Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with lateen sails, fewer than 12 cabins, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to quieter Nile sites.
The short answer
Hadeel is a 5-Star 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 $2,132 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beneath the Hadeel Dahabiya’s lateen sails, and the riverbank slips past at a pace that lets you hear birds in the reeds. Shallow-draft sailing brings you toward quieter places such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab, where the usual river traffic gives way to carved stone, open sky, and unhurried time ashore.
Between guided visits and chef-prepared meals, you can read on the sun deck, watch the captain work the sails, or linger in the communal lounge as the landscape changes. We carefully select and arrange the vessel, shore visits, crew services, and local guidance, with our Egyptologists on hand to put each site into context.
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 | May – Septembercurrent season |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | May – September: from $2,132double cabinsingle cabin $3,653 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | May – September: from $2,744double cabinsingle cabin $4,771 |
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 Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 8
What lingers
- 01Traditional lateen sails and quiet, shallow-draft navigation allow access to Gebel Silsila and El Kab
- 02Under a dozen cabins, creating a personalised onboard atmosphere and attentive crew service
- 03Full Board dining with chef-prepared meals, typically excluding drinks (including water)
- 04Sun deck and communal lounge for panoramic Nile views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 05Shore excursion program calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Hadeel Dahabiya in your chosen cabin.
- Full Board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Crew and captain services for navigation and onboard hospitality.
- Use of onboard communal deck spaces and standard sailing equipment.
- Shore excursions described in the vessel's program, guided locally.
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew, guides and drivers.
- International and domestic flights to embarkation/disembarkation ports.
- Transfers to and from the vessel, unless specified at booking.
- Personal expenses and travel insurance.
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who prefer a small-ship atmosphere, quieter pacing, and a stronger focus on the landscape and monuments along the Nile. It is a good fit for couples, solo travelers, and mature adults who want personalized service and guided shore excursions rather than large-group travel.
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.
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,390 per person
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,434 per person
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,456 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
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and copies, plus emergency contact details
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Light fleece or jacket for cooler early mornings and evenings
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A smart-casual outfit for evenings if you prefer
- Sturdy closed shoes for temple approaches and rocky riverbanks
- Sun hat and a lightweight scarf for extra sun protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years 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 practical for use on the vessel deck, but are not practical on most archaeological sites because of steps and uneven ground. High chairs are not guaranteed onboard and must be requested in advance; we will confirm availability at booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise includes multiple shore visits that require walking on uneven ancient stone, riverbanks of sand, and short gangplanks when landing from the dahabiya. Expect cobblestones, narrow temple steps, and low doorways at some sites, for example Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel itself has companionway steps between decks and soft-rolling motion while sailing; cabins are not uniformly wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, we can arrange assistance at airports and during embarkation and disembarkation, but wheelchair access onto and around archaeological sites is limited. Please contact us with full mobility details before booking so we can assess feasibility and plan extra assistance where possible. We arrange transfers with vehicles suitable for passengers with reduced mobility when available, however beach or gangway transfers to shore may still require steps.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Hadeel dahabiya sail route uses traditional lateen sails and shallow-draft navigation, which reduces engine use while underway and allows visits to shallow sites such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Onboard transport between shore excursions is by small tenders or shore launches when required, typically petrol outboard launches; we ask crews to follow low-idling practices in port. We work with locally based captains, chefs and guides, and pay local suppliers directly for excursions and mooring fees, which supports jobs in Luxor and Aswan. Waste is segregated onboard where practical, food leftovers are reduced by portion control and local provisioning. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we welcome requests to add a community visit or artisan workshop to your itinerary, and we can recommend optional gratuities that go directly to local guides and crew.
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 typical duration of the Hadeel Dahabiya Nile cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of both major and lesser-known sites along the Nile River.02What meals are included during the Hadeel Dahabiya cruise?
The cruise operates on a Full Board basis, including lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally an additional cost.03What shore excursions are part of the Hadeel Dahabiya itinerary?
Shore excursions include major sites like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. The dahabiya also stops at unique locations such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab, which larger vessels cannot access.04What is the policy for children traveling on the Hadeel Dahabiya?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What should I wear and bring for a Hadeel Dahabiya Nile cruise?
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, including modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for excursions on uneven ancient stone.06Are transfers to and from the Hadeel Dahabiya included?
Transfers to and from the vessel are not included as standard, unless specifically arranged and confirmed at the time of booking. We can arrange these for you upon request.07What is the main difference between a dahabiya and a larger Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya like the Hadeel is an intimate, sail-powered vessel with typically fewer than a dozen cabins, offering a slower pace and personalised service. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it can access shallower areas and unique sites such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab.08Are gratuities for the crew and guides included in the cruise price?
No, gratuities for the crew, guides, and drivers are not included in the cruise price. We recommend budgeting for these separately, as they are customary in Egypt.09What is the best time of year to take a Hadeel Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The best time to cruise the Nile 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.10Are there any optional activities or premium site tickets I should consider?
Optional activities, like a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor, can be arranged for an additional cost.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-109048
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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