Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a luxury Nile vessel offering five-day cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The ship features two royal suites, two presidential suites and multiple standard cabins, combining comfortable public areas with attentive service. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool and shaded sundeck, a lounge bar and spacious dining room, a gym and massage room, a library and games area, WiFi and internet access, medical assistance on call, room service and a gift shop. Excursions are guided by an English-speaking Egyptologist and transfers are provided by air-conditioned vehicles.

Highlights

• Welcome Zaffa musical procession upon boarding
• Guided visits to Karnak and Luxor Temples
• Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Temple of Horus at Edfu
• Kom Ombo Temple (mirrored sanctuaries)
• Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
• Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan Granite Quarries
• Traditional felucca sail around Elephantine Island
• Onboard Egyptian cooking demonstration, Egyptian Night and farewell gala with dervish performance

Itinerary

Day Day 01 — A Warm Welcome in Luxor

Arrive at the private dock in Luxor and board the ship. You will be greeted with a traditional Zaffa procession before settling into your cabin and enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon visit Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak complex with your Egyptologist. Return to the ship for afternoon tea and time to relax. In the evening meet the Boat Manager and fellow guests for canapés and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared onboard.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 02 — Valley of the Kings & West Bank

After breakfast cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, visiting selected royal tombs. Continue to the Valley of the Queens and the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. On the way back stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch while sailing toward Esna, then relax with afternoon tea. Evening at leisure with dinner onboard and a movie as the cruise continues toward Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 03 — Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo & Egyptian Night

Dock at Edfu and visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus with your guide. Return to the ship for lunch and sail toward Kom Ombo; an onboard cooking demonstration is offered for guests. In the early evening visit Kom Ombo Temple, known for its double dedication to Sobek and Haroeris. Back on board, participate in an Egyptian Night—dress in a galabeya and enjoy traditional music, dancing and a special dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 04 — Philae, Quarries & Felucca Sailing

Arrive in Aswan and take a short motorboat ride to Agilkia Island to visit the relocated Philae Temple. Continue to the Aswan granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk. After lunch board a felucca (weather permitting) for a sail around Elephantine Island, passing Kitchener’s Botanical Garden and viewing the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Return to the ship for afternoon tea before an elegant farewell gala dinner with traditional dervish entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 05 — Disembarkation in Aswan

After an early breakfast, check out at approximately 8:00 AM and disembark in Aswan to continue onward travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

• 3 or 4 nights’ accommodation on Sanctuary Sun Boat IV on full board (as per chosen program)
• Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure
• Assistance from ship personnel during stay and excursions
• All Nile cruise excursions listed in the itinerary (private)
• Entrance fees to sites between Luxor and Aswan as listed
• English-speaking Egyptologist for excursions on the cruise (group size 1–8 maximum)
• All transfers by modern air-conditioned vehicles with qualified drivers
• One complimentary bottle of water per person per day
• Complimentary pickup and drop-off in Luxor or Aswan (East Bank locations: airport, train station, or hotels)

Not included

• Extra meals and beverages beyond those specified
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
• Tipping for guide, driver and ship staff
• Optional tours and activities not specified in the itinerary
• Service charges and local taxes where applicable