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Embark on an extraordinary 11-day, 10-night odyssey along the majestic Nile, cruising south from Sohag to Aswan aboard the luxurious Dahabiya Zahra. This exclusive journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover hidden archaeological gems, ancient monasteries, and authentic riverside life, far from the crowds of typical Nile cruises. Experience the magic of Egypt at a truly leisurely pace.
Today, your unique Nile cruise begins! Upon your arrival in Sohag (transfer details from Sohag Airport or your hotel will be confirmed), you will be privately transferred to embark on the luxurious Dahabiya Zahra. After settling into your elegant cabin and enjoying lunch onboard, embark on your first fascinating exploration. Visit the Sohag National Museum, whose design mirrors the Temple of King Seti I in Abydos, offering insights into regional history. Follow this with a visit to the 4th-century White Monastery, built from ancient ruins. Then, a short detour to the unusual rock-cut church of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite. Conclude your day with one of the highlights: the Red Monastery, boasting spectacular 6th to 8th-century paintings, often compared to the Hagia Sophia. Enjoy dinner and your first night aboard the Dahabiya.
Enjoy breakfast on board as the Dahabiya sails south to El Balyana. From here, you’ll 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 home to numerous temples and tombs. The highlight is the Temple of Seti I, renowned for its unique L-shaped design and exquisite reliefs. Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and continue sailing to Nag Hammadi, where you’ll experience passing through the lock around midnight – a fascinating part of river navigation.
After breakfast, your Dahabiya sails to Qena City. You’ll 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, providing invaluable clues to ancient Egyptian solar rituals. Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing towards Luxor. You’ll moor in Luxor for the night, enjoying dinner with views of the illuminated city.
Today, immerse yourself in the ancient city of Thebes. Cross to the West Bank to discover 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. You’ll also visit fascinating private tombs, where the rich colors of life 3500 years ago have been wonderfully preserved. Another highlight is the Medinet Habu Temple, built by Ramesses III, second only to Karnak in size, featuring a wonderful hall of pillars with colored reliefs of ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Overnight in Luxor.
After breakfast, visit the largest temple complex in the country, the Temple of Karnak, with its stunning Hypostyle Hall and towering obelisks. Return to the Dahabiya for lunch as you begin sailing south towards Esna. Enjoy entertainment and refreshment on the sundeck as the Nile Valley glides by. At Esna, you’ll experience passing through the historic Esna Lock, where the Nile’s water level is regulated. Your Dahabiya will dock near the lock for the night.
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Enjoy breakfast while crossing the Esna Lock. Today, you’ll visit the Greco-Roman Temple at Esna, built by Ptolemy III and dedicated to the god Khnum, the creator of human bodies. This temple offers unique insights into ancient Egyptian cosmology. Afterwards, return to the Dahabiya and sail to El Hegz Island, a beautiful spot for an overnight mooring, allowing for relaxation and perhaps a swim.
Today, your Dahabiya sails to Edfu. Here, you will visit the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Horus, the falcon god, a true architectural marvel dating back to the end of a three-millennia-long tradition. Explore its many chambers and halls, marveling at its immensity and magnificence. Afterwards, digest your impressions and relax on deck as the Nile Valley glides past. You’ll soon arrive at the wadi of Shatt er-Rigale, where you can stroll through lush green palm groves on the very fringe of the barren desert. You will anchor in Gebel El Silsila for the night.
After breakfast, explore Gebel el-Silsila, a massive sandstone quarry used for many of Egypt’s grand temples. This special place also features numerous shrines and cult buildings, including the Great Speos of Pharaoh Horemheb. Continue sailing to the picturesque Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely located on a bend of the Nile. This exceptionally beautiful double temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, offers fascinating insights into ancient worship, including a museum displaying mummified crocodiles.
Today, your Dahabiya brings you to the small town of Daraw. Experience local life with a visit to a private camel stable, allowing a close look at these iconic animals. Afterwards, stroll through the busy and colorful market streets, stopping at a local coffee shop to observe the vibrant daily bustle. In the afternoon, sail further south to Harbyab Island, where you will have the unique experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest waters of the Nile River, a truly refreshing moment.
Sail from Harbyab Island early in the morning, and after about four hours, reach the southernmost point of your Nile cruise: Aswan! Enjoy your lunch on board. In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour in Aswan, highlighted by a visit to the stunning Philae Temple. This beautiful temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was famously relocated to higher ground on a neighboring island to save it from the rising waters of the High Dam, its beauty continuing to shine brightly. Overnight on the Dahabiya in Aswan.
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard the Dahabiya. Today, you’ll bid farewell to the crew as your luggage is collected and prepared. From Aswan, you can either be transferred to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your onward flight or opt for an unforgettable optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples by road. These two magnificent temples, carved into the cliff by Ramesses II and dedicated to himself and his queen Nefertari, were famously saved by a UNESCO international effort from being submerged by Lake Nasser.
