Trip highlights
- Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple (3-night itinerary), Unfinished Obelisk.
- Kom Ombo: Double Temple of Sobek and Horus.
- Edfu: Temple of Horus.
- Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple.
- Onboard: Spa with aromatherapy, Galabeya party, discotheque.
Overview
The Blue Shadow Nile Cruise offers a modern and luxurious journey along the Nile River. Recently launched, this 5-star vessel features 54 deluxe cabins and three suites, all elegantly furnished and equipped with panoramic windows. Guests can enjoy a variety of onboard amenities, including a swimming pool, a sundeck, a spa with aromatherapy and massage services, and a fitness center. The cruise provides a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, with evenings highlighted by traditional entertainment and disco nights.
Itinerary
Daily Itinerary: 3 Nights From Aswan to Luxor
Day 01Arrival in Aswan & City Tour
Upon arrival at Aswan Airport or the Railway Station, you will be welcomed by a representative. The tour begins with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a significant engineering project completed in 1970. Continue to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and conclude at the Unfinished Obelisk to observe ancient stone-carving techniques. After the tour, board the Blue Shadow for lunch and a relaxing evening.
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 02Kom Ombo, Edfu & Sailing
Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Continue sailing to Edfu. After lunch on board, explore the Temple of Edfu, celebrated for its exceptional preservation. The ship then sails towards Luxor. The evening features a traditional Galabeya party and dinner on board.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 03Luxor West & East Banks
Begin the day with a visit to the West Bank of Luxor. Explore the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of New Kingdom pharaohs, followed by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch on board, visit the East Bank to see the massive Karnak Temple complex and the Luxor Temple, connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes. The evening includes dinner and disco entertainment.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Disembarkation
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at 8:00 AM. You will be transferred to Luxor Airport or the Railway Station for your final departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
Daily Itinerary: 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan
Day 01Arrival in Luxor & East Bank
Upon arrival in Luxor, transfer to the Blue Shadow for embarkation and lunch. In the afternoon, visit the East Bank to explore the Karnak Temple complex and the Luxor Temple, witnessing the grandeur of these ancient religious sites. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Luxor.
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 02Luxor West Bank & Sailing
After breakfast, explore the West Bank of Luxor. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. (Note: Entrance to Tutankhamun’s tomb requires an extra ticket). Return to the ship for lunch and begin sailing towards Esna and Edfu. Pass through the Esna Lock and spend the night near Edfu.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 03Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, renowned for its intricate hieroglyphs. Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. The cruise continues sailing towards Aswan. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Galabeya party and dinner on board.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Aswan City Tour
After breakfast, explore Aswan’s key landmarks. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk to see ancient quarrying methods and the Aswan High Dam, a symbol of modern engineering. Enjoy the final evening on board in Aswan.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 05Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark from the cruise at 8:00 AM. Transfer to Aswan Airport or the Railway Station for your departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
What is included
Included
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure.
- Accommodation on the Nile Cruise on a Full Board basis.
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide during tours.
- Bottled mineral water during daily tours.
- All taxes and service charges.
Not included
- Entrance fees to sightseeing sites.
- International airfare.
- Extra meals and beverages.
- Optional tours.
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.).
- Tipping.
Questions about this trip
Which Blue Shadow programme gives an extra night?
The Luxor-to-Aswan version has four nights; the Aswan-to-Luxor version has three. Both cover the main river temples, but the order and time spent in each city differ.
Is Tutankhamun’s tomb covered by the standard Blue Shadow visit?
The West Bank programme includes the Valley of the Kings, but a visit to Tutankhamun’s tomb needs an additional ticket. Monument entrance fees are excluded from the package price.
What meals are included aboard Blue Shadow?
Accommodation is on a full-board basis. Extra meals and beverages are excluded, so full board should not be read as an unlimited-drinks package.
