites. These monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are carved directly into the rock and face the rising sun.
Life Onboard: Movenpick Royal Lily
Another available option is to book 7 nights Movenpick MS Royal Lily Nile cruise from either Luxor or Aswan. MS Royal Lotus Nile cruise comprises 60 cabins and 2 magnificent royal suites. The cruise offers indeed a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nile river banks. MS Royal Lotus Nile cruise cabins have two twin beds or king size bed.
In fact, the cabins are approximately 22 square meters, tastefully and luxuriously furnished. Moreover, They feature en suite shower room, individually controlled air conditioning and TV. Furthermore, they also feature mini bar, climate control and telephones.
MS Royal Lotus Nile cruise offers fine dining in Movenpick style. International and local delights prepared by Royal Lotus cruise chefs. It is by using the freshest ingredients. The lounge of MS Royal Lotus cruise has warm colors and the flair of the big ocean cruisers. It is the ideal location for a small gathering, some quiet reading or a game of backgammon.
MS Royal Lotus Nile cruise Facilities & Services:
- Large panoramic window
- Reading & Internet corner
- Sundeck Bar
- Ice bar
- Swiss quality service
- Laundry service
- Plunge pool linked to a Jacuzzi
- Ice cream kiosk
- Fitness equipment
- Smoke detector System Panel
Guest Cabin Facilities:
- Panoramic window
- Private bathroom & bathtub
- Air conditioning with control
- In-house music
- Mini bar and fridge
- Hairdryer and shaving sockets
- Safe deposit box
- 02 life jackets in each cabin
- Escape map in each cabin
- Video channels
- Non smoking cabins
- Connected cabins
- Fax machine
- CD player (upon request)
Sailing Schedule:
- 04 Days / 03 nights Ex Aswan every Friday.
- 05 Days / 04 nights Ex Luxor every Tuesday.
- 08 Days / 07 nights Ex Aswan every Friday.
- 08 Days / 07 nights Ex Luxor every Monday.
Here’s a summary of the benefits of choosing a Nile cruise:
- Comfort - Tours are usually in the cooler mornings so you can catch some sleep in the afternoon. Otherwise, enjoy the scenic views at the sundeck as the ship sail.
- No Logistic Woes - Travelling between Aswan and Luxor is easy.
- Full Board - Meals are in buffet style so you will NOT be starving, except that beverages are chargeable.
- Passing through Esna Lock - Using water, ships are lifted / lowered so they can sail through the different elevation of the river at Esna.
- Experiencing Peddling 101 - You though you will be safe from the aggressive vendors by getting onto the waters? Here they are peddling their wares (galabeya) in their boats to us at the sundeck. It is quite an interesting sight. They will show the specific galabeya, negotiate with whoever is interested, throw the clothes up in a plastic bag.
Unlike hotels, almost all the nile cruises are “5-star“. An example of “Luxury” is The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise, which cost approx. USD 600 per night. Yap, so your cruise will be in thousands!
Tips and Recommendations:
- Some cruises only stay at Aswan for 1 day (skipping the time for Abu Simbel), then you will have 2 days at Luxor. To save the trouble of checking in / out, I think its much easier to just stay onboard throughout. So there it is, Luxor for me!
- From Luxor, most depart either on Saturday or Monday.
- Cold refreshment waiting when you return from the tours.
- Everyone told me that Movenpick has delicious food. And indeed, they never disappoint! I couldn’t stop myself from filling up my plate even though I was full.
- Most importantly, at no point, I was under pressure to purchase something or tip them.
- Movenpick gave me a comfortable and relaxing trip.
- Lastly, laundry service is available and affordable.
Tip: In Egypt, tipping is more like mandatory than voluntary. As long as they don’t screw up. Recommended tip for cruise is USD 3 to 5 per pax per night.
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