Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with panoramic river views, shaded lounge bar, sun deck, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
Amoura is a 5-Star Standard dahabiya. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Prices start at $1,328 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and prices
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the whole cruise, the guided sightseeing program along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the ship and the local airport or train station.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,328single cabin $1,840 | May – September: from $1,284single cabin $1,840 | Peak dates: from $1,417single cabin $1,973 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,671single cabin $2,352 | May – September: from $1,611single cabin $2,352 | Peak dates: from $1,789single cabin $2,530 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your cruise and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
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 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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard dahabiya
- Cabins
- 9
02Overview
A first look
Before the heat settles over the Nile, a lateen sail lifts above the river and the shoreline begins to drift past in near silence. From the shaded lounge or sun deck, you can watch fishermen work the banks, step ashore at quiet moorings, and explore places such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab that larger cruisers cannot reach.
Our crew-arranged sailing rhythm leaves room for long lunches, village views, and unhurried visits to the temples along the route. We arrange the cabins, shore excursions, and transfers around your sailing schedule, with our Egyptologists providing context at each site. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your on-the-ground arrangements are coordinated before you board.
What lingers
- 01Intimate sail-powered dahabiya, ideal for quieter Nile sailing days
- 02Full Board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Sun deck and shaded lounge bar with panoramic river views
- 04Shallow-draft calls to sites larger motor cruisers cannot reach, such as riverbank antiquities
- 05Excursion program includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
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
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Tips for crew and guide
- Optional activities not listed
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Domestic or international flights
- Travel insurance
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.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This vessel suits travelers who prefer a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travelers, 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.
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.
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,351 per person
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,284 per person
- Three Pyramids Dahabiya
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,383 per person
The route
Esna and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Lightweight rainproof or windproof jacket for evenings
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for excursions
- Any personal medication plus prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A warmer layer for early mornings and evenings
- Non-slip closed shoes for onshore landings
- A wide-brim hat for sun protection
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult rate; anyone 12 years or older pays 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 on the vessel for in-harbor movement but are not suitable for many shore landings, where terrain is uneven. Please tell us ages at enquiry so we can advise on cabin configuration and excursion suitability.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya voyage involves uneven riverbank terrain, stone steps, and soft sand at some landing sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. Boarding and disembarkation are by gangway with 4 to 8 steps on most calls; some smaller landings require a short climb up a riverbank slope. The vessel has narrow corridors and cabin doorways typical of traditional Nile boats, and cabins are not wheelchair-accessible. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can assess each shore excursion and arrange alternatives where possible. Mobility aids that fold for transfer in private vehicles are recommended.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Amoura dahabiya route uses traditional sail propulsion on open water sections, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers and lowering fuel consumption on those legs. Onshore transfers are provided in modern air-conditioned minibuses that meet Euro 3 or better emissions norms, and local licensed Egyptologists are hired per excursion, directly paying daily wages to accredited guides from Luxor and Aswan. Crew and suppliers are paid according to local wage practices, and perishable catering supplies are sourced from markets in Luxor and Aswan to support small vendors. We avoid single-use plastics where practical and ask guests to use refillable bottles.
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
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise from Luxor and what does a typical day look like?
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.02Where 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.03What 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.04Is 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.05What 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.06Can 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.07What 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.08Are 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.09When 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.10Which 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-709784
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