Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Lux and Asw
Tour description
Travelling on the Nile by Dahabiya is one of the most exclusive and relaxing ways to see the sites of ancient Egypt. Dahabiya's is popular within aristocratic circles and even Royalty are said to have travelled on-board. These beautifully crafted vessels have seen a revival among those looking for luxury without having to travel aboard one of the larger cruise.
Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, where you’ll spend a night at the world famous Mena House hotel, which is located just next to the pyramids. Whilst here in Cairo we include a tour to visit the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, before taking the overnight sleeper train (or internal flight upgrade) south to Luxor.
Following your early morning arrival we start our tours with a visit to the West Bank of the Nile, which is home to the many Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the beautiful 3-tiered temple, dedicated to Queen Hatchepsut. Other stops on this tour include the Colossi of Memnon, and the Medinat Habu temple, which houses some of the best preserved wall paintings and deepest carved hieroglyphs in Egypt. Before leaving Luxor you will also visit the massive temple complex at Karnak.
You board your Dahabiya in Esna, just south of Luxor, and all your meals for the next 5 nights are provided by the on board chef and his well-trained team. The majority of Dahabiyas have between 6 and 10 comfortable en-suite, air-conditioned twin or double cabins, with upgrades to larger suites available on many boats. This tour uses a high standard Dahabiya with a classical, elegant style. More contemporary styled boats are also available on request.
The boat features a dining room, lounge and bar, and a sun-deck from where you can relax and watch rural Egyptian life pass you by as you sail along the Nile. The boat stops overnight at Edfu and Komombo en-route to Aswan, as well as two small islands where can enjoy an onboard BBQ.
While sailing up-river to Aswan, you stop to see the important temples at Esna, Komombo and Edfu, and also see several other sites missed by the normal cruise boats, including the El Kab tombs and Silesia temple. In Aswan, you will visit the striking Philae temple by boat, and have the option to visit the remarkable temple to Ramses II at Abu Simbel.
You also have some free time to explore the markets, before taking an internal flight back to Cairo for your final night.
You can fly straight home from Aswan if you wish (you would change planes in Cairo en-route). Back in Cairo you have a final free evening to do some shopping or enjoy a last meal in the land of the pharaohs. If you are able to extend your tour perhaps you could add a day trip to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, or to the spectacular desert scenery at Wadi Rayan and Wadi Hitan. This tour includes the 'Valley of the Whales' World Heritage Site where ancient whale fossils are found and displayed on the sand.
Note: 7-night cruises are also available, sailing in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Please contact us for details.
Itinerary
· Day 1:
· Arrive in Cairo
We meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to a deluxe 5-star hotel (normally the Oberoi Mena House). The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and relax.
· Day 2:
· Cairo - Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum tour
We enjoy a full day tour today to the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx at Gisa, and also to the famous Egyptian Museum. In the evening we transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train journey to Luxor.
· Day 3:
· Luxor - West Bank and Karnak Temple. Board Dahabiya.
After arriving in Luxor your first tour is to the West Bank of the Nile, where we explore the Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu temples, and the Colossi of Memnon. After a break for lunch we visit the huge temple complex at Karnak. Later in the afternoon we drive to Esna where you board your Dahabiya.
· Day 4:
· Sail past El Kab tombs to Edfu and tour the Temple
Beginning our journey south along the Nile to Edfu, we pass the El Kab Tombs which date back to the 18th Dynasty and will be able to view them from the deck of the boat. After arriving into Edfu we have a guided tour of the Temple of Horus, which is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. The evening is spent on-board close to Edfu.
· Day 5:
· Sail past the Silesia Temple to Komombo
Today we head for Komombo Temple and along the way we will stop to enjoy a BBQ lunch beside Al Ramady Island. Whilst sailing we will pass the Silesia Temple and sandstone quarries which you will be able to view from the deck of the boat.
· Day 6:
· Tour the Temple of Komombo and sail towards Aswan
Today begins with an extensive tour of Komombo Temple which was dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroreris. As we continue sailing towards Aswan we have time for a BBQ lunch on Herdiab Island. Sail on to an island outside Aswan.
· Day 7:
· Continue to Aswan and visit Philae Temple
We continue sailing to Aswan this morning where we have a day of tours to visit the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae temple. After lunch onboard we have an afternoon visit to the Nubian museum.
· Day 8:
· Optional Abu Simbel tour. Felucca cruise. Fly to Cairo
This morning you have the option of joining the early morning convoy to Abu Simbel, the amazing reclaimed temple of Ramses the Great. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel this morning then you have some free time to explore Aswan. In the afternoon we include a Felucca trip to Elephantine Island. In the evening we take a short internal flight to Cairo.
· Day 9:
· Tour ends in Cairo. Transfer to the airport
Your tour comes to an end today. You have some free time in Cairo until we transfer you to the airport for departure.
