Sail the Nile at its most peaceful pace on this 5 Nights Dahabiya From Luxor to Aswan, a boutique sailing journey designed for travelers who prefer intimacy over crowds and authenticity over schedules. Unlike large cruise ships, a Dahabiya moves slowly with the wind, docking at hidden islands and quiet riverbanks unreachable by bigger vessels.
Dahabiya Nile cruise offers a refined, small-group experience (typically 8–12 guests), blending relaxed sailing with expertly guided visits to iconic landmarks like Valley of the Kings and Philae Temple. Between sightseeing, you’ll unwind on a panoramic sundeck, enjoy freshly prepared Egyptian cuisine, and sleep in elegantly appointed cabins with Nile views.
Designed as a slow-travel alternative to standard river cruises, this Dahabiya experience is ideal for couples, honeymooners, photographers, and travelers seeking a more private and immersive way to explore Upper Egypt.
✨ Quick Tour Snapshot
We meet you at your hotel in Luxor and begin your adventure with a drive to the West Bank. Visit the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues standing as ancient guardians of the Theban Necropolis. Explore the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll visit three of the most significant tombs currently open to the public. End the day with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh.
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After breakfast, check out of your hotel and visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the ancient world, followed by the elegant Luxor Temple. After exploring these iconic landmarks, drive to Esna, where you’ll visit the Temple of Esna and the restored caravanserai and market. Board your Dahabiya and enjoy your first sail to El Hegz Village, where a unique cultural experience awaits.
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After breakfast on board, sail to El Kab and explore the massive walls of the ancient town of Nekheb. Visit the New Kingdom tombs in the area, either on foot or by tuk-tuk. Continue to Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage will take you to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Spend the evening sailing and enjoying a delicious dinner onboard.
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Sail to Bisaw Island and spend the morning exploring the village. Join local fishermen in their boats, walk through lush farms, and meet friendly villagers. Continue sailing to El Selsela, an ancient sandstone quarry and shrine site, where you’ll enjoy a special barbeque dinner by moonlight.
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After breakfast, visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Explore the Crocodile Museum before heading to the nearby town of Daraw to experience the vibrant local market and learn about the camel trade. Visit a Nubian village to immerse yourself in local culture. Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard as you sail closer to Aswan, with optional activities such as swimming or kayaking.
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On your final day, enjoy breakfast onboard before visiting Aswan’s iconic sights. Explore the Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, followed by the Unfinished Obelisk, an example of ancient engineering. Stop at the High Dam and enjoy a felucca ride to Elephantine Island, where you’ll see the Nobles’ Tombs, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and more. Reflect on your journey over lunch before bidding farewell.
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💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping is not included in your package — but it’s an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.
Suggested Guidelines:
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Not included but available on request:
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
We understand plans change. Here’s our straightforward cancellation structure:
| Notice Period Before Tour | Refundable Amount |
|---|---|
| ≥ 30 days | 90% refund (10% fee) |
| 20–29 days | 75% refund |
| 15–19 days | 50% refund |
| 11–14 days | 25% refund |
| ≤ 10 days | Non-refundable |
💡 Need to cancel due to emergencies? We’re happy to provide documentation for your travel insurance claim.
👶 Children Policy
Note: Children rates apply when sharing a room with parents (max 1 child per room). Additional charges may apply for child airfare.
The most pleasant months for a Dahabiya cruise are October through April, when daytime temperatures are mild and ideal for sightseeing.
During summer (May–September), temperatures rise, but early morning visits and shaded sailing hours keep the experience comfortable. The Nile breeze on the sundeck often makes evenings surprisingly pleasant year-round.
Life onboard is relaxed and elegant. Recommended attire includes:
When visiting religious sites or rural villages along the Nile, modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is appreciated.
You’ll visit remarkable sites such as Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple.
To preserve these ancient monuments:
Your Egyptologist guide will explain preservation guidelines at each site.
Tipping is customary in Egypt and reflects appreciation for service quality.
On a Dahabiya cruise, gratuities are typically given to:
We provide clear, suggested ranges prior to your departure so you feel comfortable and informed.
All meals onboard are freshly prepared using filtered water and reputable suppliers.
We recommend:
Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary meals can be arranged upon request.
The Nile offers extraordinary light conditions:
Drone usage is generally restricted in Egypt unless special permits are obtained.
Upper Egypt is a well-established tourism region with strong infrastructure.
Your cruise includes:
The small scale of a Dahabiya enhances comfort and personalized care throughout your journey.
A Dahabiya is a traditional boutique sailing boat that carries a limited number of guests (typically 8–12), offering a more private and tranquil atmosphere.
Unlike large cruise ships that follow fixed docking schedules and crowded ports, a Dahabiya can anchor at peaceful islands and rural riverbanks between Luxor and Aswan.
The experience is slower, more intimate, and focused on relaxation rather than onboard entertainment.
Most Dahabiyas accommodate between 8 and 12 guests. This limited capacity ensures personalized service, quieter evenings, and a more refined sailing atmosphere.
The cruise operates as a small-group boutique experience. However, private charter options are available if you wish to reserve the entire boat for your family or group.
Your journey typically includes guided visits to major highlights such as:
The exact order may vary slightly depending on sailing conditions.
Dahabiya cruises are generally best suited for couples, honeymooners, and adult travelers seeking a peaceful atmosphere. Families with older children who enjoy history and calm environments may also find it suitable.
Dahabiyas offer boutique comfort with:
While elegant and refined, the experience is intimate rather than resort-style luxury.
Our group wanted something refined but not overly formal. The Dahabiya provided exactly that. The five-night itinerary felt comprehensive yet relaxed. We saw everything important without feeling hurried. A smooth, intimate, and memorable journey.
The calmness of this cruise surprised me. Even with other guests onboard, it never felt crowded. The guide brought history to life, but what stayed with me most was the silence of the Nile at night. A beautifully paced experience.
This was our first visit to Egypt, and we’re glad we chose the Dahabiya option. The intimacy and relaxed atmosphere elevated the entire experience. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan felt like stepping back in time. We left feeling enriched.
We appreciated how attentive the crew was throughout the journey. Small details — like remembering our preferences — made a difference.
The five nights felt immersive without becoming tiring.
It struck the right balance.
As someone who values thoughtful travel, this Dahabiya cruise impressed me. The slower schedule gave space to reflect on everything we were seeing. It wasn’t just sightseeing — it felt like understanding. Exactly what I hoped for.
