Blue Shadow Nile Cruise 8 Days from Luxor with Abu simbel

The day begins with a signature breakfast before crossing to the West Bank to explore the "City of the Dead." You will enter the legendary Valley of the Kings, once known as the "Great Place of the Truth," where you can explore three royal tombs carved deep into the limestone. The journey continues to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which rises out of the desert plain in a series of dramatic terraces. Before returning to the cruise, you will pause at the Colossi of Memnon, the 18-meter-high remnants of Amenhotep III's funerary temple. At 1:00 PM, the vessel begins its graceful navigation south toward the Esna Lock. Enjoy lunch on the sun deck as you wait to cross this engineering landmark, followed by dinner as the ship sails toward Edfu for an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, you will visit the Temple of Edfu, the most completely preserved ancient religious structure in Egypt, dedicated to the hawk-god Horus. Your guide will explain the intricate reliefs detailing the mythic battle between Horus and Seth. By 9:30 AM, the ship sets sail for Kom Ombo, providing a perfect afternoon for relaxation by the pool or enjoying the "Visual Experience" of the fertile riverbanks. Upon arrival at 3:30 PM, you will explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare dual-symmetrical sanctuary shared by the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. The tour includes the fascinating Crocodile Mummification Museum before the ship continues sailing toward Aswan for a late-night arrival and overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, your exploration focuses on the wonders of Aswan. You will visit the High Dam, a monumental rock-fill structure that created the massive Lake Nasser, followed by a trip to the ancient granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk. This 1,168-tonne piece of stone offers unparalleled insight into how the Pharaohs fashioned their monuments. You will then take a motorboat to Agilkia Island to visit the romantic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and known as one of the last outposts of classical Egyptian style. The afternoon features a traditional Felucca ride around Elephantine Island, providing a peaceful perspective of the cataracts. Dinner and overnight stay are on board the Blue Shadow in Aswan.

The fifth day is dedicated to one of Egypt's greatest highlights: the Abu Simbel Temples. Carved directly into the sandstone cliffs between 1274 and 1244 BC, these monumental sanctuaries for Ramses II and Queen Nefertari were famously relocated by UNESCO to save them from the rising waters of the Nile. After marveling at the four colossal statues of the King, you return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore the local Aswan markets or relax on the sundeck. The evening provides a final opportunity to enjoy the ship’s luxury amenities in the tranquil southern atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay are on board in Aswan.

The Blue Shadow begins its return journey northward early in the morning. After breakfast, you can enjoy a leisurely morning on deck as the ship sails back toward Kom Ombo. Following a signature lunch, the vessel continues its northward course, arriving back in Edfu by the late afternoon. This leg of the trip is designed for reflection and wellness, allowing you to appreciate the Nile's scenery from a different angle. You will enjoy a themed dinner on board and have the evening to participate in the ship's cultural entertainment programs as the vessel continues sailing toward the Esna Lock for an overnight stay in Esna.

The ship sails back into Luxor in the early morning hours. After a fresh breakfast, you will have a final opportunity to explore the treasures of the East Bank or revisit the local markets for souvenirs. Lunch is served on board as the ship docks in its final home. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps opting for a final spa treatment or a walk through the city's vibrant streets. Your final night on the Blue Shadow is celebrated with a farewell dinner, marking the conclusion of your comprehensive week-long journey through the heart of ancient Egypt with Bastet Travel.

On your final morning, you will enjoy a signature breakfast on board before completing your check-out. Our local representative will meet you for a final private transfer in a modern air-conditioned vehicle to the Luxor Airport or your preferred hotel. You depart with a rejuvenated spirit and a lifetime of memories, having lived the most complete and unhurried story of the Nile with the professional hospitality and disciplined luxury of the Blue Shadow Nile Cruise 8 Days.

Yes for foreign passport holders.

No, bottled water is recommended.

It offers the best way to explore Egypt's history and culture.

From August to April when the weather is suitable, especially between Luxor and Aswan.

The Nile Cruise is considered one of the safest ways to explore Egypt with no major reported risks.