Overview
El Nil Dahabiya: Discovering Egypt’s Eternal RiverStep aboard the El Nil Dahabiya for a captivating seven-day adventure that sails you through the heart of Egypt. This journey offers an intimate exploration of the Nile’s most iconic sites, balancing serene river travel with the thrill of discovering ancient secrets. From the majestic temples to the tranquil waters of the Nile, every detail of this tour promises an experience as timeless as the landscapes you’ll visit. Here’s what to expect from your enchanting voyage:
Luxor’s Royal Legacy
Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s Tomb: Start your journey in Luxor, where the past comes alive. Visit the Valley of the Kings, including an exclusive entry to the tomb of the legendary King Tutankhamun.
Hatshepsut Temple and Habu Temple: Witness the grandeur of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple and explore the impressive mortuary temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu.
Luxor Temple by Night: Experience the illuminated splendor of Luxor Temple during a mesmerizing night tour, a spectacle of light against the backdrop of ancient history.
Esna and El Kab: A Journey through Time
Khnum Temple: Discover the underground marvel of Esna’s temple dedicated to Khnum, the god who shaped mankind from Nile clay. This site impresses with its deep-set construction and exquisite column carvings.
El Kab: As you sail leisurely towards El Kab, enjoy insights into ancient urban settlements, with ruins that whisper tales from Egypt’s early dynastic period.
Edfu and Nekheb: Icons of Devotion
Edfu Temple: Arrive in Edfu where the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, awaits. Explore its magnificent halls on a horse-drawn carriage, feeling the echoes of ancient ceremonies.
Nekheb Wander through the old town of Nekheb, absorbing the layered history of this once-vibrant city, from pre-dynastic structures to Ptolemaic temples.
A Desert Revelation and Gebel Silsila’s Hidden Wonders
Desert Walk: Experience the stark beauty of the desert with an evening walk, unveiling scenic vistas and pathways leading through timeless landscapes.
Gebel Silsilae lesser-known but awe-inspiring site of Gebel Silsila, famous for its stelaes and chapels carved directly into the rock cliffs, a testament to the Pharaohs’ quarrying prowess.
Kom-Ombo: The Dual Deity Temple
Temple of Kom Ombo: Explore the unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, a striking example of symmetry and duality in ancient Egyptian architecture.
Aswan’s Architectural Triumphs
Philae Temple, High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk: Conclude your journey in Aswan with visits to the captivating Philae Temple, marvel at the modern marvel of the High Dam, and learn about ancient stone-carving techniques at the Unfinished Obelisk.
Note:
Comfortable Footwear: Prepare for extensive walking during tours, especially at archaeological sites.
Sun Protection: Equip yourself with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to enjoy your excursions under the Egyptian sun.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be prepared to remove footwear when required.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi may be limited at some locations, ensuring you have all necessary apps and information downloaded beforehand.
Hotel Pickup: Be ready in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled departure for each day’s adventures.
Included
- Personalized Airport Welcome: Begin your Egyptian adventure with a warm welcome by our representatives upon your arrival in Luxor, ensuring a seamless transition to your first destination.
- Private Transfers: From airport shuttles to hotel and tour site transports, enjoy the comfort of private, air-conditioned vehicles throughout your journey.
- S GRADE Accommodations: Luxuriate in seven nights of premium accommodations, starting with your stay in an exquisite hotel in Luxor, followed by an enchanting journey aboard the Assouan Dahabiya Nile Cruise.
- Exclusive Guided Tours: Delve into Egypt’s rich history with private tours, including exclusive access to the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and experience the architectural marvels of Karnak, Khnum Temple, and more.
- Expert English-Speaking Guides: Enhance your understanding of each site with insights provided by our knowledgeable, English-speaking guides.
- Comprehensive Entrance Fees: Gain entry to all historical sites as outlined in your itinerary without any additional costs.
- Meals Included: Savor a variety of Egyptian and international dishes with all meals included during your hotel stay and cruise, from breakfasts to sumptuous dinners under the stars.
- Nightly Entertainment: Enjoy cultural workshops, nightly shows, and relaxation opportunities aboard your Nile cruise.
- Refreshments Provided: Stay refreshed with bottled water available during tours and excursions.
