
What is a dahabiya?
Eight cabins. Two masts. No engine note when the wind is up. A dahabiya is a wooden sailing yacht built for the Nile – a slower, smaller way to read the river. One mooring at El Kab where nobody else stops. A single dining table on the sun deck. Lateen sails handled by a crew that has worked this stretch of water for longer than most of our guests have been visiting Egypt.
The cabins are ensuite, air-conditioned, and twin-or-double depending on the layout. Everything else – the pace, the moorings, the silence – is unchanged from the form that's been sailed for two hundred years.

Lateen sails up, engine off, the river goes quiet by Edfu.
In the fleet
Every dahabiya we book. (42)
Hand-picked across the Prestige and Luxury tiers. Each vessel below sails the 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night per-person cabin rate on a shared departure; whole-boat private charter is quoted on request.

Abundance Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From · 4 nights$1,487/ pp

Abydos Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
This five-day dahabiya cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, and Kom Ombo. You board in Esna after a private transfer from Luxor, and the Abydos Dahabiya moves slowly, allowing longer shore visits than larger overnight cruise ships. Our Egyptologists lead each guided visit, reading inscriptions and explaining quarry techniques at Gebel El Silsila. Cabins open onto river views, and meals feature fresh Egyptian and international dishes prepared onboard. Evenings include shore dinners and quiet moorings near riverside villages, preserving a relaxed pace. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists, and on-the-ground logistics for every booking.

Adelaide Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
This is a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We sail at a reduced-engine pace and moor at village landings rather than large cruise piers. Unlike larger motorized riverliners, the dahabiya prioritizes quiet transit and closer village access, which changes timing and walk-off logistics compared with standard Nile cruises. We arrange Egyptologist-guided shore visits and all ground transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Trade-offs: smaller cabins, fewer public spaces, and occasional schedule variation when wind conditions affect progress – we plan itineraries to manage those variables.
From · 4 nights$1,557/ pp

Akhnaton Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Akhnaton Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya. We provide an Egyptologist for guided shore visits. We arrange embarkation, crew, daily breakfasts and scheduled transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise (premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded). We don't run group bus tours – the dahabiya keeps travel slow, with fewer transfers and more daylight at temples than typical four-night Nile cruises. Expect early starts for sunrise visits, limited shade on deck at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone during shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all local logistics.
From · 4 nights$829/ pp

Albatros Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Board the Albatros Dahabiya in Esna and sail from Luxor to Aswan visiting Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Nile islands. Our Egyptologists lead temple walks at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and explain quarry inscriptions at Gebel El Silsila. Evenings are quiet, with tea on deck and a candle-lit dinner ashore at Gebel El Silsila's riverbank. We favour dahabiya pacing, sailing slowly so shore time is longer than on larger motor cruises. Unlike day trips run from busy ports, this itinerary includes village walks and time on rural islands, increasing contact with local communities. Boarding takes place in Esna; disembarkation is in Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and the people who run your trip on the ground.

Altesse Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Altesse Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Days combine relaxed deck time with guided shore visits led by our Egyptologists, and all meals are served aboard. The vessel’s small size allows access to quiet anchorages and riverside sites that larger motor cruises cannot reach. Tea, coffee, and soft beverages are included, and entry fees to the listed monuments are covered. We coordinate transfers, guides, and on-the-ground arrangements so you arrive at each site without logistical fuss. Because cabin availability is limited, we recommend booking early for travel between October and April. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage the local details for your cruise.

Amoura Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Amoura Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya offering a slower-paced Nile experience around Luxor. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has hand-picked the vessel for travellers who prefer lateen sails, small groups and quiet river moorings. The vessel provides chef-prepared Full Board meals, a sun deck for lounging, a shaded lounge bar and cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. The excursion programme visits sites only shallow-draft boats can reach, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike mass-market motor cruisers, the dahabiya spends more time ashore and sails when wind conditions allow, producing a gentler rhythm to the day.
From · 4 nights$829/ pp

Assouan Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
The Assouan Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel that travels from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Onboard cabins are comfortable, meals are served aboard, and our licensed Egyptologists lead the visits to each site. Unlike large motorized Nile cruises, the dahabiya moors privately and reaches quieter riverbanks, which allows later-day visits and overnight stays beside cliffs such as Gebel El Silsila. We arrange transfers to and from the boat, tea and coffee throughout the day, and the necessary sailing permits and service charges. Optional excursions, such as an Abu Simbel transfer from Aswan, can be added at disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate every detail on the ground, including Egyptologist-led guided visits and local crew service.

