Before diving the fantastic Red Sea, experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt on our exclusive private LGBTQ+ Nile cruise aboard the beautiful Aggressor Nile Queen II!
Our Egyptian adventure begins in 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 the Aggressor Nile Queen II for a five-night adventure up the Nile accompanied by our own private English-speaking Egyptologist, stopping along the way at stunning temples built on the banks of the river.
From Aswan, we'll cross the desert to our Red Sea liveaboard. After diving, we'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 located 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 our Red Sea liveaboard and includes air-conditioned coach transfer between the Nile cruise and the liveaboard.
Aggressor Nile Cruise + Cairo Itinerary:
- June 14 (Saturday):
Fly from Cairo to Luxor and check in to Aggressor Nile Queen II. Afternoon guided tour of the jaw-dropping Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor.
- June 15 (Sunday):
Visit Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Cross the Lock and sail to Esna. This is a great place to buy a traditional galabeya to wear on Tuesday!
- June 16 (Monday):
After breakfast visit El Kab, a site where larger Nile cruises can't dock. After lunch, ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
- June 17 (Tuesday):
Gebel Silsileh and El Bashier Island. Nile swim and Bedouin Dinner.
- June 18 (Wednesday):
Visit the Kom Ombo Temple dedicated to two gods, Haroeris and the Crocodile God Sobek, then sail to Aswan.
- June 19 (Thursday):
Visit the High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel.
Disembark Nile cruise here in Aswan and transfer to Port Ghalib.
Liveaboard Diving on board Royal Evolution
June 19-26, 2025 (Thursday – Thursday): including 6 days of four dives a day.
- June 26 (Thursday):
Disembark Royal Evolution liveaboard and fly to Cairo mid-day.
Afternoon at leisure, followed by hosted dinner at Abou El Sid. Overnight Cairo.
- June 27 (Friday):
Tour of the Giza plateau featuring the Great Pyramid and Sphinx, followed by Memphis & Sakkara. Evening at leisure
- June 28 (Saturday):
Tour of the new new Grand Egyptian Museum where you will be amazed by King Tut's treasures, followed by the Citadel of Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque. Lunch at Abou Tarek.
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.
Farewell dinner at Studio Misr. Overnight Cairo.
- June 29 (Sunday):
Depart for home anytime - early morning is fine.
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
- Royal Evolution liveaboard June 19-26, 2025 ($1695)
- Optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel if available (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 or Washington DC on EgyptAir, a Star Alliance member airline, to arrive in Cairo on Saturday morning and connect to Luxor. Alternatively book one of the many flight options to Cairo and arrive on Friday, June 13, then stay overnight at Le Meridien Cairo Airport.
- Plan to depart from Cairo on Sunday, June 29.
- 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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