Dahabiya Escape

Tour description

Travelling on the Nile by Dahabiya is one of the most exclusive and relaxing ways to see the sites of ancient Egypt. During the British colonisation on Egypt, Dahabiya's became popular within aristocratic circles and even Royalty are said to have travelled on-board. In recent years these beautifully crafted vessels have seen a revival amongst those looking for luxury without having to travel aboard one of the larger cruise ships.

Note: 7-night cruises are also available, sailing in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Please contact us for details.

Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, where you’ll spend a night at the world famous Oberoi Mena House hotel, which is located just next to the pyramids. Whilst here in Cairo we include a tour to visit the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, before taking the overnight sleeper train (or internal flight upgrade) south to Luxor.

Following your early morning arrival we start our tours with a visit to the West Bank of the Nile, which is home to the many Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the beautiful 3-tiered temple, dedicated to Queen Hatchepsut. Other stops on this tour include the Colossi of Memnon, and the Medinat Habu temple, which houses some of the best preserved wall paintings and deepest carved hieroglyphs in Egypt. Before leaving Luxor you will also visit the massive temple complex at Karnak.

You board your Dahabiya in Esna, just south of Luxor, and all your meals for the next 5 nights are provided by the on board chef and his well-trained team. The majority of Dahabiyas have between 6 and 10 comfortable en-suite, air-conditioned twin or double cabins, with upgrades to larger suites available on many boats. This tour uses a high standard Dahabiya with a classical, elegant style. More contemporary styled boats are also available on request.

The boat features a dining room, lounge and bar, and a sun-deck from where you can relax and watch rural Egyptian life pass you by as you sail along the Nile. The boat stops overnight at Edfu and Komombo en-route to Aswan, as well as two small islands where can enjoy an onboard BBQ.

While sailing up-river to Aswan, you stop to see the important temples at Esna, Komombo and Edfu, and also see several other sites missed by the normal cruise boats, including the El Kab tombs and Silesia temple. In Aswan, you will visit the striking Philae temple by boat, and have the option to visit the remarkable temple to Ramses II at Abu Simbel.

You also have some free time to explore the markets, before taking an internal flight back to Cairo for your final night.

You can fly straight home from Aswan if you wish (you would change planes in Cairo en-route). Back in Cairo you have a final free evening to do some shopping or enjoy a last meal in the land of the pharaohs. If you are able to extend your tour perhaps you could add a day trip to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, or to the spectacular desert scenery at Wadi Rayan and Wadi Hitan. This tour includes the 'Valley of the Whales' World Heritage Site where ancient whale fossils are found and displayed on the sand.

Note: A longer version of this tour using a 7-night Dahabiya cruise is also available. See our Pyramids and Dahabiya tour for details