8-Day Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Aswan, Luxor & Abu Simbel
Authentic Nile Discovery
Sail from Aswan to Luxor and back aboard Soul of the Nile, a luxury Dahabiya designed for travelers who prefer privacy, slow sailing, and a more personal way to experience Egypt. Over 7 nights, this journey combines Egypt’s essential Nile landmarks — Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Gebel el-Silsila, Edfu, Esna, Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings — with quiet riverbank moorings, private guiding, elegant dining, and signature onboard experiences. From golden-hour temples and starlit dinners to a secluded Nile island barbecue, this is a refined luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise for guests who want the Nile to feel calm, exclusive, and unforgettable without feeling overproduced.
Journey Highlights
Itinerary Details
Arrive in Aswan, where your private pickup will be arranged from Aswan Airport or your hotel to the Dahabiya dock.
Afternoon
Step aboard Soul of the Nile with chilled hibiscus tea, refreshing towels, and a warm welcome from the crew. After settling in, take a private boat to Philae Temple, one of Aswan’s most beautiful island temples.
Evening
Return to the Dahabiya for your first dinner on board, as the lights of Aswan begin to reflect on the Nile.
Overnight
Aswan
Leave early for a private excursion to the great Abu Simbel Temples, with a prepared breakfast box for the journey. The drive is part of the experience, leading you deep into southern Egypt toward one of its most powerful ancient monuments.
Afternoon
Return to the Dahabiya and begin sailing north. Enjoy afternoon tea on deck as Aswan slowly fades behind you and the landscape opens into desert, palms, and quiet riverbanks.
Evening
Moor near a peaceful stretch of the Nile and enjoy a calm evening under the stars.
Overnight
Near Kom Ombo
Visit Kom Ombo Temple, the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum.
Afternoon
Sail toward Gebel el-Silsila, one of the most atmospheric stops on the Nile. Here, ancient sandstone quarries and rock-cut shrines tell the story of the stones used to build many of Egypt’s great temples.
Evening
Enjoy dinner near the sandstone cliffs, surrounded by the stillness of the river and the quiet beauty of Silsila.
Overnight
Gebel el-Silsila
Visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, reached by private horse carriage from the riverbank.
Afternoon
Continue to Esna, where you will visit the restored Temple of Khnum and walk through the old heritage market, a quieter glimpse of local life away from the main tourist trail.
Evening
Return to the Dahabiya and watch the vessel pass through the Esna Lock as the day softens into sunset.
Overnight
Near Luxor
Arrive in Luxor and moor in a quieter location away from the busiest public docks, giving you a relaxed start to the day.
Afternoon:
Explore Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple with your private Egyptologist guide. Together, they reveal the scale, power, and beauty of ancient Thebes.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxed evening on board, or choose an optional Luxor city tour depending on timing.
Overnight
Luxor
Cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, with premium tomb access according to the confirmed program.
Afternoon:
Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, then return to the Dahabiya and begin the slow sail back toward Aswan.
Evening:
As the Dahabiya continues south, enjoy an onboard evening with live traditional music — a relaxed celebration as the return journey begins.
Overnight
Sailing South
Drop anchor at a secluded Nile island for a day made for slowing down. No temple schedule today — just the river, open sky, and the calm rhythm of the Nile.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a barbecue lunch on the island shore, with time to swim where conditions allow or join a gentle guided village walk.
Evening:
Celebrate your final night with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, a Galabeya evening, and local folklore.
Overnight
Near Aswan
Enjoy your final breakfast on board with views of Aswan’s granite rocks and calm Nile scenery.
Afternoon:
After check-out, enjoy a private drop-off at Aswan Airport, your hotel, or your next destination.
Overnight
End of your 8-day luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and back.
Price Includes
- 7-night Dahabiya stay
- Full-board meals
- Private transfers
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Abu Simbel excursion
- All listed entrance fees
- Philae boat ride
- Edfu horse carriage
- Gebel el-Silsila dinner
- Island barbecue lunch
- Captain’s farewell dinner
- Taxes and service charges
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for crew, guide, and drivers
- Optional tours or extra visits
- Extra site tickets not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- • Alcoholic drinks, canned drinks, and premium beverages
- • Personal expenses and purchases
Your Journey Awaits
Sail the Nile in Absolute Luxury
Reserve your place aboard the Soul of the Nile Dahabiya. Our concierge will confirm the finest available cabin for your sailing.
Reserve Your PlaceFrequently Asked Questions
This is a round-trip Dahabiya journey starting and ending in Aswan. The route sails from Aswan to Luxor, then returns south from Luxor to Aswan, giving you a slower and more complete Nile experience over 7 nights.
Yes. A private early morning excursion to Abu Simbel is included, with a prepared breakfast box for the journey. The visit covers the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.
The itinerary includes Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Temple, the Crocodile Museum, Gebel el-Silsila, Edfu Temple, Esna Temple of Khnum, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Yes. Day 7 includes a secluded Nile island experience with a shore barbecue lunch, time to relax by the river, swimming where conditions allow, and optional guided village walks.
Premium tomb access can be included according to the confirmed program, such as Seti I or Tutankhamun. Final details depend on site opening conditions and the exact inclusions confirmed at booking.
A Dahabiya is smaller, quieter, and more personal than a large Nile cruise ship. It offers a boutique sailing atmosphere, fewer guests, calmer moorings, and a more relaxed rhythm between Aswan and Luxor.
Yes. This journey is designed as a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise with private transfers, expert guiding, full-board dining, curated onboard experiences, and a slower pace that gives more time to enjoy the Nile.
Yes. Full-board dining is included throughout the journey, along with selected special experiences such as the welcome dinner, afternoon tea, Abu Simbel breakfast box, Gebel el-Silsila dinner, island barbecue lunch, and Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Yes. Please share any dietary requirements before arrival so the onboard team can prepare suitable meals whenever possible.
Yes. The itinerary includes strong photography moments such as Philae Temple in the afternoon light, Abu Simbel, the illuminated cliffs of Gebel el-Silsila, Luxor Temple by night, and quiet Nile island scenery.