Merit Dahabiya

Embarkation in Luxor
Begin your Nile journey with a warm welcome aboard your elegant cruise boat, moored in the timeless city of Luxor. After a smooth check-in, settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of life on the river.

Lunch on Board
Savor a freshly prepared gourmet lunch in the ship’s dining salon, offering a taste of Egyptian and international cuisine, all while overlooking the scenic Nile.

Afternoon Visit to the Temples of Luxor & Karnak
In the afternoon, meet your expert Egyptologist guide for an awe-inspiring exploration of Luxor and Karnak Temples. Walk the grand avenue of sphinxes connecting these two monumental sites, marvel at towering columns, colossal statues, and intricately carved hieroglyphics that narrate the glories of the New Kingdom. Learn the spiritual and political significance these temples held for ancient Thebes, the religious capital of ancient Egypt.

Dinner and Overnight on the West Bank
Return to the cruise boat for a delicious dinner as the sun sets behind the Theban Hills. Docked on the tranquil West Bank of Luxor, your evening is free to enjoy the serenity of the Nile, perhaps with a drink under the stars. Overnight on board.

Breakfast on Board
Wake up to a peaceful Nile morning and enjoy a delightful breakfast on board, featuring a selection of fresh local and international dishes as the sun rises over the West Bank.

Morning Exploration of the West Bank
After breakfast, cross the Nile to explore the famed West Bank of ancient Thebes.

• Valley of the Kings: Descend into the awe-inspiring royal tombs where pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest amid stunning wall paintings that have survived millennia.
• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Admire the magnificent mortuary temple of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh, set dramatically against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stand before the towering twin statues of Amenhotep III, timeless sentinels watching over the Theban necropolis.

Lunch While Sailing

Return to the boat in time for lunch, served as the cruise sets sail southward. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of lush riverbanks, traditional villages, and desert horizons.

Sunset Teatime
As the sun begins to set, unwind on the sundeck with afternoon tea. Sip a warm cup or a chilled hibiscus infusion while the golden hour bathes the Nile in a magical glow.

Dinner While Sailing to Esna
Delight in an elegant dinner on board as the boat gently glides toward Esna, passing palm groves and ancient settlements under starlit skies.

Overnight Beside an Island
Anchor near a tranquil island mid-river, away from the towns and tourist paths. Enjoy the serenity of the Nile at night — a peaceful lullaby of water, breeze, and silence.

Breakfast While Crossing the Esna Lock
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast on board as your cruise ship navigates the historic Esna Lock — a fascinating feat of engineering that offers a glimpse into the dynamic flow of life along the Nile. Watch local boats and passing scenes of daily Egyptian life from the deck as you enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a variety of morning delicacies.

Sail to Edfu | Lunch on Board
Continue sailing southward through tranquil stretches of the Nile, fringed by palm groves and sugarcane fields. A gourmet lunch is served onboard, crafted with seasonal ingredients and presented with river views that inspire serenity.

Visit the Temple of Edfu
In the afternoon, arrive in Edfu and step ashore for a guided visit to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Journey through this majestic Ptolemaic structure, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of protection and kingship. Marvel at towering pylons, hidden chambers, and vivid reliefs that recount epic mythological battles.

Sail to El Ramady Island
Return to your cruise and set sail toward the peaceful and lesser-known El Ramady Island — a hidden gem in the Nile. Along the way, soak in the warm afternoon light and savor the unfolding beauty of Upper Egypt’s river landscapes.

Dinner & Egyptian Rabab Performance
As evening falls, gather in the elegant dining salon for a chef-prepared dinner, celebrating flavors both local and international. The night comes alive with an exclusive Rababa performance — a soulful Egyptian string instrument played by a local artist. Let the ancient melodies transport you, creating a truly authentic cultural experience under the stars.

Overnight Beside El Ramady Island
Drop anchor beside El Ramady Island, where the gentle rustling of reeds and the lull of the river set the tone for a restful night in nature’s embrace.

