From Cairo, a 10 day 9 night tour to Luxor Including a Dahabeya Cruise

Meet and assist at Cairo International Airport upon arrival.

Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day of sightseeing.

Memphis

Visit the ancient site of Memphis, the cradle of Egypt’s first political and religious capital. Founded around 3200 BC by the legendary King Menes, who unified Upper and Lower Egypt, Memphis was located on the eastern bank of the Nile and remained the capital of the country for more than a thousand years. It played a central role in Egypt’s religious life and was the main center of worship for Ptah, the creator god and patron deity of craftsmen and artisans.

Saqqara

Continue to Saqqara, a vast funerary complex neighboring Memphis. The site is home to the necropolis of high-ranking officials and the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser, founder of the Third Dynasty (around 2700 BC). Considered the world's first monumental stone structure, this pyramid represents a major milestone in funerary architecture and marks the earliest attempt at pyramid construction in ancient Egypt.

Dahshur

Visit the archaeological site of Dahshur, home to the remarkable Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, both built by King Sneferu, founder of the Fourth Dynasty and father of the famous Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops).

These two pyramids illustrate the evolution of pyramid design, representing the transitional stage between the stepped pyramids of Saqqara and the perfectly shaped pyramids later constructed on the Giza Plateau. You will have the opportunity to enter the Red Pyramid and admire the impressive interior architecture of this extraordinary monument.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day of sightseeing.

Giza Plateau

Visit the legendary Giza Plateau, the most iconic site of ancient Egyptian civilization. This remarkable archaeological complex is home to the three world-famous pyramids of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mykerinos).

You will also discover the mysterious Great Sphinx, the colossal limestone monument with the body of a lion and the head of a human, standing as the eternal guardian of the royal necropolis. The visit also includes the Valley Temple of King Khafre, an impressive structure built entirely of granite and closely linked to the pyramid complex.

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which opened fully to the public in November 2025. Housing more than 100,000 artifacts, it offers an extraordinary journey through the history of ancient Egypt.

The museum showcases one of the world's most important collections of Egyptian antiquities, including the complete treasure of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time in history. Located just minutes from the Giza Pyramids, the GEM is among the largest archaeological museums in the world and provides a unique opportunity to explore over 7,000 years of Egyptian history and civilization.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, meet and assist, then transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, depart to visit:

Karnak Temple Complex

The magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, dedicated to Amun, the supreme god of Egypt during the New Kingdom. Dating back to the 20th century BC, Karnak is the largest religious complex ever built in the ancient world.

Accessed through a spectacular avenue lined with sphinxes, the site features monumental halls, chapels, sanctuaries, courtyards, an impressive sacred lake, and towering columns that testify to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Luxor Temple

In the late afternoon, visit the beautiful Luxor Temple, a majestic monument begun during the reign of Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramesses II and several other pharaohs.

The temple is a masterpiece of classical Egyptian architecture, featuring an elegant avenue of sphinxes, a monumental entrance pylon, and originally two giant obelisks standing at its gateway. One remains in its original location, while the second has stood in Paris at Place de la Concorde since 1834.

Overnight at the hotel in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Luxor’s West Bank (optional hot-air balloon ride available) to explore some of the most remarkable treasures of ancient Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon

Photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues standing 17 meters high. These impressive monuments once guarded the entrance to the vast mortuary temple of King Amenhotep III, built during the 15th century BC.

Valley of the Kings

Visit the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the most important archaeological site on the West Bank of the Nile. This spectacular royal necropolis served as the burial place of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs and contains 62 tombs, many of them richly decorated with colorful paintings and religious texts depicting the journey to the afterlife.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most extraordinary monuments in Egypt. Hatshepsut was the only woman to successfully claim the title of Pharaoh and rule Egypt in her own right. Her temple breaks away from the traditional architectural style of its time, featuring three elegant terraces rising harmoniously against the cliffs of the Theban Mountains, creating a breathtaking and perfectly balanced masterpiece.

Check in on the Dahabiya

Late in the morning, transfer by road to Esna, located approximately 50 km south of Luxor, where your traditional Dahabiya awaits.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the crew, introduced to the boat, and begin your unforgettable Nile sailing experience. As the Dahabiya gently leaves the riverbank, you will find yourself immersed in the peaceful beauty of the Nile.

