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Egypt Highlights & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Cairo to Aswan — 10 days, 9 nights

Cairo’s pyramids and museums, Luxor’s ancient temples, then 5 days sailing the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya — stopping at hidden villages, quarries, and ruins that big cruise ships can never reach.

10

Days total

15+

Sites visited

5

Nights on Dahabiya

€1,248

From per person (8 pax)

Saqqara, Dahshur & Giza

Begin at Saqqara with the Step Pyramid and Nobles Tombs, then Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids. After lunch, visit Giza — the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, Khafra and Menkawra Pyramids. Finish with a 40-minute camel ride through the desert.

Around midday, check in to the Dahabiya, enjoy lunch as we begin sailing, and have dinner on your first night aboard in Daraw — with the chance to swim or kayak along the way (let us know two days ahead if you’d like kayaks ready).

Note: pickup is from any address in Aswan to the port of the Dahabiya.

Grand Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo

Morning at the Grand Egyptian Museum including Tutankhamun’s treasures. Lunch, then visit Coptic/Old Cairo — the Hanging Church and Abu Serga Church.

Fly to Luxor · West Bank

Transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Luxor (1 hr). Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch at a local farmer’s house with a brief cookery lesson — a chance to connect with real Egyptian life.

Karnak, Luxor Temple & Board the Dahabiya

After breakfast, visit Karnak and Luxor Temples (3–4 hrs). Drive an hour to Esna to join the Dahabiya — visit the Temple of Esna and restored caravanserai, then sail to El Hegz Village for a unique cultural experience. Lunch and dinner on board.

Optional: Hot air balloon over the west bank at sunrise (~2 hrs, 50 min flight)

El Kab, New Kingdom Tombs & Temple of Horus

Breakfast on board, then sail to El Kab to see the massive ancient walls of Nekheb and explore the New Kingdom tombs. Continue to Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus. Dinner and free time as you overnight on the Dahabiya.

Bisaw Island, Nile Fishing & El Selsela

Breakfast on board. Visit Bisaw Island — join local men in their boats for a Nile fishing experience, walk through farms, and meet the villagers. Sail to El Selsela’s ancient sandstone quarry and shrines. Finish with a special barbeque dinner by moonlight.

Kom Ombo, Daraw Market & Nubian Town

Breakfast on board. Visit Kom Ombo temple and the Crocodile Museum. In nearby Daraw, learn to shop like a local at the camel market, visit a barn to meet camels and learn about the camel trade, then visit a Nubian Town. Closer to Aswan, an opportunity to swim or kayak. Farewell dinner and final sail to Aswan.

 

Optional: Philae Temple sound & light show

Abu Simbel & Philae Temple

Breakfast boxes and check out of the Dahabiya. Drive to Abu Simbel through the desert (3–4 hrs), visit the temples for around 2 hours, then drive back to Aswan for lunch. In the evening, attend the sound and light show at Philae Temple.

Unfinished Obelisk, Elephantine & Fly to Cairo

Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, the Elephantine archaeological site, and a Nubian Village. After lunch, transfer to Aswan Airport and fly to Cairo. Transfer to hotel on arrival.

The Citadel, El Muizz Street & Khan El Khalili

Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. Lunch at El Azhar Park, a beautiful hilltop garden overlooking the city. Walk through El Muizz Street — Cairo’s most preserved medieval Islamic quarter with mosques, houses, and markets. End at Khan El Khalili bazaar.

 

Optional: Folk show at Al-Ghouri Caravansary (subject to schedule)

Ready to book this journey?

Secure your spot now — departures fill months in advance.

Quick facts

Duration: 10 days · 9 nights

Route: Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Cairo

Group size: Max 20 guests

Guide: English (others on request)

Meals: As mentioned per day

Pricing

Double cabin

Private Dahabiya cabin · 5 nights

€1,248

per person

All tours, transfers, guide, entry fees, Dahabiya 5 nights with meals. Domestic flights not included.

With accommodation

Double cabin + hotels

Cairo 3N · Luxor 1N · Aswan 1N

€1,926

per person (8 pax)

Holiday Inn Cairo · Embrace Luxor Hotel · Artika Wadi Kiki Aswan. Breakfast & taxes included. High season supplement: +€60/person.

Single supplement

€974

add-on