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Egypt Highlights & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Cairo to Abu Simbel — 8 days, 7 nights

Start with Cairo’s great pyramids and Luxor’s west bank temples, then sail 5 days down the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan — ending with an epic desert drive to the legendary temples of Abu Simbel.

8

Days total

12+

Sites visited

5

Nights on Dahabiya

€1,183

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.

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

Fly to Luxor · West Bank & Habu Temple

Transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Luxor (1 hr). Visit the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and Hatshepsut Temple. After lunch, visit Habu Temple. End the day with dinner at a local farmer family’s home — a warm, authentic Egyptian experience.

Karnak, Luxor Temple & Board the Dahabiya

Check out after breakfast. Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples (3–4 hrs). Drive an hour to Esna — visit the Temple of Esna and the restored caravanserai and market. Check into the Dahabiya and 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. Sail to El Kab to see the massive ancient walls of Nekheb and explore the New Kingdom tombs. Continue to Edfu for a ride to the Temple of Horus. Free time sailing in the afternoon. A special barbeque dinner by moonlight

Bisaw Island & Nile Fishing at El Selsela

Breakfast on board. Visit Bisaw Island and village — join local fishermen in their boats for an authentic Nile fishing experience, walk through farms, and meet the villagers. Sail to El Selsela’s ancient sandstone quarry and shrines. Dinner on board.

Kom Ombo, Daraw Market & Arrive Aswan

Breakfast on board. Visit Kom Ombo Temple and the Crocodile Museum. In nearby Daraw, shop like a local at the camel market, visit a barn to learn about the camel trade, and explore a Nubian Town. As you sail closer to Aswan, enjoy an optional swim or kayak. Farewell dinner on board.

Optional: Philae Temple Sound & Light Show

Abu Simbel, High Dam & Aswan Boat Tour

Breakfast on board and check out of the Dahabiya. Drive to Abu Simbel (3–4 hrs through the desert) and visit both temples. Drive back to Aswan with a stop at the High Dam. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour boat tour on the Nile viewing Elephantine Island, Agha Khan Mausoleum, the Cataract, and the Nobles Tombs. Fly to Cairo in the evening.

Aswan–Abu Simbel round-trip flights available on request (High Dam visit not included if flying).

Egyptian Museum, Downtown Cairo & Khan El Khalili

Visit the Egyptian Museum (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, subject to availability). Lunch at Abo Tarek — famous for Koshri, Egypt’s beloved street food of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce. Walking tour through Downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square. Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. Walk El Muizz Street’s medieval Islamic architecture. End at Khan El Khalili bazaar.

Ready to book this journey?

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Quick facts

Duration: 8 days · 7 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

€1,183

per person

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

With accommodation

Double cabin + hotels

Cairo 2N · Luxor 1N

€1,564

per person (8 pax)

Holiday Inn Cairo (2N) · Embrace Luxor Hotel (1N). Breakfast & taxes included. High season supplement: +€35/person.

Single supplement

€843

add-on