GAÏA

Journeys

Three passages along the Nile.

Composed in the tradition of the dahabiya — slow, intimate, never hurried. Three set itineraries; each may be tailored to your season and your spirit.

The NileLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswan
Aswan→Luxor
5 Nights · Aswan → Luxor

From Aswan to Luxor

Carried by the current, from the Nubian south to the great temples of Luxor. A passage of hidden islands, candlelit dinners on the riverbanks, and slow days at sail.

  1. Day I
    Aswan
    Boarding and settling in. Welcome lunch and reception. Dinner aboard.
  2. Day II
    Aswan — Hor Diab
    Visit the temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Lunch aboard. In the afternoon, a swim at Hor Diab Island, ending with a candlelit dinner on the island of Al-Hirbiab.
  3. Day III
    Kom Ombo — Edfu
    Visit the double temple of Kom Ombo at first light. Sail downstream. By horse-drawn calash to the temple of Horus at Edfu.
  4. Day IV
    Esna
    Sail through the morning. An intimate visit to the temple of Khnum, embedded ten metres beneath the village.
  5. Day V
    Dandara
    Excursion to the Greco-Roman temple complex of Hathor — vivid colours, intricate sculptures, and ancient mythology.
  6. Day VI
    Luxor
    After breakfast, disembark and visit the temple of Karnak. Transfer to the airport.
The NileLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswan
Luxor→Aswan
6 Nights · Luxor → Aswan

From Luxor to Aswan — the long passage

The classic ascent of the Nile. The boat moves with the prevailing wind from the Theban plain into Nubia, with time for Dandara, the West Bank, and the rural islands of the river.

  1. Day I
    Luxor
    Boarding before midday. Lunch aboard. Visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Welcome reception before dinner.
  2. Day II
    Dandara — Esna
    Excursion to the temple of Hathor at Dandara. Sail downstream. Dinner aboard.
  3. Day III
    West Bank, Thebes
    Dawn among the Colossi of Memnon, the terraces of Hatshepsut, and the still hush of the Valley of the Kings.
  4. Day IV
    Esna — Edfu
    An intimate visit to the temple of Khnum. By horse-drawn calash to the temple of Horus.
  5. Day V
    Kom Ombo — Hidden Islands
    Visit the double temple of Kom Ombo. Afternoon discoveries on the islands of the Nile — rural Egypt, far from the great ships.
  6. Day VI
    Aswan
    Visit the temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Lunch aboard. Farewell dinner with a live performance.
  7. Day VII
    Aswan
    After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport.
The NileLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswan
Luxor→Aswan
5 Nights · Luxor → Aswan

From Luxor to Aswan — the essential passage

A condensed version of the great upstream journey, for travellers with less time but the same wish for slowness. Karnak, the West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

  1. Day I
    Luxor
    Boarding before midday. Lunch aboard. Visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Welcome reception before dinner.
  2. Day II
    Luxor — West Bank
    Dawn at the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
  3. Day III
    Esna — Edfu
    Visit Khnum's temple, then sail downstream. By calash to the temple of Horus.
  4. Day IV
    Kom Ombo — Hidden Islands
    The double temple of Kom Ombo at first light. Afternoon among the islands of the Nile.
  5. Day V
    Aswan
    Visit the temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Lunch aboard. Farewell dinner with a live performance.
  6. Day VI
    Aswan
    Disembark after breakfast.

The order of excursions and onboard programme may vary according to sailing conditions.

Beyond the journey

Extend in Cairo, Abu Simbel, or the Western Desert.

Beyond experiences