egypt private nile tour; nile river yachts

A dahabiya is a Nile River yacht

A private Nile sailing yacht transports us in nostalgic style—by sail—as we visit islands, explore villages, and sense the mystery of ancient Egypt. Our journey ranges from the Great Pyramids to the epic Valley of the Kings.

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $6295   see pricing
Length: 12 days
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Cairo, Egypt
Lodging: 6 nights 5-star hotels, 5 nights aboard yacht with air-conditioned cabins describe
Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Activity: Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Cultural exploration and walking tours
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Highlights

  • Sail aboard a 12-passenger dahabiya for an intimate exploration of the Nile
  • Discover magnificent temples from Luxor to Aswan
  • Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Great Pyramids at Giza
  • Grand Nile-side temples at Abu Simbel
  • Expert Egyptologist Trip Leader


Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless.Ruth M.—Kernersville, NC

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Special Photo Expedition Departure

Please note we are offering a special In the Wake of Cleopatra Photo Expedition, with Dan Heller, December 22, 2010-January 2, 2011.

The River Nile by sail! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring by dahabiya, the traditional two-masted yacht of the Nile, which holds just 12 passengers. Navigating under sail, we discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt that line this legendary river valley from Luxor to Aswan, as well as fascinating out-of-the-way sites little visited by other travelers. Ours is a cultural and historical Nile experience, including behind the scenes visits to isolated villages where we meet the local people. Our sailboat harkens back to a nostalgic and elegant era of travel, yet has all of the modern comforts. The great sites of Cairo and the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel round out this ultimate traveler’s odyssey amid the wonder that is ancient Egypt.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Cairo and the Great Pyramids

The Great Pyramids at Giza epitomize the mystery of ancient Egypt. We explore these wondrous tombs, then visit the lion-headed Sphinx, ancient Memphis, and the necropolis at Sakkara. At the Egyptian Museum, we find the fascinating treasures of young King Tutankhamen, including his famous mask of solid gold.

Day 4
Luxor / Karnak Temple

Flying to Luxor, we visit stupendous Karnak, with its forest of stone columns, and the graceful Luxor Temple on the banks of the Nile.

Days 5-9
Valley of the Kings / Sailing the Nile

After exploring the Valley of the Kings, we board our private dahabiya (meaning “golden boat,” as they were once the preserve of the royals) to sail the Nile and visit famed temples including Edfu and Kom Ombo. Dahabiyas have a shallow draft, so they can navigate not only on the main river but also the maze of small channels, allowing us to visit lesser-known sites and enjoy barbecues and picnics at beautiful spots, as well as an island mooring for a village visit.

Days 10-12
Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo

We disembark at Aswan and fly to Abu Simbel to see the colossal Nile-side temples of Ramses, built in the 12th century BC. Our final day is in Cairo, exploring the Coptic sites. Depart on Day 12, or join our Alexandria or Petra & Dead Sea Extension (see page 30).

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern civilization. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Oct 13-24, 2010  Mohamed Ossama
Feb 16-27, 2011  Mohamed Ossama
Mar 16-27, 2011  Ahmed Ali
Nov 23-Dec 4, 2011  Ahmed Ali
Dec 21, 2011-Jan 1, 2012  Mohamed Ossama
Jan 18-29, 2012  Mohamed Ossama
Feb 15-26, 2012  Ahmed Ali
Mar 14-25, 2012  Mohamed Ossama
Apr 4-15, 2012  Ahmed Ali

*Special Holiday Departures:
Dec 2011-Jan 2012, call for details

Special Photo Expedition
with Dan Heller & Trip Leader Ahmed Ali
Dec 22, 2010-Jan 2, 2011

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2011
$6295 (11-12 members)
$6495 (8-10 members)
$6995 (6-7 members)
Single supplement (hotel only): $1180
Single supplement (boat only): $995
Internal airfare: $510 (subject to change)
Lazuli III Suites: $500 cabin upgrade (2 suites)
*Special Holiday departures: from $6695
Special Photo Expedition: from $6395

Extension Costs
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension
   from: $2695
Alexandria Extension
   from: $790

more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • accommodations
  • meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure, including welcome and farewell dinners; bottled water
  • land transportation, airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure, and baggage handling

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, visas, meals not specified at the end of each itinerary day, travel insurance, airfare or airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, cost of medical immunizations (if any), and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic and other beverages, laundry, etc.), camera fees at certain sites (approx. $2.50 per site).

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $500
180 days prior to departure: 50% of tour cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $500
61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of tour cost
60 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Mena House Oberoi

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Giza, Egypt

People love this place for a compelling reason—it’s literally right across from the Pyramids. When you look out your hotel room window, ...
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Sonesta St. George

Day 4 (1 night), Luxor, Egypt

We enjoy a new standard of luxury at the Sonesta St. George on the East Bank of Luxor, a relaxing location to watch feluccas as the sun sets on the ...
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Lazuli III

Days 5 to 9 (5 nights), Nile River, Egypt

A traditional Nile sailboat of the style built at the end of the 19th century, the Lazuli III is the perfect vessel for observing life ...
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Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Cairo, Egypt

Located on the Nile at its widest point and within walking distance to the famous Egyptian Museum, the Nile Plaza offers beautiful guest rooms and ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

Ahmed Ali

Departure Dates: March 16-27, 2011, November 23-December 4, 2011, February 15-26, 2012, April 4-15, 2012

Ahmed Ali, born and raised in Cairo, graduated from Cairo University in 1989 with a BA in Ancient Near East History and Biblical Studies. He went on to receive an additional degree in Ancient Egyptian History and Archaeology from Helwan University. Ahmed loves the profession of Trip Leader because ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Mohamed Ossama

Departure Dates: October 13-24, 2010, February 16-27, 2011, December 21, 2011-January 1, 2012, January 18-29, 2012, March 14-25, 2012

Mohamed Ossama was born in Cairo, where he resides today with his wife and daughter. He attended Helwan University, graduating with a specialty in Egyptology, and has been an Egyptologist guide since 1995. Mohamed is closely associated with St. Olaf College in Minnesota and its intensive ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Client Comments

Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless. Ruth M., Kernersville, NC The small boat is perfect for the Nile. Janna L., Santa Cruz, 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
I am still in shock and awe! It was truly a trip of a lifetime. Jane K., Portland, OR