Sailing to the Temples of the Nile
In the Wake of Cleopatra
Overview
Explore the Nile by private dahabiya, a traditional two-masted Nile sailing yacht that hosts just 10 guests—it's a dream journey for travelers. With our expert Egyptologist, we sail from Luxor to Aswan, discovering stunning pharaonic monuments including Nile-side Kom Ombo, with its crocodile motif, and experiencing fascinating Nile settings where bigger vessels can't go. The royal tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs, awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, and a romantic sailing vessel make this an unforgettable odyssey through ancient Egypt.
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Cairo, Egypt
Highlights
- Travel aboard a traditional Nile sailing vessel with air-conditioned, en-suite cabins
- Experience Egypt in depth with the cultural insights of our superb Egyptologist guide
- Special visits to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Queen Nefertari, considered the most exquisitely decorated in Egypt’s Valley of the Queens
- Extend your trip to Jordan or Alexandria
Itinerary
In Cairo, we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, then witness the majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, the monumental tombs of the pharaohs and their queens. Nearby, we'll visit the lion-bodied Great Sphinx, carved from the bedrock of the Giza Plateau.
We fly to Luxor, where the all-powerful Theban pharaohs built elaborate monuments in the valley of the Nile. We'll walk amid the stone columns of the stupendous Temple of Karnak and visit graceful Luxor Temple. In the Valley of the Kings, we explore magnificent tombs, including the grand Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's most famous female pharaoh. Embarking aboard our dahabiya, with its air-conditioned cabins, our five-day sail gives us access to lesser-visited sites as well as famed Nile-side temples including Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus. One evening, we enjoy a candlelit barbecue at Maniha Island, and on another, we moor at Cobania Island for a visit with villagers. At Aswan, we visit romantic Philae Temple, a pilgrimage site for thousands of years.
Our last visit is to Abu Simbel, the colossal temples of Ramses II, carved into cliff faces in the 12th century BC and still an imposing sight today. Depart on Day 11 via Cairo, or join one of our extensions.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, Easiest, according to our trip grading system. It is a cultural and archaeological adventure with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern land. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.
Review Trip Level Details
Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River (and please note: there is no heat aboard the L’Orient). From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.
Our home base for five nights is the 100-foot dahabiya L'Orient, a traditional Nile sailboat built at the end of the 19th century and completely refitted in 2003. She is air conditioned and has two decks and four double or twin cabins and one suite with private baths. The L'Orient is sail-powered only, but will use motor-boat assistance in cases of low wind. Public spaces on L'Orient include an interior lounge and a large shaded deck where meals are served. There are electrical outlets in the cabins for charging batteries. (You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter). Meals are on board the L'Orient. Bottled water is available on board as well as tea and coffee. A selection of imported wine and beer is available for purchase. There is no corkage fee for trip members who bring their own.
Client Testimonials
"One of our best of 8 Wilderness trips."
Ed K.
Palo Alto, CA
"Everything was just perfect! I couldn't have imagined a better trip. The food was amazing, the service, the guide, the group, the hotels, the boat, the pace, the sites, the villages, the Nile! Thank you so much for an incredible trip!"
Ginger P.
Boulder, CO
"I am still in shock and awe! It was truly a trip of a lifetime."
Jane K.
Portland, OR
"This was a wonderful experience in all aspects—the accommodations, the places visited, the pace, the people we met, the boat and crew...everything."
Mark R.
Boston, MA
"Did I say how much I loved the sailboat?"
Martha D.
Los Altos, CA
"The trip was a glorious combo of mind-boggling temples, sailing on the Nile, and lovely hotels, all with an interesting fun group."
Mary D.
Cloverdale, CA
"Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless."
Ruth M.
Kernersville, NC
"We had a fantastic time on the trip. So much history—and such great guides! Really enjoyed sailing on the dahabiya, a special way to see the Nile Valley."
Steve H.
Verona, WI
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.