Nile Cruise: From Luxor to Aswan

Between Luxor and Aswan we will navigate the Nile at a leisurely pace taking in monumental sights and smaller ancient civilisations that once populated the great river. Our cruise aboard the Nile Lily begins with a detailed investigation of Luxor and its environs, from the great necropolis of the Valley of the Kings to the sandstone Colossi of Memnon; from the temples, sphinxes and monumental gateways of Karnak to Amon, the world’s largest columned temple. We then set sail to explore the remains of further ancient civilisations that once populated the Nile, onboard the two-masted sailing yacht Nile Lily, a faithful replica of a 19th century dahabiya. Between Luxor and Aswan we will navigate the Nile at a leisurely pace (using a small tug only when necessary), mooring each evening beside a village or in the open countryside. The Ptolemaic ruins of Kom Ombo, standing sentinel on a bend in the Nile, provide the most striking of settings for the temple of Sobek and Haroeris, dedicated to the crocodile god and his falcon-headed counterpart. After visiting Agilika Island, the idyllic stage for a remarkable series of monuments saved from the flooded island of Philae, we will inspect Aswan High Dam and tour the famous granite quarries. Launched in 2010, the Nile Lily is a faithful replica of a 19th century dahabiya, a common sight on the Nile in the days of the aristocracy, when the sophisticated traveller would meander from temple to temple in a chartered yacht. Relying on the soft river currents, the Nile Lily will take you back in time to a gentler, more gracious era. The Nile Lily will cruise at a leisurely pace, mooring on the banks of the Nile beside a village or in the open countryside. We will enjoy meals – both international and Egyptian cuisine – in the stylish and intimate dining area of the elegant salon or on the fore-deck. Enhanced with modern comforts and conveniences such as air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, the Nile Lily boasts 10 beautifully appointed, fully equipped outside-facing cabins. A crew of 15 ensures that all guests benefit from the very highest levels of service.