• Dahabiya Nile Sailing •

Highlights of Egypt and Dahabiya sailing in the Nile in 8 days.

8 Days - 7 nights: Cairo - Luxor - Dahabiya Cruise - Aswan - Abu Simbel

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Day by Day

Itinerary

Short Description: This tour not only covers the highlights of Egypt, but also covers sites rarely visited by tourists. The highlight of this tour is sailing the Nile in comfort on board a traditional sailing boat called Dahabiya, as the Ancient Egyptians did thousands of years ago.

*The preferred day to start this tour is Saturday, but we can organize other departure dates for 3+ cabins. If you would like to book cabins aboard the Dahabiya cruise only, without the tours in Luxor and Aswan, this can be arranged.

*All our guides have a background in Egyptology, history, archeology and guiding. They are all official licensed guides.

If you wish to add other destinations/attractions to the below itinerary, such as Alexandria, Fayoum Oasis, Dendera, Abydos, etc we can adjust your tours to fit in the Dahabiya cruise.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Visit Saqqara. Include the Step pyramid, Titi pyramid, the Nobles tombs.

Visit Dahshur. Include the Bent pyramid and the Red pyramid.

Lunch at Saqqara– a good place to try Egyptian food. Normally they serve mix grill, kofta, and lots of small dishes filled with appetizers.

Visit Giza. view the Great Pyramid, The Sphinx, Khara pyramid, Menkawra pyramid and, the nobles tombs

Night stay in Cairo. The tour duration 8-9 hours.

Optional extras

Going Inside the Great Pyramid
Camel rides
Attend the Giza sound and light show in the evening.

30 km (19 miles) from Cairo, Saqqara is an archaeological site which continues to
reveal its treasures through new discoveries. The site covers 7km (4.4 miles) on the West bank
of the Nile. Best known for its step pyramids, Saqqara was the necropolis of the capital,
Memphis. Buried here were people and also many sacred animals. Construction here continued from 3,050 BC with 1st Dynasty funerary structures to 6th century AD Coptic monasteries. The highlights of the site are the step pyramid (pyramid of Djoser), pyramid of Unas, and the Nobles tombs. Other sites may be visited depending on time and availability, such as the Serapeum and Imhotep Museum.

10 km (6 miles) south of Saqqara we visit Dahshur, which shows the change from the step pyramid method of construction to the true pyramid shape. Two of the pyramids here are
among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt. These were commissioned by 4th Dynasty king Snefru (2649-2609 BC). Highlights of the site include the Bent pyramid, Red pyramid
which is second in size only to the great Giza Pyramid, and other pyramids. Lunch at Saqqara, a good place to try Egyptian food.

The Giza pyramids are the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, more than 4,000 years after their construction they still leave visitors in fascinated awe. The Great pyramid
of Khufu (2609-2584 BC) is the largest pyramid in Egypt and the world and the oldest of the Giza pyramids, 138 metres (453 feet) high. We also see the pyramids of Khafre, Menkaure, and pyramids of the Queens. Entering the Great pyramid is an option and a memorable experience, however this is not recommended if you experience claustrophobia or are not in good health.
The interiors of the pyramids are not decorated but are noteworthy for the advanced engineering involved in their construction. Other attractions include the tombs of the Nobles, the Sphinx and its Temple. The Sphinx was carved from one piece of limestone and is 60 meters (197 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide.
Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2

Transfer to Cairo airport and fly to Luxor. About 1 hour flight. Pick up at Luxor airport. Visit The Valley of the Kings, The Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut temple. The tour duration is 5-6 hours.Lunch and Check in the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit Habu temple.Visit a local farmer family in Luxor and have dinner in their house. The tour duration 3- 4 hours.

Night stay in Luxor .

Transfer to airport, flight from Cairo to Luxor. On the West bank our first stop is to see the
Colossi of Memnon. These two imposing sandstone statues indicate the site of the mortuary temple of 18th dynasty pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386 – 1353 BC). 18 meters (59 feet) high and each is estimated to weigh 653 tonnes (720 tons). Visit the Valley of the Kings where your
tour guide will lead you to the most important tombs among the currently open tombs in the valley. You visit 3 tombs of the more than 10 tombs that are currently open. Visit Hatshepsut temple. Lunch at a local farmer family house, an opportunity to experience life on the West bank. This can be replaced with lunch at a restaurant on request.

