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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
Azhar Dahabiya is a luxury dahabiya Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Azhar Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt between Luxor and Aswan. The program includes full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, plus shore excursions to sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Transfers between hotel and boat are arranged, and drinks beyond still water, gratuities, and some premium entrance fees are excluded.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
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 · Still water with meals
- 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
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the cruise and transfers
- Egyptologist-guided shore excursions where included by the supplier
- Full-board sailing program with named monument visits
- On-the-ground coordination for hotel-to-boat and boat-to-hotel transfers
- Clear inclusions and exclusions for meals, gratuities, and premium entry tickets
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.
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.
Background
The facts
Azhar Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered Nile vessel used for itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard Nile cruise liners, typically carrying a limited number of cabins and using lateen sails for quieter sailing on the river. Because of their size, they can access narrower stretches of the Nile and stop at smaller riverfront sites such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and Hagar Salsala when included in the program.
The sailing route commonly links major Upper Egypt monuments with selected antiquities sites along the Nile corridor. In Luxor, visits often include Karnak Temple, begun in the Middle Kingdom and expanded mainly in the New Kingdom, and Luxor Temple, which lies about 2 km south of Karnak on the east bank. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs cut into the limestone cliffs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922.
Further south, Edfu Temple is one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt, dedicated to Horus, while Kom Ombo is a double temple associated with Sobek and Haroeris. Philae Temple near Aswan was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue campaign after the Aswan High Dam project. Sailing days are spent on the Nile between ports, with shore excursions arranged at the named monuments according to the vessel program.
The cruise is booked on a full-board basis, with lunch on embarkation day and breakfast on disembarkation day included. Drinks beyond still water served with meals, gratuities, and premium entrance fees such as pyramid interiors or special tomb access are normally excluded unless stated otherwise. Transfers between hotel and boat are arranged as part of the cruise package.
Named in this entry
Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala·The Nile·Tutankhamun·Agilkia Island
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.
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
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 Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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 beyond still water served with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists unless requested
- Entrance fees for premium site access such as pyramid interiors or premium tombs
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement where applicable
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.
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
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.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | 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 $2,341 | May – September: from $1,813 | Peak dates: from $4,366 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,993 | May – September: from $2,288 | Peak dates: from $5,692 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing 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.
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
- More than 30 days
- 75% refund, or 100% as credit for future travel
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund, or 75% as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% refund, or 50% as credit
- 2–6 days
- No refund; 25% as credit
- Under 48 hours or no-show
- No refund or credit
Notice is counted from your arrival in Egypt. Some vessels have their own terms; if yours does, we tell you before any payment is made.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a 4-day experience, offering an intimate journey along the Nile River. 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 beyond still water served with meals 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.
Product ID: CRU-LUX-541975
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