Calm settles at last on the rippling water and a new adventure begins. The Dahabeya allows you to discover the mysteries of the most mythical cities of Southern Egypt. The water of the Nile stretches as far as the eye can see, revealing the hidden landscapes of Luxor to Aswan.
Silence descends, and there is only the sound of the wind combing the water. Only a small group will have the chance to board in search of the wonders of the Nile. The traveler can take the opportunity to relax, meditate and enjoy the scenery for a time of introspection along this great river.
Egypt, one of the cradles of many civilizations, takes us into the heart of our own roots. Vast, imposing and unparalleled, the ancient temples await you. On the gold-colored walls, you will be dazzled by the delicacy of the engravings, the bright colors and the imposing statues.
Egypt welcomes you, and you are embraced into the past. Time stops and you plunge into the era of the first pharaohs.
Welcome to Cairo, the City Victorious! Egypt, the cradle of civilizations, invites you to journey into the roots of our shared history. From ancient wonders to the vibrant fabric of modern life, Cairo will leave you in awe. Marvel at gold-hued temples, intricate engravings, vivid colors, and towering statues that transport you to the era of the first pharaohs.
Your evening begins with a welcome briefing at the elegant Gezira Palace, followed by a delightful dinner in the heart of Cairo, a perfect introduction to your journey.
Highlights
Private meet, assist, and transfer from Cairo International Airport.
Meals and Accommodation
Cairo Marriott – Omar Khayyam
Evening briefing and welcome dinner.
Today, delve into the depths of Egypt’s ancient history with a visit to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in existence, designed by the legendary architect Imhotep. Explore the mysterious Serapeum of Saqqara, a burial site for the sacred Apis bulls. Savor a scenic lunch at Lounge 9, offering breathtaking views of the Pyramids of Giza. Then, journey to the Great Sphinx, the enigmatic guardian of the necropolis, and stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the sole surviving wonder of the ancient world—a masterpiece of Egyptian ingenuity.
Highlights
Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Serapeum of Saqqara.
Explore the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid.
Enjoy a memorable lunch with pyramid views.
Meals and Accommodation
Cairo Marriott – Omar Khayyam
Lunch at the Pyramids.
Dinner Independently
We weave through Al-Foustat’s sunlit lanes, tracing the steps of the Holy Family and browsing the vibrant souk where artisans handcraft leather, glass and textiles. After a flavorful local lunch, plunge into medieval Cairo: pass through the towering Al-Futuh Gate onto Al-Muizz Street, where ornate mosques and madrassas line the way. Lose yourself in Khan al-Khalili’s kaleidoscope of colors and scents, pause for the call to prayer at al-Hussein and al-Azhar, then join me and my team as we uncover hidden boutiques and introduce you to the city’s most cherished makers.
Meals & Accommodation
Lunch and dinner in local restaurants
Highlights
Explore Al Foustat and the Coptic district.
Walk through Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest Islamic cityscapes.
Discover the Khan al-Khalili market and its treasures.
Guided shopping experience at Hela’s favorite spots.
We kick off in the Grand Egyptian Museum’s Paleolithic and Neolithic galleries, where you’ll witness the very first spark of civilization: stone tools, ancient art and the secrets of our earliest ancestors along the Nile. From there, we move into the pyramid halls, marveling at Khufu’s monumental vision and Snefrou’s architectural innovations that paved the way for the great pyramids. Along the way, you’ll encounter delicate pottery, early hieroglyphs and other rarely seen treasures fresh from the storerooms. As evening falls, let’s toast your discoveries with a rooftop cocktail in Zamalek, the city lights dancing below.
Note: GEM exhibits rotate regularly once we have final confirmation on specific galleries, I’ll ensure you experience the most compelling highlights.
Meals and Accommodation
Cairo Marriott – Omar Khayyam
Lunch locally at or near the Museum
Dinner independently
The adventure continues as our chauffeur escorts you to Cairo Airport. Upon arrival at Luxor, our southern team awaits to kick off a day of discovery. Channel your inner archaeologist—roll up your sleeves and don your hat!