Visit Deir El Medina as a unique attraction project the life of the local Ancient Egyptians, Here where the workers fationed the Valley of the kings, queens and other masteroieces in Luxor west Bank lived and buried from the beginning of the New
Kingdom (1569 BC) .

Visit Medinat Habu (Habu temple) which features the impressive
mortuary temple of Ramses III and also encloses a well preserved pharaonic palace. The site is unique because it is one of the few where you can find the resting house of a king, giving insights
to their daily life. The site was a complex of temples dating from the beginning of the New
Kingdom (1569 BC). A temple to Amun was built here by Hatshepsut and Thutmose III.
Ramesses III also chose this site as the location of his mortuary temple and commissioned a massive mud-brick enclosure around the entire site; within this were included storehouses, workshops, administrative offices, and residences of priests and officials. The walls sheltered
the entire population of Thebes during the Libyan invasions of the 21st Dynasty (1081-711 BC),
and for three centuries afterwards it protected the Coptic population. The temple precinct is
about 214 meters (700 feet) by 305 meters (1,000 feet). The reliefs at the front of the temple depict Ramses III as victor in several wars. Attached to the temple is one of the few king’s
houses remaining, the throne room and other spaces are well preserved. You will also see
remains of an early Christian basilica, and a small sacred lake.

Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 3

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. Visit Karnak and Luxor temple. The tour duration about 3-4 hours. To join the dahabiya, which is part of the Luxor governorate, we drive about an hour from Luxor to Esna. We visit the Temple of Esna and restored caravanserai and market, then check in to the dahabiya and sail to El Hegz Village for a unique cultural experience. Lunch and dinner are on board the dahabiya.

Optional Tours :-

Hot air balloon ride over the west bank during the sun rise. The tour duration is about 2 hours, include 50 minutes flight.

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. On the East bank of Luxor, bookending the modern city, are the ancient Theban temples of Karnak and Luxor, with the Avenue of Sphinxes and Luxor Museum between them.

Luxor Temple is located approximately three kilometres (1.86 miles) south of Karnak Temple. These temples were linked with a processional way bordered with sphinxes, now known as Avenue of the Sphinxes. It is the only temple in the world where ancient Egyptian religions,
Greek and Roman cults, Christianity and Islam have been practiced. The temple was substantially built by Amenhotep III (c.1390–1352 BC) and Ramesses II (1279–1213 BC).

Karnak Temple is huge, the site covers more than 100 hectares (247 acres). Construction at Karnak began during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom (2000 – 1700 BC) and continued into the Ptolemaic era (305–30 BC). Most of the remaining structures are from the
New Kingdom, and these include remnants of temples, chapels, pylons and other structures.
Most other temples in Egypt were not constructed and used over such a long time and with
many rulers involved in construction here. Although it does not have many unique features, it is its size and variety within the site that make it extraordinary.

From Luxor we drive for about one hour to Esna. We explore Esna Temple which is dedicated to the ram headed god Khnum. The temple sits below street level within the town, as it was excavated from layers of earth. Enjoy discovering heritage craft traditions including beautiful textiles as we visit the restored Wekalet Al-Geddawi, a caravanserai, and the Ottoman era market of Al-Qissariya.

We check in to the Dahabiya and enjoy lunch on board. We cross the lock and sail for about 4-5 hours to El Hegz Village. This is an opportunity for true cross cultural exchange as we visit a local family who are excited to have visitors from the wider world. Your guide will translate so you can ask them questions and enhance your understanding of village culture. Dinner and your first night on the Nile, enjoying the comforts of the dahabiya.

Day 4

Breakfast on board, sailing to El Kab. Transfer to see the massive walls of the ancient town of Nekheb and explore the New Kingdom tombs. Sail to Edfu, Ride to visit the Temple of Horus. Sailing with dinner and free time as you overnight on the dahabiya.

