Starting From Marsa Alam 6 day -5 Night Nile Valley tour Including A Felucca Cruise

Early morning departure from your hotel in Marsa Alam towards Aswan, a journey of approximately 4.5 hours through the heart of Egypt’s Eastern Desert, also known as the Arabian Desert. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes featuring golden dunes, rugged mountains, and vast stretches of untouched sand.

Upon arrival in Aswan, begin an unforgettable day exploring the city's historical treasures and captivating scenery.

Philae Temple

Visit the magnificent Temple of Philae, located on an island in the middle of the Nile and surrounded by a romantic and peaceful setting. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this remarkably preserved Greco-Roman temple is one of Egypt’s most beautiful monuments. Admire its elegant columns, richly decorated chapels, and stunning reliefs carved into its walls.

Lunch will be served in a traditional local restaurant.

The Unfinished Obelisk

Continue to the famous Aswan Granite Quarries, where the ancient Egyptians extracted the stone used to create colossal statues and giant obelisks.

Here you will discover the renowned Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monolithic structure still lying in its original quarry. Had it been completed, it would have measured approximately 42 meters in length, making it the largest obelisk ever carved. Work was abandoned after cracks appeared in the granite, providing valuable insight into the engineering techniques of ancient Egypt.

After the visits, transfer to your hotel in Aswan.

Overnight at the hotel in Aswan.

Traditional Life Along the Nile

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, with the option to join an excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples (optional).

In the early afternoon, board your traditional Felucca, the iconic Egyptian sailing boat.

Lunch will be served on board as you begin sailing northward, carried gently by the wind along the timeless waters of the Nile. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that has remained unchanged for thousands of years.

As you drift peacefully along the river, you will have a unique opportunity to observe the daily life of local villagers, farmers working their fields, and fishermen navigating the Nile, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Egypt.

The Felucca will dock near the village of Kubbaniya.

Dinner and overnight on board the Felucca.

Herbiab Island

Breakfast on board, followed by a walk through Kubbaniya, a traditional Upper Egyptian village nestled between fertile farmland and the desert. The village is bordered by a scenic wadi that stretches toward the surrounding desert landscape, offering a peaceful and authentic glimpse into rural life along the Nile.

From the heights of Wadi Kubbaniya, enjoy a spectacular sunset as the golden light bathes the desert and riverbanks in warm colors.

Resume sailing along the Nile towards Herbiab Island, a beautiful oasis known for its wide sandy beach. Here, you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the waters of the Nile and enjoy a leisurely walk through lush orchards filled with mango trees, lemon trees, and other fruit-bearing plants. The island’s serene atmosphere and greenery often evoke the image of a true Garden of Eden.

Lunch will be on board as the Felucca continues its journey toward Daraw.

Upon arrival in Daraw, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional Nile town.

Dinner and overnight on board the Felucca.

Daraw Market

After breakfast, set out to explore the town of Daraw, where a complete change of scenery awaits. This charming Nubian settlement offers an authentic experience of local life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the daily routines of its warm and welcoming inhabitants.

Stroll through the bustling local market, where vibrant colors, exotic aromas, and the lively atmosphere of Africa and the Orient create a true feast for the senses.

You may also have the opportunity to visit the famous Camel Market, held every Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Livestock Market, which takes place every Tuesday. These traditional markets provide a fascinating insight into regional trade and culture.

Return to the Felucca and resume sailing towards Kom Ombo while enjoying lunch on board.

Kom Ombo Temple

During our stop at Kom Ombo, visit the magnificent Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Perched approximately twenty meters above the Nile, the temple overlooks a spectacular bend in the river and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Its unique double design, remarkable reliefs, and beautiful riverside setting make it one of the most fascinating temples in Egypt.

After the visit, continue with a short sail to Meniha Island, where the Felucca will anchor for the night.

Dinner and overnight on board the Felucca.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your Felucca crew and begin a new day of exploration.

Temple of Edfu

Visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, located midway between Luxor and Aswan. Considered one of the greatest achievements of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, this remarkably preserved temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.

Its monumental walls are covered with impressive hieroglyphic inscriptions and beautifully carved reliefs. The temple's layout and decoration faithfully follow the traditions of ancient Egyptian temple architecture, making it one of the finest examples of Pharaonic design still standing today.

After the visit, continue by road to Luxor, approximately 110 km from Edfu.

Luxor Temple

Upon arrival in Luxor, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in the hotel.

In the late afternoon, depart to visit the majestic Luxor Temple, dedicated primarily to the god Amun. Built and expanded during the New Kingdom by several great pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II, the temple is one of Egypt’s most remarkable monuments.

Luxor Temple perfectly illustrates the classic layout of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary. Highlights include its elegant Avenue of Sphinxes, which once connected it to the Karnak Temple Complex, its monumental entrance flanked by colossal statues of Ramses II, and its famous obelisks. One obelisk still stands at the temple entrance, while its twin has been displayed since 1834 in Place de la Concorde.

Overnight at the hotel in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for the west bank of Luxor (optional hot air balloon ride available) to discover:

The Colossi of Memnon: These two gigantic statues, each standing 17 meters high, are located at the entrance of a vast temple built by King Amenhotep III during the 15th century BC.

The Valley of the Kings: The most famous site on Luxor’s west bank, home to the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The tombs were carved into the limestone cliffs of the Theban Mountains, opposite Luxor on the western bank of the Nile. They are renowned for their finely crafted reliefs and remarkably well-preserved colors despite the passage of thousands of years. The decorative scenes often depict the pharaohs’ journey into the afterlife.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Hatshepsut is often considered the first female ruler to challenge the traditional rules of royal succession and proclaim herself Pharaoh. Her temple is also unique in its architectural design, featuring three impressive terraces built one above the other against the backdrop of the Theban cliffs, creating a harmonious and breathtaking monument.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Departure for the visit of Karnak Temple, dedicated to the god Amun. Amun was the supreme deity of the Egyptian pantheon for nearly 2,000 years. Successive pharaohs sought to build their own monuments at Karnak in honor of this powerful god. The result is an extraordinary complex filled with monuments from different periods, forming a magnificent chapter of ancient Egyptian history.

After the visit, begin the journey back to Marsa Alam.