Trip highlights
- Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple, 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: Swimming pool, Galabeya party, belly dancing performances.
Overview
Experience the elegance of the Nile aboard the MS Medea Nile Cruise, a 5-star vessel designed to reflect the sophistication of a classic era. The ship features rich wood paneling, lavish linens, and timeless furniture, creating a refined atmosphere for your journey. With a capacity of 120 guests, the onboard restaurant offers a choice between attentive waiter service and an expansive buffet highlighting both authentic Egyptian cuisine and international dishes.
Guests can unwind in the spacious lounge bar, enjoying drinks and panoramic views, or retreat to the private bar area furnished with plush Chesterfield sofas—perfect for reading or quiet relaxation. The top deck features a sprawling sundeck equipped with a swimming pool, sun loungers, and fitness facilities. Evening entertainment includes traditional Egyptian music and belly dancing performances, ensuring a culturally immersive experience.
Itinerary
Daily Itinerary: 3 Nights From Aswan to Luxor
Day 01Arrival in Aswan
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 modern engineering marvel. Continue to the Temple of Philae, located on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. The tour concludes at the Unfinished Obelisk, which offers insight into ancient stone-carving techniques. After the tour, board the MS Medea 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, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. 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 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 MS Medea 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 on board.
- 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 Elder. The cruise continues sailing towards Aswan. In the evening, enjoy a festive Galabeya Party celebrating Egyptian culture.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Aswan City Tour
After breakfast, discover Aswan’s treasures. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk to observe ancient quarrying techniques 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 onward journey.
- 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
Can I fly into Luxor and leave the Medea cruise in Aswan?
Yes. That matches the four-night Luxor-to-Aswan option. The three-night version runs from Aswan to Luxor, so it needs the opposite arrival and departure arrangements.
Does Medea’s shorter programme include both banks in Luxor?
Yes. The three-night programme describes West Bank and East Bank visits on its Luxor sightseeing day, before disembarkation the next morning.
Does full board on Medea mean the drinks are included?
Extra meals and beverages are listed as excluded. Full board covers the included meals during the cabin stay, while monument admission and optional tours are also separate.
