Queen Nefer Dahabiya

Your journey on Queen Nefer Dahabiya starts with a 9:00 AM morning pickup from your chosen address in Aswan. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the crew and settle in on board before the dahabiya begins its gentle sailing. Shortly after, stop at a quiet island for a relaxing countryside walk. Lunch is served on the sundeck as the Nile scenery unfolds, then you’ll head to Kom Ombo Temple, the distinctive twin sanctuary honoring Sobek and Haroeris, beautifully positioned above the river. Later, continue sailing toward Gebel El Silsila, famed for the sandstone quarries that supplied stone for many of Egypt’s great temples.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Gebel El Silsila

After breakfast, go ashore at Gebel El Silsila to discover its carved chapels and surviving temple remains, including monuments associated with Seti I and Ramesses II. Back on board, sail north while watching daily life along the banks as fishermen and farmers begin their morning routines. Arrive at Edfu to visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god; inside, the sanctuary walls display sacred inscriptions that make the temple feel like a stone-carved archive. In the evening, sail onward to El Fawaz Island, where dinner is enjoyed around a campfire beneath a star-filled sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board at El Fawaz Island

Begin with a leisurely cruise to El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt and known in antiquity as Nekheb. Explore the rock-cut tombs and temple remains tucked into the cliffs, then return to Queen Nefer Dahabiya to continue the unhurried sail toward Esna. Along the way, take in palm-fringed shores, rural villages, and the calm rhythm of the river. Your final night on board is spent enjoying a relaxed dinner and the warm hospitality of the crew.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Esna

Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the cruise concludes in Esna. After disembarkation, a private transfer will take you to any address in Luxor, about one hour away (approximately 45 km), bringing your dahabiya voyage to a smooth and comfortable finish.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Not included

Your Queen Nefer Dahabiya experience begins with a 9:00 AM pickup from any address in Luxor, then travel south to Esna (around 50 km) to board the dahabiya and meet the friendly, professional crew. Start with a guided visit to the Temple of Khnum, set 9 meters below the modern street level, and continue with time to browse Esna’s colorful local markets. Sailing then begins, with your first stop at El Kab, the ancient city of Nekheb, where you’ll explore temple ruins and cliff-cut tombs with impressive decorations. At sunset, the boat anchors near a small island in Quessia, and dinner is served on the sundeck or on the riverbank under the night sky.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Quessia

Following breakfast, sail onward toward Edfu through ever-changing landscapes that shift between desert stretches and lush palm groves. In Edfu, visit the grand Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved sanctuaries and once a center for major ceremonies and falcon worship. Reach the site by horse-drawn carriage through the lively streets of town. Later, continue sailing to Wadi El Shat, where you’ll take a walk through quiet villages and surrounding desert scenery. The evening is spent anchored beside a tranquil island, with dinner served either on board or by the peaceful riverside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Wadi El Shat

Start the day sailing to Gebel El Silsila, where the Nile narrows and ancient sandstone quarries once supplied building material for Egypt’s most celebrated temples. Visit the rock-cut chapels linked to Seti I, Ramesses II, and Horemheb, and walk through the historic quarry area. Lunch is served on the sun deck as you continue to Kom Ombo to explore the famous double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, set on a striking curve of the river. In the evening, anchor at Maniha for a special dinner gathered around a campfire on the riverbank.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board at Maniha

This morning, sail to Daraw, historically known as the final major station for camel caravans arriving from Sudan after a 40-day desert crossing. Visit the camel market and stroll through the active village streets to observe local life up close. Continue the cruise toward El Koubania, a Nubian village near Aswan celebrated for its citrus and mango gardens. Spend the afternoon unwinding on board as the river slows and the desert edges closer, then enjoy your final dinner on the dahabiya accompanied by the gentle sounds of the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in El Koubania, Aswan

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark in Aswan, marking the end of your Queen Nefer Dahabiya cruise. A transfer will take you to any address you choose within Aswan, as you depart with lasting memories of temples, villages, and serene Nile landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Not included