4 Days 3 Nights Dahabiya Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Arrival in Aswan
Upon your arrival at Aswan International Airport (ASW), Aswan Train Station, your hotel, or your location in Aswan, your WOW Egypt Tours representative and driver will meet you and assist with luggage before starting the Aswan sightseeing program.

Unfinished Obelisk Tour
Visit 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.

Transfer to Your Dahabiya
After finishing the Aswan sightseeing program, you will be transferred by private modern air-conditioned vehicle to the Dahabiya docking area in Aswan. Your Egyptologist guide and driver will assist during the transfer, and upon arrival at the port, the Dahabiya 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 Dahabiya staff will assist you and ensure a comfortable start to your Nile cruise program. Afterwards, proceed to your cabin and store your luggage.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Sailing to Kom Ombo
The Dahabiya sails north along the Nile towards Kom Ombo, located about 45 km (28 miles) north of Aswan. During the sailing, you can view Nile villages, agricultural land, local boats, and riverbank life along the route.

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, along the Nile River Valley. 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 Horus the Elder. The temple has a symmetrical layout with 2 entrances, 2 courts, 2 hypostyle halls, and 2 sanctuaries.
During your visit, your private Egyptologist guide will explain the temple’s religious function, its crocodile connection, the medical instruments scenes, the ancient calendar scenes, and the importance of Kom Ombo as one of the main Nile River Valley monuments.

Sailing to Gebel El Silsila
Continue sailing towards Gebel El Silsila, where the Nile passes between sandstone hills. The area is located between Kom Ombo and Edfu and was one of the main sandstone quarry regions used for temples and monuments in ancient Egypt.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard.

Overnight at Gebel El Silsila
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked near Gebel El Silsila.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Gebel El Silsila Tour
Visit the Gebel El Silsila, one of the most important ancient sandstone quarry areas in Egypt. The site is located between Kom Ombo and Edfu, where the Nile passes between sandstone cliffs on both sides of the river.
Gebel El Silsila was heavily used from the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom through the Greco-Roman period. It supplied sandstone for many temples and monuments in Egypt, including major building projects at Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Dendera.
The site includes rock-cut chapels, shrines, quarry marks, inscriptions, and scenes connected with kings and officials. Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the importance of Gebel El Silsila as a quarrying center, religious site, and working area for ancient Egyptian builders.

Sailing to Besaw Island
After visiting Gebel El Silsila, the Dahabiya sails towards Besaw Island, along the Nile in Upper Egypt. You may spend time on the sundeck or in the lounge while viewing agricultural land, riverbanks, and local village life.

Besaw Island
Visit Besaw Island, one of the traditional stops included in selected Dahabiya Nile cruise routes. The stop gives travelers a direct view of local life along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor.
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.

Sailing to Edfu
After visiting Besaw Island, the Dahabiya sails towards Edfu, located about 65 km (40 miles) north of Kom Ombo and about 110 km (68 miles) south of Luxor. During the sailing, you can relax onboard and view the Nile banks, agricultural fields, small villages, and local boats along the route.

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.

Dinner Time
Dinner is served onboard.

Overnight Onboard
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked at Edfu.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Sailing to El Kab
The Dahabiya sails north towards El Kab, one of the important ancient sites on the east bank of the Nile. During the sailing, you can view villages, agricultural land, palm groves, and riverbank life along the Nile.

El Kab Tombs Tour
Visit the El Kab Tombs, a group of rock-cut tombs dating mainly to the New Kingdom period, around 1550 BC to 1070 BC. The tombs belonged to governors, nobles, military officials, and local administrators connected with ancient Thebes and Upper Egypt.
El Kab was known in ancient Egypt as Nekheb and was connected with Nekhbet, the vulture goddess and protector of Upper Egypt. The site was an important religious and administrative center, with history going back before the New Kingdom.
The tombs include wall paintings and inscriptions showing hunting scenes, processions, religious rituals, offering scenes, military events, and daily life details. Your private Egyptologist guide will explain the main tomb scenes, the role of El Kab in Upper Egypt, and the importance of the site during the 18th to 20th Dynasties.

Lunch Time
Lunch is served onboard.

Sailing to El Hegz Island
After the El Kab visit, the Dahabiya sails towards El Hegz Island, one of the quiet island stops on the Dahabiya route, known for its palm trees and farmland. During the sailing, you can spend time on the sundeck or in the lounge, viewing the Nile banks, small villages, and farmland along the way.

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 El Hegz Island
Overnight onboard your 5★ Dahabiya Nile Cruise, docked near El Hegz Island.

Breakfast Time
Breakfast is served onboard.

Sailing to Esna
The Dahabiya sails towards Esna, located on the west bank of the Nile between Edfu and Luxor. During the sailing, you can view palm groves, farmland, villages, and riverbank life along the Nile.

Dahabiya Cruise Check-out
Upon arrival in Esna, 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 for your onward transfer.

Transfer to Luxor
After check-out, you will be transferred by private modern air-conditioned vehicle from Esna to Luxor. The distance from Esna to Luxor is about 55 km (34 miles), and the drive usually takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Karnak Temple Tour
Your first stop will be 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.

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.

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