SAILING DOWN THE NILE
The world’s longest river and its extraordinary monuments…. the stunningly fertile valley and the barren beauty of the surrounding desert…. the light ….the heat…. the joy of slow travel in a fast world…. all add up to the main highlight of Egypt…
There isn’t a better feeling of sailing down the longest river in the world, where the Egyptian pharaohs lived and built their temples, the shores are lined with mango trees and date palms and the mountains of Thebes rise behind a narrow fertile strip of soil along the shore.
The experience of sailing the Nile on a dahabiya can fulfil a dream and is quite different from a cruise ship. The dahabiya experience is a both cultural and romantic. Float along and the only sound you’ll hear is the wind in the sails, locals laughing on the riverbank wishing you a happy journey.
Dahabiyas are river-going sailing ships which were common in Egypt in the early 1900’s when sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in comfort. They made their way down the Nile enjoying the river breeze when temperatures are very hot. There has been a revival of dahabiyas and you can now travel in modern comfort and are popular among those who wish to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to take in the tranquil landscapes, view the ancient treasures and life on the riverbank.
Travelling in this elegant ship of traditional design enables you to enjoy the rural landscapes, watch the spectacular sunsets while sipping a drink on the balcony or you can just relax in the lounge on deck and read a book. You will be able to sample delicious cuisine which is both European and Egyptian. En route you will stop at temples and tombs of enchant times, all in peace and quiet, so you can feel the spirituality of the ancient monuments.
The crew are all experienced sailors and will look after your every need.
The dahabiya accommodates 10 guests in four double cabins and one suite, all air-conditioned.
You will be with a small group so every beautiful temple can be visited at the right time of the day so you will enjoy an intimate experience.
The advantage of a dahabiya, it that it can moor in places where a cruise ship can’t, such as islands and villages along the bank. You will be able to take a walk through the village and observe the busy local village life. For the full experience, spend 4 nights on board to explore the ancient past of the River Nile.
Sailing on the Dahabiya from Luxor (Esna) to Aswan - 4 nights
4 NIGHTS
Day 1:
Travel to Esna
You board the ship on the Nile at Esna
Visit to the Temple of Khnum
Day 2:
Edfu
Visit to the Temple of Horus
Walking tour through the Wadi Shatt
Day 3:
Gebel el Silsila
Visit to the Temple
Kom Ombo
Visit to the Temple
Day 4:
Visit to the Camel Market
Stroll through the Souk
Day 5:
Aswan – disembark in the morning
Travel to the sights like the locals for an authentic experience by horse-drawn carriage or tuktuk. Each visit to the Temples will be accompanied by a Egyptologist guide.
For more information about this experience and others: https://sail-the-nile.com/