5-Night / 6-Day Program: Esna / Aswan

Start the day with your guide visiting the monumental Temples of Karnak spanning over 100 hectares. Focus on the Temples of Seti II and Ramses III, the colossal Hypostyle Hall with its 134 giant sandstone columns, the Sacred Lake, and the open-air museum. Cross the Nile to the Theban Necropolis on the West Bank to explore the amazing Valley of the Kings, visiting three of the most beautiful royal tombs. Afternoon countryside drive to Esna, home port of Dahabieh NUBA NILE. Welcomed on board with rose-scented towels, Karkadé hibiscus infusion, and fresh lemon-mint juice. Settle into your cabins as the Dahabieh begins sailing. Relax along the riverbanks until arriving at El Hegz for your first night on board with dinner on deck.

Breakfast served on deck while sailing in the soft morning breeze. Reach El Kab, a 5,000-year-old city (747-332 B.C., Neolithic era), ancient meeting place of Horus and Hathor during the feast of "the Beautiful Union". Resume sailing to Edfu after lunch to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved sanctuaries in Egypt. Tour departs by traditional horse-drawn carriage. Sail onward to the Island of Fawaza for a lovely BBQ dinner amidst the palm grove. Enjoy an unforgettable traditional show of Nubian dances and songs performed by the ship crew.

Sail smoothly toward Gebel el-Silsila where the Nile narrows dramatically between towering sandstone cliffs. Explore the ancient quarry sites where master stonemasons cut the blocks for Karnak and Luxor temples. Visit the rock-cut shrines and the Speos of Horemheb. Afternoon sailing in tranquil silence with afternoon tea on deck. Anchor near Beshir Island for a gourmet dinner prepared by our chef under the starlit Egyptian sky.

Morning sailing to Kom Ombo. Dock directly at the foot of the Temple of Sobek (Crocodile God) and Haroeris (Falcon God). Discover intact crocodile mummies, the famous surgical instruments scene, and ancient calendar inscriptions. Leisurely afternoon cruise along the Nile with high tea on the open deck. Evening mooring at Maniha Island with a celebratory multi-course Egyptian dinner on deck.

Sail toward Daraw to explore an authentic Upper Egyptian village and witness local life and traditional river trade. Sail toward the entrance of Aswan, where the Nile is dotted with dramatic granite boulders and lush islands. Optional afternoon visit to the romantic island Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis. Enjoy your final gala dinner on deck celebrating your passage through Upper Egypt.

Breakfast on board before your final departure. Enjoy your last breakfast on deck overlooking the serene granite banks of Aswan before saying goodbye to the Dahabieh crew and the eternal Nile. Private transfer to Aswan Airport or your hotel.