Christmas on the Nile
Sacred Christmas Journey on the Nile
A Boutique Dahabeya Journey Aboard the Magdalena Temple Boat
22-27 December 2026
Aswan to Luxor
Imagine exchanging the cold and rush of Christmas for golden winter sunshine, ancient temples and five
unforgettable nights sailing the Nile aboard Magdalena, our beautifully designed boutique dahabeya.
With just a small number of cabins, Magdalena offers something very different from a conventional Nile
cruise. Elegant interiors, comfortable cabins, generous outdoor spaces and highly personal service
create the feeling of a private floating boutique hotel.
For Christmas, Magdalena will be beautifully dressed for the season, with elegant festive decorations,
candlelit-style ambience and thoughtful details throughout the boat, creating the warmth and magic of
Christmas without losing her distinctive Egyptian character.
The Magdalena Experience
Life aboard Magdalena is all about the details. From the moment you arrive, our team takes care of the little things that transform a holiday into a truly special experience.
Meals are freshly prepared on board by our chef, using quality local ingredients and combining Egyptian flavours with fresh, beautifully presented international dishes. Breakfasts on deck, leisurely lunches while sailing, afternoon treats and dinners beneath the Nile sky become as much a part of the journey as the temples themselves.
And because this is Christmas, there will be a few extra touches along the way — including a special Christmas Eve dinner, festive table settings and little surprises prepared by the Magdalena team.
Itinerary
22 December — Welcome to Magdalena
Arrive in Aswan, where our team will meet you and transfer you to Magdalena.
Step aboard, settle into your cabin and discover your home on the Nile. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner, beautifully prepared and served on board as the lights of Aswan shimmer across the water.
23 December — Philae, Isis & the Beginning of the Journey
Early morning visit the enchanting island Temple of Isis at Philae, one of the most beautiful temple settings in Egypt, together with the historic Isis Gate.
Return to Magdalena and begin sailing north, leaving the bustle of modern life behind as the landscape gradually becomes quieter and greener.
Later, visit the extraordinary riverside Temple of Kom Ombo before returning to the boat for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
24 December — Gebel Selsela & Christmas Eve on the Nile
Wake to the peaceful landscapes of Upper Egypt before visiting Gebel Selsela, an atmospheric ancient sandstone quarry and archaeological site away from the usual crowds.
Then return to Magdalena for an unhurried afternoon of sailing.
As evening falls, Magdalena takes on her Christmas glow. Dress for a beautiful evening and gather around our festive table for a special Christmas Eve dinner prepared by our chef — a Christmas celebration surrounded by the silence and beauty of the Nile.
Breakfast, lunch & special Christmas dinner included.
25 December — Christmas Day & Esna
There is nowhere you need to rush to this Christmas morning.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, sunshine and the changing landscapes of the Nile as Magdalena continues her journey towards Luxor.
Later, visit the magnificent Temple of Esna, whose beautifully restored columns and extraordinarily colourful astronomical ceiling have made it one of Upper Egypt’s unexpected treasures.
Return to Magdalena for a relaxed Christmas Day lunch.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
26 December — Hatshepsut at Sunrise & Magnificent Karnak
Begin the day with one of Egypt’s unforgettable experiences: Hatshepsut Temple at sunrise, when the first light reaches the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Later, visit the monumental Karnak Temple, walking through its immense gateways and legendary forest of columns.
Return to Magdalena for your final evening together — good food, attentive service and one last night beside the Nile.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
27 December — Farewell to Magdalena
After breakfast, say goodbye to Magdalena and her crew before your private transfer to Luxor Airport.
Your Investment
Five nights. One beautiful boat. Christmas beneath the Egyptian sun.
A journey of ancient wonders, slow sailing, exceptional food, personal service and the intimate luxury of Magdalena — with every detail taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy Christmas on the Nile.
Prices
$3,222 per person in a shared cabin
Single supplement: $1,122 per person
Suite supplement: $1,222 per room
Early Bird Investment
$2,922 per person in a shared cabin
Available for bookings confirmed with deposit payment by October 31st.
Special Christmas Family Offer
Christmas is a time to be together — so we created a special offer for families and close friends who would love to share this extraordinary journey.
*Book and pay for 3 people, and the 4th person travels FREE!*
Bring your family, your children, or three generations together and spend Christmas sailing the Nile aboard Magdalena — surrounded by ancient temples, beautiful food, winter sunshine and the magic of Egypt.
*4 people travel — only 3 people pay.*
A beautiful opportunity to give your loved ones something more meaningful than another Christmas present: an experience you will remember together.
