12 Days Cairo & Dahabiya Cruise: Experience Egypt’s Solar Eclipse 2027

After breakfast at the hotel, your certified Egyptologist guide will meet you to begin your exploration of Giza’s legendary monuments.

Your first stop is the Giza Plateau, home to the timeless Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Stand before the Great Pyramid, one of the last surviving wonders of the ancient world, and admire the enigmatic Sphinx with its lion body and royal visage. You’ll also visit the Valley Temple, linked to ancient funerary practices and mummification ceremonies.

Enjoy lunch at a well-rated local restaurant.

Continue your tour at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world’s largest archaeological museums, showcasing thousands of ancient treasures in a state-of-the-art setting. Discover monumental statues, royal relics, and everyday artifacts from Egypt’s extensive timeline, including items from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.

After your visit, return to your hotel for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

Optional: Attend the captivating Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids—an evening experience that brings ancient stories to life under the stars.

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor, once ancient Thebes and the capital of the New Kingdom. Upon arrival at Luxor International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly representative who will assist with your transfer to the dock.

During the drive, you'll catch glimpses of the lush Nile Valley. Once you reach the Dahabiya, you’ll be escorted to your luxurious cabin, where you can settle in and admire the stunning views of the Nile River, dotted with palm trees and ancient monuments.

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel, designed for comfort and elegance, providing a serene and intimate cruising experience. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board, with freshly prepared local delicacies, as the Dahabiya begins its journey along the Nile.

Meals: Welcome dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya, drifting gently along the Nile.

After a delightful breakfast on board, set out for an unforgettable exploration of Luxor's West Bank. Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs lie hidden in the cliffs. You'll visit the tomb of Tutankhamun, famous for its incredible treasures, and other royal tombs adorned with vivid hieroglyphics and murals.

Next, journey to the awe-inspiring Temple of Hatshepsut, the mortuary temple of Egypt’s only female pharaoh. This remarkable temple is carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari and is an architectural marvel. You’ll also pause at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once stood at the entrance of a temple built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Return to the Dahabiya for lunch, followed by some downtime on deck to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Nile. The boat will sail to a tranquil location on the river where you can relax and enjoy the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya at a peaceful location on the Nile.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Edfu. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. This massive structure, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, features towering pylons, well-preserved reliefs, and an immense hypostyle hall. The temple gives you a vivid sense of the power and majesty of ancient Egyptian religion.

From Edfu, continue south to Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the unique dual-temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. The temple is split into two symmetrical halves, each one dedicated to a different deity, and is beautifully situated on a high dune overlooking the Nile. The site also features well-preserved reliefs depicting ancient Egyptian medicine and surgery.

Enjoy lunch on board and relax as you sail southward, passing through the tranquil landscapes of the Nile Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya, cruising through the serene waters of the Nile.

Arrive in Aswan, a city renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance. After breakfast, you’ll visit Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most picturesque temples, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple is located on Agilkia Island and is accessible by boat. Here, you’ll explore ancient Egyptian architecture and the beautiful island surroundings.

Next, visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel built in the 1960s to control the Nile’s annual flooding. The dam has transformed Egypt's agriculture and power generation, providing a modern contrast to the ancient sites you’ve explored.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board before relaxing for the rest of the day. As the sun sets, you can unwind on the deck, taking in the peaceful beauty of Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya docked in Aswan.

Today, you’ll immerse yourself in the Nubian culture by visiting a traditional Nubian Village. After a short boat ride, you’ll land on the shores of the Nile and be greeted by the warm hospitality of the Nubian people. The village is known for its brightly painted houses and friendly residents, offering you an authentic glimpse into the daily life of one of Egypt’s most ancient cultures. You’ll have time to explore the village and learn about Nubian traditions, including music, dance, and local crafts.

After your visit, enjoy a Felucca boat ride on the Nile, the traditional wooden sailboat that has been used for centuries. Relax as the boat drifts along the river, giving you a unique perspective of the Nile’s natural beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya, cruising peacefully back toward Luxor.

