Hiking and felucca on the Nile: an immersion in Egypt

Explore and stroll through our hosts' neighborhood , followed by a picnic lunch at a local's home. We'll then set off by bicycle to discover the mortuary temple of King Ramses III, located at Madinet Habu. This temple, built during the 20th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, is both well-preserved and magnificent, yet relatively uncrowded. We'll return to Luxor, stopping to see the Colossi of Memnon. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

We set off by bike for a ride to the Valley of the Kings, where the mummies of the New Kingdom kings lay for eternity. After visiting three famous tombs, we head to the Temple of Hatshepsut for a tour, then meet up with our hosts. We enjoy a picnic lunch at their home, and then spend the afternoon with them preparing typical Egyptian dishes : the famous meze, tahini, and babaganouch! In the evening, we have the pleasure of attending the spectacular sound and light show at Karnak. Overnight stay with the locals.

This morning, we'll transfer (by train or minibus) to the city of Aswan . Upon arrival, we'll head to the pier to board our felucca, where we'll receive a warm welcome from our crew. After lunch, we'll depart for a visit to the Philae Temple, the pearl of Egypt. This temple is one of the few that were saved from the rising waters during the construction of the Aswan High Dam! After our return, we'll enjoy a stroll through Aswan's vibrant and colorful souks, filled with the aromas of spices that have made this souk famous for millennia. Dinner and our first night on board.

We set off this morning for a walk through the Nubian fields and villages, meeting the farmers and enjoying tea with locals. We return to the boat for lunch and then sail to the remote village of Koubania . A short hike on Harbiab Island follows, and we spend the night aboard our felucca.

Optional visit to Abu Simbel – the temples saved from the waters (must be booked in advance; site entrance fee payable on site). Those wishing to explore Abu Simbel depart very early in the morning by minibus and return to the boat for lunch. Upon arrival at Abu Simbel, you will be met by a local French-speaking guide for the visit and then return. If the entire group chooses this option, your tour guide will be with you at Abu Simbel.

This morning we arrive in Daraw , visiting its bustling daily market, which gives economic importance to this small town. We stroll through its peaceful alleyways before heading to Kom Ombo. There, we visit this unique sacred site, built for two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The setting is magnificent because the temple overlooks the Nile. We return to our boat for lunch and sail this afternoon. From the ridges of the west bank, we enjoy a breathtaking view of Upper Egypt, bathed in golden light on the Nile. Dinner and overnight on board.

This morning we disembark our boats for a transfer back to Luxor to meet the El Senousi family, our hosts. After lunch, we depart to visit the Tombs of the Nobles , a beautiful necropolis that houses the tombs of important figures in the Pharaoh's entourage. We explore the tombs in this valley, which offer an exceptional and remarkably vivid glimpse into the lives of the ancient Egyptians. In the evening, we visit the illuminated Luxor Temple and enjoy a final dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay with a local family.

Transfer to the airport for our return flight, end of the stay.