Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
A 5-star dahabiya with lateen sails, intimate cabins, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to smaller Nile shore stops.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the lateen sail catches the Nile breeze and the riverbank turns gold, while the only sounds are water against the hull and birds in the reeds. From Gordon Pacha Dahabiya, you watch villages, palms, and limestone cliffs pass at a measured pace, then step ashore where larger Nile boats cannot reach.
Our Egyptologists bring the landscape into focus, from ancient quarries to quiet temple remains, while the captain adjusts the sail and the chef prepares meals aboard. We arrange the vessel, shore visits, private transportation, and knowledgeable local support, so your time on the Nile feels unhurried without leaving you to manage the details.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
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 Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Beautifully designed en-suite cabins with Nile views
- Air conditioning
- Modern bathrooms
- Spacious sun deck with loungers and shaded seating
- Elegant dining salon and lounge
- Onboard bar serving soft drinks and tea/coffee
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation onboard Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All sightseeing tours with a licensed Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to included sites
- Transfers from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and taxes
Not included
- International or domestic flights
- Gratuities for crew and guide
- Additional beverages (alcoholic drinks)
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility, due to narrow gangways, cabin steps and uneven landing stages at smaller sites. Boarding and disembarking often use a low gangplank or zodiac-style tender rather than a fixed pier, so you should be comfortable with single-step climbs and brief balance adjustments. Many shore sites including El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala have uneven ancient stone, short steep staircases, and sand approaches. Wheelchair users will find access very limited; folding travel wheelchairs may be manageable for shore transfers but full wheelchair access is not available on most dahabiyas. If you use a mobility aid, please contact us in advance so we can advise on the specific vessel assigned and prepare assistance on arrival. Service animals are generally accepted but must be declared before travel.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This itinerary uses an intimate, sail-powered dahabiya, a traditionally rigged vessel which reduces engine fuel consumption while sailing between sites. For auxiliary movements and safety the vessel may use a small diesel tender; we request operators minimise powered transfers where possible. We source provisions locally for chef-prepared meals, buying fresh produce from Luxor and Aswan markets to support local farmers and vendors. Housekeeping uses concentrated detergents and a linen-reuse policy to reduce water and chemical use. We work with locally employed crews and licensed Egyptologists, and we encourage respectful purchases from village artisans at stops such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila so income remains in local communities.
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 any necessary visas
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: high SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Lightweight daypack for shore visits
- Reusable water bottle for refill stations
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker for cooler mornings
- Any personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves and trousers for strong sun protection
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirt/trousers for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for early mornings and evenings on deck
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. Strollers are practical onboard only when folded, as cabins and gangways are compact; child safety around open railings and on gangways requires constant adult supervision. High chairs and baby equipment are not typically available on dahabiyas, so traveling families should bring any essential items.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
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 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
Location
On the map
Product ID: CRU-NIL-739523
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