4 or 5 days
Specific Tour
1 person
English
Embark on a journey of unparalleled elegance and authentic Egyptian charm with the Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise, an experience meticulously crafted for travelers seeking a more intimate and immersive exploration of the Nile. Sailing gracefully between Luxor and Aswan, the Merit Dahabiya blends the romantic allure of traditional sailing with the luxuries of modern comfort. Onboard, guests are welcomed into beautifully furnished cabins, exquisite dining featuring fresh local cuisine, and personalized service that ensures every need is met. Each day reveals new wonders, from majestic temples and hidden tombs to serene riverbanks and quiet villages untouched by time. The smaller size of the dahabiya allows access to secluded sites and tranquil spots that larger vessels cannot reach, offering a deeper connection to Egypt’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient history. Whether lounging on the sun deck beneath billowing sails or exploring monumental sites with knowledgeable guides, the Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise promises an unforgettable voyage filled with serenity, discovery, and the timeless magic of the Nile.
 Duration |
4 Days / 5 Days |
 Cruise Schedule |
Saturday from Luxor – Wednesday from Aswan |
 Pickup Location |
Luxor or Aswan |
 Tour Type |
Private Tours |
Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise Facilities
Day 1: Wednesday
When you arrive at the airport or train station in Aswan, your tour manager will be there to help you and meet you. After that, your Egyptologist guide will take you on a tour of Aswan. Start your tour at the Aswan high dam, which is a rock-filled dam built across the Nile at Aswan between 1960 and 1970. When this happens, Lake Nasser will be one of the largest lakes made by people anywhere in the world.
Take a speedboat trip to the island of Philae Temple, where there are many smaller temples from the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman times. The temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis is not only the largest building on the island, but it is also the best kept. After that, you'll be able to take a walk through the Aswan Bazaar.
After that, you'll be taken to the Nile Dahabiya boat, where you can eat lunch and take it easy before spending the night in Aswan.
Meals: lunch , dinner.
Day 2: Thursday
You can go to the amazing temples at Abu Simbel, which were built by Ramses II and are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or you can do something else. If you don't want to go to Abu Simbel, you don't have to do anything this morning.
As the day goes on, your Nile Dahabiya will head toward the Kom-ombo temple while you eat lunch on board. You will spend the day traveling to Kom Ombo, which is an amazing twin temple in Upper Egypt. The gods Sobek and Haroeris are honored at this temple. T
here are many sanctuaries in the temple, as well as many entrances and paths for processions. Keep sailing toward Gebel el-Silsila to get to the ancient sandstone quarries there. On board for the night
Meals: breakfast , lunch , dinner.
Day 3: Friday
Take your time eating breakfast in the morning as you sail across the Nile River to Luxor. After going through the Esna Lock, keep going towards Luxor by boat. You won't have to worry about getting to the temple of Karnak when you get there. Enjoy going into the largest religious complex in Egypt, which was built for the main god of Luxor, Amon-re. You can walk to the site by going down the "Avenue of Sphinxes." As you look around the complex, your tour guide will tell you about the Karnak temple's interesting history and tell you about its pylons, courts, hall of columns, obelisks, and sanctuary.
Continue your tour to the middle, where you can find the temple of Luxor. At one time, the Temple was linked to the Karnak Temple by the Long Avenue of Sphinx, a three-kilometer-long road. The entrance to the Luxor Temple is now on a part of this avenue. After you're done, you'll be taken on your Nile cruise, where you can relax or watch a Sound and Light Show at the Karnak Temple, which is an extra cost. During the show, ancient and poetic voices talk about how the Karnak temple was built and about how the pharaohs and the god Amun did great things. A night that was really beautiful and unforgettable!
Meals: breakfast , lunch , dinner.
Day 4: Saturday
After breakfast, we'll get off the boat and head to the Valley of the Kings. During the New Kingdom, from 1550 BC to 1080 BC, the Valley of the Kings was where the kings of Thebes (also known as Luxor) were buried. You will go to where three of Egypt's most famous pharaohs are buried. You can also visit the place where the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun was buried while you are here (Extra ticket on spot). Most people agree that the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el Bahari is one of the most impressive buildings in all of Egypt. On the western bank of Luxor, the one-of-a-kind temple was built at the base of the al Qurna mountain cliff. It is made up of three terraces that are put together in order.
On the way back to Luxor, there will be time for a quick photo stop at the two Colossi of Memnon, which are all that is left of King Amenhotep III's funeral temple (1386 to 1349 BC).
You will be taken back to your Luxor room when everything is over (Hotel, airport, or Train station).
As an extra option, you can also take a hot-air balloon ride over the western bank of the Nile today, which is a beautiful experience (expect another early start to catch the sunrise as the balloon rises).
Meals: breakfast.
Day 1: Saturday
When you arrive in Luxor, either at the airport or at the train station, a tour manager will be there to meet you and help you with any arrangements you need. After that, you'll go on a tour of Luxor with an Egyptologist.
You'll see the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Memnon Colossi, and the Karnak Temple. The Karnak Temple is another place the group will visit. Then, you'll be taken from Luxor to Esna to get on your Nile Boat.
You'll spend the night at Esna while your boat is floating down the Nile.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Sunday
Start sailing toward Edfu while you take your time eating breakfast. You should be there by noon at the latest. Take a horse-drawn carriage to the Edfu Temple, which is one of Egypt's famous sites. The Edfu Temple stands out because it is one of the largest and most complete archaeological sites in the country.
On either side of the entrance are two beautiful granite statues of the Egyptian god Horus as the falcon. After your tour of the temple is over, you're welcome to walk or ride a bike around the market. This is a big market where you can haggle for souvenirs, tastes, and smells.
After lunch, which will be served on the boat, we'll keep sailing toward the Silsela Hormoheb Temple until we get there. Dinner will be served on the Temple grounds, on an island, or on the top deck of the boat, where guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while listening to music that fits the setting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Monday
After having breakfast at your own pace in the morning, you will sail to the Greco-Roman Temple at Kom Ombo, where you will spend most of the day. You can sail to Aswan in comfort while watching and listening to water buffalo move through the shallow water.
You will also see donkeys going about their daily business on the banks of the Nile, along with the many different kinds of birds that live there. Spend the night in a place that is close to the gates that lead into Aswan city.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Tuesday
After breakfast on board, you'll get off the boat to see the High Dam and the Philae Temple. After that, you'll have some time on your own to look around the Aswan Bazaar. At the end of the day, you will get off the boat. It's time to go back to the boat so you can spend the night in Aswan and have a great evening there.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Wednesday
After breakfast, you will get off the ship and be taken to either the Aswan airport or the Aswan train station, depending on where your last flight is.
Meals: breakfast.
Member Since 2022
