Active escape on the Nile, Dahabiya cruise from Aswan to Luxor
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationEgypt / Nile Valley
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions178.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a gentle adventure along the Nile , between Aswan and Luxor, on a 7-day journey blending culture, nature, and encounters. Aboard a traditional dahabiya , you'll cruise peacefully between the iconic sites of ancient Egypt : Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings… An itinerary designed to combine active exploration with local immersion.
Each day is filled with a variety of activities: kayaking among the Nubian islands, hiking in the Theban mountains, cycling through palm groves and villages , and plenty of opportunities to connect with the locals. The comfort of the Nile cruise and its stunning scenery provide a peaceful and inspiring setting for this unique exploration of southern Egypt.
Ideal for curious travelers seeking a more authentic and responsible approach, this trip offers a subtle balance between historical discovery , active experiences , and moments of contemplation . Far from the crowds, it invites you to experience Egypt differently, at the pace of the river and local traditions.
The highlights
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A gentle and balanced adventure
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An intimate cruise in a dahabiya
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A complete cultural immersion
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
The level of sporting activities is easy to moderate , accessible to anyone in good physical condition, without the need for any particular sporting experience.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Majority river class : Class 2 - some simple rapids
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 0h30
- Average distance/day: 1 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Management
French
The trip is led by a professional French-speaking guide , a specialist in ancient Egypt and local culture. He will supervise the visits, coordinate activities, and ensure the smooth running of the trip, all while sharing his knowledge with passion and skill. Attentive to the group's pace, he creates a friendly and reassuring atmosphere, fostering interaction and immersion.
Upon arrival, an English-speaking representative is also present at the airport to welcome clients, facilitate formalities, and ensure a smooth experience from the very beginning of their stay.
Program
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Arrival in Aswan • Check-in & Overnight stay at the hotel
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon your arrival in Aswan, our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You will then have some free time to relax and prepare for the many visits and activities that await you.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Boarding • Temple of Philae • Kayaking in the Nubian Islands
- Transportation Boat - 02h - 8km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you are transferred to the Dahabiya where your cruise begins at the soothing pace of the Nile.
You then travel to the sacred island of Philae for an in-depth visit to its temple dedicated to Isis, a masterpiece saved from the waters and surrounded by a magical landscape.
After lunch on board, the day continues with an active and immersive experience: a one-hour kayak trip in the heart of the Nubian islands, between black granite rocks, colorful villages and Nile birds.
The evening concludes with dinner on board in a peaceful atmosphere. Overnight on board.
Day 2 -
Monastery of Saint Simeon • Kom Ombo • Traditional Village
- Transportation Boat - 08h30 - 88km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with a camel ride to the Monastery of Saint Simeon, perched high above the desert.
The view of Aswan, Elephantine Island and the Nile is spectacular.
Back on board, the Dahabiya sails to Kom Ombo, where you visit the famous double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. You also explore the Museum of Mummified Crocodiles, a unique attraction in Egypt.
Lunch awaits you on board before the rest of the program.
You then set off to meet the inhabitants of a traditional village, where you are offered local tea, an authentic immersion in Nubian and Egyptian life.
The day continues with sailing towards Edfu. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a traditional barbecue on the shore or a cozy dinner on board.
Night on board
Day 3 -
Temple of Edfu • Navigation to Esna • Passage through the lock
- Transportation Boat - 10h - 115km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a horse-drawn carriage will take you to the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. You will explore its majestic halls, its intact reliefs, and its magnificent atmosphere.
You then return to the Dahabiya for lunch on board while the journey resumes towards Esna.
A highlight of the trip: passing through the lock, where the boat changes level in an impressive basin.
End of the day with a peaceful sail towards Luxor.
Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 4 -
Luxor: Valley of the Kings • Hatshepsut • Colossi • Hiking & Cycling
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 33km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 4 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 0h45
- Distance 7 km
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival in Luxor, you disembark for a full day dedicated to the major Pharaonic sites.
You begin with the Valley of the Kings, where you visit three royal tombs, each decorated with fascinating mythological scenes.
You continue with the Temple of Hatshepsut, a unique masterpiece built in terraces against the cliff. A photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon completes this cultural morning.
Having lunch in a local restaurant allows you to savor Egyptian cuisine.
The afternoon becomes more active: a 1.5-hour hike in the Theban mountains, offering spectacular views, followed by a 45-minute bike ride between fields, villages and palm groves.
At the end of the day, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 -
Karnak & Luxor Temples • Cultural Day
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you will set off to explore the great complex of Karnak, a true sacred city including the hypostyle hall with 134 columns, the obelisks and the sacred lake.
Lunch at a local restaurant precedes the visit to the Temple of Luxor, majestic by day and even more enchanting when it lights up at sunset.
Return to the hotel for a free evening.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 -
Departure from Egypt
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 10km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Luxor airport according to your flight schedule.
Day 7
Note
The cruise itinerary may vary depending on navigation changes.
Accommodation
The Basma Aswan Hotel is a comfortable and well-located establishment, perched on the hills above Aswan, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Nile . Appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and verdant surroundings, the Basma Aswan, with its strategic location , attentive service, and peaceful ambiance, is an ideal choice for travelers seeking the best possible experience.
This is a wooden-style sailboat that harmoniously blends the old and the modern, offering exceptional comfort and convenience.
It includes two bridges:
- The lower deck with 12 cabins and suites.
- The upper deck with a dining room, a lounge area and a jacuzzi.
The 4-star Iberotel Luxor is a hotel located directly on the banks of the Nile, offering an ideal setting to relax after a day of sightseeing. Renowned for its comfort, tranquility, and quality service, guests particularly appreciate its outdoor pool , manicured gardens, and relaxation areas overlooking the Nile. Thanks to its central location , close to Luxor's main attractions, and its peaceful atmosphere, the Iberotel Luxor provides an excellent base for ending your stay in comfort and relaxation.
Access
The trip starts in Aswan and ends in Luxor .
The Dahabiyas depart every Friday from Aswan.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Airport reception and assistance
- Transfers and transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, minibus or bus
- Accommodation as per program, including breakfast.
- All visits mentioned in the program
- French-speaking guide
- The lunches mentioned in the program
- The sports activities mentioned in the program
The price does not include
- International flights
- Tips (guide, driver, crew)
- Visa ( €25 ), payable on arrival
- Personal expenses
- Domestic flights
- Drinks during meals
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.