Embark on a luxurious 4-day voyage aboard the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise, a five-star floating hotel that glides along the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser in southern Egypt. This exclusive journey blends the serene beauty of Nubian landscapes with the grandeur of ancient temples carved into the sandstone cliffs. Guests are treated to world-class amenities, elegant cabins with panoramic lake views, gourmet dining, and insightful guided tours of Egypt’s least-crowded yet most spectacular archaeological treasures. Each day unfolds a new chapter in the story of ancient Nubia, from the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples commissioned by Ramses II to the well-preserved sanctuaries of Amada, Wadi El Seboua, and Kalabsha. The experience combines refreshing relaxation on deck with deep cultural immersion. Sail through calm waters surrounded by desert horizons, unwind with evening entertainment under the starlit sky, and enjoy attentive hospitality that reflects the warmth of Egyptian tradition. Ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, and luxury travelers alike, this cruise offers an unforgettable look at the legacy of the pharaohs and the natural splendor of Lake Nasser. The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam promises a journey of comfort, discovery, and timeless beauty.
4-Day Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise – Nubian Treasures of Lake Nasser
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 Abu Simbel – Embarkation
Begin your journey at the magnificent Abu Simbel, where you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the luxurious Steigenberger Omar El Khayam. After check-in, embark on a guided exploration of the iconic Abu Simbel Temples, masterpieces commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II over 3,000 years ago to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari. Carved directly into the mountainside, these temples are renowned for their colossal statues and the remarkable solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctum twice each year. Visitors witness the grandeur of ancient Egyptian engineering while learning about the temple’s relocation during the construction of the High Dam—a testament to human ingenuity. As the sun sets, return to the cruise ship for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner, admiring the desert reflections on Lake Nasser’s calm waters before retiring to your cabin. Overnight in Abu Simbel. Included Activities: • Visit Abu Simbel Temples • Attend onboard welcome reception • Scenic evening sail start Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Kasr Ibrim – Amada – Wadi El Seboua
After breakfast, the cruise sails north to Kasr Ibrim, the only ancient site still standing in its original location above Lake Nasser’s waters. Though landing is restricted, the guide provides an in-depth explanation from the sun deck about its layered history as a fortress used by Nubians, Romans, and early Christians. Guests observe the ruins and gain insight into its strategic importance. Continue sailing to Amada, one of the oldest temples on Lake Nasser, built by Thutmose III and dedicated to Amun-Re and Ra-Horakhty. Inside, visitors admire colorful reliefs depicting scenes of devotion and conquest that remain vivid after millennia. The day continues with a visit to the Temple of Derr and the Tomb of Penout, revealing daily life in ancient Nubia. In the afternoon, the cruise proceeds to Wadi El Seboua, known as the Valley of the Lions, where rows of sphinxes once guarded the temple causeways. The evening offers relaxation on deck or cultural entertainment onboard. Overnight in Wadi El Seboua. Included Activities: • View Kasr Ibrim Citadel from the deck • Visit Amada Temple and Tomb of Penout • Explore Wadi El Seboua Temple complex Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Wadi El Seboua – Dakka – Kalabsha
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for another day of archaeological discovery. Begin with a deeper exploration of Wadi El Seboua’s temple precincts, originally built by Ramses II and later relocated to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The guide narrates stories of religious symbolism, Nubian artistry, and the fusion of Egyptian and local cultures visible in the carvings. Continue to the Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom. Here, visitors admire the symmetrical pylons and hieroglyphic inscriptions that reveal its Greco-Roman influences. The atmosphere is serene, surrounded by shifting golden sands and lake breezes. The cruise proceeds toward Kalabsha, where guests can relax on deck or attend an onboard lecture on the temple relocation project. By afternoon, the ship docks near Kalabsha, offering views of its grand columns silhouetted against the sunset. Dinner is served with Nubian flavors as the cruise lights shimmer on the water. Overnight in Kalabsha. Included Activities: • Guided tour of Wadi El Seboua Temples • Visit Dakka Temple and learn about Thoth worship • Attend cultural lecture onboard Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kalabsha – Disembarkation in Aswan
Following breakfast, guests disembark for a guided tour of Kalabsha Temple, a marvel of Nubian sandstone architecture dedicated to the god Mandulis. The temple’s colossal gateway and intricate reliefs date back to the Roman period, offering a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s later dynasties. Visitors explore its courtyards and sanctuaries while learning how it was meticulously relocated block by block from its original island site. The guide shares stories of Nubian craftsmanship and the temple’s artistic blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman motifs. Adjacent to Kalabsha are the small but evocative Kiosk of Kertassi and the Temple of Beit El Wali, both highlighting Ramses II’s devotion to Nubian deities. After the tour, return to the cruise for check-out and transfer to Aswan, where the journey concludes. Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s southern heritage and the serene beauty of Lake Nasser. Overnight in Aswan. Included Activities: • Visit Kalabsha Temple • Explore Kiosk of Kertassi and Beit El Wali • Disembarkation and transfer to Aswan Meals Included: Breakfast
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