How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise from Luxor and what does a typical day look like?

A typical Amoura Dahabiya cruise ranges from 3 to 7 days depending on the itinerary you choose. Each day usually combines morning sightseeing from the boat, leisurely sails on the Nile in the afternoon, and evenings on deck; shore visits are timed to avoid the midday heat when possible. Exact daily stops depend on whether you sail south to Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan or remain between Luxor and Esna.

Where and when will you pick me up in Luxor for the dahabiya departure?

We collect guests from hotels and Luxor Airport; pick-up times depend on your sailing’s departure slot. We confirm your exact pick-up time in your e-tickets. Expect a transfer 30–90 minutes before embarkation to allow for luggage handling, check-in and a safety briefing on board.

What is included and what is excluded on the Amoura Dahabiya?

Included: cabin accommodation aboard the dahabiya, meals as stated, crew, basic on-board amenities, and shore excursions listed in your itinerary. Excluded: entrance fees to archaeological sites not specified as included, premium tombs, optional guided tours, soft drinks/alcohol unless stated, and tips. We provide a full inclusions list in the booking confirmation.

Is the Amoura Dahabiya accessible for people with reduced mobility?

The dahabiya has narrow gangways, 2–4 steps to cabins and some low decks; it is not step-free. Boarding and moving around can be difficult for guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. We can advise on suitability case-by-case and may arrange alternative arrangements or cabins on the lower deck where available.

What level of fitness is required for this cruise?

You should be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces, climb 8–12 steps, and embark/disembark via a narrow gangway. Sightseeing includes cobbled temple approaches and stone steps. If you have mobility concerns, tell us before booking so we can assess routes and help plan alternatives.

Can families with children join the Amoura Dahabiya?

Yes, families are welcome, but cabins are compact and not all routes are child-focused. Children must be supervised on deck and during shore visits. Some shore visits include long walks and temple stairs; consider shorter itineraries or private shore excursions if you travel with young children.

What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and during temple visits?

Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long sleeves, comfortable walking shoes with grip, refillable water bottle, and a light fleece for evenings. For temples and mosques wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Pack a small daypack for shore visits and non-slip shoes for boarding the dahabiya.

Are photography and flash allowed during visits from the dahabiya?

Photography is allowed at most temples and Nile scenes, but flash is often prohibited inside tombs and some temple interiors. The local site authorities set rules; our guide will remind you at each stop. Drone use is usually prohibited without prior special permission.

When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on the Amoura Dahabiya from Luxor?

The most comfortable months are October to April when daytime temperatures in Luxor average 20–30°C. May to September can be very hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 40°C. Shoulder seasons (October and April) give warm days and cooler nights; we plan excursions earlier or later in the day to avoid peak heat.

Which archaeological sites does the Amoura Dahabiya visit on a southbound route from Luxor?

On southbound sailings from Luxor, typical stops include the West Bank necropolis at Luxor, Esna Lock, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and, on longer itineraries, Aswan’s quays and Philae. Exact stops depend on the chosen itinerary and navigational conditions; your final route appears on your booking documents.

Nile Cruise 5-Star Deluxe Esna → Aswan

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Traditional sail between Luxor and Aswan with private-cabin bookings, optional Egyptologist-led shore visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu

At a glance

Length: 4 days · 3 nights
Embarks: Mon, Fri
Board: Full Board
Class: 5-star

The short answer

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Guide languages: English · French · German · Italian · Others

02 Overview

A first look

Early morning on the Nile, the dahabiya slips between light and shadow; you will step ashore onto warm stone and the faint scent of tamarisk and diesel. The boat's low decks make boarding gradual, and the view across Luxor's east bank fills the windows as the city wakes. The dahabiya ties up on the Nile quay, where local fishermen mend nets and coffee vendors wheel small braziers.

You will travel at a measured pace, exploring temples and riverside villages between comfortable sailing stretches. Unlike larger dahabiya cruises, we prioritise daylight cruising and frequent shore time for photography and short walks. We arrange the crew, meals, and local transfers, and our Egyptologists brief you each morning on the day’s route and sites.

Background

The facts

Amoura Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow river cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers and typically operate with shallow draughts, which allows them to moor closer to riverbank antiquities and less crowded landing points along the Nile. The vessel’s programme combines sailing days with shore excursions, and movement on the river depends on wind conditions as well as navigation requirements.

The Luxor–Aswan cruise corridor covers some of Upper Egypt’s best-known monuments. In Luxor, common excursion points include Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the east bank, while the west bank includes the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground used mainly during the New Kingdom from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Between the two cities, dahabiya itineraries may also include Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo, where the double temple is dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.

Further south, Philae Island is associated with the cult of Isis and the relocated temple complex preserved after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The cruising distance between Luxor and Aswan is roughly 200 km by river, though exact sailing patterns vary by water level, wind, and the sequence of shore calls. Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan make the vessel suitable for travellers who prefer a slower pace and longer time ashore.

