Nour El Nil

Your trip begins in Esna, a small town just south of Luxor. Upon arrival, you’ll board the Nour El Nil Dahabiya and meet your onboard team. Take time to get comfortable before setting out to visit the Temple of Khnum, which lies below present-day ground level. Wander through Esna’s lively markets, filled with textiles and local crafts, then return to the dahabiya as you start your sail south along the Nile.

After a leisurely breakfast, the boat pulls in at El Kab, once Upper Egypt’s capital. Walk through a quiet village to see the temple of Nekhbet and hillside tombs painted with scenes from ancient life. Later, arrive in Edfu and travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, an exceptional Greco-Roman-era structure. Return to the dahabiya for a peaceful evening moored beside a river island.

The day brings a relaxed pace as you anchor at a quiet Nile island. Enjoy swimming in the river or simply unwind on deck. For those interested in early history, a short walk into the desert reveals prehistoric rock carvings, marking the pathway of an ancient route toward Libya.

After breakfast, step ashore at Gebel El Silsileh, where the Nile narrows and sandstone cliffs rise around you. Explore the small temple of Horemheb and the historic quarries that provided stone for Karnak Temple and other sites. Later, enjoy an open-air lunch on a peaceful riverbank with an opportunity to swim before the dahabiya continues its voyage.

Wake to views of Kom Ombo, where the remarkable twin temple stands on a bend in the river. Visit the temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, and explore the adjoining Crocodile Museum, which displays ancient mummified crocodiles and artifacts. Resume sailing with the destination of Aswan in sight.

On your final morning, enjoy breakfast as you arrive at Aswan. Disembark beside the Aswan Bridge, the government-designated docking point for dahabiyas. Take time to reflect on your cruise before your transfer to your chosen location within Aswan.