8-Day Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan and Back
Authentic Nile Discovery
Sail from Luxor to Aswan and back aboard Soul of the Nile, a luxury Dahabiya designed for travelers who want the Nile to feel calm, personal, and beautifully unhurried.
Over 7 nights, this round-trip journey brings together Egypt’s greatest river landmarks — Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and El Kab — with quiet sailing days, private guiding, elegant onboard dining, and time to enjoy the Nile beyond the usual cruise route.
From twilight temple visits and peaceful riverbank moorings to a secluded Nile island barbecue and a festive Galabeya farewell night, this is a refined luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back for guests who prefer slow travel, comfort, and a deeper connection to Egypt.
Journey Highlights
Itinerary Details
Arrive in Luxor, where your private pickup will be arranged from Luxor Airport or your hotel to the Dahabiya quay.
Afternoon
Step aboard Soul of the Nile with a warm welcome and fresh seasonal juices. After settling in, visit Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple with your private Egyptologist guide, exploring two of the most important temples on Luxor’s East Bank.
Evening
Return to the Dahabiya for your first dinner on board as the lights of Luxor begin to reflect on the Nile.
Overnight
Luxor
Cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the royal tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Afternoon
Return to the Dahabiya and begin sailing south. Enjoy lunch on deck as the river opens up and the pace of the journey begins to slow.
Evening
Pass through the Esna Lock, then relax with afternoon tea on deck as rural villages, palm groves, and quiet riverbanks unfold around you.
Overnight
Near Esna
After breakfast, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, reached by private horse carriage from the riverbank.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon sailing toward Gebel el-Silsila, one of the most atmospheric Dahabiya stops on the Nile, known for its ancient sandstone quarries and rock-cut shrines.
Evening
Explore the rock-cut shrines and the Speos of Horemheb, then return to the Dahabiya for dinner on board in the quiet setting of the Silsila mountains.
Overnight
Near Gebel el-Silsila
Visit Kom Ombo Temple, the unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, beautifully positioned on a bend of the Nile.
Afternoon
Continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, then sail south toward Aswan as the scenery shifts into granite rocks, greener islands, and a softer Nubian atmosphere.
Evening
Enjoy a quiet evening on the water as the Dahabiya moors near Aswan.
Overnight
Aswan
Depart early for a private excursion to the legendary Abu Simbel Temples, with a prepared breakfast box for the journey.
Afternoon
Return to Aswan and take a private boat to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on one of Aswan’s most beautiful island locations.
Evening
Enjoy free time to explore the Aswan Spice Market or relax on board after a full day of sightseeing.
Overnight
Aswan
Begin the return journey toward Luxor with a day designed for pure relaxation on the Nile.
Afternoon
Stop at a secluded Nile island for a private barbecue lunch on the shore. Swim where conditions allow, relax by the river, or join a gentle walk through nearby farm fields.
Evening
Return to the Dahabiya and enjoy an onboard evening with live traditional music as the boat glides with the current beneath the stars.
Overnight
Near El Kab
Visit El Kab, one of the Nile Valley’s fascinating lesser-known ancient sites. Explore the tombs of New Kingdom nobles and the remains of the massive mud-brick city walls.
Afternoon
Enjoy your final afternoon of sailing back toward Luxor, with time to relax on deck and take in the last river views of the journey.
Evening
Celebrate your final night with an Egyptian Galabeya evening and a traditional farewell dinner prepared by the chef.
Overnight
Luxor
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast on board as your Dahabiya journey comes to an end.
Afternoon
After check-out, enjoy a private drop-off at Luxor Airport, your hotel, or your next destination.
Overnight
End of your 8-day luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back.
Price Includes
- 7-night Dahabiya stay
- Full-board meals
- Private arrival and departure transfers from/to your hotel or airport
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Abu Simbel excursion
- All listed entrance fees
- Philae boat ride
- Edfu horse carriage
- Island barbecue lunch
- Galabeya 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 PlacePhoto Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
This journey can be arranged as a private charter or as a cabin-sharing Dahabiya cruise, depending on your preferred travel style and availability.
This round-trip route gives you more time on the Nile than a one-way cruise. You sail from Luxor to Aswan, then return to Luxor, allowing for a slower pace, quieter river moments, and extra stops such as a secluded Nile island and El Kab.
Yes. The itinerary includes a private early morning excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan.
The journey includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo Temple, Crocodile Museum, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and El Kab.
Yes. The itinerary includes a secluded Nile island experience with a private barbecue lunch, time to relax by the river, and optional local farm walks.
Yes. This itinerary is designed for slow travel, with sailing in both directions, relaxed deck time, quiet moorings, and a balanced mix of major temples, hidden sites, and leisure moments.
Yes. Full-board meals are included throughout the journey, along with selected special dining experiences mentioned in the itinerary.
Yes. Entrance fees for the sites listed in the confirmed itinerary are included. Extra tickets or special site access not listed may be arranged at an additional cost.
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