Before or after diving the fantastic Red Sea, experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt on our exclusive private LGBTQ+ Nile cruise aboard the historic and unique S.S. Karim steamship!
From the Red Sea liveaboard, we'll be transferred across the desert to Luxor, where you'll be amazed by the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of Kings, and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. There we'll board an authentic steamship, the S.S. Karim, for a seven-night adventure up the Nile accompanied by our own English-speaking Egyptologist, stopping along the way at stunning temples built on the banks of the river. This steamship was the private yacht of Egypt's former King Farouk. After our cruise, you'll return to Cairo to visit the Giza Pyramids, the new Grand Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo
"All Egypt is the gift of the Nile." - Herodotus
Travel with us to experience Egypt in comfort, safety, and style!
Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise Highlights:
The Temple of Karnak
Built in the 20th century B.C., it is the biggest of the ancient Egyptian temples and was the seat of the god Amun, and the administrative capital of the country. A visit to the temple begins at the sacred quay, decorated with a Nilometer showing flood levels of the Nile and then passes through an avenue, bordered by statues of ram-headed sphinxes, to the temple itself. Inside the temple there is an open courtyard with a smaller temple on the left-hand side. Then there is a large hypostyle hall, built during the reigns of Seti I and Rameses II, containing 134 pillars, twelve of which are topped with capitals in the form of open papyrus flowers.
The Luxor Temple
Built by Amenhotep III as a private residence for god Amun, but Rameses II later added statues of himself to either side of the temple: two seated and two standing. Inside there is an open coutyard built by Rameses II, comprising a pillared colonnade; and a second courtyard by Amenhotep III with pillars decorated with papyrus designs. The Luxor Museum contains a remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian sculpture found during the course of restoration at the Karnak and Luxor temples.
 The Valley of the Kings
This site contains a large number of tombs of the Kings and Pharoahs, including the tombs of: Seti I, Rameses II, Horemheb and Tutankhamun, which was the only tomb to be discovered intact.
The Temple of Edfu
This temple dates to the Ptolemaic period and is the largest and most complete of the different temples situated along the banks of the Nile. It is located in the city of Edfu. It was a center of the cult of Horus.
The Temple of Kom Ombo
The double temple dates to the Ptolemaic period and its inscriptions contain references to the Ptolemies and to the Roman Emperors, Domitian, Trajan, and Caracalla.
Optional Abu Simbel:
Visit the stunning temple of Abu Simbel, an entire mountain face moved above the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the completion of the Aswan High Dam.
Followed by Cairo Highlights:
- The Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) – The Great Pyramid is situated in Giza and is one of the Seven Wonders on the World. Cheops, the second Pharaoh of the IVth Dynasty, built it. It once rose to a height of 146 meters. Owing to natural wear and tear, however, its present height is 137 m.
- The Sphinx – The Sphinx is one of the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt. It stands as a guardian of the ancient necropolis.
- The Egyptian Museum, including the golden mask of King Tutankhamen
Detailed Itinerary
The tour dovetails perfectly as an extension to either of our two Red Sea liveaboards and includes air-conditioned coach transfer between the liveaboard and the ship.
Liveaboard Diving on board Emperor Elite
October 5-12, 2023 (Thursday – Thursday): including 6 days of four dives a day.
Liveaboard Diving on board Royal Evolution
October 19-26, 2023 (Thursday – Thursday): including 6 days of four dives a day.
S.S. Karim Nile Cruise + Cairo Itinerary:
- October 12 (Thursday):
Fly to Luxor (or bus transfer from Emperor Elite). Sail to Esna and overnight.
- October 13 (Friday):
Visit Esna Temple. Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
Sail to Kom Ombo and overnight.
- October 14 (Saturday):
Visit the Kom Ombo Temple dedicated to two gods, Haroeris and the Crocodile God Sobek, then sail to Aswan.
- October 15 (Sunday):
Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and the Temple of Philae. Afternoon felucca sail.
- October 16 (Monday):
Optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel.
Afternoon scenic sail to Edfu and overnight.
- October 17 (Tuesday):
Sail to
Luxor, crossing the locks at Esna. This is an exciting place to buy a traditional galabeya from the vendors in rowboats. Overnight in Luxor.
- October 18 (Wednesday): Visit Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Afternoon guided tour of the jaw-dropping Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor.
- October 19 (Thursday): Disembark and transfer to Marsa Alam to board Royal Evolution (or fly to Cairo)
- October 20 or 27 (Friday):
Tour of the Giza plateau featuring the Great Pyramid and Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara, back to the hotel, evening pickup from the hotel for hosted dinner at Abou El Sid. Overnight Cairo.
- October 21 or 28 (Saturday):
Tour of the Egyptian National Museum where you will be amazed by King Tut's treasures, followed by the Citadel of Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque. Spend the afternoon at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, then experience sunset at Al Azhar Park overlooking the "City of a Thousand Minarets" as the evening call to prayer resonates throughout the city. Dinner at Studio Misr. Overnight Cairo.
- October 22 or 29 (Sunday):
Depart for home anytime.
Itinerary subject to modification.
Included:
- Seven-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back, including meals and guided sightseeing.
- Three nights hotel in Cairo, double occupancy, and sightseeing
- Tourist site entrance fees
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on cruise. Daily breakfast, two lunches.
- English speaking guide throughout
Not included:
- International and domestic airfare
- Emperor Elite liveaboard October 5-12, 2023 ($1750)
- Or Royal Evolution liveaboard October 19-26, 2022 ($1695)
- Optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel if desired (currently $375)
- Egyptian Visa ($25 upon arrival)
- Travel Insurance (required for this expedition)
- Any additional hotel nights before the liveaboard or in Cairo
Deposit:
A $750 deposit is due upon booking. Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
Travel to Egypt
- From North America, you can fly non-stop from JFK on EgyptAir, a Star Alliance member airline, to arrive in Cairo on Thursday morning and connect to Luxor, or book one of the many flight options via Europe - whatever is convenient for you.
- Plan to depart from Cairo on Sunday, October 22 or 29, depending on which liveaboard you choose.
- Additional hotel nights can also be arranged for early arrivals or longer stays.
- E-mail us for assistance with international flight selection.
We'll help you find the best option online for your flights.
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