8 Day Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan Round Trip

This morning crosses to Luxor's western shore where Egypt's greatest rulers prepared for eternity. Explore the legendary royal necropolis in the Valley of the Kings, descending into the painted tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Continue to the dramatic terraced mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and admire the monumental twin Colossi of Memnon. Return to Mazaj SEBA where lunch is served as the sails catch the afternoon breeze and your sailing voyage officially begins. Spend the afternoon on the sun deck watching village life unfold while enjoying freshly brewed Egyptian tea. As the dahabiya approaches Esna, experience your first unforgettable Nile sunset before dinner as the boat glides toward its evening anchorage.

Included on Day 2: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), private West Bank transport, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Dahabiya sailing to Esna, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Esna (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today is devoted as much to the river as to its monuments. As you sail toward Edfu, watch fishermen cast their nets, children wave from the riverbanks, and farmers harvest fertile fields exactly as their ancestors have done for centuries. After lunch, travel by traditional horse-drawn carriage through the lively streets of Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's finest preserved ancient sanctuaries. Return aboard and continue sailing toward peaceful Al Ramady Island. This evening, enjoy sunset from the upper deck before a special dinner served beside the peaceful island. After dinner, gather on deck for an evening of storytelling beneath the stars, where your guide shares the ancient myths that were born along the Nile.

Included on Day 3: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, island-side dinner), horse-drawn carriage in Edfu, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Edfu Temple, Dahabiya sailing to Al Ramady Island, evening storytelling session, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Al Ramady Island (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake before sunrise as Mazaj SEBA approaches the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Gebel el Silsila. Walk among ancient rock-cut quarries, shrines, and chapels that supplied the sandstone blocks used to build Egypt's greatest monuments. Returning to the dahabiya, continue sailing southward toward Kom Ombo. Step ashore to tour the extraordinary Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated symmetrically to Sobek the Crocodile God and Horus the Elder, showcasing fascinating reliefs of ancient medical instruments and the Crocodile Mummy Museum. This evening, the crew prepares a memorable lantern-lit dinner on El Sheikh Fadl Island, where glowing lanterns illuminate the shoreline and the only sounds are flowing river waters and the evening breeze.

Included on Day 4: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, special lantern dinner on El Sheikh Fadl Island), Gebel el Silsila exploration, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Kom Ombo Temple and Crocodile Museum, Dahabiya sailing toward Aswan, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Moored along the Nile toward Aswan (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Arrive in beautiful Aswan, where granite islands, colorful feluccas, and Nubian culture create a distinctly different atmosphere from anywhere else in Egypt. Take a scenic motorboat across the Nile to the romantic island sanctuary of the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, followed by a visit to the engineering triumph of the Aswan High Dam. Return to the dahabiya for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore the vibrant Aswan Souk, browse handcrafted Nubian textiles and spices, or simply relax at a riverside café. For those wishing to experience the Nile from another perspective, optional afternoon excursions to a traditional Nubian Village or a sunset felucca sail offer unforgettable cultural immersion.

Included on Day 5: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private AC vehicle in Aswan, motorboat transfer to Philae Island, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Philae Temple and High Dam, afternoon leisure in Aswan, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Aswan (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today offers two remarkable ways to experience Upper Egypt. Option One: Rise before dawn for an unforgettable private excursion across the desert to the magnificent Sun Temples of Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramesses II greet the morning sun. Option Two: Remain aboard Mazaj SEBA and enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Aswan's quieter side, visiting the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island, the Nubian Museum, or local artisan workshops. Following lunch onboard, begin the return voyage north as the dahabiya quietly leaves Aswan behind. Tonight's anchorage returns to the peaceful surroundings of Al Ramady Island. After dinner, the upper deck becomes the perfect venue for stargazing, where your guide introduces ancient Egyptian constellations.

Included on Day 6: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Dahabiya return sailing north, licensed Egyptologist guide, evening astronomy and stargazing presentation on deck, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Al Ramady Island (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Although the scenery is familiar, the journey north reveals an entirely different perspective. Morning light transforms the western sandstone cliffs while village life awakens along the riverbanks. Cross the historic Esna Lock, one of the Nile's most fascinating engineering landmarks, before continuing toward Luxor. Spend your final afternoon relaxing on the panoramic sun deck, reflecting on the remarkable journey you've shared with fellow travelers and crew. This evening, celebrate your expedition with a grand farewell Captain's Dinner featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine, live oriental music, and a celebratory toast to the timeless Nile.

Included on Day 7: Full-board meals aboard Dahabiya (breakfast, lunch, festive Captain's Farewell Dinner with live music), Esna Lock passage, Dahabiya sailing to Luxor West Bank, luxury cabin accommodation.

Overnight: Luxor West Bank (Aboard Mazaj SEBA Dahabiya) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Enjoy one final breakfast aboard Mazaj SEBA as the morning sun rises over Luxor. After bidding farewell to your captain and crew, disembark with lasting memories of hidden temples, tranquil islands, extraordinary sunsets, and the enduring spirit of the Nile. Meet your private chauffeur for a comfortable departure transfer to your Luxor hotel, Luxor Airport (LXR), or the railway station, concluding your unforgettable Living Nile Expedition.

Included on Day 8: Breakfast aboard Dahabiya, disembarkation assistance, private transfer to Luxor Airport / hotel / railway station in air-conditioned vehicle, departure assistance.

Meals: Breakfast.