Sailing to the Temples of the Nile
In the Wake of Cleopatra
Overview
Exploring the Nile by private dahabiya, a traditional two-masted sailing yacht, is truly a traveler’s dream. With our expert on-board Egyptologist, we sail from Luxor to Aswan, discovering stunning pharaonic monuments including Nile-side Kom Ombo, with its crocodile motif, and lesser-known sites like Nekbet, abode of the vulture goddess. We’ll also bring you to out-of-the-way places where larger vessels can’t go, including tranquil Nile farming villages. After each day of exploring tombs and temples, we’ll appreciate the relaxing ambiance of our own private sailing vessel. It’s a fantastic—and exclusive—way to experience ancient Egypt.
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Cairo, Egypt
Highlights
- Enjoy the romantic ambiance of an intimate Nile sailing vessel with air-conditioned en-suite cabins
- Experience Egypt in depth with the cultural insights of our superb Egyptologist Trip Leader
- Visit the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, new home to Egypt’s ancient treasures
- Make a special visit to the tomb of Tutankhamun
- Extend your trip to explore Jordan’s “lost city” of Petra or to visit Alexandria, crossroads of the ancient world
Itinerary
In Cairo, we witness the majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, which continue to radiate the magnificence that has awed visitors for centuries. Time permitting, we can climb inside the Great Pyramid, built by Cheops, the grand king of the Fourth Dynasty. Nearby, we’ll visit the lion-bodied Great Sphinx, carved from the bedrock of the Giza Plateau. We then visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, now the largest archaeological museum in the world.
We fly to Luxor, where the all-powerful Theban pharaohs built elaborate monuments in the valley of the Nile. We’ll walk amid the stone columns of the stupendous Temple of Karnak and visit graceful Luxor Temple. In the Valley of the Kings, we explore magnificent tombs, including the grand Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh. Our five-day sail aboard our dahabiya, with its air-conditioned cabins, gives us access to lesser-visited sites, as well as famed Nile-side temples including Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus. One evening, we enjoy a candlelit barbecue at Maniha Island, and on another, we moor at Cobania Island for a visit with villagers. At Aswan, we explore romantic Philae Temple, a pilgrimage site for thousands of years.
Our last visit is to Abu Simbel, site of the colossal temples of Ramses II, carved into cliff faces in the 12th century BC and still an imposing sight today. Depart on Day 11 via Cairo, or join one of our extensions.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, Easiest, according to our trip grading system. It is a cultural and archaeological adventure with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern land. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.
Review Trip Level Details
Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River (and please note: there is no heat aboard the L’Orient). From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.
Our home base for five nights is the 100-foot dahabiya L'Orient, a traditional Nile sailboat built at the end of the 19th century and completely refitted in 2003. She is air conditioned and has two decks and four double or twin cabins and one suite with private baths. The L'Orient is sail-powered only, but will use motor-boat assistance in cases of low wind. Public spaces on L'Orient include an interior lounge and a large shaded deck where meals are served. There are electrical outlets in the cabins for charging batteries. (You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter). Meals are on board the L'Orient. Bottled water is available on board as well as tea and coffee. A selection of imported wine and beer is available for purchase. There is no corkage fee for trip members who bring their own.
Client Testimonials
"Mohamed was an amazing tour leader. He was kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable about Egypt, ancient and modern. I think we should get college credit for his course! He always made sure that we were aware of the cultural norms that should be followed, and we always felt safe in his care. No matter where we went he was greeted with respect and affection by the people we met. It was a trip of a lifetime!"
Del P.
Novato, CA
"One of our best of 8 Wilderness trips."
Ed K.
Palo Alto, CA
"Everything was just perfect! I couldn't have imagined a better trip. The food was amazing, the service, the guide, the group, the hotels, the boat, the pace, the sites, the villages, the Nile! Thank you so much for an incredible trip!"
Ginger P.
Boulder, CO
"I am still in shock and awe! It was truly a trip of a lifetime."
Jane K.
Portland, OR
"Our trip was amazing. From our guide, Ahmed, to the Nile river boat, to the hotels and accommodations, everything was top notch. Looking back at our time, I am amazed at everything we were able to see, in such a concise time. Wilderness Travel's itinerary was nothing short of spectacular."
Malcolm B.
Tampa ,Florida
"Our trip was amazing. From our guide, Ahmed, to the Nile river boat, to the hotels and accommodations, everything was top notch. Looking back at our time, I am amazed at everything we were able to see, in such a concise time. Wilderness Travel's itinerary was nothing short of spectacular."
Malcolm B.
Tampa, Florida
"This was a wonderful experience in all aspects—the accommodations, the places visited, the pace, the people we met, the boat and crew...everything."
Mark R.
Boston, MA
"Did I say how much I loved the sailboat?"
Martha D.
Los Altos, CA
"The trip was a glorious combo of mind-boggling temples, sailing on the Nile, and lovely hotels, all with an interesting fun group."
Mary D.
Cloverdale, CA
"A most excellent tour of all the history, the artifacts, the story of Egypt! The sail down the Nile by a private dahabiya was a fairy tale come true! With the perfect tour guide we were able to see and do all suggested sites and at the most perfect times to avoid the masses of tourism."
Peggy H.
Empire, CO
"Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless."
Ruth M.
Kernersville, NC
"We had a fantastic time on the trip. So much history—and such great guides! Really enjoyed sailing on the dahabiya, a special way to see the Nile Valley."
Steve H.
Verona, WI
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.