Sail Through Time: A 12-Day Egypt Itinerary & Dahabieh Nile River Cruise

Welcome to Cairo! Upon arrival, a friendly airport representative will assist you through customs and accompany you to your driver. Don’t forget to exchange some currency for ‘baksheesh’ (tips).

Prepare for the bustling streets of Cairo on your way to the iconic Mena House hotel, where you can admire stunning pyramid views and unwind before your adventures in Cairo.

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the pyramids, then join your guide for a tour of the Egyptian Museum. Explore real mummies, King Tut's mask and intricate papyrus paintings, delving into Egypt's rich history. Some artifacts will be moving to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza when it opens.

Next, head to Tahrir Square, Cairo's symbolic heart and the site of the Arab Spring protests. Meet your food tour guide here, an expert in Egypt's cuisine. Sample Egyptian falafel, ful, coffee with cardamom, fresh juices, babaganoush, molokhia, koshary and Egyptian sweets. End your tour with a drink at the Odeon Palace rooftop, enjoying panoramic city views.

Wake up early to journey with your guide to Saqqara and Memphis, admiring the countryside and quaint towns along the way.

At Saqqara, marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, despite damage from an ancient earthquake. Then explore the stair-step pyramids of Memphis, with mummy chambers and vivid hieroglyphics dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years.

Return to Giza to see the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Enjoy lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, then relax with a swim and dinner at Mena House's sunken lounge, enjoying the stunning pyramid views.

Explore Cairo's Saladin Citadel, a fortress on a prominent hilltop and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, boasting panoramic city views and distinctive Ottoman architecture. Then, delve into Egypt’s Christian heritage with a visit to the St. Simon Monastery, also known as the Cave Church, in the unique Garbage City neighborhood.

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through Al-Azhar Park. Conclude your Cairo exploration with a visit to Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious Islamic institutions. Women must wear head coverings and long skirts to enter.

After exploring the mosque, head to the vibrant Khan El-Khalili Market for lunch at Khan El Khalili Restaurant and souvenir shopping. Then, catch your flight to Luxor, where the luxurious Sofitel Winter Palace awaits.

Wake up to the sight of hot air balloons drifting over the Nile while enjoying coffee on your balcony. Enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet featuring a variety of options, including the must-try Om-Ali.

Then, explore the grandeur of the Temple of Karnak, one of the world's largest temple complexes, featuring colossal statues, towering columns and intricately carved reliefs showcasing ancient Egypt's architectural prowess.

Afterward, head to the mystical Valley of the Kings to explore the ancient tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses III, VI, VII and more, adorned with vibrant colors and vivid hieroglyphics.

Next, board your dahabieh, a traditional Egyptian boat with majestic sails, where you'll be treated to a lavish lunch and unparalleled views of the Nile. Spend the evening relaxing on the deck and enjoying the breathtaking sunset.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard the dahabieh before exploring the ornate temples dedicated to high-ranking officials in Edfu. In the afternoon, visit Edfu village and take a horse and carriage ride to the impressive Temple of Edfu.

Admire the intricate carvings adorning the temple walls, some showing traces of a historical fire caused by the Christians. Finally, return to the boat for a delicious dinner while enjoying the tranquility of the Nile.

Begin your day with a scenic breakfast by the riverside, surrounded by lush banana trees. Take a leisurely stroll through the green landscape, experiencing village life and traditional bread-making.

Explore nearby tombs and a stone quarry to learn about the area's rich history. End your day with a riverside BBQ dinner, accompanied by local music and dancing under the stars.

Wake up to the gentle breeze and stunning Nile views as you sail towards Kom Ombo. If you wake up early, catch the breathtaking sunrise. Once you dock, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, devoted to the crocodile god Sobek, and explore the mummified crocodiles at the nearby museum.

Afterward, sail on, anchoring at a picturesque Nile beach for a refreshing chance to dip your toes in the water and enjoy the scenery.

End your day with a delightful Egyptian meal on the boat deck, surrounded by the serene waters of the Nile.

Enjoy breakfast on deck as you sail towards Aswan, taking in the picturesque scenery. A felucca ride brings you to a Nubian village where you’ll encounter local traditions and crocodiles up close. Next, visit the magnificent Philae Temple, a masterpiece of ancient architecture on an island in the Nile.

Afterward, go shopping at the bustling markets for oils, spices and authentic souvenirs.

Finally, indulge in a farewell feast aboard your dahabieh, reminiscing about your unforgettable Nile journey.

Say goodbye to your dahabieh crew and start your journey through the desert to Abu Simbel. Stop for lunch at a quaint eco-lodge for a delightful lunch at Frijki restaurant. Check into your hotel, where stunning views overlooking Lake Nasser await you. Take a refreshing dip in the pool to unwind before the evening's activities.

In the evening, head to the iconic Abu Simbel temples for a mesmerizing light and sound show. Watch as the temples are illuminated against the starry sky, with captivating projections bringing ancient history to life.

Wake up early for a sunrise tour of Abu Simbel, where you’ll witness the stunning temples emerge from the darkness as the sun rises. Admire the architectural wonders, carefully relocated to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Explore the intricately carved chambers and statues, delving into the fascinating history of these ancient sites.

Next, head back to Aswan and stay at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, offering a nostalgic journey into the past. Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea or dinner at the iconic 1902 restaurant and take a tour of Agatha Christie’s room, where she wrote “Death on the Nile”.

As your Egyptian adventure ends, say goodbye to Aswan and begin your journey back to Cairo. Take a moment to relax and reflect on the amazing moments you've experienced during your trip.