Nile Cruise on the Crown Empress

Upon reaching Aswan, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative and escorted to your floating sanctuary, the Crown Empress Nile Cruise. Boarding is available before noon, followed by a delightful lunch served on board.

Afterwards, embark on your adventure with a visit to the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel controlling the Nile’s flow and powering much of Egypt. Next, a motorboat ride whisks you to the tranquil Philae Temple, devoted to the goddess Isis and beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island. End the afternoon exploring the Unfinished Obelisk, an ambitious piece left incomplete in the ancient granite quarries.

Return to the cruise ship for dinner and relax during your first evening aboard as your journey on the Nile begins.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Start the day with breakfast as the cruise sails for Kom Ombo. Disembark to discover the unique Kom Ombo Temple, equally dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder. The temple’s symmetrical design is adorned with intricate ancient carvings, medical instruments, and sacred tales.

The voyage continues toward Edfu. Enjoy lunch and the serene Nile scenery along the way. Upon arrival at Edfu, a traditional carriage ride takes you to the Temple of Horus—one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Marvel at its grand halls, sacred inscriptions, and detailed reliefs depicting the legendary battle between Horus and Seth.

After your tour, return to the ship for an evening of relaxation and enjoy an onboard Egyptian folklore show performed by the crew.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board

After breakfast on board, set out to explore the ancient necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank. Begin at the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of Egypt’s pharaohs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning structure carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.

Your morning concludes with a visit to the towering Colossi of Memnon, the last remnants of a once-grand temple. Return to the Crown Empress cruise for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure as the ship remains docked in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Luxor

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before checking out and heading out to explore the majestic sites of Luxor’s East Bank. First, visit the vast Karnak Temple complex—the largest religious site ever built, mainly dedicated to Amun-Ra. Wander its immense courtyards, towering columns, and sacred lakes.

Your journey continues at the Temple of Luxor, a beautiful structure historically connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. This temple encapsulates Egypt’s layered history, with contributions from pharaohs, Romans, and early Islamic periods.

After your visit, you’ll be transferred to your chosen destination in Luxor, bringing your unforgettable cruise adventure to a close.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: End of cruise

Your Nile journey begins in style as you board the Crown Empress before lunch. Settle into your cabin and prepare for an afternoon adventure exploring Luxor’s magnificent East Bank.

Visit the vast Karnak Temple Complex, Egypt’s largest temple site, renowned for its ancient inscriptions, towering obelisks, and colossal columns. Continue to the majestic Luxor Temple, graced by statues of Ramses II and remnants of a mosque that reveal its layered history over the centuries.

Return to the ship for dinner and a restful night on the Nile, docked in Luxor.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Luxor

After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where the ancient pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest in ornately decorated tombs. Next, visit the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of Egypt’s rare female rulers.

Finish your morning at the monumental Colossi of Memnon before returning to the cruise for lunch. The ship then sets sail for Esna, offering scenic Nile views as you pass through the Esna Lock—a unique experience on the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard

Begin the day in Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus—one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Admire its grand pylon, sacred chambers, and intricate reliefs depicting mythological battles.

Return to the ship for lunch and continue cruising south. In the afternoon, stop at Kom Ombo to visit the striking twin temple devoted to Sobek and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Take time to browse the adjacent Crocodile Museum, home to mummified reptiles and ancient artifacts.

The cruise continues toward Aswan, marking the final stretch of your Nile adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Enjoy breakfast, then set out to discover Aswan’s highlights. Start at the impressive High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that shaped Egypt’s recent history. Take a short boat ride to the enchanting Philae Temple, a beautiful island sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis.

Conclude with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries—a colossal monument that, though never completed, offers insight into ancient stone-carving techniques. Return to the cruise for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional visits to a Nubian village or a felucca sailing trip can be arranged.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark. For those who wish, an early morning optional excursion is available to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. These rock-cut masterpieces are world-renowned for their scale and the phenomenon of solar alignment during the equinoxes.

Whether you depart or join the excursion, your journey on the Crown Empress concludes—leaving you with memories of Egypt’s enduring beauty and grandeur.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: End of Cruise