Dendera, Egypt

A small town best known for its remarkable ancient temple complex.

Overview

Dendera, Egypt Cruise Port

Dendera is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the west bank of the Nile River, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Luxor. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the main Temple of Hathor is one of the best-preserved and most architecturally complete temples from ancient Egypt, largely dating from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. It is renowned for its elaborate carvings, vibrant colors, and unique astronomical ceiling.

Dendera is not a cruise port itself, as it is located inland. However, it is a highly popular shore excursion destination for passengers on Nile River cruises. These river cruises typically dock at Luxor, and from there, organized bus or car tours travel north to Dendera, often combined with other historical sites in the region. A visit to Dendera offers cruise passengers an exceptional opportunity to explore an remarkably intact ancient Egyptian temple with a fascinating blend of pharaonic and Greco-Roman influences.

Top Things to Do in Dendera, Egypt

Explore the Temple of Hathor:

Wander through the magnificent Temple of Hathor, the highlight of the complex. Admire its massive columns, intricately carved walls, and the well-preserved hypostyle halls.

Tip: Take your time to appreciate the detailed hieroglyphs and reliefs that cover almost every surface.

Marvel at the Astronomical Ceilings:

Look up at the incredible astronomical ceilings within the Temple of Hathor, particularly in the outer hypostyle hall. These ceilings feature zodiac signs, constellations, and celestial figures.

Tip: This is one of the most famous and unique features of the temple, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian cosmology.

Descend to the Crypts:

Explore the hidden crypts beneath the temple floor (if accessible with your guide). These mysterious chambers were used for storage of sacred objects and contain unique carvings.

Tip: The crypts are narrow and can be dark, adding to their enigmatic atmosphere.

Visit the Sacred Lake:

Walk to the Sacred Lake (or Sacred Sanatorium), a large rectangular basin made of stone, located within the complex. It was used by priests for ritual purification.

Tip: Provides a sense of the complete ancient temple complex and its ritual practices.

Discover the Roman Mammisi (Birth House):

See the Roman Mammisi, a smaller birth house temple near the main temple. It features reliefs depicting the birth of Roman emperors as divine pharaohs, showcasing the fusion of cultures.

Tip: Compare the Roman-era carvings to the earlier Ptolemaic ones in the main temple.

Admire the Cleopatra Relief:

Seek out the famous relief depicting Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion on the outer rear wall of the Temple of Hathor. It's one of the few surviving depictions of the legendary queen in Egypt.

Tip: Your guide will likely point out this significant historical carving.

Cruises to Dendera

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 2 more offers

11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise/Land Package

Cairo

Luxor

Nile River Cruising

Dendera

Nile River Cruising

Luxor

Nile River Cruising

Kom Ombo

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Aswan

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Edfu

Esna (Isna)

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Aboard

S.S. Sphinx

From

Cairo, Egypt

38 Sailings

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 26, 2026

Published prices from

$5,499

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

A breathtaking sunset view of the ancient Luxor Temple in Egypt, showcasing towering statues of pharaohs, massive columns, and hieroglyphics bathed in golden light.

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 2 more offers

11-night Splendors Of Egypt & The Nile Cruise/Land Package

Cairo

Luxor

Nile River Cruising

Dendera

Nile River Cruising

Luxor

Nile River Cruising

Kom Ombo

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Aswan

Nile River Cruising

Edfu

Esna (Isna)

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Luxor

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Aboard

S.S. Sphinx

From

Cairo, Egypt

37 Sailings

May 9, 2026 - Dec 25, 2027

Published prices from

$5,599

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

Historic half-timbered buildings in Rouen, France.

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 2 more offers

50-night 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise

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A vibrant, detailed close-up shot of a massive, painted column capital inside the ancient Temple of Esna, showcasing well-preserved Egyptian hieroglyphs and colorful decorations.

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 2 more offers

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$6,799

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taxes & fees included

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Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*+ 1 more offer

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3 Sailings

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View All Dendera, Egypt Cruises

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Dendera, Egypt Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Dendera, Egypt

Explore the Temple of Hathor:

Wander through the magnificent Temple of Hathor, the highlight of the complex. Admire its massive columns, intricately carved walls, and the well-preserved hypostyle halls.

Tip: Take your time to appreciate the detailed hieroglyphs and reliefs that cover almost every surface.

Marvel at the Astronomical Ceilings:

Look up at the incredible astronomical ceilings within the Temple of Hathor, particularly in the outer hypostyle hall. These ceilings feature zodiac signs, constellations, and celestial figures.

Tip: This is one of the most famous and unique features of the temple, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian cosmology.

Descend to the Crypts:

Explore the hidden crypts beneath the temple floor (if accessible with your guide). These mysterious chambers were used for storage of sacred objects and contain unique carvings.

Tip: The crypts are narrow and can be dark, adding to their enigmatic atmosphere.

Visit the Sacred Lake:

Walk to the Sacred Lake (or Sacred Sanatorium), a large rectangular basin made of stone, located within the complex. It was used by priests for ritual purification.

Tip: Provides a sense of the complete ancient temple complex and its ritual practices.

Discover the Roman Mammisi (Birth House):

See the Roman Mammisi, a smaller birth house temple near the main temple. It features reliefs depicting the birth of Roman emperors as divine pharaohs, showcasing the fusion of cultures.

Tip: Compare the Roman-era carvings to the earlier Ptolemaic ones in the main temple.

Admire the Cleopatra Relief:

Seek out the famous relief depicting Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion on the outer rear wall of the Temple of Hathor. It's one of the few surviving depictions of the legendary queen in Egypt.

Tip: Your guide will likely point out this significant historical carving.

50-night 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise

Antwerp

Ghent

Veere

Rotterdam

Nijmegen

Enkhuizen

Haarlem

Amsterdam

Mystery Port

Paris

La Roche-Guyon

Rouen

Caudebec-en-Caux

Rouen

Mantes-la-Jolie

Paris

Lyon

Macon

Tain L'Hermitage

Viviers

Avignon

Arles

Cassis

Cairo

Luxor

Dendera

Luxor

Kom Ombo

Aswan

Edfu

Esna (Isna)

Luxor

Madaba

Dead Sea

Petra

Jerash

Amman

+58 more

Aboard

S.S. Emilie

From

Brussels, Belgium

1 Sailing

Apr 16, 2026

Dendera, Egypt

Dendera, Egypt Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Dendera, Egypt

Explore the Temple of Hathor:

Marvel at the Astronomical Ceilings:

Descend to the Crypts:

Visit the Sacred Lake:

Discover the Roman Mammisi (Birth House):

Admire the Cleopatra Relief:

Cruises to Dendera

11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise/Land Package

$5,499

11-night Splendors Of Egypt & The Nile Cruise/Land Package

$5,599

50-night 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise

11-night Splendors of Egypt & The Nile Cruise/Land Package

$6,799

11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise/Land Package

Dendera Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Dendera, Egypt Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Dendera, Egypt

Explore the Temple of Hathor:

Marvel at the Astronomical Ceilings:

Descend to the Crypts:

Visit the Sacred Lake:

Discover the Roman Mammisi (Birth House):

Admire the Cleopatra Relief:

Cruises to Dendera

11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise/Land Package

$5,499

11-night Splendors Of Egypt & The Nile Cruise/Land Package

$5,599

50-night 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise

11-night Splendors of Egypt & The Nile Cruise/Land Package

$6,799

11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise/Land Package

Dendera Cruise Lines

The reviews are in