Egypt
A cruise under sail on a small boat, far from the big ships
Egypt
The dahabeya is a traditional Nile sailing boat, smaller and slower than the cruise ships. In a week it links Luxor to Aswan with the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, a felucca ride, the unfinished obelisk, Karnak and Luxor. Full board includes soft drinks. Four boats are available, from the Sekhmet (18 cabins, from €992 per person) to the Nile Majestic (from €1,741).
When
Oct to April
Price
From 992€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
7 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
Boarding in Luxor. The very next day, the Valley of the Kings, just across from the town, before setting off south.
Day 1
Arrival in Luxor
Welcome in Luxor by our local agent, to whom the visa and service fees are paid (€55 per person). Transfer and boarding the dahabeya.
Day 2
The Valley of the Kings – Esna
Early in the morning, weather permitting, a hot-air balloon flight is offered locally at extra cost. Leave for the Valley of the Kings, burial place of the pharaohs, then sail towards Esna.
Days 3-4
Three temples along the water: Esna, then Edfu, which combines New Kingdom features with a few Greek ones, and finally Kom Ombo, dedicated to Haroeris and to Sobek, the crocodile god.
Day 3
The temple of Esna – Edfu
A visit to the temple of Esna. Arrival in Edfu and bus transfer to the temple, with its traditional New Kingdom features and Greek additions.
Day 4
Edfu – Kom Ombo – Hor Diab
Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the Greco-Roman temple, dedicated to Haroeris and Sobek. Continue under sail to Hor Diab.
Days 5-6
In Aswan, you swap the dahabeya for a felucca for a trip on the Nile, before the unfinished obelisk and an evening sound and light show.
Day 5
Hor Diab – Aswan by felucca
Sail towards Aswan. On arrival in the afternoon, a felucca trip on the Nile, then a visit to the unfinished obelisk. Sound and light show in the evening.
Day 6
Free day in Aswan
A free day in the Aswan area, aboard the dahabeya, with independent visits or optional excursions payable locally. Sail back towards Luxor.
Days 7-8
The cruise ends with the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt: Karnak, then Luxor temple, on the east bank of the Nile.
Day 7
The temples of Karnak and Luxor
Arrival in Luxor in the morning. After lunch, visit Karnak temple, then Luxor temple.
Day 8
Flight home
Disembark after breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to France.
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