As you sail back north to Luxor, enjoy a visit to the grand Karnak Temple, Egypt’s largest and most important religious complex. The temple is dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, and its vast, open courtyards and towering pylons leave a lasting impression.

It’s here that you’ll witness the Solar Eclipse 2027, an event that will add an extra layer of magic to your visit. As the moon partially obscures the sun, the temple’s shadowy corridors and towering obelisks will create a truly mystical atmosphere, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya, docked near Luxor.

Today, explore Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city. This temple, dedicated to Amun-Ra, is known for its majestic avenue of sphinxes, towering columns, and beautifully preserved reliefs depicting royal ceremonies. The temple is particularly striking at night when it is illuminated by floodlights, creating an ethereal glow.

After your visit, return to the Dahabiya for lunch and relaxation. You’ll have time to reflect on the highlights of the journey and enjoy your last evening on board before disembarking the following day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Overnight: Stay aboard the Dahabiya.

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard, then transfer to Luxor Airport for your return flight to Cairo. After landing, you’ll be driven to your hotel, where you can unwind or explore the capital independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

• Optional Tour: Nile Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a magical evening on the Nile with a dinner cruise. Sail along the river while savoring a delicious buffet dinner with Egyptian and international dishes. The evening includes live entertainment, featuring traditional belly dancing and tanoura shows, as you take in the stunning views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline and landmarks like the Cairo Tower. A perfect way to experience Cairo's charm!

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or opt for one of the curated excursions below:

Optional tours:

• Alexandria Day Trip: Explore the coastal city founded by Alexander the Great. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the historic Citadel of Qaitbay, built atop the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria.
  
  
• Old Cairo & Citadel Tour: Discover the Saladin Citadel and admire the elegant Muhammad Ali Mosque. Continue to Coptic Cairo, where ancient churches like the Hanging Church and Abu Serga sit beside the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, showcasing Cairo’s rich religious heritage.
  
  
• Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Tour: Explore the ancient capital of Memphis, home to the massive statue of Ramses II. Visit the Step Pyramid of Saqqara and the famous Bent Pyramid of Dahshur, offering a unique glimpse into Egypt’s pyramid-building evolution.

Enjoy your final Egyptian breakfast before your transfer to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.

Thank you for traveling with us. We hope to welcome you back to Egypt in the future!

Meals: Breakfast

How much you pay upfront to lock in a Min Travel booking comes down to what you are reserving, so our terms are grouped by service type:

• Day Tours & Excursions: the entire cost (100%) is settled at the moment you book, which confirms your spot.
• Multi-Day Tour Packages & Nile Cruises: a 30% deposit holds your reservation, with the remaining balance due no later than 15 days before you arrive.
• Christmas, New Year & Easter Bookings: these high-demand windows call for a larger 50% deposit to secure your place.

The instant your payment goes through, we email you a written confirmation, a personalized itinerary, and your travel documents, and every payment you make comes with its own receipt.

Life doesn't always go to plan, and we get that. Here is how a cancellation is handled, measured against your arrival date:

• 30 days or more before arrival: you get everything back, less whatever your bank or the transaction charges
• 15 to 29 days before arrival: a fee of 25% of the total tour cost applies
• 7 to 14 days before arrival: the cancellation fee rises to 50%
• Fewer than 7 days before arrival, or a no-show: the full 100% is charged

Where money is owed back to you, expect it within 14 business days from the day we receive your cancellation in writing. Do keep in mind that individual hotels and certain cruises enforce tougher rules of their own, and any such condition will be spelled out plainly in your itinerary.

Families are always welcome aboard our tours, and we price younger travelers on a sliding scale:

• Infants under 2 years: travel free
• Children 2–5 years: pay 25% of the adult rate
• Children 6–11 years: pay 50% of the adult rate
• Children 12 years and above: charged the full adult rate

These reduced rates hold only where a child shares a room with two adults who are each paying in full. Bear in mind that a handful of luxury hotels and Nile Cruises set their own conditions for younger guests, and any such restriction that touches your trip will appear in your itinerary.

