Esna Holidays

Venture south from the cultural hub of Luxor and you’ll find Esna, a small, thriving city on the west bank of the Nile. A lesser-known, more modest sibling to its neighbouring tourist hotspots, Esna holidays nevertheless immerse you in impressive heritage dating back to ancient Egypt. Most visitors head straight to the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, who - as legend has it - created man from his potter’s wheel. The immense columns and superb sandy sculptures were first constructed by the king of Egypt in the second century B.C. and completed a few hundred years later by the Romans. While impressive, you’d be wrong to think the temple is the only draw to this charming city; with an important agricultural market and a lively souk that fills the streets stretching inland from the river, Esna is more than worthy as a destination in its own right. It’s also the starting point for numerous river cruises along the Nile; a time-honoured way to discover the many historic wonders the country has to offer.

Esna holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Egypt – Aswan – The River Nile – Kom Ombo – Gebel El Silsila – Edfu – Luxor – Marsa Alam (Red Sea)

    Alternative Egypt - Aswan, the Nile, Luxor and the Red Sea

    Glide the Nile aboard a traditional dahabieh sailing boat, on a ten-day voyage, visiting ancient temples and Nubian villages along the way

    10 days, from £4850 to £6300

  • One Country Egypt – Cairo –  Luxor – Aswan

    Ancient Sites & Timeless Temples - A Tailor-Made Egyptian Adventure

    Discover the iconic temples, pyramids and monuments of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor on this adventure through Egypt’s rich history

    10 days, from £5200 to £6750

  • One Country Egypt – The River Nile

    Set Sail on the Flaneuse du Nil - A Cruise along the Nile River

    Cruise the Nile aboard the Flaneuse du Nil, a traditional seven-cabin dahabieh boat, which can be fully privatised to accommodate up to 14 guests

    9 days, from £5200 to £6750

  • One Country Egypt – Cairo – The River Nile – Aswan – Luxor

    Historical Egypt Aboard a Steamship - From the Pyramids and to the Nile

    Explore the historical sites of Egypt on this family adventure, from the bustling hub of Cairo to the storied streets of Luxor

    9 days, from £5900 to £7650

  • One Country Egypt - The River Nile - Aswan - Luxor

    The Eternal River - Luxury Cruise Along the Nile on the Steam Ship Sudan

    Combine exciting stays in Aswan and Luxor with a timeless voyage aboard the Steam Ship Sudan

    10 days, from £6300 to £8150

  • One Country Jordan – Egypt – Amman – Petra – Wadi Rum – Dead Sea – Cairo – The Nile

    From Petra to the Pyramids of Giza - A Historic Journey Through Jordan & Egypt

    Explore Jordan and Egypt on a two-week journey through their extensive history

    14 days, from £6300 to £7700

  • One Country Egypt – Cairo – The River Nile

    From Cairo to Aswan - Luxury Nile Cruise & World-Class Hotels

    Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Nile Valley and fascinating sites of Ancient Egypt on this luxurious ten-day adventure

    10 days, from £7650 to £9900