Cairo and Dahabeya Cruise from Luxor to Aswan
From the Pyramids of Giza to the shores of Aswan, navigate the Nile aboard an authentic dahabiya.
Duration
11 days
From
€2,495/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Navigation & Cruises
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Here is a circuit that offers us an authentic adventure through the remarkable sites of Égypte. For 10 days, we experience unforgettable moments of adventure and discovery that begin in Cairo and on the Giza Plateau. There, we have the opportunity to admire one of the 7 wonders of the world: the pyramids of Égypte ! The adventure continues with visits to Luxor, Esna, El Hegz and El Kab. The latter is a city dating back to the Neolithic period and allows you to observe rock tombs carved into the mountainside. This trip also offers the discovery of the attractions of Edfu, Fawaza, Ramadi, Gebel Silsila, Horemheb and Kom Ombo. We stroll through Aswan before returning to Cairo.
Throughout this itinerary, we discover the majestic landscapes of the Nile as well as the exceptional wealth of Egyptian heritage. Each stop is an opportunity to better understand the fascinating history of the pharaohs and the traditions that marked this ancient civilization. The moments spent aboard the boat invite relaxation while admiring the green banks of the river. Between monumental temples, archaeological sites and typical villages, this trip offers a perfect balance between exploration, culture and escape. A complete experience that will delight both history enthusiasts and travelers seeking getaway.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Cairo
After breakfast, we set out to discover the Giza Plateau, one of the most famous historical sites on the planet. This rocky plateau overlooking the Nile Valley is home to the Giza necropolis, a vast funerary complex used notably during the Fourth Dynasty. It contains the three main tombs that represent the largest pyramids in Egypt, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Khufu is the tallest and most voluminous of the three. It embodies the quintessence of Egyptian monumental architecture.
We have lunch in a typical restaurant before heading to the famous National Museum. The latter was founded in 1857 by Auguste Mariette Pasha, a French specialist in studies on ancient Egypt.
Cairo - Luxor
We are transferred to Cairo Airport to take a flight to Luxor.
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 Temple of Luxor which is dedicated to the god Amun. This building, located in the heart of ancient Thebes, was constructed largely during the XVIIIth and XIXth dynasties. We will see a great pylon and a sanctuary representing the residence of Amun Opet. We can cross two large peristyle courts as well as a monumental colonnade linking these courts.
We have lunch in a typical restaurant.
Luxor - Esna - El Hegz (this boarding day must be a Sunday)
This morning, we have breakfast and leave for a visit to the Karnak complex, a large collection of various structures: temple ruins, chapels, pylons and much more. This site was rebuilt and developed over more than 2,000 years by successive pharaohs.
We finally begin our Nile Cruise which will take us from Luxor to Aswan. We sail today towards Esna passing through the Esna Lock.
Esna → El Hegz
In the afternoon, we continue sailing peacefully at the pace of the wind while relaxing.
Night stop at El Hegs.
El Hegz – El Kab – Edfou – Fawaza
From El Hegz
We are leaving this morning to reach El Kab, an ancient city surrounded by a mud brick enclosure. The city is believed to have been founded during the Neolithic period. We will have the opportunity to visit there, in particular, rock-cut tombs carved into the mountainside. These are genuine attractions that impress travelers.
To Edfou
We continue sailing and have lunch on board.
We dock at Edfou to discover a temple dedicated to the God Horus of Behedet. It is represented by a solar disk with falcon wings. This religious building is among the largest and best-preserved temples in the country.
Edfou → Fawaza
We continue sailing to Fawaza where we spend the night.
Ramadi – Gebel Silsila – Horemheb
Fawaza → Horemheb
We set off for a walk of approximately 3 hours in the wadi el Chott to the speos of Horemheb. In this impressive landscape of sand and sandstone, we observe magnificent petroglyphs that represent animals, boats and sovereigns.
At the end of this hike which offers us a fine cultural adventure, we rejoin our sailing boat facing the Gebel Silsileh. Those who do not wish to take part in the walk can of course remain on board.
Dinner and night at the foot of the speos of Horemheb (subject to mooring conditions…).
Kom Ombo – Herdiab Island
From Horemheb
After breakfast, we explore the quarries of djebel silsileh which were used to build the main temples of Égypte.
We relax on board while sailing gently towards Farès.
Upon arrival in Farès, we disembark for a beautiful walk towards the newly developed lands in the desert. You will find mango trees, banana trees, lemon trees and much more.
To Maniha
We also visit the remains of the Ptolemaic temple of Ras-Ras which houses a lovely representation of the god Bes.
Return to the boat for a short cruise to Maniha, our evening stop.
Herdiab Island – Koubaneya – Aswan
Maniha → Kom Ombo
We set off on a morning navigation to reach Kom Ombo which charms us with its romantic headland overlooking the Nile. This locality is known for housing the ancient Egyptian temple of Sobek and Haroëris, which surprises us with its perfectly symmetrical architecture and its walls covered with sumptuous reliefs.
Return flight to Cairo
After breakfast, we disembark 5 km before the Aswan bridge. We discover the Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis. It is located on a piece of land south of Aswan. Its bas-reliefs, frescoes and capitals make it one of the best sanctuaries in the country.
We have lunch before heading to the airport to catch a flight to Cairo.
After arriving in the capital after 1 hour 30 minutes of flight, we head to our hotel which is located not far from the airport.
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
- International flights
- Usual tips (approximately 3 Euros per person per day)
- Tip for boat and tugboat staff (€20 per employee, there will be 7 to 8 in total depending on the size of the boat)
- Gratuity for guides is left to the discretion of clients
Included
- Visa on arrival (For passports valid for 6 months or more)
- All transfers and excursions in private
- Domestic flights (Cairo – Luxor / Aswan – Cairo)
- The excursions mentioned in the program
- 4 Nights in Hotels (Cairo, Luxor and Aswan) (Breakfast included)
- 5 Nights aboard Dahabeya (All-inclusive)
- Meals as mentioned
- English-speaking Guide (Private) during the mentioned visits (Excluding Cruise portion)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 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:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
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
