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Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Meals
11B · 9L · 8D
Accommodation
Family Hotels & Private Dahabiya
Pace
Family-Paced & Immersive
Recommended Ages
Ages 6 & Above
Accessibility
Limited at Some Sites
Walking
Avg. 2–3 Miles / Day
Best Season
Oct – May
Good To Know
Pricing Notice
The prices displayed on this website are provided as a guideline only and should not be considered final quotations. The final trip price may vary depending on several factors, including your travel dates and season, group size, hotel and room category, meal plan, availability, and any additional services or special requests. Please contact Cometra Travel for a personalized quotation based on your specific travel requirements. All prices are subject to final confirmation. A booking is considered confirmed only after a written quotation has been accepted and the required deposit has been received.
Travel TipsLife Aboard a DahabiyaA Dahabiya is a small, traditional sailing boat — usually no more than 8 to 12 cabins — quieter and slower than a large Nile cruise ship, moving mostly under sail rather than engine power. Families get more deck space per cabin, a more personal crew, and a noticeably gentler pace on the river. Family PacingEach day builds in free time back at the hotel or on board rather than stacking sites back to back, so children get a real rest between visits. A private guide experienced with children travels with the family throughout the Cairo and Aswan legs. Walking & AccessibilitySome sites involve walking on uneven terrain, sandy paths, rocky surfaces, or stairs. If you normally use a walking cane or other mobility aid, we recommend bringing it with you for added comfort. Comfort During VisitsDuring guided visits, there may be times when you will stand while listening to your guide, wait for transportation, or queue at attractions. If standing for extended periods is uncomfortable, we recommend bringing a lightweight foldable chair or informing Cometra in advance so we can assist where possible. We'd also suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes, packing a sun hat, and dressing for the day's activities — especially when visiting sandy or desert areas. Stay HydratedAs we spend much of the day exploring, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle. Refill stations are available in many locations, helping you stay hydrated while supporting sustainable travel.
Standard:
At Cometra, luxury is personal. Our journeys are carefully crafted, yet never intended to be restrictive. If you are drawn to an itinerary but would prefer a different style of accommodation, a higher or more considered level of comfort, or simply a different way of experiencing the journey, we are happy to tailor it around you. Whether you wish to retain the itinerary as designed or refine it with your preferred hotels, services and travel style, our team will be delighted to create a bespoke version that feels entirely your own.
Read our full Essential Travel Information guide. Trip OverviewTwelve days, one country, told at sailing pace — Cairo's monuments first, then Aswan, then a private Dahabiya carrying the family north to Luxor under sail. Nile Dahabiya Experience is COMETRA's slowest, most intimate family introduction to ancient Egypt — twelve days that open in Cairo, travel south to Aswan by air, and close with a four-night sail aboard a private Dahabiya, a small traditional boat that trades a big cruise ship's engine and crowds for sail power and a handful of cabins. The journey begins with two full days in Cairo: the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with a camel ride across the plateau, Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser, and the Grand Egyptian Museum's complete Tutankhamun collection, before a short flight south to Aswan. Two more days there bring Philae Temple reached by boat, the Unfinished Obelisk, and an optional Nubian dinner, with an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, before boarding the Dahabiya in Aswan — home for the days ahead. The sail north calls at Kom Ombo, the sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila, Edfu, and Esna, before docking in Luxor. Two final days on land bring Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, and a donkey ride between the fields of the West Bank. Ask which they loved more — the camel ride at Giza or watching the sail catch wind for the first time — and most children can't decide. Trip HighlightsTwelve moments that turn a slow, sail-powered family trip into the complete story of ancient Egypt.
Day by DayTrip GalleryA glimpse of the landscapes, details, and moments that make this journey unforgettable. Trip Route MapThe journey opens in Cairo with Giza, Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then flies south to Aswan. The Dahabiya sails downstream from Aswan to Luxor at its own unhurried pace, calling at Kom Ombo, Gebel Silsila, Edfu and Esna along the way, with an optional excursion to Abu Simbel before embarkation — a slower, sail-powered version of COMETRA's Nile cruise routes, timed for a relaxed twelve days that works well for families.
Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Gebel Silsila → Edfu → Esna → Luxor
ExtensionsTwelve days, however full, is still a chosen slice of a country that rewards more time than any itinerary can hold. Upon request, we build pre- and post-trip extensions around your dates — shaped by where your journey starts, where it ends, and what's calling to you beyond it. Pre-Trip ExtensionArrive a night or two before Day 1 and Cairo stops being a blur between flights. A day trip to Alexandria trades the desert for the Mediterranean coast; a private evening at the Sphinx Sound & Light Show puts Giza's monuments in a different kind of light entirely; or simply take the extra night to let jet lag settle before the itinerary asks anything of the family. Tell us what you're drawn to, and we'll build the days around it. Post-Trip ExtensionThe itinerary ends in Luxor, and it's a good place to slow down before flying home. Trade temples for a few unhurried days on the Red Sea coast at Hurghada, a short flight away, with time on the beach and an easy snorkeling excursion for the family. However you'd like to close the journey, we'll shape it around you. Pricing for extensions varies by season, hotel category, and length of stay. Please contact our team at info@cometra.net to discuss possible pre- or post-trip extensions and receive full costing details.
