Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Albatros Dahabiya
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to quieter Nile shore sites.
The short answer
Albatros is a dahabiya. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the lateen sail fills above the Nile while the riverbank wakes to bird calls, palm shadows, and the soft creak of ropes. From the deck of Albatros Dahabiya, you watch villages, fields, and sandstone cliffs pass at river level, then step ashore where larger boats cannot reach. The pace leaves room for quiet conversations with the captain, chef-prepared meals, and unhurried visits with our Egyptologists.
We select and arrange the vessel, shore visits, meals, transfers, and local expertise before you travel. Your Egyptologist keeps each stop clear and engaging, while our team remains available on the ground throughout your sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this ship works.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
On arrival at Luxor airport or train station, your Egyptologist guide takes you on a full day of sightseeing in Luxor: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple. In the afternoon you're driven to Esna to board your dahabiya, welcomed aboard by the crew for your first night moored at Esna.
- 2
Breakfast at leisure as the dahabiya sails towards Edfu, arriving around midday. Visit the Temple of Horus by horse-drawn caleche — one of Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance flanked by two granite falcon statues — then browse the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
After lunch on board, continue sailing towards the temple at Gebel el-Silsila, with dinner served in the temple grounds, on a nearby island, or on the sun deck.
- 3
Breakfast at leisure, then sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Greco-Roman double temple shared equally between the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek. Continue sailing towards Aswan, watching river life along the banks — water buffalo, donkeys and birdlife — and moor for the night close to the city.
- 4
After breakfast on board, spend the day exploring Aswan — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam — with time to wander the Aswan bazaar. Return to the boat for your final evening and overnight in Aswan.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Aswan airport or train station for your onward departure.
- 1
On arrival at Aswan airport or train station, your Egyptologist guide takes you on a day of sightseeing in Aswan — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam, with time to browse the Aswan bazaar. In the afternoon you board your dahabiya and enjoy lunch on deck as the boat sets sail for Kom Ombo, mooring there for the night.
- 2
Breakfast at leisure, then visit the Greco-Roman temple at Kom Ombo — a perfectly symmetrical double temple with matching halls and sanctuaries dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek. Sail on to the quieter temple at Gebel el-Silsila, mooring alongside the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb; dinner is served in the temple grounds or on the sun deck, weather and mood allowing.
- 3
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn caleche — one of Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance flanked by two granite falcon statues — then explore the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
The dahabiya moors at a quiet island for a themed Egyptian evening: dinner by the riverbank or on the sun deck, Arabic music, and the option to dress in a gallabeya for the occasion, before sailing on gently towards Esna overnight.
- 4
After breakfast, disembark at Esna and drive to Luxor for a sightseeing day — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple — before your transfer to Luxor airport or train station for departure.
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board the Albatros Dahabiya
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided tours with licensed Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to included sites
- Private transfers to/from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and local taxes
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Crew and guide tipping
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional activities not listed
Add before or after your cruise
The ship sails between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights home, are in Cairo. These short add-ons join the two.
After you dock
Aswan to Cairo flight and one hotel night
Two nights in Cairo with a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Tour
3-Day Luxor Tour from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Tour from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Tour from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Tour with Alexandria
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest prices. Prices are per person, sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,390 per person
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,434 per person
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,456 per person
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and visa documentation
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight rain jacket or wind layer
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Any required prescription medication in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm jumper or fleece for cooler mornings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites and stairs
- A scarf or wrap for sun and dust protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical for hotel and airport transfers, but not usable during many shore visits or when boarding small tenders; high chairs are not guaranteed on board, please request these at time of booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya itinerary involves uneven surfaces, stone steps, narrow gangways and soft sand at some landing sites. Boarding the vessel requires stepping up from a low quay or small launch, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility. Shore visits include unpaved archaeological paths, temple stairs without handrails, and short hikes on rocky terrain; some sites have steep steps, for example at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchair users should note that few dahabiyas have wheelchair ramps or accessible cabins, and shore transfers often involve vehicles with steps. We can arrange additional assistance on request, including a meet-and-assist at the airport and crew help with luggage, but we cannot guarantee full step-free access at all sites. Please tell us about mobility needs at booking so we can discuss practical options and likely limitations.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This dahabiya cruise primarily uses sail power where wind permits, with the captain using the lateen sail to reduce engine hours while navigating the Nile. When the sail cannot be used, a low-emission inboard diesel engine provides propulsion; these are modernized on many vessels to meet local emissions norms. Shore transfers are by air-conditioned minivan or shuttle, typically Toyota Hiace or similar, shared only within private party bookings. We work with local suppliers: licensed Egyptologists from Luxor and Aswan, family-run quarries and community guides at smaller sites such as Hagar Silsala, and small craft owners who provide tendering and on-river services. Passenger waste is managed on board with separate collection for recyclables where facilities exist at the river ports. Crew are paid by the vessel owner; when you pay local entrance fees or tips these go directly to site staff and guides. We avoid large coach movements as standard practice, preferring intimate transfers and visits that support small local businesses rather than mass tourism.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
You Might Also Like
Nile5 Nights
Nour El Nil Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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 program. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.
From $3,505
Nile3 Nights
Queen Isis Dahabiya
Queen Isis is a 5-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, arranged for travelers who prefer a quieter sailing experience than a large river cruiser. Full board covers lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation. A jacuzzi is available on board, while included transfers connect the cruise with the agreed arrival and departure points. This intimate style of Nile travel has a slower pace and a lower passenger capacity than larger cruise ships. Drinks (including water) and gratuities are not included.
Nile4 Nights
Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027
This private dahabiya charter places your party on the Nile during the 2027 solar eclipse, with exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered boat for up to 23 guests. A riverbank mooring is reserved for the eclipse totality window, with viewing from the dahabiya or shore subject to local conditions and arrangements. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The charter includes a professional captain and crew, plus shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a standard group cruise, sailing and excursion timings can be arranged more flexibly for your private party.