Enjoy Cairo’s highlights and a peaceful 7-night Nile cruise. Visit iconic sites like the Pyramids and Luxor, plus hidden gems like Esna and Edfu. A perfect intimate getaway!
Trip Info
Overview
1. Cairo and Dahabeya Cruise 5*
This 10-night adventure combines the best of Cairo’s ancient wonders and a serene 7-night cruise along the Nile on a traditional Dahabeya boat. Explore the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the treasures of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. The cruise takes you to lesser-visited sites like Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with the option to visit Abu Simbel. This tour is ideal for those seeking an intimate, relaxed experience with a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic river cruising.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the Giza pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo.
- Discover the ancient wonders of Luxor, including the Karnak and Luxor temples, Valley of the Kings, and more.
- Enjoy a leisurely 7-night cruise along the Nile on a traditional Dahabeya, visiting temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu.
- Visit the Philae Temple and enjoy a scenic sail through Aswan.
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cairo, one of the largest metropolises in the world spanning both banks of the Nile, you will be greeted and assisted through entry formalities. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for a visit to the Giza plateau and its incredible pyramids: Khufu, the largest of the three, built around 2650 B.C., and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still standing today. It was the tallest man-made structure for over 40 centuries, reaching 146 meters in height. The Pyramid of Khafre, which appears taller, is slightly smaller but sits on higher ground, while Menkaure’s pyramid is smaller, at 66 meters high. You will also visit the Great Sphinx, a lion with a pharaoh’s head, standing 73 meters long and 20 meters high, built to guard the pyramids against looters. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Memphis and Sakkara. Memphis, now a palm grove south of Cairo, was the ancient capital of Egypt, founded by King Menes around 3000 B.C. At Sakkara, see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2700 B.C. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your boat for embarkation, followed by lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex ever built over 2000 years, dedicated to the god Amun. Return to the boat for dinner along the Nile's west bank and overnight on board.
Breakfast is served on board before departing to explore the west bank of the Nile, including the Valley of the Kings, where you'll visit three tombs. Starting with Thutmose I, pharaohs of the New Kingdom decided to be buried in rock-cut tombs to avoid tomb robbers. You will also visit Medinet Habu, the temple of Ramses III, known for its large size and well-preserved colors. On the return, a photo stop is made at the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served on board as you sail to Esna, with dinner and overnight on board.
After breakfast, the boat sails to Edfu. After lunch, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, showcasing Ptolemaic art. Later, sail to Kom Ombo. Dinner and overnight on board.
Sail to Gebel el-Silsila in the morning and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, which features dual sanctuaries for Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Sail onward to Aswan, stopping at Sheikh Fadl Island for lunch. Dinner and overnight on board.
Arrive in Aswan and visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. After the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was moved piece by piece to its new location with UNESCO's help. Free time in the afternoon, followed by dinner and overnight on board.
After breakfast, you will have a free day on the boat as it sails to El Ramady Island. Dinner and overnight on board.
The morning begins with passing through the Esna lock as the boat sails to Luxor. After breakfast, visit the Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II to honor the god Amun-Re. Two obelisks once adorned the entrance, one of which now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Free time in the afternoon before dinner and overnight on board.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Lunch upon arrival, followed by a visit to the Coptic Quarter of Cairo, which features many churches, including the Church of Saint Sergius, where the Holy Family is believed to have sought refuge. You will also visit the Hanging Church of Saint Mary, which is built atop palm tree trunks. The tour ends with a visit to the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure.
Inclusions
- Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor (round trip) and associated taxes.
- Private transfers in a minibus.
- 7 nights on a Dahabeya.
- 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo.
- Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 11.
- Excursions and visits as per the program.
- Ground transportation in private vehicles.
- French-speaking Egyptologist guide for the duration of the stay.
- Hotel taxes and service charges.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Cancellation/assistance/multi-risk insurance.
- Drinks, personal expenses, and extras.
- Mandatory customary tips for guides and drivers.
- Optional excursions (e.g., Abu Simbel by plane or bus).
- Visa and service fees (€85 per person).
FAQs
The tours include all domestic flights, accommodations (cruise and hotels), full board meals during the Nile cruise, guided tours and excursions as mentioned in the program, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, local Egyptologist guides, and airport assistance. Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are included on the cruises.
Exclusions typically cover international flights, visa fees, personal expenses, optional excursions (like the visit to Abu Simbel), insurance, and tips for guides and drivers. Specific fees, such as visa service fees (between €70-€105), will need to be paid upon arrival in Egypt.
Yes, the itineraries can often be adjusted or extended to meet your preferences. You can opt to add more days in Cairo, Luxor, or extend your stay in Hurghada for more beach time.
Yes, these tours are family-friendly and offer a mix of educational and relaxing activities. Children can enjoy the historical sites as well as the beach time in Hurghada. However, some excursions, like Abu Simbel, may involve long travel times.
Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Egypt. The visa fee ranges between €70-€105 per person, depending on the tour, and can be paid in cash at the airport.
Optional excursions include visits to Abu Simbel, mini Nile cruises in Aswan, camel rides, snorkeling, and desert safaris in Hurghada. These can be arranged at an additional cost.
Transportation between cities is primarily by domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan). Within each destination, air-conditioned vehicles or buses suited to the group size will be provided for transfers and excursions.
All meals are included during the Nile cruise, and breakfast is typically included with hotel stays in Cairo and Hurghada. Some packages also include lunch during excursions or free days.
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), but euros and US dollars are widely accepted. It’s a good idea to have local currency for smaller purchases, tips, and personal expenses. ATMs are also available in major cities.
Most hotels in Cairo and Hurghada offer free Wi-Fi, but coverage may be limited or slower on the Nile cruise. It’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity if needed.
