English (UK) Deutsch English (US) Español Français Italiano
Filovent boat rental agency
  Save
boat
icon-plane

The soul of Egypt by dahabieh: an itinerary between Cairo and Luxor, between mythical temples and the banks of the Nile

Main features
Boat type: dahabieh
Number of cabins: 10
Maximum capacity: 20 travelers
Crew members: 10

Cabins

Double cabin
Capacity: 2 Berths maximum
Double cabin with a double bed or two separate beds and private bathroom.
NB : The pictures, information, and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The itinerary and program indicated may be modified without notice for technical reasons (captain's decision).

Itinerary

Cairo
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where you will settle in comfortably for your first night, a... more+ peaceful prelude to the adventure that will begin the next day. Take advantage of this free time to rest and gently soak up the atmosphere of the city. 
Accommodation: Overnight stay in hotel included more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Cairo Aswan
Your journey through Egypt’s ancient past begins with a visit to Saqqara, the vast necropolis of... more+ ancient Memphis. Explore the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first monumental stone building. Continue to the Pyramid of Titi, known for its pyramid texts, and explore the Nobles' tombs, richly decorated with scenes of daily life. Next, head south to Dahshur, where pyramid architecture took dramatic new shapes. Visit the fascinating Bent Pyramid, with its unique angles, and the Red Pyramid, considered the first true smooth-sided pyramid and predecessor to those at Giza. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant in Saqqara, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal—typically a delicious mix grill with kofta, kebab, and a variety of small appetizer dishes. In the afternoon, arrive at the legendary Giza Plateau. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, gaze up at the Sphinx, and visit the pyramids of Khafre (Khara) and Menkaure. Explore the tombs of Giza’s nobles, where colorful scenes reveal glimpses of ancient Egyptian life.

Optional Extras :
- Enter the Great Pyramid
- Take a camel ride with panoramic views of the pyramids
- Attend the Sound & Light Show at Giza

In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for a short 1-hour flight to Aswan.

Overnight in Aswan, ready to begin your Nile adventure the following day. 
Included activities: Visit of the Saqqara necropolis, Visit to the pyramids of Giza, more+
Optional services: Sound and light show at the pyramids of Giza more+
Accommodation: Overnight stay in hotel included more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Aswan Daraw
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Around noon, you’ll board your elegant Dahabieh,... more+ where the crew will welcome you on board with a relaxing atmosphere and a freshly prepared lunch as the boat sets sail. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon gliding along the Nile as timeless landscapes unfold around you. By evening, the Dahabieh moors near Daraw, a village once famous as a major camel trading hub along the trans-Saharan trade routes. A delicious dinner is served on board, and you’ll spend the night anchored near the village, enjoying the quiet charm of the Nile.

