Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Embarkation

• Welcome to Thebes: Your journey begins in Luxor, the modern-day site of ancient Thebes. Upon arrival at the airport or your hotel, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your traditional Dahabiya, your elegant floating home for the week.

• Settle In: Board the vessel and settle into your comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Familiarize yourself with the spacious decks and welcoming lounge areas.

• First Evening on the Nile: Enjoy a welcome dinner on board as you moor in Luxor, with the illuminated temples along the east bank providing a magical backdrop to your first evening on the legendary river.

Day 2: Karnak, Luxor Temple & Sail to Dendera

• Karnak Temple: After breakfast, explore the staggering Temple of Karnak, a vast city of temples built over 2,000 years. Walk through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 colossal columns, and discover the sacred lake, obelisks, and countless chapels.

• Luxor Temple: Continue to the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully situated on the east bank of the Nile. Appreciate its harmonious design and the long avenue of sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak.

• Sail North to Dendera: Return to your Dahabiya for lunch as the crew sets sail northward, a unique route on this itinerary. Relax on deck and watch the Theban landscape recede as you cruise towards the rarely visited site of Dendera, where you’ll moor for the night.

Day 3: Dendera Temple & Return to Luxor

• Temple of Hathor at Dendera: Disembark to explore one of Egypt’s best-preserved and most colorful temples. The Temple of Hathor is dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and motherhood. Marvel at its famous astronomical ceiling, vibrant reliefs, and the opportunity to descend into its crypts.

• Leisurely Return Sail: After this extraordinary visit, return to your Dahabiya for lunch. Spend a relaxing afternoon sailing back south towards Luxor, a perfect time to read, sunbathe, or simply watch the timeless scenery of rural Egypt unfold.

• Overnight in Luxor: Dock back in Luxor for the evening, enjoying another delicious dinner on board with the lights of the city twinkling in the distance.

Day 4: Theban Necropolis & Sail to Esna

• Valley of the Kings: Cross the Nile to the West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings. Descend into several of the ornately decorated royal tombs, where vivid wall paintings depict scenes from the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the pharaohs’ journey to the afterlife.

• Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit the unique, terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. This architectural marvel is built directly into the limestone cliffs and tells the story of Egypt’s most powerful female ruler.

• Sail South to Esna: Return to your Dahabiya for lunch as it sets sail south. Enjoy the afternoon on deck, arriving in the evening at Esna, where you will moor and cross the famous Esna Lock the following morning.

Day 5: El Kab & Edfu – Sail to El Ramadi

• Crossing Esna Lock & El Kab: Witness the interesting process of passing through the Esna Lock after breakfast. Continue sailing to the ancient site of El Kab (Elkab), an important cult center. Explore its impressive defensive walls and several well-preserved rock-cut tombs of local nobles.

• Temple of Edfu: Sail onward to Edfu. A traditional horse-drawn carriage takes you to the colossal Temple of Horus, the largest and most completely preserved temple in Egypt. Its massive pylons and detailed mythological reliefs are breathtaking.

• Evening Sail: Return to your Dahabiya and continue your journey south with a serene evening sail, mooring for the night at the peaceful location of El Ramadi.

Day 6: Bassaw Village & Gebel El Silsila – Sail to Beshir

• Bassaw Village: Disembark for a morning visit to Bassaw Village, an authentic Nile-side community. Walk through lush fields, interact with friendly locals, and gain a genuine understanding of traditional Egyptian rural life.

• Gebel El Silsila Quarries: Sail to the historic Gebel El Silsila quarries. This dramatic site was the primary source of sandstone for great temples. Explore the cliffs, ancient quarry marks, and the rock-cut chapels (speos) dedicated to Nile gods.

• Scenic Evening: Enjoy lunch and a relaxed afternoon sail, arriving to moor near the picturesque Beshir Island for a tranquil dinner and overnight under the stars.

Day 7: Kom Ombo & Philae – Sail to Aswan

• Kom Ombo Temple: Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, perfectly situated on a high dune overlooking a broad bend in the Nile. This symmetrical “double temple” is dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

• Philae Temple: Disembark in Aswan for a motorboat ride to Agilkia Island and the exquisite Temple of Philae. This romantic complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was meticulously saved from flooding and is famed for its elegant colonnades and reliefs.

• Final Night on Board: Return to your Dahabiya for a farewell lunch and your final afternoon of sailing on the Nile. Dock in Aswan for a special farewell dinner, reflecting on the incredible journey.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Aswan

• Breakfast & Farewell: Enjoy one last breakfast on board, savoring the final moments of your Nile voyage.

• Disembarkation: After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the captain and crew. You will disembark from the Dahabiya.

• Onward Journey: Private transfers will be arranged to take you to your Aswan hotel or to Aswan Airport for your onward travel, concluding your epic 8-day journey through the heart of ancient Egypt.

What’s Included

✔ 7 nights aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise (private cabin)
✔ Full board during the cruise (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔ All entrance fees to sites as per itinerary
✔ Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Professional Egyptologist guide

What’s Not Included

✘ International flights
✘ Egypt entry visa
✘ Drinks during meals
✘ Tips for crew, guide & driver
✘ Transfers on arrival/departure day (unless specified)