Egypt 11 Day Tour: Cairo & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Touch down in Cairo, the vibrant heart of Egypt, and embark on an 11-day adventure brimming with ancient wonders and Nile serenity. Your journey begins at Cairo International Airport, where a friendly representative from “Egypt Best Vacations” will greet you with a warm smile and assist you with navigating arrival formalities.

Bypass the hustle and bustle, and let your dedicated guide handle the visa process. Settle comfortably into your private transfer and relish the anticipation as you journey towards your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and soak in the city’s electrifying energy.

Your 11-day journey through Egypt’s timeless treasures bursts into life as your expert guide greets you at your hotel. With anticipation buzzing in the air, prepare to be awestruck by the iconic Giza Plateau.

Standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – is an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. These colossal testaments to human ingenuity and ambition have captivated imaginations for millennia. Stand face-to- face with their breathtaking grandeur.

Feel the desert sun warm your skin as you marvel at the Sphinx, its enigmatic gaze seemingly piercing through time. Learn about the enduring mysteries surrounding this iconic monument. Ponder the secrets it whispers on the desert wind.

But the wonders of the day don’t end there. Journey next to Saqqara. A sprawling necropolis home to the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, considered the prototype for all the majestic pyramids that followed. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this architectural marvel. Step back in time to the dawn of pyramid construction.

As the sun dips below the horizon, transfer back to your hotel. Reflect on the awe-inspiring encounters of the day, and let the anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead fill your heart with excitement.

Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Egypt. Start with a treasure trove of history at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Within its grand halls, over two floors brim with hundreds of artifacts. Each whispering tales of pharaohs, dynasties, and a civilization that stretches back millennia.

Next, embark on a journey through time at the historic Citadel. A powerful fortress built by Saladin in 1172 to defend Cairo against the Crusaders. Explore its imposing ramparts, and peek into the opulent palaces. Stand captivated by the panoramic views of the city sprawled below. Within the Citadel walls, marvel at the majestic White Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha, its alabaster facade gleaming under the sun. Discover the intricate blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles, and step into a sanctuary of serene beauty.

As the day draws to a close, lose yourself in the labyrinthine lanes of Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. This vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells is a sensory feast for the soul. Finally, it’s time to trade the bustling city for the serene embrace of the Nile. Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor, where your magnificent 7-night Dahabiya Nile cruise awaits to whisk you away on a journey of timeless wonders.

Today, you embark on a journey through time at Luxor, the legendary “City of a Hundred Gates. Your first stop: the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built in the world. Step through the towering pylons, their hieroglyphics whispering stories of pharaohs and forgotten gods. Wander through the Hypostyle Hall, its forest of colossal columns reaching towards the heavens, their silent echoes carrying the weight of centuries.

Next, journey to the majestic Luxor Temple, a magnificent architectural masterpiece bathed in the golden light of midday. Witness the intricate reliefs adorning its walls, depicting scenes of battles, offerings, and religious rituals. Stand in the vast courtyard, once the stage for grand festivals. Let your imagination transport you back to the vibrant era of the New Kingdom.

Return to your Dahabiya for a leisurely lunch and a delightful dinner. Savor the flavors of authentic Egyptian cuisine while enjoying the serene Nile vistas. Overnight in Luxor, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the river and the whispers of ancient dreams.

Delve into the mysteries of the Valley of the Kings, a hidden necropolis nestled in the shadow of the Theban Hills. Descend into the labyrinthine tombs, their colorful walls adorned with intricate scenes of deities, offerings, and the afterlife journeys of pharaohs. Each tomb whispers a unique story, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and aspirations of these ancient rulers.

Stand in awe before the Temple of Hatshepsut, a magnificent architectural marvel rising from the desert sands. This tiered masterpiece, dedicated to the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut, showcases the architectural genius of its era. Climb the ramps and terraces, marvel at the vibrant reliefs, and soak in the breathtaking panoramas of the valley below.

As the sun climbs higher, pay homage to the enigmatic Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues guarding the entrance to a long-lost temple. Feel the weight of millennia in their weathered faces, and listen for the haunting “singing” they were once said to emit at dawn.

With hearts full of wonder and minds brimming with knowledge, return to your Dahabiya. Set sail southward towards Esna, the gentle current carrying you along the Nile’s majestic ribbon.

Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning over Luxor

Embark on a short walk through the charming streets, the warm Egyptian sun gracing your skin. Soon, you will find yourself standing before the Temple of Khnum, a magnificent ode to the ram-headed creator god. Explore its colonnades adorned with intricate reliefs, each scene whispering tales of creation, fertility, and the divine forces that shaped the universe.

