This cruise is the Nile as it should be enjoyed and experienced
Sail on the Nile on board the SS Hadeel. Slow, quiet and in close proximity to life of Egypt and the Egyptians. The renaissance of the Dahabiya is here – the SS Hadeel has now been launched! A Dahabiya was a sailing ship built in the beginning of the 20th century for the aristocrats as a leisure boat to go for shorter or longer tours on the Nile. Sometimes they were used just to get out on the river and get some breeze on a hot summer evening, and other times to travel the Nile in style. The archaeological explorers used the Dahabiya, as well many famous people including Agatha Christie, and now it is your opportunity to sample the same experience.
This is the perfect holiday for those who want to see Egypt at a slow pace and be able to spend extra time, to sit on board and take in the views of the life around you, to get close to the people and their daily life while enjoying a high standard of service.
The SS Hadeel departs every Saturday either from Luxor or Aswan.
This is a Personal Choice private tour, organised for two people travelling together.
Itinerary
Saturday – Fly to Luxor and transfer to the Dahabiya SS Hadeel. Check in and meet your guide on board. Visit the amazing Karnak and Luxor temple complexes, the Vatican of the Pharaonic Era. The temple was built over 2000 years ago. Some of the most impressive sites are the monumental gates and the enormous halls with pillars and beautiful wall carvings.
Sunday – Today there will be visits to the west bank of the Nile River Valley of the Kings, tombs of the Nobles, Valley temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut as well as the very interesting Deir El Medina, where the workers of Pharaoh used to live and were buried in very colorful tombs.
Monday – In the early morning we will start sailing and we just enjoy the Nile and the places we are passing.
Tuesday – Our quiet voyage up the Nile takes us to El Kab. This was probably one of the first cities of Egypt and a large part of its imposing walls are still there. We will also see one of the beautiful tombs. We continue to Edfu where we will visit the Horus temple which was built approximately 200 BC and is perfectly preserved. We anchor for the night at one of the small Nile islands where we can enjoy an Egyptian barbeque perfectly prepared by our onboard chef.
Wednesday – Sails are set early to go to Gebel el Silsila where the sandstone for the temples of south Egypt was quarried. Overnight at the river bank where those who want can join the guide for a small walk in the country side.
Thursday – During the day we will arrive to Kom Ombo and visit the beautifully situated double temple dedicated to the gods of Haroreris and Sobek. If it is market day we will also visit the market in Daraw before we continue to southwards.
Friday – We continue to Aswan in the very early morning. We go for a camel ride through the Nubian desert to the abandoned monastery of St Simeon where we will also have a view of the Agha Khan grave as well as a visit to one of the Nubian villages to see and learn more about the Nubian culture. The afternoon there is a visit to the Philae temple and in the evening there is a sound and light show there..
Saturday – Check out in the morning. Return to Cairo for the return flight.
The above itinerary is from Luxor to Aswan. Please call for the reverse itinerary.
*Timings and order of the itinerary are subject to slight variation during the season and for differing water levels.
Price per person |
Single Supplement |
Deposit per person |
From £750 |
From £750 |
£250 |
These prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin cabin.
Nile Cruise
Price Includes: 7 nights on board the Dahabiya SS Hadeel, buffet breakfast, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, and tea-time during sailing on board the boat, soft drinks and water on board, transfers to and from the Hadeel in Luxor and Aswan, excursions with English speaking guides, all tips with the exception of the local guide.
Not Included: Visa for Egypt. This can be arranged on the spot and the current price is US$20.
Cairo - 2 nights Pre-Tour, staying in a 5-star deluxe hotel
Day 1 Fly to Cairo. Meet with your guide before passport control where you will be given help with the visa and passport formalities. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Guided visit of the Egyptian Museum, looking at the artefacts of Pharaonic Egypt. The treasures of Tutankhamun will also be viewed. After lunch, which is included there will be a visit to the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau, which date back to 2,500 BC. The visit will take you to the highest point of the plateau for a panoramic view of the area, to one of the three pyramids, where those who wish may enter, as well as to the valley temple of Kephren and the Sphinx.
Day 3 Transfer to the airport and fly to either Luxor or Aswan to join the SS Hadeel
Price per person |
Single Supplement |
Deposit per person |
From £250 |
From £90 |
£100 |
Travel: Travel to Egypt and internal flights are not included. We can either book your flights for you or recommend suitable flights. All flights booked by us must be paid for at the time of booking.
Departures: Fly from the UK on Saturday (subject to availability), or on Wednesday (subect to availability) if you are taking the Cairo Extension.
Suggested Egyptair scheduled flight timings.
| MS778 |
Departs Heathrow |
09:15 |
Arrives Cairo |
16:00 |
| MS777 |
Departs Cairo |
09:15 |
Arrives Heathrow |
12:35 |