Lunch on board.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing at the leisurely pace of the wind, taking in the serene landscapes of Upper Egypt.

Your overnight stop will be at El Hegz.

Dinner and overnight on board the Dahabiya

Breakfast on board, followed by a peaceful morning of sailing towards Elkab. Enjoy the tranquility of the Nile as you admire the ever-changing landscapes along both riverbanks, offering a glimpse into the timeless beauty of rural Upper Egypt.

Elkab

Stop at Elkab, located approximately 25 km south of Esna. A short walk leads to this fascinating archaeological site, which was once the political and religious capital of Upper Egypt during the Predynastic Period.

The site is also home to an important necropolis featuring numerous rock-cut tombs carved into limestone cliffs. These tombs are renowned for their beautifully preserved scenes depicting daily life, agriculture, hunting, and religious activities from ancient Egypt.

After the visit, return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing towards Edfu.

Lunch on board.

Edfu Temple

Upon arrival in Edfu, transfer by traditional horse carriage to visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus of Behdet, represented by the solar disk with falcon wings.

Measuring approximately 37 meters high, 137 meters long, and 79 meters wide, it is one of the largest and best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt. Its impressive pylons, grand halls, and detailed reliefs provide remarkable insight into the religious traditions of the Ptolemaic era.

Bassaw Island

Return to the boat and continue sailing towards Bassaw Island, a peaceful Nile village untouched by mass tourism.

Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk around the island through marshlands, cultivated fields, and orchards filled with mango, banana, and lemon trees. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet local residents, discover their traditions, and experience authentic rural life along the Nile.

Dinner and overnight on board the Dahabiya.

Breakfast on board, followed by a short sailing journey to the ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel El Silsila.

Gebel El Silsila

Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Gebel El Silsila, home to the largest sandstone quarry of the Pharaonic era. The stone extracted from this site was used in the construction of many of Egypt’s most famous temples and monuments.

As you explore the area, you will discover numerous ancient inscriptions, stelae, decorated tombs, and the charming rock-cut temple of Pharaoh Horemheb, carved directly into the cliffs overlooking the Nile.

Kom Ombo

Return to the Dahabiya and enjoy lunch on board while sailing peacefully toward Kom Ombo.

Upon arrival, visit the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Its symmetrical design, beautifully preserved reliefs, and riverside setting make it one of the most fascinating temples in Egypt.

Continue with a visit to the Crocodile Mummy Museum, where you can discover a collection of mummified crocodiles and artifacts illustrating the important role of Sobek worship in ancient Egyptian religion.

After the visit, we sailing for a short distance to Daraw.

Dinner and overnight on board the Dahabiya.

Breakfast on board.

This morning, enjoy an authentic immersion into local life in Daraw, a vibrant Nubian town famous for its traditional market. Wander through the bustling souk, where colorful stalls, exotic spices, and the aromas of Africa and the Orient create a unique sensory experience.

Depending on the day of your visit, you may also have the opportunity to explore:

• The famous Camel Market (held on Saturdays and Sundays), one of the largest camel markets in Upper Egypt.
• The Livestock Market (held on Tuesdays), where local farmers gather to trade animals in a lively and traditional atmosphere.

Herbiab Island

Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing toward Herbiab Island.

Enjoy a pleasant walk among orchards filled with mango, orange, and lemon trees. Herbiab is also known for its beautiful sandy beach, where you may relax and, if conditions permit, take a refreshing swim in the sacred waters of the Nile.

Lunch on board.

In the afternoon, continue sailing toward Aswan, admiring the serene landscapes and granite islands that characterize this beautiful region of Upper Egypt.

Dinner and overnight on board the Dahabiya.

Breakfast on board and Check out at the end of your Dahabiya cruise.

Depart for a visit to:

Philae Temple

The magnificent Temple of Philae, located on the enchanting Agilkia Island and dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most revered deities of ancient Egypt.

Renowned for its romantic setting, elegant architecture, and beautifully preserved reliefs, Philae is considered one of the most captivating temple complexes in Egypt. Saved from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated stone by stone during the UNESCO rescue campaign, the temple remains a remarkable testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and devotion.

In the early afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Aswan and check in.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for leisure and personal exploration.

Overnight at the hotel in Aswan.

Transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo, according to the schedule of your international departure flight.