Sailing Into History: Egypt by Dahabiya
Step back in time on this 10-day journey through Egypt’s most iconic sites, paired with the elegance of a traditional dahabiya Nile cruise. From the Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of Luxor to the hidden villages along the Nile and the grand temples of Abu Simbel, this trip combines history, culture, and authentic local encounters. With fewer travelers on board, the dahabiya offers an intimate way to experience the timeless beauty of the Nile.
✈️ Important to Know
- 🌍 International flights are not included in the tour price.
- 🏨 Meeting point: the first hotel listed in your itinerary (meet your Anubis Tours guide there).
- 🕓 You can arrive any time on Day 1 of the tour.
- 🚐 Airport transfers are available on request.
- 📧 Need help? Email us at info@anubistoursegypt.com — we’re happy to assist!
Highlights
- The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Sailing the Nile on a traditional dahabiya
- Luxor's monumental temples
- The Valley of the Kings and the West Bank temples
- Hidden stops along the river that big cruise ships can't reach
- Village life and farmland along the quiet stretches of the Nile
- A visit to a traditional Nubian village in Aswan
- The magnificent temples of Abu Simbel
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Overview
Day 1 – Cairo: Welcome to Egypt
Welcome to Egypt! On arrival in Cairo, you'll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner, a chance to get to know each other before the adventure begins.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Giza: Pyramids & Sphinx
Today you'll stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the mysterious Sphinx. Your guide will bring their history to life as you explore these timeless monuments.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Luxor: Temples of the Nile
Fly south to Luxor, once the great city of Thebes. Explore its monumental temples on the East Bank, then board your traditional dahabiya, a graceful sailing boat that will be your home on the Nile for the next few days.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Luxor: Valley of the Kings
Cross to the West Bank to discover the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs, and visit the grand temples of the West Bank.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Esna to Ramadi: Nile Sailing
Enjoy a full day under sail, gliding quietly along the river. Stop at hidden sites that larger cruise ships can't reach, and watch daily life unfold along the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Ramadi to Herdyab Island: Life on the Nile
Sail past green farmlands, palm groves and friendly villages, soaking up the slow, timeless rhythm of life on the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Herdyab to Aswan: Nubian Culture
Sail into Aswan, Egypt's beautiful southern gateway. Visit a colourful Nubian village to experience the warm hospitality and unique culture of the Nubian people.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Abu Simbel
Travel to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and famously moved to higher ground to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Cairo: Grand Finale
Fly back to Cairo and visit the Egyptian Museum, home to an incredible collection of ancient treasures. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey together with a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Cairo: Departure
Your Egyptian journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport and depart with memories to last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip facts
- Arrival City
- Cairo
- Departure City
- Cairo
- Accomodation
- 4 nights in hotels • 5 nights aboard a traditional Dahabiya sailing boat
- Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners • Budget USD 150–180 for meals not included
- Transportation
- Private vehicle, Dahabiya, plane, and walking
- Guide
- Experienced Anubis Tours Egyptologist Tour Leader throughout
- Language
- English
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Cairo
Arrive in Cairo at any time. A transfer to your hotel is included. In the evening, meet your Anubis Tours tour leader and fellow travelers at the welcome meeting,
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Giza: The Pyramids & Sphinx
Explore the legendary Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx, followed by a visit to Sakkara, home of Egypt’s first pyramid.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Luxor: Temples of the Nile
Fly to Luxor and visit the Temple of Dandara before exploring Karnak and Luxor Temples. In the evening, board your dahabiya sailing cruise, your home for the next 5 nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Luxor: West Bank & Valley of the Kings
Begin the day with an early visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, return to your dahabiya and begin sailing up the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Esna → Ramadi: Nile Sailing
Sail to El Kab to explore ancient tombs, then continue to the Temple of Edfu. In the evening, enjoy an Egyptian barbecue on a remote island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Ramadi → Herdyab Island: Life on the Nile
Visit the timeless village of Bisaw, the sandstone quarries of Gebel El Silsila, and the crocodile god temple at Kom Ombo. Dock overnight at Herdyab Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Herdyab → Aswan: Philae & Nubian Culture
Arrive in Aswan and sail to the Temple of Philae. Later, visit a Nubian village to learn about their unique culture and traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Abu Simbel → Cairo
Fly to Abu Simbel to marvel at the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, relocated by UNESCO to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Return via Aswan to Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Cairo: Museum
Visit the Egyptian Museum
- End the day with a farewell dinner along the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Cairo: Departure
Your adventure ends today. A transfer to Cairo International Airport is included.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
Included
- arrival transfer
- Welcome dinner
- Guided visits to:
- Sakkara and the Step Pyramid of Zoser
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Temples of Dandara, Karnak, and Luxor
- Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- El Kab tomb complex and the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
- Philae Temple in Aswan
- 5-night traditional Dahabiya Nile sailing excursion
- Fly-in, fly-out excursion to Abu Simbel
- Egyptian Museum visit
- Farewell dinner
- Departure transfer
- All internal flights and ground transport between destinations and activities
- 4 nights in hotels
- 5 nights aboard a traditional Dahabiya sailing boat
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Budget USD 150–180 for meals not included
- Private vehicle, Dahabiya, plane, and walking
- Experienced Anubis Tours Egyptologist Tour Leader throughout
Route map
Dates & booking
1 Choose your departure
✓ Every group date is guaranteed to go ahead once 6 travellers have booked.
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