Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Overview
Set sail on a modern Nile cruise, crafted for those who appreciate elegance and relaxation while exploring the legendary river’s timeless scenery. This journey carries you between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travelers to experience Egypt’s storied past from the comfort of a floating hotel.
With 77 tastefully designed cabins—including spacious doubles, cozy singles, and beautifully appointed suites—you’ll enjoy sweeping Nile vistas and restful nights after days filled with adventure. Each detail, from panoramic windows to plush furnishings, ensures your journey feels both enchanting and restorative.
The ship features inviting amenities for every traveler, including a sun deck with a sparkling pool to soak up the Egyptian sun, a well-equipped gym, and relaxing recreational areas. Enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the river or unwind in the evening after exploring ancient temples. This cruise is an essential addition to Egypt Travel Packages and offers an experience that ranks among the Best 6 Days Egypt Itinerary.
Itinerary
Arrive in Luxor – Explore Karnak and Luxor Temples
Your adventure begins in Luxor, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and settle into your stylish cabin before enjoying lunch. The first afternoon is dedicated to discovering the wonders of Luxor’s East Bank.
Start with the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a vast sacred site filled with ram-headed sphinxes, grand pylons, and the famed Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns. Continue to Luxor Temple, elegantly connected to Karnak by the ancient Sphinx Avenue and adorned by colossal statues of Ramses II.
Return to the cruise for afternoon tea and savor a delicious dinner as you spend your first night in Luxor.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Luxor
Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi | Sail to Esna
After a hearty breakfast, cross the Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, home to the splendidly decorated tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs (with optional entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I).
Next, witness the architectural marvel of Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, with its dramatic terraces set against towering cliffs. Conclude the morning at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s temple.
Return for lunch as the ship sets sail toward Esna. Experience the excitement of passing through the Esna Lock, then continue southward to Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Luxor
Edfu and Kom Ombo – Temples on the Nile
This morning, travel by carriage through Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus, renowned as Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Its immense pylons and detailed reliefs bring ancient myths to life.
Return to the ship for lunch as you sail onward to Kom Ombo. Here, discover the unique twin temples dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, followed by a visit to the Crocodile Mummification Museum, where dozens of preserved crocodiles reveal their sacred role in ancient beliefs.
Dine aboard as you glide toward Aswan for your next overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On board en route to Aswan
Aswan – High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Granite Quarries
Following breakfast, start your day by visiting Aswan’s High Dam, an engineering feat that provides panoramic views over Lake Nasser. Board a motorboat for a scenic ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and boasting impressive columns by the water’s edge.
Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, a testament to Egyptian ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Lunch is served on board, and the afternoon is yours to relax or opt for an optional felucca sail around Elephantine Island. Enjoy dinner and a restful night in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Aswan
Departure and Optional Abu Simbel Excursion
Savor your final breakfast on the ship before disembarking in Aswan.
If you wish to extend your adventure, consider an optional trip to the remarkable temples of Abu Simbel—travel by car or plane (at extra cost) to marvel at these monumental shrines of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated to preserve them from the rising waters. Their grandeur and alignment with the sun offer an unforgettable finale to your journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Meet and greet assistance upon arrival at the airport or train station
- Full board accommodation on the cruise ship
- Guided tours with an English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish-speaking guide
- All sightseeing as private guided tours
- Entry fees to all listed attractions in the itinerary
- Bottled water provided during excursions
- Transportation in private, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
- All taxes and service charges included
Excluded
- Optional tours not specified in the program
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
