8-Day Egypt Journey: Ancient Wonders and a Private Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and assisted with the airport formalities before being transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to relax and settle in following your journey. Overnight in Cairo. Meals: Breakfast at the Cairo hotel Accommodation: Cairo hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration of Egypt’s ancient wonders with a visit to Saqqara, home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest monumental stone structures in the world. Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you will see the colossal statue of Ramses II and learn about the city’s important role in Egyptian history. Next, visit the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple, iconic monuments that offer a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and mysteries of ancient Egypt. After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening. Overnight in Cairo.

After breakfast, take an early-morning flight from Cairo to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet your representative and begin your sightseeing tour of Luxor, one of Egypt’s greatest open-air museums. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where you will explore three open tombs and discover the richly decorated burial chambers of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an impressive monument built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Later, visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most significant religious complexes in ancient Egypt. After the tour, drive approximately one hour to Esna, where you will board and check in to your private dahabiya. Begin sailing toward El Hegz Village and enjoy an authentic local cultural experience, offering an insight into the traditions and daily life of the communities along the Nile. Meals: Breakfast at the Cairo hotel; lunch and dinner on board the dahabiya Accommodation: Dahabiya Included drinks: Mineral water throughout the day

After breakfast on board, continue sailing toward El Kab, an ancient settlement once known as Nekheb. Upon arrival, visit the remains of the city and admire its massive defensive walls, which offer a glimpse into the importance of this historic site. You will also explore several New Kingdom tombs, decorated with scenes reflecting the beliefs and daily life of ancient Egypt. Continue sailing to Edfu, where a short ride takes you to the magnificent Temple of Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt. Explore its monumental pylons, columned halls, and beautifully preserved reliefs before returning to the dahabiya. As the journey continues, enjoy free time on board to relax and take in the peaceful scenery of the Nile. In the evening, savor a special barbecue dinner served under the moonlight, creating a memorable atmosphere along the river. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board the dahabiya Accommodation: Dahabiya Included drinks: Mineral water throughout the day

After breakfast on board, visit Bisaw Island and its charming village. Join local fishermen in their traditional boats and experience the peaceful rhythm of life along the Nile. Walk through the surrounding farms, meet the villagers, and gain a personal insight into the customs and daily activities of the local community. Continue sailing to El Selsela, an important ancient sandstone quarry and religious site. Explore the historic quarry, where stone was extracted for many of Egypt’s temples, and visit the ancient shrines carved into the surrounding rock. Return to the dahabiya and enjoy dinner on board as you relax amid the tranquil scenery of the Nile. Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board the dahabiya Accommodation: Dahabiya Included drinks: Mineral water throughout the day

After breakfast on board, visit the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: the falcon-headed god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Explore its distinctive double design, beautifully preserved reliefs, and ancient medical instruments. Continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, which displays mummified crocodiles and artifacts connected with the worship of Sobek. Later, sail toward the town of Daraw and explore its lively local market. Discover the colorful produce, spices, and everyday goods, while learning how to shop like a local. Continue to a camel barn, where you will learn about the traditional camel trade and its enduring importance in the region. Visit a Nubian town and experience the warm hospitality, distinctive traditions, and vibrant culture of the Nubian people. Depending on the sailing conditions, enjoy an optional swim in the Nile or take part in a kayaking adventure. Return to the dahabiya for a special farewell dinner on board. Afterwards, begin sailing toward Aswan and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the Nile. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner on board the dahabiya Accommodation: Dahabiya Included drinks: Mineral water throughout the day

After breakfast on board, check out of the dahabiya and begin your final day of sightseeing in Aswan. Visit the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on Agilkia Island amid the waters of the Nile. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, an extraordinary monument that offers insight into the techniques used by ancient Egyptian stoneworkers. The morning concludes with a visit to the High Dam, an impressive modern engineering project that transformed Egypt’s landscape and created Lake Nasser. Enjoy lunch on board before visiting Elephantine Island and exploring its archaeological site, where layers of ancient history reveal the importance of Aswan as a frontier and trading center. Later, take a traditional felucca ride along the Nile. Admire views of the Tombs of the Nobles, the elegant Aga Khan Mausoleum, lush Kitchener’s Island—also known as Plantation Island—and the historic Old Cataract Hotel. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and gentle breeze as you sail through Aswan’s beautiful Nile landscape. After the felucca ride, transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own expense. Meals: Breakfast and lunch on board the dahabiya Dinner: At your own expense in Cairo Accommodation: Cairo hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis Included drinks: Mineral water during the dahabiya tour

After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization. Explore its extensive collection of artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of Egypt’s remarkable history, culture, and royal heritage. Continue to Old Cairo, a historic district known for its remarkable religious and architectural landmarks. Visit the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest and most celebrated Christian churches, followed by the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, traditionally associated with the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt. Continue to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, an important testament to Cairo’s multicultural past, and the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, regarded as the oldest mosque in Africa. Conclude your Cairo experience at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can browse traditional handicrafts, spices, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this historic marketplace. At the scheduled time, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight, or continue with your onward travel arrangements. Meals: Breakfast at the Cairo hotel Lunch and dinner: Not included Accommodation: No accommodation, unless an additional night in Cairo is required