Optional ExcursionsA few extra experiences worth adding, if the family has the appetite for them. This is a standard section included across all Cometra Travel trip plans, featuring excursions available at an additional cost. Your final itinerary may already include one or more of these experiences, depending on the services and arrangements confirmed in your final agreement with Cometra Travel. Any excursion included in your confirmed itinerary will therefore be considered part of your trip, even if it appears in this section. Prices shown are indicative only and may vary depending on several factors, including the number of participants, season, and the style or level of service selected. For the most accurate pricing and availability, please contact Cometra Travel. Each excursion includes the associated arrangements and expenses, including private transportation, an expert guide, entrance fees, gratuities, and applicable taxes, unless otherwise specified. Hot Air Balloon Flight, Luxor (Ages 12+)
Rise before dawn for a hot-air balloon flight over Luxor, ascending gently above the Nile as the first light of day washes the ancient landscape in gold. From the quiet of the sky, watch the Valley of the Kings, temple ruins and fertile fields emerge below, with the Nile winding between the desert and green riverbanks. As the sun climbs higher, the monumental scale of ancient Thebes reveals itself from an extraordinary perspective — an unforgettable moment of stillness, beauty and discovery. Touch down after this serene flight and toast the morning with a refreshing drink before returning to your hotel, carrying with you a rare view of Luxor as few ever experience it.
Guide Price: $140 per person
Nubian-Style Dinner, Aswan
Glide by private motorboat through the Nile's gentle cataracts and sheltered islands, where timeless Nubian landscapes unfold around you and every turn offers a striking view. Step ashore in a riverside village and leave the familiar tourist paths behind, walking deeper into the community to discover a more intimate side of Nubian life. As evening settles over the Nile, join a local family in their home for an unhurried encounter with Nubian culture, traditions and warm hospitality. Share stories over a lovingly prepared homemade dinner, discovering the flavors and customs that have shaped life along this stretch of the river for generations. Then, beneath the evening sky, return by boat to your hotel, carrying with you a genuine connection to Nubia.
Guide Price: $40 per person
Calèche Ride, Luxor
Set out by traditional horse-drawn calèche through Luxor's lively streets and quieter neighbourhoods, experiencing the city at a relaxed, unhurried pace. Pass local markets, historic buildings and everyday scenes of life along the Nile, with time to pause for photographs and discover a side of Luxor beyond its ancient monuments. Enjoy the gentle rhythm of the horses and the charm of this timeless mode of transport before returning to your hotel or cruise, carrying a taste of authentic Luxor and its everyday life.
Guide Price: $35 per person
Visit Abu Simbel by Bus
Leave Aswan in the early morning with a freshly prepared breakfast box for the journey south through the Nubian desert. After around 3.5 hours on the road, arrive at Abu Simbel to explore the magnificent temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, carved into the desert and overlooking Lake Nasser. Take time to admire their colossal façades, richly decorated halls and remarkable ancient stories before beginning the return journey to Aswan. Arrive back around lunchtime, with the afternoon free to relax and enjoy your hotel or continue your Nile experience.
Guide Price: $130 per person
Visit Abu Simbel by Flight
Rise early and take a short flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel, watching the vast Nubian desert unfold beneath you. Explore the magnificent temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, carved into the cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser, and discover their monumental façades, richly decorated chambers and enduring stories. Enjoy a leisurely return flight to Aswan, arriving with the rest of the day free to relax, explore or continue your Nile experience.
$500 per person (based on flight costs and availability)
Extra Felucca Sail
Step aboard a traditional felucca and let the Nile set the pace as you sail gently beneath the Egyptian sun. With nothing but the whisper of the wind in the canvas and the rhythm of the river, drift past palm-fringed banks, timeless villages and scattered islands, watching daily life unfold along the water. Far from the bustle of the modern world, this intimate journey offers a rare sense of stillness and connection to the river that has shaped Egypt for millennia. Pause on a quiet island or secluded riverbank to savour the scenery, perhaps with a refreshing drink as the light softens across the Nile. As the afternoon fades, sail back at an unhurried pace, carrying with you the simple pleasure of experiencing Egypt as generations before you have done.
Guide Price: $20 per person
Hotel Room & Suite Upgrades
Upgrade your accommodation to suites or premium room categories at any hotel. Subject to availability and additional supplement.
Supplements forwarded on request
Inclusions & ExclusionsWhat's Included
What's Excluded
Accommodation Plan
Cairo Marriott or similar
Old Cataract or similar, Aswan
 Deluxe Private Nile Dahabiya or similar (Aswan – Luxor)
Hilton Luxor or similar
All accommodations based on standard room type. Upgrades subject to availability and additional supplement. Terms, Payment & CancellationGood to KnowPayment, deposit, and cancellation policies may vary significantly from one trip to another depending on the travel season, the type of itinerary, and the services included. Journeys that feature private or exclusive arrangements—such as chartered boats, domestic or international flights, special events, private venue access, or exclusive openings—are subject to stricter payment and cancellation terms due to the nature of these services and the policies imposed by third-party suppliers and service providers. Guests are encouraged to review the specific terms and conditions applicable to their chosen itinerary before confirming their booking.
