Luxury Egypt Sailing Adventure: Luxor to Aswan - 10 Days

Day 2: Day Trip to Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara, Dinner at Abou El Sid

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll meet your private guide and set off to visit some of Egypt's most iconic sites, starting with the ancient pyramids of Dahshour, constructed during Egypt's fourth dynasty around 4,600 years ago. Then, continue to the famed Giza Plateau. First up is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the three pyramids and the only one to remain largely intact. Built as a tomb in 2600 BCE, its shape was intended to help the dead pharaoh's spirit rise to heaven.

Nearby, you'll find Khafre, the best-preserved of the main pyramids, and Menkaure, the smallest of the three. The next activity involves special insider access to the Great Sphinx, the iconic limestone statue depicting a creature with a man's head and a lion's body. This exclusive tour will take you right up to the statue's paws. Finally, you'll head to the ancient ruins of Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Here, you'll visit the necropolis of Saqqara, an ancient burial ground, to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser and 4,350-year-old tombs with ancient hieroglyphics engraved on the walls.

After a full day of touring, you'll return to your hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, get a taste of Egypt's renowned hospitality as you enjoy an authentic dinner at Abou El Sid Restaurant. Entering the dining room is like stepping back in time into an elegant Cairo home in the 1930s. The menu complements the decor, as you'll enjoy a traditional mezze (a selection of hot and cold appetizers) followed by comforting classics like moussaka, okra-and-veal tajin, and muammar (savory rice with cream).

Day 4: Luxor East Bank Tour, Board Luxury Sailboat 

This morning, you'll hop over to Luxor's East Bank for a tour of the highlights on that side of the city. Start at the Karnak Temple complex, the second-largest ancient religious site in the world and once the most significant religious complex in ancient Egypt. Founded in the Middle Kingdom, it's now one of Egypt's largest surviving temples. From its massive decorated pillars to the obelisks, statues, and kiosks, the complex, which took around 2,000 years to finish, will astound you.

Then, continue to the famed Luxor Temple complex, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE and dedicated to Amun Ra. Walk down the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor with Karnak, guarded by the giant statues of Ramesses II.

After a busy day of tours, you'll gather your things, transfer to the port, and board a dahabiya. These traditional two-masted sailboats have been plying the Nile waters since the 19th century, and yours has been redesigned to offer luxury accommodations. It features just four staterooms, and due to the yacht's smaller size, it can dock on Nile islands that are otherwise inaccessible to larger ships. Take your pick of the luxury rooms, featuring picture windows and private patios, then head back up to the deck to catch the sunset while the ship's chef whips up a dinner of your choosing.

Day 5: Sail to El Hegz, Local Village Tour

Wake up to a decadent Egyptian breakfast on board the ship, savoring each bite as the Nile scenery passes you by. Your first stop after a couple of hours of sailing is the island of El Hegz. Here, you'll disembark for a walking tour of this agrarian community, which offers a glimpse into rural Egyptian life with its charming mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and verdant fields stretching along the banks of the Nile.

Upon returning to the ship, you'll enjoy lunch on board and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sundeck or in the plush lounge. If you like, continue exploring the island by bicycle or even donkey. After another memorable dinner, spend the night on board the ship docked at El Hegz.

The ship will dock at a river island near Kom Ombo for the evening. Once there, you'll disembark and enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue dinner on the Nile before retiring to your cabin.

Day 8: Sail to Aswan, Disembark Sailboat, Aswan Highlights Tour

This morning, you'll cruise to the final stop on this river adventure: Aswan, a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the Nile, Aswan is renowned for its idyllic setting, with palm-fringed islands, granite outcrops, and shimmering waters creating a picture-postcard backdrop.

After docking at the port, say goodbye to your crew and transfer into the city to your hotel. The 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a historic marvel, sitting on a pink granite cliff overlooking the world's longest river. Dating to the 19th century, the Old Cataract has a legendary guest list that includes royals, dignitaries, and authors (Agatha Christie even sipped cocktails in its smart lounge). While here, you'll enjoy world-class hospitality and a spa, pool, and neo-Byzantine-style suites overlooking the Nile out to Elephantine Island. It's a place ideal for both romantic getaways and Egyptian adventures.

Later, you'll meet a local guide for a private sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Temple of Philae, an island temple complex that dates to the fourth century BCE and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then, continue to Egypt's engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam, to admire the sweeping views. You'll also stop at the Unfinished Obelisk. This massive granite monolith measures 138 feet (42 m), making it the world's largest known ancient obelisk.

Day 9: Return Flight to Abu Simbel, Full-Day Temple & Ruins Tour 

Take to the skies this morning as you transfer to the Aswan airport for a 40-minute flight to Abu Simbel, home to a vital archaeological site that includes two UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. These iconic landmarks were commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE and were carved out of sandstone cliffs. The main temple is dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amun, while the smaller temple honors the pharaoh's beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.

Enter the Great Temple between the towering statues of the pharaoh on his throne to explore the interior halls and chambers. Admire the impressive wall reliefs depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology, religious rituals, and the pharaoh's military conquests. Along the way, your guide will reveal the history surrounding the temples and share the remarkable story of how the entire site was moved piece by piece in 1968 to protect it from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. At the end of the tour, you'll catch the short flight back to Aswan.

Day 10: Fly to Cairo, Depart