5 Days Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan
Overview
Experience a luxurious 5-day cruise along the Nile River onboard the Merit Dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan.
This 5-day Merit Dahabiya cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard a traditional sailing vessel, moving at a slower pace than a standard cruise ship and reaching some sites directly from the riverbank rather than a busy public dock.
The route opens on Luxor's West Bank at the Valley of the Kings, the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon, then crosses to the East Bank for the Karnak Temple Complex before boarding the dahabiya for the sail south.
Along the way, the group stops at Edfu's well-preserved Temple of Horus and the ancient quarry site of Gebel el-Silsila, then Kom Ombo's temple dedicated jointly to two gods, before reaching Aswan for the High Dam and Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and relocated to Agilkia Island.
Four nights of full-board accommodation aboard the dahabiya, private air-conditioned ground transportation, all the sightseeing excursions listed in the itinerary, an expert Egyptologist guide accompanying every tour, entrance fees to every site between Luxor and Aswan, and applicable service charges and taxes are included; gratuities for the guide and crew, along with drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses, are not.
Because a dahabiya is smaller and more intimate than a standard cruise ship, this itinerary suits travelers who prefer a quieter, closer connection to riverside life alongside the same temple sites covered on the larger Luxor-to-Aswan route.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
5 Days
Price
From $2190
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Route
Luxor → Dahab → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan
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
Valley of the KingsYour private Egyptologist guide will greet you in Luxor, ready to transport you to the historic West Bank. Our adventure begins in the fabled Valley of the Kings, the secluded necropolis where pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramesses II chose their eternal resting places. Next, we journey to the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture carved into the cliffs. We'll pause at the immense Colossi of Memnon, two imposing statues that once guarded Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. After a delicious lunch onboard your Dahabiya, we'll shift our focus to the East Bank's crowning glory: the immense Karnak Temple Complex. This sprawling sacred site, continuously expanded over two millennia, is dedicated to the Theban Triad and features an incredible hypostyle hall. Finally, we'll transfer to Esna to board your luxurious Dahabiya. Settle in for dinner and enjoy your first night afloat on the peaceful Nile.
- Valley of the Kings — Explore the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including some of Egypt's most famous rulers.
- Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the unique terraced mortuary temple of Egypt's most influential female pharaoh.
- Colossi of Memnon — See the two giant stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, silent guardians of an ancient temple.
- Karnak Temple Complex — Discover the largest ancient religious site in the world, a labyrinth of temples, chapels, pylons, and obelisks.
Wake to a delightful breakfast as your Dahabiya gently sails towards Edfu. Arriving around midday, we'll disembark to explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. This Ptolemaic-era temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god, offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Egyptian religion, with its intricate carvings and hieroglyphs telling tales of mythology and divine rituals. As we continue our serene journey southward, you'll have the chance to observe the 'mountain of gold,' Gebel el-Silsila, an ancient quarry that provided stone for many of Egypt's grandest temples. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard, allowing you to relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Nile.
- Edfu Temple — Immerse yourself in one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
- Gebel el-Silsila — Pass by the historic sandstone quarry that supplied material for countless ancient monuments.
After a delicious breakfast, your guide will lead you to the unique Kom Ombo Temple. Perched dramatically on a bend in the Nile, this temple is unusual for its 'dual' dedication: one side to the crocodile god Sobek, associated with fertility and creation, and the other to Horus the Elder (Haroeris). Explore its mirrored courtyards and halls, reflecting this dual patronship. Return to the Dahabiya for an afternoon of leisurely sailing, soaking in panoramic views of the Nile Valley as we make our way towards Aswan. All meals will be enjoyed onboard, culminating in a beautiful evening on the river.
- Kom Ombo Temple — Visit the distinctive double temple dedicated to both Sobek and Horus, featuring fascinating mummified crocodiles.
Today, we delve into the wonders of Aswan. Following breakfast, your Egyptologist will guide you to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering feat of the 20th century that transformed Egypt. Next, discover the 'Unfinished Obelisk' in the ancient granite quarry, offering captivating insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques and the challenges they faced. Our final stop is the breathtaking Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This remarkable temple, meticulously relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam, stands as a testament to both ancient artistry and modern preservation efforts. Enjoy lunch and dinner back on board your Dahabiya, reflecting on the day's incredible sights.
- Aswan High Dam — Discover the modern engineering marvel that controls the Nile's waters and powers Egypt.
- Unfinished Obelisk — Explore an ancient quarry and gain insight into the techniques used by ancient Egyptian stone masons.
- Philae Temple — Visit the beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, a jewel of ancient Egyptian architecture.
After a final delicious breakfast on your Dahabiya, it's time to disembark. Our team will ensure your comfortable transfer to any location in Aswan, concluding your enriching five-day Nile cruise adventure.
Highlights
Luxor's West Bank Wonders
- Uncover the secrets of the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of mighty pharaohs
- Marvel at the stunning terraced architecture of Queen Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple
- Stand before the colossal statues of Amenhotep III, known as the Colossi of Memnon
East Bank and Central Nile Treasures
- Wander through the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, a testament to millennia of devotion
- Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, a Ptolemaic masterpiece
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek and Horus the Elder
Aswan's Engineering and Artistic Heritage
- Witness modern engineering at the Aswan High Dam
- Discover the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island
Included
- Personalized assistance from our dedicated team throughout your Dahabiya cruise.
- All ground transportation in a modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle.
- Four nights' accommodation aboard a premium Dahabiya on a full-board basis.
- Comprehensive sightseeing excursions as detailed in your itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all specified archaeological sites and museums between Luxor and Aswan.
- Expert Egyptologist guide accompanying you during all tours.
- All service charges and applicable taxes.
Excluded
- Gratuities for your guide, crew, and drivers.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, and laundry.
- Any optional excursions or services not specifically listed in the program.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best).
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring archaeological sites.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for protection from the sun.
- A light scarf or shawl for sun protection and respectful covering when visiting religious sites.
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings on the Nile.
- A small daypack for essentials during excursions.
- Swimwear if your Dahabiya has a plunge pool or you wish to swim in the Nile (where permitted).
- A camera to capture memories (ensure extra batteries or power bank).
- Any personal medications you may require.
- A re-fillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Licensed Experts
Fully bonded and licensed Egyptian tour operator.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
Always available via WhatsApp throughout your trip.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
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