M/S Movenpick Royal Lotus

Aswan is larger, but much quieter than Luxor, it is Egypt’s southernmost city and one of her most beautiful, sitting alongside some of the best stretches of the Nile.Situated on the first Cataract of the Nile and offering visitors year round sun, Aswan, is also pleasantly warm in Winter. It is within easy reach of the Nubian Temples on the shore of Lake Nasser, such as the Temple of Philae, the unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam. Abu Simbel is also accessible from Aswan and is well worth a visit. Watching the feluccas meander down the Nile as the sun sets is an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

The modern city of Edfu on the West bank of the Nile lies close to the remains of the ancient settlement of Tell Edfu where you will find the remnants of a small provincial step pyramid. Here you will also find the Temple of Horus. This completely preserved Ptolemaic temple was built during the reign of Cleopatra VII.

Once called the City of the Fish, famous for the abundant Nile Perch, Esna sits on the West bank of the Nile. Here ancient and modern Egypt meets. Esna is home to the red sandstone Temple of Khnum, an ancient Egyptian place of worship dedicated to the ram headed God Khnum and the modern canal lock system and barrage which controls the annual floods. The tourist bazaar is a must for those looking to pick up a local treasure.

Kom Ombo is an agricultural town that lies on an ancient trade route between Nubia and the Nile Valley. The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique double temple, with two symmetrical sides. One half dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the other dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Luxor is unique among the world’s cities; originally built on the site of ancient Thebes, it is home to some of the most spectacular ancient sites the world has to offer. The West Bank of the Nile boasts the valley of the Kings, dotted with the tombs of the Pharaohs, and the inspiring Temple of Karnak, which is one of the larger temple complexes still in existence. The smaller Luxor Temple is in the centre of town. The area around Luxor is full of historical interest, whilst the town itself offers a great selection of first class hotels from which you can explore the area.

Standing on the East Bank of the Nile, Qena is famous for its pottery and proximity to Dendera. Dendera is home to the Temple of Hathor, one of the best preserved temples in all Egypt, built to celebrate the goddess of love, joy and beauty. Qena is also an important stop over for those travelling to the Red Sea.

The Philae Temple sits on an island in the middle of the Nile River. The temple contains monuments of various eras, extending from the Pharaohs to the Caesars and is said to be one of the burial places of Osiris. Philae was not only an important sacred place but also a significant centre of commerce and trading between the ancient Nubians and Egyptians.