Overview
Experience the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise, an elegant luxury Nile cruise offering a 4-night / 5-day journey from Luxor to Aswan.
Your journey begins in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, where you will explore the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Continue to the West Bank to discover the legendary Valley of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon before sailing south through the beautiful Nile Valley.
During the cruise, visit the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu and the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. The journey concludes in Aswan, where you will visit the High Dam, Granite Quarries, and Philae Temple, followed by a traditional felucca sailing experience around the Nile islands.
The Sonesta Star Goddess offers a spacious luxury experience with 33 suites, including Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin Suites. Every suite features a private terrace, giving guests a comfortable place to relax and enjoy views of the Nile.
Highlights
- 4 Nights / 5 Days luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
- Sail aboard the elegant Sonesta Star Goddess
- Scheduled Saturday departures for the Luxor-to-Aswan itinerary
- Explore the magnificent Karnak Temple
- Visit historic Luxor Temple
- Discover the Valley of the Kings & Queens
- Visit the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haeroris
- Discover the Aswan High Dam
- Visit the Granite Quarries
- Explore Philae Temple
- Enjoy a traditional felucca sailing experience around Kitchener's Island and the Agha Khan area
- Scenic sailing through the Nile Valley
- Full-board dining onboard
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist-guided sightseeing
- Afternoon tea onboard
- Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party
- Galabeya Party
- Nubian Folkloric Show
- Belly dance entertainment
- Music and entertainment in the lounge
- Ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, and luxury travelers
- Optional private excursions and additional services available
- A perfect combination of ancient Egyptian history, Nile scenery, culture, and luxury
Reviews
Itinerary Description
Day 1 – Luxor – Embarkation & East Bank
Your luxury Nile cruise begins in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of Egypt's most important archaeological destinations.
Board the Sonesta Star Goddess and complete your embarkation before enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Luxor's East Bank with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple.
Explore the temple's monumental pylons, enormous columns, statues, courtyards, and ancient inscriptions while your professional Egyptologist explains its religious and historical importance.
Continue to Luxor Temple, one of the city's most impressive monuments. Discover its colossal statues, elegant columns, courtyards, and beautifully preserved reliefs.
Return to the cruise for dinner and enjoy the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party before relaxing onboard.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sonesta Star Goddess
Day 2 – Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple
After breakfast, cross the Nile to explore the legendary monuments of Luxor's West Bank.
Begin at the Valley of the Kings, the famous royal necropolis where many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs.
Continue to the Valley of the Queens, another important ancient burial area associated with royal family members.
Visit the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari. Built beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, the temple features broad terraces, colonnades, statues, and beautifully decorated walls.
Complete your West Bank sightseeing with a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Return to the Sonesta Star Goddess for lunch and begin sailing south along the Nile.
Enjoy the peaceful river scenery from the deck while the ship continues toward Esna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sonesta Star Goddess
Day 3 – Edfu – Temple of Horus
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise continues through the Nile Valley.
Arrive at Edfu and visit the impressive Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples.
Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, the temple is famous for its monumental entrance, massive columns, courtyards, sanctuary, and detailed reliefs.
Your Egyptologist will explain the mythology surrounding Horus and the historical significance of this remarkable temple.
Return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo.
Spend the afternoon relaxing onboard, enjoying the Nile views, or taking part in the scheduled cruise activities.
In the evening, enjoy onboard entertainment, which may include traditional Egyptian music and cultural performances depending on the sailing program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sonesta Star Goddess
Day 4 – Kom Ombo – Aswan
After breakfast, visit the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple.
This unusual temple was dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its distinctive symmetrical design reflects this dual dedication.
Explore the temple's columns, reliefs, courtyards, and sanctuaries while learning about ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Aswan.
After lunch, enjoy your arrival in one of Egypt's most beautiful Nile cities.
In Aswan, visit the Aswan High Dam, an important modern engineering project that transformed water management and electricity production in Egypt.
Continue to the Granite Quarries, where you can see the famous Unfinished Obelisk and learn about ancient Egyptian stoneworking techniques.
Later, enjoy a traditional felucca sailing experience around the Nile islands and admire Aswan's distinctive landscapes from the water.
Return to the Sonesta Star Goddess for dinner and your final evening onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sonesta Star Goddess
Day 5 – Aswan – Philae Temple & Disembarkation
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before completing your last sightseeing visit.
Take a boat to Philae Temple, one of the most beautiful ancient temple complexes in southern Egypt.
Dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, Philae features monumental gateways, columns, reliefs, and sanctuaries surrounded by the waters of the Nile.
Your Egyptologist will explain the history of the temple and its importance in ancient Egyptian religion.
After the sightseeing program, return to Aswan and disembark from the Sonesta Star Goddess.
Private transfer can be arranged to Aswan International Airport, Aswan Railway Station, your hotel, or your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Embarkation aboard Sonesta Star Goddess Lunch onboard Visit Karnak Temple Visit Luxor Temple Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party Dinner and overnight onboard
Breakfast onboard Valley of the Kings Valley of the Queens Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Colossi of Memnon Lunch onboard Sail toward Esna Afternoon tea Dinner and overnight onboard
Breakfast onboard Sail toward Edfu Visit Edfu Temple Lunch onboard Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo Relax and enjoy Nile views Onboard entertainment Dinner and overnight onboard
Breakfast onboard Visit Kom Ombo Temple Sail toward Aswan Lunch onboard Aswan High Dam Granite Quarries & Unfinished Obelisk Felucca sailing around the Nile islands Galabeya Party / Nubian Folkloric Show Dinner and overnight onboard
Breakfast onboard Visit Philae Temple Disembarkation Optional transfer to Aswan Airport, railway station, hotel, or next destination
Includes
- 4 nights accommodation aboard Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
- Luxury suite with private terrace
- Full-board meals onboard
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist
- Guided sightseeing according to the confirmed itinerary
- Entrance fees to all included sightseeing sites
- Visit to Karnak Temple
- Visit to Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Queens
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Edfu Temple
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Aswan High Dam
- Granite Quarries & Unfinished Obelisk
- Philae Temple
- Traditional felucca sailing in Aswan
- Transportation during sightseeing in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party
- Afternoon tea
- Galabeya Party
- Nubian Folkloric Show
- Belly dance and traditional entertainment according to the cruise program
- Use of onboard facilities and common areas
- Cruise embarkation and disembarkation assistance
- Drinks
Excludes
- Laundry and pressing services
- Spa, massage, and other personal services
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Special entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary
- Abu Simbel excursion
- Nubian Village visit
- Hot-air balloon ride in Luxor
- Additional private excursions
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Includes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Airport, hotel, and railway station transfers unless specifically included
- Personal expenses
More Info
Experience the beauty, history, and timeless landscapes of Egypt with the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise, an elegant luxury cruise sailing from Luxor to Aswan. This 4-night / 5-day Nile cruise is an excellent way to explore the treasures of Upper Egypt while enjoying comfortable accommodation, full-board dining, professional Egyptologist-guided sightseeing, and relaxing views of the Nile.
The journey connects some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites, including the temples of Luxor, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo, and the beautiful monuments of Aswan.
With its spacious suites featuring private terraces, the Sonesta Star Goddess offers travelers a comfortable and relaxing base throughout the journey. Instead of moving between hotels every day, you can unpack once and enjoy a peaceful voyage through the heart of ancient Egypt.
Why Choose the Sonesta Star Goddess?
The Sonesta Star Goddess is designed for travelers looking for a luxury Nile experience with a more spacious and comfortable atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the ship is its collection of suites, each designed to provide guests with a comfortable place to relax after sightseeing. Private terraces offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenery as the ship sails along the Nile.
The ship also provides a range of onboard facilities and activities, allowing guests to enjoy both relaxation and entertainment between excursions.
The cruise is suitable for:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Families
- Friends traveling together
- Luxury travelers
- First-time visitors to Egypt
- History and archaeology enthusiasts
A Journey Through Ancient Egypt
The Nile was the foundation of ancient Egyptian civilization. Almost every major city, temple, agricultural area, and settlement developed around the river.
Traveling by Nile cruise allows you to see this relationship between the river and the surrounding landscape.
As the Sonesta Star Goddess sails from Luxor toward Aswan, you will see fertile agricultural land, palm trees, traditional villages, small boats, desert landscapes, and islands.
The contrast between the green Nile Valley and the surrounding desert is one of the most memorable features of traveling through Upper Egypt.
Day 1 – Luxor Embarkation
Your journey begins in Luxor, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological destinations.
After arriving in Luxor, board the Sonesta Star Goddess and complete your embarkation.
Enjoy lunch onboard before beginning your first sightseeing tour.
The afternoon is dedicated to the East Bank of Luxor, where you will visit two of the city’s most famous monuments.
Karnak Temple
The first stop is Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed.
Karnak developed over many centuries and was expanded by numerous pharaohs.
Explore its monumental pylons, courtyards, statues, obelisks, and the spectacular Great Hypostyle Hall.
Your Egyptologist will explain the religious importance of the temple and the ancient Egyptian gods associated with the complex.
Luxor Temple
Continue to Luxor Temple, located on the East Bank near the modern city.
The temple is famous for its monumental statues, columns, courtyards, and ancient reliefs.
It was closely connected with ancient Egyptian royal and religious ceremonies.
After the tour, return to the Sonesta Star Goddess for dinner and relax onboard.
Day 2 – Luxor West Bank
After breakfast, cross the Nile to explore the West Bank.
The West Bank is famous for its royal tombs and monumental mortuary temples.
Valley of the Kings
Begin with the Valley of the Kings, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Egypt.
The valley contains numerous royal tombs belonging to pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
The tombs were carved into the mountains and decorated with colorful scenes and religious texts describing the journey into the afterlife.
Your Egyptologist will explain the burial traditions and the significance of the royal necropolis.
Valley of the Queens
Continue to the Valley of the Queens, an ancient burial area associated with queens, princes, and other members of the royal family.
The site provides another fascinating perspective on ancient Egyptian burial traditions.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Visit the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari.
The temple is dramatically positioned beneath towering cliffs and features broad terraces, colonnades, statues, and decorated walls.
Queen Hatshepsut was one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable rulers, and your guide will explain her reign and the significance of her temple.
Colossi of Memnon
Complete your West Bank sightseeing with a stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
These two enormous statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III and once stood at the entrance of his massive mortuary temple.
After sightseeing, return to the ship for lunch and begin sailing south.
Enjoy the Nile Scenery
One of the greatest pleasures of a Nile cruise is having time to enjoy the scenery.
During sailing periods, you can relax on your private terrace or visit the ship’s common areas and sun deck.
Watch traditional feluccas and other boats move along the river while the countryside slowly passes by.
The Nile Valley provides a fascinating mixture of modern rural life and landscapes that have remained important to Egyptian civilization for thousands of years.
Day 3 – Edfu Temple
Continue your journey south toward Edfu.
Temple of Horus
Visit the impressive Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples.
The temple was dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, and was constructed during the Ptolemaic period.
Its enormous entrance, massive columns, courtyards, sanctuary, and detailed reliefs provide an excellent example of ancient Egyptian temple architecture.
Your Egyptologist will explain the mythology of Horus and the stories represented on the temple walls.
After the visit, return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing.
The afternoon is free for relaxation and enjoying the facilities onboard.
Depending on the sailing program, guests may participate in scheduled entertainment and cultural activities.
Day 4 – Kom Ombo & Aswan
After breakfast, visit Kom Ombo Temple.
Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo is famous for its unusual double design.
The temple was dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.
Its symmetrical layout reflects this dual dedication.
Explore the courtyards, columns, reliefs, and sanctuaries while learning about the religious beliefs of ancient Egyptian society.
After the visit, return to the Sonesta Star Goddess and continue sailing toward Aswan.
Arriving in Aswan
Aswan is one of the most beautiful cities along the Nile.
The city is known for its islands, granite formations, palm trees, and peaceful river scenery.
In Aswan, visit the High Dam, one of Egypt’s most important modern engineering projects.
The dam helped regulate the Nile’s waters and provided a major source of hydroelectric power.
Granite Quarries & Unfinished Obelisk
Continue to the ancient Granite Quarries.
Here you can see the famous Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monument that was abandoned while still attached to the bedrock.
The site provides an opportunity to learn about the techniques ancient Egyptian craftsmen used to cut and shape massive blocks of granite.
Felucca Sailing
Complete your Aswan experience with a traditional felucca sailing trip.
Feluccas are traditional wooden sailing boats that have been used on the Nile for generations.
Sailing around the islands provides beautiful views of Aswan and offers a relaxing contrast to the archaeological sightseeing.
Return to the ship for dinner and your final evening onboard.
Day 5 – Philae Temple & Disembarkation
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess before completing your final sightseeing experience.
Philae Temple
Travel by boat to Philae Temple, one of southern Egypt’s most beautiful ancient monuments.
The temple complex is primarily dedicated to the goddess Isis and contains monumental gateways, columns, reliefs, and sanctuaries.
The temple was relocated to its present island location as part of an international effort to protect it from rising water following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The combination of ancient architecture and Nile surroundings makes Philae particularly memorable.
After completing the visit, return to Aswan for disembarkation.
Private transportation can be arranged to your Aswan hotel, railway station, airport, or next destination.
Luxury Suites & Private Terraces
One of the main attractions of the Sonesta Star Goddess is its suite accommodation.
The suites provide a comfortable environment for relaxing during the cruise, while private terraces offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the Nile scenery without leaving their accommodation.
This feature is especially attractive to couples and honeymooners who want additional privacy during their journey.
Dining Experience
The cruise provides a full-board dining experience, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the cruise schedule.
Meals offer a combination of international cuisine and Egyptian-inspired dishes.
Dining onboard is convenient because guests can enjoy their meals without interrupting the sightseeing schedule or leaving the ship.
