Egypt Along the Nile: A Felucca Adventure
From the Pyramids of Giza to the banks of the Nile, three days of felucca sailing between Nubian villages and Ptolemaic temples.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,495/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover Égypte and its thousand-year-old treasures, from the pyramids of Cairo to the landscapes of the Nile Valley.
After a first immersion in pharaonic history in Cairo, head to Upper Égypte and its emblematic sites. The journey then takes on another dimension with a felucca navigation on the Nile, at the rhythm of the river and its landscapes.
Between ancient temples, pharaonic heritage and moments of navigation, this itinerary allows you to alternate between cultural discoveries and experiences close to the Nile.
A journey to explore the great faces of ancient Égypte while enjoying the charm of a traditional felucca navigation.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Cairo!
Upon your arrival in Cairo, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative.
You are then transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Pyramids of Giza and Night Train to Aswan
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Giza Plateau and its three pyramids: Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
You will discover in particular the pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three, as well as the pyramid of Khafre, which retains part of its original casing at its base. Beside them stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, 57 meters long and recognizable by its lion's body and human head.
You continue the day with a visit to the national museum, located in downtown Cairo.
Lunch at a typical restaurant is planned during the day.
Philae Temple and beginning of the felucca cruise
Upon your arrival in Aswan, you set off to discover the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on an island south of the city. You will discover in particular its bas-reliefs, frescoes and capitals.
You then board your felucca for the start of your cruise on the Nile.
Lunch is taken on the Nile, before continuing the navigation.
Cruise through varied landscapes
During your felucca cruise on the Nile, navigations and excursions succeed one another between desert landscapes and cultivated areas, dotted with palm groves, mango trees, banana trees and sugarcane fields.
You cross several villages, notably Baharif, Iqlit, Bachir, El Hoch, Farès and Baklaouis, with the opportunity to meet their inhabitants, notably Nubians.
You then travel through the Wadi el Chott, between sand and sandstone, then discover the quarries of Djebel Silsileh, whose stones were used in the construction of the great temples of Thebes.
Navigation continues towards Daraw, where you discover the village and its camel market, organized on Fridays and Saturdays. If your visit takes place on a Monday evening or Tuesday morning, you will also be able to attend the livestock market.
You resume navigation until the Kom Ombo temple, dating from the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to Haroeris, the hawk god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.
Discovery of Edfu, then heading to Luxor
You continue your cruise towards Edfou, where you set off to discover the Temple of Horus. At the entrance of the sanctuary stand two statues in black granite representing the god with a falcon head.
Upon your arrival around noon, you head off to discover the Karnak complex and the Temple of Amun-Ra, before continuing with a visit to the Luxor Temple.
Theban Necropolis Tour
We set off to discover the Valley of the Kings which impresses us with its three tombs and 62 burials. We also discover the Valley of the Queens which houses 2 tombs with 75 burials.
Subsequently, we head to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This site is located at the top of a series of terraces. We take long ramps surrounded by gardens to reach it. Among the fascinating decorations of the temple, we admire sculptures that tell the story of the pharaoh's divine birth.
Late in the afternoon, we are transferred to the station, where we board the night train (first-class sleeper car), heading to the Cairo.
Necropolis of Thebes and night train to Cairo
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Valley of the Kings, which has 62 tombs, with a visit to three tombs. You continue towards the Valley of the Queens, which brings together 75 tombs, of which two tombs are scheduled for your visit.
You then head to the Luxor temple, dedicated to the god Amon and built largely during the XVIIIth and XIXth dynasties. You discover there in particular its pylon, its two large peristyle courtyards and its monumental colonnade.
See you soon in Égypte!
After breakfast, you head to Cairo airport to catch your return flight to your destination.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Felucca tipping: this practice is rooted in tradition, and takes place as part of an exchange to show gratitude for work provided. At the end of a trip, it is customary to demonstrate your satisfaction by giving tips to the crew (felucca sailors, cook, etc.) and the guide who accompanied you during your journey. This is of course to be evaluated based on the satisfaction provided. These indications are in no way mandatory, it is not an obligation and is never a salary. However, to give you an idea: budget approximately 15€ for each felucca employee (there will be 3 or 4 in total)
- Gratification Guide left to the discretion of clients
- International flights
Included
- Visa (For passports valid for 6 months or more)
- All transfers by private car
- Overnight Train (Cairo – Aswan)
- Overnight Train (Luxor – Cairo)
- Full board starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with breakfast on day 10
- The excursions mentioned in the program (Included entrance fees + Private vehicle)
- English-Speaking Guide (Private) during the mentioned visits
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 50% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Toute annulation doit faire l’objet d’un mail adressé à l’agence locale.
Le montant des frais d’annulation varie en fonction du moment où intervient l’annulation :
- à plus de 30 jours du départ : 15% du prix du voyage
- entre 30 et 22 jours du départ : 25% du prix du voyage
- entre 21 et 15 jours du départ : 50% du prix du voyage
- entre 14 et 8 jours du départ : 75% du prix du voyage
- à moins de 8 jours du départ et après la date de départ : 100% du prix du voyage
En cas de réservation d’un bateau de croisière ou d’une dahabeya de luxe, les conditions d’annulation varient selon le bateau. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier ces conditions directement avec votre agent.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Egypt for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Egypt, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada are required to obtain a visa to enter Egypt. Several options are available:
E-visa (electronic visa): You can apply online before departure through the official portal of the Egyptian authorities. This visa is generally granted for a tourist stay of up to 30 days and can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the option selected.
Visa on arrival: Available at most Egyptian international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, etc.), it permits a stay of up to 30 days. Its issuance is subject to payment of fees in foreign currency (generally in US dollars or euros).
The authorities may also require:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a hotel booking confirmation for the duration of your trip.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Egypt from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada under normal conditions. However, certain vaccinations are recommended:
routine vaccinations up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid, particularly if traveling outside the main tourist areas.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay as well as a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Embassy or Consulate of Egypt in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and the claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. Two options are available: apply for an e-visa online before departure or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your country of residence for the specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking Egyptologist guide. International flights (400-700 euros return) are additional. A Nile cruise is a high-value experience.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together every detail until you have the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Cairo Pyramids
Chief Architect of Egypt's Grand Journeys, based in Le Caire et Louxor
A journey to Egypt begins long before arriving in Cairo. It's built step by step, until you find the right balance between dream, history and personal rhythm
— Cherif
