Safiya Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Luxor – Aswan | 5 Days

DAY 1:                                 LUXOR – ESNA – EL HEGZ

Drive approximately one hour from Luxor to Esna. Explore the Temple of Esna, dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, before discovering the beautifully restored Wekalet Al-Geddawi caravanserai and the historic Ottoman-era Al-Qissariya market, renowned for its traditional crafts and textiles. Board your dahabiya and enjoy lunch as you begin sailing along the Nile towards El Hegz Village. This peaceful 4-5-hour cruise offers a chance to relax before experiencing authentic village life during a visit with a local family. With your guide translating, enjoy a genuine cultural exchange and gain insight into local traditions and daily life. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and your first overnight stay on the Nile. (L)

DAY 2:                                 EL HEGZ – EL KAB – EDFU
After breakfast on board, sail to El Kab to explore the ancient city of Nekheb, where impressive mud-brick walls, temples and beautifully decorated New Kingdom tombs reveal over 5,000 years of history. Return to the dahabiya for lunch as you cruise to Edfu. On arrival, visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, with time to explore the local market if conditions permit. Continue sailing along the Nile, enjoying dinner and a relaxing overnight stay on board. (B, L, D)

DAY 3:                                 BISAW ISLAND – EL SELSELA
After breakfast, step ashore at Bisaw Island for a leisurely walk-through local farmland. Meet village families, learn how traditional sun bread is baked, and visit local fishermen to gain insight into their way of life along the Nile. Return to the dahabiya and sail to El Selsela, where you will explore ancient sandstone quarries that supplied stone for many of the great temples of Thebes, along with the rock-cut chapel of Horemheb. In the evening, enjoy a memorable barbecue dinner under the stars before another peaceful overnight stay on board. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                 KOM OMBO – DARAW – ASWAN
After breakfast, visit the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus, followed by the fascinating Crocodile Museum. Continue to the town of Daraw, where you’ll experience everyday Egyptian life as you browse the local market, visit a camel barn to learn about the historic camel trade, and discover the rich heritage of a nearby Nubian community. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board before the final overnight stay on the dahabiya. (B, D)

DAY 5:                                 ASWAN
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking the dahabiya in Aswan. End of services. (B)

INCLUDES:

• 4 nights’ accommodation in private cabin with private en-suite
• Tours as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary
• Tea, coffee and soft drinks during meal times
• Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary
• Port fees, service charges and taxes

EXCLUDES:

• Tipping to company representatives, guides, drivers etc
• Passport or entry visa to Egypt fees
• Extras on board such as spa, laundry, telephone, extra meals etc
• Baggage and personal insurance
• Any beverages or food not listed in itinerary
• Any other items of personal nature

THINGS TO NOTE:

• Itinerary and order of activities may change at any time without notice.
• Rates are subject to change at any time. Should the government increase the gas, fuel, solar transportation, service charges/taxes or entrance fees to any sites, the rates will be amended to reflect the new charges. This can occur for all bookings – unconfirmed and confirmed.