Two travellers posing in front of the Great Sphinx at Giza

8-Day Egypt Honeymoon: Cairo & Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Route
Cairo · Luxor · Dahabiya Nile sail · Aswan
Style
Private Honeymoon · Dahabiya Sailing
Schedule
Set sailing dates · tailor-made

Overview

Created for couples who want Egypt at a slower and more intimate pace, this 8-day honeymoon combines the landmarks of Cairo with four nights aboard a 5-star Dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan.

Begin with two nights in a 5-star Cairo hotel and a private visit to the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. You then fly to Luxor, explore the temples and tombs of ancient Thebes, and join your Dahabiya for an unhurried journey through the quieter landscapes of the Nile.

The Dahabiya carries far fewer passengers than a conventional Nile cruise. You have your own private cabin while sharing the vessel with a small number of other guests. Days are shaped around relaxed sailing, peaceful river views and quiet moorings rather than a crowded motor-cruise schedule. The journey finishes with one night in a 5-star Aswan hotel, a visit to Philae Temple and a traditional felucca sail around Elephantine Island.

Highlights

The Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum
Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
Four nights aboard an intimate 5-star Dahabiya
Quiet Nile sailing, peaceful moorings and evenings beneath the stars
Philae Temple and a traditional felucca sail around Elephantine Island

Itinerary

1Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
A Nile Empire representative will be waiting outside the arrivals hall at Cairo International Airport, holding a sign with your name and the company name. You will be transferred privately in an air-conditioned vehicle to your 5-star hotel, with assistance provided for a smooth check-in. The remainder of the day is free to rest and enjoy your first evening together in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.
2Day 2: Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and travel to the Giza Plateau. Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the panoramic viewpoint and the Great Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where the galleries bring together Egypt’s ancient history and the treasures of Tutankhamun. Return privately to your hotel after the tour. Overnight in Cairo.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
3Day 3: Fly to Luxor and Join Your Dahabiya
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Dahabiya and settle into your private cabin. After lunch onboard, visit the vast Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple with your Egyptologist guide. Return to the Dahabiya for dinner and your first night on the Nile. Overnight aboard the Dahabiya, night 1 of 4.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Optional Excursion Karnak Sound & Light Show
4Day 4: Luxor West Bank and Begin Sailing
After breakfast, cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and begin sailing south. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck as the landscape changes from the monuments of Luxor to farmland, villages and palm-lined riverbanks. Overnight aboard the Dahabiya, night 2 of 4.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5: A Relaxed Day on the Nile
Enjoy breakfast at leisure and a peaceful day aboard the Dahabiya. Watch village life along the river, relax on the sun deck and enjoy meals freshly prepared onboard. The Dahabiya follows its scheduled route through the Edfu area. You may join the scheduled guided shore visit or remain aboard and continue enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the vessel. Overnight aboard the Dahabiya, night 3 of 4.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
6Day 6: Sailing Towards Aswan
Continue sailing through the quieter stretches of the Nile towards Aswan, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served onboard. The vessel makes its scheduled stop near Kom Ombo. Couples who wish to explore may join the guided temple visit, while those who prefer a slower honeymoon day may remain aboard and relax. Spend your final evening on the Dahabiya enjoying the river and the peaceful surroundings. Overnight aboard the Dahabiya, night 4 of 4.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7Day 7: Disembarkation, Philae Temple and Felucca Sailing
After breakfast, disembark in Aswan and visit Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and reached by motorboat across the reservoir. Later, enjoy a traditional felucca sail around Elephantine Island, taking in Aswan’s granite islands, botanical gardens and peaceful Nile scenery. Transfer to your 5-star hotel after the tour. Overnight in Aswan.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
8Day 8: Fly to Cairo and Departure
After breakfast, transfer privately to Aswan International Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, continue to the appropriate terminal for your international departure. The domestic flight will be arranged around a suitably timed onward connection. An early international departure may require an adjusted schedule or an additional night in Cairo.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast

Dahabiya vs a standard Nile cruiser

FeatureDahabiya (this honeymoon)Standard Nile cruiser
Boat size6-12 cabins, intimate sailing boat50-150 cabins, large motor ship
AtmosphereQuiet, private and romanticLively, sociable, busy decks
MooringsSecluded islands & sandbanksMain town docks, often rafted together
PaceSlow, by wind and sailFixed engine schedule

What’s Included

Included

  • All airport pickups and drop-offs required for the trip
  • Two nights in a 5-star Cairo hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Four nights aboard a shared 5-star Dahabiya on a full-board basis
  • One night in a 5-star Aswan hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
  • Private cabin aboard the Dahabiya
  • Private air-conditioned transportation for all scheduled transfers
  • Private sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as mentioned
  • Certified English-speaking Egyptologist guide during the included sightseeing
  • Scheduled Dahabiya shore excursions for guests who wish to join
  • Traditional felucca sailing in Aswan
  • Main entrance fees for the included sightseeing
  • One bottle of water per person during each private sightseeing day
  • All taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Egypt
  • Optional sunrise excursion to Abu Simbel
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Entry inside the Great Pyramid and specially priced tickets
  • Optional tours and activities not listed as included
  • Alcoholic beverages and drinks outside the stated meal plans
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, representatives and the Dahabiya crew
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dahabiya?
A Dahabiya is a small, twin-sailed boat with only six to twelve cabins, the traditional way travellers sailed the Nile in the 19th century. It is slow, quiet and intimate, and can moor where the big ships cannot.
How is this different from a normal Nile cruise?
A standard cruise uses a large motor ship of 50-150 cabins on a fixed engine schedule, docking at busy town quays. A Dahabiya carries a handful of guests, sails by the wind and moors at secluded islands, far calmer and more romantic.
Is the Dahabiya private just for us?
Cabins are sold individually on set sailing dates, so you share the boat with a small number of other couples. A full-boat private charter is available on request for complete exclusivity.
Can we add Abu Simbel?
Yes. From Aswan you can add an optional sunrise visit to the great twin temples of Abu Simbel, by short flight or by road, before flying back to Cairo.
Why only two nights in Cairo?
It keeps the honeymoon focused on the romance of the sailing. If you would like more time at the Pyramids, or a Red Sea beach finish, we are happy to extend the trip on either end.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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From
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