Azhar Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.
From · 4 nights$1,892/ pp

Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya, a traditional sailing dahabiya that moves at a relaxed pace. Daily stops include Esna, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae, each visited with time for short walks and close study of reliefs and inscriptions. A licensed Egyptologist leads every guided visit and explains the sites' chronology and architectural phases. We keep each cruise deliberately small to match the vessel's intimate scale, avoiding the crowded rhythms of larger motor cruises. Unlike many larger itineraries, this route includes an exclusive stop at the Gebel el-Silsila sandstone quarries. Afternoons are for reading on deck, swimming from the shallower banks, or watching riverside life go by.

Hadeel Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Hadeel Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails and under a dozen cabins, ideal for slow-paced Nile passages. We hand-picked this dahabiya for travellers who prefer personalised service, chef-prepared meals and access to shallower reaches larger motor cruisers cannot visit. The vessel's shore excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with stops at Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.

Iris Luxury Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail the Nile for seven days aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya with Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We operate the Iris as a private charter, avoiding large river-ship schedules and crowded day-stop itineraries. The dahabiya cruises at a traditional, slow pace, which gives longer shore time at Kom Ombo and Edfu and relaxed mornings in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists can join guided visits ashore; we arrange transfers, permits, and local guides. Trade-offs: cabins are more compact than contemporary river ships and onboard amenities are fewer, but the pace and privacy are materially different from standard Nile cruises.
From · 4 nights$931/ pp

Jasmine Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Jasmine Dahabiya, visiting El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. The small, traditional dahabiya follows a relaxed seven-day route, mooring at riverside villages for longer site visits and evening meals ashore. Our Egyptologists lead each onshore excursion, describing the archaeology at El Kab and the Temple of Horus at Edfu in detail. Unlike large cruise ships, the Jasmine can tie up at narrow riverbanks, allowing walks through Fawaza Village, extended time at Kom Ombo, and quieter visits to Philae as the light fades. Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers, permits, and local logistics so you move between sites without taxi negotiation or scheduling surprises.

Judi Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
A seven-day dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard Dahabiya Judi, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. You board in Luxor and pass through Esna Lock, with stops at El Kab and Gebel El Silsila for close-up walks among sandstone quarries. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange an English-speaking Egyptologist, transfers, and full-board meals; entrance fees for scheduled visits are included. We keep groups deliberately small on Dahabiya Judi, allowing longer onshore time and overnight moorings at quieter sites. Unlike standard short Nile cruises, this itinerary gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo and includes a private island barbecue and relaxed afternoons on deck.

Karnak Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Karnak Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and riverside islands. The voyage follows a slow, sail-assisted rhythm, with long daylight hours for temple visits, village walks, and photography from deck. At Edfu we include a horse-drawn carriage transfer through the town streets to the Temple of Horus, and at Gebel El Silsila you walk among sandstone quarries and small chapels. Evenings feature relaxed meals on deck, and one outdoor dinner on the riverbank by lantern light. Unlike larger overnight Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya moors at small islands and spends more time ashore. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead guided excursions on all listed visits.

L’Orient Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Embark in Luxor then board L'Orient Dahabiya at Esna for a five-day sail south to Aswan, visiting Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Gebel El Silsila. Your Egyptologist guides visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin temple at Kom Ombo, and the sandstone quarries and rock chapels at Gebel El Silsila. Meals are served on board on a full-board basis, and evenings include a riverside dinner and quiet island anchoring. We do not run large coach tours, the dahabiya carries about eight to fourteen guests for a slower pace and more personal commentary. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies all guided visits, so you have local insight at each site.

