Step into a world of ancient wonders, timeless landscapes, and effortless luxury on an unforgettable journey through Egypt.
To explore ancient Egypt is to step into a story far greater than yourself — a world where golden light settles over timeless landscapes, where every stone seems to whisper of pharaohs, gods, and civilizations that shaped human history. It is a journey filled with awe, wonder, and quiet reflection, inviting you to slow down, look closer, and feel the mystery of a place that has captivated travelers for centuries. Egypt is not simply seen; it is felt. In the grandeur, the beauty, the stillness, and the extraordinary sense of standing in the presence of something eternal.
Itinerary
Cairo,
Egypt
Day 1: Thursday, November 11
Upon arrival in Cairo, you’ll be warmly welcomed and assisted through the airport by our local team before being transferred to our hotel. After check-in, enjoy some time to settle in, relax, or begin exploring this vibrant city on your own before joining the group for our first dinner together in Cairo.
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What's included: airport assistance, hotel transfers, dinner, luxury accommodations.
Pyramids & Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 2: Friday, November 12
Today we begin our exploration of ancient Egypt with a visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx, standing as timeless symbols of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through history with visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara, home to some of Egypt’s most significant archaeological treasures.
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What's included: breakfast, full-day guided tour including entry admissions, lunch, luxury accommodations.
Luxor Temples & Luxury Dahabeya
Day 3: Saturday, November 13
This morning, we’ll fly to Luxor, where the next chapter of our Egyptian journey begins. Upon arrival, we’ll board our private luxury Dahabeya, a beautifully appointed traditional sailing vessel that will serve as our elegant home on the Nile. After settling in and enjoying lunch onboard, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak before returning to the Dahabeya for dinner.
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What's included: luxury accommodations, all onboard meals and beverages (alcohol excluded), transfers, Egyptologist guide, monument entry tickets.
Balloon Flight & Ancient Tombs
Day 4: Sunday, November 14
The day begins early with a magical hot air balloon flight over Luxor, offering unforgettable views as the sun rises over the Nile and the ancient landscape below. We’ll then explore the legendary Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, home to some of Egypt’s most remarkable tombs. After lunch en route, we’ll continue to Esna where we will rejoin our Dahabeya and settle back into life on the Nile.
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​What's included: luxury accommodations, all onboard meals and beverages (excluding alcohol), balloon flight, Egyptologist guide, monument entry tickets, lunch.
Slow Sailing & Spiritual Reflection
Day 5: Monday, November 15
​​After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a peaceful morning of slow sailing along the Nile before arriving at the El Kab Tombs, where we’ll explore this fascinating ancient site. We’ll then return to the Dahabeya and continue sailing to a serene location for a gentle trek up the hillside to visit the burial site of a Sufi saint, a place known for meditation and quiet reflection. This relaxing day ends with a special live music performance by local musicians.
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What's included: luxury accommodations, all onboard meals and beverages (excluding alcohol), Egyptologist, monument entry tickets, and local musical performance
Local Life & Gebel
El Silsila
Day 6: Tuesday, November 16
After breakfast, we’ll step into the rhythm of daily life along the Nile with a leisurely walk through fertile banana and mango gardens on a local island, followed by a visit to a welcoming community home for an authentic cultural experience. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Gebel El Silsila, an ancient quarry and temple site with a fascinating history tied to some of Egypt’s greatest monuments.
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What's included: luxury accommodations, all onboard meals and beverages (excluding alcohol), guided tours.
Crocodile Temple & Local Markets
Day 7: Wednesday, November 17
​​Today begins with a visit to the unique Temple of Sobek, also known as the Crocodile Temple, admired for its rare dual dedication and striking riverside setting. We’ll then continue to Daraw, a lively city known for its remarkable camel and cattle market, offering a glimpse into local life and trade along the Nile. After returning to the Dahabeya for lunch, relax and take in the mesmerizing landscapes as we sail toward Aswan before ending the day with a special BBQ picnic and candlelit dinner on the shore.
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What's included: luxury accommodations, all onboard meals and beverages (excluding alcohol), Egyptologist, monument entry tickets, market tour, BBQ picnic.
Philae Temple & Aswan Exploration
Day 8: Thursday, November 18
​​Enjoy a relaxed breakfast onboard before checking out and saying farewell to our Dahabeya. We’ll then disembark for a visit to the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully set along the waters of Aswan. Afterward, we’ll transfer to our Aswan hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy time to explore on your own before coming together for our farewell group dinner.
​What's included: luxury accommodations, breakfast, Egyptologist, monument entry tickets, farewell dinner
Abu Simbel & Your Journey Home
Day 9: Friday, November 19
​After checking out of the hotel, we’ll take an early flight to Abu Simbel to explore its extraordinary temples, among the most iconic and awe-inspiring monuments in all of Egypt. Carved into the mountainside and built to honor Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, these remarkable temples are a powerful finale to our journey through ancient Egypt. We’ll then fly back to Cairo, where you can begin your journey home with a late evening flight to the U.S., or talk to us about options to extend your adventure.
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What's included: ground transfers, Egyptologist, monument entry tickets.
Accommodations
Enjoy thoughtfully selected accommodations, including elegant hotels in Cairo and Aswan and five nights aboard a private luxury Dahabeya, offering an intimate and beautifully appointed experience along the Nile.
Eat & Drink
Enjoy a flavorful introduction to Egyptian cuisine, with meals featuring fresh local ingredients, traditional spices, grilled meats, mezze, breads, and regional specialties served in memorable settings from Cairo to the Nile.
All the Things
This journey offers a more intimate way to experience Egypt, blending iconic ancient sites with slower moments along the Nile, local encounters, traditional cuisine, and the rare charm of traveling by private Dahabeya rather than a large cruise ship.
More Inclusive Pricing
Our pricing is designed to make the journey feel effortless, with thoughtfully bundled accommodations, curated experiences, guided touring, many meals, in-destination transportation, and special touches already included.
Your Ship
Aboard our private luxury Dahabeya, the Nile becomes more than a river — it becomes the soul of the journey. This elegant sailing vessel offers the romance of a bygone era with the comfort of modern luxury: beautifully designed spaces, gracious hospitality, panoramic river views, and an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the crowds. Days unfold slowly and effortlessly, with golden light dancing across the water, quiet villages passing along the shoreline, and unforgettable evenings spent dining beneath the stars. It is a rare and deeply atmospheric way to experience Egypt — refined, unhurried, and impossibly memorable.
Terms & Conditions
PRICE
Starting at $5,985 USD per person, based on double occupancy. Pricing varies by stateroom or suite category and is subject to availability.
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INCLUSIONS
The total price includes:
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Travel dates: November 11 to November 19, 2027 (9 days / 8 nights) departing from Cairo, Egypt.
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Accommodations include 3 hotel nights and 5 nights aboard a luxury Dahabeya vessel.
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Two (2) nights hotel in Cairo, Egypt.
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Five (5) nights in one shared cabin aboard the ship, based on double occupancy. Cabin assignment is first come, first served, based on availability at the time of booking.
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One (1) night hotel in Aswan, Egypt.
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All onboard meals, three (3) hotel breakfasts, two (2) land-based dinners, and two (2) land-based lunches.
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Select beverages throughout the sailing.
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Guided tours, monument tickets, and balloon excursion as described in detailed itinerary.
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EXCLUSIONS
The following items are not included in the trip price:
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International airfare to and from Cairo, Egypt.
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Domestic airfare from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan to Abu Simbel, and Abu Simbel to Cairo.
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Ground transportation before November 11, 2027 or after November 19, 2027.
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Pre- or post-trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Personal expenses and optional activities not included in the group itinerary.
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Any meals, beverages, or activities not specified above or not included by the Dahabeya cruise.
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Alcohol, spa services, retail purchases, and personal expenses while onboard.
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Any deviation from the group program or independent arrangements.
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DEPOSIT & PAYMENTS
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Prices are in USD and may change due to exchange‑rate fluctuations until final payment. Pricing and inclusions are based on a minimum group size; if participation is materially lower, we may adjust inclusions or price and will notify you promptly.
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A $1,000 deposit per person is required to confirm a reservation at the time of booking.
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A reservation is binding once deposit is made.
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Deposits are non-refundable.
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Payment Due Dates
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Due Immediately: $1,000
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November 11, 2026: $2,500
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July 1, 2027: Remaining Balance Due
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All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Solo travelers are welcome to book a room to themselves but must pay a single supplement based on room selection (Please email us at info@thechronicexplorers.com for information on single supplement options). Rooms with more than 2 people incur an additional charge which must be calculated upon request.
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CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
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Cancellation requests must be made in writing to info@thechronicexplorers.com.
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Deposits are non-refundable.
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Please refer to the Guest Contract for details on cancellations, payments, refunds, and other terms & conditions which are incorporated into this and every tCE trip.
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Please note, that changes made to overall party size may result in a change to the rate.
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Travel insurance is optional but strongly encouraged to protect your trip. You may already have coverage from other sources (e.g., credit cards, home, health, auto) that provide similar benefits, so we recommend comparing policies. You can review and purchase plans from InsureMyTrip using our trusted link: https://insuremytripus.pxf.io/thechronicexplorers. Please note: We are not insurance agents and cannot answer detailed coverage questions or assess the adequacy of your existing policies.
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Cancellation Fees:
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From Date of Deposit through November 11, 2026: $1,000 (Guest Deposit) per Guest.
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November 12, 2026 - June 30, 2027: $3,500 (Guest Deposit + $2,500) per Guest.
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On or After July 1, 2027: 100% of trip price per Guest.
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NOTE
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Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges.
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All listed retreats (hotels, villas, barges, etc.) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Explore Egypt Request
Please complete the form below to express your interest in joining our Explorers Journey: Egypt, Pharaohs, and the Nile, taking place from November 11 -19, 2027. Please note, by submitting this form, you are not guaranteed a booking/reservation. Our team will contact you shortly to review any available options for this extraordinary experience.