Optional Activity (pre-booking required):
Early Morning Excursion to Abu Simbel
Depart before dawn for a full-day round trip to the breathtaking temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II. The journey takes about 3–4 hours each way and is highly recommended for those wanting to witness one of ancient Egypt’s most impressive monuments. 
Optional services: Visit Abu Simbel temple, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Daraw Kom Ombo Gebel el-Silsila Bassaw
Start your morning with breakfast on board, then step ashore in Daraw for an authentic taste of... more+ local life. Visit the lively market, learn how to bargain like a local, and stop by a camel barn to discover the legacy of the camel trade that once connected Egypt and Sudan. You'll also explore a Nubian village, known for its warm hospitality and vibrant culture. Return to the Dahabieh for a scenic sail to Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed god. The temple's symmetrical design and Nile-side setting make it one of the most picturesque stops along the river. Lunch is served on board as you continue sailing to Gebel Silsileh, once the empire’s main sandstone quarry. You’ll have time to explore the rock-cut chapels and shrines, carved into the cliffs by ancient craftsmen. As night falls, the boat anchors near Bassaw Island, where a special barbeque dinner under the moonlight awaits you—an unforgettable dining experience by the tranquil Nile. Overnight on board near Bassaw. 
Included activities: Visit of Gebel Silsileh, Visit of the temple of Kom Ombo, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Bassaw Edfu El Hegz
Begin your day with breakfast, either on board or in a local home—a unique chance to share a... more+ traditional morning meal with a village family. Explore the peaceful beauty of Bassaw Island, where you’ll walk through lush farmland, meet local villagers, and join fishermen for a hands-on experience of traditional Nile fishing—a rare and authentic insight into rural life along the river. Afterward, the Dahabieh sets sail toward Edfu. Upon arrival, a short ride takes you to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god. Its towering pylons and detailed reliefs bring the ancient rituals vividly to life. Lunch is served on board as you continue sailing to El Hegz, a quiet riverside village. Enjoy a peaceful dinner and overnight stay on board in El Hegz, surrounded by the calm rhythms of the Nile. 
Included activities: Visit of the Edfu temple, Bassaw village tour, more+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
El Hegz Esna Luxor
Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the Dahabieh sails into Esna, marking the end of your peaceful... more+ Nile cruise. After disembarkation, explore Esna’s hidden gems: the beautifully preserved temple, the restored caravanserai, and the local market, where you’ll catch a glimpse of daily life in this historic town. From Esna, a scenic one-hour drive takes you to Luxor, the grand city of ancient Thebes. In the afternoon, embark on a guided visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Karnak and Luxor—two of the most significant religious complexes in Egypt, showcasing colossal columns, sacred lakes, and intricate reliefs. Tour duration: Approx. 3–4 hours. Overnight in Luxor, where ancient history and vibrant modern life come together. 
Included activities: Visit of the temple of Esna, Visit of a caravanserai in Esna, more+
Accommodation: Overnight stay in hotel included more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Luxor Cairo
After checking out from your hotel, begin the day with a journey through ancient Thebes’ timeless... more+ treasures on the West Bank of Luxor. Your guided tour includes: The awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. The towering Colossi of Memnon, silent sentinels of a vanished world. The stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs in honor of Egypt’s most powerful queen. Tour duration: approx. 5–6 hours
Following your visit, enjoy a traditional lunch at a farmer’s house, where you’ll meet local people and even take part in a brief cookery lesson—a perfect opportunity to learn about rural Egyptian life. (Optional: replace with lunch at a regular restaurant.) In the afternoon, transfer to Luxor airport for your short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Optional Experience (advance booking recommended):
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Take to the skies for a magical 50-minute flight over Luxor’s West Bank. This early morning tour offers breathtaking views of the Nile, temples, and mountains bathed in golden light.
(Approx. duration: 2 hours including transfer and briefing.) 
Included activities: Visit to the valley of the Kings, Visit to the Colossi of Memnon, more+
Optional services: Hot-air balloon trip around the west bank of... more+
Accommodation: Overnight stay in hotel included more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Cairo
Your final day in Egypt is a deep dive into Cairo’s rich heritage, vibrant street life, and... more+ revolutionary spirit. Start the day at the Egyptian Museum, where you’ll explore the world-renowned Tutankhamun collection, along with the fascinating Animal Mummies Room. For lunch, head to Abo Tarek, an iconic eatery known for serving Koshari, Egypt’s favorite street food—a flavorful mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Downtown Cairo, including Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of Egypt’s modern revolution. Your guide will highlight key locations where historic events unfolded. Continue to the Citadel of Saladin, where you’ll visit the impressive Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, offering panoramic views over the city. Then step back in time on a walking tour through El Moez Street, Cairo’s most authentic medieval quarter, where centuries-old mosques, houses, markets, and palaces are beautifully preserved. End the day at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a bustling traditional market where you can shop for spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs—or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere. Tour duration: approx. 9–10 hours 
Included activities: Visit to the Egyptian museum, Visit of the Khan El Khalili market, more+
Accommodation: Overnight stay in hotel included more+
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner
Cairo
After breakfast, your trip to Egypt comes to an end, filled with unforgettable memories of... more+ legendary sites, cruising on the Nile, and authentic encounters. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Diner

included

The price includes
Entrance fees
Transfers
Airport transfers and assist as mentioned
Bottled water during the trip
English-speaking guide
Transfer from airport to hotel
Activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
Hotels included in the program
The price does not include
Prepaid SIM card
Flights
Drinks with meals
Tips
French, Spanish, and German-speaking guide (subject to availability) for an additional €300
Visa fees
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Filovent cancellation cover more+
Filovent comprehensive cover more+
Additional information
Dahabiehs are traditional sailing boats that navigate primarily under sail. When wind conditions do not permit it, or on certain stretches of the Nile, the boat may be towed at a distance (approximately 30 m) by a small tugboat, as dahabiehs do not have engines
Optional services
Flights not included in the programme are available on request
Activities and excursions upon request more+

Activities

Visit of the Saqqara necropolis
included
Visit to the pyramids of Giza
included
Visit to the Djoser pyramid
included
Visit to the Teti pyramid
included
Visit of the nobles' tombs
included
Tour of the Pyramid at Dahshur
included
Visit of Gebel Silsileh
included
Visit of the temple of Kom Ombo
included
Visit to the village of Daraw
included
Visit of the Edfu temple
included
Bassaw village tour
included
Visit of the temple of Esna
included
Visit of a caravanserai in Esna
included
Visit to Karnak temple
included
Visit of the temple of Luxor
included
Visit to the valley of the Kings
included
Visit to the Colossi of Memnon
included
Visit of the temple of Hatshepsut
included
Visit to the Egyptian museum
included
Visit of the Khan El Khalili market
included
Tour of Old Cairo
included
Sound and light show at the pyramids of Giza
Not included
Visit Abu Simbel temple
Not included
Hot-air balloon trip around the west bank of Luxor
Not included

Customer reviews

The boat

This partner's boat has not yet been rated by a Filovent customer for this cruise.

The service

The service quality of this partner has not yet been rated by a Filovent customer for this cruise.

Information about the partner

  • Filovent partner since 2024
  • Last booking with this partner in August 2026
  • 62 bookings with this partner
  • Partner's overall rating: 9.7 / 10 (27 avis)
  • Average rating of the partner's boats: 9.9 / 10
  • Average rating of the partner's service: 9.6 / 10
    • Pierre
    With Pierre expert of your cruises

    Log in to receive your personalized cruise

    Invalid email
    Password forgotten? Invalid password, must be at least 8 characters long. Invalid email address or password We have a technical problem, please try again later