5 days
25
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Airport
Embarking on a 5-day Dahabiya cruise from Esna offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the treasures of Ancient Egypt in an elegant and intimate setting. This unique experience blends luxurious accommodation, rich history, and personalized service, making it a once-in-a-lifetime journey along the majestic Nile.
Dahabiyas, traditional wooden sailboats, evoke the golden age of Egyptian travel, popular among the elite during the 19th century. Today, these vessels maintain their regal charm, providing an exquisite atmosphere for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure. As you glide down the Nile, you will witness breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant local life, all from the serenity of your luxurious floating hotel.
Onboard, every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure a delightful experience. Spacious cabins feature plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and large windows that frame picturesque views of the Nile. The dining area offers gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the finest in Egyptian and international cuisine.
The culinary experience on a Dahabiya is a feast for the senses. Each meal features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, prepared daily by skilled chefs. From succulent Nile Perch to traditional hand-made falafel, every dish reflects the rich flavors of Egypt.
One of the standout features of our Dahabiya cruise is the opportunity to travel with knowledgeable female guides. These professionals offer insightful commentary on Egypt’s history and culture, providing a unique perspective that enhances the journey.
The Nile River is not merely a waterway; it is the heartbeat of Egyptian civilization. As you sail on a Dahabiya, you will visit iconic sites, including:
The Dahabiya experience extends beyond sightseeing. Travelers have the chance to engage in local customs, such as fishing or participating in traditional cooking classes. These activities foster a deeper understanding of Egyptian culture and strengthen connections with the local community.
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Esna, located some 33 miles south of Luxor, is where you will board your dahabiya and meet the crew. A thriving merchant town, Esna is best known for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 9 meters below street level. Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through streets filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.
El Kab, on the East bank of the Nile, was once the capital of Upper Egypt and is still home to the temple of Nekhbet, as well as a row of fascinating decorated tombs carved into the slope of the mountains. Upon docking, you will embark on a beautiful walk through a small fishermen village to visit the necropolis.
In the afternoon, the boat will arrive at Edfu, home to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus. This is among the best preserved of all Egyptian temples. Horse and carriage will take you to the temple through the busy city streets. After returning to the boat, you will set sail for a beautiful island.
This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile. As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley lined with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions. These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times). At night, the boat will tie up the foot of floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.
Here, the Nile, flowing between two mountains ranges, is at its narrowest. You will often be the only visitors at this fascinating site, as large Nile cruisers are not allowed to stop here. After visiting the small temple of Horemheb and walking through the sandstone quarries, where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples, you will visit a picturesque café to enjoy tea and shisha (Cafe temporarily closed). You will then sail to a picturesque riverbank where you will stop for lunch and swimming.
After a night on the water and beneath the stars, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend on the river. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.
Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge. Here your cruise comes to an end. You will leave us relaxed and refreshed in the morning.
Please note: The government now requires all dahabiyas to overnight in a dock beside the Aswan bridge. Unfortunately this location is less idyllic and peaceful than we'd like, but it is a legal requirement.
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Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
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10 - 20 | $1,000 |
Start Date | End Date | Adult Price | Special Discount |
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01-06-2024 | 30-08-2024 | $1,100 | View Discount |
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