Day two starts with a visit to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples before returning for lunch onboard. In the afternoon, explore Kom Ombo Temple and then enjoy a rooftop BBQ with cocktails and the captain’s welcome as you sail overnight toward Luxor. Top the night off with a movie night in the Lounge Bar.

Enjoy breakfast as you continue your sail toward Luxor. After a relaxed lunch onboard the Sonesta Star Goddess and a chance to meet the captain on the bridge, the afternoon unfolds amid the grand colonnades of Karnak and Luxor Temples, illuminated in golden light. As evening falls, return to the ship for dinner and a lively program of entertainment—featuring a Whirling Dervish and belly dance performance—before donning traditional dress for the festive Galabeya Party in the lounge and bar.

Rise early for an optional sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Luxor ($125), a breathtaking way to see the Valley of the Kings from above. After landing, step into ancient history with guided visits to the Valley of the Kings, the alabaster workshops, and the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. You’ll also see the Colossi of Memnon standing guard over the West Bank. By late morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.

After an early breakfast, travel to Giza to stand in awe before the iconic pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where millennia of history come alive through breathtaking treasures and artifacts. After lunch, journey into Old Cairo, exploring the fortress of Babylon and its historic churches, including the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of Saint George, and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus—believed to have sheltered the Holy Family. End the afternoon wandering the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the world’s oldest shopping mall, where stalls overflow with exotic gifts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and reflection on the day’s extraordinary experiences.