Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise
Set sail on the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise, a luxurious 5-star voyage across the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel. This modern cruise ship combines contemporary elegance with exceptional comfort, offering panoramic views of Nubia’s timeless landscapes. Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, Amada, Wadi El Seboua, and Kalabsha while enjoying first-class service, fine dining, and a serene atmosphere that makes every moment unforgettable.
Overview
Set sail on the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise, a luxurious 5-star voyage across the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel. This modern cruise ship combines contemporary elegance with exceptional comfort, offering panoramic views of Nubia’s timeless landscapes. Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, Amada, Wadi El Seboua, and Kalabsha while enjoying first-class service, fine dining, and a serene atmosphere that makes every moment unforgettable.
Highlights
- Lake Nasser sailing between Abu Simbel and Aswan
- Both rock temples at Abu Simbel visited from the ship
- Wadi El Seboua and Dakka among the rescued Nubian temples
- Amada and the cliff fortress of Kasr Ibrim on the route
- Kalabsha Temple and Beit El Wali close to Aswan
Itinerary
1Embarkation in Abu Simbel – Visit Abu Simbel Temples
Upon arrival at Abu Simbel Airport or your hotel, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to board the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam. Embarkation begins at 13:00, followed by lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples, carved into sandstone cliffs by Pharaoh Ramesses II and later relocated to protect them from Lake Nasser’s rising waters. Return to the ship for afternoon tea, dinner, and an overnight stay. In the evening, you may choose to attend the optional Sound and Light Show at Abu Simbel, a spectacular presentation of history through light and sound. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board in Abu Simbel2Sail to Kasr Ibrim – Visit Amada – Sail to Wadi El Seboua
Enjoy breakfast as the cruise sails toward Kasr Ibrim, the only monument on Lake Nasser still in its original location. View the ancient fortress from the sundeck before continuing to the Temple of Amada, the lake’s oldest temple built by Thutmose III. Visit the Temple of Derr, constructed by Ramesses II, and the rock-cut Tomb of Pennut, dedicated to the Viceroy of Nubia. Return to the ship for lunch, followed by a cocktail reception and a Nubian folklore show before dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board sailing to Wadi El Seboua3Visit Wadi El Seboua – Sail to Aswan
After breakfast, disembark to explore Wadi El Seboua, known as the “Valley of the Lions” for its sphinx-lined avenue. Visit the Temple of Ramesses II, the Temple of Dakka, and the Temple of Maharraqua. Return to the cruise for lunch as the ship sails toward Aswan. Spend the evening relaxing on deck, enjoying dinner, and admiring the peaceful desert scenery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board sailing to Aswan4Visit Kalabsha Temple – Disembarkation in Aswan
After breakfast, disembark for a guided visit to Kalabsha Temple, a Roman-Egyptian structure dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. Located near the High Dam, this temple was relocated to its current site to preserve it from flooding. After the tour, check out and transfer to your hotel or Aswan Airport for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Disembarkation in Aswan1Arrival in Aswan – Embarkation & Aswan Sightseeing
Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be met and transferred to board the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam. After check-in and lunch, begin exploring Aswan’s highlights, including the High Dam, the island of Agilika with the Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk, an immense monument left incomplete in its quarry. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board in Aswan2Visit Kalabsha Temple & Beit El Wali – Sail to Wadi El Seboua
After breakfast, visit Kalabsha Temple, relocated from its original site and dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. Continue to Beit El Wali, a rock-cut temple built by Ramesses II and saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Return to the ship for lunch as it sails across the Tropic of Cancer toward Wadi El Seboua. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful evening on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board sailing to Wadi El Seboua3Explore Wadi El Seboua & Dakka – Sail to Amada
After breakfast, visit Wadi El Seboua, famous for its avenue of sphinxes and temples built by Ramesses II. Continue to the Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Amada. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on deck, surrounded by the serene desert landscape. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board sailing to Amada4Visit Amada – Kasr Ibrim – Sail to Abu Simbel
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Amada, the oldest monument on Lake Nasser, followed by the Temple of Derr and the relocated Tomb of Pennut. Return to the ship for lunch as it sails to Kasr Ibrim, where you can view the ancient citadel from the sundeck. Continue sailing to Abu Simbel. In the evening, you may attend the optional Sound and Light Show at Abu Simbel, a mesmerizing retelling of the temple’s history. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board in Abu Simbel5Visit Abu Simbel – Disembarkation
After breakfast, check out and visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, relocated in the 1960s to prevent submersion by Lake Nasser. Admire the colossal statues of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari, masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art. After the tour, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport or your hotel for departure. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Disembarkation in Abu Simbel
What’s included
- Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation on board on a full-board basis
- Professional multilingual tour guide (English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish)
- All sightseeing tours as per itinerary with private guidance
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- Bottled water during excursions
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- Optional excursions
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
How booking works
Send your dates
Use the enquiry form with your travel dates and how many people are coming. Nothing is charged and nothing is held at this point.
We reply with a plan
You get a written itinerary and a full price back — what is included, what is not, and what the alternatives are if a date or a hotel does not work.
You change what you want
Go back and forth as many times as you need. The itinerary is not fixed until you say it is.
Confirm and travel
Once the plan is right, we confirm the bookings and send you the final documents with your guide and driver details.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise?
4 days and 3 nights in total, counted from your arrival day to your departure day.
Is there a day-by-day itinerary?
Yes — 9 days are written out above, with what you see and where you sleep on each one. Every day can be changed before you book.
How much does Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise cost?
It starts at $649 per person. The final price depends on your dates, your group size and the hotel level you choose, so we quote it for your specific trip rather than selling a fixed package.
What is included in the price?
8 things are included, listed in full above. In short: meet and assist upon arrival and departure; accommodation on board on a full-board basis; professional multilingual tour guide (english, portuguese, german, or spanish); all sightseeing tours as per itinerary with private guidance, and more.
What is not included?
The exclusions are listed above in full. The main ones are optional excursions; personal expenses; tipping. Ask us before you book if you want any of them added — most of them can be.
Where does Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise start?
It starts in Lake Nasser. If you are arriving somewhere else, or on a different day, tell us and we will adjust the first and last days around your flights.
Can this trip be changed?
Yes. Nothing on this page is fixed. Days can be added or dropped, sites swapped, hotels moved up or down, and the whole route rebuilt around what you actually want to see.
What to pack
Clothing
- Loose cotton or linen — it is hot in the sun and cold on the water after dark
- A light long-sleeved layer for evenings and for sun cover at open sites
- Shoulders and knees covered for mosques and churches; a scarf for women at mosques
- One warm layer between November and February — desert nights drop sharply
Feet
- Closed walking shoes you have already broken in — temple ground is uneven stone and sand
- Sandals or slip-ons for the boat and the hotel
Sun and heat
- A wide-brimmed hat — there is almost no shade at Giza, Karnak or Abu Simbel
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
Practical
- A universal adapter — Egypt uses European two-pin type C and F sockets at 220V
- Any medication you take, in its original packaging
- Small notes in local currency for tips and small purchases
- A power bank — you will be off a socket for most of each day
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