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Classic Cruise 7 Nights · 8 Days
Aswan → Luxor
Embark on a timeless voyage down the Nile, tracing the path of the pharaohs from Aswan to the monumental city of Thebes (Luxor). This 7-night classic cruise blends profound historical discovery with serene river travel.
Download Itinerary (PDF)- Duration
- 7 Nights · 8 Days
- Route
- Aswan → Luxor
- Embark
- Aswan
- Disembark
- Luxor
- Pace
- Extended · slow
Day by Day
Your journey, unhurried
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Day 1
Embarkation & The Island of Isis
- Philae Temple
- Activity Board your cruise ship in Aswan. Begin your exploration with a visit to the exquisite Philae Temple. Accessed by a short motorboat ride, this temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis was rescued from the rising Nile and rebuilt on Agilkia Island, showcasing stunning Ptolemaic architecture.
- Evening Overnight docked in Aswan.
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Day 2
Modern Engineering & Ancient Ambitions
- Aswan High Dam
- Old Aswan Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- El Herdiab Island
- Morning Discover Aswan's modern history and ancient industry. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a pivotal 20th-century feat of engineering controlling the Nile's floodwaters. See the Old Aswan Dam and the fascinating Unfinished Obelisk, which offers a unique glimpse into ancient stone-cutting techniques.
- Afternoon Set sail north, enjoying the scenic river views.
- Evening Overnight moored at the tranquil El Herdiab Island.
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Day 3
The Dual Temple & Sacred Quarries
- Temple of Kom Ombo
- El Silsila
- Morning Sail to Kom Ombo.
- Afternoon Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, symmetrically dedicated to two gods: the falcon-headed Horus the Elder and the crocodile-headed Sobek. Explore its halls, see ancient mummified crocodiles, and enjoy its dramatic riverside location.
- Late Afternoon Continue sailing to the historic site of El Silsila.
- Evening Overnight docked at El Silsila.
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Day 4
Sandstone Source & The Falcon's Citadel
- El Silsila
- Temple of Edfu
- Morning Explore El Silsila, the major sandstone quarry of ancient Egypt. Tour the cliff-side shrines and see the famous "Speos of Horemheb" cut into the rock.
- Afternoon Sail to Edfu.
- Late Afternoon Visit the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Edfu, the largest temple dedicated to the god Horus. Its colossal pylons, courtyard, and intact inner chambers make it one of Egypt's most complete ancient monuments.
- Evening Overnight docked near Edfu (at El Fawaza Island).
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Day 5
Sailing North & The Esna Lock
- Esna Lock
- Luxor
- Day Relax on the sun deck as your ship sails towards Luxor. Witness the fascinating process of passing through the Esna Lock, a modern gateway that regulates the river's flow.
- Evening Arrive in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, for an overnight stay.
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Day 6
Thebes' Necropolis – City of the Dead
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Full Day Exploration Cross to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the vast Theban Necropolis. Highlights typically include the Valley of the Kings (entrance to three tombs included, often excluding Tutankhamun's), the imposing Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.
- Evening Overnight docked in Luxor
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Day 7
Thebes' Grandest Monuments – Karnak & Luxor
- Karnak Temple Complex
- Luxor Temple
- Morning Visit the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, a vast open-air museum and the largest religious site in the ancient world. Walk through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns.
- Afternoon/Evening Explore the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully located on the Corniche. Its grandeur is especially captivating at dusk when the stones are illuminated.
- Evening Final 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 journey through millennia of 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.
For Trade Partners
Check availability
& rates
7 nights on the Nile, whole-boat charter. Send us your clients' dates and group size and we'll come back with availability and net rates.