Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

Departs every Monday

1. Day 1 Monday: Arrival in Luxor, Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple

   Your Memphis Tours representative meets you at Luxor Airport or the train terminal and assists with your arrival before transferring you to Mövenpick MS Royal Lotus for embarkation.
   After lunch on board, begin on Luxor’s East Bank at Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes ever built. Walk through monumental gateways, courtyards and the celebrated Hypostyle Hall before continuing to Luxor Temple in the heart of the modern city.
   Return to Royal Lotus for dinner and a relaxed first evening on the Nile.
   
   
   Overnight: Docked in Luxor
   Meals: Lunch, dinner
   Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple
   Walking: Moderate walking over uneven archaeological surfaces, particularly at Karnak.
   
   Good to know: Karnak has limited shade in many areas. Comfortable shoes, bottled water and sun protection are recommended.

2. Day 2 Tuesday: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon & Sailing South

   After breakfast, cross to Luxor’s West Bank with your Egyptologist guide for one of the archaeological highlights of the cruise.

   Explore the Valley of the Kings, where richly decorated royal tombs were carved into the desert hills. Continue to the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most distinctive monuments, before stopping at the Colossi of Memnon.

   Return to Royal Lotus for lunch as the vessel begins sailing south toward Esna and Edfu. The afternoon brings a slower pace, with time to enjoy the sun deck, afternoon tea and the changing Nile scenery.
   
   
   Overnight: Aboard Mövenpick MS Royal Lotus
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
   Visits: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon
   Walking: This is one of the more active sightseeing mornings, with uneven ground, steps and inclines in and around some tombs.
   
   Good to know: Standard Valley of the Kings admission covers selected regular tombs. Tutankhamun’s Tomb and other special-entry tombs require separate tickets.

3. Day 3 Wednesday: Edfu Temple by Horse-Drawn Carriage & Kom Ombo Temple

   After breakfast, step ashore in Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. From the docking area, travel to the temple by traditional horse-drawn carriage, with the carriage fare included.

   The temple’s monumental pylons, enclosed halls and granite falcon statues provide an unusually complete impression of a Ptolemaic sanctuary. Return to Royal Lotus and continue south toward Kom Ombo, with lunch served on board.

   Later, visit Kom Ombo Temple. Unlike Edfu, Kom Ombo stands directly beside the Nile and is reached on foot from the docking area. Its unusual double design is dedicated principally to Sobek and Haroeris. Return to the vessel and continue toward Aswan.
   
   
   Overnight: Docked in Aswan
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
   Visits: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple
   
   Good to know: Edfu Temple is inland and is reached by included horse-drawn carriage; Kom Ombo Temple is directly riverside and reached on foot from the docking area. A small tip to the carriage driver is appreciated.

4. Day 4 Thursday: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple & a Relaxed Afternoon in Aswan

   Breakfast is served on board in Aswan before you set out with your Egyptologist guide. Begin at the ancient granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk and the evidence it preserves of ancient stoneworking techniques.

   From there, take an included motorboat to Agilkia Island for the Temple of Philae, dedicated principally to Isis. The temple was dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground during the international campaign to protect Nubian monuments from rising waters.

   Return to Royal Lotus for lunch, with the remainder of the afternoon at a more relaxed pace. Depending on the confirmed operating program, optional experiences can be arranged around the Aswan stay.
   
   
   Overnight: Docked in Aswan
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
   Visits: Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple
   
   Good to know: Philae Temple is reached by included motorboat. The crossing is open-air, so a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended, particularly during the warmer months.

5. Day 5 Friday: Disembarkation in Aswan & Departure

   Enjoy breakfast on board before completing cabin check-out by around 8:00 AM. After checking out, your luggage will be handled according to your onward travel arrangements.
   A Memphis Tours representative will assist with your disembarkation and transfer to Aswan Airport or the train station for your onward journey.

   If you would like to include Abu Simbel and it cannot be accommodated within your confirmed cruise schedule, it can be arranged with an additional night in Aswan before or after the cruise.
   
   
   Meals: Breakfast
   Disembarkation: Cabins are vacated by around 8:00 AM. Your departure transfer follows according to your confirmed travel arrangements.
   
   Good to know: Allow sufficient time between disembarkation and any onward flight or train. Abu Simbel timings should always be checked against the confirmed sailing and departure schedule.