West Bank
Immediately across the Nile on Luxor’s West Bank, lie the myriad monuments, temples and tombs that comprise The Valley of...
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Dahabeya cruise Holidays
Sample Itinerary - REF EGYPT 4798
If you like the itinerary below please quote REF EGYPT 4798 when enquiring for further details.
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Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Cairo
Today we will take you to visit the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau which are the sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World. We then visit Zhosers Step Pyramid at saqqara and then you have a bit of time for lunch before your visit to the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dashur.
Day 3: Cairo - Alexandria
This morning we drive up to Alexandria. Arriving here your guide will take you on an in-depth tour to see the Catacombs at Kom El Shoukafa and nearby Roman Ruins, Pompey's Pillar, Fort Qaitbay, Alexandria National Library and Montazah Palace Gardens and more if time permits.
Day 4: Alexandria - Siwa Oasis
Starting early (7:00am) we drive North-west toward the Mediterranean coastline and then follow the highway to Marsa Matrouth the city has a large Libyan/Berber population distinctive in custom and dress. We stop for lunch, swim in the Med and have time to explore the Libyan souq (if open) before driving onto Siwa.
Day 5: Siwa Oasis
This morning we take a leisurely bicycle ride through the verdant date palm groves, visiting the local sights en-route. Our first stop is the Temple of the Oracle, dating back to near 570BC, whose most famous petitioner was Alexander the Great. Alexander visited the Siwa in the spring of 331BC, seeking confirmation from the Oracle that he was the son of Zeus (whom the Greek’s identified with Amun – the sun god and creator of all life in Pharaonic history). We cycle to Cleopatra Spring for a dip in the pool as the spring fed warm water bubbles to the surface. Afternoon we enjoy sunset dinner, swim and campfire at the ‘Great Saltwater Lake’.
Day 6: Siwa Oasis
Today we visit Mountain of the Dead and explore Old Shali. Old Shali is the old city abandoned in 1926 after 3 days of rain that literally melted the mud brick city. A hermetic labyrinth of secret corridors, homes, shops, granaries and mosques are all waiting to be explored. Afternoon - Desert Safari. 4x4 through the massive sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, stopping off at an amazing natural spring fed lake surrounded by miles of sandy desert. We also visit the site of an ancient ocean abundant with marine fossils and finish the day at the hot spring of Bir Wahed for swimming and sunset dinner.
Day 8: Cairo - Luxor
After breakfast we head out to visit the famous Egyptian Museum, here you can enjoy a guided tour and free time to browse and explore the famed treasures of King Tutankhamen. We then enjoy an in-depth tour of Old Cairo, visit the old Coptic suspended Church and city of the dead, the oldest Synagogue of Ben Ezra, drive to the Citadel of Saladin, and visit the alabaster mosque of Mohammed Ali and more. Evening flight to Luxor.
Day 9: Luxor
Today we visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak. More than a temple, it’s a gigantic and stunning complex of sanctuaries and pylons dedicated to the Theban gods. Free time in the late afternoon to relax. This evening we visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor temple where you can enjoy a guided explanation of the site and some free time to explore.
Day 10: Luxor - Dahabeya cruise
Early morning tour of the Valley of Kings and Queens - Colossi of Memnon and Temple of Hatshepsut. After the anchor is lifted the Dahabiya will glide silently across the Nile. The first stop is 15km down the Nile at El-Kab. This was once a glorious city, but is now a city of ruins and rubble and a reasonably intact city wall. After you've had a chance to look around, you'll return to the ship and your Nile sailing tour will continue on to a small island for the night.we visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak. More than a temple, it’s a gigantic and stunning complex of sanctuaries and pylons dedicated to the Theban gods. This evening we visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor temple where you can enjoy a guided explanation of the site and some free time to explore.
Day 11: Dahabeya cruise
Early morning tour of the Valley of Kings and Queens - Colossi of Memnon and Temple of Hatshepsut. After the anchor is lifted the Dahabiya will glide silently across the Nile. The first stop is 15km down the Nile at El-Kab. This was once a glorious city, but is now a city of ruins and rubble and a reasonably intact city wall. After you've had a chance to look around, you'll return to the ship and your Nile sailing tour will continue on to a small island for the night.
Day 12: Dahabeya cruise
After breakfast sailing Edfu the ship's crew will throw out the anchor and you'll visit the best preserved cult temple in Egypt. The monumental temple of Horus, built in honour of the God with the falcon's head, is easily as impressive as the world famous temple of Karnak in Luxor. After visiting the temple you'll continue on to the town of Wadi El Shat where you'll walk through the tropical gardens and countryside. At the end of the day you'll spend the night on the Dahabiya
Day 13: Dahabeya cruise
After breakfast the Dahabiya will set sail along the Nile again. It's white sail will snap in the wind until it's found the right angle and the canvas catches wind. After a while the ship will moor at the excavation site 'Gebel El Silsila' and the temple of Pharaoh Horemheb. You can also visit an ancient stone quarry where colossal stones were cut out for the temple of Karnak. After lunch on board the ship you'll sail on to one of the highlights of this Nile sailing tour, the majestic temples of Haroeris and Sobek at Kom Ombo. Candles will be lit and you'll have your own candlelight dinner on an island in the middle of the Nile...
Day 14: Dahabeya cruise
After breakfast it's time to hoist the sails and sail towards the town of Daraw. Stroll through the town's dusty streets that lead to the colourful and lively souks. The ship will dock at El Koubania so that you can get to meet the Nubians and find out more about their way of life. At the end of the day you'll spend the night in the Dahabiya.
Day 15: Dahabeya cruise - Aswan
There's only a short distance left to sail until the ship reaches Aswan. Once you step back onto the shore you'll say goodbye to the ship captain, the cook and the rest of the crew. Our local representative will be waiting to greet you in Aswan and will take you hotel.
Day 16: Aswan
Today enjoy a day with your guide visiting the various highlights of this Nubian city including the Nubian Museum, Philae Temple, High Dam and in the evening the Souqs that spring to life in the cooler evening air.
