Trip highlights
- Esna: Temple of Khnum and historic streets.
- El Kab: Ancient tombs, Temple of Nekhbet, and Fisherman's Village.
- Edfu: Temple of Horus.
- Wadi Muzin: Desert walk featuring ancient rock inscriptions.
- Gebel Silsila: Sandstone quarries and Temple of Horemheb.
- Kom Ombo: Double Temple of Sobek and Horus, Crocodile Museum.
- Sailing: Scenic stops at islands and swimming opportunities in the Nile.
Overview
The Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a spacious and comfortable sailing experience between Esna and Aswan. Launched in 2008 and part of a distinguished fleet, this vessel was designed to provide ample personal space for its guests. The boat accommodates up to twenty passengers in ten cabins, comprising Panoramic Suites and Luxury Rooms. The design emphasizes relaxation, featuring a large sundeck and a layout that allows guests to enjoy the Nile landscapes in a quiet, uncrowded setting.
Itinerary
Day 01Arrival in Luxor & Transfer to Esna
Upon arrival at Luxor Airport or the Railway Station, you will be met by a tour manager. The tour begins with a transfer to Esna, a historic trading town south of Luxor. Accompanied by an Egyptologist, visit the Temple of Khnum, which sits nine meters below the current street level. After a walk through the local streets to view the architecture and market, board the Malouka Dahabiya.
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 02El Kab & Edfu
The ship sails south to El Kab, the site of the ancient city of Nekheb. Explore the Temple of Nekhbet and the decorated tombs carved into the mountainside. The visit includes a walk through the local fisherman’s village. Later, sail to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. The transfer to the temple is by horse-drawn carriage. The day concludes with a sail to a quiet island for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 03Wadi Muzin & Desert Walk
Spend the morning relaxing on the river with an optional picnic and a chance to swim in the Nile. In the afternoon, the boat stops at Wadi Muzin. Here, guests can take a walk into the desert valley to view ancient hieroglyphs and Stone Age inscriptions that mark a historic caravan route. The boat then sails towards Gebel Silsila for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Gebel Silsila
Explore Gebel Silsila, a scenic area where the Nile narrows between sandstone cliffs. This site features the rock-cut Temple of Horemheb and the ancient sandstone quarries used to build many of Egypt's great monuments. Enjoy a stop at a local café for tea and shisha, followed by lunch and a swim in the river.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 05Kom Ombo Temple
Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The site also houses the Crocodile Museum, displaying mummified crocodiles found in the area. The boat anchors near Kom Ombo or continues towards Aswan for the final evening.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 06Final Departure
After breakfast on board, disembark from the Malouka Dahabiya. You will be transferred to Aswan Airport or the Railway Station for your final departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
What is included
Included
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure.
- Accommodation on the Dahabiya on a Full Board basis.
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing mentioned in the program.
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide during tours.
- Bottled mineral water during daily tours.
- All taxes and service charges.
Not included
- International airfare.
- Extra meals and beverages.
- Optional tours.
- Personal expenses.
- Tipping.
Questions about this trip
What type of cabins does the Malouka have?
The Malouka features 10 cabins, including Panoramic Suites and 8 Luxury Rooms. All cabins are equipped with large panoramic windows.
Does the boat have air conditioning?
Yes, the boat is fully air-conditioned.
Is there an internet connection?
WiFi is available on board.
Does the boat have an engine?
The Dahabiya is a sailboat, but it is accompanied by a motorboat to tow it if the wind is calm.
