Overview
While motorboats offer fast transfers across the Nile, traditional feluccas—canvas-sailed wooden vessels relying purely on wind and current—provide an authentic way to experience the river as ancient Egyptians did. Operating in late afternoon when thermal breezes remain gentle and predictable, this 2.5-to-3-hour private tour pairs natural scenery with local agricultural traditions. Guests board along Luxor’s East Bank, gliding past the West Bank’s palm-lined shores and farmland toward Banana Island (Gezira el-Moz). Upon arrival, guests take a guided walk through a working island plantation to learn about local irrigation methods and taste fresh bananas, citrus, and sugarcane before sailing back as the sun sets over the West Bank desert cliffs. Trip information Duration: Half Day Schedule: Daily Tour location: Luxor Pickup location: Your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor Tour type: Private
Why You Will Love This Trip
- Sail on a traditional wooden felucca guided by an experienced Nile river captain.
- Experience a scenic sunset over the Nile River and the West Bank desert hills.
- Visit Banana Island (Gezira el-Moz) to explore an active agricultural fruit orchard.
- Sample freshly harvested local bananas, seasonal fruits, and hot Egyptian mint tea.
- Escape the city noise and enjoy a peaceful, motor-free sailing atmosphere along the riverbanks.
- Enjoy private door-to-door hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Detailed Itinerary
Stop 1: Afternoon pickup (15:30)
Collection from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor and a short transfer to the East Bank landing.
Stop 2: Boarding your private felucca (15:45)
Meet your captain and board a traditional wooden sailing boat. A felucca has no engine, so the pace is set by the wind, which is the point.
Stop 3: Sailing south past Elephantine-style islands (16:00)
Tack upriver past the West Bank, with the Theban hills turning from grey to gold behind you as the sun drops.
Stop 4: Banana Island (16:45)
Moor at the small palm and banana plantation island. Walk the plantation paths, taste bananas, dates and sugar cane straight from the trees, and see the crocodile kept at the island's small enclosure.
Stop 5: Tea on board at sunset (17:45)
Cast off again with hibiscus tea served on deck as the sun sets behind the West Bank necropolis. This is the best light of the day on the river.
Stop 6: Return sail to Luxor (18:30)
Sail back downstream with the temples lit along the East Bank corniche.
Stop 7: Transfer to your hotel (19:00)
Back to your accommodation. Feluccas depend on wind; on still days the captain uses a small tow boat to keep to schedule.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Hotel or Nile Cruise pick-up and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Private 2.5 to 3-hour felucca sailboat hire with a licensed, experienced local captain.
- Licensed professional Egyptologist guide fluent in your selected language.
- Entrance fees and access to the Banana Island fruit plantation.
- Complimentary basket of fresh organic island bananas, seasonal fruit plate, and mint tea.
- Bottled drinking water on board the felucca.
- All service charges, dock fees, and local taxes.
- The tour price includes all standard admission tickets required for the visits and activities listed in this itinerary. Optional visits and special-access upgrades outside the listed itinerary cost extra.
Excluded
- Optional meals or extra cooked dishes purchased at the island restaurant.
- Gratuities for the felucca captain, guide, and driver (baksheesh).
- Personal expenses and souvenir purchases.
- Domestic and international airline tickets are not included.
Prices by Group Size
Every amount is the USD price for one traveler, not the total booking price. Choose the row that matches your group size.
| Travelers | Price per traveler |
|---|---|
| 1 Traveler | $140 per travelerTotal for 1 traveler: $140 |
| 2 Travelers | $75 per travelerTotal for 2 travelers: $150 |
| 3 Travelers | $70 per travelerTotal for 3 travelers: $210 |
| 4 Travelers | $70 per travelerTotal for 4 travelers: $280 |
| 5 Travelers | $70 per travelerTotal for 5 travelers: $350 |
| 6 or More Travelers | $70 per travelerFrom $420 total for 6 travelers |
We will confirm the date, availability and final price by email or WhatsApp before booking.
Pricing Information
The final price depends on travel date, availability, category and traveler count. Currency conversions are estimates updated from the central rate setting.
Children Policy
Child rates depend on age, room occupancy and the hotel or cruise policy. Send each child age for a confirmed quote.
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