At El Kab remains of ancient settlements date from about 3,000 BC (possibly centuries earlier) to Roman rule. The site is one of the most unique in Egypt because ancient villages and cities are rarely found. As we move inland you will see remains of the impressive mud brick walls and the long valley lined with tombs and shrines, including temples dedicated to Nekhbet and Thoth. We enter the decorated tombs of New Kingdom officials from the area.

We board the dahabiya for lunch and sail towards Edfu. Horse drawn carriages take us to the imposing Temple with its grand spaces and many hieroglyphic inscriptions. View Tell Edfu to
the West of the temple, which includes houses dating from the Old to New Kingdom. If time
allows we also stroll through the local market.

We sail again. From the boat view a Roman fort. Time to relax with dinner, and drift into dreams
as you are now becoming part of the rhythms of the Nile. Overnight stay onboard.

Day 5

Breakfast on board. Visit Bisaw Island and village, join the men in their boats to share the experience of Nile fishing, walk through farms and meet the villagers. Sailing to El Selsela ancient sandstone quarry and shrines. Special barbeque dinner by moonlight.

Breakfast in a local home in Bisaw village, where we take a leisurely walk through a farm, meet some of the women and children and learn how the unique sun bread is baked in homes here. We are welcomed by the local fishermen to their boats, learning of the skills of these men who live in harmony with the Nile. Fish caught can be enjoyed as part of dinner that evening.

Lunch onboard and continue sailing to El Selsela where we take a short walk parallel to the Nile to visit shrines and a massive quarry. Large amounts of sandstone was quarried here for temple building in Thebes (Luxor). Cut into the rock are the speos (chapel) of Horemheb with its sanctuary containing rock shrines and various stelae and inscriptions. The huge quarry gives context to how much building material was sourced from this area. There is also an area of sand here where children (and children at heart) can slide and play.

Resume sailing until we reach a place for a special barbeque dinner by moonlight. Overnight stay on board.

Day 6

Breakfast on board. Visit Kom Ombo temple and the Crocodile Museum. In the nearby town of Daraw you learn how to shop like a local at the market, visit a barn to meet camels and learn about the camel trade, and visit a Nubian Town. As we sail closer to Aswan if you wish there is an opportunity to swim or kayak. Farewell dinner and sail to our final destination Aswan.

Optional Tours:-

Philae temple sound and light show.

A short walk from the dahabiya dock, the Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to the crocodile-featured god Sobek and the god Horus. The connection to the power of the Nile is unmistakable as you look towards the temple. We also visit the Crocodile Museum which
includes some impressive mummified crocodiles.

In nearby Daraw explore a town that will give you a different sense of Egyptian life than what
you see in the big cities. Daraw includes several Nubian communities. We will stop at a cafe to try a local drink such as halfabar. We
can plan our dinner for that night and learn how to shop, including a few words of Arabic, then
try your new skills in the market shopping for ingredients for dinner. This is a fun opportunity
to interact with the market traders. Ask your guide about shopping for other items too, including Arabic words and prices. You will visit a barn for an introduction to camels, giving you some interaction with camels and to learn about these fascinating animals and about the camel trade. Note: if your tour visits Daraw on Saturday or Sunday we visit the camel market instead of the camel barn. On Tuesdays we can visit a livestock market.
As we near Aswan you have the opportunity to swim or kayak. If you wish to kayak please advise us two days before the dahabiya tour begins so we can be sure to have kayaks available.

Sailing, lunch, dinner and overnight stay on board near Aswan.

Day 7

Breakfast on board and check out of the Dahabiya.travel to Abu Simbel(3-4 hours’ drive along the desert)

Visit the 2 temples of Abu Simbel. Drive back to Aswan and stop at the High Dam.

Note: Aswan – Abu Simbel – Round trip flights are available upon request and subject to availability. The tour duration 8-9 hours.

Lunch.

Boat tour in the Nile in Aswan to view the following: Elephantine Island – Agha Khan Mausoleum – The Cataract – The Nobles tombs The tour duration is 2 hours.Transfer to Aswan airport and fly to Cairo.Arrive in Cairo airport and transfer to the hotel.

