The Pharaohs’ Path: Cairo Wonders & Dahabeya Nile Sailing (8 Days / 7 Nights)

Upon touchdown at Cairo International Airport, you will be met inside the terminal by your tour representative and expediter, who will assist with entry visa procedures, baggage reclaim, and customs formalities. From there, board a private air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth transfer to your Cairo hotel. Use this evening to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for ancient Egypt's greatest monuments. Overnight: Cairo hotel Included Meals: None (or light snack/dinner depending on flight arrival time)

After breakfast, your private Egyptologist guide will accompany you to the Giza Necropolis on the Giza Plateau. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, followed by an up-close look at the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Continue the day's journey to The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the modern state-of-the-art complex housing immense masterworks of ancient Egyptian civilization, including grand atrium statues, hanging obelisks, and the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun. Overnight: Cairo hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Following an early breakfast and hotel check-out, take a short domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer directly to the riverfront for embarkation aboard the boutique Fatima Dahabeya, your private sailing vessel along the Nile. After settling into your cabin and enjoying lunch onboard, begin your exploration of the East Bank at Karnak, wandering through its monumental gateways, pylons, and the soaring forest of 134 stone columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall. Proceed along the newly restored ceremonial Avenue of Sphinxes to Luxor Temple, dramatic in the afternoon light. Return to Fatima for dinner and your first serene night on the water. Overnight: Aboard Dahabeya (Luxor mooring) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the morning early on the West Bank, descending into the brilliantly painted royal tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. Next, visit the dramatic terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut set against the towering cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, before pausing before the towering twin Colossi of Memnon. Rather than waiting on the river during lock delays, travel south across Upper Egypt via a private vehicle to meet Dahabya at Esna. Re-embark and take in leisurely sailing as the vessel navigates south past the Esna lock. Overnight: Aboard Dahabeya (Esna area / south of Esna mooring) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day sailing into Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, widely considered Egypt's best-preserved Ptolemaic sanctuary, featuring towering pylons and intact roofed chambers. Return to Fatima to relax on the sun deck as the dahabeya relies on gentle river winds and traditional river sailing southward. In the afternoon, moor at Bassaw Island for a guided walking tour through lush agricultural plots, date palm groves, and riverside villages, offering respectful, authentic insight into contemporary rural life along the Nile. Overnight: Aboard Dahabeya (Bassaw Island / nearby quiet Nile mooring) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail toward Kom Ombo, visiting the unique twin temple positioned right on the riverbank. This dual sanctuary honors both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder (Haroeris), and includes the adjacent Crocodile Museum displaying mummified specimens. Continue sailing downriver to Hor Diab Island, known for its scenic sandy shores. Weather, river currents, and the captain's discretion permitting, there may be an opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Nile. Overnight: Aboard Dahabeya (Hor Diab / Aswan northern approach) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake in Aswan and journey by motorboat to Philae on Agilkia Island, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of motherhood and healing. Learn about the UNESCO salvage campaign that saved the temple complex from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. In the afternoon, opt for an excursion to a colorful Nubian Village to experience traditional mud-brick architecture, local crafts, and cultural hospitality. In the evening, explore Aswan by night, soaking in the energy of the bustling spice souks, waterfront corniche, and street cafés. Overnight: Aboard Dahabeya (Aswan mooring) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Conclude your trip with an optional early-morning excursion (by flight or private road convoy) to the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel. Disembark Fatima Dahabeya in Aswan and transfer to Aswan Airport for your return flight to Cairo to connect with your international flight home. ­ ­ Extensions & Customizations: Extra nights in Cairo, an extension to Luxor for hot air ballooning and deeper West Bank tomb visits, or a relaxing beach stay along the Red Sea (Hurghada or El Gouna) can easily be added upon request.