La Rose Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
La Rose Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on a seven-day itinerary. You board in Luxor to visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, sail through Esna Lock, and call at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We provide accommodation aboard La Rose, all meals, a certified Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to the listed sites, and private transfers. We do not run large coach-group tours, so the dahabiya typically carries 10 to 14 guests for an intimate, slow-paced voyage. Unlike larger motor-cruise schedules, this itinerary allows overnight moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo for longer visits ashore. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate your on-ground logistics and can arrange Abu Simbel or other optional excursions from Aswan.

Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a small sailing dahabiya that follows the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Embark in Luxor and settle into a cabin as the boat slips south past El Hegz Island toward Edfu and Gebel El Silsila. Visits include the Temple of Edfu, the double temple at Kom Ombo, riverside island walks, and a village visit where locals show traditional farming. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead every onshore visit. We do not run large group bus tours, instead keeping numbers low so time onshore is longer than on typical short river cruises. Included are onboard meals, mineral water, entrance fees for listed sites, and private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan.

Lotus Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
A classic dahabiya sail from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The Lotus Dahabiya moves under sail and gentle engine power, pausing at riverside sites that larger motor cruisers often skip. Our Egyptologists accompany the voyage and lead guided visits at each temple, with time ashore for quiet exploration. We run small-capacity sailings rather than large ship departures, which reduces crowds at landing points and shortens onshore transfer times. Unlike scheduled overnight motor cruises, the Lotus anchors in calm riverside spots for extended visits to Edfu and Gebel El Silsila. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your on-the-ground logistics, from guide services to local transfers.

Loulia Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Loulia Dahabiya is a six-day dahabiya cruise sailing from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, El Kab, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Accommodation is in private cabins with en suite bathrooms aboard a boutique sailing boat. Our Egyptologists lead every shore visit, explaining inscriptions, ritual spaces, and the archaeology of each site. Group size is limited to 8-12 passengers, which keeps port calls unhurried and time ashore relaxed. Compared with typical 4-night Nile cruises, this itinerary allows more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than short bused visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate the Egyptologist, crew, and transfers so logistics are handled while you focus on the river and the ruins.

Malouka Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, arranged for you as a full board Nile cruise vessel with traditional low-slung lines and spacious public areas. The vessel offers a mix of Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining salon serving full board meals. The shore-excursion programme visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books this vessel for our clients on the ground.
From · 4 nights$2,044/ pp

Merit 1 & 2 Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Merit 1 is a seven-day dahabiya sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with slow-paced shore time. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate Merit 1 as a private dahabiya option rather than a mass coach-based cruise. The itinerary can include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with our Egyptologists guiding key visits when these sites are scheduled. Unlike four-night motor-boat cruises, the dahabiya paces shore time more gently and often moors at quieter riverbanks away from crowded quays. Trade-offs: limited onboard facilities compared with larger ships, early starts for some temple visits, and walking on uneven ancient stone.
From · 4 nights$1,386/ pp

Meroe Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya style Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and a paced shore-excursion programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are arranged in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile views or private balconies. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by Egyptologist-guided land visits. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tombs and personal gratuities are typically extra.
From · 4 nights$2,189/ pp

Minya Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
We operate a 7-day dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Minya, concentrating on Middle Egypt sites such as Beni Hasan, Tuna el-Gebel and Tel el-Amarna. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists join selected land visits. Distinctive POV: we do not run large motor-ship cruises – the dahabiya anchors close to riverside quays so you disembark directly to provincial sites. Unlike standard Luxor–Aswan cruise schedules, this itinerary schedules two full days ashore for provincial tombs and the Mallawi Museum. Trade-offs: fewer on-board amenities than larger cruise ships, some cabins are compact, and visits require walking on uneven ancient stone. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs and special permits are extra.
From · 4 nights$1,910/ pp

Musk Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard Musk Dahabiya, a small traditional dahabiya that visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, watching riverside villages and palm groves slide by from the sundeck. Musk typically carries 8 to 14 guests, which keeps visits calmer and schedules more flexible than larger motorized cruises. We favour small sails because quieter moorings allow longer, less rushed time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Evenings are spent anchored under clear skies, and the itinerary offers an optional excursion day in Aswan for the High Dam or Abu Simbel. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate your on-the-ground arrangements and work with local crew to maintain a relaxed, low-capacity atmosphere.

