Lake Nasser Cruise to Abu Simbel

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum with your guide, where you’ll find an incredible collection of antiquities, including the golden treasure of Tutankhamun, then drive into the desert to Dashur where you’ll see the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and Black Pyramid. These little-visited structures were extremely important for the Egyptians to learn how to transition between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids.

Note: This evening, there is an optional excursion to see the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramid (supplement applies).

Fly south to Aswan with Egyptair. You’ll be met and transferred to your Lake Nasser Cruise ship moored a short distance behind the Aswan High Dam at Chellal on arrival. After lunch on board, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Board a tender and cross Lake Nasser to see the relocated temples at New Kalabsha. The site is dominated by the Temple of Kalabsha – the largest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia. Nearby is the Kiosk of Kertassi, a small elegant monument dating from the Roman period, Garf Hussein Temple, and the rock-cut temple of Beit el Wali. Then, cast off from your moorings on set sail south across Lake Nasser through the burnt landscape of Nubia towards Wadi El Seboua. A celebration will be held when crossing the Tropic of Cancer. Overnight: Wadi El Seboua.

After breakfast, visit the temple of Wadi el Seboua (Valley of the Lions in Arabic), named after its fine avenue of sphinxes. Nearby, across the sands, are the Graeco-Roman temples of Dakka and Meharakka. Then, return to your Lake Nasser cruise and sail to Amada to see the Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, along with the rock-cut Temple of El Derr, and the tiny Tomb of Penout (Viceroy of Kush during the reign of Ramses VI). Overnight: Amada.

Cruise towards Kasr Ibrim this morning. Before the creation of Lake Nasser, this ancient castle stood atop a high bluff overlooking the valley but is now reduced to a small island. As entry to Kasr Ibrim is not permitted, a description of the site will be given on deck. This afternoon, enjoy one of the great highlights of a Lake Nasser cruise – seeing Abu Simbel’s iconic rock-carved temples slowly emerge from the distance. After lunch onboard, visit the great rock-cut temples built by Ramses II (c1279 – 1217 BC). This evening, there will be an opportunity to return to the site and see the Sound & Light show (payable locally). Overnight: Abu Simbel.

Start the day with an (optional – payable locally) sunrise visit to Abu Simbel’s temples before disembarking from your Lake Nasser cruise. Then, fly to Aswan with Egyptair. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure.

Today will be at leisure in Aswan. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to visit a colourful, modern Nubian village for lunch. The journey by boat (25 minutes) through the first cataract of the Nile is particularly attractive (supplement applies).

After checking out from your hotel, a Corinthian Travel representative will transfer you to Aswan International Airport. Assistance will be provided when checking in for your onward flight.