Lake Nasser Cruise Omar El Khayam

Upon arrival at Abu Simbel airport or your local hotel, you will be welcomed and transferred to board the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam for your Lake Nasser cruise. Embarkation begins at 1:00 PM, followed by lunch served on board.

In the afternoon, set out to discover the awe-inspiring Temples of Abu Simbel, carved from sandstone cliffs by Pharaoh Ramses II. These world-famous temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters after the construction of the High Dam. After your guided tour, relax with afternoon tea on the sun deck, then enjoy dinner and spend the night on board.

Optional: In the evening, witness the Sound and Light Show at Abu Simbel, an engaging spectacle of history brought to life with projections, narration, and music.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Abu Simbel

Begin your day with breakfast on board as the cruise makes its way toward Kasr Ibrim. Take in the sight of this ancient fortress from the deck—the only monument on Lake Nasser still standing in its original location.

After lunch, disembark to visit Amada, the lake's oldest temple, built by Thutmose III. The journey continues to the Temple of Derr, constructed by Ramses II, and culminates at the rock-cut tomb of Pennut, who served as Viceroy of Nubia. Return to the ship for a cocktail party and enjoy a traditional Nubian show before dinner is served.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board

After breakfast, head out to the archaeological complex of Wadi El Seboua, which includes Ramses II's temple and several smaller temples, such as those of Dakka and Maharraqa. Be sure to stroll along the renowned avenue of sphinxes, famously called the “Avenue of Lions,” which imparts a majestic ambiance to the site.

Return to the cruise ship for lunch as the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam continues its voyage to Aswan. Spend a relaxing evening on board, enjoying dinner and overnight accommodations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Aswan

Savor your final breakfast on board before leaving the ship for a guided visit to the Kalabsha Temple. This Roman-Egyptian monument, dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, was relocated near the High Dam. Following your tour, check out from the cruise and receive a private transfer to your hotel in Aswan or to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Aswan

This cruise is available on the following route:

Upon your arrival in Aswan, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to board the Omar El Khayam cruise. After check-in, enjoy lunch onboard before beginning your discovery of Aswan’s iconic landmarks.

Visit the impressive High Dam, constructed in the 1960s to regulate the Nile’s annual flooding. Next, travel to Agilika Island to explore the enchanting Philae Temple, devoted to the goddess Isis. Conclude the day with a stop at the Unfinished Obelisk, an immense granite monument partially carved from its original quarry.

Return to the ship for dinner and spend the night docked in Aswan.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Begin your day with breakfast on board, then set out with your guide to visit the Kalabsha Temple, which was relocated from its original site to preserve it after Lake Nasser was formed. This Roman-era temple, dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, features a fascinating fusion of Roman and Egyptian art and symbolism.

The journey continues to Beit El Wali, a rock-cut temple built by Ramses II and rescued from the rising waters of the lake. After returning to the cruise for lunch, the vessel crosses the Tropic of Cancer en route to Wadi El Seboua.

Relax during the evening with dinner onboard as you cruise towards your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard

After breakfast, set out to explore Wadi El Seboua, known as the “Valley of the Lions” for its avenue lined with sphinxes. Marvel at the temples built by Ramses II, then continue to the Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom.

Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Amada. The remainder of the day is free for you to unwind while taking in the dramatic desert scenery that surrounds Lake Nasser.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard

The day begins with a visit to the Temple of Amada, the oldest monument on Lake Nasser, dating back to Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Continue to the Temple of Derr and the Tomb of Pennut, constructed for the Viceroy of Nubia.

Head back to the cruise for lunch as the ship sails towards Kasr Ibrim. View this ancient fortress from the deck—the only monument on the lake still in its original location—before proceeding to Abu Simbel.

In the evening, you may opt to attend the Sound and Light Show at Abu Simbel, an impressive storytelling experience with lights, projections, and music that brings the history of the temples to life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Abu Simbel

After breakfast, complete your check-out from Omar El Khayam. You will then embark on a guided tour of the legendary Abu Simbel Temples, which were painstakingly relocated in the 1960s to save them from the waters of Lake Nasser.

Behold the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramses II and his beloved queen Nefertari—among the most celebrated monuments in Egypt. After your visit, you will be transferred to the airport or to your hotel in Abu Simbel.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Abu Simbel