Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate dahabiya with lateen sail, sun deck and panoramic Nile views, chef-prepared Full Board dining and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 6 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Azhar Dahabiya is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
02 Overview
A first look
By dawn the Nile is a mirror of low light, the dahabiya's lateen sails casting soft shadows on the water while green riverbanks slide past. Expect the smell of fresh bread from the galley and the quiet of a small, sail-powered boat as you step onto the sun deck for morning tea.
We arrange this Azhar dahabiya for guests who prefer an intimate pace, where stops include narrow channels larger cruisers cannot reach; the sailing is slower and more personal than the standard five-star river liners. Embarkation, shore-excursion coordination and other details are handled by our Egyptologists and local team, who accompany selected visits and answer practical questions throughout the voyage.
Background
The facts
Azhar Dahabiya is a 5-star luxury dahabiya on the Nile that is arranged for travel between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller sailing vessels than large cruise ships, which generally means fewer cabins, a quieter onboard atmosphere, and more space for scheduled shore excursions at temple sites along the river corridor.
The vessel’s excursion programme alternates sailing days with visits to major Upper Egypt monuments, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, and Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae on the Aswan side. The itinerary also includes the Valley of the Kings, which lies on the west bank of Luxor and is one of Egypt’s best-known royal necropolises.
Azhar Dahabiya sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities. Onboard facilities include a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, dining saloon, and a small pool, while cabin categories are graded Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, with Nile-view windows or balconies where fitted.
Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing are normally covered unless a specific exclusion is stated; premium tomb access, pyramid interiors, and gratuities are typically extra.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is suited to travellers who prefer a small-vessel Nile sailing with structured sightseeing rather than a large ship with heavy onboard programming. It is a good fit for couples, mature travellers, and history-focused guests who want time at major temples and tomb sites without a fast-paced overland schedule.
What lingers
- 01 You board at Luxor Nile pier; the crew stows luggage while your Egyptologist briefs the first day's temple visits.
- 02 Sail south past the West Bank sugarcane, tie up at Esna lock and watch local ferries at sunset.
- 03 Overnight mooring at Edfu gives two hours ashore to study the temple reliefs and independent photography.
- 04 Visit Kom Ombo's twin river temples, then glide past Nilotic fishermen in reed skiffs on the late-afternoon crossing.
- 05 Aswan days include Philae island by motorboat, the granite quarries and a guided walk through the souk.
- 06 Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service from the crew.
- 07 Small-group scale – six cabins, up to 12 guests – means quiet mornings on deck and flexible shore time at sites.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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 to September | October to April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
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.
On property
What's here
- airport-shuttle
- beach-access
- parking
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- restaurant
- room-service
- family-rooms
- concierge
- spa
- bar
- wifi
- pool
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Breakfast (from disembarkation morning)
- Lunch (including embarkation day lunch)
- Dinner
- Full board
- from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Not included
- Drinks beyond still water served with meals
- Gratuities for 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
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the duration of the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a 7-day sailing experience between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace, alternating between sailing days and shore excursions to ancient sites along the Nile. -
02 What is included in the price of the Azhar Dahabiya cruise?
Your Azhar Dahabiya cruise includes full board, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This also includes still water served with meals, and all scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist. -
03 What is not included in the Azhar Dahabiya cruise fare?
The cruise fare excludes drinks beyond still water with meals, gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, and entrance fees for premium sites like pyramid interiors or specific tombs. International flights, visa fees, and travel insurance are also not included. -
04 What is the accessibility like on the Azhar Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience than larger cruise ships, but they still involve stairs between decks and gangplanks for embarkation/disembarkation. Shore excursions often include walking on uneven ancient stone and sand, so a reasonable level of mobility is recommended. -
05 Is the Azhar Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own separate cabin. -
06 What should I wear and bring for the Azhar Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for visiting religious sites. A hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream are essential. Bring a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings on deck. -
07 What is the photography policy at the sites visited on the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most sites, but some areas, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific site rules each day. -
08 What is the best time of year to take the Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the most comfortable for a Nile cruise, with pleasant daytime temperatures. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially for daytime excursions. -
09 How does the Azhar Dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Azhar Dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered vessel, offering a more intimate and personalised experience with typically 8-12 cabins. It can access unique, quieter sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila that larger, engine-powered cruise ships cannot reach. -
10 What is the typical daily schedule on the Azhar Dahabiya?
Days on the Azhar Dahabiya alternate between leisurely sailing, enjoying the Nile scenery from the deck, and guided shore excursions to major temples and tombs. Meals are served on board, and there is ample time for relaxation and enjoying the river.
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-LUX-541975
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