Known in ancient Egypt as Caene, Qena’s situation on the banks of the Nile River has bolstered its prosperity over millennia. Merchants and travelers have long journeyed here from the Red Sea, through the valley, bringing goods from Persia and beyond. The Sheikh el-Qenawi Mosque on the main square serves as a monument to the city’s rich and all-embracing Islamic and Sufi past. Qena is mostly known as the gateway to the magnificent ruins of the Dendera Temple. Its stone gate and towering columns adorned with hieroglyphics are some of Egypt’s best-preserved structures.

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Return to the time of the pharaohs with a tour of Dendera Temple, one of Egypt’s best -preserved temple complexes. Located on the west bank of the Nile River on the edge of the desert, this massive complex dates back to the mid-4th century BC, though archaeologists believe a temple has existed on the site since 2250 BC. Visit the main temple, Hathor, and admire the many examples of Ptolemaic Egyptian art adorning its chambers. View the Dendera Zodiac, a unique bas-relief sculpture from the Greco-Roman period that maps the ancient sky. The original was taken by the French in 1820 and now sits in the Louvre; what remains is a replica. Also, examine the controversial Dendera Light, three stone reliefs depicting what some say was ancient Egyptian electrical lighting technology (others contest it represents Egyptian mythology). Explore the subterranean necropolis and crypts before returning to your ship.

Take to the sky with an experienced balloonist and guide as you rise above the Nile’s west bank for spectacular sunrise views. Your extraordinary morning begins early with a boxed breakfast, followed by a motorboat ride across the Nile. As you proceed to our launching area, you will receive a short orientation. Upon arrival at the balloon site, you will board your hot air balloon and rise into the sky for a breathtaking aerial tour. Gentle breezes accompany you and your skilled pilot guide as you float over the ancient temples and burial grounds of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens on the Nile’s west bank. The serenity of dawn under Egyptian skies adds a peaceful aura to your experience as you glide over tombs, the historic Nile River and the fertile valley. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. Note that this tour is weather dependent.