EXPLORE EGYPT’S ANCIENT WONDERS
Swerve Cairo’s frenetic crowds and surrounding jam-packed historical sites by boarding a traditional boat to sail the Nile’s meandering curves in search of lesser-known ancient wonders. Dahabiya – small, sail-powered boats – offer a slower-pace of travel along the celebrated waterway, where days are filled with dips in the shallows, stops at rural riverbank villages and quiet moments absorbing the pastoral scenes of riverbank life flowing by.
Able to moor up in places larger vessels can’t, these chic-cabined sail boats can access less-frequented temple sites, such as the columned Horemheb Temple, allowing for leisurely exploration of Egypt’s sand-dusted history.
WHEN TO DO IT Avoid the scorching heat of north African summers and touch down in Cairo between October and April, when temperatures cool, at lowest, to a balmy 21C.
HOW TO DO IT Nour El Nil’s five-day river cruises on various-sized dahabiya cost from £1,000pp, including meals. nourelnil.com