CRUISE THE NILE

The Temples of Egypt · September 27th 2027 - October 4th 2027

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt on this unforgettable voyage along the River Nile. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, our itinerary visits some of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world, including the temples of Karnak, Edfu and Kom Ombo, and the legendary Valley of the Kings.

Our vessel for this voyage is the beautiful ‘Mazaj Tulip’ – a premium vessel with an exceptional range of Suites (32 m² – 40 m²), Deluxe Cabins (25 m²) and Standard Cabins (20 m²). All cabins are exterior facing and Deluxe Suites, Panoramic Suites and the Junior Suite have private balconies. Standard cabins feature full length French Windows.

For those wishing to extend their journey, we will offer an optional pre-cruise stay in Cairo, including the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, as well as an optional post-cruise extension in Luxor to explore further treasures of ancient Egypt or simply relax in the sunshine.

You will be accompanied throughout the trip by experienced cruise directors, who will be on hand to ensure you have a fantastic, carefree holiday. Our tour guides will stay onboard with us throughout the cruise, to provide a comprehensive overview of the spectacular sites we will see.

And of course our fantastic entertainers and musical director will be travelling with us throughout providing entertainment each evening.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY: PLEASE EMAIL oliver@theatricaladventures.com for more information

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Itinerary

Day 1: 27 Sept 2027 – Luxor

You are invited to check-in onboard the MS Tulip this morning, before enjoying lunch onboard, along with a welcome cocktail. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, settling in to your cabin before dinner is served, followed by our first evening of entertainment.

Day 2: 28 Sept 2027 – Luxor

This morning, after breakfast onboard, we will enjoy a guided tour of the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, with visits to The Valley of the Kings, The Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
We will return to the ship for lunch before setting sail to Esna.
Dinner will be served onboard, before an evening of entertainment.

Day 3: 29 Sept 2027 – Edfu

We begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved cult temples in Egypt.
Returning to the ship, we continue cruising along the Nile, passing the historic quarries of Gebel el-Silsila.
Lunch will be served onboard, with afternoon tea and free time at leisure. After dinner, our guides will host the ‘Egyptian Galabia Party’.
We will dock in Kom Ombo for the night.

Day 4: 30 Sept 2027 – Aswan

Today we explore the beautiful Philae Temple Complex, carefully relocated to its current island setting following the construction of the Aswan Dam. We also enjoy views of the dam itself, a remarkable feat of modern engineering.
Later, we take to the water on small local boats, cruising between the granite islands of the Nile and around Elephantine Island, before returning to the ship for dinner.

Day 5: 1 Oct 2027 – Aswan

A relaxed morning in Aswan offers the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the Nubian Museum, wandering through the souk, or enjoying views from the Old Cataract Hotel.
Alternatively, there is an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most iconic and awe-inspiring temple complexes. You can choose to travel by flight or bus (prices to be confirmed in 2027).
We will overnight in Aswan.

Day 6: 2 Oct 2027 - Kom Ombo

This morning we will sail for Kom Ombo to enjoy a guided visit to this unique temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus.
From here we will begin our journey back to Luxor, enjoying a picturesque sail throughout the afternoon.

Day 7: 3 Oct 2027 – Luxor

Today we take a tour of the east bank of Luxor, starting at the magnificent Karnak Temple, developed over 1500 years, this is one of the largest religious sites ever constructed.
Following this, we will head to Luxor Temple for our final guided tour.
Our farewell concert will take place this evening.

Day 8: 4 Oct 2027 – Luxor

After breakfast, disembark in Luxor for your onward journey.

What's included

All listed excursions
All meals from lunch on the first day through to breakfast on the final morning
All entertainment

What's not included

Travel to or from Egypt
Drinks
Transfers to the ship
Personal travel insurance
Any excursions marked as optional in the itinerary

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Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex is one of the largest religious sites ever constructed, developed over more than 1,500 years as the principal centre of worship for the god Amun. Located on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, it was expanded by successive pharaohs, each leaving their mark through monumental pylons, obelisks and sanctuaries. The vast scale of Karnak reflects the power and wealth of ancient Egypt at its height, with the extraordinary Great Hypostyle Hall (its forest of towering columns) standing as one of the most impressive architectural achievements of the ancient world.

Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, offering a remarkably complete example of traditional temple design. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it follows the classical Egyptian layout, from its imposing entrance pylon to its inner sanctuary. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship, the temple is closely associated with the mythological battle between Horus and Seth. Its walls are richly decorated with inscriptions and reliefs that provide valuable insights into ancient religious rituals, festivals and beliefs.

Temple of Kom Ombo

Set on a dramatic bend of the Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in ancient Egypt for its perfectly symmetrical design, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Built during the Ptolemaic period, the temple features twin entrances, halls and sanctuaries, reflecting its dual purpose. Its riverside location made it particularly significant for travellers along the Nile, and nearby remains of mummified crocodiles highlight the importance of Sobek’s cult. The temple also contains some of the earliest known medical carvings, illustrating surgical instruments and treatments.

Philae Temple Complex

The Philae Temple Complex is one of Egypt’s most picturesque sites, set on an island in the Nile near Aswan. Dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, it was an important centre of pilgrimage in the ancient world. Following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the entire complex was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current site in a remarkable UNESCO-led rescue project. Today, Philae combines historical significance with a stunning setting, its elegant colonnades and reliefs reflected in the surrounding waters.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in Egypt, built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile. Commissioned by Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its elegant terraces and harmonious design. It was intended both as a place of worship and as a monument to her reign, with reliefs depicting her achievements, including a famous expedition to the Land of Punt. Its setting and symmetry make it one of the most visually distinctive sites in Egypt.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings served as the royal burial ground for Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs, hidden within a desert valley on the west bank of the Nile. Over 60 tombs have been discovered here, including those of Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II. Unlike the pyramids of earlier periods, these tombs were cut deep into the rock and richly decorated with vivid paintings and hieroglyphs designed to guide the pharaoh through the afterlife. The valley offers a powerful insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs about death, immortality and the divine status of their rulers.

Abu Simbel Temples

The temples of Abu Simbel are among the most awe-inspiring monuments of ancient Egypt, carved directly into a mountainside on the shores of Lake Nasser. Built during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, the Great Temple is dominated by four colossal statues of the pharaoh, symbolising his power and divine status. Nearby, a smaller temple is dedicated to his queen, Nefertari. In the 1960s, both temples were painstakingly relocated in a remarkable UNESCO rescue operation to save them from rising waters following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Karnak Hypostyle hall columns in the Temple at Luxor Thebes

1 - Karnak Temple Complex

Efu 1

2 - Temple of Horus

Kom Ombo 1

3 - Temple of Kom Ombo

Philae Temple of Isis, Aswan, upper Egypt.

4 - Philae Temple Complex

Temple of Hatshepsut

5 - Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Tomb in Valley of the Kings, Luxor City, Egypt

6 - Valley of the Kings

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel at sunset, Egypt.

7 - Abu Simbel Temples

Mazaj Tulip

At a Glance

This cruise sails down the Nile River, from Luxor to Aswan and back.

All the excursions are included in the cost of the trip, as are all your meals from lunch on the first day, through to breakfast on the final day.

We will always employ English speaking tour guides and supply personal listening devices to ensure you can hear it all.

You will be joined onboard by Theatrical Adventures directors along with our soloists and musical director.

You can download the ship specification, with details on the suites and cabins here.

Excursions

All excursions listed below are included in the price of your cruise:

Karnak Temple Complex (Luxor)
Temple of Horus (Edfu)
Temple of Kom Ombo (Kom Ombo)
Philae Temple Complex (Aswan)
Aswan High Dam (photo stop)
Nile boat tour around Elephantine Island (Aswan)
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Luxor West Bank)
Valley of the Kings (including multiple tombs)
Colossi of Memnon (photo stop)
Luxor Temple

Optional Excursion:

Visit to Abu Simbel

Onboard

The Mazaj Tulip is a comfortable premium Nile cruiser, accommodating just 70 guests in 45 outside cabins, creating a relaxed and intimate onboard atmosphere. Recently refurbished, the ship features a beautiful lounge and bar, a restaurant serving full-board cuisine, and a spacious sun deck with swimming pool and loungers—ideal for enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the Nile.

The ship was fully renovated in 2025.

Cabins are well-appointed and include a private bathroom with shower and toiletries, air-conditioning, TV, safe and hairdryer.

Cabins are between 40 m² and 20m².

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