Nawara Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Nawara Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our certified Egyptologists lead the guided visits at each site. The itinerary moves at a slow, classical sailing pace, including an overnight mooring near Fawaza Island and extended onshore time at quarry sites and village walks. Unlike larger motorized cruises, this dahabiya stays close to small islands and quieter riverbanks, which allows longer visits ashore and calmer evenings. You board in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, with time for the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk on the final day.

Nora Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nora Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan over five days, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and El Kab. The boat typically hosts around 8 to 12 guests, which allows longer shore time at each temple and quieter evenings on the river. All scheduled visits are led by a licensed Egyptologist who explains the inscriptions and ritual spaces at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your arrival logistics and local guiding on the ground. Unlike larger motor-ship cruises, this dahabiya keeps a gentle pace, with afternoons free to relax on deck and evenings moored in calm stretches of the Nile.

Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star traditional dahabiya offering intimate sailing on the Nile, with full board and an on-board shore excursion programme. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and alternates sailing days with excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.
From · 4 nights$1,741/ pp
Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail seven days between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing vessel with limited cabins. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide private transfers, mooring permits, and an Egyptologist for the cruise. We avoid large coach tours; shore visits are led by our Egyptologist and reserved for the dahabiya’s passengers. Unlike mass overnight Nile ships, a dahabiya sails slower and schedules longer stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Expect compact cabins and simpler onboard facilities; Wi‑Fi is intermittent and some temple visits start early to avoid crowds. Standard site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs cost extra.
From · 4 nights$829/ pp

Princess Donia Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
This intimate dahabiya cruise sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Our Egyptologist leads guided visits at each site, explaining inscriptions, cult practice, and temple architecture. We limit group size to 8 to 12 guests, which keeps time on deck flexible and shore visits unhurried. Unlike larger motor-ship cruises, the dahabiya’s slower rhythm allows a quiet island stop and longer temple visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Meals are prepared onboard, and the crew handles embarkation and local transfers so you can focus on the sights. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate all local arrangements on the ground.

Princess Farida Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, a traditional, small-capacity sailing vessel on the Nile. The vessel offers graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon, with a programmed sequence of shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges this cruise for our guests.
From · 4 nights$1,285/ pp
Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027
Private Dahabiya is an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya, offered as a whole-boat charter for the Solar Eclipse 2027. We arrange riverbank mooring timed for the eclipse totality, plus personalised shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the vessel features a shaded sun deck, lounge bar and a dining saloon. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arranges the charter, crew and excursion programme.
From · 4 nights$9,800/ pp
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
From · 4 nights$779/ pp
Queen Nefeer Dahabiya
From · 4 nights$829/ pp

Roi Farouk Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Depart Luxor and sail to Aswan aboard the Roi Farouk Dahabiya, a low-profile dahabiya that navigates narrower Nile reaches. Your Discovery Tours Egypt representative meets you in Luxor, and the crew welcomes you aboard with a drink as the vessel slips toward Esna. Stops include the Temple of Khnum at Esna, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Because the dahabiya is small, we can moor at riverside anchorages inaccessible to larger ships, allowing an evening ashore at Gebel El Silsila. Unlike larger river-ship itineraries, this cruise alternates short temple visits with long, unhurried stretches of sailing, a pace that suits travelers wanting relaxed time on the water. The voyage is operated with local crew and supported by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
A 7-day Nile cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate this trip as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead all site visits and our local crew handle navigation and meals. Unlike large motorized cruise boats, a dahabiya sails slowly and anchors overnight, allowing longer, quieter ashore visits. Expect smaller cabins and narrower gangways compared with larger river steamers; luggage and mobility constraints can apply. Typical days begin early for temples and may include walking on uneven ancient stone. We arrange private transfers, local guides, and flexible shore time; entrance fees are handled as stated in your booking.
From · 4 nights$829/ pp

Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. The route focuses on short, purposeful stops that let you walk ashore in small riverside villages and inspect sandstone quarries, cliff-cut tombs, and riverside temples with time to spare. Unlike large cruise ships, the dahabiya moors overnight close to village landing stages, which reduces bus transfers and creates quieter evenings on deck. We prefer dahabiyas because they reach places larger vessels cannot, and this itinerary schedules longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo than most packaged cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; contact us to tailor the cruise, add pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, or arrange an early-morning balloon flight in Luxor.
Storia The Dahabeya
Storia The Dahabeya is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel with traditional dahabeya cabins, a sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon. The vessel offers full board, a programme of guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, and embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, Storia The Dahabeya aims for a quieter, boutique sailing atmosphere with fewer guests and a more intimate crew-to-guest ratio.
From · 4 nights$1,487/ pp

Three Pyramids Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologists lead every shore visit and explain the archaeology and inscriptions on site. The Three Pyramids Dahabiya sails slowly along the Nile, passing Esna Lock, palm groves, and riverside villages. We keep groups small, typically eight to twelve guests, for a quiet cruising environment and personal attention. Unlike larger motor cruises, this itinerary allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief shore calls. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts at key temples. Evenings are relaxed on the sun deck as the river light changes.

Yakouta Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Yakouta Dahabiya runs a seven-day Luxor to Aswan cruise on the Nile, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead all shore visits, with entrance fees to the listed sites included. Meals, daily housekeeping, and tea, coffee, and soft drinks are provided on board. We keep guest numbers intentionally small to preserve a relaxed pace and allow longer visits at major temples. Unlike larger motor cruises, the dahabiya passes through the Esna Lock and can anchor overnight near smaller river sites for unhurried exploration, sailing when weather permits.

Zahra Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Zahra Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Each day pairs guided visits to named monuments with long stretches on the river, from a sunset walk at Luxor Temple to an overnight anchorage on a Nile island. You pass through Esna Lock, travel by horse carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and explore Kom Ombo’s double temple and a Nubian village. Aswan concludes with Philae and optional excursions to the High Dam or Abu Simbel. We limit each cruise to about 10–14 guests, keeping shore visits quieter and schedules flexible. Unlike faster motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly, allowing extended time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator with Cairo-based advisors.

