Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise

Aswan is where your Nile story begins, a relaxed riverside city of smooth granite rocks and Nubian villages. Step aboard the Sonesta Nile Goddess before lunch, and in the early afternoon set off for one of the loveliest temples in Egypt. Tonight starts with the Captain's welcome cocktail and finishes with a lively Nubian show.

12:00: Board the Sonesta Nile 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, built to honor the goddess Isis, sits on its own island in the Nile, so getting there means a short and scenic boat ride. When Lake Nasser threatened to flood it, the temple was dismantled and put back together, block by block, on higher ground. It remains one of Egypt's most picture-perfect sights.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Nile Goddess in Aswan

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Visits: Philae Temple

Entertainment: Captain's welcome cocktail, Nubian show

Your morning starts with the ship gliding north on the Nile. Two remarkable temples fill your day, with relaxing time on deck between them. After dinner, dress up in a traditional galabia for a party that's always a guest favorite.

• 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

Right beside the river, Kom Ombo Temple is one of a kind, built to honor two gods at the same time: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a form of Horus. Its two identical halves sit side by side, each with its own halls and sanctuary. Later, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, amazes with its massive entrance towers and richly carved walls.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Nile Goddess in Esna

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple

Entertainment: Galabia party

While you sleep, the ship sails on to Luxor, arriving in time for breakfast. Then it's across the river to the West Bank, the ancient burial ground of Egypt's kings and queens, for a morning you'll remember. Spend the afternoon at your own pace on board, and end the night with a belly dance performance.

• 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

Hidden in the desert hills, the Valley of the Kings shelters the tombs of Egypt's pharaohs, their walls alive with painted scenes and hieroglyphs. The Valley of the Queens holds the tombs of royal wives and children. Nearby, the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is built right into the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari. Finish at the Colossi of Memnon, a pair of giant seated statues that have stood guard over the West Bank for over 3,000 years.

Overnight: Aboard the Sonesta Nile 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

Savor a final breakfast on the river, then check out. Before you go, there's one more treat: Luxor's East Bank, home to two of the most magnificent temples ever built.

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

Karnak Temple ranks among the biggest religious sites in the world, and standing inside its Great Hypostyle Hall, surrounded by massive columns, makes for a perfect finale. In the center of modern Luxor, Luxor Temple impresses with its monumental entrance, giant statues and the Avenue of Sphinxes that once led all the way to Karnak.

Meals: Breakfast

Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

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