Luxury Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna

This is a five-day sail down the Nile from Aswan to Esna aboard a dahabiya, the traditional wooden sailing boat that moves at a slower, quieter pace than the big cruise ships. Days are built around temple visits, with time on deck to watch the riverbanks go by in between.

You start in Aswan with Philae Temple and the High Dam, then work down river with stops at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Gebel Silsilah and the Horemheb Temple. The route also takes in Luxor's East and West Banks, taking in Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon.

It's a history-dense trip aimed at travellers who want to properly get into ancient Egypt rather than just tick off the big names, done in a small-group format that suits families as well as friends travelling together.

What you'll do

• Sail the Nile from Aswan to Esna aboard a traditional dahabiya
• Visit Philae Temple and the High Dam in Aswan
• Stop at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Gebel Silsilah temples along the way
• Explore Luxor's East and West Banks, including Karnak and Luxor Temple
• See the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon