The New Year Countdown 2026 in Egypt took place on the evening of December 31, 2025, welcoming January 1, 2026. For travelers interested in spending the festive season in Egypt, the occasion offers an opportunity to combine New Year celebrations with the country’s ancient monuments, Nile landscapes, and distinctive travel experiences.
At Turquoise Dahabiya, our five-day Serenity Retreat follows the Nile from Esna to Aswan, combining guided sightseeing with leisurely sailing and four nights aboard the boat. It provides a meaningful option for travelers planning an Egyptian holiday around the New Year season on a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise.
When Was the New Year Countdown 2026 in Egypt?
COUNTDOWN DATE
December 31, 2025
NEW YEAR BEGAN
January 1, 2026
LOCAL TIME
12:00 midnight
TIME ZONE
Egypt Standard Time (UTC+2)
The countdown marked the transition from 2025 into 2026. Travelers planning the next celebration should instead look toward December 31, 2026, when Egypt welcomes 2027.
Good to know: When choosing a holiday, it is important to distinguish between a regular cruise itinerary and an event-specific New Year package. An advertised Nile cruise does not necessarily include a December 31 departure, special gala dinner, fireworks display, or midnight celebration.
Two Ways to Welcome the New Year in Egypt
In the City
Cairo celebrations and large hotel events may appeal to visitors who enjoy a lively atmosphere, with the festivities gathered around midnight.
On the Nile
Others prefer a more relaxed holiday, where the experience extends beyond midnight and becomes part of a journey through Egypt’s history and culture.
A Different Way to Experience New Year in Egypt
Not everyone wants their holiday defined by crowded celebrations or large parties. Egypt also offers a slower way to enjoy the end-of-year travel season, particularly along the Nile.
A Dahabiya is a traditional-style sailing vessel that provides a more intimate alternative to a large cruise ship. The emphasis is on river scenery, smaller groups, and time to appreciate the places visited along the journey. See how it compares in our guide to Dahabiya vs Nile cruise ship.
Illustrative image.
A New Year holiday in Egypt can be more than a midnight countdown.
Turquoise Dahabiya
For couples, families, and small groups, this style of travel can offer a balance between discovering Egypt’s historical attractions and enjoying quieter moments on board.
The Serenity Retreat cruise is designed around that balance, with visits to major temples and smaller Nile locations included in its published itinerary.
Serenity Retreat: A 5-Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan
SERENITY RETREAT
Serenity Retreat – 5 Day Nile Cruise
Esna to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
From €1,000
- Maximum 16 guests
- Full-board accommodation
- Guided sightseeing
Published tour starting price; festive-period pricing and availability require confirmation.
This journey begins with archaeological visits in Luxor before guests board the Turquoise Dahabiya at Esna. From there, the cruise travels south toward Aswan, passing historical landmarks, villages, islands, and distinctive Nile scenery.
The experience includes four nights of accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, guided sightseeing, and transfers as specified in the published tour details. Prefer a quick overview? See our 5 days / 4 nights Nile cruise guide.
Day 1: Luxor, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and Esna
Your journey begins in Luxor, where the itinerary includes visits to Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
At Karnak, monumental columns and temple structures introduce the architectural achievements of ancient Thebes. The Valley of the Kings provides a different perspective on Egyptian history, with its royal tombs carved into the desert landscape.
Following the sightseeing program, you travel to Esna to board the Turquoise Dahabiya. Lunch is served aboard as the vessel begins sailing toward Al Hagz Qebli. The afternoon offers time on the sun deck, accompanied by views of riverside villages, agricultural land, and palm groves.
Dinner and the first overnight stay take place near Al Hagz Qebli.
Day 2: El Kab, Edfu Temple and the Nile Villages
The second day introduces El Kab, an archaeological site known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient remains.
After visiting the area, you return to the Dahabiya for lunch while sailing toward Edfu.
The afternoon includes the Temple of Horus at Edfu, where monumental gateways and carved reliefs demonstrate the scale and religious significance of ancient Egyptian temple architecture.
Following the visit, the boat continues its journey with afternoon tea and dinner aboard. The overnight anchorage is near Al Ramady.
Day 3: Bassao Island and Gebel El Silsila
Day three moves beyond the major temple complexes and introduces a different aspect of life along the Nile.
The itinerary includes a visit to Bassao Island, where travelers can discover a local riverside village and learn about traditional community life.
The cruise then continues to Gebel El Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarrying area associated with the construction of Egyptian monuments.
A kayaking experience on the Nile is also described in the published itinerary. After returning aboard, guests enjoy lunch before sailing toward Maniha Island, where the Dahabiya stays overnight.
Day 4: Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and Aswan
The fourth day features two of the itinerary’s notable historical destinations.
