Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with a lateen sail, intimate cabins, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to quieter Nile sites.
The short answer
Bens 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 $1,346 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late morning, the Nile carries the soft creak of Bens Dahabiya’s lateen sail past palms, cultivated banks, and villages beyond the main cruiser route. The slower pace leaves room to watch fishermen work from narrow boats, pause at quieter riverbank locations, and notice how the landscape changes between each landing.
On board, chef-prepared meals and the absence of a nightclub or disco keep the atmosphere calm and personal. Our Egyptologists arrange the shore visits, explain the ancient sites and local life, and help you manage uneven ground when you go ashore. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and books the vessel, meals, sightseeing, and ground arrangements for your trip.
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 $1,346double cabinsingle cabin $1,951 | May – September: from $1,249double cabinsingle cabin $1,795 | Peak dates: from $1,639double cabinsingle cabin $2,419 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,702double cabinsingle cabin $2,508 | May – September: from $1,572double cabinsingle cabin $2,300 | Peak dates: from $2,092double cabinsingle cabin $3,132 |
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
What lingers
- 01Intimate dahabiya sailing with a lateen sail and a slower river pace
- 02Smaller vessel access to Nile sites and riverbank locations beyond the main cruiser route
- 03Chef-prepared full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04A quieter alternative to larger Nile cruisers, with no nightclub or disco
- 05Cruise arrangements selected and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard Bens Dahabiya for the Nile cruise
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Sailing on the River Nile
- Standard sightseeing and entrance fees included in the confirmed cruise program
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
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
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise on a private or tailored basis where available, subject to the confirmed sailing program and cabin availability.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya cruise suits couples, solo travelers and small groups who value quiet sailing, smaller sites and a slower pace over nightlife or large-ship entertainment. It is best for travelers with reasonable mobility who can manage uneven riverbank ground, steps and walking during shore excursions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya usually carries fewer passengers, has a slower sailing pace and can reach smaller riverbank locations. It also provides a quieter atmosphere without a nightclub or disco, although wind conditions may affect sailing times and shore visits can involve uneven ground.
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.
- Three Pyramids Dahabiya
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,346 per person
- Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,357 per person
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,314 per person
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Destinations
- River Nile, Egypt · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala quarry
- Includes
- Dahabiya cruise accommodation · Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Sailing on the River Nile · Standard sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the confirmed program
- Best for
- Couples seeking quiet sailing · Small groups · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Travelers interested in lesser-visited Nile sites · History and archaeology enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection, including SPF 50 sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples, villages, and religious sites
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children 12 and older pay the full 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 cabin. Strollers are generally impractical because of gangways, stairs, narrow passages, and uneven shore landings. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise involves boarding from a Nile quay, which may require stepping between the riverbank and the vessel over an uneven gangway. On board, cabins and shared areas are reached by stairs, and space for wheelchairs is limited. Shore visits can include sand, unpaved riverbanks, cobblestones, steps, and uneven archaeological remains at places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. Guests with reduced mobility should request an assessment before booking. A foldable wheelchair may be possible, subject to the assigned vessel and transfer arrangements. Assistance must be arranged in advance.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Sailing under the lateen sail allows the dahabiya to move at a slower river pace and can reduce reliance on continuous engine use, although the vessel may use an auxiliary engine for maneuvering, safety, or unfavorable wind conditions. We arrange the cruise with local Egyptian sailing, catering, transport, and guiding partners. Chef-prepared meals are served on board, which can limit unnecessary restaurant transfers during sailing. Guests should use refillable water bottles where practical, avoid single-use plastic, and follow local guidance around riverbanks, archaeological sites, and village visits. Specific environmental claims depend on the assigned vessel.
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 Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
This duration allows for a more in-depth exploration of sites compared to shorter cruises.02What is included in the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes dahabiya accommodation, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, sailing on the Nile, and standard sightseeing with entrance fees as per the confirmed program. Drinks (including water) are extra.03What is not included in the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Optional excursions and personal expenses are also not included. Travel insurance is the responsibility of the guest.04What is the accessibility like on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, but access to sites often involves walking on uneven ancient stone or sand, and some gangways can be steep. The vessel itself has stairs between decks. Travelers with mobility concerns should contact us for specific details.05Is the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
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 parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children will require their own cabin, which will be charged at the full adult rate.06What should I wear and bring for the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for daytime, with modest attire for temple visits. Bring comfortable walking shoes for excursions, sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the photography policy on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on board the dahabiya and at most archaeological sites. Some sites, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Always check signage or ask your Egyptologist.08What is the best time of year to take the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are ideal for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, which may affect comfort during shore excursions. The dahabiya sails year-round.09How does the Bens Dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Bens Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered vessel with fewer cabins, offering a quieter, more personalized experience. Unlike larger ships, it can access smaller, less-visited sites and riverbank villages, providing a unique perspective on the Nile.10What kind of meals are served on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Meals are served full board, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. The onboard chef prepares fresh, local cuisine, typically served buffet-style or as a set menu. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with advance notice.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-066995
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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