Your experience begins with a private transfer from Luxor to Esna. Upon arrival, you'll board the elegant ESCALEEH Dahabiya and be instantly immersed in the timeless charm of Egypt.

A curated visit to the Temple of Khnum reveals a sanctuary excavated below modern street level—an extraordinary window into the ancient layers of Egypt.

Continue your exploration of Esna's revitalized heritage district, including:

• Wekalet Al-Geddawi, a restored caravanserai showcasing textile traditions

• Al-Qissariya Market, an Ottoman bazaar where artisans continue to practice centuries-old techniques

After a freshly prepared lunch on board, the Dahabiya embarks on a gentle cruise to El Hegz Village. Here, a local family opens their home to you, offering warmth, stories, and an unforgettable cultural exchange that will deepen your understanding of life on the Nile.

Return to the ship for a refined dinner and your first night as you drift peacefully on the river.

Start the morning at El Kab, one of Egypt’s lesser-known archaeological  treasures. Explore vast mud-brick fortification walls, rock-cut tombs from the New Kingdom, and sanctuaries honoring Nekhbet and Thoth.

Back on board, enjoy lunch as we sail toward Edfu. A short carriage ride leads you to the Temple of Horus, celebrated for its symmetry, inscriptions and impressive preservation.

If time allows, stroll through Edfu’s traditional markets before re-embarking for a tranquil evening sail and dinner.

Arrive at Bisaw Island, a serene agricultural settlement. Wander through village pathways and observe the preparation of traditional sun bread, baked in family ovens. Meet local fishermen who share techniques that have supported Nile communities for generations.

By afternoon, we reach El Selsela, once a major sandstone quarry that supplied ancient Thebes. Visit the Speos of Horemheb, shrines carved into the rock and enjoy the sweeping desert-and-river scenery unique to this sacred stretch of the Nile.
As the sun sets, your crew hosts an unforgettable moonlit barbecue on the riverbank—a signature highlight of the ESCALEEH experience.

Begin the day with a visit to Kom Ombo, the only dual temple in Egypt, dedicated to both Sobek and Horus. The adjacent Crocodile Museum offers a remarkable display of mummified crocodiles and ancient artifacts.

Continue to Daraw, historically the region’s trade center. Explore a vibrant local market and visit the renowned camel barn, gaining insight into the camel trade of Upper Egypt.
Later, explore nearby Nubian communities, known for their African heritage, architectural charm, and millennia-old cultural identity. Engage with residents who share their history and traditions with warmth and pride.

Optional: swimming or kayaking near Aswan (advance notice required for kayaking arrangements).
Sail gently toward Aswan and enjoy a beautifully prepared farewell dinner beneath the stars.

Board ESCALEEH Dahabiya in Aswan and settle into your cabin. After a welcome briefing, your guide escorts you to the majestic Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis and relocated stone by stone to its current island sanctuary.

Enjoy lunch onboard as the Dahabiya sails toward a Nubian village, where you meet local families renowned for their vibrant culture, colorful homes, and deep ancestral heritage.

Sail north into one of the Nile’s most serene stretches. Dinner is served onboard as the evening settles over Aswan.

Sail to El Selsela, where you walk through ancient quarries and rock-cut shrines that reveal how temples across Egypt were constructed.

Continue to Bisaw Island to meet local villagers, observe traditional bread making, and engage with Nile fishermen.

Your crew prepares a signature riverbank moonlit barbecue, creating an unforgettable atmospheric evening before retiring onboard.

After breakfast, disembark in Esna. A private transfer takes you comfortably to Luxor for onward travel.