Our first stop is the iconic Temple of Karnak, an awe-inspiring complex spanning over 100 hectares. Dedicated to Amun, this monumental site boasts contributions from countless Pharaohs who sought to outdo one another in grandeur.
to the legendary Valley of the Kings, the Theban necropolis that has captured imaginations for centuries. Hela will personally select three tombs for you to explore, including the awe-inspiring Tomb of Seti I, often considered the most exquisite in the valley.
Next, we visit the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel nestled against the cliffs . This temple tells the tale of the expedition to Punt, an ancient voyage brimming with wonders. Keep an eye out for fascinating carvings depicting tortoises, groupers, huts, and the remarkable replica of the Princess of Punt.
Lunch Break
Refuel at the historic Chicago House, a beloved hub of early 20th-century archaeologists, where each bite comes seasoned with stories of landmark digs.
Transport to Al Moudira hotel will be waiting for you at the Luxor Airport upon arrival. Built in the tradition of Arabian palaces, it is the West bank’s only one. Multilingual owner and artist Zeina personally oversaw the three-year construction of her oriental baroque dream hotel.
Dinner independently.
The Temple of Medinet Habu, is probably one of the West Bank’s most underrated Temples! Its towering pylons still splashed with fragments of azure and crimson paint. Every wall panel here tells a tale of divine kingship and military triumph. Good for us, it is where Hela’s home is. Here we are surrounded by fields of wheat and sugar cane and a 5th century coptic monastery which we may visit if not during the service. Bicycles can be arranged for a fun ride around what used to be the House of the Dazzling Aten, Akhenaten father’s home Amenhotep III, AKA, the builder.
Before we return, wander through a nearby alabaster workshop where translucent stone becomes timeless art—and a weaving UNESCO atelier showcasing scarves woven on looms much like those used millennia ago.
A dinner party awaits you at Hela’s house in the evening. Dress code: chic Galabiya
Step into Esna’s bustling fabric market, where colorful cotton and camel-hair bolts ripple in the breeze and local traders barter beneath restored arches. At the Temple of Esna, newly revealed pigments blaze atop composite columns, centuries of color brought back to life by expert restorers. Climb the Geddawy Caravanserai’s rooftop for panoramic views of lattice-framed balconies, rust-red rooftops and the city’s XII-century minaret carving the sky.
Boarding the Dahabiya: A Luxurious Nile Adventure
In the afternoon, board your private dahabiya, once the exclusive paddle-wheel yacht of dignitaries, now your serene floating palace. Choose one of just eight richly appointed cabins, then settle on deck with mezze and mint tea as the Nile’s current carries you past palm-fringed shores. Learn a hieroglyph here, glimpse a heron there, and let the river’s gentle sway be the soundtrack to an unforgettable voyage.
Meals & Accommodation
Lunch, dinner and overnight aboard your private dahabiya.
Awaken to the gentle rhythm of the Nile as a light morning breeze fills the sails of your Dahabeya. Breakfast will be served on deck as you sail towards El Kaab, a city steeped in 5,000 years of history. Encircled by mudbrick walls dating back to 747–332 BC, El Kaab’s roots trace back to the Neolithic period.
Explore the city’s governors’ tombs, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs and polychrome paintings, offering a glimpse into the vibrant lives of its ancient inhabitants. These tombs, perched on the hills overlooking the city, hold stories of power and reverence.
After your visit, return to the Dahabeya and continue your serene voyage down the Nile. Anchor near a tranquil island for the night, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Egypt.
Meals and Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight aboard.
Begin your day with breakfast served on deck against the backdrop of a magical, ever-changing landscape. Take an invigorating morning swim in the Nile’s mythical waters before continuing your journey to a local village, one of Hela’s personal favorites.
Far from the tourist paths, this intimate experience connects you with authentic Egyptian village life. Walk through the village and admire the vibrant murals on house facades, depicting scenes of pilgrimage to Mecca and other family milestones. These murals mirror the storytelling traditions of ancient Egyptians, whose tombs and temples immortalized the events of their lives.
