Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails, panoramic Nile views, chef-prepared full-board dining, and private-feeling deck space.
The short answer
Azhar is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe 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 $2,357 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile is quiet enough to hear the lateen sail tighten above the deck. From Luxor, Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise moves at a measured pace, with time to watch villages, palms, and riverbank fields pass without the bustle of a large liner. The intimate deck gives you space to read, photograph the changing light, or simply follow the current south.
Shore time brings a different rhythm: cool stone beneath your feet at Karnak Temple, the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and quieter stops such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. We select and arrange the vessel, transfers, and local Egyptologists, so each day on the Nile has clear support without crowding the experience.
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 $2,357double cabin | May – September: from $1,828double cabin | Peak dates: from $4,381double cabin |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $3,049double cabin | May – September: from $2,345double cabin | Peak dates: from $5,749double cabin |
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 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 Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 8
What lingers
- 01You board at Esna Nile pier; the crew stows luggage while your Egyptologist revisits the first day's temple visits.
- 02Sail south past the sugarcane, as you depart Esna lock and watch local ferries at sunset.
- 03Overnight mooring at Edfu gives two hours ashore to study the temple reliefs and independent photography.
- 04Visit Kom Ombo's twin river temples, then glide past Nilotic fishermen in reed skiffs on the late-afternoon crossing.
- 05Aswan days include Philae island by motorboat, the granite quarries and a guided walk through the souk.
- 06Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service from the crew.
- 07Small-group scale – six cabins, up to 12 guests – means quiet mornings on deck and flexible shore time at sites.
On property
What's here
- Airport shuttle
- Beach access
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Concierge
- Spa
- Bar
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Meals as listed: lunch on embarkation day, subsequent lunches and dinners, disembarkation breakfast
- Shore excursions shown in the vessel program to named sites, with local Egyptologist where included by the supplier
- Hotel-to-boat and boat-to-hotel transfers as arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- On-board use of public areas and deck facilities, unless otherwise stated by the vessel
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists unless requested
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement where applicable
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
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can usually be arranged as a private or shared booking depending on availability and cabin selection. Travelers may also request higher cabin categories, extra nights, or extensions to add more time in Luxor, Aswan, or along the Nile if the itinerary allows.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older families who prefer a slower, more intimate travel style, especially history-focused travelers, couples, and small private groups. It is a good match for guests who want guided sightseeing but fewer people on board than a large Nile liner.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger five-star Nile liners, this dahabiya sails with a smaller number of cabins and a slower, more personalised pace. It is also better suited to narrower river stretches and smaller landings, which can make sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila possible when included in the route. Compared with a land-only tour, it combines transport, accommodation, meals, and guided sightseeing in one itinerary.
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.
- Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Esna
From $2,481 per person
- Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,516 per person
- Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,692 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
- Accommodation
- Cabins from Standard to Suite
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala · The Nile
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore excursions to named sites in the vessel program · Hotel-to-boat and boat-to-hotel transfers arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt · Use of public areas and deck facilities
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Small private groups · Travelers seeking a slower pace · Guests wanting an intimate Nile sailing experience
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others · English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Sunhat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Lightweight daypack for excursions
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses and lip balm with SPF
- Any personal medication in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot days
- Long sleeves and a scarf for sun and temple etiquette
- Comfortable closed shoes for temple and tomb visits
- A light fleece or jacket for cooler evenings on deck
- Modest dress covering shoulders and knees for religious sites
Children & families
Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical on flat embankments and in port, but not on narrow gangways or at many archaeological sites; the vessel does not provide high chairs, please bring any specialized child equipment you require.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya has narrow gangways, low door thresholds and cabin access that often requires negotiating one or two steps, so independent wheelchair access on board is limited. Transfer vehicles arranged by us are typically minibuses with a single step, not lift-equipped coaches. Shore excursions include archaeological sites with uneven ancient stone, steep temple steps, loose sand and cobbled surfaces, and some landings require stepping down to small boats. We can arrange meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport and provide a helper for transfers if requested, but guests with significant mobility impairment should travel with a companion. Please contact us with precise mobility needs before booking so we can assess practical options and note them on your reservation.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is a sail-powered dahabiya using lateen sails, which reduces fuel use compared with larger motor cruisers. The supplier typically uses no engine while under sail and limits any auxiliary engine use to manoeuvring in ports. We book small local crews and Egyptologists from the Luxor and Aswan regions, supporting local employment and guiding incomes. On-board catering uses locally sourced produce where possible, prepared by an on-board chef, and routine waste is segregated for recycling at port facilities when those services are available. Shore excursions visit small communities and local sites, with fees and tipping contributing directly to local guides and boatmen. We advise guests to bring refillable water bottles and to avoid single-use plastics where possible.
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace and visits to both major and lesser-known historical sites between Luxor and Aswan.02What is included in the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise package?
Your cruise includes full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Shore excursions to named sites with a local Egyptologist, hotel-to-boat and boat-to-hotel transfers, and use of on-board public areas are also included.03What is not included in the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise price?
Drinks (including water) are not included. Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, entrance fees for premium site access, international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and any applicable single supplement are also excluded.04What is the accessibility like on the Azhar Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate setting, but access to shore excursions may involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sand. The vessel itself has stairs between decks. Travelers with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us before booking.05Is the Azhar Dahabiya suitable for children and families?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50%. Children 12 and over pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.07What is the photography policy at the sites visited on the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, but some tombs or museum exhibits may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photo ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location.08What is the best time of year to take the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09How does a dahabiya cruise differ from a larger Nile cruiser?
A dahabiya, like the Azhar, offers an intimate, sail-powered experience with typically 8-12 cabins, no engine, and a slower pace. It can access smaller sites larger cruisers cannot, providing a more personalised journey.10What unique sites does the Azhar Dahabiya visit that larger boats might miss?
The Azhar Dahabiya's smaller size and sail power allow it to stop at less-frequented sites such as the ancient rock-cut tombs at El Kab, the sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-541975
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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