Nile cruise

Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

  • 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Dahabiya Cruises

From $2,049 per person

Overview

Step into a world of timeless elegance aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise, designed for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and tranquility. This intimate sailing journey between Luxor and Aswan offers a refined alternative to large cruise ships, featuring only a few cabins for a personalized experience. Glide gracefully along the Nile under billowing sails, savor gourmet meals, and enjoy attentive service as you explore Egypt’s hidden gems. Each day reveals new wonders—from the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo to the ancient quarries of Gebel el Silsila and the cliffside tombs of El Kab.

Step into a world of timeless elegance aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise, designed for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and tranquility. This intimate sailing journey between Luxor and Aswan offers a refined alternative to large cruise ships, featuring only a few cabins for a personalized experience. Glide gracefully along the Nile under billowing sails, savor gourmet meals, and enjoy attentive service as you explore Egypt’s hidden gems. Each day reveals new wonders—from the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo to the ancient quarries of Gebel el Silsila and the cliffside tombs of El Kab. This voyage combines cultural discovery with peaceful luxury, creating an unforgettable connection to the heart of Egypt.

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

Itinerary

Day-by-day plan.

  1. Your journey begins in Esna, a charming 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 set nearly nine meters below the current street level. Stroll through Esna’s lively markets filled with colorful fabrics and handmade crafts before setting sail. As the sails catch the wind, your tranquil Nile adventure begins.

    • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya in Esna
  2. After breakfast, sail to El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt and home to the temple of the vulture goddess Nekhbet. Walk through a peaceful riverside village to reach the ancient tombs carved into the cliffs.

    Later, continue to Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage will take you through the bustling streets to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. As evening approaches, the Dahabiya anchors near a quiet island for a serene night under the stars.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya near Edfu
  3. Enjoy a leisurely morning on deck as the Dahabiya glides southward. After breakfast, take in the peaceful scenery of the Nile’s green banks and distant desert hills. In the afternoon, stop at a small island where you can swim in the river, take a walk, or simply relax in the sun.

    As dusk falls, explore a nearby desert valley adorned with prehistoric rock carvings and ancient hieroglyphs that once marked trade routes leading to Libya. The day ends with a calm evening surrounded by nature’s silence.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya
  4. Arrive early at Gebel el Silsila, where the Nile narrows dramatically between towering sandstone cliffs. This site, rarely visited by large vessels, was once a major quarry that supplied stone for Egypt’s grand temples.

    Visit the small Temple of Horemheb and wander through the ancient quarries that provided materials for Karnak and Luxor. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch along the riverbank before continuing your peaceful sail through one of the Nile’s most scenic stretches.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya near Gebel el Silsila
  5. 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 symmetrical design and intricate carvings that depict ancient medical instruments and rituals.

    Visit the nearby Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles and artifacts reflecting the ancient reverence for these creatures. Return to your Dahabiya for a final evening sail beneath the glowing sunset.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Stay: Onboard the Dahabiya near Kom Ombo
  6. As the Dahabiya glides into Aswan, the golden desert draws close to the riverbanks, marking the end of your voyage. The cruise concludes near the Aswan Bridge, as per local docking regulations.

    Though the final mooring point may be modest, the memories of your serene journey—its history, landscapes, and quiet luxury—will remain vivid. After disembarkation, a private transfer will be arranged for your onward travel, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the timeless beauty of the Nile.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Stay: Disembarkation in Aswan

Tour map

Stops along this itinerary.

N1Luxor2Edfu3Dahab4Kom Ombo5Aswan
1Luxor2Edfu3Dahab4Kom Ombo5Aswan

What's included

Included

  • Meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board with full board meals
  • 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 provided during excursions
  • All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Not included

  • Optional excursions
  • 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?

Speak to a specialist or book this tour today.