Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey along the majestic Nile aboard the luxurious MS Mayfair Cruise. This carefully curated itinerary blends the ancient wonders of Egypt with the comfort and elegance of a five-star river cruise. The MS Mayfair is renowned for its refined design, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality, offering travelers an intimate and enriching experience. As you sail from Aswan to Luxor, explore temples that have stood for millennia, witness breathtaking desert landscapes, and learn the stories of gods, pharaohs, and ancient civilizations. Each day promises immersive excursions guided by expert Egyptologists, revealing the secrets of monuments such as the Temple of Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. Between explorations, relax on deck, savor gourmet cuisine, and enjoy the tranquil rhythm of the river. This cruise perfectly combines cultural depth with serene relaxation, making it ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers seeking to rediscover Egypt’s timeless allure. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless transfers, your journey aboard the MS Mayfair will be a harmonious blend of adventure, discovery, and indulgence. Step aboard, and let the Nile guide you through the heart of ancient Egypt’s incomparable legacy.
4-Day MS Mayfair Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
4 Days - 3 Nights
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure at Egyptian airports
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels with daily breakfast
- Professional licensed Egyptologist tour guide throughout the trip
- All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- Domestic transportation during tours
- All service charges and local taxes
- International airfare to and from Egypt
- Entry visa fees to Egypt
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and minibar
- Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages and meals not specified in the program
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Embark on MS Mayfair
Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise for embarkation before lunch. After settling into your elegant cabin, begin your journey with a visit to the High Dam, an engineering marvel built in the 1960s to control the Nile’s flooding and provide hydroelectric power. Here, visitors learn about its historical impact on Egypt’s modernization and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nasser. Next, marvel at the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This enchanting temple was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from submersion after the dam’s construction. Wander through its beautifully inscribed courtyards and learn about the myths of Isis and Osiris that have enchanted Egyptologists for decades. End the day with a serene felucca ride around the botanical gardens and Elephantine Island, offering a glimpse of Aswan’s tranquil beauty. Overnight in Aswan. Included Activities: • Visit the High Dam • Explore Philae Temple • Felucca ride around Aswan. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples
This morning, the MS Mayfair sets sail toward Kom Ombo, where you will explore the only double temple in Egypt, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed deity. The temple’s symmetry and twin sanctuaries make it an architectural marvel. Visitors can admire intricate carvings depicting ancient surgical instruments, reflecting Egypt’s advanced medical knowledge. Nearby, the Crocodile Museum showcases mummified crocodiles and artifacts that reveal how the Nile once teemed with these creatures, worshiped as divine symbols. Afterward, the cruise continues to Edfu, where you will visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this colossal sanctuary offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Egyptian mythology through its towering pylons and detailed hieroglyphic reliefs. The temple’s grandeur emphasizes the enduring devotion to Horus as a protector of kingship. Return to the ship to relax on the sun deck as you sail toward Esna. Overnight in Edfu. Included Activities: • Visit Kom Ombo Temple • Explore the Crocodile Museum • Discover the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Sail to Luxor – Karnak and Luxor Temples
After breakfast, the MS Mayfair continues sailing to Luxor, known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, you will begin your exploration with the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, a vast assemblage of sanctuaries, pylons, and obelisks dedicated mainly to the Theban gods. Walking through the Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 colossal columns, visitors experience the awe that ancient worshippers must have felt. Learn how this temple grew over 2,000 years, reflecting Egypt’s evolving religious and political history. Next, visit Luxor Temple, gracefully illuminated at sunset, showcasing statues of Ramses II and grand colonnades. Built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II, the temple was a central hub for the Opet Festival. Strolling along the avenue of sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak reveals the sacred processions that once animated ancient Thebes. Return to your cruise for evening entertainment and fine dining. Overnight in Luxor. Included Activities: • Visit Karnak Temple • Explore Luxor Temple • Evening relaxation on board. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: West Bank of Luxor – Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark from the MS Mayfair to explore Luxor’s West Bank, home to the Valley of the Kings. This necropolis served as the burial site for pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Visitors descend into richly decorated tombs, where vibrant hieroglyphs and scenes of the afterlife reveal the Egyptians’ spiritual beliefs and artistic mastery. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, an architectural masterpiece nestled beneath cliffs. Learn about Egypt’s iconic female pharaoh and her remarkable achievements in trade and temple construction. Finally, stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Standing in silent grandeur, they have witnessed centuries of history and myth. After the tour, you will be transferred to the Luxor airport or your next destination, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile journey. Overnight in Luxor. Included Activities: • Visit Valley of the Kings • Explore Hatshepsut Temple • See the Colossi of Memnon. Meals Included: Breakfast.
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