Sacred Temples & Hidden Shores
From the towering sandstone pylons of Edfu to the romantic island sanctuary of Philae, explore ancient treasures without the crowds.
Illustrated Sailing Route: Esna to Aswan
Explore the sequential archaeological waypoints and serene island moorings along the historic Upper Nile corridor.
Esna
The historic gateway to Upper Nile sailing, renowned for the remarkable subterranean Temple of Khnum and ancient weavers souk.
Temple of Khnum
A 24-column hypostyle hall with exquisitely preserved astronomical inscriptions and colorful zodiac reliefs.
Ancient Waypoints Along the Upper Nile
Explore each sacred monument visited during our Dahabiya sailings.
Esna
إسناThe historic gateway to Upper Nile sailing, renowned for the remarkable subterranean Temple of Khnum and ancient weavers souk.
Temple of Khnum
El Kab
الكابThe ancient sacred city of Nekheb, home to massive mud-brick enclosures and rock-cut tombs of early New Kingdom naval commanders.
Tomb of Ahmose Son of Ebana
Edfu
إدفوHome to the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus, the most intact and complete ancient temple sanctuary in Egypt.
Temple of Horus
Gebel el-Silsila
جبل السلسلةWhere the Nile narrows dramatically between sandstone cliffs that supplied the stones for Egypt’s greatest monuments.
Rock-Cut Speos of Horemheb
Kom Ombo
كوم أمبوA dramatic hilltop temple overlooking a scenic river bend, unique for its symmetrical double dedication to Sobek and Haroeris.
Dual Temple of Sobek & Haroeris
Aswan & Philae Island
أسوان وفيلةEgypt’s southern jewel of golden granite islands, vibrant Nubian culture, and the magical island sanctuary of Isis at Philae.
Philae Island Temple of Isis