Sail the Nile on an 8-day dahabiya cruise, exploring ancient temples, tombs, and villages. Guided by Egyptologists, you’ll visit Luxor, Aswan, and sail a felucca. Small groups (8–12) enjoy intimate boats and local meals. Those pyramids are unreal—makes ya feel small, don’t it?
8 Days, Egypt, $1,599
Region: Upper Egypt
The Nile River, Egypt’s lifeline, flows through a desert landscape dotted with ancient temples and lush oases. At ~200–300 feet elevation, it’s hot (70–95°F in spring/fall, cooler in winter), with Luxor and Aswan as hubs of Pharaonic history. Dahabiyas glide gently, offering a serene way to see Egypt’s past. Those hieroglyphs tell stories thousands of years old—wild, right?
Important Notes
Visas: Egyptian visa required; obtain on arrival (~$25) or online in advance.
Weather: October–April is ideal; summer (May–September) can hit 100°F. Pack sunscreen, hats, light clothing.
Fitness: Light walking (1–2 miles/day) on uneven temple grounds; no strenuous activity.
Culture: Dress modestly (cover shoulders, knees) for temples; remove shoes when required. Avoid photographing locals without permission.
Accommodation: 7 nights on a dahabiya (shared cabins, private bathrooms).
Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner (Egyptian cuisine).
Transport: Transfers to/from Luxor/Aswan.
Activities: Guided tours of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan; felucca sail; village visits.
Entrance Fees: All site entries (e.g., Valley of the Kings).
Support: 24/7 Egyptologist guide, River106 trip manager.
International flights to/from Luxor/Aswan.
Egyptian visa (obtainable on arrival, ~$25).
Travel insurance (required).
Tips for guides/crew ($8–12/day suggested).
Single cabin supplement ($350 extra).
Day 1: Arrive in Luxor
Morning: Land at Luxor International Airport. River106 arranges a transfer to the port where your dahabiya (traditional sailboat) awaits.
Afternoon: Board the dahabiya, settle into your cozy cabin (private bathroom, Nile views). Meet your Egyptologist guide for a briefing on ancient Egypt.
Evening: Welcome dinner onboard with Egyptian dishes (molokhia, stuffed vine leaves). Relax as the boat moors in Luxor.
Overnight: Luxor
Day 2: Luxor West Bank
Morning: Breakfast (foul medames, pita). Guided tour of Luxor’s West Bank: visit the Valley of the Kings (explore 3 tombs, e.g., Tutankhamun’s), Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon statues.
Afternoon: Return to the dahabiya for lunch (grilled fish, tahini). Sail to Esna, a quiet riverside town. Free time to relax on deck, watching Nile life unfold.
Evening: Dinner onboard (lamb kofta, rice). Onboard talk about Pharaonic burial practices.
Overnight: Ship
Day 3: Esna & Edfu
Morning: Breakfast (omelets, fresh juice). Brief stop in Esna to visit the Temple of Khnum, a Greco-Roman gem with vibrant reliefs. Sail to Edfu.
Afternoon: Guided tour of Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Lunch onboard (falafel, baba ghanoush). Free time to read or chat with your guide about Egyptian gods.
Evening: Dinner onboard (chicken shawarma, baklava). Sail toward Kom Ombo under starry skies.
Overnight: Ship
Day 4: Kom Ombo
Morning: Breakfast (pastries, tea). Guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple, unique for its dual dedication to Sobek (crocodile god) and Horus. Visit the nearby Crocodile Museum with mummified crocs.
Afternoon: Lunch onboard (koshari, lentil stew). Sail to Aswan, stopping at a riverside village to meet locals and see traditional mud-brick homes.
Evening: Dinner onboard (grilled veggies, roz bel laban). Onboard talk about Nile trade routes.
Overnight: Ship
Day 5: Aswan & Felucca Sail
Morning: Breakfast (pancakes, fruit). Guided tour of Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island after the Aswan Dam’s construction. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering feat.
Afternoon: Lunch onboard (fish tagine, couscous). Board a felucca (traditional sailboat) for a 1-hour sail around Aswan’s islands, passing the Old Cataract Hotel.
Evening: Dinner onboard (lamb tagine, halva). Free evening to relax or stargaze from the deck.
Overnight: Ship
Day 6: Aswan to Kom Ombo
Morning: Breakfast (feteer meshaltet, honey). Free morning in Aswan for an optional visit to the Nubian Museum (extra cost) or shopping at Aswan’s spice market.
Afternoon: Sail back to Kom Ombo. Lunch onboard (maqluba, salad). Stop at another Nile village for a cultural exchange, learning about local farming life.
Evening: Dinner onboard (stuffed peppers, kunafa). Onboard talk about Nubian culture and the Nile’s modern role.
Overnight: Ship
Day 7: Edfu Return
Morning: Breakfast (shakshuka, bread). Sail to Edfu. Free morning to relax on deck or revisit Edfu Temple with your guide for deeper insights.
Afternoon: Lunch onboard (chicken curry, rice). Stop at a small island for a short walk, exploring Nile flora and birdlife (e.g., herons).
Evening: Farewell dinner onboard (mixed grill, umm ali dessert). Reflect on Egypt’s wonders with your group.
Overnight: Ship
Day 8: Departure
Morning: Breakfast (croissants, coffee). Sail back to Luxor. Optional morning tour of the Valley of the Queens or Luxor Temple (extra cost). Disembark by 10 AM.
Afternoon: River106 arranges a transfer to Luxor International Airport or a nearby train station. Safe travels!
Overnight: None
March 10–17, 2026
October 15–22, 2026
December 5–12, 2026