Best of Edfu

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Edfu

One of the best preserved temples in the country lies in the small village of Edfu, along the west bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. The Temple of Horus was built on an ancient cemetery site dedicated to the cult of Horus, the falcon god, and its vast size and atmospheric antechambers impresses even the most jaded of visitors. Well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions carved between the 3rd and 1st century BCE provide insight into mythology, religion and language during the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

Guided visits give you a deeper understanding of the temple and its historical context. According to legend, this is where the god Horus avenged the murder of his father Osiris by killing Seth. Amid the columned halls, you’ll see rooms like the former library where ritual texts were once held, a laboratory used in preparing perfumes and incense, and a chamber where daily offerings of fruit, flowers and other items were presented.

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Exploring ancient temples on a Nile River cruise

Nile River Cruise: Luxor, Edfu & Aswan - 5 Days

This short but exciting cruise down the Nile River offers travelers a fantastic introduction to the wonders of ancient Egypt. After exploring Luxor, board a boat for several days of sightseeing along the waterway. You'll explore the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, wander around the Valley of the Kings, discover the antiquities of Edfu in a horsedrawn carriage, and ride to the archeological ruins of Elephantine Island in a traditional wooden sailing vessel.

Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days

Explore Egypt on a luxurious Nile River cruise as you visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Highlights will include visiting the Pyramids of Giza, seeing art and artifacts at the Egyptian Museum, and Karnak Temple in Luxor. As you cruise down The Nile, you will also have time to relax and take in the scenery.

Explore the Treasures of Egypt and Jordan - 10 Days

Witness the ancient wonders of Egypt and Jordan during this 10-day adventure. After arriving in Cairo, you'll get to see pharaohs' treasures at the Egyptian Museum and explore the Pyramids of Giza, including the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Cruise the Nile River to see the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Luxor. Transfer to Jordan, where you'll visit the Roman Theater and Citadel in Amman, and get a full-day tour of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, dip your toes in the lowest point of the Earth: the Dead Sea.

The Temple of Hercules on Amman's Citadel

Highlights of Jordan & Egypt: Amman to Cairo - 11 Days

Combining cultural landmarks and natural wonders, this whirlwind 11-day itinerary introduces you to the unmissable highlights of Jordan and Egypt. Discover the archaeological hotspots of Amman and Jerash, relax on the shores of the Dead Sea, wander through the ancient city of Petra, and camp under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert. Once in Egypt, you'll check the Great Pyramids off your bucket list before boarding a scenic river cruise up the Nile River to Luxor—stopping to explore the secrets of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings along the way.

Spend three nights crusing up the Nile River

Cairo & Nile River Cruise: Aswan, Edfu & Luxor - 7 Days

Egypt's ancient wonders await on this unforgettable week-long itinerary. After touring the Great Pyramids in Cairo, fly to Aswan to board a three-night river cruise up the mighty Nile. Visit the famed temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Edfu along the way—then disembark at Luxor to discover the Valley of the Kings. Your journey comes to a close back in Cairo, where you'll spend a final morning browsing the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.

Traditional sailboats on the Nile at Luxor

Cairo & Nile Cruise: Aswan & Luxor - 7 Days

Check off some of Egypt's most iconic sights on this diverse week-long itinerary. Cairo serves as your base for three nights, while you explore the nation's capital, tour the Pyramids of Giza, and discover Alexandria's storied past. After a quick flight to Aswan, it's all aboard for a scenic three-day cruise up the Nile River, disembarking for day trips to the spectacular temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu & Karnak. Your adventure ends in Luxor, where you'll stroll through ancient history in the Valley of the Kings.

Egyptian Highlights of Cairo & The Nile - 8 Days

Follow the ancient Nile down through Egypt to sail to some of the ancient world's most dramatic structures. Spots such as Karnak, Luxor, and Abu Simbel evoke the complex structures of ancient Egyptian life and architecture, while a city tour of Cairo and trip to the Aswan Dam will help bring you into Egypt's present.

Treasures of Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Luxor & the White Desert - 9 Days

Combine cultural sights with a Nile River cruise and a desert adventure on this 9-day jaunt through Egypt. Start in Cairo to discover the antiquities of the Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids, then board a luxurious river cruise to journey up the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the ancient wonders of Abu Simbel, Edfu, and the Valley of the Kings along the way—then change gears and venture into the breathtaking White Desert for a camping trip under the stars.

Luxury Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, & More - 9 Days

Experience some of the most popular sites of the ancient world in style on this nine-day Egyptian luxury tour. You'll start off in Cairo, then cruise down the Nile to visit towering temples, elaborate tombs, and other monuments as you travel in style.

Nile River Cruise & Cultural Tour: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan - 10 Days

Enjoy Egypt by land and sea on this lively 10-day tour. Start in Cairo and visit the pyramids of Giza, then fly to Luxor and board a boat for a cruise down the Nile River, stopping to tour temples and ancient sites along the way. Several days later, you'll circle back to the capital city to spend more time learning about Cairo's Islamic heritage, exploring mosques and museums, and shopping for souvenirs in the old market of Khan el-Khalili.

Explore Egypt: Ancient Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea Beaches - 14 Days

This two-week tour showcases the highlights and hidden gems of Egypt— from ancient temples to Red Sea resorts. Discover the iconic Great Pyramids and the lesser-known sites of Saqqara and Dahshour, cruise up the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor, and head to the coast for rest and relaxation on the beaches of Hurghada. End your journey by circling back to Cairo, where you'll tour historic mosques and markets and embark on day trips to Alexandria and Fayoum.

Hot air balloons over the Valley of the Kings

Treasures of Egypt: Cities, Deserts & Nile Cruise - 15 Days

Immerse yourself in Egypt's ancient history and natural beauty on this comprehensive 15-day itinerary. See the Great Pyramids, stroll the markets and mosques of Old Cairo, set sail on an unforgettable river cruise up the Nile, and tour the temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Luxor. After day trips to Alexandria and Wadi Natrun, you'll venture into the sand dunes and oases of the White Desert to camp under the stars.

Sail the Nile in a luxurious dahabiya sailing boat

Egypt & Jordan Grand Tour: Cairo, Nile Sailing Trip, Hurghada, Bahariya & Petra - 20 Days

Enjoy culture, adventure, and relaxation on this unforgettable 20-day tour of Egypt and Jordan. See the iconic pyramids, temples, and tombs of the ancient world, explore otherworldly deserts and Red Sea beaches, and board a traditional dahabiya sailboat to cruise the Nile River in style. After discovering Egypt's many highlights and hidden gems, it's time to hop over to Jordan to camp among the red dunes of Wadi Rum and experience the "Lost City' of Petra by candlelight.

Other popular travel destinations in Egypt
Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Kom Ombo · Esna · Hurghada · Sharm El Sheikh · Alexandria · Siwa · Fayoum

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