Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise

After breakfast, cross to Luxor's West Bank with your Egyptologist guide for one of the most memorable mornings of the cruise.

Descend into the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in beautifully painted tombs cut deep into the desert hills. Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, whose terraces rise against the cliffs in a design unlike any other in Egypt. Your last stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues that have watched over the plain for more than 3,000 years.

Return to the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise for lunch as the ship sets sail south toward Esna and Edfu. The afternoon is yours to slow down: relax on the sun deck, enjoy afternoon tea and watch village life and green fields drift past along the riverbanks.

Overnight: On board the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Walking: One of the more active mornings, with uneven ground, steps and slopes in and around some tombs.

Good to know: The standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers selected regular tombs. Tutankhamun's Tomb and other special tombs need separate tickets.

After breakfast, head ashore in Edfu for the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The ride from the dock to the temple is by traditional horse-drawn carriage, with the fare included.

With its massive entrance towers, roofed halls and granite falcon statues, Edfu gives you a rare, almost complete picture of what a Ptolemaic temple looked like. Back on board, lunch is served as the ship continues south toward Kom Ombo.

Later in the day, visit Kom Ombo Temple. Unlike Edfu, it sits right on the riverbank, just a short walk from the dock. The temple is unusual because it's split into two matching halves, one for Sobek, the crocodile god, and one for Haroeris. Return to the ship as it sails on toward Aswan.

Overnight: Docked in Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple

Good to know: Edfu Temple is inland and reached by the included horse-drawn carriage, while Kom Ombo Temple is on the riverbank and reached on foot from the dock. A small tip for your carriage driver is appreciated.

After breakfast on board in Aswan, set out with your Egyptologist guide. Your first stop is the ancient granite quarries, home to the Unfinished Obelisk. Left where it cracked thousands of years ago, it shows exactly how ancient stonemasons cut and shaped these giant monuments.

Next, board the included motorboat to Agilkia Island and the Temple of Philae, dedicated mainly to the goddess Isis. During the international campaign to save Nubia's monuments from rising waters, the entire temple was taken apart and rebuilt, stone by stone, on higher ground.

Return to the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise for lunch and enjoy a slower afternoon in Aswan. Depending on the confirmed program, optional experiences can be arranged during your stay.

Overnight: Docked in Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visits: Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple

Good to know: The motorboat to Philae is included. The ride is open-air, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially in the warmer months.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board, then check out of your cabin by around 8:00 AM. Your luggage will be handled according to your onward travel plans.

Your Memphis Tours representative will help you disembark and transfer you to Aswan Airport or the train station to continue your journey.

If you'd like to see Abu Simbel and it doesn't fit into your confirmed cruise schedule, it can be arranged by adding an extra night in Aswan before or after the cruise.

Meals: Breakfast

Disembarkation: Cabins must be vacated by around 8:00 AM. Your departure transfer follows according to your confirmed travel plans.

Good to know: Leave enough time between disembarkation and your flight or train. Always check Abu Simbel timings against your confirmed sailing and departure schedule.