Cairo & Dahabiya on the Nile Luxor / Aswan
Sail the Ancient Nile in Total Privacy
Imagine waking up to the sound of water lapping against your Dahabiya as the Nile glides past fields of sugarcane and ancient temples. This 12-day private journey is the most intimate way to experience Egypt — beginning with the wonders of Cairo and ending on the timeless banks of the Nile. You are never part of a crowd; every moment is tailored entirely for you.
From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza to the grandeur of Karnak Temple, the serenity of Philae Island, and the colossal statues of Abu Simbel — every day delivers a new wonder. Your private multilingual guide accompanies you throughout, bringing each site's history to life with passion and expertise.
Your Itinerary
Cairo — Arrival
Arrival in Cairo, reception at Cairo airport and transfer to the hotel. Welcome meeting with your private guide to review the itinerary. Free dinner. Night at the hotel.
Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 AM. Full-day sightseeing in Cairo: visit the Pyramids of Giza — Cheops, Khafre and Menkaure — as well as the Valley Temple and the Sphinx. Traditional lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the GEM — Grand Egyptian Museum: the treasure of Tutankhamun, the Solar Boat, and the various halls of Egyptian monuments. Back to the hotel. Optional: in the evening you can enjoy the "Sound and Light" show at the Pyramids. Free dinner. Night at the hotel.
Cairo / Luxor
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the necropolis of the ancient capital Memphis, the Teti Pyramid, and the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara. Lunch at a restaurant. After lunch, visit the Pyramids of Dahshur. Late afternoon return to Cairo for dinner. At 8:00 PM, transfer to the train station, sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Dinner and overnight on board the train.
Luxor
Morning arrival and transfer to the hotel. Visit Medinet Habu, the great mortuary temple of Ramses III and the best-preserved of the Theban necropolis, and the Tombs of the Nobles (Sennefer, Ramose). Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor. Overnight at the hotel.
Luxor / Esna — Board the Dahabiya
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the impressive Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Transfer to Esna (approx. 60 km — 1 hour). Boarding of the Dahabiya, welcome drink. Departure for El Hegz. Overnight on board at El Hegz.
El Hegz / El Kaab / Edfu / Fawaza
Sailing towards El Kaab. Breakfast on board during the sailing. Arrival at El Kaab. Visit the tombs with their wonderful paintings of the first farmers on the Nile. Continue to Edfu, lunch on board. Visit the Temple of Edfu (by horse-drawn carriage). Return to the Dahabiya and sail to Fawaza Island. Special dinner on the Nile bank: traditional-style barbecue with local music. Overnight on board at Fawaza.
Basaw / Gebel Silsila / Horemheb / Beshir
Breakfast on board and sailing to the village of Basaw, a lovely island for a walk and to meet local residents, with a visit to the school and perhaps a cup of tea. Sail to Gebel Silsila, lunch during the sailing. Arrival at Gebel Silsila, where the river narrows. Stop to visit the ancient quarries of the Temple of Horemheb. Continue to Beshir Island. Traditional Egyptian dinner. Overnight on board.
Beshir / Kom Ombo / Aswan
Breakfast during the sailing to Kom Ombo. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a beautiful temple from the Ptolemaic era. Lunch on board and sailing to Aswan. Arrival in Aswan; visit the beautiful Philae Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Farewell dinner on board to close this wonderful journey (local entertainment or music). Overnight on board the Dahabiya in Aswan.
Aswan (Abu Simbel)
Private excursion to Abu Simbel by road (included). Departure with a breakfast box around 5:00 AM to Abu Simbel, visit the wonderful temples of King Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. Return to Aswan at midday. Free afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Aswan / Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel. Boat ride to visit the Kalabsha Temple. Felucca ride to visit Elephantine and Kitchener Islands. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk. In the evening (around 8:00 PM), sleeper train from Aswan to Cairo. Dinner and overnight on board.
Cairo
Breakfast on the train. Visit Old Cairo, its alleys and the Hanging Church (founded in the 4th century). Visit the Mosque of Mohamed Ali in the Citadel of Saladin and discover the covered souks of Khan El Khalili. Return to the hotel.
Cairo / Departure
Breakfast. Depending on flight schedule, transfer to the airport, flight back to Europe.
Valid from October to April
Price per person in double room
Discounts for groups of more than 6 people.
(Not valid at Christmas, New Year or Easter)
Up to 25% reduction from May to September.
Contact us for a personalised quote.
What's Included
Included
- 3 Nights in Cairo at a 5-star hotel with breakfast
- 8 Nights on a private Dahabiya boat (all cabins, exclusively yours) with full board
- Sleeper train Cairo–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo, half board
- 2 Days of visits in Cairo with private guide, air-conditioned private car, entrance tickets, and lunches
- All visits in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan with private guide and entrance tickets
- Abu Simbel full day excursion by private van
- Felucca ride and Nubian village visit in Aswan
- All transfers mentioned in the program by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance at Cairo airport on arrival and departure
- Private multilingual guide throughout the journey
- All taxes included
- All services are private
Not Included
- International flights
- Entry visa for Egypt ($30 per person, issued on arrival)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Sound & Light shows (optional)
- Optional excursions beyond the itinerary
Photo Gallery
Begin Your Journey
Ready to Sail the Ancient Nile?
Contact us for a personalised quote — every journey is crafted entirely for you.