Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Nour El Nil Dahabiya, a handcrafted sailing boat that captures the timeless charm of the Nile. Blending modern comfort with classic Egyptian elegance, this luxurious dahabiya offers a more intimate and tranquil way to experience the treasures of the Nile between Esna and Aswan.
Unlike large cruise ships, Nour El Nil Dahabiya sails gracefully with the wind, allowing you to enjoy Egypt at a slower, more authentic pace. Each day reveals a new discovery — from the Temple of Khnum in Esna and the ancient tombs of El Kab, to the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu and the serene quarries of Gebel Silsileh. Along the way, you’ll visit remote villages, swim in the Nile, and anchor at peaceful islands untouched by time.
With spacious cabins, gourmet cuisine, and attentive service, Nour El Nil Dahabiya redefines the art of Nile cruising. It’s more than a voyage — it’s a journey through Egypt’s heart, history, and breathtaking landscapes, designed for travelers who value privacy, elegance, and authenticity.
- Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
- Assistance of our personal during your stay and excursions
- All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Accommodation on board 5-star Dahabiya on full board basis
- Tea and Coffee during meals on board your Dahabiya
- Free Soft Drinks at Minibar
- All Dahabiya excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sights between Luxor and Aswan
- Egyptologist guide during your excursions
- All service charges and taxes
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping Kitty
Your journey begins in Esna, located approximately 33 miles south of Luxor, where you'll board your traditional Dahabiya and meet the crew. Esna is a bustling merchant town famous for the small, ancient Temple of Khnum, which impressively sits 9 meters below the current street level. The trip starts with a brief walk to explore this temple, followed by a stroll through the local streets, filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.
Overnight on board in Esna
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Temple of Khnum
After breakfast, the morning brings you to El Kab on the Nile's East bank. Once the capital of Upper Egypt, the site still preserves the Temple of Nekhbet and features a fascinating row of decorated tombs carved into the mountain slope. Upon docking, enjoy a scenic walk through a small fishermen's village to visit this necropolis.
In the afternoon, the boat reaches Edfu, home to the majestic Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus, which is among the most perfectly preserved Egyptian temples. A horse-and-carriage ride transports you through the busy city streets to the temple. After your visit, you'll return to the boat and set sail for a beautiful, secluded island.
Overnight on board in Edfu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: El Kab Necropolis, Temple of Nekhbet, Temple of Horus (Edfu)
Today is dedicated to the tranquil river life. Immediately following an optional morning walk and breakfast, you'll set sail. The afternoon offers a relaxing break: the boat stops at an island for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim in the Nile.
As evening approaches, you may have the opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley where boulders are covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and Stone Age inscriptions. These markings indicate the shortest route through the desert to Libya (a 28-day ancient trail). At night, the Dahabiya will tie up at the foot of the floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.
Overnight on board in Gebel Silsileh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Here at Gebel Silsileh, the Nile flows at its narrowest, framed by two mountain ranges. You will often enjoy this fascinating spot alone, as large Nile cruisers are prohibited from stopping here.
After visiting the small Temple of Horemheb, you'll walk through the immense sandstone quarries where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples. You will then sail for the remainder of the day, pausing at a picturesque riverbank for lunch and swimming.
Overnight on board in Kom Ombo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Temple of Horemheb (Gebel Silsileh), Sandstone Quarries
After a peaceful night sailing, head to the town and Temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic period on a beautiful river bend, this unique temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After exploring the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which houses numerous mummified crocodiles, attesting to the creature's ancient importance in this region.
Overnight on board in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Temple of Kom Ombo, Crocodile Museum
Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert landscape converging on the river near Aswan Bridge. Here, your cruise adventure concludes. You will disembark in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast
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