Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise

When you arrive at Abu Simbel Airport or reach your hotel, you will be met and escorted to the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise for boarding. Embarkation starts at 13:00 PM, and lunch will be served on board once you are settled. Later in the day, head out to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, hewn from a sandstone cliff by Pharaoh Ramesses II. Learn how these iconic sanctuaries were moved in the 1960s to protect them from the waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the High Dam. Return to the ship for afternoon tea on deck, then enjoy dinner and your first night on board. Optional: In the evening, you may choose to attend the Abu Simbel Sound & Light Show, where the story of the temples is brought to life through projections, music, and dramatic sound effects. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board

Begin with breakfast as the cruise glides toward Kasr Ibrim. From the sundeck, take in the rare sight of this ancient stronghold, notable as the only monument on Lake Nasser that remains in its original location. After lunch, go ashore to visit the Temple of Amada, recognized as the oldest temple on Lake Nasser and built by Thutmose III. Continue to the Temple of Derr, erected by Ramesses II, and conclude at the rock-cut Tomb of Pennut, created for a Viceroy of Nubia. Back on board, enjoy a cocktail party and a traditional Nubian show before dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board

After breakfast, set out to explore Wadi El Seboua, an important archaeological area featuring the Temple of Ramesses II along with smaller sanctuaries such as the Temple of Dakka and the Temple of Maharraqua. Walk the celebrated sphinx-lined avenue known as the “Valley of the Lions,” which gives the site its distinctive grandeur. Return to the ship for lunch, then sail onward toward Aswan. Spend the evening unwinding on board, followed by dinner and an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board

Enjoy your last breakfast on board before disembarking for a guided visit to Kalabsha Temple. This relocated Roman-Egyptian temple, dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, stands near the High Dam and is among the most striking monuments in the area. After the tour, check out from the cruise and transfer to your hotel in Aswan or to Aswan Airport to continue your journey. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Not included

Upon arriving in Aswan, you will be met and transferred to the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise. After check-in, enjoy lunch on board, then set off to discover Aswan’s highlights. Visit the High Dam, built in the 1960s to manage the Nile’s annual flooding. Continue to Agilika Island to explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Finish with the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous granite monument still lying in the quarry where it was carved. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight in Aswan. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board in Aswan

After breakfast, join your guide for a visit to Kalabsha Temple, moved from its original setting after Lake Nasser was formed. Dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, the temple displays an unusual mix of Roman and Egyptian artistic elements. Continue to Beit El Wali, a rock-cut temple commissioned by Ramesses II and later rescued from the rising waters of the lake. Return to the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam for lunch as the ship sails across the Tropic of Cancer toward Wadi El Seboua. Dinner is served on board, with an overnight stay as you continue en route. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board (en route)

Following breakfast, visit Wadi El Seboua, widely known as the “Valley of the Lions” thanks to its avenue of sphinxes. Explore the temples built by Ramesses II, then continue to the Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom. Head back to the cruise for lunch, and then sail to Amada. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax on board while enjoying the expansive desert scenery around Lake Nasser. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board

Start the day with a visit to the Temple of Amada, the oldest monument on Lake Nasser, dating to the 18th Dynasty. Continue to the Temple of Derr and then the relocated Tomb of Pennut, carved for the Viceroy of Nubia. Return to the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam for lunch as you sail to Kasr Ibrim. Observe the ancient citadel from the sundeck, remarkable for being the only lakeside monument still standing in its original place. The cruise then continues onward to Abu Simbel. Optional: In the evening, you may attend the Sound & Light Show at Abu Simbel, featuring narration, projections, and music that retell the temple’s story. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board

After breakfast, check out from your Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise and join a guided tour of the world-famous Abu Simbel Temples, relocated in the 1960s to prevent their submersion by Lake Nasser. Admire the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and his beloved queen Nefertari, counted among Egypt’s most extraordinary masterpieces. After the visit, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport or to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Not included