Nuba Nile | Program 4 nights / 5 days Esna / Aswan

Our Programs

Our programs offer unforgettable Nile River journeys. Each trip is designed to showcase Egypt’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Program 4 nights / 5 days Esna / Aswan

Embark on a timeless 5-day journey aboard the traditional Dahabieh Nuba Nile, sailing from Esna to Aswan. This luxurious and tranquil voyage down the Nile immerses you in ancient Egypt's wonders. Explore the majestic temples of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Discover local life in Nubian villages, enjoy a barbecue on a palm-fringed island, and be entertained by traditional music under the stars. This trip perfectly blends iconic history with the serene beauty of the Nile, ending in the captivating city of Aswan.

Day 1: LUXOR – ESNA – - EL KAAB -EL HEGZ 1

At the start of the first day, you will head out with your guide to visit the temples of Karnak, a complex of masterpieces extending over more than 100 hectares. At its heart lies a huge architectural ensemble called the Great Temple of Amun. It was each Pharaoh’s dreamt enlarge and redecorate it. During the visit you will mainly focus on the Temples of Seti II, Ramses III, the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 giant sandstone columns, the Sacred Lake, and the open-air museum. You will then cross the Nile through the bridge to reach the Theban Necropolis that lies on the left bank to enjoy the amazing Valley of the Kings. Your guide will show you three of the most beautiful tombs open to visitors. When you leave the Necropolis, you will enjoy a thirty-minute drive in the countryside, heading towards the South of Luxor to reach the City of Esna, the home port of the Dahabieh NUBA NILE. The Dahabieh is a type of river boat specific to Egypt, as during very early times, travel in Egypt could only be done by boat because the Nile floods prevented the establishment of a real system of roads. The Khedives and kings of Egypt, such as Khedive Abbas II, built Dahabieh boats mimicking the old model out of a passion for sailing on the Nile. Once you arrive to NUBA NILE, a crew member will offer you a beautifully rose-scented fresh, wet towel along with a traditional drink from the region. This drink called Karkadé is an infusion of hibiscus flowers. Freshly squeezed lemon juice with mint will also be offered. Once you have relaxed, it will be time to settle into the cabins. The Dahabieh will start sailing along the Nile while you enjoy your first meal on board. You will then reach El Kab, a 5000-year-oldcity built during the periods 747-332 B.C., and discovered during the Neolithic era El Kab was the meeting place of Horus and his wife Hathor, during the feast of "the Beautiful Union". Your first afternoon will be spent relaxing while exploring the vast landscape along the banks of the river until you stop at El Hegz, where you will spend your first night on board. Your dinner will be served on deck with a variety of Egyptian dishes prepared on board.

Luxor to Esna

Visit Karnak & Valley of the Kings before sailing south.

Edfu & Fawaza

Visit Horus Temple, then enjoy a Nubian night on the island.

Day 2: EL HEGZ - EDFOU – FAWAZA 2

Breakfast will be served on deck while sailing in the soft morning breeze. You will then sail toward Edfu, which you will visit after lunch. The highlight of Edfu is undoubtedly The Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. his temple dedicated to the Falcon God, son of Isis and Osiris, also reveals a clear vision of a temple in the Greco-Roman era. The departure for the visit will be by a horse-drawn carriage. After the visit, you will return on board and resume navigation to reach the Island of Fawaza. A lovely barbeque dinner will be served on this island amidst the palm grove. One of the nicest nights of the trip, is this night when the boat crew entertain every one with a traditional show of Nubian dances and songs, one of the most beautiful rhythms of music in Egypt and which dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Day 3: BASAW – GEBEL SILSILA – HOREMHEB – BESHIR 3

Breakfast will be served while enjoying a view of the magical landscape. You can also have the pleasure of a morning dip before sailing to the Village of Basaw. The houses of Basaw are notorious for their unique drawings depicting the journey to Mecca .They will remind you of those in the tombs and on the temples of Ancient Egyptians who had wanted to immortalize the most significant events of their passage on Earth. This tradition continues until today. You will get to see local fishermen in their small boats, and will have the chance to throw the traditional net to fish, and if you are lucky you might even provide lunch! On this day, your chef will go to the fish market to select the best fillets from the day's catch, which you will have for lunch accompanied by a variety of traditional Nubian dishes (all made from fish). We will reach the site of Djabel El Silsela, which was once a quarry that was used to build several temples in Egypt. During this part of the trip, the landscape will take a new form as you will start to view steep cliffs with a narrowing Nile. You will discover several small chapels as well as the sanctuary of Horemoheb. These places were used for the celebration of the Nile in Greco-Roman times. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Edfu & Fawaza

Visit Horus Temple, then enjoy a Nubian night on the island.

Kom Ombo & Daraw

Explore Sobek’s temple and visit the lively camel market of Daraw.

Day 4: BESHIR – KOM OMBO – DARAW - HERDIAB 4

The trip will head out to Kom-Ombo during breakfast time. Upon arrival, you will dock at the foot of the site for a one-and-a-half-hour visit. This temple dedicated to God Sobek (Crocodile God) was built in the Ptolemaic era. You will have the opportunity to discover the crocodile mummies in an almost perfect state of preservation, exhibited in a room at the entrance of the temple. One of the most unique aspects of the temple of Kom-Ombo is the drawings of the surgical instruments such as the scalpels, curettes, forceps and medicine bottles. You will also get to see one of the Egyptian calendars that we often find in several temples. Next, you will visit one of the largest local markets called the Daraw market. The city of Daraw is the capital of camel trade in Egypt, which arrives from Sudan by the trail of forty days. The forty-day trail is the name given to this trail that ran along the Nile in the middle of the Nubian Desert. Trade between the North and the South was done by camel caravans to transport all kinds of goods from Africa. Today the camels have given way to trucks and the camels themselves are transported by trucks to be resold in Daraw, and then be distributed throughout Egypt. Lunch will be served on deck. NUBA NILE will head out to reach the village Herbiab. Herbiab. will allow you to discover the millennial agricultural methods that date back to the Pharaonic era and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a last swim on the beach of Herbiab. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 5: HERBIAB – ASWAN 5

Breakfast on board before your final departure. You will head out to the Island of Agilika where The Temple of Philae is located. This temple was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and is truly a rare and magical beauty which was fortunately saved from the water. The city of Aswan is the third largest city in Egypt, and lies in the South. It is a very special city, welcoming and serene due to the temperament of its inhabitants, who are mostly Nubian. Everyone always falls in love with Aswan.

Philae & Aswan

Visit the sacred Temple of Isis and discover the serene charm of Aswan.