Luxor → Dendera → Aswan
This 6-night itinerary offers a strategic and enriching route. You will first explore the wonders of ancient Thebes (Luxor), then embark on a special excursion north to the cult temples of Abydos and Dendara, before enjoying a relaxing downriver sail to Aswan, concluding with the beautiful sites of the south
Download Itinerary (PDF)- Duration
- 6 Nights · 7 Days
- Route
- Luxor → Dendera → Aswan
- Embark
- Luxor
- Disembark
- Aswan
- Temples
- 9+ major sites
- Pace
- Relaxed · flexible
Day by Day
Your journey, unhurried
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Day 1
Embarkation in Thebes & The East Bank Temples
- Karnak Temple Complex
- Luxor Temple
- Afternoon/Evening Arrive and board your dahabeya in Luxor. Begin your journey by exploring the east bank of the Nile. Stand in awe at the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, a vast city of temples, obelisks, and the forest of 134 columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall. Later, visit the graceful Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk, connecting the world of the gods to the city of the living.
- Overnight Docked in Luxor.
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Day 2
The Theban West Bank
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
The necropolis of ancient Thebes, before the special excursion north.
- Morning Cross the Nile to the West Bank — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.
- Overnight Docked in Luxor.
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Day 3
Pilgrimage to Abydos & The Temple of Hathor
- Abydos
- Temple of Seti I
- Temple of Dendara
Full-Day Excursion (via road): Embark on a profound cultural excursion to two of Egypt's most significant and well-preserved temples.
- Full-Day Excursion Travel by road to Abydos, one of ancient Egypt's oldest and most sacred cities, dedicated to Osiris, god of the afterlife. Explore the magnificent Temple of Seti I, renowned for its exquisite raised reliefs and the mystical Abydos King List.
- Full-Day Excursion Return to the Qena area to visit the stunning Temple of Dendara, a masterpiece dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love and music. Admire its famous and vividly painted astronomical ceiling, explore the crypts, and see the iconic Hathor-headed columns.
- Evening Sail back south from Qena to Luxor.
- Overnight Docked in Luxor.
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Day 4
Sailing South via Esna to Edfu
- Esna Lock
- Day After your intensive temple visits, enjoy a full day of relaxed sailing downriver towards Edfu. You will pass through the Esna Lock, an interesting feat of modern engineering that regulates the river's flow. Watch rural Egyptian life unfold along the banks.
- Overnight Docked near Edfu.
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Day 5
Temple of Edfu, The Quarries of El Silsila & Kom Ombo
- Temple of Edfu
- El Silsila
- Temple of Kom Ombo
- Morning (7:00 AM) Visit the monumental Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM) Sail south from Edfu to El Silsila.
- Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM) Explore the ancient sandstone quarries of El Silsila. This was the primary source of stone for many great temples you will have seen. Highlights include the dramatic cliff-side Speos of Horemheb (a rock-cut chapel) and numerous royal stelae carved directly into the rock faces, marking pharaonic visits to this vital site.
- Mid-Afternoon (2:00 PM) Sail onwards to Kom Ombo.
- Late Afternoon (Approx. 4:00 PM) Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek and Horus. Its riverside setting is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.
- Evening Enjoy a final serene sail to Aswan
- Overnight Docked in Aswan
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Day 6
The Island of Isis
- Philae Temple
- High Dam
- Old Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Morning Visit the beautiful Philae Temple. A short motorboat ride takes you to Agilkia Island to explore this Graeco-Roman complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, famed for its elegant pillars and picturesque setting. In the way back to the Dahabeya visit to Aswan's High Dam, Old Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Overnight Docked in Aswan.
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Day 7
Disembarkation in Aswan
- Aswan
- Morning After breakfast, disembark in Aswan.
Good to Know
Travel Insight
- Strategic Route: This direction allows you to experience the grandeur of Luxor at the beginning when energy is highest, followed by the special excursion. The sailing from Luxor to Aswan is upriver, which can sometimes allow for a more relaxed pace.
- Dendara/Abydos Logistics: The visit to Abydos and Dendara on Day 3 remains a significant full-day road trip from Qena. This requires an early start but is a uniquely rewarding experience for those interested in deep historical and religious sites.
- Aswan as a Finale: Ending in Aswan provides a natural conclusion, with the option to extend your stay to visit the Abu Simbel temples, which are often a highlight of any southern Egypt itinerary.
Tips for Your Trip
- This itinerary involves significant walking at archaeological sites, often on uneven ground. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are essential. The sailing schedule and overnight mooring locations are subject to change based on river and lock conditions
Travel Notes
This itinerary provides a general framework; the order of visits on specific days may be adjusted by your tour operator. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water are essential for daily excursions
All-Inclusive Charter
What's Included
Your charter rate is full-board — a complete luxury sailing experience, with no hidden fees.
Gourmet Dining
- Breakfast — extensive open buffet with hot & cold selections
- Lunch — open buffet with a live outdoor barbecue station
- Dinner — generous open buffet
- Daily sunset tea service on deck, with premium teas & snacks
Beverages, All Day
- 24-hour service: bottled mineral water, fresh juices (orange, lemonade, hibiscus), soft drinks & daily smoothies
- Specialty coffees — espresso, macchiato, American, Egyptian — and a premium tea selection
- Complimentary local premium beer & wine
No Hidden Fees
- All onboard meals & beverages included
- 14% VAT (Value Added Tax) included
- 12% service charges included
Crew gratuity is not included. It is customary for guests to contribute US $6 per person per night, handed to the dahabiya's manager and shared equally among the crew.
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