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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)

Download full detailed itinerary
PDF · Includes daily schedule, meals , pricing , includes , excludes & notes

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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

Pricing

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