5 Days Nile Cruise Luxor Aswan Hot Air Balloon with Abu Simbel

Discovering Karnak and Luxor Temples: A Nile Cruise from Luxor

The Luxor Temple is a magnificent tribute to the splendors of Ancient Egyptian architecture and culture. Located on the eastern bank of the Nile River in the present-day Luxor (once known as Thebes), this awe-inspiring temple complex was constructed approximately in 1400 BCE. In the ancient Egyptian language, it was referred to as "ipet resyt," signifying "the southern sanctuary.

The Karnak Temple Complex, also known as Karnak, is a vast architectural ensemble of temples, pylons, chapels, and various other structures situated in close proximity to Luxor, Egypt. Its construction began in the time of Senusret I (around 1971–1926 BCE) during the Middle Kingdom period (circa 2000–1700 BCE) and continued into the Ptolemaic Kingdom era (305–30 BCE), although the majority of the existing structures date back to the New Kingdom period. The area surrounding Karnak held immense religious significance in ancient Egypt, known as Ipet-isut, which translates to "The Most Selected of Places". It served as the central place of worship for the 18th Dynastic Theban Triad, with the deity Amun as its chief.

Nile Cruise Overnight

Unearthing Luxor's West Bank Wonders: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and a Majestic Hot Air Balloon Ride

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey above Luxor, immersing yourself in the mesmerizing sights of this ancient city from a hot air balloon's vantage point. Marvel at the Statue of Thebes and other ancient wonders as they awaken in the gentle morning light, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.

The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a historic site nestled in a secluded valley. Over a period of about 500 years, spanning from the 16th to the 11th century BC, artisans meticulously carved grandiose tombs into the natural rock formations. These sacred chambers were designed to honor and safeguard the remains of esteemed pharaohs and influential nobles from the illustrious New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt.

The magnificent memorial temple honoring Pharaoh Hatshepsut is a striking example of the architectural brilliance of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Located in the vicinity of Luxor, this temple is celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary ancient engineering and design.

The Colossi of Memnon are a pair of immense stone statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These impressive figures stand proudly at the gateway of the weathered Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, a structure that once stood as the most magnificent temple in the Theban Necropolis.

Nile Cruise Overnight

Unveiling the Wonders of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples: A Journey into the Ancient Past

The Edfu Temple, a revered sanctuary of ancient Egyptian heritage, graces the western shores of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. In the Hellenistic epoch, it bore the moniker "Apollonos polis" in Koinē Greek, while in Latin, it garnered the name Apollonopolis Magna. This nomenclature paid homage to the illustrious deity Horus, who was equated with Apollo through the interpretatio graeca.

The Kom Ombo Temple, an extraordinary dual sanctuary situated in the town of Kom Ombo in Upper Egypt's Aswan Governorate, holds a storied past that traces its origins to the Ptolemaic dynasty, spanning from 180 to 47 BC. Further enhancements were undertaken during the Roman era, contributing to its architectural grandeur.

Nile Cruise Overnight

Discovering Aswan: Philae Temple, The High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk

Located downstream of both the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser in Egypt, Philae is situated in the reservoir created by the Aswan Low Dam. Originally positioned near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt, Philae was a significant site for an ancient Egyptian temple complex.

The Aswan High Dam, previously referred to as the Aswan Dam, ranks as the world's largest embankment dam. Situated in Aswan, Egypt, it was built between 1960 and 1970, spanning the Nile River. This monumental project eclipsed the earlier Aswan Low Dam, which was initially completed downstream in 1902.

The towering obelisk, a magnificent testament to ancient engineering, commands attention as the grandest of its kind ever discovered. Nestled within the historic stone quarries of Aswan, Egypt, in the northern expanse, this incomplete marvel offers a glimpse into the unparalleled craftsmanship of a distant age. In 1922, Reginald Engelbach undertook a painstaking examination of this awe-inspiring artifact.

Nile Cruise Overnight

Disembarkation and Tour: Exploring the Majestic Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel, an awe-inspiring archaeological complex, boasts two colossal temples intricately carved into the rock. Situated in the village of Abu Simbel, within the Aswan Governorate of Upper Egypt, it stands in close proximity to the Sudanese border. Nestled on the western banks of Lake Nasser, this remarkable site is approximately 230 kilometers to the southwest of Aswan.

No accommodation provided