Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan

The great river journey of antiquity. Board your private dahabiya in Luxor and sail south through the green corridor of the Nile valley. Each morning docks at a different monument; each evening you watch the desert light shift from the sun deck. Seven nights afloat with a maximum of 12 guests, your own Egyptologist, and unhurried access to Egypt's most magnificent sites.

1. 1

   Fly Luxor — Board Dahabiya

   Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor, transfer to dahabiya, orientation briefing, welcome dinner aboard as the ship casts off.

2. 2

   Karnak & Luxor Temple

   Dawn visit to Karnak Temple's hypostyle hall before the heat. Afternoon rest. Evening visit to Luxor Temple illuminated after dark.

3. 3

   Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut

   West Bank morning: Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri, the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon sailing south.

4. 4

   Esna & Edfu

   Morning passage through the Esna lock — a spectacle in itself. Afternoon visit to the perfectly preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus.

5. 5

   Kom Ombo & Crocodile Museum

   Morning sailing, afternoon at the twin temple of Kom Ombo overlooking the river. Crocodile Museum, then sundowners on deck as you approach Aswan.

6. 6

   Aswan — Philae, High Dam, Quarries

   Full day in Aswan: the Temple of Philae (by motorboat), the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries.

7. 7

   Abu Simbel (Optional Day Trip)

   Optional early flight to Abu Simbel to see Ramesses II's great rock temples before they open to tour groups. Return to Aswan for farewell dinner.

8. 8

   Departure from Aswan

   Morning at leisure, private transfer to Aswan Airport for your onward flight.