- Domestic Flight: Conclude your journey with a seamless transfer from Aswan to Cairo, encapsulated by a domestic flight, facilitating your onward travel or return home.
- Special Dinner Cruise in Cairo: Revel in a magical evening with a dinner cruise on the Nile in Cairo, a perfect blend of gourmet cuisine and scenic views.
- Felucca Ride in Aswan: Experience Aswan’s serene beauty with a peaceful felucca ride on the Nile, a traditional and unforgettable sailing experience.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Enjoy a hassle-free journey with all service charges and taxes included, ensuring no hidden fees disrupt your travel experience.
Excluded
- International Airfare: Flights to and from your home country are not included in the tour package.
- Entry Visa to Egypt: You will need to obtain your entry visa independently; it is not covered as part of the tour package.
- Optional Tours: Any tours outside the itinerary, including special excursions and personal explorations, are not included and can be booked at an additional cost.
- Personal Spending: Expenses for personal items, souvenirs, extra beverages, and other individual purchases are not included.
- Tipping: Gratuities for tour guides, cruise staff, and drivers are not included and are at your discretion based on the service received.
Agatha Dahabiya: Journey Along the Nile Tour Plan
Welcome to Luxor, where ancient pharaohs’ legacies come alive. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted and promptly escorted to your hotel for an efficient check-in process. Kickstart your adventure on the West Bank, a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Here, you’ll gain exclusive access to the tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings and witness the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut. Enjoy a delicious lunch before exploring the imposing Habu Temple and the iconic Colossi of Memnon.
As the evening sets in, prepare for a mesmerizing night tour of Luxor Temple, where its timeless splendor is showcased under the night sky. After a day steeped in history, return to your premium hotel for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Set sail on a journey through time as you embark on the banks of Esna, a bustling merchant town located approximately 33 miles south of Luxor. Here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of commerce and culture, you’ll begin your adventure aboard the dahabiya, accompanied by the warm smiles of the crew eager to guide you on your voyage.
Your first stop on this enchanting odyssey is the small yet captivating Temple of Khnum, a hidden gem nestled nine meters below street level. As you wander through its ancient halls, adorned with intricate carvings and sacred symbols, you’ll feel the whispers of history echoing through the ages.
But the wonders of Esna extend beyond its ancient temple, as you’ll soon discover on a leisurely stroll through its bustling streets. Here, amidst the colorful array of textiles and exotic goods, you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents, each corner offering a tantalizing glimpse into Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
As you bid farewell to Esna and set sail upon the timeless waters of the Nile, the echoes of its ancient past linger in the air, a testament to the enduring allure of Egypt’s storied shores. With each passing moment, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the heart of this ancient land, where every step is a journey through the annals of history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Prepare to be swept away by the ancient splendor of El Kab, nestled along the majestic East bank of the Nile. Once the proud capital of Upper Egypt, this storied town still echoes with the whispers of its glorious past. As the dahabiya gently docks, you’ll find yourself at the threshold of history, ready to embark on a journey through the ages.
Your first stop is the venerable temple of Nekhbet, a timeless sanctuary honoring the divine protector of Upper Egypt. Here, amidst the towering columns and sacred halls, you’ll feel the presence of ancient gods and pharaohs, their legacy etched into the very stones beneath your feet.
But the wonders of El Kab extend beyond its temple walls, as you’ll soon discover on a picturesque walk through the quaint fishermen’s village. With each step, you’ll be enveloped in the authentic charm of daily life along the Nile, the gentle rhythms of tradition guiding your path.
As the afternoon sun casts its golden glow upon the river, the dahabiya sets course for Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s most magnificent treasures: the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Transported back in time by horse and carriage, you’ll traverse the bustling city streets, each moment a pilgrimage into the heart of ancient Egypt.
With the temple’s grandeur etched into your memory, you’ll return to the dahabiya, ready to set sail once more towards a distant horizon. Ahead lies a beautiful island, its shores beckoning with the promise of new adventures and discoveries, as your journey through the timeless wonders of the Nile continues.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of the Nile on this day dedicated to the river’s timeless flow. As the sun graces the horizon with its golden rays, you have the option to begin your day with a leisurely morning walk or indulge in a hearty breakfast, preparing to embark on a journey of discovery.
