Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Duration

Tour Type

Tour Runs

Min Price

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Overview

Travel back through the centuries on an elegant Dahabiya Nile Cruise, designed for those who value authenticity, comfort, and tranquility. This intimate voyage between Luxor and Aswan offers a refined way to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders. With only a few cabins on board, guests enjoy personalized attention, exquisite meals, and peaceful sailing under traditional canvas sails. Each day reveals a new chapter of Egypt’s history—from the grand temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo to the ancient tombs of El Kab and the sandstone quarries of Gebel el Silsila. Away from the bustle of large cruise ships, this journey blends cultural discovery with luxurious serenity.

Included

Meet and assistance upon arrival at the airport or railway station
Full-board accommodation on the Dahabiya
Professional tour guide fluent in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish
All sightseeing tours conducted privately
Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
Bottled water during excursions
All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
All applicable service charges and taxes

Excluded

Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Gratuities

1

Day 1: Welcome Aboard in Esna – A Historic Beginning

Your journey begins in Esna, a picturesque trading town located about 33 miles south of Luxor. After a private transfer, you’ll board your elegant Dahabiya and meet the friendly crew who will accompany you throughout the voyage. Begin with a guided visit to the Temple of Khnum, an impressive structure built below street level, followed by a stroll through Esna’s lively markets filled with colorful fabrics and handmade crafts. As the sails catch the wind, your tranquil Nile adventure begins.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya in Esna
2

Day 2: El Kab & Edfu – Ancient Capitals and Sacred Temples

After breakfast, sail to El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt and home to the temple of the vulture goddess Nekhbet. Explore the rock-cut tombs and enjoy a peaceful walk through the nearby village. Later, continue to Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage will take you to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. After exploring its grand halls and reliefs, return to your Dahabiya to sail toward a quiet island for a serene overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya near Edfu
3

Day 3: Sail and Swim – A Day of Natural Beauty and Discovery

Today is devoted to relaxation and the natural beauty of the Nile. Begin with an optional morning walk before enjoying breakfast on deck as the Dahabiya glides southward. In the afternoon, stop at a peaceful island where you can swim in the river or simply unwind under the sun. As evening approaches, explore a nearby desert valley adorned with prehistoric rock carvings and ancient hieroglyphs that once marked trade routes leading to Libya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya
4

Day 4: Gebel el Silsila – Lost Temples and Sacred Quarries

Arrive early at Gebel el Silsila, where the Nile narrows dramatically between towering sandstone cliffs. This site, once a major quarry for Egypt’s temples, remains one of the most atmospheric stops along the river. Visit the small Temple of Horemheb and walk among the ancient quarries that supplied stone for Karnak and Luxor. Later, enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch by the riverbank before continuing your peaceful sail through untouched landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya near Gebel el Silsila
5

Day 5: Kom Ombo – Temple of the Nile’s Guardians

Wake to the sight of Kom Ombo, beautifully positioned on a curve of the Nile. Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Admire the detailed carvings depicting ancient medical instruments and rituals. Afterward, visit the nearby Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles and artifacts celebrating the ancient reverence for this creature. Return to your Dahabiya for a final evening of sailing beneath the glowing sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya near Kom Ombo
6

Day 6: Arrival in Aswan – Journey’s End

As the Dahabiya glides into Aswan, the golden desert draws close to the riverbanks, marking the end of your voyage. Disembark near the Aswan Bridge, where your private transfer awaits. Though the docking area is modest, the memories of your journey—its calm waters, ancient wonders, and refined comfort—will remain vivid long after you leave the Nile behind.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Disembarkation in Aswan