7 Day Cairo and Dahabiya

After breakfast at the hotel, your private Egyptologist guide and driver will accompany you on a full-day tour of Cairo’s most iconic sites. Your journey begins at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world—the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Marvel at this monumental structure alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Standing guard nearby is the enigmatic Sphinx, a symbol of strength and mystery that has fascinated travelers for centuries. Next, head to the Egyptian Museum, housing over 120,000 priceless artifacts spanning Egypt’s ancient history. Here you’ll encounter treasures such as the golden funerary collection of King Tutankhamun, statues of Akhenaten, and fascinating exhibits on mummification. Each gallery offers deeper insight into the beliefs and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization. Afterward, explore Coptic Cairo with a visit to the historic Hanging Church, a remarkable basilica built on the southern gate of the Roman fortress of Babylon. Continue into the Islamic district to wander through the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest marketplace, where spices, perfumes, jewelry, and handicrafts fill the air with color and fragrance. In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo, enriched by a day of discovery. Accommodation: Cairo hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for your short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, your Egyptologist guide will meet you and escort you to the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built. Explore its vast courtyards, sacred lakes, and the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs designed for the afterlife. Step inside several of these tombs, admiring colorful hieroglyphics that remain vivid after thousands of years. Your next visit is to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Rising in terraces against limestone cliffs, this temple honors Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh and stands as a masterpiece of ancient architecture. In the late afternoon, transfer to Esna where your elegant Dahabiya awaits. Step aboard your private river vessel, greeted by the crew, and settle into your well-appointed cabin. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board as your cruise adventure begins. Accommodation: Dahabiya Nile Cruise Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast as your Dahabiya sails smoothly along the Nile toward Edfu. Upon arrival, a horse-drawn carriage will take you to the grand Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god, this temple offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious life of the ancient Egyptians. After exploring, stroll through the vibrant Edfu Souk, where colorful stalls overflow with spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. This authentic local experience offers a glimpse of daily life along the Nile. In the afternoon, continue sailing to the Speos of Hormoheb, a small yet fascinating rock-cut chapel. Here, dinner will be served outdoors with the illuminated chapel as your backdrop—a magical setting under the stars. Accommodation: Dahabiya Nile Cruise Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, sail onward to Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the unique Temple of Sobek and Horus. This unusual double temple is perfectly symmetrical, with one side dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the other to the falcon god Horus. The site also includes fascinating reliefs depicting ancient surgical instruments and medical practices. After exploring the temple, your Dahabiya continues south, passing picturesque landscapes of palm groves and golden desert banks. As evening falls, anchor near a tranquil Nile island. Here, you’ll enjoy a special dinner under the open sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the river. This intimate experience is one of the highlights of sailing on a Dahabiya. Accommodation: Dahabiya Nile Cruise Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking for your guided tour of Aswan. Begin with the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully situated on an island in the Nile. Accessible only by boat, the temple’s setting creates an unforgettable experience. Next, explore the lively Aswan Souk, a bustling marketplace filled with Nubian handicrafts, aromatic spices, and traditional garments. This is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs. Return to your Dahabiya for a leisurely afternoon. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner, accompanied by Oriental and Arabic music. Celebrate the journey you’ve shared as your cruise draws to a close. Accommodation: Dahabiya Nile Cruise Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on board, it’s time to bid farewell to the Dahabiya and her crew. You’ll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo, connecting with your international departure. Carry with you unforgettable memories of Cairo’s landmarks, Luxor’s tombs, and the peaceful rhythm of Nile sailing. Meals Included: Breakfast