With the gentle breeze as your guide, the dahabiya sets sail, gliding gracefully over the shimmering waters of the Nile. In the afternoon, a picturesque island awaits, offering the perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll along its sandy shores or a refreshing swim in the cool embrace of the river.
As dusk descends, an opportunity for adventure awaits as you venture into the desert’s embrace. Along a valley lined with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions, you’ll trace the footsteps of ancient travelers, each symbol a testament to the rich tapestry of history that blankets the land. Here, amidst the whispers of ages past, you’ll uncover the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya, a journey that once spanned 28 days in ancient times.
As night falls, the dahabiya finds its mooring at the foot of the floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh, its ancient stones bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. Here, beneath the canopy of stars, you’ll find solace in the embrace of the Nile, a testament to the enduring beauty and majesty of Egypt’s storied shores.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Nestled between two majestic mountain ranges, the Nile reveals its narrowest point, creating a mesmerizing landscape that awaits your exploration. Here, amidst this secluded haven, you’ll often find yourself the sole visitors, as the grand Nile cruisers are prohibited from stopping.
Your journey commences with a visit to the intimate temple of Horemheb, a hidden gem resonating with ancient mystique. As you wander through its sacred halls, you’re transported back in time, feeling the echoes of history reverberate through the ages.
Next, you venture into the sandstone quarries, where the skillful hands of ancient Egyptians sculpted the very stones that would shape their most iconic temples. Amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape, you gain insight into the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Egypt’s forebears.
Though the picturesque café along the riverbank may be temporarily closed, the beauty of the surrounding scenery remains unchanged. Here, amidst the tranquility of nature, you pause to savor the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures of tea and shisha amidst the timeless beauty of the Nile.
As the dahabiya sets sail once more, you find yourself drawn to a picturesque riverbank, where the shimmering waters invite you to linger and indulge in a leisurely lunch. With the sun dancing upon the surface of the river, you embrace the opportunity to swim, the cool embrace of the Nile offering respite from the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
As the night sky gives way to the gentle light of dawn, you awaken to the soft lull of the Nile beneath you, a canvas painted with stars fading into the morning sun. Embark on a journey that transcends time as the morning breeze carries you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo.
Perched gracefully on the bend of the river, the temple of Kom Ombo stands as a testament to ancient devotion. Built during the Ptolemaic period, its sacred halls echo with the whispers of worshippers who once paid homage to Sobek, the revered crocodile-headed god of fertility.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred sanctuary, where history and myth intertwine amidst towering columns and intricately carved reliefs. As you explore the temple’s hallowed halls, you’ll feel a profound connection to the ancient world and the mysteries it holds.
After experiencing the spiritual resonance of the temple, your journey continues to the new Crocodile Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts that bear witness to the importance of these revered creatures in ancient times. Here, amidst the mummified remains of crocodiles, you’ll gain insight into the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world, a bond that shaped the very fabric of life along the Nile.
As you bid farewell to Kom Ombo and its timeless wonders, the echoes of ancient rituals linger in the air, a testament to the enduring legacy of Egypt’s storied past. With each passing moment, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the heart of this ancient land, where every step is a journey through the annals of history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
As the golden rays of the sun paint the desert landscape with hues of amber and gold, you awaken to the breathtaking sight of the desert drawing near to the Nile at Aswan Bridge. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of the river’s embrace, your journey aboard the dahabiya reaches its peaceful conclusion.
As the night’s slumber gives way to the gentle stirrings of morning, you depart from our care, carrying with you the tranquility and rejuvenation that the Nile has bestowed upon you. Though the government’s regulations now mandate an overnight stay beside the Aswan bridge, the essence of relaxation and renewal that defines your voyage remains undiminished.
While this location may lack the idyllic serenity of more remote moorings, it serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of travel and exploration. As you bid farewell to your floating sanctuary and the dedicated crew who have guided you on this odyssey, you depart with a sense of peace and contentment, ready to face the new day refreshed and revitalized.
Though your journey along the Nile may draw to a close, the memories of its timeless beauty will linger in your heart forevermore, a testament to the enduring allure of Egypt’s storied shores.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