Night stay in Cairo.

After breakfast check out from the dahabiya. Travel to Abu Simbel by road, about 3 hours each way, and visit the temples. 280 km (174 miles) south of Aswan and close to the border of Egypt and Sudan is the town of Abu Simbel. We travel here to visit two massive rock-cut temples, the colossal statues on their facades are among the best known images of ancient Egypt.

In 1968 the temples were moved from their original location to avoid them being submerged due to construction of the Aswan High Dam. They were moved 64 meters (210 feet) above and 180 meters (590.5 feet) West of their original site. Both temples were commissioned by Ramesses II. The second temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. Abu Simbel was admitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Drive back to Aswan On the way back stop at the High Dam, and enjoy views of the Old Aswan Dam and the Nubian Lake (Lake Nasser). Seeing the High Dam and lake adds to your understanding of how the changing flow of the Nile has influenced Egyptian history. The dam was built to control the flooding of the Nile, increase water storage for irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity. It was a controversial plan because the dam would flood the lands of the Nubian people and cover remains of previous societies including several important ancient Egyptian temples. However, the large area flooded caused the relocation of more than 100,000 people. Many archaeological sites were submerged.
Lunch.
Felucca Boat ride, viewing: the Nobles tombs, Agha Khan mausoleum, Plantation Island and the Old Cataract hotel. Visit Elephantine Island archeological site. This is one of the most unique sites in upper Egypt because here you can see across 4,000 years of Egypt’s history, from 3,000 BC until late Medieval times (12th to 14th centuries). We can also visit a Nubian village and visit Animalia House Museum which is an excellent place to learn about Nubian culture and the changes that came about with the building of the High Dam.

Transfer to Aswan airport, fly to Cairo, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8

Visit the Egyptian museum. Visit the Egyptian museum (Or the Grand Egyptian Museum if opened – extra entry fees might applied) lunch at Abo Tarek, famous for Koshri as the most common fast food in Egypt, a mix of rice, pasta, lentils , chickpeas, fried onion, and tomato sauce.Walking tour in Downtown Cairo. The most famous among the area is Tahrir square, the birthplace of Egypt’s great revolution and visit the places where important events happened during the Egyptian revolution.Visit the citadel. Including the Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali. Walking tour in El Moez St, of Medieval Cairo. The most preserved area with medieval Islamic architecture such as Mosques, Houses, markets, and other Medieval architecture. It’s a perfect place to experience the local culture of Egypt today. Visit Khan El Khalili market. The tour duration 9-10 hours.

Visit the Egyptian museum, including the King Tutankhamun collection and the Animals Mummies room. OR visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, when it opens. The museum contains a vast collection of artifacts and gives you an understanding of the richness of the art and culture once situated at many of the sites you will visit elsewhere in Egypt.

Lunch at Abo Tarek restaurant which is famous for koshari, the most common fast food in
Egypt, a mix of rice, pasta, lentils , chickpeas, fried onion, and tomato sauce.

The Citadel was built to protect Cairo from the Crusaders, construction under Saladin began
in 1176 AD. The impressive fortress includes museums, palaces, mosques and terraces with expansive views over Cairo. Rulers of Egypt lived here for about 700 years. The highlights are
the Mohamed Ali mosque, also known as the Alabaster mosque, built 1830-1848 AD and including the tomb of Mohamed Ali, and Al-Nasir Mohammed Mosque.

Walking tour in Al-Mu’izz Street, the area with the best preserved medieval Islamic
architecture: mosques including Azhar mosque and university, madrasa (schools), houses with exquisite details, mausoleums, sabils (public fountains for drinking water), wikalas (caravanserai), Sufi monasteries, synagogues, and markets. Our visit to Khan el Khalili market is a unique experience of walking through a bazaar which began its life in 1382 and continues its vibrant life
in modern Egypt. It is an opportunity to see examples of many Egyptian crafts and Fishawy, a historic cafe.
Overnight stay in Cairo.