5-Night Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Day 1: Luxor – Boarding and Karnak Temple
Luxor: The Ancient City of Thebes
Activity: Arrival
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Welcome to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, and the starting point of your 5-night Dahabiya Nile Cruise. Luxor is a city rich in history and culture, with its temples and monuments standing as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Our friendly crew will greet you upon your arrival and assist with your check-in and boarding process.
Karnak Temple: The Largest Religious Complex in the World
Once settled on board, you'll begin your journey through time with a visit to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple. This vast temple complex is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and is the largest religious building ever constructed. Marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 towering columns, the Sacred Lake, and the majestic statues of Ramses II.
After exploring the wonders of Karnak, return to your Dahabiya for a delicious dinner on board and an evening of relaxation as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2
Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon
Activity: Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Valley of the Kings: The Royal Burial Grounds
After a scrumptious breakfast, you'll head to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. With over 60 tombs hidden in the desert landscape, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of history and archaeology. Discover the intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphics inside the tombs, which depict the pharaohs' journey to the afterlife.
Temple of Hatshepsut: A Testimony to Egypt's Most Powerful Female Pharaoh
Next, visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the only female pharaoh who ruled Egypt in her own right. This architectural masterpiece, carved into the limestone cliffs, features captivating statues, reliefs, and colorful paintings that tell the story of Hatshepsut's reign.
Colossi of Memnon: The Guardians of Ancient Thebes
End your West Bank tour with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded his mortuary temple. These ancient behemoths are an impressive sight, standing tall amid the sands of time.
Return to your Dahabiya for lunch and set sail towards El Kab, enjoying the serene landscapes of the Nile as you journey to your next destination.
Day 3
El Kab and Edfu Temple
Activity: Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
El Kab: A Hidden Gem of Ancient Egypt
After breakfast, you'll arrive at the lesser-known site of El Kab, an ancient city that served as a hub for trade and military campaigns. Here, you'll find the remains of temples, tombs, and walls that provide insight into the daily life of ancient Egyptians. Don't miss the stunning rock-cut tombs, adorned with colorful paintings and hieroglyphs that depict the lives of the city's elite.
Edfu Temple: The Best-Preserved Ancient Egyptian Temple
Later, sail to the city of Edfu, home to the magnificent Temple of Horus. This Ptolemaic temple is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus and is the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple. Explore the grand entrance, the detailed reliefs, and the sacred sanctuary as you learn about the ancient myth of the battle between Horus and his uncle Seth.
Return to your Dahabiya for dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars as you sail towards El Silsila.
Day 4
El Silsila and Kom Ombo Temple
Activity: Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
El Silsila: The Quarry of Ancient Egypt
Begin your day at El Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry that provided the building blocks for Egypt's most famous monuments. This fascinating site includes the unfinished obelisk, a monumental structure that would have been the largest ever erected in Egypt if it had been completed.
Kom Ombo Temple: The Crocodile Temple
Next, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus. The temple features a unique symmetrical design with two identical halves, each dedicated to one of the gods. Don't miss the Crocodile Museum, which houses a collection of mummified crocodiles that were once worshipped as sacred animals.
As the sun sets, return to your Dahabiya for a delectable dinner and a peaceful night's sleep.
Day 5
Philae Temple - Aswan
Activity: Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast
Philae Temple: The Last Stronghold of Ancient Egyptian Religion
On the final day of your cruise, you'll sail to the island of Philae, the last stronghold of ancient Egyptian religion. Here, you'll visit the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple is a testament to the tenacity of ancient Egyptian culture, as it continued to thrive even after the country was conquered by foreign powers. Explore the Kiosk of Trajan, the Temple of Hathor, and the beautiful colonnades as you learn about the importance of Isis in ancient Egyptian religion.
After your visit to Philae, sail back to Luxor, where you'll disembark from your Dahabiya and bid farewell to the friendly crew.
Included
- Boarding and check-in assistance in Luxor
- Full board plan on board the Dahabiya
- Entrance Fees
- Transportation
Excluded
- Flights or transportation to Luxor (starting point) and from Aswan (endpoint)
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
The Highlights
- Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the world
- Valley of the Kings, the burial grounds of powerful pharaohs
- Temple of Hatshepsut, a testimony to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh
- Colossi of Memnon, impressive statues guarding ancient Thebes
- El Kab, a hidden gem with ancient temples and tombs
- Edfu Temple, the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple
- El Silsila, an intriguing ancient sandstone quarry
- Kom Ombo Temple, a unique temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus
- Philae Temple, the last stronghold of ancient Egyptian religion dedicated to Isis
