Timeless journey along the majestic Nile aboard a traditional Dahabiya, combining the elegance of old-world sailing with the exclusivity of a small-group experience. This 5-day cruise begins with a personalized pickup from Luxor or Esna, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your elegant Dahabiya vessel.
Sailing southward from Esna to Aswan over four tranquil nights, this voyage offers a perfect balance of iconic sites and hidden gems. Explore the majestic Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and uncover the dual deities of the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo. Step off the beaten path at Gebel el-Silsila, a serene archaeological site carved into sandstone cliffs, home to the rarely visited Temple of Horemheb.
As we sail between each destination, relax on the sun-drenched deck with panoramic river views, enjoy gourmet meals prepared onboard, and take part in atmospheric evening barbecues on the riverbanks. Each moment is enriched by the insight of expert guides, ensuring your experience is as informative as it is inspiring.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking peaceful adventure, this cruise offers a rich, immersive exploration of Egypt’s heartland. Discover the soul of the Nile—unrushed, unforgettable, and truly authentic.
Stops: Luxor & Esna
Your Dahabiya experience begins the moment you arrive in Luxor. Whether you’re landing at the airport, arriving by train, or coming from your hotel, our representative will meet you with a warm welcome and provide a comfortable transfer to Esna, where your elegant Dahabiya boat awaits. As you settle into your private cabin, take in the peaceful surroundings of the river port and prepare for a memorable voyage.
Once onboard, the crew will greet you with traditional Egyptian hospitality and refreshments. As the sail is raised and the boat gently glides south, you’ll experience the Nile the way ancient nobles once did—gracefully and unhurriedly.
Our first destination is El Kab, the ancient city of Nekheb, once a powerful capital in predynastic Egypt. Located directly across from Hierakonpolis, El Kab is home to remnants of ancient temples dedicated to Thoth and the vulture goddess Nekhbet. The site is framed by imposing mudbrick walls and rich desert landscape, offering an evocative introduction to Egypt’s timeless past.
Enjoy your first night on the Nile under a blanket of stars, with a delicious dinner served on deck and the serene sound of the water guiding you into relaxation.
Stop: Temple of Horus
Wake to the gentle rhythm of the Nile and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast as your Dahabiya sails toward Edfu. Today’s highlight is the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments and a striking example of Ptolemaic architecture.
Upon docking, a short carriage ride through the quiet streets of Edfu takes you to the temple complex. Towering pylons and intricate reliefs await, revealing the story of Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and sky. Your guide will share insights into the symbolic battle between Horus and Seth, engraved throughout the temple walls.
After your exploration, return to the Dahabiya for lunch as we continue sailing toward Fawaza Island, a quiet palm-covered island in the middle of the river. Here, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or take a refreshing swim in the Nile’s clean, calm waters.
As the sun sets, the crew prepares a traditional barbecue on the island’s sandy shore. Dine under open skies surrounded by flickering lanterns and Nile breezes, a magical setting for conversation, music, and unforgettable memories.
Stop: Gebel el-Silsila
Today’s destination is one of the cruise’s most special highlights: Gebel el-Silsila, an archaeological site largely overlooked by large cruise ships due to its secluded location. Here, we step into the quiet magnificence of ancient Egypt’s sandstone quarries, where massive blocks were cut and shipped to build temples across the land.
Disembark to walk among rock-hewn chapels and shrines nestled into the cliffs. Your guide will lead you to the Temple of Horemheb, an intimate sanctuary with inscriptions dedicated to the 18th dynasty pharaoh. The setting is extraordinary—sandstone cliffs rising steeply above the river, untouched and eerily silent except for the wind.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a private barbecue served right within the sacred site itself. With no crowds and the golden sun reflecting off the quarry walls, it’s an atmosphere unlike any other. As dusk approaches, we return to the boat and set sail once again, with the gentle current carrying us deeper into the heart of the Nile Valley.
Stop: Kom Ombo
Following a peaceful morning sail and hearty breakfast, we reach the town of Kom Ombo, home to one of the Nile’s most iconic temples. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in its symmetrical design, dedicated equally to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed deity of fertility and protection, and Haroeris (a form of Horus), the god of healing and truth.
Explore the fascinating dual sanctuaries, mummified crocodile displays, and remarkably detailed reliefs. Your guide will point out significant scenes, including ancient surgical tools etched into the stone—a testament to the Egyptians’ advanced understanding of medicine.
After your temple visit, take a short walk to the local market, where you can browse traditional goods and interact with friendly vendors offering spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience contemporary Egyptian life in a riverside setting.
Return to the boat for lunch as we continue toward Aswan. The remainder of the day is yours to relax—whether reading on the shaded deck, enjoying tea in the lounge, or simply watching the riverside scenery drift by.
Stops: Aswan High Dam – Philae Temple – Unfinished Obelisk
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Dahabiya docks in Aswan before beginning your final day of exploration. Aswan is a city rich with both ancient wonders and modern achievements.
We start with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of 20th-century engineering that revolutionized life along the Nile. Your guide will explain the dam’s significance and its impact on agriculture, water control, and the relocation of ancient monuments.
Next, we travel by motorboat to the serene Island of Philae, home to the Temple of Isis. This stunning Greco-Roman temple complex was painstakingly relocated to higher ground during the building of the dam. Wander through its peaceful colonnades and learn about the myth of Isis and Osiris, central to Egyptian belief in resurrection and eternal life.
Our final stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive monument abandoned in its quarry. Had it been completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected. The site offers fascinating insight into ancient stonemasonry techniques.
Your journey comes to an end, leaving you with lasting impressions of Egypt’s majestic river, powerful legends, and timeless beauty.
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