7 Day Cairo and Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Immediately following breakfast you will join your guide and your driver for a full day of sight seeing.

Start your day with the only remaining one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world, the famous Giza Plateau. Here you will see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which the ancient Greeks called Cheops. In addition to Cheops you will be able to visit the pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mykerinos). Another fabulous, albeit mysterious structure on the Plateau is the world renowned Sphinx.

Next stop on your tour is the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Pyramids. This state-of-the-art complex is the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts that span 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization. Marvel at the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since their discovery, including his legendary gold mask, jewelry, and royal possessions. The museum features colossal statues, immersive digital galleries, and interactive exhibits, all set within striking modern architecture with panoramic views of the pyramids. Enjoy exploring artifacts from various time periods including pre-dynastic era clear up through the Greco-Roman era. If you have ever been curious about ancient Egyptian culture and the art of mummification, the museum is a great place to start!

Your next stop will be Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church. The inspiration for the name of this Basilica church stems from its location on top of the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon. Wrap up your day tour with a visit to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar located in the Islamic district of Cairo. This is a major souk and one of the main attractions in Cairo. Finally, head back to the hotel for your overnight stay in Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle

An early start this morning for your domestic flight to Luxor, On arrival you will be met and driven directly to the riverbank to embark your floating home for the coming days — the Princess Farida Luxury Dahabiya, an elegant, traditional twin-masted sailing vessel offering an intimate and authentic way to experience the Nile, far removed from the large cruise ships.

After settling into your cabin and enjoying lunch on board, spend the afternoon exploring Luxor’s East Bank: the vast Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious monument ever built, followed by the graceful Luxor Temple, especially beautiful when illuminated after sunset. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and your first overnight moored in Luxor.

Overnight: Luxor / Nile Cruise

Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle

This morning, cross to Luxor’s West Bank for a fascinating tour of the Theban Necropolis: descend into the richly decorated royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, admire the striking terraced Temple of Hatshepsut carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, and pass beneath the towering Colossi of Memnon. Afterward, a scenic 35-minute drive brings you to a quiet village just before Esna, where you rejoin the Princess Farida.

Sail on to Esna and experience the passage through the historic Esna Lock — a memorable slice of everyday Nile life — before continuing to sail towards Edfu as the sun sets over the river. Dinner and overnight on board while cruising.

Overnight: Luxor / Nile Cruise

Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle

After breakfast, disembark for a delightful and distinctly local start to the day: a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Edfu to reach the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples anywhere in Egypt thanks to the desert sands that once buried and protected it for centuries. Explore its towering pylon, hypostyle halls and inner sanctuary before returning to the dahabiya.

Spend the rest of the day sailing gently south towards El Selsela (Gebel Silsila), a dramatic sandstone gorge that once supplied stone for many of Egypt’s great temples — a wonderfully peaceful stretch of river on which to relax on deck, read and watch rural Egypt drift slowly by. Dinner and overnight on board.

Overnight: Nile Cruise

Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle

Continue sailing this morning to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique double temple dedicated jointly to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus — twin sanctuaries mirrored side by side — and the adjoining Crocodile Museum, home to beautifully preserved mummified crocodiles once revered in antiquity. Sail onward to Aswan, arriving in one of Egypt’s most scenic riverside cities.

In the afternoon, tour the mighty Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that reshaped modern Egypt, before taking a short boat ride to the enchanting island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued stone by stone from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Overnight: Aswan / Nile Cruise

Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle

All good things must end, and unfortunately your Cairo and Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile cruise vacation must end too. Enjoy a lovely breakfast while you allow your mind to dwell on the many great experiences you've recently had, and promise yourself you'll return. After breakfast you'll be collected and taken to the airport for your flight home from Aswan airport via Cairo. Bid Cairo and Egypt farewell, and fly off into the sunset with memories you’ll cherish forever.

Overnight: Aswan / Nile Cruise

Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle