Immersive Escape
House of Ra
Nile cruise, Luxor & Aswan
8 days, 7 nights
from September to May
Start 1600 € per person
Immersive
cruise on the Nile
Embark on the iconic Nile Sailing boat, the Dahabiya, for an authentic and off-the-beaten path cruise. This timeless journey will take you from Luxor to Aswan, unveiling the most magnificent temples of ancient Egypt. You will also visit pharaonic sites and villages that are accessible only by your sailboat, far from the typical tourist paths, and meet the local population living along the banks of the Nile.
As the Nile reveals its secrets, the sun god “Ra” guides your days, illuminating your inner journey and discoveries in this ancient land, known as “a gift of the Nile.
- The escape is composed of 2 days/nights of sightseeing in Luxor and 5 days cruise on the boat.
- Small group escape, accompanied (between 8 and 20 people).
- Available in French language from September to May
- Available in English language for private group only, on demand, minimum 4 people
the program
the program
the program
Highlights
The House of Ra is an authentic and immersive Nile cruise designed to explore Egypt “differently,” off the beaten path and close to its traditions and culture.
- Iconic visits with egyptologist : Valley of the kings, Karnak, Edfu, Philae, Abu Simbel…
- Meet with locals and stroll through Egyptian villages
- Sailing the Nile
- Sharing moments on the boat with your group
Day to day
Day 1 - Saturday, arrival in Luxor
- Arrival in Luxor
- Transfer to the hotel (Pavillon hotel Luxor 5*)
- Free evening in Luxor *
*we recommend taking a walk around Luxor and along the Corniche. Luxor is an open-air museum. If your schedule allows, visit the Luxor Temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes at sunset (10 minutes on foot from your hotel) - Night in Pavillon hotel 5* Luxor
Day 2 - Sunday, Karnak and Edfu temples, board your dahabiya
- Sunrise hot air balloon (Optional)
- Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with your Egyptologist guide and group
- Visit the Temple of Karnak, the domain of the God Amun, the largest religious complex of antiquity
- Head to Edfu by bus (1.5-hour drive) to visit the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God
- Board your Dahabiya boat and enjoy lunch in the afternoon.
- First evening onboard.
Day 3 - Monday, sailing and stroll in traditional villages along the bank of the Nile
- Morning of sailing
- Enjoy a beautiful walk in Ramadi around the marsh and through the fields, meeting farmers working in their alfalfa, sugar cane, and date palm fields.
- Return on board, then after lunch or at the end of the day, take a stroll through the charming village of Bassaw.
- Overnight stay in Bassaw or at the foot of the Speos of Horemheb (depending on the possibilities at the time).
- Night on board
Day 4 - Tuesday, quarries of jebel Silsileh
- Gentle sailing between Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Stops in villages near the palm groves to meet the locals.
- A walk (about 2 hours) in the quarries of Gebel Silsileh, the most important sandstone quarries of ancient Egypt, which were used to build the main temples of Egypt.
- Overnight stop near the village of Manih.
- Traditional night on board
Day 5 - Wednesday, Kom Ombo
- Sailing to the site of Kom Ombo.
- Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo: Unique in the country, this temple is dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.
- Head to the largest livestock market in the region: the Daraw market, known for the trade of camels and dromedaries.
- Night on board
Day 6 - Thursday, Aswan and Temple of ISIS, goddess of love
- (Optional visit to the Abu Simbel temple – early departure by bus at 3 AM, visit the Abu Simbel temple for 3 hours between 7 AM and 10 AM – return to Aswan around 2 PM to continue the day’s activities, optional activity costing around €100 per person)
- Boat ride to Aswan, the gateway to Nubia and the former stronghold of the Kingdom of Upper Egypt.
- Local lunch in Aswan
- Afternoon visit to the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island: a temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Isis, saved from the waters by UNESCO in the 1960s.
- Dinner and night on the boat
Day 7 - End of the cruise, back to Luxor, visit of the West bank
- Early morning departure from the boat for the return to Luxor (1.5-hour journey by bus).
- Visit the famous Valley of the Kings with its 63 tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom.
- Visit to the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch on the west bank of Luxor.
- Free evening at the hotel.
- Night in hotel 5* Pavillon winter
Day 8 - Saturday, departure
- Last breakfast in your hotel in Luxor and check out
- Airport transfer
- End of the escape House of Ra , flight back home or extension in Egypt
Your hotel in Luxor
Pavillon Winter Luxor
The 5-star Pavillon Hotel in Luxor is an elegant extension of the famous and legendary Winter Palace, built in 1886 by British authorities to accommodate tourists and dignitaries visiting Egypt. Nestled in the heart of the Palace’s lush gardens, the Pavillon offers a haven of peace and modern comfort while preserving the historic charm and refinement of its grand predecessor.
With its spacious and well-appointed rooms, breathtaking views of the Nile or the gardens, and privileged access to the luxury facilities of the Winter Palace, the Pavillon is the perfect place to explore the wonders of Luxor while enjoying a relaxing and sophisticated stay.
About the Hotel
- Spacious, elegantly decorated rooms
- Stunning views of the Nile or lush gardens
- Rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- 24-hour reception, room service, and concierge
- Outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens
- Access to the luxury facilities of the Winter Palace
- Breakfast included (buffet)
Your boat
Our
Dahabiya
Dahabiya comes from ‘Dhahab’ in Arabic, which means ‘Gold.’ It is the iconic wooden boat of the Nile with its white sails. These boats were particularly popular in the 19th century and were considered intimate alternatives to the large steamships that plied the Nile at that time. They were often used by the elite and wealthy travelers seeking a more tranquil and personalized experience. The reference to ‘gold’ in the name might reflect the color or decoration of some of them during a given period.
A Dahabiya cruise on the Nile is an invitation to experience the river in an authentic, peaceful, and intimate way while discovering the historical and cultural richness of Egypt.
About the Dahabiya
- Small group travel (10 to 20 participants)
- Intimacy and peaceful atmosphere
- Eco-friendliness
- Authenticity
- Access to less crowded sites
- Interaction with locals
Amenities
Your Dahabiya is a boat with two large wooden sails and a flat bottom, featuring a double deck. The upper deck is a true floating terrace designed for relaxation, yoga, and contemplation amidst the rural life along the Nile banks.
Equiped with solar panels and a generator, electricity is available most of the time.
More details
- A team ensures service and security on board
- Double cabins with private shower and toilet, dressing room, and a window overlooking the Nile
- Towels and toiletries provided, daily room service
- Indoor lounges
- Sun deck with sunbeds, and a hammock
- Lounge, dining area, and bar space
- Kitchen with a private chef
Food
During our journey, our boat’s chef will prepare the typical specialties of the country. All products are seasonal and bought daily from local markets or caught by Nile fishermen. Everything is prepared under good hygiene conditions, with water filtered through a purification system. Three meals a day are served on board throughout your stay. Please notify us in case of allergies or specific dietary requirements.
More details
- Typical specialties
- Local seasonal produce
- 3 meals a day
- Snacks between meals and for the visits
- Unlimited drinks: Tea, coffee, herbal teas, bottled water
- Drinks for purchase: Fruit juices, beers, wine (priced from €2 to €5, to be paid on-site).
ready to escape ?
ready to escape ?
ready to escape ?
Practical
informations
Good to know
- Language: French or English
- Mixed stay accessible to all
- Organized small group trip (between 10 and 20 people)
- French or English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- 2 nights at the Pavillon Hotel Luxor, 5 nights aboard the Dahabiya
Included
- Price per person based on two adults sharing
- 5 nights Stay in a twin/double shared cabin on the Dahabiya.
- 2 nights Stay in a twin/double shared room on the hotel in Luxor.
- 3 meals per day + hot drinks and water.
- Airport transfers and welcome (arrival and departure)
- All other transfers during the stay.
- Cultural visits with an Egyptologist.
- Entrance ticket to cultural sites.
- Tour guide Egyptologist speaking FR/EN/AR
Not included
- International flights
- Individual travel insurance
- Entry visa to Egypt
[Dunya assists and guides you on these points] - Single cabin or room supplement (€…)
- Upgrade stay in the Winter Palace in Luxor (€…)
- Internet card (€15). No wifi on board
- Paid beverages (alcohol and soda)
- Tips: approximately €50 per person for the week
- Private hot air balloon ride (approximately €100 per person)
- Abu simbel temple (approximately €100 per person)
An immersive cruise
on the Nile
From
1600 €
If this escape inspires you to explore more of Egypt, Dunya can assist you in organizing an extension before or after your cruise. Egypt offers a multitude of beautiful places to discover, such as the Red Sea, Cairo and the pyramids, Fayoum, Siwa Oasis, white desert and many more. For more information, contact the Dunya team at the following address: info@dunya-escapes.com.