Payment PolicyThe payment schedule below is a general guideline and may vary based on the season, number of travelers, booking date, and requested services. We will always work with you to provide the most suitable payment terms and ensure your journey is confirmed with confidence. Payments are received by bank wire transfer with no transfer fees charged to COMETRA Travel.
25%
On sign-up to secure your trip
50%
60 days before arrival
25%
30 days before arrival
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted via official email. The price quoted is guaranteed in USD upon receipt of deposit. Any government-imposed changes to entrance fees, fuel surcharges, or taxes may affect the final price. We understand that canceling a trip is never a pleasant decision and is often due to unexpected circumstances beyond your control. Our cancellation policy is governed by the terms and conditions of our third-party suppliers, including hotels, airlines, Nile cruises, and other service providers. Whenever a cancellation occurs, Cometra Travel will work diligently on your behalf to negotiate the highest possible refund, reduce cancellation charges whenever possible, and minimize your financial loss. While all refunds remain subject to supplier policies, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
Cometra Terms
Read our full Booking & Cancellation Policy and Privacy Policy. Sustainability & CommunityCOMETRA Travel is committed to preserving Egypt's incomparable heritage for future generations. This journey features low-impact transportation options, actively supports local communities, and offers guests the meaningful opportunity to volunteer by helping clear litter at select sites — leaving each place better than we found it. We also encourage thoughtful contributions during community visits. Small gifts or school supplies are warmly welcomed when visiting local villages, as a gesture of genuine respect and cultural exchange. Please speak with a member of the COMETRA team before or during the trip for guidance and further information. Read our full Sustainability Policy. Frequently Asked QuestionsThis trip is priced on request, based on family size and season, with family rates available. Once quoted, the price is guaranteed upon receipt of deposit. Should any government-imposed charges (taxes, entrance ticket increases, or fuel surcharges) be enforced, COMETRA will invoice clients accordingly, and all such changes will be communicated promptly.
The ideal time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Early morning starts are essential to avoid the midday heat and the crowds, ensuring a far superior experience at each site.
Yes. Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are fully included in the trip price.
The trip is quoted based on standard room type at the specified hotels, or similar alternatives in the rare event of hotel closure or renovation. Room or view upgrades are available subject to availability and an additional supplement.
Yes, this trip is designed for families with children aged 6 and above, with a private guide experienced with children throughout the Cairo and Aswan legs. Travellers with mobility difficulties or disabilities may require special arrangements — please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Most breakfasts are included; selected lunches and dinners are included as detailed in the daily itinerary. Some meals are intentionally not included, allowing you the freedom to choose where and what you eat. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unforeseen circumstances. COMETRA Travel requires travellers to provide their insurance details — including the company name, policy number, and a 24/7 emergency contact — prior to departure. All information will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Yes. Please bring a copy of your travel insurance policy, including emergency contact details, and provide these to your Cometra guide or representative upon arrival. This allows us to assist you more efficiently in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Yes. Please bring enough medication for the entire trip, along with any necessary prescriptions in their original packaging. We also recommend carrying your medications in your hand luggage during travel.
Gratuities are included for all service staff — hotel porters, restaurant personnel, drivers, and Dahabiya crew. Tips for the Egyptologist guide and trip manager are not included and are entirely optional, reflecting your personal appreciation of their performance. If you feel uncomfortable about any tip requests, please inform your guide or manager immediately.
Yes. The itinerary is flexible and COMETRA can arrange pre- or post-trip extensions tailored to your preferences. Contact us at info@cometra.net or visit www.cometra.net for more details.
Each optional experience price covers all related and applicable costs — private vehicle, guides, entrance tickets, gratuities to the crew, and all taxes and fees. No hidden charges.
No — it's optional and offered on Day 5 of the itinerary for an extra cost, covering the early-morning flight or drive and separate entrance fees.
Aswan to Luxor, following the river north, calling at Kom Ombo, Gebel Silsila, Edfu and Esna along the way.
A Dahabiya is a small, traditional sailing boat with only a handful of cabins, moving mostly under sail rather than engine power — quieter, slower, and more intimate than a large cruise ship, with a more personal crew and more deck space per family.
Yes. Cabins are ensuite, the pace on board is genuinely relaxed, and the crew is used to sailing with families. Life jackets are provided, and the boat rarely travels at night.
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page. Save or Share This Itinerary
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Tailored to YouThis itinerary is flexible. You're welcome to request it exactly as published, or adjust and customize it for individual travelers, couples, families, private groups, shared departures, or corporate travel. Every detail can be tailored to your preferences, including hotels, room categories, meal plans, experiences, and pace of travel. Pre- and post-tour extensions, additional destinations, and private services can also be added upon request. To personalize this itinerary or discuss your travel plans, please contact us at info@cometra.net. We look forward to creating the perfect journey for you. Curious what sets us apart? See Why Choose COMETRA. |