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Egypt Highlights & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Cairo to Luxor — 9 days, 8 nights

Cairo’s iconic pyramids and museums, a dawn visit to Abu Simbel, then 4 days sailing the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya — upstream from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at fishing villages, ancient quarries, and temples far off the beaten track.

9

Days total

12+

Sites visited

4

Nights on Dahabiya

€1,018

From per person (8 pax)

Saqqara, Dahshur & Giza Pyramids

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

 

Optional: Go inside the Great Pyramid · Giza Sound & Light Show in the evening

Grand Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo

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

Fly to Aswan · High Dam, Philae & Felucca Ride

Transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Aswan (1.5 hrs). Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk. After lunch and hotel check-in, enjoy an afternoon felucca ride on the Nile to view the Nobles Tombs, Agha Khan Mausoleum, Plantation Island, and the Old Cataract Hotel at sunset.

 

Optional: Elephantine archaeological site · Nubian Village · Nubian Museum · Camel ride to Saint Simon Monastery · Motor boat through the Nile Cataract · Philae Sound & Light Show

Abu Simbel & Board the Dahabiya

Early morning drive to Abu Simbel (4 hrs each way) to visit the magnificent temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. Drive back to Aswan. At noon, check into the Dahabiya — lunch on board and begin sailing south. Dinner and overnight anchored at Daraw.

Daraw Market, Kom Ombo & El Selsela

Breakfast on board. In Daraw, learn to shop like a local at the camel market, visit a barn to meet camels and learn about the camel trade, then explore a Nubian Town. Visit Kom Ombo Temple. Lunch on board. Sail to El Selsela’s ancient sandstone quarry and shrines. Dinner and overnight near Bisaw.

Bisaw Island, Nile Fishing & Temple of Horus

Breakfast in a local home or on board. Explore Bisaw Island — walk through farms and meet the villagers, then join local fishermen in their boats for an authentic Nile fishing experience. Sail to Edfu and ride horse carriages to visit the Temple of Horus. Lunch on board. Dinner and overnight at El Hegz.

Esna Temple, Karnak & Luxor Temple

Breakfast on board as you sail to Esna. Check out of the Dahabiya and visit the Temple of Esna and the restored caravanserai and market. Drive to Luxor (1 hr) and check in to the hotel. Afternoon visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

 

Optional: Hot air balloon at sunrise (50 min flight, 2 hrs total) · Alley of the Sphinx walk · Tut Ankh Amun tomb · Ramses VI tomb · Set I tomb · Horse carriage ride · Felucca on the Nile · Luxor Museum · Karnak Sound & Light Show

Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Fly to Cairo

Visit the Valley of the Kings — your guide leads you to the most important open tombs (3 tombs included). Continue to Hatshepsut Temple and the Ancient Workmen’s Village at Deir El Medina. Late lunch or dinner at a local farmer’s house. Transfer to Luxor Airport and fly to Cairo.

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 (Sat, Mon & Wed only)
Double cabin

Private Dahabiya cabin · 4 nights

€1,018

per person

All tours, transfers, guide, entry fees, Dahabiya 4 nights with all meals. Domestic flights not included.

With accommodation

Double cabin + hotels

Cairo 3N · Aswan 1N · Luxor 1N

€1,690

per person (8 pax)

Holiday Inn Cairo · Artika Wadi Kiki Aswan · Embrace Luxor Hotel. Breakfast & taxes included. High season supplement: +€56/person.

Single supplement

€806

add-on

Includes

  • Airport transfers and assist as mentioned.
  • Tours.
  • Transfers.
  • Tour Guide fees.
  • Meals (as mentioned)
  • Dahabiya 3 nights 4 days with all meals included. private double cabin in a shared Dahabiya.
  • upgrade to suite is available when requested for an extra charge (subject to availability).
  • For Christmas & Easter Periods: Supplement 105 EUR Per Person in Double Cabin
  • Boat rides
  • Bottled water during the trip

Excludes

  • Domestic flights. (Available upon request and subject to dates and availability)
  • Drinks during included meals
  • Optional tours
  • Tipping
  • Any other thing not mentioned in the included section.

Important Notes & Terms

  • Breakfast and all taxes included..
  • Cairo : 3 Nights in Holiday Inn Maadi in Double Standard room
  • Luxor : 1 Night in Embrace Luxor Hotel in Double Superior room
  • Aswan : 1 Night in Artika Wadi Kiki in Double Deluxe Chalet
  • Supplement for High Season is : 56 EUR Per Person for all accommodation or Similar according to availability,
  • Rooms upgrades are available for an extra charge.
  • Other hotels are available – ask for.
  • Our accommodation prices are less than the online price. In case you found less price online, let us know to amend
  • These prices might change when booking (notification will be sent to you)
  • Single Supplement 806 EUR
  • Other Languages Guide Supplement (French,Spanish & German) Subject to availability
  • Land Tours before or after Dahabiya, per group 91 EUR
  • Other Languages Guide Supplement (French,Spanish & German) Subject to availability
  • Dahabiya Tour, per group of 1 to 5 People 236 EUR
  • Other Languages Guide Supplement (French,Spanish & German) Subject to availability
  • Dahabiya Tour, per group of 6 to 10 People 253 EUR
  • Other Languages Guide Supplement (French,Spanish & German) Subject to availability
  • Dahabiya Tour, per group of 11 to 15 People 275 EUR
  • Pick up times are estimate times (to be confirmed by our local operator)
  • If this tour itinerary does not meet your full expectations, we can make changes.
  • Our Travel Advisors can also design your tour completely to fit your preferences.
  • Additional charges may be applied for modifications or personalized itineraries.
  • The dress code is conservative while visiting Mosques, Churches, villages or areas with mainly local
  • communities.
  • The above prices are not applied in the peak season, such as Christmas, New Year and Easter.
  • The above prices are subject to change; if a high inflation rate happens as a result of government
  • practices, currency rate change or economic problems.
  • The order of the tour days might change according to availability when booking.
  • There’s flights available from Aswan to Abu Simbel and return for an extra cost. Ask for the upgrade to
  • flight option instead of traveling overland.
  • Transfers in Sedan cars. (in case a van requested extra cost is added). Note: using a Sedan car in Cairo
  •  
  • requires an extra short walk in 2 attractions, the Citadel and the Museum of Civilization. If big size
  • luggage included Van in all destinations by default.
  • Please note that there are some places whose entrance fees are paid in EUR/Euro.

Ready to book this journey?

Secure your spot now — departures fill months in advance.

Quick facts

Duration: 9 days · 8 nights

Route: Cairo → Aswan → Luxor → Cairo

Group size: Max 20 guests

Guide: English (others on request)

Meals: As mentioned per day