Nile cruise

Iris Dahabiya

  • 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Dahabiya Cruises

From $1,099 per person

Overview

Step aboard the Iris Dahabiya, a handcrafted sailing vessel that blends classic charm with refined comfort. Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess Iris, this elegant dahabiya offers a tranquil and exclusive way to explore the Nile. As the sails catch the soft breeze, you’ll drift past timeless temples, lush riverbanks, and golden desert horizons. With only a limited number of cabins and suites, the Iris Dahabiya ensures a serene and personalized experience, allowing you to witness Egypt’s treasures at a relaxed and meaningful pace. This is not just a cruise—it’s a journey into the heart of t

Step aboard the Iris Dahabiya, a handcrafted sailing vessel that blends classic charm with refined comfort. Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess Iris, this elegant dahabiya offers a tranquil and exclusive way to explore the Nile. As the sails catch the soft breeze, you’ll drift past timeless temples, lush riverbanks, and golden desert horizons. With only a limited number of cabins and suites, the Iris Dahabiya ensures a serene and personalized experience, allowing you to witness Egypt’s treasures at a relaxed and meaningful pace. This is not just a cruise—it’s a journey into the heart of the Nile’s enduring spirit.

Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Languages
English, Spanish
Vessel
5-star Nile cruiser

Itinerary

Day-by-day plan.

  1. Upon reaching Aswan, you’ll be greeted by a representative who will escort you to the graceful Iris Dahabiya. Enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into your cabin and take in the peaceful rhythm of the Nile. Your first exploration begins with the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully situated on an island.

    Admire its intricate carvings and learn about its relocation to save it from the rising waters. Return to the dahabiya for lunch, then relax as the boat sails quietly along the river. Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay anchored on the Nile.

    • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya
  2. Wake to the gentle light of dawn and enjoy breakfast on deck. The dahabiya stops at Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Visit the Crocodile Mummies Museum to see relics of ancient worship. Continue sailing toward Edfu, spending the day relaxing on deck, watching village life unfold along the riverbanks, and savoring tea time as the scenery drifts by. Lunch and dinner are served on board.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya
  3. After breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage through Edfu to visit the grand Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. Its towering pylons and detailed reliefs reveal the myths of ancient Egypt. The dahabiya then sails toward Luxor.

    After lunch, begin your East Bank tour with the vast Karnak Temple Complex, famous for its colossal columns and sacred lake. Continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night and connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and overnight in Luxor.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya in Luxor
  4. After breakfast, disembark and begin your exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were entombed in richly decorated chambers, including that of Tutankhamun.

    Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning structure carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. End your tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once guarded a grand mortuary temple. Afterward, transfer to Luxor Airport, marking the end of your memorable Nile journey.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Stay:
  5. Board the Iris Dahabiya in Luxor and settle into your elegant cabin with panoramic views of the Nile. After lunch prepared by the onboard chef, begin your exploration of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex of sanctuaries and halls, followed by the nearby Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and overnight in Luxor.

    • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya in Luxor
  6. After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture, and stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the dahabiya for lunch as it sails through the Esna Lock toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya
  7. Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the most complete temples in Egypt. Return to the dahabiya for lunch as you sail toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, explore the twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and visit the Crocodile Museum to see fascinating relics. Continue sailing toward Aswan while enjoying dinner on board.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya
  8. After breakfast, begin your Aswan sightseeing with a visit to the impressive High Dam, followed by the enchanting Temple of Philae, one of Egypt’s most beautiful monuments. Return to the dahabiya for your final dinner on board, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya in Aswan
  9. Enjoy breakfast before disembarking in Aswan. Optional excursions, such as a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples, can be arranged upon request. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Nile sailing experience.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Stay:

Tour map

Stops along this itinerary.

N1Aswan2Edfu3Luxor4Dahab
1Aswan2Edfu3Luxor4Dahab

What's included

Included

  • Meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board the Iris Dahabiya on a full-board basis
  • Professional tour guide fluent in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish
  • All sightseeing tours conducted as private guided excursions
  • Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water provided during excursions
  • All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • All service charges and applicable taxes

Not included

  • Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping

Frequently asked

Can this itinerary be customized around our arrival and departure dates?

Reusable FAQ for private trip customization.

Is a Nile cruise worth it on a first Egypt trip?

Reusable FAQ for cruise decision-making.

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

A reusable planning FAQ for seasonal timing.

Ready to start your Egyptian adventure?

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