Private 14 Days Dahabeya Sandal Sothis I from El Main

Step aboard the Sandal SOTHIS I and embark on a soul-stirring journey along the legendary Nile River. With room for 10 passengers, each of its five cabins offers a sanctuary of comfort and privacy, complete with its own private bathroom.

As you glide gracefully along the tranquil waters, you'll feel a deep connection to the ancient wonders that line the riverbanks. The gentle sway of the sandal, the whisper of the breeze, and the soft lapping of the water against the hull create a symphony of serenity that touches your very soul.

From the opulent interiors to the sun-kissed deck, every corner of the Sandal SOTHIS I exudes an aura of timeless elegance and warmth. Whether you're lounging in your cabin, dining al fresco under the stars, or exploring the enchanting sites along the Nile, every moment aboard this magnificent vessel is infused with emotion and wonder.

• 10 pax
• 5 cabins
• all with private bathroom

Included

• Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
• All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
• Accommodation on board 5-star Dahabiya on full board basis
• All Nile Cruise excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sights between Luxor and Aswan
• Egyptologist guide during your excursions
• All service charges and taxes
• All The prices are per person and in us dollars ​

Excludes

• Visa to Egypt
• Any other optional tours if required
• Tip.

Itinerary 

Day 1:

• Arrival in Cairo.
• Accommodation at the hotel (Meridien, Sheraton).
• Lunch.
• Visit to the Egyptian Museum.
• Dinner.

The Egyptian Museum: It stands as one of the largest and most renowned museums globally, nestled in the heart of Egypt's capital, on the northern side of Tahrir Square. Established in 1835, it initially resided in the Azbakeya Gardens, housing a vast array of diverse artifacts. Later, under the direction of French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, it found its way to a hall within Saladin's Citadel. However, it was the dream of Egyptologist Gaston Maspero that led to the inauguration of the current museum building in 1902, during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi II. Today, the Egyptian Museum stands as one of the earliest institutions of its kind, showcasing over 180,000 archaeological pieces, including treasures unearthed from the tombs of kings and members of the royal court during the Middle Kingdom in Dahshur in 1894. It boasts the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts globally, spanning all epochs of ancient Egyptian history.

Day 2:

• Breakfast.
• Visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
• Lunch.
• Dinner.
• Visit to Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo.

The Pyramids of Giza: Also known as the Giza Necropolis, this archaeological site on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt, encompasses the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, alongside associated pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt between 2600 and 2500 BCE, these pyramids are among the oldest and sole surviving wonders of the ancient world. Historically, they symbolized the grandeur of ancient Egypt, revered even during the Hellenistic period when the Great Pyramid was listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World by the Greek poet Antipater. Considered royal tombs, each pyramid is associated with the king who commissioned its construction and burial within. The pyramid complex reflects the evolution of tomb architecture in ancient Egypt, from simple underground chambers to the iconic pyramid form.

Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo: Also known as Al-Muizz Street, it refers generally to the historic areas of Cairo, Egypt, existing before the city's modern expansion during the 19th and 20th centuries. It particularly encompasses the central parts around the walled old city and the Cairo Citadel. The term "Islamic Cairo" doesn't just denote a predominant Muslim presence but signifies the city's rich history and heritage since its early Islamic foundation, distinct from nearby ancient Egyptian sites like Giza and Memphis. This area hosts one of the largest and densest concentrations of historic architecture in the Islamic world, boasting hundreds of mosques, mausoleums, schools, palaces, and fortifications spanning the entire Islamic era of Egypt. In 1979, UNESCO declared "Historic Cairo" a World Heritage Site, recognizing it as "one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams, and fountains" (the new center of the Islamic world that reached its golden age in the 14th century).

Day 3:

• Breakfast.
• Travel by air-conditioned tourist car to Minya Governorate, arriving at the Dahabeya.
• Lunch.
• Visit to Tel El Amarna.
• Dinner.

Tel El Amarna: Formerly known as Akhetaten, meaning "Horizon of the Aten," it was the new capital established by King Akhenaten, located about forty-five kilometers south of the tombs of Beni Hasan in the Minya Governorate. Remnants of the ancient capital still exist today. In the Middle Ages, after the abandonment of the city following Tutankhamun's reign, the Amarna region was inhabited by the Amarna people, who settled there for centuries before returning to their ancestral lands. The area became known as Tel El Amarna because it was the Amarna people who brought life back to what was once a deserted site. Some remains of the elite housing also exist on the northern end of the site, facing the outer wall of the royal palace. The Egyptian Museum contains beautiful examples of floor plaster from these dwellings. Additionally, several tombs have been discovered in Tel El Amarna, including the Tomb of the Vizier Ramose, the Tomb of Ahmose, and the royal family tomb, believed to have been excavated for the king and his family.

Day 4:

• Breakfast.
• Visit to the Ashmunayn.
• Sailing to Assiut and overnight stay.
• Lunch.
• Dinner.

Ashmunayn: Also known as Hermopolis Magna, Hermopolis Majima, or Khemenu, it's an ancient city in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile River in the Minya Governorate, about 375 kilometers south of Cairo. It was designed by the renowned British engineer Sir William Willcocks, who also designed and built the Aswan Dam. The Assiut Dam was constructed between 1898 and 1903 on the Nile River, approximately 350 miles (560 km) downstream from the flow coming from the Aswan Dam. The dam was built to divert Nile water into Egypt's largest irrigation canal, the Ibrahimia Canal.

Day 5:

• Passing through the Asyut Reservoir.
• Visiting the Hanging Church (if available for visitation).
• Breakfast.
• Sailing to Sohag Governorate.
• Dinner.

Asyut Reservoir: Also known as the Asyut Barrage, it's a series of dams on the Nile River in the city of Asyut in Upper Egypt, situated about 375 kilometers south of Cairo. Designed by the renowned British engineer Sir William Willcocks, who also engineered the Aswan Dam, the Asyut Barrage was constructed between 1898 and 1903. Positioned approximately 350 miles (560 km) downstream from the Aswan Dam, its primary purpose was to divert Nile water into Egypt's largest irrigation canal, the Ibrahimia Canal. The construction of the Asyut Barrage played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity in Egypt's fertile lands, ensuring a stable water supply for the region's farms and communities.

Day 6:

• Breakfast.
• Traveling by air-conditioned car to Abydos.
• Visiting the Temple of Abydos.
• Traveling to Belina by air-conditioned car to join the Dahabeya.
• Sailing to Nag Hammadi and overnight stay.

Temple of Abydos: In hieroglyphs: Abdjw (meaning "city of the ibis"), it's an ancient city located west of Belina in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Most archaeologists agree that it was Egypt's first capital at the end of the predynastic and the first four dynasties, dating back approximately 5,000 years. Situated between Asyut and Luxor near Qena, it was known in Greek as Thinis. Currently referred to as the "Buried City," it lies about 11 kilometers from the Nile. Abydos was a sacred city associated with the worship of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and the west. It was a pilgrimage site for ancient Egyptians seeking the blessings of Osiris, the eternal guardian of life. The city holds significant historical and archaeological importance, housing the temples of Seti I and Ramesses II, renowned for their prominent Egyptian inscriptions. Abydos is also famed for containing some of the oldest boats in history found in the ancient tombs west of the Temple of Seti I and Ramesses II, the founder of the 19th Dynasty.

This village is remarkable for its abundance of archaeological sites, previously known as the "Buried City" because much of its treasures lay buried beneath the sands. Even in recent times, there is still much awaiting excavation and study.

It's truly astounding to step inside the temple, where you're transported back in time to the ancient way of life and the grandeur of our ancestors. Standing amidst this greatness, time seems to slip away swiftly.

Day 7:

• Breakfast.
• Sailing to Dendera and overnight stay.
• Lunch.
• Dinner.

Day 8:

• Breakfast.
• Visiting the Temple of Dendera.
• Sailing to Luxor and overnight stay.
• Lunch.
• Dinner.

Temple of Dendera: A complex of temples dating from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, located in the village of Dendera, approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Qena city and 60 kilometers north of Luxor. It's one of Egypt's most famous temples, still retaining its splendor. The Dendera area was part of the sixth nome of Upper Egypt, south of Abydos, known as the Crocodile Nome.

This vast temple complex is a testament to the ancient Egyptian civilization's architectural prowess and religious fervor, standing as a timeless symbol of devotion and reverence.

Day 9

dawns with a sense of anticipation, as we prepare to delve deeper into the wonders of ancient Egypt. Breakfast sustains us for the journey ahead, and as we set out to explore the eastern bank, we are filled with excitement and awe.

