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Nile Felucca Explorer Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Egyptian journey. Marvel at Cairo's Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Sail the River Nile aboard a classic felucca, then explore Luxor's tombs and temples.

Trip Highlights 7 featured moments
The Pyramids & Sphinx
Antiquities at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Romantic Philae Temple
2 Night Felucca Cruise
Komombo Temple
Ancient Valley of the Kings
Karnak Temple

Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Egyptian journey. Marvel at Cairo's Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Sail the Ri...

DAY 1 Arrive into Cairo, transf...
DAY 2 Visit the Pyramids & Sphi...
DAY 3 Arrive in Aswan and visit...
DAY 4 Spend the day onboard the...
DAY 5 Drive to Luxor via Komomb...
DAY 6 Visits to Valley of the K...
DAY 7 Arrive back in to Cairo.
DAY 1

Arrive into Cairo, transfer to hotel

Day 1 Meals TBC

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early you may like to take an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single room supplement
Arrive into Cairo, transfer to hotel
DAY 2

Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Visit. Sleeper Train to Aswan

Day 2 Breakfast,Dinner

Your Egyptian adventure begins with a visit to the iconic pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), a monumental structure standing tall at 500 feet and spanning 750 feet at its base. Constructed with massive stone blocks and adorned with a hard limestone casing, this architectural masterpiece will leave you speachless. Alongside the Great Pyramid, admire the smaller yet equally impressive pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). You'll even have the chance to venture inside the pyramids (limited tickets available for the Great Pyramid) for an unforgettable experience.

Next, we'll visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Pyramids of Giza. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt as you explore the Tutankhamun exhibit and countless other fascinating artifacts. Our expert Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout your visit, sharing their wealth of knowledge and passion for Egyptian history and culture. Please note: While we will have dedicated time to visit the Museum highlights, the GEM holds one of the largest archaeological collections in the world and therefore it won't be possible to explore the museum in its entirety. If you wish to explore further, you have the option to add on our GEM re-visit package, which will allow you to return and explore at your leisure during your scheduled free time.

As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train to Aswan. The journey takes around 12 hours and you'll be accommodated in a twin birth cabin, where an airline style dinner and breakfast will also be served. 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Internal flights upgrade
Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Visit. Sleeper Train to Aswan
DAY 3

Arrive in Aswan and visit Philae Temple. Board Nile Felucca and begin sailing

Day 3 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

After our night onboard the sleeper train, we arrive in Aswan, a city steeped in ancient Nubian history. The Nubian people have inhabited this region for millennia, their culture intertwined with the Nile.

Following your arrival, we will take to the water for a scenic boat ride to the magnificent Philae Temple. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of healing and magic, this breathtaking complex sits gracefully on its own island. It famously faced the threat of being submerged forever by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Fortunately, a monumental rescue project carefully dismantled and relocated the entire temple to nearby Agilkia Island, meticulously preserving its stunning colonnades and intricate carvings for future generations.

At lunchtime, we embark on a quintessential Egyptian adventure: a felucca sailing trip on the Nile. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a unique perspective of the river, allowing you to witness the beauty of the Nile and observe rural Egyptian life unfold along its banks. Our Nubian crew will expertly navigate the felucca, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey. They'll also entertain you with their local knowledge and prepare meals onboard.

For your comfort and convenience, a separate facilities boat will accompany us, providing essential amenities such as toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. In the evening, we'll moor along the riverbank and enjoy a dinner prepared by our crew. As the stars twinkle overhead, we'll settle down for a magical night's sleep on deck, under the vast expanse of the Egyptian sky (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets are provided).

Today we'll sail as far as Aswan Bridge Pier where we'll spend the night onboard. 

Arrive in Aswan and visit Philae Temple. Board Nile Felucca and begin sailing
DAY 4

Spend the day onboard the Felucca

Day 4 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Start the morning with a freshly prepared breakfast on board, enjoying the serene atmosphere as the day begins. Following breakfast, we set off on an early four-hour sailing towards El Harbeyyat. This leisurely cruise provides the perfect opportunity to relax on the deck and admire the timeless landscapes along the riverbanks.

Upon reaching El Harbeyyat, we will disembark for an invigorating one-hour nature walk. This peaceful stroll allows you to immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, discover the local flora, and appreciate the vibrant birdlife thriving along the water's edge.

After our walk, we will rejoin the Felucca and continue our journey, sailing for another four hours towards Daraw. As we glide along the water, you can unwind and take in the changing scenery throughout the afternoon. We will conclude the day's adventure by docking at Daraw, where you will enjoy a restful overnight stay on board.

Spend the day onboard the Felucca
DAY 5

Drive to Luxor via Komombo Temple and visit Karnak Temple

Day 5 Breakfast

Following a hearty breakfast, we will depart by road for our journey north towards Luxor, famously known as the world's greatest open-air museum. As we travel, you can watch the timeless landscapes of rural Egypt pass by, where the lush, green agricultural land along the River Nile contrasts dramatically with the arid desert beyond.

Along the way we'll make a stop to visit Komombo Temple. Uniquely designed as a double temple, this remarkable architectural marvel is perfectly symmetrical and dedicated to two distinct deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.

Upon arrival in Luxor, we will head straight to our hotel. You will have ample time to check in, settle into your room, and refresh after the morning's drive before we step back in time for an afternoon of exploration.

Our first stop in this historic city is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex. Vast, monumental, and spectacular, Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed, having been developed continuously by successive pharaohs over more than two thousand years. We will take a guided walk through the magnificent Great Hypostyle Hall, dwarfed by its towering columns, and marvel at the towering obelisks, sacred sanctuaries, and intricately carved hieroglyphs dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.

Drive to Luxor via Komombo Temple and visit Karnak Temple
DAY 6

Visits to Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatchepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Sleeper train to Cairo

Day 6 Breakfast,Dinner

This morning, we embark on a journey to the West Bank of Luxor, a realm steeped in ancient history and shrouded in the mystique of pharaohs and their eternal resting places. Our exploration begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. We'll venture into several of these tombs, marvelling at the vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate paintings that adorn their walls. These ancient chambers continue to reveal their secrets to archaeologists, making the Valley of the Kings one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

Next, we'll be captivated by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a unique mortuary temple built into the cliffs. Its elegant colonnades and terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And no visit to the West Bank would be complete without encountering the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood guard over the Theban necropolis for millennia.

This evening, we re-join the sleeper train for the overnight journey back to Cairo where our journey will come to an end. 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Hot air balloon in Luxor
DAY 7

Arrive back in to Cairo.

Day 7 Breakfast

We arrive back into Cairo this morning where you have the choice of joining our transfer directly to Cairo Airport, or remaining in Cairo. If you'd like to extend your stay in Cairo, we can assist with booking extra nights and additional day tours if you'd like to see more of what this fascinating country has to offer These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Alexandria day trip

Included and Excluded

Included

  • 2 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels in Cairo & Luxor
  • 2 nights onboard the overnight sleeper train - private twin-berth cabins (flight upgrades available)
  • 2 nights on a felucca sailboat with accompanying support boat with toilet & shower
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Excluded

  • International flights (available on request)
  • Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities)
  • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees (allow approx. US$124)
  • Tipping kitty (allow US$75)
  • Drinks, snacks, guide tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes)
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Notes

Hotel Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt's hotels and Nile cruise boats arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but may be compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$150 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is not always possible. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. More information is available on request.

Departure Dates

Guaranteed departures with confirmed dates. Book early to secure your preferred date.

Departure Date Return Date Availability From price Notes
12 Sep 2026 Sat 18 Sep 2026 Fri Available C$2,155 -
26 Sep 2026 Sat 02 Oct 2026 Fri Available C$2,260 -
10 Oct 2026 Sat 16 Oct 2026 Fri Available C$2,770 -
24 Oct 2026 Sat 30 Oct 2026 Fri Available C$2,770 -
07 Nov 2026 Sat 13 Nov 2026 Fri Available C$2,770 -
21 Nov 2026 Sat 27 Nov 2026 Fri Available C$2,770 -
05 Dec 2026 Sat 11 Dec 2026 Fri Available C$2,770 -
19 Dec 2026 Sat 25 Dec 2026 Fri Available C$2,875 -
16 Jan 2027 Sat 22 Jan 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
30 Jan 2027 Sat 05 Feb 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
13 Feb 2027 Sat 19 Feb 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
27 Feb 2027 Sat 05 Mar 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
13 Mar 2027 Sat 19 Mar 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
27 Mar 2027 Sat 02 Apr 2027 Fri Available C$2,875 -
10 Apr 2027 Sat 16 Apr 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
24 Apr 2027 Sat 30 Apr 2027 Fri Available C$2,770 -
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 12 Sep 2026
END DATE 18 Sep 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 26 Sep 2026
END DATE 02 Oct 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 10 Oct 2026
END DATE 16 Oct 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 24 Oct 2026
END DATE 30 Oct 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 07 Nov 2026
END DATE 13 Nov 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 21 Nov 2026
END DATE 27 Nov 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 05 Dec 2026
END DATE 11 Dec 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 19 Dec 2026
END DATE 25 Dec 2026
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 16 Jan 2027
END DATE 22 Jan 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 30 Jan 2027
END DATE 05 Feb 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 13 Feb 2027
END DATE 19 Feb 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 27 Feb 2027
END DATE 05 Mar 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 13 Mar 2027
END DATE 19 Mar 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 27 Mar 2027
END DATE 02 Apr 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 10 Apr 2027
END DATE 16 Apr 2027
7 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 24 Apr 2027
END DATE 30 Apr 2027
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Private Tours

Private Tailor-Made

Travel exclusively with your family or friends on a private tour tailored to your pace and preferences.

  • Flexible dates
  • Personalized experience
  • Premium comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for this tour are being updated. Please contact our team if you need help before booking.

Still have questions?

Contact our travel team.

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Traveler Reviews

4.7
Excellent
Based on 1,738 reviews
5
80.9%
4
12.6%
3
3%
2
2.2%
1
1.3%
92% of travelers recommend this tour
M
Mypster
Egypt
Feb 01, 2026
We had such a fantastic vacation in Egypt! We couldn’t it have planned this ourselves - so many venues, all smoothly scheduled with all transfers arranged. There was always a guide to make sure things went well, and they did indeed make everything work. From the pyramids to Luxor and the new amazing Grand Egyptian Museum, we always had a knowledgeable local certified guide who added immensely to our understanding. The Nile cruise boat was excellent as well, comfortable and fun!
I had many questions prior to and after booking, and the company provided excellent communication and support. Highly recommend!!
a
ashleyblack1212
Egypt
Sep 01, 2025
My friend and I purchased the 'Egypt Express Tour' provided by Encounters Travel and I must say, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life! We were assigned an agent from the company by the name of 'Mariska Knoesen'. She was very professional, proficient, and answered all of my questions and concerns, via e-mail, in a timely fashion. Upon our arrival in Egypt, we were greeted by a friendly team from Encounters Travel, who were all fluent in English. They assisted us with getting Egyptian visas and made exiting the airport easy. In total, it ended up being 9 of us grouped together. Our main tour guide was a gentleman by the name of 'Ashrafbehairy', whom we all referred to as "Ash" for short. HE WAS AMAZING!! We could not have asked for a better tour guide for our trip. He was very humble, kind, and knowledgeable. He accompanied us from Cairo to Aswan and then to Luxor and back to Cairo, via train. We visited several attractions such as the Pyramids, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, and the Valley of the Kings (just to name a few). While at each sight, Ash explained its history to us and was able to answer all questions. He assisted with translation (Arabic and English) when needed, got us snacks, provided water, and took me to the shop to get items I desperately needed (sunblock and aloe lol). He even gave everyone a souvenir keychain at the end of our trip. Most importantly, we all felt SAFE! There is so much more I could say about this trip, but I will end by saying that it was honestly a great experience! I highly recommend purchasing this tour from Encounters Travel.
sm
sandra mooney
Egypt
Apr 30, 2025
From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.
CV
Carol V
Egypt
May 01, 2024
Wonderful time with friends. The land of Egypt is hard to describe in a few words. The history is so immense I will need to come back again and again. The accommodations were above par and the people from Encounters Travel are very helpful. I would your with them again.
TB
Tiffy Barnett
Egypt
Mar 01, 2024
Encounters travel worked with me to devise a specific itinerary to meet my interests, and its agents and guides in Egypt delivered beautifully while I was in Egypt. I was with a group for most of the trip, but per my request, they set up individual excursions for me on two additional days. Their agents in Cairo and Egypt were particularly good. I had to go to a medical clinic in Luxor unexpectedly, and the Encounters liaison handled it so quickly and easily that it didn't effect my itinerary at all.

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the country you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Most other options can be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Most options are priced the same throughout the year, though some may have seasonal pricing or minimum number requirements - our sales team will advise the final pricing based on your travel date and number of passengers on your booking.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below provide important practical information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday.

1. Felucca Sailboat

This tour features a 2 night felucca cruise.  Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and are a fun and relaxing way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and some blankets are provided, but we suggest that you bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag during the winter months of November-February).  There are no toilet facilities on board, but you will be joined several times each day and at night by our support boat where a toilet and warm showers will be available.  Mosquito nets are provided for use while you are sleeping but you should bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings. Your Nubian boat crew will cook all your meals while on board and entertain you in the evenings.

2. Transport
3. Dates & Prices
4. Transfers
5. International Flights
6. Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides
7. Entrance Fees
8. Tipping
9. Accommodation
10. What to take
11. Booking & Payment
12. Financial Security
13. Responsible Tourism
14. Follow Us Online
15. Travel Insurance
16. Before you travel
17. Reduce Plastic Waste with Water-to-Go Filter bottles
18. Private & Tailor-made Tours
19. Passports and Visas - Egypt
20. Money - Egypt
21. Voltage
22. Time
23. Health and Vaccinations

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