Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise

Your Nile journey starts in Aswan, the calmest city on the river, where granite rocks rise from the water and Nubian villages line the banks. You'll board the Sonesta Moon Goddess before lunch, and by early afternoon you're off to one of Egypt's most beautiful temples. The evening begins with the Captain's welcome cocktail and ends with a colorful Nubian show.

• 12:00: Embark on the Sonesta Moon Goddess before lunch
• 12:30: Lunch on board
• 13:30: Guided visit to Philae Temple, followed by a relaxing motorboat ride on the Nile
• 16:30: Afternoon tea
• 19:30: Captain's welcome cocktail
• 20:00: Dinner on board
• 21:30: Nubian show

Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, stands on an island in the Nile, so your visit begins with a short, scenic boat ride across the water. To save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the whole temple was taken apart and rebuilt, stone by stone, on higher ground. Today, it's one of the most photogenic places in Egypt.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess in Aswan

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Visits: Philae Temple

Entertainment: Captain's welcome cocktail, Nubian show

Wake up as the ship sails north along the Nile. Today you'll visit two of the river's most impressive temples, with time to relax on deck in between. In the evening, slip into a traditional galabia and join the party. It's one of the most fun nights of the cruise.

• 06:00: Sail toward Kom Ombo
• 07:30: Breakfast on board
• 08:30: Guided visit to Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris
• 10:00: Sail toward Edfu
• 13:00: Lunch on board
• 14:30: Guided visit to Edfu Temple
• 16:30: Afternoon tea
• 16:30: Sail toward Esna
• 20:00: Dinner on board
• 21:30: Galabia party

Kom Ombo Temple sits right on the riverbank and is special because it was built for two gods at once: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a form of Horus. The temple is perfectly mirrored, with matching halls and sanctuaries side by side. In the afternoon, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, impresses with its giant entrance towers and finely detailed carvings.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess in Esna

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple

Entertainment: Galabia party

The ship sets sail before sunrise and reaches Luxor in time for breakfast. Then you cross to the West Bank, where ancient Egyptians laid their kings and queens to rest, for one of the highlights of your trip. The afternoon is free to relax on board, and a belly dance performance rounds off the evening.

• 03:30: Early morning sailing toward Luxor
• 06:30: Breakfast on board
• 07:30: Guided visit to the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon
• 13:00: Lunch on board
• 16:30: Afternoon tea
• 20:00: Dinner on board
• 21:30: Belly dance performance

The Valley of the Kings is home to the royal tombs of Egypt's pharaohs, carved deep into the desert hills and covered in colorful paintings and hieroglyphs. The Valley of the Queens was the resting place of royal wives and children. Close by, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut rises in wide terraces against the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues that have watched over the West Bank for more than 3,000 years.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess in Luxor

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Valley of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Entertainment: Belly dance performance

Enjoy one last breakfast on the Nile before checking out. Your journey ends in style, with a visit to Luxor's East Bank and two of the greatest temples of the ancient world.

• 06:30: Breakfast on board
• 08:00: Disembarkation
• 08:30: Guided visit to the East Bank: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple

Karnak Temple is one of the largest religious complexes ever built, and walking through its Great Hypostyle Hall among giant stone columns is an unforgettable way to end your cruise. Luxor Temple, in the heart of the modern city, is famous for its grand entrance, huge statues and the Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak.

Meals: Breakfast

Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

Please note: The schedule may change due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.