NB-14 · Tour Package · 10 days
Luxury Dahabiya & Abu Simbel
This itinerary combines Egypt's essential Pharaonic sites with the refined experience of a boutique dahabiya sailing. It is designed for discerning clients seeking a higher standard of travel, blending private guided touring with premium accommodation and more intimate Nile access.
Quick answer
This is a 10-day luxury Egypt itinerary for private travelers. The route covers Cairo's key sites, Luxor, a 4-night boutique dahabiya cruise to Aswan, and an overnight stay at Abu Simbel. It is ideal for luxury advisors booking for couples or honeymooners. Nourbelle DMC operates all ground services, guiding, and logistics.
Key facts
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Starts and ends in Cairo
- Best for luxury private travel, couples, honeymooners
- Operated on a private basis for any number of clients
- 5-star luxury hotels and boutique dahabiya
- Private Egyptologist guide in most major languages
Program Overview
This 10-day "Luxury Dahabiya & Abu Simbel" tour package (NB-14) is meticulously crafted for discerning clients seeking an elevated Egyptian experience. It combines the timeless allure of Egypt's essential Pharaonic sites with the refined intimacy of a boutique dahabiya sailing. As a fully private itinerary, it ensures maximum flexibility and personal attention for your clients, blending expert-guided touring with premium accommodation and unique Nile access. This program caters perfectly to those demanding a higher standard of travel.
The journey begins in Cairo, exploring the iconic Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, before flying south to Luxor. From Luxor, clients embark on a luxurious dahabiya cruise, sailing at a more leisurely pace and allowing for unique shore excursions. This includes visiting sites from Esna to Edfu and Kom Ombo, before reaching Aswan. A highlight is an overnight stay at Abu Simbel, offering a superior, crowd-free experience of these magnificent temples. The program concludes with a flight back to Cairo for departure.
Operational & Trade Notes
Domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo) are essential components of this program and will be included in our net rates. Dahabiyas are exclusive, high-end sailing vessels with limited availability, typically featuring 6-12 cabins; therefore, early booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season. This private tour offers full flexibility, allowing for additional days in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, and hotel selections can be tailored to client preferences and budget. Popular extensions include Red Sea beach stays or multi-country combinations, perhaps exploring our Grand Egypt by Dahabiya or Egypt Complete: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel options for inspiration.
Plan This Program
Leverage Nourbelle DMC's expertise to craft the perfect Egyptian itinerary for your clients. We recommend exploring our other offerings like Pharaohs & Temples or checking our Nile cruise allotments for availability. To receive net rates for this NB-14 package or any bespoke requests, please request trade rates via our dedicated form, providing client numbers, travel dates, and desired hotel category.
Why this tour works for your clients
- Combines iconic sites with the exclusive, intimate pace of a boutique dahabiya.
- Operated on a fully private basis for maximum flexibility and personal attention.
- Includes an overnight stay at Abu Simbel for a superior, crowd-free experience.
- Logistically seamless, with all transfers, domestic flights, and expert guidance managed by Nourbelle.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Cairo
Arrival in Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) · Meet, assist, and visa processing support · Private transfer to hotel
The journey begins as your clients land at Cairo International Airport (CAI), where a uniformed Nourbelle representative greets them directly at the gate before they reach passport control. Our team expedites the visa formalities and assists with baggage claim, ensuring a swift airport experience. Once cleared, they are introduced to their professional driver for a private transfer in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle to their hotel. The remainder of the day is at their leisure. Behind the scenes, Nourbelle's operations team meticulously reconfirms the following day's arrangements, including guide and vehicle details, with the hotel concierge to guarantee a seamless start to their Egyptian exploration.
Meals: — · Overnight: Cairo
Day 2 · Cairo
Pyramids & Museum
Giza Plateau: Great Pyramids & Sphinx · Grand Egyptian Museum (or Egyptian Museum of Cairo) · Khan el-Khalili bazaar (time permitting)
Clients meet their private Egyptologist guide for a full-day tour starting at the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. The guide provides historical context away from the crowds where possible. The tour continues to the Grand Egyptian Museum, showcasing the treasures of ancient Egypt, including the Tutankhamun collection. We manage all entry tickets and logistics, allowing the guide to focus entirely on the client's experience. A visit to the historic Khan el-Khalili bazaar can be included if time and interest permit.
Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo
Day 3 · Cairo → Luxor
Flight to Luxor & East Bank Temples
Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor · Karnak Temple Complex · Luxor Temple
Following an early breakfast, we provide a private transfer to Cairo Airport for the domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, a Nourbelle representative and a new private vehicle will be waiting. After checking into the hotel, the afternoon tour begins on Luxor's East Bank. Clients will explore the vast Karnak Temple complex with their guide, followed by a visit to Luxor Temple, which is particularly atmospheric as evening approaches. We coordinate flight times and tour schedules to maximize comfort and sightseeing.
Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor
Day 4 · Luxor
West Bank & Dahabiya Embarkation
Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon · Embark on dahabiya
The day is dedicated to the West Bank of Luxor, the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Clients will visit the Valley of the Kings, exploring several tombs with their guide providing detailed explanations. The tour continues to the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the monumental Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, clients are transferred to Esna to board their boutique dahabiya. After settling into their cabin, they will enjoy lunch as the boat begins its gentle sail down the Nile. We ensure a smooth transition from the land tour to the Nile cruise component.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Dahabiya (West Bank)
Day 5 · Dahabiya: Esna → Edfu
Sailing to Edfu
Relaxed sailing day · Crossing the Esna Lock · Shore-side dinner (weather permitting)
This is a day of pure relaxation as the dahabiya sails south. The absence of an engine means clients experience the tranquility of the river, powered by the breeze. The small size of the vessel allows it to moor at peaceful, secluded islands and riverbanks inaccessible to larger ships. The onboard crew and private chef cater to the guests, serving freshly prepared meals on deck. This slower pace allows for an appreciation of the timeless rural landscapes along the Nile. The dahabiya will typically moor near a small village or island for the night.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Dahabiya (near Edfu)
Day 6 · Dahabiya: Edfu → Gebel el-Silsila
Edfu Temple & Gebel el-Silsila
Temple of Horus at Edfu · Gebel el-Silsila quarries
After breakfast, clients visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The visit is often by horse-drawn carriage. Back on board, the dahabiya continues its journey towards Gebel el-Silsila, a lesser-visited Pharaonic quarry site. Here, the boat can moor directly beside the small chapel of Horemheb. This exclusive stop allows for exploration of the quarries and shrines without the crowds found at major sites. Dinner is often served on the upper deck, offering views of the illuminated site.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Dahabiya (Gebel el-Silsila)
Day 7 · Dahabiya: Gebel el-Silsila → Aswan
Kom Ombo & Sailing to Aswan
Temple of Kom Ombo · Daraw camel market (time/day permitting) · Final sailing leg
The dahabiya sails to Kom Ombo to visit the unique twin temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. The guide will accompany the clients to explain the temple's symmetrical design and reliefs. Depending on the day of the week and schedule, a visit to the Daraw market may be possible, offering an authentic glimpse into local trade. The rest of the day is spent sailing the final stretch towards Aswan, navigating the beautiful scenery of the First Cataract. The boat moors for its final night at a quiet spot just north of the city.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Dahabiya (near Aswan)
Day 8 · Aswan → Abu Simbel
Aswan & Transfer to Abu Simbel
Disembarkation in Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple on Agilkia Island · Private road transfer to Abu Simbel
Clients enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Aswan. Their private guide and vehicle will be waiting to begin the day's touring. Visits include the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel of the modern era, and the beautiful Philae Temple, relocated to Agilkia Island. After the tour and lunch, we operate a private road transfer south across the desert to Abu Simbel (approximately 3 hours). After checking into their hotel, located near the temples, the evening is at leisure. This overnight stay is key to experiencing the site at sunrise.
Meals: B · Overnight: Abu Simbel
Day 9 · Abu Simbel → Aswan → Cairo
Abu Simbel & Flight to Cairo
Sunrise visit to the Temples of Abu Simbel · Private road transfer to Aswan Airport (ASW) · Domestic flight from Aswan to Cairo
An early start allows clients to witness sunrise at the two great rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. Visiting at this time provides the best light and avoids the peak heat and crowds from day-trip convoys. After the visit, they return to the hotel for breakfast before the private transfer back to Aswan Airport. From there, they take a domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, a Nourbelle vehicle provides a seamless transfer to their hotel for their final night in Egypt, with all luggage and logistics handled by our team.
Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo
Day 10 · Cairo
Final Departure
Private transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI)
On their final day, clients enjoy breakfast before their departure. Nourbelle operates a timely private transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI), precisely scheduled based on their flight details to allow for a stress-free experience. At the airport, a dedicated Nourbelle representative meets your clients to provide invaluable assistance. Our staff helps navigate the check-in counters and guides them through the passport control process, ensuring all formalities are handled smoothly and efficiently. This professional service provides a polished and reassuring conclusion to their tour, upholding the standard of care from arrival to the final farewell, completing all ground services operated by Nourbelle DMC.
Meals: B · Overnight: —
Meal basis: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Confirmed in your quote.
Included
- Meet and assist service at all airports upon arrival and departure.
- Private airport transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Accommodation for 9 nights as per the specified meal plan.
- All sightseeing tours on a private basis with a licensed Egyptologist guide.
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights in economy class (Cairo-Luxor, Aswan-Cairo).
- 4-night dahabiya cruise on a full-board basis.
- Bottled water during tours and transfers.
Not included
- International airfare.
- Entry visa for Egypt.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise crew.
- Beverages during meals (except on the dahabiya as specified).
- Optional tours or any items of a personal nature.
- Travel insurance.
Trade notes
- Domestic flights (usually Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo) are required and will be included in our net rates.
- Dahabiyas are small, high-end sailing boats with 6-12 cabins. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended, especially for peak season.
- As a private tour, the itinerary is fully flexible. Days can be added in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, and the hotel selection can be tailored to client preference and budget.
- Popular extensions include Red Sea beach stays in Hurghada or El Gouna, or a multi-country trip combined with Jordan or Morocco.
- To request net rates, please use the quote form on our website and include this tour code (NB-14), number of clients, travel dates, and preferred hotel category.
Price upon request — net rates are shown after your agency is approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a dahabiya and a standard Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a small, traditional sailing vessel, typically with 6-12 cabins, offering an intimate, quiet experience. It can dock in smaller, more exclusive locations. A standard cruise ship is much larger (50-70 cabins), engine-powered, and follows a more rigid, crowded schedule.
Can we choose a specific dahabiya boat?
Nourbelle contracts with a selection of high-quality dahabiyas. While you can state a preference, we propose the best available vessel that meets our standards for your client's specific travel dates and party size, as availability is very limited.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The most comfortable weather for touring is from October to April. The peak season is December-February. The summer months (June-August) are very hot, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan).
Is the road transfer from Aswan to Abu Simbel safe?
Yes, the transfer is conducted in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. The journey takes place on a well-maintained desert highway, often as part of a scheduled police-secured convoy, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.