Zekrayaat Dahabiya
Luxor → ASWAN
Sail the Nile aboard Zekrayaat Dahabiya, following the river from Luxor toward Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and a licensed Egyptologist leads every site visit. You visit Esna Temple, travel by horse-carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, meet families at Wadi El Shat village, and explore Kom Ombo and Philae. The dahabiya keeps a slow, unhurried pace, so mornings ashore are longer than on larger motorized river cruises. We keep groups small, the boat has limited cabins to preserve an intimate atmosphere. Evenings include guided island walks, a sunset on Fawaza Island, and a farewell dinner in Aswan, giving time for relaxed conversation and quiet viewing of the river.
What you're actually booking
A dahabiya, line by line.
- Cabin count
- 4–9 cabins · 8–18 guests maximum
- Propulsion
- Two lateen sails · towed by a small motor tug when the wind drops
- Dining
- One table · chef-prepared menu set to the trip
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1 · captain + chef + 4–6 crew
- Pool
- No – but a shaded sun deck for every meal and the after-dark hours
- Route
- Esna ↔ Aswan via Edfu, Kom Ombo, El Kab, Silsila
- Durations
- 3 nights (Aswan departure) or 4, 5, 6, 7 nights (Esna departure)
- Best for
- Couples · honeymoons · returning visitors · private-charter groups
- From (per person)
- $2,200 · 4 nights, shared departure
Vessel by vessel
Dahabiya vs. standard motor cruiser.
Pick a length
Pick your sailing length.
Every dahabiya on this page sails the Esna–Aswan stretch – 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights departing Esna, or 3 nights running the reverse direction from Aswan. The 3-night is the shortest possible dahabiya trip; the 7-night is the one most repeat travelers come back for.
- 3Aswan → Esna
3 nights · Aswan to Esna
The shortest dahabiya sailing, run in reverse from the Esna-departure lineup below. Suits travelers with only a few river days to spare.
- Same Luxor–Aswan corridor temples, compressed into a shorter sailing
- Runs opposite the 4/5/6/7-night Esna-departure schedule
- Fits alongside a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension
- 4Mon · Esna → Fri · Aswan
4 nights · Esna to Aswan
The short shape. Built for travelers combining a dahabiya with a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension.
- Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples
- Two long bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila
- Aswan disembarkation feeds the Abu Simbel fly-day or Cairo flight
- 5Mon · Esna → Sat · Aswan
5 nights · Esna to Aswan + Philae
An extra day at Aswan for Philae temple at golden hour, a felucca around Elephantine Island, and a slower Kom Ombo morning.
- Adds Philae + Elephantine to the 4-night base
- Pace lengthens – usually 3 sailing hours per day
- The standard honeymoon shape
- 6Luxor → Aswan
6 nights · Luxor to Aswan
A near-full week under sail without committing to the round-trip. Sits between the 5-night and 7-night shapes on price and pace.
- Same Luxor–Aswan corridor as the shorter sailings, with an extra day on the water
- Seven vessels currently sail this length, from $1,500 per person
- The middle option for travelers who want more than 5 nights without the full round-trip week
- 7Sat · Aswan → Sat · Aswan
7 nights · Aswan round-trip
The full-week round-trip – sails south to El Kab and Silsila, returns the same stretch with different light, different moorings, different river.
- Two passes at Edfu and Kom Ombo (morning + evening)
- Most-requested itinerary for returning visitors
- Best dahabiya value per-night basis
Before you book
Eight questions before you book.
01What actually is a dahabiya?
A traditional two-masted Egyptian sailing yacht with 4–9 cabins, sail-powered, designed for slow Nile cruising. Modern dahabiyas keep the historic hull shape but add ensuite cabins, climate control, and a chef-grade kitchen. The defining trait: no engine noise under sail, and riverbank moorings the 200-guest motor cruisers physically can't make.
02How is a dahabiya different from a regular Nile cruise?
Three things change. Scale (8–18 guests vs 60–200), propulsion (sails vs diesel engines – meaning silence underway), and moorings (small bank sites at El Kab, Silsila, and Hagar Silsila that the bigger boats can't enter). The temples visited are mostly the same; the rhythm of getting there is entirely different.
03Can I charter the whole boat privately?
Yes – whole-boat private charter is standard on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Pricing scales with the boat (not per cabin), so it's most economical for groups of 8+ but works for honeymoon couples wanting total privacy too. Our Cairo reservations team handles charter pricing direct.
04What's the typical length of a dahabiya cruise?
3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights. The 3-night runs the reverse direction, departing Aswan; the 4/5/6/7-night sailings depart Esna, with the 4-night sailing Mondays and the 7-night running as an Aswan round-trip. Most repeat travelers pick the 7-night.
05When does a dahabiya actually sail under wind?
Roughly 2–3 hours per sailing day in peak season (Oct–Apr), when the prevailing northerly is steady. Outside those hours, or when the wind drops, a small motor tug pulls the dahabiya – silent at distance and only audible when the boat is moored alongside.
06Is there air conditioning and Wi-Fi onboard?
Air conditioning yes, on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Wi-Fi varies – most boats run a 4G hotspot which is functional on the Nile valley signal but not on bank moorings. We treat dahabiya trips as a partial digital detox and brief guests accordingly before sailing.
07Is a dahabiya suitable for families?
For families with older children (10+) yes – there's space, the pacing is calm, and the single-table dining works. For families with toddlers we'd usually point to a Deluxe or Ultra-Deluxe motor cruiser instead: more deck space, a pool, and a wider age range of other guests. Honest steer from our reservations team.
08When's the best time to take a dahabiya cruise?
October through April. The wind is steady, daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s to low-30s C, and the Nile valley light at golden hour rewards the slow pace. May–June and September are still workable but warmer; July–August is hot enough that we'd point you elsewhere – Red Sea, Cairo evenings, Alexandria – until the season turns again.
Prefer a motor cruiser?
Different vessel, different river. Browse by tier.

5-Star Standard
Category-A vessels and sail-powered dahabiyas. Smaller-scale, off-the-beaten-path stops.

5-Star Deluxe
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.

5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.

5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels with private balconies, butler service on select suites, and the sail-powered sister dahabi…
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back two dahabiyas and a hold.
– Suhaila · Discovery Tours Egypt
