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Dendera & Abydos 7 Nights · 8 Days
Luxor → Dendera → Aswan
Embark on an extended journey down the Nile, combining the classic southern route with an exceptional northern excursion to the sacred sites of Abydos and Dendara. This 7-night "Long Cruise" offers a deeper immersion into Egypt's pharaonic legacy.
Download Itinerary (PDF)- Duration
- 7 Nights · 8 Days
- Route
- Luxor → Dendera → Aswan
- Embark
- Luxor
- Disembark
- Aswan
- Temples
- 10+ major sites
- Pace
- Extended · flexible
Day by Day
Your journey, unhurried
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Day 1
Embarkation & Thebes by Night
- Karnak Temple Complex
- Luxor Temple
- Activity Board your cruise ship in Luxor. Begin your adventure by exploring the east bank of ancient Thebes. Stand in awe amidst the colossal columns of the Karnak Temple Complex, then witness the graceful beauty of Luxor Temple, often spectacularly illuminated after dark.
- Evening Overnight docked in Luxor.
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Day 2
The Royal Necropolis & Sailing North
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Dendara
- Morning Cross the Nile to explore the West Bank of Luxor. Discover the famed Valley of the Kings, the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, and the monumental Colossi of Memnon.
- Afternoon Set sail northwards, a unique segment of this long cruise, traveling upstream towards Dendara.
- Evening Overnight docked near Dendara.
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Day 3
Pilgrimage to Osiris & The House of Hathor
- Abydos
- Temple of Seti I
- Temple of Hathor
- Full Day Excursion Journey by road to the profoundly sacred site of Abydos, one of Egypt's oldest religious centers. Explore the magnificent Temple of Seti I, renowned for its exquisite reliefs and the mysterious Abydos King List.
- Afternoon Return to Dendara to visit the incredibly preserved Temple of Hathor. Admire its stunning astronomical ceiling, secret crypts, and iconic Hathor-headed columns in this superb example of Ptolemaic architecture.
- Evening Sail back south to Luxor for an overnight stay.
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Day 4
A Day of Scenic Sailing
- Edfu
- Day Relax and enjoy the ever-changing Nile landscapes as your ship sails south from Luxor towards Edfu. Watch rural Egyptian life unfold along the riverbanks from the sun deck.
- Evening Overnight docked near Edfu (at El Fawaza Island).
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Day 5
The Falcon God & Ancient Quarries
- Temple of Edfu
- El Silsila
- Kom Ombo
- Morning Visit the immense and remarkably intact Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus. Its towering pylon gateway and complete inner halls offer a perfect glimpse into ancient Egyptian temple design.
- Afternoon Sail to the historic quarry site of El Silsila. Explore the sandstone cliffs, cavernous quarries, and rock-cut shrines that supplied stone for great temples.
- Late Afternoon Continue sailing to Kom Ombo.
- Evening Overnight docked near Kom Ombo (at El Ramady Island).
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Day 6
Dual Divinity & The Island of Isis
- Temple of Kom Ombo
- Philae Temple
- Morning Visit the unique riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated equally to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder. See ancient surgical instruments carved on the walls and a crypt of mummified crocodiles.
- Afternoon Sail to Aswan. Upon arrival, take a motorboat to the beautiful Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, a sanctuary to the goddess Isis saved from the rising Nile waters.
- Evening Overnight docked in Aswan.
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Day 7
Aswan's Monuments: Ancient & Modern
- Aswan High Dam
- Old Aswan Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Tour Explore Aswan's key sites: the modern Aswan High Dam, a pivotal piece of 20th-century infrastructure; the earlier Old Aswan Dam; and the fascinating Unfinished Obelisk, which reveals the advanced stone-working techniques of the ancients.
- Evening Final overnight on board in Aswan.
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Day 8
Disembarkation
- Aswan
- Morning After breakfast, disembark in Aswan, concluding your extensive Nile journey.
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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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.