Trip highlights
- Aswan: Philae Temple, High Dam, Aswan Bazaar.
- Kom Ombo: Double Temple of Sobek and Horus.
- Gebel Silsila: Speos of Horemheb and ancient quarries.
- Edfu: Temple of Horus and local market.
- Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple.
- Onboard Experience: Sundeck with Jacuzzi, traditional dining, and cultural events.
Overview
The Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a luxurious and intimate sailing experience along the Nile River. This boutique riverboat features eight well-appointed bedrooms, each with large panoramic windows and private bathrooms, ensuring both comfort and privacy. Guests can relax on the spacious sundeck, which includes a Jacuzzi and a dining area perfect for enjoying meals with a view. The cruise operates between Luxor and Aswan, providing a blend of relaxation, cultural excursions, and personalized service in an elegant setting.
Itinerary
Daily Itinerary: 3 Nights From Aswan to Esna
Day 01Aswan City Tour & Embarkation
Upon arrival at Aswan Airport or the Railway Station, you will be met by a tour director. Begin with a guided tour of Aswan, visiting the Temple of Philae, the Aswan High Dam, and the local Bazaar. After the tour, board the Merit Dahabiya and enjoy lunch while sailing towards Kom Ombo. The boat anchors near Kom Ombo for the night.
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 02Kom Ombo Temple & Gebel Silsila
Start the day with breakfast before visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Continue sailing to Gebel Silsila to view the Speos of Horemheb and the ancient sandstone quarries. Dinner is served on the sundeck or near the illuminated temple grounds (weather permitting), accompanied by music.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 03Edfu Temple & Sailing
Sail to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, accessed via a horse-drawn carriage. Explore the local market before returning to the boat. The journey continues towards Esna, anchoring near a quiet island. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner with local cuisine and music.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Luxor Tour & Final Departure
Disembark in Esna after breakfast and transfer to Luxor. Explore the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the East Bank to visit the Karnak Temple complex. After lunch and the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport or the Railway Station for final departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
Daily Itinerary: 4 Nights From Esna to Aswan
Day 01Luxor Tour & Embarkation in Esna
Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be assisted by a tour manager. Begin with a guided tour of the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon) and the East Bank (Karnak Temple). Afterward, transfer to Esna to board the Merit Dahabiya. Overnight is spent on board in Esna.
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 02Edfu Temple & Gebel Silsila
Sail to Edfu in the morning to visit the Temple of Horus via horse-drawn carriage. Explore the local market before returning to the boat for lunch. Continue sailing to Gebel Silsila to visit the Speos of Horemheb. Dinner is served on the upper deck or a nearby island.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 03Kom Ombo Temple & Sailing
Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing to Kom Ombo. Visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Afterward, continue sailing towards Aswan, enjoying the scenic river views. The boat anchors near Aswan for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 04Aswan City Tour
Disembark for a tour of Aswan. Visit the Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Conclude with a walk through the Aswan Bazaar. Return to the boat for the final evening in Aswan.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 05Final Departure
After breakfast, disembark from the Dahabiya. You will be transferred to Aswan Airport or the Railway Station for your onward journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
What is included
Included
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure.
- Accommodation on the Dahabiya on a Full Board basis.
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing mentioned in the program.
- 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
Does Merit Dahabiya sail directly from central Luxor?
The four-night programme combines Luxor sightseeing with embarkation in Esna. The reverse three-night journey sails from Aswan towards Esna and finishes with the Luxor arrangements.
Is Gebel el-Silsila part of the Merit route?
Yes. Gebel el-Silsila is named in both programme options, alongside Edfu and Kom Ombo. It is a planned dahabiya stop rather than a separate city excursion.
Are entrance tickets included on Merit Dahabiya?
The inclusion list covers entrance fees for the sightseeing mentioned in the programme. Extra visits and optional tours still need to be agreed separately.
