Celebrating the New Year On the Nile (10 Days)

The Pyramids of Giza are over 4500 years old. And the 3 pyramids on the plateau were built by pharoahs from within the same family – Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid took 20 years to complete by up to 20,000 workers.

The Sphinx – Mysteries Remain

The Sphinx remains one of the greatest mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Despite extensive and ongoing investigations and excavations, there is not a singe inscription or hint concerning its builder or the reason for its existence. There are of course many theories, but nothing tangible. It is an amazing monument rediscovered by Napoleons army.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the largest archaeological museum devoted to a single civilisation in the world and brings together the entire Tutankhamen collection. The museum was officially opened in November 2025 and is simply awe inspiring. The original foundation stone was laid in 2002 and the Ramses statue in the main auditorium was added and then the museum was built around it.

Its outstanding design is awe inspiring with views of the neighbouring Giza Plateau (2 kilometres away) and pyramids ever present as you wander its enormous expanse. It occupies a site of over 50 hectares (123 acres).

Transfer and overnight – the second night at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel or equivalent

B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Saqqara 

The Saqqara area is the most researched archaeological site in Egypt with recent excavations uncovering new tombs previously unknown. We will take you into a recently discovered tomb to show you the amazing tomb wall decorations of ancient Egypt. Saqqara was the site where pyramid building began and the stepped pyramid was the first stone building ever constructed in the world 140 years before the Giza Pyramids. It has 400 chambers underneath it.

Islamic Cairo – The Citadel

The Citadel is a medieval Islamic-era fortification and it became the seat of government in Egypt for nearly 700 years from the 13th century. The Citadel was constructed between 1176–1183.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the most visible mosque and landmark in Cairo. The mosque functions not only as a place of worship, but also contained offices and tombs.

The Valley of the Kings    Perhaps the most the most famous site in Egypt is the Valley of the Kings. The Valley is where rock-cut tombs were excavated for pharaohs in the New Kingdom. It was an acknowledgement that pyramids for pharaohs had not saved them from tomb robbers. It is the only place where an intact tomb of a pharaoh was ever found (Tutankhamen).

The Temple of Hatshebut  Queen Hatshepsut’s temple was built to tell her life story and to assert her power. She is recognised as a pharaoh who asserted her authority as a leading figure in her own right and in a male dominated hereditary line. Her images often show her wearing a beard – an intriguing figure in ancient Egypt. Today you will also visit the Colossi of Memnon.

Karnak and Luxor

The Great Temples of Karnak and Luxor
Karnak is an ancient Egyptian temple precinct located on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor. It covers more than 100 hectares, and is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries that were built, rebuilt and expanded by many pharoahs of ancient Egypt.

Transfer to your Dahabiyya and overnight – the first of 5 nights.  B L D Included

All day sailing to Esna after passing the locks.  Today is you choice to relax and enjoy gliding over the Nile.  And the vistas from the Dahabiyya shows rural Egypt and reflects a history farmers tilling the land.  The spa on board is a great way to relax and the attention of the crew to your comfort and with great food makes for a wonderful experience.

The second of 5 nights on the Dahabiyya.

B L D Included

We continue to the ruins of El Kab, one of Egypt’s oldest cities and Edfu to visit the temple of Horus.

Overnight we moor off Fawaza Island where we enjoy an Egyptian barbeque prepared by the onboard chef.

The third of 5 nights on the Dahabiyya.

B L D Included

We sail onto Gebel El Silsila where the stones for the temples in Egypt were quarried. This is a site where the stones harvested built many temples and likely for pyramid construction as well.
The site is a very tangible link to the growth of Egypt. After the tour we continue southwards for overnight on an island just before Kom Ombo.

The fourth of 5 nights on the Dahabiyya. B L D Included

Kombo Ombo temple  was built in 119 BCE and was built by Ptolemy VI. It was dedicated to two Gods, Horus and Sobek, but primarily to Sobek, the crocodile God. After the visit we continue sailing towards Aswan for an overnight stay an our special New Year’s Eve dinner on board.

New Year Celebrations on the Hadeel

On this evening the Hadeel, is moored in Aswan. New Year’s Eve on the Hadeel is quite a unique and memorable experience—elegant, relaxed, and with a special charm. And you are able to see and hear the festivities at Aswan where the crowds have gathered. An evening where you comfort, enjoyment and fun is our priority.

Celebrating the New Year in a Unique Way

The crew have been busily preparing for this evening with a wonderful and special banquet as well as planning for the live entertainment. This consists of Tanoura shows (traditional dancing and singing) as well as belly dancers. The Hadeel is decked out with festive lights and decorations and memorable start to the New Year that you will remember for life.

The fifth of 5 nights on the Dahabiyya.  B L D Included

This morning we visit the Philae Temple Complex:  According to the legend, Philae is the place where Isis found the heart of Osiris. It was a place of great religious significance in Egyptian history and attracted pilgrims from all over the ancient world

Transfer and overnight  at the Cairo Marriot (Nile River)   B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel prior to your departure.

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout: Checkout times can be discussed with the hotel but are typically between 11 am and noon.

Optional  – Last Minute Shopping

Depending on your departure time, you may have an opportunity to relax or enjoy a shopping experience at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Transfers and Flights: You will transfer to Cairo International Airport for your ongoing journey.

End of Tour