Merit II Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Arrival in Luxor
Upon your arrival at Luxor International Airport (LUX), Luxor Train Station, your hotel, or your location in Luxor, your WOW Egypt Tours representative and driver will meet you and assist with luggage before starting the transfer to your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise.

Transfer to Your Dahabiya
You will be transferred by private modern air-conditioned vehicle to the Dahabiya Nile Cruise docking area in Luxor. Your representative and driver will assist during the transfer, and upon arrival at the port, the cruise staff will collect your luggage directly from the vehicle and deliver it to reception for check-in.

Dahabiya Cruise Check-in
Upon boarding your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, complete the check-in formalities at reception. The cruise staff will assist you and ensure a comfortable start to your Dahabiya cruise program. Afterwards, proceed to your cabin and store your luggage.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Karnak Temple Tour
Visit Karnak Temple, also known as the Temple of Karnak, one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt. The site was developed over more than 2,000 years and was mainly dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
Karnak Temple covers about 247 acres and includes pylons, courts, chapels, sanctuaries, sacred lakes, and the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns. The temple also marks the northern end of the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes, which connected Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple.

Luxor Temple Tour
Visit Luxor Temple, also known as the Temple of Luxor, an important ancient Egyptian temple located in the center of Luxor. The temple was constructed mainly during the reign of Amenhotep III around 1400 BC and was later expanded by Ramses II.
Luxor Temple was connected with kingship, religious ceremonies, and the Opet Festival. The temple includes large courts, columns, statues, reliefs, and the southern end of the Avenue of Sphinxes that linked it with Karnak Temple.

Avenue of Sphinxes
Between Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, you will learn about the Avenue of Sphinxes, the ancient ceremonial road that once connected both the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor over a route of about 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles). The avenue was used during religious processions, especially the Opet Festival, when the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were moved from Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple.
The Avenue of Sphinxes was developed and restored in different ancient periods, with important work connected to New Kingdom and later rulers. It formed an important sacred route in ancient Thebes and linked two of the most important temple complexes on the East Bank of Luxor.
Parts of the avenue can be seen today in Luxor, including sections with sphinx statues that show how the ancient processional road connected the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor. The modern reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes took place in 2021 after excavation and restoration work.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard.

Karnak Temples Sound and Light Show (Optional)
In the evening, you can attend the optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temples, subject to operation on the day of your visit and final confirmation.
The show uses light, sound, and narration to present the history of Karnak Temple, the Theban rulers, the god Amun, and the importance of the temple complex in ancient Egyptian religion.

Overnight in Luxor
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked in Luxor.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor (Optional)
Early morning, you can take the optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor, subject to weather conditions, flight permission, and final confirmation.
The balloon ride gives aerial views over the West Bank of Luxor, including agricultural land, desert hills, Nile views, and the Theban Necropolis area before returning to your Nile Cruise for breakfast.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Valley of the Kings Tour
Visit the Valley of the Kings, also known as Wadi el-Muluk, located in the Theban Necropolis on the West Bank of Luxor. The valley was used as a royal burial area during the New Kingdom period, from around 1550 BC to 1070 BC.
The Valley of the Kings includes more than 60 tombs, including tombs connected with famous rulers such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Ramses III, Seti I, and other New Kingdom kings. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the tomb decoration, funerary texts, royal burial traditions, and the importance of the valley in ancient Egyptian history.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Tour
Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut or Deir El Bahari Temple, one of the main monuments on the West Bank of Luxor. The temple was built for Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty in the 15th century BC.
The temple is known for its terraces, colonnades, ramps, and location against the limestone cliffs. Your Egyptologist guide will explain Hatshepsut's reign, the temple design, the scenes of the Punt expedition, and the temple's connection with Amun, Hathor, and Anubis.

Colossi of Memnon Tour
Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, also known as the Statues of Amenhotep III, two massive seated statues of King Amenhotep III on the West Bank of Luxor. The statues are about 18 meters (60 feet) high and once stood in front of the king's mortuary temple.
The Colossi of Memnon are among the main landmarks of Luxor West Bank and are usually visited as part of the West Bank sightseeing route between the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Sailing to Esna
After lunch, the cruise sails south along the Nile towards Esna. During the sailing, the cruise passes through Esna Lock, where vessels move between different Nile water levels according to navigation conditions.
You may spend time on the sundeck or in the lounge while viewing the Nile banks, villages, agricultural land, and river traffic along the route.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard.

Overnight in Esna
Overnight onboard your 5★ Nile Cruise, docked in Esna.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Sailing to Edfu
The Dahabiya sails south along the Nile towards Edfu, passing through Esna Lock, where vessels move between different Nile water levels according to navigation conditions. During the sailing, you may spend time on the sundeck or in the lounge while viewing the Nile banks and local life along the river.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Horse Carriage to Edfu Temple
Upon arrival in Edfu, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town to reach Edfu Temple. The carriage ride is arranged according to the cruise docking point, local traffic, and operating conditions on the day of your visit.

