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Embark on an extraordinary and intimate 11-day, 10-night journey through the heart of ancient Egypt, cruising north from Luxor to El Minya aboard the luxurious Dahabiya Zahra. This exclusive expedition offers a tranquil and unparalleled way to explore a curated selection of temples and tombs, venturing beyond typical Nile cruise routes to discover hidden archaeological gems and experience authentic riverside life.
LUXOR TO EL MINYA 10 Nights 11 Days
DAY-BY-DAY Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Luxor International Airport (LXR) or your Luxor hotel, you will be privately transferred to embark on the luxurious Dahabiya Zahra. Settle into your elegant cabin and enjoy your first delicious lunch on board. In the afternoon, begin your Luxor exploration with a visit to the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, the largest temple complex in Egypt, featuring its stunning Hypostyle Hall. As the sun sets, visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple. Enjoy dinner and your first night aboard the Dahabiya, moored in Luxor.
After breakfast on board, explore the ancient city of Thebes on the West Bank. Delve into the Valley of the Kings, studded with the highly decorated tombs of mighty pharaohs, including the famous Tomb of King Tutankhamun. Continue to the magnificent terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, seamlessly embedded in the limestone cliffs. Your guide will also lead you to fascinating private tombs (specific tombs may vary based on preservation/accessibility) where the rich colors of life 3500 years ago have been wonderfully preserved. Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and an afternoon of sailing.
Enjoy breakfast on board as the Dahabiya sails north towards Qena City. Upon arrival, you will visit the exceptionally well-preserved Hathor Temple at Dendera. This remarkable monument features an astronomical ceiling depicting heavenly bodies and a well-preserved stone roof, offering invaluable clues to ancient Egyptian solar rituals. Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing towards Nag Hammadi. Experience the unique passage through the Nag Hammadi Lock around midnight.
After breakfast, continue sailing to El Balyana. From here, you will visit the sacred city of Abydos, considered one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Egypt. It was a royal necropolis where early pharaohs were entombed and is home to numerous temples and tombs. The highlight is the Temple of Seti I, with its unique L-shaped design and exquisite reliefs. Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and an afternoon of cruising.
Spend a relaxing day sailing leisurely towards Sohag. Enjoy the tranquility of the Nile as you pass through picturesque countryside and serene villages on both banks. This is a day for unwinding on the sundeck, observing local life, and savoring the peaceful pace of the Dahabiya. The Dahabiya will dock in Sohag for the night.
After breakfast in Sohag, immerse yourself in the region’s cultural heritage. Visit The Sohag National Museum, whose design mirrors the Temple of King Seti I in Abydos. Explore its fascinating collection of artifacts covering various aspects of ancient and modern Egyptian life. Follow this with a visit to the 4th-century White Monastery, built from the ruins of the nearby Pharaonic-era Temple of Athribis (el-Sheikh Hamad). Then, a short detour to the unusual rock-cut church of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite, established in a Pharaonic-era quarry. Conclude your day with one of the highlights of this area – the Red Monastery, boasting spectacular paintings from the 6th to 8th centuries, often compared to the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, sail to El Maragha village, where you will dock overnight.
Enjoy a day of continuous sailing towards Asyut. Relax on board, taking in the ever-changing scenery and the rhythm of life on the Nile. This stretch of the river offers a glimpse into authentic Egyptian village life. The Dahabiya will aim to reach Asyut in time for your visit to Deir Durunka.
After breakfast, visit Deir Durunka, the Monastery of the Virgin in Mount Assiut. This significant pilgrimage site is believed to be where the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt ended and their return journey began. Thousands visit annually, drawn by its spiritual calm and the reputed manifestations of the Virgin Mary. Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing north towards Mallawi, enjoying a tranquil afternoon on the Nile.
Stop in Mallawi after breakfast. Visit the Mallawi Archaeological Museum, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts from the region, providing deep insights into Middle Egyptian history. Followed by a visit to the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel, famous for its mysterious underground passages where thousands of mummified animals were deposited, and the unique Tomb of Petosiris, designed in a captivating blend of Egyptian and Greek styles.
Today is dedicated to exploring the revolutionary sites near El Minya. Visit Tell el-Amarna, the city founded by the “heretic king” Akhenaten, who briefly designated monotheism as the state religion. Explore the remains of this short-lived city of palaces, temples, and breathtaking tombs, offering a unique perspective on ancient Egyptian art and religion. Continue to Beni Hassan to visit the tombs of the provincial governors and nomarchs, containing many unusual depictions of mythical creatures, wrestlers, and famous Asiatic caravans. In the afternoon, sail to El Minya.
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard the Dahabiya. Before disembarkation in El Minya, you may have a final stop at Zawyet El Meitin, known as the city of domed tombs, or visit the Museum of Hassan El Shark, a well-known Egyptian artist whose colorful images beautifully capture Upper Egyptian village life. At the appropriate time, you will disembark from the Dahabiya in El Minya (transfer to El Minya airport or hotel will be arranged according to your onward travel plans), concluding your extraordinary Dahabiya adventure.
