Albatros Dahabiya
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to quieter Nile shore sites.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
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
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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
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
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.
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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951
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