Our first stop is the magnificent Luxor Temple, a testament to the grandeur of Egypt's pharaonic past. Standing proudly on the banks of the Nile, it whispers secrets of a bygone era, where gods and mortals walked hand in hand.

Next, we venture to the sprawling complex of the Karnak Temples, where history comes alive amidst towering pillars and intricate carvings. Here, we marvel at the ingenuity of ancient architects and the enduring legacy of a civilization lost to time.

As the day draws to a close, we find ourselves at the Luxor Mummification Museum, where the mysteries of death and the afterlife are laid bare. Amongst the relics and artifacts, we catch a glimpse of the ancient Egyptians' reverence for the dead, a reminder of our own mortality.

And so, as we retire for the night, we carry with us the echoes of the past, knowing that each stone and inscription holds a story waiting to be told. For in the heart of Luxor, the soul of Egypt beats eternal.

Day 10 

of our journey, and it's brimming with anticipation. We begin with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a breathtaking adventure soaring above the ancient city of Luxor. For about 45 minutes, we drift through the sky, witnessing the city's splendor unfold below us. The sun-kissed monuments, the winding Nile, and the lush green fields create a tapestry of beauty that captures our hearts.

Our next destination is the West Bank, home to the illustrious Valley of the Kings and the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. For over 500 years, this sacred valley has been the final resting place for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom. As we explore its depths, we marvel at the intricate tombs, ranging from humble pits to elaborate chambers housing over 120 burial rooms.

Then, we embark on a journey along the Nile, passing by the charming village of Esna. Here, life flows at a gentle pace, untouched by the passage of time. The river serves as a lifeline, connecting communities and cultures along its banks.

As the day draws to a close, we indulge in a delicious lunch and dinner, savoring not just the flavors of the cuisine, but the camaraderie of our companions and the memories we've created together.

Each moment of this journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. And as we drift off to sleep in the quaint village of Al Haggaz, we carry with us the echoes of history and the promise of tomorrow's adventures.

Day 11

of our journey, filled with excitement and wonder. We set sail for the village of El Kab, ready to immerse ourselves in the remnants of ancient civilizations. Breakfast fuels our bodies as we prepare to explore the tombs and temples of this historic site. Then, we glide through the waters with billowing sails, letting the wind carry us on our next adventure.

El Kab is a place where time stands still, where the echoes of the past reverberate through the ages. Here, amidst the ruins of the Middle Kingdom, we glimpse the grandeur of a bygone era, where gods and pharaohs once walked the earth.

Our journey continues to the Temple of Edfu, also known as the Temple of Horus. This magnificent structure, second only to Karnak in size, bears witness to the rich tapestry of Egypt's history. Carved into its walls are secrets of language, myth, and religion, offering glimpses into the world of ancient Egypt during the Hellenistic period.

As the days pass, each moment becomes a cherished memory, etched in our hearts forever. We wander through villages, sail down the Nile, and marvel at the wonders of this ancient land. And as we bid farewell to each destination, we carry with us not just souvenirs, but the spirit of adventure and discovery that has fueled our journey from the very beginning.

And so, as we sail into the sunset, we embrace the unknown that lies ahead, eager to uncover the treasures that await us on the banks of the Nile.

Day 12

our journey continues, each step carrying us deeper into the heart of Egypt's timeless beauty. We begin with a hearty breakfast, fueling our spirits for the adventures that lie ahead. Our next destination: the tranquil island of El Fouza, where the Nile's gentle currents carry us to a world untouched by time.

As we explore the island's hidden treasures, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of nature. Here, amidst the swaying palms and ancient ruins, we find solace and inspiration, our souls uplifted by the beauty that surrounds us.

Our voyage takes us next to the village of El Ramady, a place steeped in tradition and history. We wander through its streets, soaking in the sights and sounds of everyday life, connecting with the people who call this place home.

Lunch is a feast for the senses, a celebration of the flavors and aromas that define Egyptian cuisine. And as we savor each bite, we are reminded of the bonds that unite us, transcending language and culture.

As the sun begins to set, we return to the waters, seeking refuge in the embrace of the majestic Mount Silsilah or the tranquil shores of Basaw. Here, beneath the starlit sky, we find peace and serenity, our hearts content in the knowledge that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

And so, as we gather around the dinner table, we raise our glasses to the journey that has brought us together, to the memories we have shared, and to the adventures that still await us. For in this moment, surrounded by friends old and new, we are reminded that the truest treasures in life are found not in the destinations we reach, but in the journey itself.