Edfu Temple Tour
Visit the Temple of Edfu, also known as Edfu Temple or the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 BC and 57 BC and was dedicated to Horus, the falcon god.
Edfu Temple is about 137 meters (449 feet) long and is known for its large pylon, open court, hypostyle halls, sanctuary, side chambers, and detailed wall inscriptions. The temple inscriptions give important information about ancient Egyptian religion, rituals, temple construction, language, and mythology.
Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the myth of Horus and Set, the temple's religious function, the Ptolemaic construction phases, and the main relief scenes inside the temple.

Sailing to Al Ramady Island
After visiting Edfu Temple, the Dahabiya sails towards Al Ramady Island, one of the local stops included in selected Dahabiya Nile cruise routes.

Al Ramady Island
Visit Al Ramady Island, a traditional stop along the Nile in Upper Egypt. The visit gives travelers a direct view of local life between Luxor and Aswan.
During the visit, you can see local houses, farming areas, livestock, and daily activities connected with rural life in Upper Egypt. Your guide will explain the connection between Nile agriculture, village traditions, and the daily rhythm of communities living beside the river.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard, or on Al Ramady Island, depending on the day's itinerary.

Overnight at Al Ramady Island
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked near Al Ramady Island.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Sailing to Kom Ombo
The Dahabiya sails towards Kom Ombo, one of the main temple sites on the Nile between Aswan and Edfu. During the sailing, you may spend time on the sundeck or in the lounge while viewing villages and riverbank life.

Kom Ombo Temple Tour
Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, also known as Kom Ombo Temple, one of the main temples between Aswan and Edfu. The temple was built mainly during the Ptolemaic period, especially between 180 BC and 47 BC.
Kom Ombo Temple is known as a double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. The temple has a symmetrical layout with 2 entrances, 2 courts, 2 hypostyle halls, and 2 sanctuaries.
The temple walls include relief scenes connected with ancient Egyptian religion, medical instruments, calendars, offerings, and royal rituals. Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the temple's religious function, its crocodile connection, and its importance as one of the main monuments of the Nile River Valley.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Sailing to Sheikh Fadl Island
After lunch, the Dahabiya sails towards Sheikh Fadl Island, one of the quiet Nile island stops used on selected Dahabiya cruise routes. During the sailing, you can view palm groves, farmland, small villages, local boats, and riverbank life along the Nile.

Sheikh Fadl Island
Stop at Sheikh Fadl Island, a small island on the Nile with palm groves, farmland, and river views. It is used as a quiet stop away from the main cruise routes, giving travelers a look at a calmer side of the Nile Valley and local island life in Upper Egypt.

Swimming or Kayaking
Swimming or kayaking stop, arranged according to weather, river conditions, and cruise safety rules on the day. The stop is only arranged when conditions are suitable and safe. Guests should follow crew instructions during the activity.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard.

Overnight at Sheikh Fadl Island
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked near Sheikh Fadl Island.

Sailing to Aswan
The Dahabiya sails towards Aswan, one of the main cities of southern Egypt.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Dahabiya Cruise Check-out
Upon arrival in Aswan, complete the check-out formalities from your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise. Prepare your luggage and make sure you have collected all personal belongings from your cabin and the Dahabiya common areas.
Hand over your cabin key at reception and complete the check-out formalities. The Dahabiya staff will assist with moving your luggage from the Dahabiya to the vehicle before starting the Aswan sightseeing program.

Aswan High Dam Tour
Visit the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt's most important modern engineering projects. The dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970 to control the annual Nile flood, improve irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power.
The Aswan High Dam is about 3,830 meters (12,565 feet) long and helped create Lake Nasser, which extends for about 500 km (310 miles) through southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the dam's role in modern Egypt and its connection with Aswan, the Nile, and the relocation of Nubian monuments.

Unfinished Obelisk Tour
Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries of Aswan. The Aswan Obelisk is usually connected with Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, who ruled Egypt in the 15th century BC.
The Unfinished Obelisk would have measured about 42 meters (138 feet) and weighed around 1,200 tons if completed. It was abandoned after cracks appeared in the stone, and today it gives clear evidence of ancient Egyptian quarrying and stone-working techniques.

Philae Temple Tour
Visit Philae Temple, also known as the Temple of Isis or the Temple of Philae, one of the main ancient monuments of Aswan. The temple complex was dedicated mainly to the goddess Isis and includes construction from the Late Period, Ptolemaic period, and Roman period.
Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO Nubian monuments rescue campaign between 1972 and 1980 after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the worship of Isis, the temple reliefs, the Osiris myth, and the relocation project.

Drop-off
After completing the Aswan sightseeing visits, you will be transferred by private modern air-conditioned vehicle to Aswan International Airport (ASW), Aswan Train Station, your hotel, or your agreed final location in Aswan according to your travel plan.