Lake Nasser Cruises

Lake Nasser Cruises – Ancient sites, abundant wildlife & African desert

A cruise on the less-travelled Lake Nasser will reward you with beautiful scenery. Choose between two itineraries.
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Cruising on Lake Nasser enables you to experience the perfect combination of exploring ancient sites in splendid isolation and relaxing on board a modern luxury cruise ship. The shoreline of picturesque Lake Nasser, where Egypt overlaps with Africa, has some of the country’s most diverse and dramatic desert landscapes. It’s abundant in wildlife too. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the vastness of Abu Simbel.

Life on board
The modern Lake Nasser Cruises offer a fantastic range of accommodation, from luxurious cabins to royal and imperial suites. Each cruise ship is decorated in its own style. All cabins and suites are air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms that feature a bathtub/shower and all the facilities you expect on a luxury cruise. In addition to a dining room, bar and lounge, there is plenty of outside space, including a large sundeck with an outdoor swimming pool and a pool bar. Further facilities include a spa with gym room, massage, sauna & Jacuzzi.

Lake Nasser Cruises – Choose your itinerary 
The Lake Nasser cruises operate between Aswan and Abu Simbel for three or four nights. In either direction, Lake Nasser cruises allow passengers plenty of time to explore the Abu Simbel monuments, a UNESCO World heritage Site. The four-night itinerary travels at a more leisurely pace.

From Aswan to Abu Simbel

Cruising southwards – From Aswan to Abu Simbel

When
Every Saturday on board M.S. Kasr Ibrim – 55 cabins and 10 suites
Every Monday on board M.S. Prince Abbas – 43 cabins and 22 suites
Every Monday on board M.S. Nubian Sea – 52 cabins and 2 suites
Every Monday on board M.S. Omar El Khayam – 68 cabins and 12 suites

Sample Itinerary – Aswan to Abu Simbel – 4 Nights

Day 1 » Embarking in Aswan
Transfer to Lake Nasser port in Aswan to board your cruise ship for the four-night cruise. Lunch on board followed by a visit to the ancient sites at Kalabsha: the Ptolemaic Kalabsha temple, the temple of Beit el-Wali and the Roman Kiosk of Qertassi. Dinner and overnight on board at Kalabsha.

Day 2 » Sail to Wadi El Sebua (140 km – 11 hours)
A full day cruising through some of the most spectacular and remote scenery in Egypt, passing eternal desert scenes, sun-baked hills and wildlife. Dinner and overnight on board at Wadi El Sebua.

Day 3 » Sail to Amada (50 km – 4 hours)
Begin the day with a visit to the temple at Wadi El Sebua and the relocated Graeco-Roman temples of Dakka and Maharraqa. Lunch on board while sailing to Amada. Visit the temples of Amada and Derr. Finally, see the rock-cut tomb of Pennut before returning to the boat. Dinner and overnight on board at Amada.

Day 4 » Sail to Qasr Ibrim and Abu Simbel (90 km – 6.5 hours)
Sail on to Qasr Ibrim, the only ancient site in lower Nubia not to have been flooded by the lake. View its fortress from the ship’s sun deck, as visitors are not permitted to go ashore. Set sail for Abu Simbel. Later in the afternoon visit the twin temples of Abu Simbel, undoubtedly Ramesses II’s most iconic site. The day ends with the Sound-and-Light show at the temples. The evening is rounded off with a candlelit dinner on board.

Day 5 » Disembarkation at Abu Simbel
Watching dawn break over the temples is a unique experience. A dawn tour literally reveals the temples in a new light: mystical, mysterious and wonderful. The cruise ends in Abu Simbel.

Customized travel plan
Looking for a customized travel plan for your Egypt trip, including a Lake Nasser Cruise? Ask a quote.

From Abu Simbel to Aswan

Cruising northwards – From Abu Simbel to Aswan

When
Every Wednesday on board M.S. Kasr Ibrim – 55 cabins and 10 suites
Every Friday on board M.S. Prince Abbas – 43 cabins and 22 suites
Every Friday on board M.S. Omar El Khayam – 68 cabins and 12 suites
Every Friday on board M.S. Nubian Sea – 52 cabins and 2 suites

Sample Itinerary – Abu Simbel to Aswan – 3 Nights

Day 1 » Embarkation in Abu Simbel
Board your Lake Nasser cruise ship in Abu Simbel. The first day of this cruise from Abu Simbel will be an ancient day. Yes, the magical allure of the Great Temple of Ramesses II is the signature set piece and, despite the hype, it is every bit as magnificent as you’ve heard. Evenings are also magical in Abu Simbel: Attend the electrifying Sound-and-Light show projected against these incredible monuments. In the evening, there is a candlelit dinner on board.

Day 2 » Sail to Qasr Ibrim & Wadi El Sebua (140 km – 11 hours)
The day starts with a spectacular sunrise over Abu Simbel. After breakfast, cruise past the ancient site of Qasr Ibrim, which can only be viewed from a distance as it is closed for protection. Continue cruising on to new Amada, site of the Pharaonic desert temples of Amada and Derr. A short walk will bring you to the small rock-cut Tomb of Pennut. After some time here, continue sailing to Wadi El Sebua.

Day 3 » Sail to Aswan (140 km – 11 hours)
Step ashore at Wadi El Sebua, the site of three rescued ancient Egyptian temples. See Ramesses the Great’s temple and its alley of sphinxes. A short walk across the sands, or a camel ride, brings you to the Roman-era temples of Dakka and Maharraqa. Enjoy the final part of your leisurely cruise through the scenic landscape to Aswan.

Day 4 » Disembarkation at Aswan
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. A morning excursion takes you to Kalabsha Temple, the first to be relocated due to the rising waters of Lake Nasser. You will also visit the Temple of Beit el-Wali and the Roman Kiosk of Qertassi here.

Customized travel plan
Looking for a customized travel plan for your Egypt trip, including a Lake Nasser Cruise? Ask a quote.