Beyond the standard package there are a number of extra experiences you can choose to add. Reserve them ahead of time or sort them out on the spot once you are there, availability permitting. A few of the favorites travelers pick up:

• Stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and other tombs
• Evening Sound & Light Shows at the Giza Pyramids, Karnak, or Philae Temples
• A sunrise hot air balloon flight above Luxor
• Camel rides or a horse-drawn carriage through the old quarters
• Private photography sessions at the great landmarks

You can pay for these add-ons in either USD or Egyptian pounds (EGP). Booking early is wise, all the more so when you are traveling in the busy season.

Our packages cover a great deal, but a few costs fall outside them and are worth setting money aside for:

• Anything you buy for yourself, from souvenirs to snacks
• Drinks at mealtimes, unless your plan states otherwise
• In-hotel extras such as the minibar, room service, or laundry
• Your Egyptian entry visa, which is normally paid when you land
• SIM cards or internet access, unless we've arranged it for you
• Tips and any optional experiences you decide to add

It helps to keep a little Egyptian currency (EGP) on hand as you go, particularly for tipping and for picking things up in the local markets.

In Egypt, tipping (known as "baksheesh") is simply how good service is acknowledged. No one is obliged to tip, but the gesture goes a long way and is warmly received. As a rough guide:

• Tour guide: $15–$20 per day for the group
• Driver: $5–$10 per day for the group
• Nile Cruise crew: $5–$10 per person each night, pooled among the staff
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: modest tips of $1–$2

Gratuities sit outside your package price, so it's worth keeping a few small USD or EGP notes within easy reach for the moments they're called for.

Before you arrive, make sure the following are sorted:

• Passport: must remain valid for a minimum of six months from your entry date.
• Visa: requirements hinge on your nationality; some travellers arrange one ahead of time, others obtain it on arrival, and certain nationalities qualify for an e-visa.
• Travel Insurance: not compulsory, but strongly advised to cover medical emergencies and other surprises.
• Vaccinations: none are mandatory for entry, though it's sensible to ask your healthcare provider about any recommended shots.

By and large, yes. Egypt puts considerable effort into protecting visitors, particularly at major attractions and in the larger cities, so tourists are generally well looked after. As with any trip abroad, it's still smart to review your government's current travel advisories and keep an eye on local news before and during your visit.

Pulling an Egypt trip together is straightforward once you work through it step by step:

• Set your dates and budget: pin down when you'd like to travel and what you're comfortable spending; this shapes your choices for flights, hotels, and tours.
• Map out your itinerary: from Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza to Luxor, Aswan, a Nile Cruise, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts, decide which places make the cut and how long you'll linger at each.
• Pick a trustworthy operator: whether that's a local Egyptian company, an international agency, or a specialist online platform, lean on reviews and ratings to confirm they're reliable.
• Choose a package or build your own: ready-made packages bundle flights, hotels, transport, and guided tours, or you can tailor everything to your own interests and budget.
• Reserve your spot: once you've settled on a plan, contact the operator to confirm availability, share your details, and pay either a deposit or the full amount as their policy requires.
• Get your documents in order: check your passport's validity, apply for an Egyptian visa if you need one, and print your itinerary, hotel vouchers, and tour confirmations.
• Pack smart: dress for the weather and your planned activities, and don't overlook comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and travel adapters.
• Enjoy the journey: once you land, follow your itinerary, stay in touch with your guide or agency, and soak up Egypt's history and culture.

No, gratuities aren't built into the tour price. Tipping, known locally as "baksheesh," is woven into everyday life in Egypt, and it's customary to reward guides, drivers, and hotel staff directly. A sensible approach is to let the quality of service guide you, generally in the region of 10-15% of the bill or service cost.