On this Egyptian adventure we explore the Nile aboard traditional ‘felucca’ sailboats. We enjoy local food as we sail down the river and sleep under the stars on the open deck. We discover ancient Egypt’s most famous sites including the Valley of the Kings. We also have the chance to visit the impressive temples of Abu Simbel and Karnak.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Luxor
Arrive Luxor and check-in at hotel.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Day 2:
In Luxor
This morning, we cross the Nile and travel by bus to visit the extraordinary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female Pharaoh, who usurped the throne from her son, the future Tuthmoses III. The scale of the temple and its magnificent setting are breathtaking, but perhaps even more remarkable are the details - look out for the fine carving of the ‘Expedition to the Land of Punt’. We then take a short bus ride to the Valley of the Kings’ to explore some of the more important sites made famous in 1922 by the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter. We visit three tombs. This afternoon is free for your own personal exploration, maybe a visit to Luxor Museum, some last minute shopping or even an Optional Donkey Trek over on the West Bank, where you travel through fields and village and end your trip watching the sun set over the Nile.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Arrive Aswan
Arriving around midday, the rest of the day is free in Aswan. Situated on the east bank, Aswan is traditionally regarded as the frontier town of Upper Egypt; it stands just below the first Cataract and is the meeting point of Arab culture with Nubia and black Africa. Aswan’s bazaar area is stuffed with craftwork of a strong Sudanese style. You may want to take an excursion to the Aswan High Dam (built in 1971) and the Granite Quarries from where the pharaohs cut many of their huge obelisks and statues and visit Philae Temple, situated on an island in the Nile.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
In Aswan
Our time in Aswan is free form and there are a number of places worth seeing (all optional to give as much flexibility to your time here as possible). It is possible for your tour leader to organise an excursion by road (or air) from Aswan to the temples of Abu Simbel. Cut into the rock face, these huge structures were raised 61m to save them from inundation by the artificial lake created by the High Dam. The 29m high statues represent Ramses II.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
In Aswan; Nile Felucca Sailtrek from Aswan towards Kom Ombo
This morning we suggest a camel trek through the desert to the abandoned Coptic Monastery of St. Simeon. Later we board our feluccas for our voyage, sailing towards Edfu. The leisurely and informal nature of felucca sailing means that no fixed night stops can be given. These depend to a considerable extent on the elements. As we sail, we see the intensive cultivation of the Nile Valley and at intermittent points are small villages which depend upon the river for their livelihood. In general, our evening stops will be by the river bank or at mid-river islands, where we set up a wild camp allowing pleasant early morning swims. We sleep on the deck of the feluccas and the experience of sleeping under the stars more than compensates for the limited facilities. Our crew look after us admirably and are great fun. Our stopping times, however, are extremely variable and we need to take maximum advantage of the northerly winds.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Sailing to Kom Ombo
Today we continue upstream, seeing the intensive cultivation of the Nile Valley and small villages which depend upon the river for their livelihood. In the afternoon we aim to reach Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo is unique in that it is dedicated to two gods, Horus and Sobek. Sobek the crocodile god was much needed at this spot as the river here was noted for crocodiles until early this century.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Disembark felucca towards; drive to Luxor
After our road transfer to Luxor we have a free afternoon to take an optional horse drawn carriages (caleshes) from our hotel to visit the stupendous Temple of Amun at Karnak, the labour of numerous pharaohs. Begun about 2000 BC, the most imposing structures include the 134 pillars of the Hypostyle Hall, carved all over with scenes of the king worshipping Amun. Alternatively you can explore the bustling markets of Luxor.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Tour ends Luxor
Included meals: Breakfast