On board, the vessel is arranged for Full Board dining from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Public areas commonly include a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, and cabins with either panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, depending on cabin category.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This vessel suits travellers who prefer a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travellers, and small private groups. It is also a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable with a slower pace, river-view relaxation, and longer time devoted to temple visits.

What lingers

01 Intimate sail-powered dahabiya, ideal for quieter Nile sailing days
02 Full Board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
03 Sun deck and shaded lounge bar with panoramic river views
04 Shallow-draft calls to sites larger motor cruisers cannot reach, such as riverbank antiquities
05 Excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
06 Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan

The route

Esna and Aswan

EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

→Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
→Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.

Cabin pricing

Pricing & seasonal rates

Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.

Per Person Pricing

Cabin	May–September	October–April
Solo Traveler	$1,550	$1,550
2-4 Pax (per person)	$1,550	$1,550
5-8 Pax (per person)	$1,550	$1,550
9-16 Pax (per person)	$1,550	$1,550

Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).

Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Accommodation onboard Amoura Dahabiya
All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Private Egyptologist guide
All tours as mentioned in itinerary
Entrance fees to included historical sites
Transfers to/from the Dahabiya
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and bottled water
Service charges and taxes

Not included

Personal expenses
Tips for crew and guide
Optional activities not listed
Alcoholic beverages
Domestic or international flights
Travel insurance

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ 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.

Location

On the map

Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise from Luxor and what does a typical day look like?

A typical Amoura Dahabiya cruise ranges from 3 to 7 days depending on the itinerary you choose. Each day usually combines morning sightseeing from the boat, leisurely sails on the Nile in the afternoon, and evenings on deck; shore visits are timed to avoid the midday heat when possible. Exact daily stops depend on whether you sail south to Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan or remain between Luxor and Esna.
02 Where and when will you pick me up in Luxor for the dahabiya departure?

We collect guests from hotels and Luxor Airport; pick-up times depend on your sailing’s departure slot. We confirm your exact pick-up time in your e-tickets. Expect a transfer 30–90 minutes before embarkation to allow for luggage handling, check-in and a safety briefing on board.
03 What is included and what is excluded on the Amoura Dahabiya?

Included: cabin accommodation aboard the dahabiya, meals as stated, crew, basic on-board amenities, and shore excursions listed in your itinerary. Excluded: entrance fees to archaeological sites not specified as included, premium tombs, optional guided tours, soft drinks/alcohol unless stated, and tips. We provide a full inclusions list in the booking confirmation.
04 Is the Amoura Dahabiya accessible for people with reduced mobility?

The dahabiya has narrow gangways, 2–4 steps to cabins and some low decks; it is not step-free. Boarding and moving around can be difficult for guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. We can advise on suitability case-by-case and may arrange alternative arrangements or cabins on the lower deck where available.
05 What level of fitness is required for this cruise?

You should be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces, climb 8–12 steps, and embark/disembark via a narrow gangway. Sightseeing includes cobbled temple approaches and stone steps. If you have mobility concerns, tell us before booking so we can assess routes and help plan alternatives.
06 Can families with children join the Amoura Dahabiya?

Yes, families are welcome, but cabins are compact and not all routes are child-focused. Children must be supervised on deck and during shore visits. Some shore visits include long walks and temple stairs; consider shorter itineraries or private shore excursions if you travel with young children.
07 What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and during temple visits?

Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long sleeves, comfortable walking shoes with grip, refillable water bottle, and a light fleece for evenings. For temples and mosques wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Pack a small daypack for shore visits and non-slip shoes for boarding the dahabiya.
08 Are photography and flash allowed during visits from the dahabiya?

Photography is allowed at most temples and Nile scenes, but flash is often prohibited inside tombs and some temple interiors. The local site authorities set rules; our guide will remind you at each stop. Drone use is usually prohibited without prior special permission.
09 When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on the Amoura Dahabiya from Luxor?

The most comfortable months are October to April when daytime temperatures in Luxor average 20–30°C. May to September can be very hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 40°C. Shoulder seasons (October and April) give warm days and cooler nights; we plan excursions earlier or later in the day to avoid peak heat.
10 Which archaeological sites does the Amoura Dahabiya visit on a southbound route from Luxor?

On southbound sailings from Luxor, typical stops include the West Bank necropolis at Luxor, Esna Lock, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and, on longer itineraries, Aswan’s quays and Philae. Exact stops depend on the chosen itinerary and navigational conditions; your final route appears on your booking documents.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days: Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days: 50% refund
Within 14 days: No refund – date changes considered case by case

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-709784

Luxor

3 Nights

Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise

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.

Luxor

3 Nights

Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise

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.

Nile

5 Nights

Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise

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.