8 Day Luxury Cairo & Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Tour Package

8 Day Luxury Cairo & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

From$1,690/ person
Free Cancellation

Overview

Indulge in an exquisite 8-day luxury tour of Egypt, blending Cairo's ancient wonders with a serene Dahabiya Nile cruise.

This 8-day tour pairs three nights in Cairo with a four-night cruise aboard a traditional Dahabiya sailboat between Luxor and Aswan, a smaller, more intimate alternative to a standard cruise ship.

Day two covers the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, along with the Grand Egyptian Museum. A domestic flight leads to Luxor for the east bank's Karnak Temple before boarding the Dahabiya, which covers the west bank's Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, then sails south to the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the dual-dedication Kom Ombo Temple.

In Aswan, the itinerary includes Philae Temple and a tranquil overnight on board, followed by an excursion to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel before flying back to Cairo.

Dedicated private Egyptologist guides lead every sightseeing stop, with air-conditioned vehicle transfers on land. Three nights in a luxurious 5-star Cairo hotel and four nights aboard the deluxe Dahabiya are included, along with the domestic flights, entrance fees to every site, meals as specified in the daily itinerary, and meet-and-assist service at Cairo Airport.

International airfare, the Egyptian entry visa, gratuities, personal expenditures, and any unscheduled tours or meals are not included.

With a Dahabiya sailboat instead of a larger cruise ship, this itinerary suits travelers who want a quieter, more intimate way to see the Nile Valley temples between Luxor and Aswan, plus Abu Simbel and Cairo's pyramids.

  • Four nights aboard a Dahabiya sailboat
  • Three nights in a Cairo hotel
  • Abu Simbel excursion included
  • Dedicated private Egyptologist guides throughout

Trip at a Glance

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Price

From $1,690

Availability

Every day

Tour Type

Private

Route

Cairo → Giza → Luxor → Dahab → Luxor → Edfu …

Private & 100% Customizable

Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday

Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Egypt: Arrival in Cairo

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a friendly Travel Joy Egypt representative will meet you, assisting with customs formalities and luggage. Your private, expert Egyptologist guide will then escort you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel for a smooth check-in and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Giza Pyramids

After a delightful breakfast, accompany your private Egyptologist to explore Cairo's most iconic historical sites. Begin at the Giza Plateau, marveling at the Great Pyramids — including Khufu's monumental structure, the only remaining Ancient Wonder — and stand face-to-face with the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Witness the Valley Temple, where pharaohs' mummification rituals were performed. Later, immerse yourself in the unparalleled collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb, the colossal statue of Ramesses II, and numerous other treasures revealing 5,000 years of Egyptian history. Enjoy a superb lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

  • Giza Pyramids — Stand in awe before the colossal structures that have defied time for millennia, a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and spirituality.
  • Great Sphinx — Unravel the mysteries behind the legendary half-man, half-lion guardian of the Giza Plateau.
  • Valley Temple — Explore the ancient site linked to the Giza Pyramids, believed to have played a crucial role in royal funerary rituals.
  • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun's riches, at this state-of-the-art museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Karnak Temple

Following breakfast, check out from your Cairo hotel and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to explore the magnificent East Bank of Luxor. Begin your journey at the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, an extraordinary open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world, dedicated to the Theban Triad. Afterward, transfer to your luxurious Dahabiya to embark on your serene Nile cruise. Enjoy lunch on board. In the evening, visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, a celebration of kingship and royalty, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.

  • Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the sprawling courtyards, hypostyle halls, and chapels of the largest ancient religious site on Earth.
  • Luxor Temple — Experience the magic of this stunning temple, especially captivating when illuminated at night, a monument to the rejuvenation of kingship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya
Valley of the Kings

After a delightful breakfast onboard, your Egyptologist will guide you to the legendary West Bank of Luxor. Your exploration begins in the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom, where you'll descend into some of the most elaborately decorated tombs. Next, visit the dramatic Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of pharaonic architecture carved into the cliffs. Conclude your West Bank tour with a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III. Return to your Dahabiya for a delicious lunch and dinner as you begin sailing, soaking in the tranquility of the Nile.

  • Valley of the Kings — Delve into the richly decorated tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, offering an intimate glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
  • Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple — Admire the unique terraced design of this temple, a masterpiece dedicated to one of Egypt's most powerful female pharaohs.
  • Colossi of Memnon — Witness the impressive remains of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple, colossal statues that have stood the test of time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya
5

Wake to a beautiful Nile sunrise and enjoy breakfast onboard. A unique horse-drawn carriage ride will take you to the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This Ptolemaic-era masterpiece offers incredible insights into ancient Egyptian religion and mythology. Return to your Dahabiya for lunch as you continue sailing towards Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods — Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus the Elder. Observe the intricate carvings, including depictions of ancient medical instruments. Enjoy dinner onboard as your Dahabiya continues its leisurely pace upstream.

  • Edfu Temple — Explore this remarkably preserved temple dedicated to Horus, featuring stunning reliefs and well-preserved structures from the Ptolemaic era.
  • Kom Ombo Temple — Discover the distinctive dual design of this temple, dedicated to two deities, offering a fascinating look at ancient Egyptian dualistic beliefs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya
Day 6: Aswan's Highlights & Tranquil Overnight

After breakfast, embark on an exploration of Aswan's key sites. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, and its impressive artificial Lake Nasser. Next, travel by motorboat to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding. The temple's beautiful setting and exquisite carvings are truly captivating. Return to your Dahabiya for a relaxing afternoon, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard amidst the serene Aswan scenery.

  • Aswan High Dam — Learn about this monumental engineering feat that reshaped Egypt's landscape and harnessed the power of the Nile.
  • Philae Temple — Journey to an island sanctuary to explore this exquisite temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, renowned for its stunning architecture and romantic setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya
Abu Simbel Temples

An early start with a breakfast box ensures you're among the first to experience the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel. Your private, air-conditioned transfer will take you through the desert to witness these colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an astounding achievement of ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering. After soaking in their grandeur, return to Aswan for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, catch a direct flight back to Cairo, where you'll be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, reflecting on the marvels you've witnessed.

  • Abu Simbel Temples — Be awed by the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, a testament to pharaonic power and a triumph of modern conservation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Day 8: Departure from Cairo

After a final breakfast at your hotel, our representative will ensure a seamless transfer to Cairo International Airport, assisting with your departure formalities as you board your international flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Egypt's timeless wonders and luxurious hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast Overnight: N/A

Attractions on This Tour

Tap any landmark below to open its full visitor guide — tickets, history and what to see.

Highlights

Cairo's Iconic Treasures

  • Standing in awe before the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
  • Exploring the treasures within the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
  • Gaining insight into ancient burial rites at the Valley Temple

Nile's Southern Gems

  • Unraveling the myths at Philae Temple
  • Witnessing the colossal Abu Simbel temples, a testament to Ramesses the Great
  • Discovering the unique dual dedication of Kom Ombo Temple
  • Journeying back in time at the perfectly preserved Edfu Temple

Luxor's Grand Heritage

  • Wandering through the majestic Karnak Temple Complex
  • Exploring the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings
  • Admiring Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple, a marvel of ancient design
  • Passing the enigmatic Colossi of Memnon
  • Experiencing the grandeur of Luxor Temple under the stars

Included

  • All domestic flights within Egypt, per itinerary
  • 3 nights accommodation in a hotel in Cairo
  • 4 nights accommodation on a deluxe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
  • Personalized meet and assist services upon arrival at Cairo Airport
  • Dedicated private Egyptologist guides for all sightseeing tours
  • Comfortable, modern, air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout your trip
  • Entrance fees to all historical sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals as specified in the daily itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All service charges and applicable taxes

Excluded

  • International airfare to and from Egypt
  • Egyptian entry visa
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and crew (tipping)
  • Personal expenditures and optional activities
  • Any unscheduled tours or meals not listed in the itinerary

What to Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (modest attire for religious sites)
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Swimsuit for onboard Dahabiya leisure
  • Small backpack for day excursions
  • Power bank and travel adapter
  • Camera and extra memory cards
  • Any personal medications
  • A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, especially on the Nile

Why Choose Us

Expert Local Guides

Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.

Private Transport

Modern air-conditioned vehicles.

No Hidden Fees

Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.

24/7 Support

We are always available via WhatsApp.

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Expert Advice

Plan Your Journey

Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.

Egyptologist Insights & Local Guidance

Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey

Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders

Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders

Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.