Program overview
<p>Travel from Luxor to Esna by private transfer, then sail aboard Akhenaton Dahabiya to Aswan. Discover El Hegz, El Kab, Edfu, Bisaw Island, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw and Nubian life, with time to swim or kayak.</p>
<p>Rates: $975 per person in a double cabin; $1,560 per single cabin. Valid October to April, excluding New Year, Christmas and Easter.</p>
5 days / 4 nights from Esna to Aswan
Private transfer from Luxor and Temple of Khnum visit
El Kab, Edfu, Bisaw Island and Gebel El Silsila
Kom Ombo, Crocodile Museum, Daraw and Nubian life
Full-board accommodation and guided sightseeing
Day 1
Boarding in Esna → El Hegz
Your journey begins with a private drive from Luxor to Esna, where you discover the ancient Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed guardian of the Nile.
Board your Dahabiya and settle into its timeless elegance as you sail towards El Hegz Village. Step ashore to meet a local family and experience the warmth, traditions and simple rhythms of village life along the Nile.
Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as your journey gently unfolds.
Meals: Welcome Drink, Lunch & Dinner
Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Water
Day 2
El Kab – Edfu
Wake to breakfast as the Dahabiya glides towards El Kab, the ancient city of Nekheb. Explore its imposing mud-brick walls, sacred remains and beautifully decorated tombs of New Kingdom officials.
Return to the river and sail towards Edfu, where you visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt.
As darkness settles over the Nile, enjoy a memorable barbecue dinner beneath the moonlight, followed by a peaceful night on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Water
Day 3
Bisaw Island – Gebel El Silsila
This morning, step ashore at Bisaw Island and experience the authentic life of a Nile village. Walk through the fields, meet local families and discover traditional bread-making and the ancient craft of Nile fishing.
Continue sailing towards Gebel El Silsila, the remarkable sandstone quarries that supplied stone for many of the great temples of ancient Thebes.
Explore the ancient quarries, rock-cut shrines and the Speos of Horemheb, before returning to the Dahabiya.
Sail onward as the afternoon fades into evening, with dinner and time to relax beneath the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Water
Day 4
Kom Ombo – Daraw – Nubian Life
Begin the day with a visit to the extraordinary Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, followed by the fascinating Crocodile Museum.
Continue to Daraw, where you can experience the character of everyday Egyptian life. Explore the traditional market, discover the town’s long-standing camel trade and meet local people whose lives remain closely connected to the Nile.
Visit a nearby Nubian community and discover the distinctive heritage, traditions and hospitality of Nubia.
As the Dahabiya approaches Aswan, there is time to swim or kayak in the peaceful waters of the Nile.
Enjoy your farewell dinner on board as the Dahabiya makes its final approach to Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Water
Day 5
Aswan – Farewell
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking in Aswan.
Your journey ends here, leaving behind the timeless landscapes of the Nile, ancient temples, welcoming villages and the quiet elegance of travelling by Dahabiya.
Meals: Breakfast
Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Water
Included in this program
- Meet & greet service upon arrival and departure
- Personalized assistance throughout the journey
- All transfers in modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
- Accommodation aboard the 5-star Dahabiya on a full-board basis
- Tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day
- Guided excursions to all sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all included historical sites
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist
- All applicable service charges and taxes
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses or services not mentioned
- Tipping kitty
Program FAQ
Is the 4-night route more relaxed than the 3-night route?
Yes. Four nights usually gives more breathing room for sailing, sightseeing, and time onboard.
Can this route be arranged privately?
Private arrangements may be available depending on the boat schedule and travel dates.