Later, join local fishermen in their small boats to experience traditional fishing techniques. Learn to cast a net, strike the water, and perhaps even bring back the catch of the day for a fresh onboard meal.
Continue your journey to Djabel El Silsileh, an ancient sandstone quarry that supplied material for many of Egypt’s iconic temples. Be captivated by the dramatic cliffs and narrowing riverbanks—a landscape steeped in history.
Meals and Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight aboard.
Enjoy breakfast on deck as your Dahabeya glides toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, dock at the foot of the temple for an enriching visit.
This unique double temple, dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Haroeris, the Falcon God, dates to the Ptolemaic period. Explore its intricate carvings and marvel at the crocodile mummies, astonishingly well-preserved and housed in a special gallery at the temple’s entrance.
Discover the surgical instruments of Kom Ombo, an ancient depiction of medical tools that connect us to the ingenuity of Egypt’s earliest physicians. Don’t miss the Egyptian calendar, a fascinating glimpse into the ancients’ mastery of timekeeping.
Back on board, lunch will be served as the Dahabeya continues its journey to Herbiab village, where you can enjoy one last swim on the serene Herbiab beach. Conclude the day by reaching the vibrant city of Aswan, ready for the next chapter of your adventure on land.
Meals and Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight aboard.
Start your day with a visit to the granite quarry and the enigmatic Unfinished Obelisk, a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Egypt. Next, explore the Temple of Philae, a masterpiece of devotion and romance dedicated to Isis and Osiris. According to legend, it was here that Isis, in an act of divine love, restored life to Osiris, granting him immortality in the afterlife.
Lunch will be served on a Nubian Island, where you’ll also get an exclusive look at Hela’s peanut factory and the fascinating production process. A short motorboat ride between Aswan and the High Dams offers scenic views of the river and its surroundings.
Later, enjoy a vibrant stroll through the Aswan Souk (market), a sensory delight filled with the colors and aromas of Egypt’s finest herbs and spices. Don’t miss picking up hibiscus, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, and more to take a piece of Egypt home with you.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Check in private Island or 5 star hotel
Take a morning flight to the breathtaking Abu Simbel, home to two monumental temples built by Ramses II. Many consider this site worthy of being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
These temples, originally located 200 meters below their current site, were painstakingly relocated to protect them from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Witness firsthand this engineering marvel and the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Return to Aswan for a late lunch, reflecting on the splendor of Ramses II’s legacy.
As dusk falls, we’ll whisk you away to our favorite private island a hidden Eden framed by palms and papyrus. Lanterns sway in the breeze, and a gala dinner awaits: fresh, grilled seafood; vibrant mezze plates; and decadent desserts, all served under a canopy of stars. It’s an enchanting finale to your Abu Simbel adventure, where Aswan’s magic meets unforgettable elegance.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch.
Gala Dinner on our favorite Island
This day is entirely yours, no scheduled activities, no recommendations. Simply relax wherever and however you wish, letting the gentle rhythm of the Nile guide your pace.
This morning, depending of your choice, choose your own slice of paradise: glide across the Nile to Hela’s private eco-island, a granite jewel at the First Cataract where pomegranate, guava and hibiscus groves whisper in the breeze. The first six guests who can manage the short boat transfer adapted for those with good mobility—will indulge in luxury glamping tents, each with its own plunge pool and riverside views.
If you prefer solid ground or a gentler descent, the iconic Old Cataract Hotel awaits on the Aswan shore. Here, Victorian grandeur meets Nile-side serenity balconies draped in bougainvillea, colonnaded lounges and sweeping river vistas ensure every moment feels like a celebration of Egypt’s timeless elegance.
Whether you drift between palm-fringed water and star-studded skies or unwind in the sumptuous comfort of the Cataract’s storied halls, Aswan’s warm Nubian hospitality will wrap you in understated luxury.
Your adventure concludes with a flight from Aswan to Cairo. Your representative will ensure a seamless transfer to the correct terminal for your onward journey.
As you leave Egypt, remember the timeless saying:
“Once you drink from the water of the Nile, you are destined to return.”
Meals
Breakfast.