Royal Nile Escape – 10 Nights / 11 Days of Dahabiya nile cruise luxor to cairo

Your journey of discovery begins in Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes. At 8:00 a.m., embark on an awe-inspiring visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, followed by an exploration of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs rest eternally. Later, check in aboard your luxury dahabiya cruise and settle into your elegant cabin. As you set sail toward Qena, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on deck. In the afternoon, savor your first tea service on the sun deck as the dahabiya glides gently over the shimmering surface. Experience the evening breeze during a gourmet dinner while the sun paints the ancient landscape gold.

Overnight: Qena

This morning, discover the exquisitely preserved Dendera Temple, renowned for its stunning astronomical ceiling. Return to your dahabiya as it continues its leisurely voyage northward. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon with tea on the upper deck as you sail gracefully beneath the Nagaa Hammadi Bridge and the historic railway crossing. As dusk falls, enjoy fine dining aboard, providing the perfect complement to your day of discovery.

Overnight: Nagaa Hammadi

From your dahabiya, sail to El Balyana for an afternoon visit to the magnificent Abydos Temple, one of Egypt’s most sacred spiritual sites. Witness vivid carvings of pharaohs performing sacred rituals before returning to your vessel for cocktails and a leisurely lunch. Spend the late afternoon relaxing on the sun deck with tea service as the river winds through lush landscapes.

Overnight: Girga or Sohag

Sail northward to the Sohag region to explore the Red and White Monasteries, remarkable examples of early Christian architecture. After visiting the Sohag Museum, return to the comfort of your dahabiya cruise for an evening filled with cultural discussion and alfresco dining under the stars.

Overnight: Tahta or Sohag

Your dahabiya Nile cruise continues toward Assiut. Visit the historic Deir Dronka Monastery, perched on a desert cliff with breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile valley. Afterward, relax aboard your vessel with tea and refreshments as it anchors in the ancient trade hub of Assiut.

Overnight: Assiut

A day of pure serenity as you sail to Tell El Amarna, the revolutionary city of Akhenaten. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the dahabiya experience: lounging on deck, enjoying a freshly prepared gourmet lunch, and watching the timeless Nile landscape unfold.

Overnight: Tell El Amarna

Explore the archaeological wonders of Tell El Amarna and the necropolis of Tuna El Gabal. Your dahabiya cruise then sails to Minya. Enjoy tea service as the Nile reflects the magical colors of dusk, providing perfect photo opportunities from your private deck.

Overnight: Minya

Visit the remarkable rock-cut tombs of Beni Hassan, offering magnificent views across the Nile valley. Continue your dahabiya Nile cruise to Samalout to visit Gabal El Teir, a sacred site believed to have hosted the Holy Family. Enjoy a farewell-style dinner as you approach the northern reaches of your journey.

Overnight: Samalout

Sail toward Beni Suef, experiencing the changing scenery of the riverbanks. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the city to experience its authentic local charm and bustling markets. Return to your sanctuary for a quiet dinner as the river whispers beside you.

Overnight: Beni Suef

Your final full day of sailing takes you from Beni Suef to Cairo. Watch the landscape transform from rural beauty to urban majesty from the comfort of your dahabiya. Savor your final sunset tea service before arriving in Egypt’s vibrant capital.

Overnight: Cairo

Your Nile cruise concludes with a final unforgettable experience. Enjoy a fresh breakfast and lunch aboard the dahabiya before checkout. Stand in awe before the Giza Pyramids, a 4,500-year-old wonder and the perfect conclusion to your dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor to Cairo.

Note: All timings are approximate and depend on sailing conditions. They may change due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond our control.