Luxury Egypt Itinerary 11 days – Cairo and Nile Cruise by Dahabiya

After enjoying a delicious, wholesome Egyptian breakfast, your personal guide will take you to the Giza Plateau to start your journey by marvelling at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Take a walk around the Plateau and visit the iconic Sphinx and Valley Temple. Once you are done with your Pyramids visit, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant and then head over to the Sakkara district where you will visit the Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever built, the Djoser Pyramid.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Sakkara, Djoser Pyramid.

After breakfast, the first stop will be the New Grand Egyptian Museum — Egypt’s newest landmark, located just two kilometres from the pyramids. It showcases over 100,000 artefacts spanning 5,000 years and features the complete Tutankhamun collection, displayed together for the very first time. After that, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Today’s adventure will take you all the way to the sun-kissed lands of Luxor in Upper Egypt. You will be met at your hotel and assisted to Cairo Airport for your trip to Luxor Airport early in the morning. From there you’ll be whisked away to visit the magnificent Karnak Temple and the iconic Valley of the Kings— the most famed collection of Pharaonic royalty’s elaborate tombs.

After absorbing the great, mighty spirit of ancient Egypt in Luxor, head over to the West Bank to embark on your simple yet luxurious Dahabiya before noon. The quaint, wooden boat will begin gently sailing to Esna as you enjoy a hand-crafted lunch on board. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset set against the backdrop of idyllic Upper Egypt as you cross over the Esna Lock. Enjoy dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River.

Overnight at El Hegz Island.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Visits: Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings.

Enjoy a delicious early morning breakfast enveloped by the Nile’s warm breeze. Visit the city of El Kab and explore the sprawling desert terrain, discover the hidden beauty of the ancient temples, walls and rock-cut tombs from the New Kingdom period.

Begin sailing to Edfu while enjoying another delightful lunch on board your traditional dahabiya. Upon arrival to Edfu, visit the Edfu Temple and take a whimsical horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. The two beautiful granite statues of the falcon god Horus towering over the entrance as you walk in.

Return to the dahabiya and pass through the slow-paced, rural life of the local farmers and fishermen. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking lush, fertile landscapes dotted with banana and date palm trees and sprawling with lovely sugar cane fields. Marvel at Upper Egypt’s unique wildlife on the riverbanks of the Nile.

Enjoy a picturesque sunset as you disembark at Sheikh Rehan Island, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner. Take time to absorb the atmospheric surroundings of the Nile-side spot.

Overnight near El Sheikh Rehan Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: El Kab Village, Edfu Temple, Temple of Horus.

Another delicious breakfast on board while slowly sailing to Gebel Silsela. Relax during the peaceful slow sail until lunch. Lounge in the sun or enjoy a refreshing drink until arrival. Once you arrive at the ancient quarries of Silsela, you’ll be met with the mystical rock-cute Temple of Hormoheb. Climb to the top of the mountain and relish in a truly breathtaking view.

Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner at the edge of Al Bashir Island, neighboring Kom Ombo.

Overnight at the edge of Al Basher Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Gabal El Silsela, Temple of Hormoheb, Al Basher Island.

Take the whole day to lounge and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you proceed on the long trip to Aswan. The whole day is left open for you to enjoy the luxurious facilities and fine food offerings on board.

Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Enjoy another delightful breakfast on board before heading over to visit the iconic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Temple of Philae is located in a stunning setting, landscaped to match the original site when it was relocated by UNESCO after the building of the Aswan Dam threatened the site.

Continue sailing and enjoy another star-lit dinner on board the slow-sailing dahabiya.

Overnight Herdiab Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Visits: Aswan, Philae Temple.

Wake up to a hand-crafted breakfast and enjoy lunch later in the afternoon while sailing to Kom Ombo. Touch down on the shores of Kom Ombo and visit the unusual Kom Ombo temple with its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. Head back on board for another mouthwatering dinner.

Overnight near Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Visits: Kom Ombo Temple.

Enjoy another long, laid-back day on board while sailing to and across Esna. Rise early to enjoy the sunrise, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Take a dip in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a light snack with a book while absorbing the warm sun and out of this world Nile River views. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

It’s the last day of your grand adventure through the marvelous lands and waters of magical Egypt. Enjoy your last, scrumptious breakfast on board, then disembark and transfer to Luxor Airport for your final departure via Cairo International Airport!

Meals: Breakfast