Entertainment & Cultural Activities
The Sonesta Star Goddess provides entertainment and cultural activities during the cruise.
Depending on the sailing schedule, guests may enjoy:
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party
- Afternoon tea
- Galabeya Party
- Nubian Folkloric Show
- Belly dancing
- Traditional Egyptian music
- Lounge entertainment
- Cultural activities
These activities provide an enjoyable introduction to Egyptian traditions and create a lively atmosphere during the evenings.
Honeymoon & Romantic Experience
The Sonesta Star Goddess is an excellent choice for a romantic Egypt vacation.
Couples can enjoy the combination of luxury accommodation, private terraces, peaceful Nile scenery, ancient temples, and romantic sunsets.
The cruise can also be combined with a Cairo sightseeing program and a Red Sea extension in Hurghada.
A popular romantic itinerary is:
Cairo → Giza → Luxor → Sonesta Star Goddess → Aswan → Hurghada
This combination allows couples to experience ancient Egyptian history followed by several relaxing days on the Red Sea.
Optional Abu Simbel Excursion
Travelers who want to explore more of southern Egypt can add an excursion to Abu Simbel.
The temples were commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II and are famous for their enormous rock-cut façades and impressive interiors.
The excursion can be arranged from Aswan according to your travel schedule.
Optional Nubian Village
A visit to a Nubian Village can add a cultural dimension to your Aswan experience.
Discover traditional Nubian architecture, colorful homes, local crafts, and aspects of Nubian culture along the Nile.
The excursion can be arranged as a private experience.
Combining the Cruise With Cairo
The Sonesta Star Goddess works perfectly as part of a complete Egypt vacation.
Before the cruise, spend several days in Cairo visiting:
- Giza Pyramids
- Great Sphinx
- Saqqara
- Memphis
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Then travel to Luxor and begin your Nile cruise toward Aswan.
This itinerary combines Egypt’s ancient capital, famous pyramids, royal tombs, temples, and Nile landscapes into one comprehensive vacation.
Combining the Cruise With Hurghada
For travelers who want to relax after sightseeing, continue from Aswan to Hurghada.
The Red Sea destination offers beaches, snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and resort relaxation.
A Nile cruise followed by a Red Sea holiday is particularly popular with honeymooners and families.
Best Time to Travel
The cooler months are generally the most comfortable for sightseeing in Upper Egypt.
The weather is usually more pleasant for exploring outdoor archaeological sites such as Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
During the warmer months, travelers should prepare for higher temperatures by wearing lightweight clothing, using sunscreen, carrying water, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the midday sun.
What to Bring
For your Sonesta Star Goddess cruise, we recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Light jacket
- Smart-casual evening clothing
- Modest clothing for temple visits
- Camera
- Small day bag
- Personal medications and travel essentials
Comfortable shoes are especially important because archaeological sightseeing involves walking over uneven surfaces.
Book Your Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
The Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise – 4 Nights from Luxor to Aswan provides an elegant and comfortable way to discover the ancient treasures of Upper Egypt.
From the spectacular temples of Karnak and Luxor to the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, the fascinating double temple at Kom Ombo, and the magnificent Philae Temple in Aswan, every stage of the journey offers something memorable.
Combine world-famous archaeological sites with comfortable suites, private terraces, full-board dining, professional Egyptologist-guided tours, cultural entertainment, and peaceful Nile sailing.
Whether you are planning a luxury vacation, honeymoon, anniversary, family trip, or cultural adventure, the Sonesta Star Goddess offers an unforgettable way to experience the Nile and the ancient civilization that flourished along its banks.
Sail from Luxor to Aswan, discover the monuments of the pharaohs, experience the beauty of the Nile Valley, and enjoy a luxurious journey through the heart of ancient Egypt.
Cruise schedules, sailing times, docking locations, and the sequence of sightseeing may vary according to the selected departure date, navigation conditions, weather, water levels, and operational requirements. Optional excursions and additional services are subject to availability and may involve additional charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Luxor-to-Aswan cruise is 4 nights / 5 days.
The cruise starts in Luxor, where guests board the Sonesta Star Goddess
The cruise ends in Aswan on the fifth day.
The itinerary includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Aswan High Dam, Granite Quarries, and Philae Temple.
Yes. A professional English-speaking Egyptologist accompanies the scheduled sightseeing tours.
Yes. The cruise operates on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guests stay in comfortable luxury suites, each featuring a private terrace.
Yes. The spacious suites, private terraces, Nile views, and luxury atmosphere make the cruise an excellent choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic vacations.
Yes. The standard Luxor-to-Aswan itinerary includes a traditional felucca sailing experience in Aswan, subject to sailing and operational conditions
Yes. An Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged as an optional tour from Aswan.
