Luxury Christmas Dahabeya Nile Cruise Egypt – 9 Days

After breakfast, it’s time to see one of the places you probably came to Egypt for: the Giza Pyramids.

Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Your guide will explain the history behind these famous monuments and share some of the stories that have made the Giza Plateau one of the most visited places in Egypt.

After exploring the pyramids, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Take your time exploring the museum and seeing the ancient statues, artifacts, and treasures on display.

After the tour, return to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, fly from Cairo to Luxor.

When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide and transfer to your Dahabeya. After checking in and having lunch onboard, head out to explore Luxor.

Your first stop is Karnak Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt. Walk through the huge columns and ancient halls while your guide tells you about the pharaohs who built and expanded the temple over the centuries.

Then visit Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city. The temple is especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the light starts to change.

After sightseeing, return to the Dahabeya and enjoy some time to settle in.

Have dinner onboard and relax as you begin your journey along the Nile.

Accommodation: On Dahabeya

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, cross to Luxor’s West Bank.

Start with the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient Egyptian kings were carved into the desert mountains. You’ll have the chance to enter some of the tombs and see the colorful decorations that have survived for thousands of years.

Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, the temple has a very different look from many of the other ancient sites in Luxor.

Before heading back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the two huge statues that have stood here for centuries.

Return to your Dahabeya and continue sailing toward Esna.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy onboard. Sit on deck, watch the villages and farmland along the river, or simply relax and enjoy the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a slower day, giving you more time to enjoy the cruise itself.

After breakfast, sail toward Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus. It is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, with impressive entrance pylons, columns, and detailed carvings.

After your visit, return to the Dahabeya and continue sailing south.

This is a good chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery. You’ll pass palm trees, farms, small villages, and everyday life along the Nile.

Later, continue toward Al Ramady Island and enjoy a quiet evening onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, continue sailing toward Kom Ombo.

Visit Kom Ombo Temple, one of the most unusual temples along the Nile because it was dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god.

Your guide will walk you through the temple and explain the stories behind its design and decorations.

After the visit, return to the Dahabeya and continue toward Aswan.

As you get further south, you’ll start to notice the scenery changing. The Nile becomes surrounded by more desert landscapes, rocky islands, and palm trees.

Enjoy your evening onboard as you make your way to Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, start exploring Aswan.

Visit the Aswan High Dam and learn more about its importance to modern Egypt and the Nile.

Then take a motorboat across the water to Philae Temple. The temple sits on an island and is surrounded by the Nile, making the journey there part of the experience.

Explore the temple with your guide and learn about its connection to the goddess Isis and the ancient Egyptian story of Isis and Osiris.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the local market in Aswan. It’s a good place to look for spices, souvenirs, handmade items, and Nubian products.

If you’d like a more relaxed afternoon, you can also choose optional afternoon tea at the historic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, overlooking the Nile.

Return to your accommodation and enjoy your evening in Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, disembark from your Dahabeya.

If you want to add one more highlight to your trip, you can take an optional early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel. The temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are among the most impressive monuments in southern Egypt.

After the excursion, return to Aswan and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.

When you arrive in Cairo, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Spend your final evening relaxing and enjoying your last night in Egypt.

Accommodation: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your private driver will take you to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.

Your Christmas holiday in Egypt comes to an end, but you’ll leave with memories of the Pyramids, ancient temples, peaceful Nile sunsets, and your time aboard the Dahabeya.

Meals: Breakfast