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.

display information about this photo

In the Wake of Cleopatra

Sailing by Dahabiya to the Temples of the Nile

In the Wake of Cleopatra route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $5995   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 1 lunch and 3 dinners
Activity: Walking, Cultural Adventures, Archaeology, River Cruises, Small Boat & Yacht Cruising
Trip Level: Cultural exploration and walking tours
1p explain

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.
Email Area Manager

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.

Email Area Manager

Departure Notes

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

Resources

The River Nile by sail! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring the Nile by dahabiya, a private two-masted river yacht that holds just 12 passengers and hearkens back to a nostalgic and elegant era of travel. With our expert Egyptologist by our side, we sail the river from Luxor to Aswan, discovering the great Pharaonic monuments that abound in this legendary river valley and exploring fascinating out-of-the-way sites little visited by other travelers, including Nile villages where we experience a timeless way of life. The great sites of Cairo, the breathtaking royal tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, and the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel—they’re all on this ultimate odyssey amid the eternal wonder that is ancient Egypt.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-3
Cairo and the Great Pyramids

The Great Pyramids at Giza epitomize the mystery of ancient Egypt. We explore these wondrous tombs of the Pharaohs, then visit the lion-headed Sphinx, ancient Memphis, and the necropolis at Sakkara. At the Egyptian Museum, we feast our eyes on the treasures of young King Tut, including his famous mask of solid gold—the icon of Egypt.

Day 4
Luxor / Karnak Temple

In Luxor, ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom capital, we visit stupendous Karnak, with its forest of stone columns, and the Luxor temple, a strikingly graceful piece of architecture on the banks of the Nile.

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

Across the Nile from Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter made his epic discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. We explore the amazing tombs and mortuary temples of the valley, including the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which merges with the sheer limestone cliffs as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument. At Esna, with its Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum, we embark aboard our dahabiya, which can navigate not only on the main river but also in the maze of canals along its banks. This allows us to visit lesser-known sites such as El-Kaab, home of Nekbet, the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt, along with famed Nile-side temples including Edfu, the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, and Kom Ombo, on a high dune overlooking the Nile. Along the way, we enjoy a barbecue and a picnic at beautiful spots, and one evening, we moor at Cobania Island for a visit with local villagers.

Days 10-12
Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo

We disembark and fly to Abu Simbel to see the colossal Nile-side temples of Ramses, carved into cliff faces in the 12th century BC. After exploring Cairo’s fascinating Coptic sites including the old Fortress of Babylon, depart on Day 12, or join our Alexandria or Jordan Extension.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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

Oct 2-13, 2013
Dec 18-29, 2013
Jan 15-26, 2014
Feb 12-23, 2014
Mar 12-23, 2014

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$5995 (10-12 members)
$6395 (8-9 members)
$6695 (6-7 members)
Single supplement (hotels only): $1090
Single supplement (boat only): $995 limited availability
Forced single supplement (hotel and boat): $1290
Internal airfare: $590 (subject to change)
Lazuli III Suite cabin upgrade: $500 for the cabin
High season surcharge (Apr & Dec): $200 per person more on pricing

Extension Costs
Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum Extension
   from: $2695
Alexandria Extension
   from: $995

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations
  • All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • Land transportation, baggage handling, and airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, visas, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, 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
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Mena House Oberoi

Mena House Oberoi

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

Originally built as a royal hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail, ruler of Egypt from 1863 to 1879, the Mena House was bought and converted into a hotel ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Sonesta St. George

Sonesta St. George

Day 4 (1 night), Luxor, Egypt

Overlooking the Nile on its East Bank in Luxor, the Sonesta St. George’s sweeping terrace is a relaxing place to watch feluccas as the sun ...
Click here for full description and more photos

<em>Lazuli III</em>

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 120-foot Lazuli III is the perfect vessel for observing ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos

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.

Optional Extensions

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

Egypt

alexandria

Alexandria Extension

Crossroads of the Ancient World

Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

Jordan

Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum Extension

Ancient Desert Fortresses, Lost Cities, Fabled Wadi Rum

Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
7 days  -  Level 2

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 Did I say how much I loved the sailboat? Martha D., Los Altos, CA One of our best of 8 Wilderness trips. Ed K., Palo Alto, CA