Egypt’s Hidden Treasures by Dahabiya

Day 1 - UK - Cairo

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital on the banks of the Nile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cairo.

Swiss Inn Pyramids Hotel, Cairo (4-star)

Day 2 - Cairo

Discover some of Egypt’s most iconic treasures on a full-day excursion to the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum and the legendary Pyramids of Giza. Home to thousands of ancient artefacts, the GEM offers an introduction to the civilisation of the pharaohs, including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Continue to the Pyramids, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Explore the vast plateau in comfort with VIP golf cart access and lounge facilities, offering a more relaxed way to experience these monumental structures and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Swiss Inn Pyramids Hotel, Cairo (4-star)

Day 3 - Cairo

Enjoy a day at leisure in Cairo. Perhaps explore the bustling bazaars, relax at the hotel or continue discovering the city’s layers of history.

Swiss Inn Pyramids Hotel, Cairo (4-star)

Day 4 - Cairo - Luxor

This morning, fly south to Luxor, often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. On arrival, set out to explore Luxor’s East Bank, visiting the vast temple complex of Karnak and the striking Luxor Temple, two of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated sites. Following your sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor (5-star)

Day 5 - Luxor

Travel north along the Nile Valley to the remarkably preserved Dendera Temple Complex. Dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, music and joy, Dendera is considered one of Egypt’s finest temple complexes thanks to its vivid colours, detailed carvings and impressive architecture. Look up to admire the intricate ceiling decorations, including the famous Zodiac ceiling, which reflects the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians. Far less visited than many of Egypt’s major sites, Dendera offers a quieter and deeply atmospheric experience.

Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor (5-star)

Day 6 - Luxor

Cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the ancient burial grounds of the pharaohs. Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, where generations of rulers, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs carved deep into the desert hills. Continue to Medinet Habu and the Tombs of the Nobles before lunch at the historic Marsam Hotel, also known as the Dig House. Once a gathering place for archaeologists, explorers and Egyptologists, the hotel retains echoes of Luxor’s golden age of discovery.

Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor (5-star)

Day 7 - Esna - Edfu

This morning, drive the short distance to Esna to meet your dahabiya, Queen of Egypt, and begin your Nile sailing adventure. Unlike larger cruise ships, a traditional dahabiya offers a slower, more intimate way to experience the river, following routes that larger vessels often cannot access. Relax onboard as you sail to Edfu to visit its temple.

Queen of Egypt (4*)

Day 8 - El Ramadi - Gebel Selsela - Fares Island

Sail south to the village of El Ramadi, a journey of around three hours, before enjoying lunch on the banks of the Nile. Continue to Gebel el-Silsila, once the primary sandstone quarry of ancient Egypt, where vast quantities of stone were extracted for temples across the country. Visit the riverside temple before sailing onwards to Fares Island. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Queen of Egypt (4*)

Day 9 - Fares Island - Kom Ombo - Herbyab Island

This morning, sail to Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically positioned on a bend of the Nile. Unusually, the temple is dedicated to two gods — Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder — giving it a perfectly symmetrical design. After exploring the temple, continue sailing to Herbyab Island.

Queen of Egypt (4*)

Day 10 - Herbyab Island - Aswan

Visit Herbyab Island this morning before sailing onwards to Aswan. This relaxed riverside city has long been regarded as one of the Nile’s most beautiful settings. This afternoon, visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis and rescued from rising floodwaters following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Continue to the Aswan High Dam, one of modern Egypt’s most significant engineering achievements.

Queen of Egypt (4*)

Day 11 - Aswan

Spend the day at leisure in Aswan, with time to relax onboard or explore independently. Alternatively, join an optional overland excursion to the extraordinary Abu Simbel Temples. Carved into a mountainside during the reign of Ramses II, the colossal temples were painstakingly relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Queen of Egypt (4*)

Day 12 - Aswan - Cairo - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.