Return to your Dahabiya and set sail towards El-Kab, the ancient Nekheb. While you glide along the Nile’s shimmering ribbon, savor a delicious lunch and bask in the ever-changing scenery.

Upon reaching El-Kab, journey through time by exploring its grand tombs, carved into the cliff face overlooking the river. Witness the vibrant murals depicting scenes of daily life, religious rituals, and the enduring legacy of its ancient inhabitants.

Your Dahabiya sets sail once more, this time towards the majestic Edfu. Upon arrival, a traditional horse-drawn carriage awaits to whisk you away to the Temple of Horus. Prepare to be awestruck by its sheer scale and impeccable preservation. Step through the monumental pylons, their hieroglyphics shimmering in the moonlight, and wander through the Hypostyle Hall, its towering columns reaching towards the star-studded sky.

Settle in for a peaceful overnight stay in Edfu, your dreams filled with visions of winged deities and monumental wonders.

Today, your journey takes you to El-Silsilah, a land where time seems to stand still amidst the echoes of ancient labor. Upon arrival, disembark and prepare to step back millennia at the sandstone quarry of Gabal Al-Silisilah. Imagine the tireless work of ancient artisans, their chisels etching into the ochre cliffs, extracting the very blocks that would become the majestic temples of Karnak, Luxor, and beyond. 

After a visit to this extraordinary testament to human ingenuity, return to your Dahabiya. As you sail towards Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo awaits, its skyline dominated by the imposing silhouette of the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek. Disembark and prepare to be mesmerized by this unique architectural marvel, dedicated to both the falcon god Horus, protector of kings, and the crocodile god Sobek, lord of the Nile. Explore the temple’s mirrored sanctuaries, each adorned with intricate reliefs depicting offerings, rituals, and the harmonious balance between these powerful deities.

Next, delve into the fascinating world of the Crocodile Museum, its exhibits shedding light on the Nile’s ancient residents and their significance in Egyptian mythology and culture. As dusk paints the sky in fiery hues, return to your Dahabiya for a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in Kom Ombo. 

Today, your journey takes an unexpected turn, venturing beyond the temples and tombs to delve into the vibrant heart of Egyptian culture. Set sail towards Daraw, a charming town nestled on the Nile’s bend, where a unique spectacle awaits. If fortune favors you and the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, prepare to be captivated by the bustling energy of the Daraw Camel Market. Step into a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds as hundreds of camels arrive in caravans from the vast Sudanese plains. 

Return to your Dahabiya for a leisurely lunch. As you sail onwards towards Aswan, let the afternoon sun bathe you in warmth and the rhythm of the Nile lull you into a state of serene contemplation. By nightfall, you’ll arrive in Aswan, the vibrant gateway to Nubia.

Today, your journey delves into the heart of Aswan, unveiling its captivating tapestry of history, engineering marvels, and divine beauty. First, stand in awe before the Aswan High Dam, a colossal testament to human ingenuity. Learn about the dam’s intricate construction, its impact on the environment, and its enduring legacy as a symbol of progress.

Next, embark on a boat trip to Philae Island, a jewel nestled amidst the sparkling waters of Lake Nasser. Here, amidst lush vegetation and serene tranquility, the Temple of Isis rises like a phoenix from the depths. Marvel at its intricate reliefs, depicting myths and rituals dedicated to the powerful goddess of magic and resurrection. 

As the sun climbs higher, head to the captivating granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk. Imagine the colossal scale of this abandoned project, destined to become the largest obelisk ever erected, yet frozen in time amidst its creation. Trace the chisel marks left by ancient stonemasons, and ponder the stories etched into the silent monolith. This testament to human ambition and the unpredictable whims of fate offers a powerful insight into the grandeur and vulnerability of ancient Egypt.

As dusk paints the Aswan sky in fiery hues, return to your Dahabiya.

Optional tour: Nubian Village Tour 

Breakfast and disembarkation. Transfer to Aswan Airport to fly back to Cairo. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel for the final night of your Egypt 11-day Cairo and Dahabiya cruise adventure.

Optional tour: Tour to Abu Simbel Temples

As the Nile whispers its final goodbyes and the sun paints the Aswan sky in fiery hues, it’s time to bid farewell to the magic of Egypt. Your 11-day Cairo and Dahabiya cruise odyssey through Cairo’s vibrant pulse and the Nile’s serene embrace comes to a bittersweet end.

Transfer to Cairo Airport, carrying memories etched in your heart and souvenirs tucked away in your bags. Egypt holds a thousand untold stories, each waiting to be unearthed. Who knows, maybe your next chapter in this captivating land is just around the corner, waiting to be written with the golden ink of adventure.