Africa
Nile Sailing Safari, 12 Days - From: $7,385
- Aboard a Dahabiya
Trip Summary
Experience ancient Egypt in privacy, and as it was meant to be discovered: peacefully sailing the waters of the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian sailboat, or dahabiya, fanned by the river's cool breezes, and away from the crowds.
Only employing their engines when winds are insufficient to sail, the dahabiya enables you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Nile and its isolated islands, while taking you to some of the world's most famous monuments of human achievement.
A beautifully crafted wooden ship featuring period furnishings and modern comforts, the dahabiya accommodates 16 guests in eight cabins, each with private bathrooms.
Accompanied by an Egyptologist, you'll spend four days sailing from Luxor to Aswan, and exploring at the Temple of Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Khnum, the Temple of Horus, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and the Aswan High Dam.
Your visit also includes three days in Cairo with excursions to the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, and time to stroll the city's bazaars. Also spend a day exploring the rock temples at Abu Simbel and the colossal statues of Ramesses II.
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| January - May | $8,175 |
| June - August | $7,385 |
| September - December | $8,175 |
Based on two guests traveling.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Cairo
Arrive Cairo, and transfer to luxury hotel.
Lodging: Oberoi Mena House
Day 2
Cairo
Your morning begins with a tour of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt dating from 3100 BC; the legendary city of Menes; and the necropolis of Sakkara with the oldest known of Egypt's 107 pyramids. After lunch, your pyramid visit includes the Great Pyramid, and the Sphinx. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Lodging: Oberoi Mena House
Day 3
Cairo
After breakfast in your hotel, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of King Tutankhamen. After lunch, visit Islamic Cairo: the 12th century Citadel and the Mosque of Sultan Hassan. Stroll through the bustling Khan El-Khalili bazaar, founded in the 14th century and one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East.
Lodging: Oberoi Mena House
Day 4
Luxor and the Nile River
After breakfast, transfer to the Cairo airport to board your flight to Luxor. Arriving at Luxor you will be taken to your luxury hotel with a visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queens. You'll also visit the Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, on the west bank of Luxor.
Lodging: Winter Palace Hotel
Day 5
Luxor and Esna
After breakfast visit the Temple of Karnak, and tour Luxor Temple, then embark your special sailing boat, or dahabiya for lunch on board. As you start sailing up the Nile toward Esna, enjoy your dinner on board.
Lodging: Aboard the Dahabiya
Day 6
Esna, Edfu, and the Nile River
After breakfast in Esna your Egyptologist will take you on a guided tour of the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum, built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Relax on board as you proceed to Edfu where you'll take an afternoon tour of the extraordinarily well-preserved Temple of Horus. Back aboard your boat dine on a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties as you enjoy oriental music and dancing.
Lodging: Aboard the Dahabiya
Day 7
Edfu, Aswan and the Nile River
After breakfast on board, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo before returning to the boat for lunch as you cruise to Aswan. Relax and enjoy sceneries and dinner on board.
Lodging: Aboard the Dahabiya
Days 8 - 9
Aswan and the Nile River
In the morning, your Egyptologist will escort you to the Aswan High Dam for a look at contemporary Egyptian construction on a monumental scale. Later a short motorboat ride brings you to the Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka, after which you'll visit the granite quarries and their Unfinished Obelisk. Enjoy your last evening aboard ship with a gala dinner.
Lodging: Aboard the Dahabiya
Day 10
Aswan and Abu Simbel
After breakfast on board you'll depart the ship, and, fly to Abu Simbel. Visit the outstanding temples of Abu Simbel, then enjoy dinner and overnight at Abu Simbel.
Lodging: Seti the First
Day 11
Abu Simbel and Cairo
Fly by commercial air to Cairo and check into the Fairmont Towers.
Lodging: Fairmont Towers
Day 12
International Flights Home
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to the airport for your international flights home.