Breakfast on Board While Sailing to Kom Ombo
Wake up to another tranquil morning on the Nile and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the cruise glides toward Kom Ombo. As the river flows past sleepy riverside villages and lush fields, enjoy freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and aromatic Egyptian tea or coffee.

Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
Upon arrival, disembark to explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically perched along the riverbank. This unique twin temple is dedicated to two gods — Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed protector. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the temple’s symmetrical layout, ancient surgical tools carved in stone, and the sacred crocodile mummies housed in the adjoining museum.

Lunch on Board While Sailing
Return on board to relax and savor lunch as the cruise resumes its journey southward. Let the rhythm of the river accompany your meal while sunlight dances across the Nile’s surface.

Swim Stop at Hor Diab Island
In the afternoon, the boat moors beside Hor Diab Island, an unspoiled slice of paradise in the heart of the Nile. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to swim in what is considered some of the cleanest and purest water along the entire river — a refreshing and memorable highlight of your journey. Surrounded by pristine nature and complete serenity, it's an experience few travelers get to enjoy.

Dinner on Board While Sailing to Aswan
As the cruise sets sail once more, indulge in an elegant dinner on board. The gentle motion of the boat and the soft glow of lantern light create the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Overnight in Aswan
Arrive in Aswan late in the evening and dock for the night. Nestled along the Nile with its palm-lined banks and granite islands, Aswan welcomes you with a sense of warmth and timeless charm. Drift to sleep in comfort, ready to explore more wonders the next day.

Breakfast on Board
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast served on deck or in the dining salon, as the morning light reflects off the calm waters of Aswan. Enjoy a spread of fresh local produce, homemade bread, and rich coffee or tea as the city slowly comes to life around you.

Visit the Philae Temple & the High Dam
After breakfast, embark on a guided excursion to Philae Temple, a jewel of ancient Egyptian architecture dedicated to the goddess Isis. Reach the island temple by boat and marvel at its graceful columns, romantic reliefs, and sacred ambiance.
Continue with a visit to the modern marvel of Aswan High Dam, a massive structure that tamed the Nile and reshaped Egypt’s destiny in the 20th century. Learn about its bold engineering and its impact on agriculture and life along the river.

Lunch on Board
Return to your floating sanctuary for a relaxing lunch while docked in Aswan. The meal is freshly prepared and elegantly served, offering a blend of traditional and international flavors.

Optional Visit to the Nubian Village
In the afternoon, an optional excursion is available to a traditional Nubian Village. Travel by motorboat along the Nile to reach this colorful riverside community. Here, you can meet local families, explore mud-brick houses painted in vibrant hues, and learn about the customs, language, and hospitality of the Nubian people — guardians of one of Egypt’s oldest cultures.
(This optional tour can be pre-booked or arranged on board.)

Dinner on Board
As night falls, enjoy your final dinner on board, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of the Nile. The ambiance is warm and intimate — a fitting farewell to the wonders of Upper Egypt.

Breakfast on Board
Enjoy a peaceful final breakfast on board, reflecting on the unforgettable journey you've experienced along the Nile. Savor a selection of fresh fruits, Egyptian pastries, and freshly brewed coffee as the morning unfolds in the magical city of Aswan.

Optional Visit to Abu Simbel
For those who wish to end their trip with one last awe-inspiring wonder, an early morning optional excursion is available to the iconic Temples of Abu Simbel. Travel by private vehicle or short flight to this remote site, where colossal statues of Ramses II guard the temple entrance, carved directly into the cliffs above Lake Nasser. The interiors reveal remarkable scenes of royal triumph and devotion, preserved through the ages.

(Advance booking is recommended due to the early departure time and limited availability.)

Disembarkation in Aswan
Upon return (or after breakfast for those not taking the optional excursion), it is time to bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Aswan. Whether your journey continues through Egypt or concludes here, you leave with cherished memories of ancient wonders, river tranquility, and cultural richness that only a Nile cruise can offer.