Immerse yourself with this 11-day cultural expedition to the heart of Egypt and unravel its marvelous beauty. Cruise the Nile on one of the most luxurious dahabiyas out there, Eyaru Dahabiya. Sail between Luxor and Aswan after a short visit in Cairo where you will visit the highlights of Egypt’s capital, explore new destinations in Egypt as Eyaru takes you on unique routes to visit places only accessible while cruising on Eyaru. Get to walk around villages, visit local markets, and explore monuments along the Nile.
Eyaru is plastic-free and everything on it completely handmade down to every plate and carpet. You will get to experience the Egyptian culture and see the Egyptian spirit in everything around you. With a small number of people on deck, Eyaru will give you an intimate cruise experience with your family and friends.
Welcome to the mystical lands of Egypt, where the Pharaohs ruled for thousands of years. Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, your tour manager will meet and assist you and ease the process by providing an entry visa. You will then be escorted through the bustling streets of Cairo in an exclusive air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the luxurious boutique hotel, Le Riad Hotel de Charme Cairo, one of Cairo’s hidden gems tucked in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo, your tour manager will assist you with your check-in and double-check your itinerary with you to establish and confirm all the pick-up times for all your tours and activities during your trip.
Overnight in Cairo.
After enjoying a delicious wholesome Egyptian breakfast, your personal guide will take you to the Giza Plateau to start your journey by marveling at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Take a walk around the Plateau and visit the iconic Sphinx and Valley Temple. Once you are done with your Pyramids visit, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant and then head over to the Sakkara district where you will visit the Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever built, the Djoser Pyramid.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Sakkara, Djoser Pyramid.
After breakfast, the first stop will be The New Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as the Giza Museum, which is an archaeological museum in Giza, Egypt, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Giza pyramid complex. The GEM Complex is now offering limited access to test site readiness and the visitor experience ahead of the official opening. Admission is currently limited to the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, and exterior gardens. After that, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant. Then head over to the Egyptian Museum, in the heart of historic Downtown Cairo, overlooking the infamous Tahrir Square. After relishing over the magnificent ancient Egyptian artifacts and treasures, you will go back to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Egyptian Museum.
Today, you will be leaving Cairo and head out to the shining city of Luxor. You will meet your tour manager early in the morning at your hotel where he will accompany you to Cairo International Airport for your trip to Luxor. Upon landing in Luxor, you will be assisted and whisked away in an exclusive air-conditioned vehicle to embark on your dahabiya, Eyaru Dahabiya, at noon in the West Bank. On Eyaru, you will experience Pharaohs’ Paradise lifestyle while sailing on the Nile. Eyaru is the most luxurious dahabiya out there; it will take you through unique routes and give you a glimpse of the true real life of the locals.
Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared freshly on board while cruising to East Bank where you will visit the majestic Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. After your visit, return back to your dahabiya and enjoy dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River.
Overnight onboard your Dahabiya in Luxor West Bank.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple.
Enjoy your first breakfast on board your cruise surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile. After breakfast, head out to explore the West Bank of Luxor. Visit the Royal Cemetery for 62 Pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings, then head to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom during the 15th century BCE at Deir El-Bahari. Finish the day as you marvel at the towering Colossi of Memnon. After you are done with your visits to the West Bank, return back to your cruise and start sailing while enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Relax the rest of the day as you sail; take advantage of the amazing facilities of your cruise; enjoy some afternoon tea, get a massage, de-stress in the Jacuzzi. End the day with an appetizing dinner on board.
Overnight before Esna Lock.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.
Cross the Esna Lock early in the morning while enjoying your first breakfast on board your dahabiya surrounded by picturesque views. After breakfast, head out to visit the stunning Esna Temple. After your visit, head back to your dahabiya where you will enjoy the day sailing and relaxing till you arrive at your next adventure. Have some afternoon tea as you watch the picturesque scenery pass by. Enjoy a freshly prepared and delicious lunch and dinner o board all while sailing and surrounded by the waters of the Nile.
Overnight onboard your Dahabiya at Hegaz Village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Esna Temple.
Enjoy yet another appetizing breakfast on board while sailing to your next stop, Edfu. Upon arrival, head out to visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco Roman era, that of Horus at Edfu, and the two beautiful granite statues of the falcon god Horus towering over the entrance as you walk in.
Enjoy a magnificent experience as you take a horse-drawn carriage ride back and forth to the temple and marvel at Upper Egypt’s local life. Pass through the slow-paced, rural life of the local farmers and fishermen. After returning to your dahabiya, you will begin sailing again. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking lush, fertile landscapes dotted with banana and date palm trees as you have lunch and sail to your next stop.
Upon arrival at Bassawa Island, head out and walk among the lovely locals of this island. You will actually get to meet a local family and spend time inside their home where you will be introduced to the true lifestyle and the way these locals are living. You can go out and check their farm and chat up with the kids and live like a true Egyptian for the day.
Return back to your dahabiya after saying goodbye to the lovely family and enjoy a hearty dinner in an atmospheric surrounding.
Overnight onboard at Bassawa Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Edfu, Edfu Temple, EBassawa Island.
Enjoy another delicious breakfast on board your luxurious dahabiya while sailing to today’s destination, Gebel Silsela. Upon your arrival at the ancient quarries of Silsela, visit the mystical rock-cute Temple of Hormoheb, and then, hike to the top of Silsela Mountain and relish in a truly breathtaking view. Head back to your dahabiya and enjoy a peaceful sail to your next stop, Kom Ombo, while enjoying a freshly prepared lunch.
Touch down on the shores of Kom Ombo in the afternoon and walk through the town of Kom Ombo among the locals of the town until you arrive at the unusual Kom Ombo Temple with its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. After your visit, head back to your dahabiya where you will enjoy an appetizing dinner while sailing to Aswan.
Overnight onboard near Fares Village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Gebel Silsela, Kom Ombo, Kom Ombo Temple.
Enjoy another delicious breakfast on board as you sail to the colorful city of Aswan. Upon arrival, head out and enjoy a day of sightseeing in this beautiful city, meeting the kindest kind of locals. Start with a visit to the massive Unfinished Obelisk, still resting on its side in the stone quarries of ancient Egypt. After, you will go on to the beautiful Temple of Philae, devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. After your visits, you will head back to your dahabiya and enjoy an appetizing dinner in the middle of the Nile surrounded by its beautiful waters.
Overnight onboard in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk.
Start your day with a mouthwatering breakfast on board. After breakfast, enjoy a free day roaming the streets of the beautiful city of Aswan; meeting and chatting with its locals, going to the market, or visiting the Nubian village and taking the most instagrammable photos with its colorful houses. Another option is that you can head out and take a trip to the spectacular Temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO site. Constructed by Ramses II, the two Temples of Abu Simbel, with their unique style, are considered to be the masterpieces of ancient Egypt. They reflect the glory and grandeur of the New Kingdom.
Whether you choose to have a free day in Aswan or take a trip to Abu Simbel, after your visits, you will head back to your dahabiya where you will enjoy an appetizing lunch and dinner on board surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Nile.
Overnight onboard your Dahabiya in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Aswan, Optional Trip to Abu Simbel Temples.
It’s the last day of your grand adventure through the marvelous lands and waters of magical Egypt. Enjoy your last scrumptious breakfast on board, then disembark and get transferred to Aswan Airport for your final departure via Cairo International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast.