Sail slowly
Long periods with time to read, rest and watch river life unfold.
Signature Nile Journey
The Grand Nile Journey
A richer passage through ancient Thebes and the living Nile.
6 days / 5 nightsDuration
Luxor to AswanRoute
EsnaEmbarkation
Soft all-inclusiveBoard
The Journey
The Grand Nile Journey
The Grand Nile Journey adds the temples and royal landscapes of Luxor to five unhurried nights aboard Fatima. It is designed for travellers who want Egypt’s celebrated monuments and the quieter human stories of the river in one graceful journey.
Why You Will Love It
Depth, time and a closer relationship with the river.
Step beyond the famous
Smaller archaeological places and village landscapes enrich the major monuments.
Explore with an expert
A licensed Egyptologist turns architecture and inscriptions into connected human stories.
Live close to the river
Open-deck meals, intimate service and an atmosphere shaped by wind and water.
Journey Rhythm
01Luxor & Esna
02Esna & El Kab
03Edfu
04Village life
05Silsila & Kom Ombo
06Aswan
Your Journey
Day by day aboard Fatima.
The order may adjust according to navigation, site opening times and local conditions.
Day 01
Ancient Thebes and embarkation in Esna
Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut · Karnak · Welcome aboard
Explore selected royal tombs hidden within the Theban mountains, the elegant terraces of Hatshepsut and Karnak’s Great Hypostyle Hall. Travel south along the cultivated edge of the Nile Valley to meet Fatima in Esna.
OvernightNear Esna
MealsLunch & dinner
PaceMajor monuments
Day 02
Esna, El Kab and the first sail
Temple of Khnum · Traditional market · Rock-cut tombs
Descend beneath modern Esna to the decorated hall of Khnum, then walk through lanes of textiles, spices and everyday trade. At El Kab, visit rock-cut tombs belonging to governors and military officials before settling into the first long sail.
OvernightAboard Fatima
MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
PaceTemple & tombs
Day 03
Edfu and the quiet river
Temple of Horus · Sacred mythology · Open-deck afternoon
Enter Edfu’s monumental sanctuary, where pylons, courts and sacred chambers preserve the rituals and mythology of Horus and Seth. Return for lunch and a generous sailing period, reading in the shade or watching fishermen along the banks.
OvernightAboard Fatima
MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
PaceBalanced day
Day 04
Villages, fields and life beside the Nile
Local encounter · Agricultural landscapes · Island evening
This day belongs to the river’s human landscape. Walk gently through a village or agricultural community, observe seasonal crops and share an unforced encounter interpreted by your guide. When conditions allow, Fatima pauses beside a quiet island or riverbank.
OvernightAboard Fatima
MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
PaceGentle walking
Day 05
Gebel El-Silsila and Kom Ombo
Ancient quarries · Double temple · Final night aboard
Explore quarry faces, inscriptions and rock-cut shrines at Gebel El-Silsila. Continue to Kom Ombo’s symmetrical sanctuary, with ritual scenes and remarkable reliefs connected with medicine, before a final dinner with the crew.
OvernightNear Aswan
MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner
PaceArchaeology focus
Day 06
Aswan and the island temple of Philae
Disembarkation · Philae Temple · High Dam · Farewell
Around Aswan, the Nile divides into granite channels and green islands. Visit Philae by motorboat and understand how its sanctuary was rescued, with an optional visit to the High Dam before your onward transfer.
OvernightJourney ends in Aswan
MealsBreakfast
PaceEasy finish
Your Floating Home
Life aboard Fatima Dahabeya.
Only twelve cabins, attentive service and generous open-air spaces create the intimacy of a private home on the Nile.
The vessel
- 10 comfortable cabins
- 2 panoramic suites
- Private bathroom facilities
- Shaded upper deck
- Dining spaces and dipping pool
Soft all-inclusive
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Snacks and seasonal fruit
- Tea and coffee
- Water, juices and soft beverages
- Housekeeping and crew service
A thoughtful note: Alcohol is not served onboard. Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages, subject to responsible consumption and local regulations.
Planning Your Journey
What is included—and what is not included.
Cruise package
- Accommodation aboard Fatima
- Cabin or panoramic suite according to booking
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fresh snacks and seasonal fruit
- Tea, coffee, bottled water, juices and soft beverages
- Crew service and housekeeping
- Scheduled dahabeya stops
Included excursions and guiding
- Excursions described in the confirmed itinerary
- Entrance fees for the sites named in the itinerary
- Licensed Egyptologist guide
- Air-conditioned transportation within the confirmed program
Not included
- Flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities and extensions
- Extra or special tomb tickets
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- Personal expenses
Abu SimbelBy private road or domestic flight
Hot-Air BalloonSunrise above the Theban West Bank
Nubian AswanVillage life, islands and local heritage
Before You Travel
Practical notes and frequently asked questions.
Pricing varies by season, cabin category, shared departure or charter, guest numbers, sightseeing package and extensions. Your quotation will separate these elements clearly.
Where does Fatima embark?
Southbound journeys generally begin with sightseeing in Luxor and embarkation in Esna. The northbound Dream of the Golden Nile begins in Aswan. Exact meeting points and times are confirmed before travel.
What is included?
All journeys include accommodation aboard Fatima, soft all-inclusive meals and non-alcoholic refreshments, crew service, housekeeping, the excursions described in the confirmed itinerary, entrance fees for the sites named in that itinerary, a licensed Egyptologist guide and air-conditioned transportation within the program.
Is alcohol served?
No. Alcohol is not served aboard Fatima. Guests may bring their own alcoholic drinks, subject to responsible consumption and local regulations.
Can children travel?
Yes, subject to the selected journey and cabin arrangements. Parents should consider open decks, gangways, uneven archaeological terrain and the quiet character of dahabeya travel.
Is the itinerary guaranteed exactly as written?
The route and principal experiences are carefully planned, but wind, water level, Esna lock schedules, permissions and site opening times may change the exact order. The team protects the journey’s quality and key visits wherever possible.
Is Fatima wheelchair accessible?
Fatima is a traditional river vessel with gangways, steps and variable shore access. Many sites also involve uneven ground. Guests with limited mobility should speak with the team before booking so practical requirements can be assessed honestly.
Plan Your Journey
Sail deeper into the Nile.
Share your dates and preferred cabin. We will confirm availability, guiding, transfers, extensions and one transparent price.