The first is Kom Ombo Temple, famous for its unusual dual dedication to Sobek and Horus. Its riverside setting and temple reliefs make it a distinctive part of the Nile journey.
The Dahabiya then continues toward Aswan, passing Al Hardiab Island.
Later, the itinerary includes Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis and situated on Agilkia Island. The final evening features dinner aboard, followed by an overnight stay in Aswan.
Day 5: Farewell to Aswan
The journey concludes with breakfast aboard before check-out. Guests are transferred to their hotel or Aswan International Airport, according to the published itinerary.
Optional extension: An optional Abu Simbel excursion can also be arranged for travelers interested in extending their archaeological discoveries. This excursion should be discussed separately when enquiring about the cruise. Read more about the temples of Abu Simbel.
What Is Included in the Turquoise Dahabiya Cruise?
Here is what the published Serenity Retreat tour page lists for the cruise.
Included
- Four nights of full-board accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Archaeologist tour guide for sightseeing
- Entrance fees to attractions in the itinerary
- Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Soft drinks throughout the journey
- Onboard activities and evening entertainment
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
The published starting price is €1,000. Specific New Year departure dates and event arrangements are not stated, so these should be confirmed directly before making travel plans. For a closer look at rates, see our Dahabiya Nile cruise prices guide.
Why Consider a Dahabiya for an Egypt New Year Holiday?
The main advantage of this particular journey is that it combines several different travel experiences within one itinerary.
History in Every Stop
There is time for archaeological discoveries in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, plus smaller destinations such as El Kab, Bassao Island, and Gebel El Silsila.
Sailing as the Holiday
Between excursions, the sailing experience itself becomes part of the holiday. Meals aboard, afternoon tea, river scenery, and overnight anchorages create a different pace from a conventional city-based itinerary.
Culture and Relaxation
This makes the cruise particularly relevant for travelers who want their time in Egypt to revolve around history, culture, and relaxation rather than solely around a New Year’s Eve party.
However, travelers specifically seeking a midnight fireworks show, gala dinner, or dedicated countdown celebration should ask about those arrangements separately. They are not confirmed as part of the standard Serenity Retreat itinerary. Wondering about timing? Our guide to the best time for a Nile cruise can help, and our Nile Christmas cruise page covers the neighboring festive weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Year Countdown 2026 Egypt
When did the New Year Countdown 2026 take place in Egypt?
It took place on December 31, 2025, ending at midnight as January 1, 2026 began.
When is the next New Year countdown in Egypt?
The next countdown falls on December 31, 2026, when Egypt welcomes 2027.
Can I experience a Nile cruise during the New Year season?
Turquoise Dahabiya offers Nile cruise itineraries, including the five-day Serenity Retreat. However, departures during a particular New Year period must be confirmed with the team.
Does the Serenity Retreat include a special New Year countdown?
The published itinerary includes onboard activities and evening entertainment, but it does not specify a dedicated New Year’s Eve countdown, fireworks display, or gala dinner.
How long is the Turquoise Dahabiya Serenity Retreat?
The cruise lasts five days and includes four nights of accommodation aboard the Dahabiya.
Where does the cruise begin and end?
The itinerary includes sightseeing in Luxor before boarding at Esna. The sailing journey finishes in Aswan.
What archaeological attractions are included?
The itinerary features Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, El Kab, Edfu Temple, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple, alongside village visits and Nile scenery.
Are meals included?
Yes. The published package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the four-night stay.
Is the cruise suitable for couples and small groups?
The Dahabiya has a published maximum capacity of 16 guests. Couples and small groups interested in this experience can enquire about suitable accommodation and availability.
How much does the cruise cost?
The published starting price is €1,000. Any date-specific pricing, accommodation choice, or additional arrangements should be confirmed through an enquiry. See also our Dahabiya cruise prices guide.
How can I enquire about a New Year Nile cruise?
You can use the enquiry form on the Turquoise Dahabiya tour page to request information about travel dates, accommodation, pricing, and any applicable seasonal arrangements.
Plan Your Next New Year Journey with Turquoise Dahabiya
A New Year holiday in Egypt can be more than a midnight countdown. A Nile journey offers the opportunity to spend meaningful time discovering ancient temples, visiting riverside communities, and enjoying the changing landscapes between Luxor and Aswan.
The Turquoise Dahabiya Serenity Retreat brings these experiences together in a five-day itinerary, with guided excursions and accommodation aboard a traditional-style sailing vessel. If you are planning a future New Year holiday and want to explore whether this cruise fits your travel dates, we would be pleased to discuss the available options.
Complete the enquiry form below to receive more information about the itinerary, available dates, accommodation, and pricing. Our team can help you understand the journey before you make your decision.