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Dendera & Abydos 7 Nights · 8 Days
Aswan → Dendera → Luxor
Embark on a profound exploration of ancient Egypt, sailing north from Aswan to Luxor before venturing further to the extraordinary cult temples of Dendara and Abydos. This 7-night "Long Cruise" offers an in-depth experience beyond the classic route.
Download Itinerary (PDF)- Duration
- 7 Nights · 8 Days
- Route
- Aswan → Dendera → Luxor
- Embark
- Aswan
- Disembark
- Luxor
- Temples
- 10+ major sites
- Pace
- Extended · flexible
Day by Day
Your journey, unhurried
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Day 1
Embarkation & The Island Sanctuary of Isis
- Philae Temple
- Afternoon Arrive in Aswan and board your cruise ship. Begin your journey with a visit to the enchanting Philae Temple. Travel by motorboat to Agilkia Island to explore this stunning Ptolemaic temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was meticulously rescued from the rising waters of the Nile.
- Evening Overnight docked in Aswan
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Day 2
Engineering Marvels & The Temple of Two Gods
- Aswan High Dam
- Old Aswan Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Temple of Kom Ombo
- Morning Discover Aswan's pivotal role from ancient to modern times. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a cornerstone of 20th-century Egypt; see the Old Aswan Dam; and examine the massive Unfinished Obelisk, which provides a remarkable open-air lesson in ancient stone-working techniques.
- Afternoon Sail north to Kom Ombo.
- Late Afternoon Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, symmetrically dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its riverside setting and depictions of ancient medical tools are highlights.
- Evening Continue sailing a short distance to El Silsila for an overnight stay.
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Day 3
The Sacred Quarry & The Citadel of Horus
- El Silsila
- Temple of Edfu
- Morning Explore the ancient sandstone quarries of El Silsila. This site was the primary source of stone for the great temples you will visit. See the rock-cut shrines (speos) and royal stelae carved directly into the cliff faces.
- Afternoon Sail to Edfu.
- Late Afternoon Discover the magnificently preserved Temple of Edfu, the largest temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Its colossal pylon, intact inner chambers, and towering walls offer an unparalleled glimpse into Ptolemaic temple architecture.
- Evening Overnight docked near Edfu (at El Fawaza Island).
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Day 4
Sailing to Thebes via the Esna Lock
- Esna Lock
- Luxor
- Day Enjoy a full day of relaxation as your ship sails towards Luxor. Witness the fascinating process of navigating the Esna Lock, where the ship is raised or lowered to match the river level—a modern contrast to the ancient world you are exploring.
- Evening Arrive and overnight docked in Luxor (ancient Thebes).
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Day 5
Theban Necropolis & Journey to a Goddess
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Qena
- Morning Cross the Nile to explore the monumental West Bank of Luxor. Discover the famed Valley of the Kings, the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.
- Afternoon Set sail on a unique northward leg of your journey, traveling upstream to the city of Qena, the docking point for Dendara.
- Evening Overnight docked near Dendara
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Day 6
Pilgrimage to Abydos & The Temple of Hathor
- Abydos
- Temple of Seti I
- Temple of Dendara
- Full Day Excursion (via road) Embark on a special tour to two of Egypt's most significant and well-preserved cult temples.
- Full Day Excursion (via road) First, travel to Abydos, one of the oldest and most sacred sites in Egypt, dedicated to Osiris. Explore the breathtaking Temple of Seti I, renowned for its exquisite raised reliefs and the mystical Abydos King List.
- Full Day Excursion (via road) Return to Qena to visit the stunning Temple of Dendara, dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love and music. Admit its vividly detailed astronomical ceiling, explore the cryptic underground passages, and see the famous depiction of Cleopatra VII.
- Evening Sail back south to Luxor for an overnight stay.
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Day 7
The Grand Temples of Thebes
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Morning Stand in awe at the largest religious complex ever built: Karnak Temple. Wander through the forest of pillars in the Great Hypostyle Hall and explore the vast precincts dedicated to the Theban triad.
- Afternoon Conclude your temple explorations at the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully situated on the Nile's east bank. Appreciate its graceful colonnades and the layers of history from the pharaohs to the Romans.
- Evening Farewell overnight on board in Luxor.
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Day 8
Disembarkation
- Luxor
- Morning After breakfast, disembark from your cruise ship in Luxor, concluding your comprehensive voyage through ancient Egyptian history
Good to Know
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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