Discover the Secrets of Ancient Egypt: 8-Day MS Royal Viking Nile Cruise

Tour itinerary

• 1 Embark and Settle into Your Luxurious Nile Cruise

  Start with an embarkation on the MS Royal Viking cruise ship, and get settled in your stateroom. Take a while to orient yourself with the luxurious fittings onboard. Later in the evening, attend a welcome meeting that will give you an introduction to the coming exciting days. Wind up your first evening with a sumptuous 5-star dinner onboard, thus setting the scene for a truly unforgettable adventure. Spend the night moored in the ancient city of Luxor, with its wonders ready to be discovered in the days to come.

• 2 Explore the East Bank of Luxor and Sail to Edfu

  Your second day is an exciting visit to the East Bank of Luxor to see the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples. Experience these ruins' magnificence as you allow the history to work its charm on you. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise to Edfu. Dinner is served onboard with an overnight sleep in Edfu to be ready for your excitement in the forthcoming days.

• 3 Sail to Kom Ombo and Explore Sobek Temple

  Start the day by sailing towards Kom Ombo, arriving at about 9 AM. Take the opportunity to stop and visit the unusual Sobek Temple, which is dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Once you have visited this temple, continue on a cruise to Aswan, where you will enjoy the view of the Nile scenery on your way. Arrive in Aswan by 9 PM and then take dinner on board. Overnight in Aswan, docked and ready for more of the wonders of Egypt.

• 4 Discover Aswan's Highlights

  Start your day by exploring the best of Aswan, with optional visits to the High Dam, built in 1961, and to Philae Temple. Sail along the Nile in a felucca trip. Afternoon at leisure. You can optionally take an excursion to a Nubian village or join a camel ride along the picturesque banks of the Nile. Overnight in Aswan, soak into the cultural heritage of this ancient city.

• 5 Optional Abu Simbel Adventure or Relaxation and Sail to Edfu

  The day starts early this morning with an optional, pre-dawn excursion to Abu Simbel Temple. It lies an hour and a half south of Aswan in a mountainous region along the southern border. Here, you will visit the temple with its colossi and intricate carvings. Otherwise, the morning is at leisure on the sundeck as the cruise sails north up the Nile. This afternoon, the cruise departs for Edfu, arriving at about 9 PM. Spend the evening dining onboard, then have a peaceful night's stay in Edfu, ready to move on to the next leg.

• 6 Visit the Temple of Khnum and Return to Luxor

  Start the day sailing towards Esna, arriving around 10:00 AM to visit the beautiful Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god of creation. After your visit, take a relaxed cruise downstream to Luxor, arriving at about 2:30 pm. You have time this afternoon to go through the heart of Luxor and see how it comes alive with city life and historical sites. Spend the night in Luxor, closing out the day here and catching some rest before your final days on the Nile.

   

   

   

• 7 Explore the West Bank Wonders and Evening Light Show

  Spend your day exploring Luxor's West Bank, visiting the Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. You may wish to optional experience an unforgettable 'sound and light show' at the Karnak Temple this evening, where the ancient history of Egypt is vividly brought to life in a stunning spectacle. Overnight in Luxor and enjoy a good night's rest, thinking of the rich legacy and wonderful experiences that have been a part of your journey so far.

• 8 Explore the West Bank Wonders and Evening Light Show

  Spend today discovering the wonders of Luxor's West Bank: Explore the Valley of the Kings, the imposing Temple of Hatshepsut, and the enormous Colossi of Memnon. This evening, you may wish to consider an optional 'sound and light show' at the Karnak Temple, where ancient Egypt's intriguing history will come to life around you. Bring the day to a close with a good night's rest in Luxor, contemplating the rich legacy and wonderful experiences that have been yours.