Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate dahabiya with lateen sails, under a dozen cabins, full-board dining, sun deck and guided shore excursions while sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Couples ·
- Solo traveller ·
- Seniors ·
- Groups
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's cool air softens the light on the river while the Hadeel's lateen sails fill and the deck smells faintly of cedar and baking bread. Onboard life moves slowly: mornings at temple gates before the crowds, afternoons on the sun deck watching village life pass, evenings spent with an attentive crew and the hush of the river.
We hand-picked this dahabiya for travellers who prefer an intimate, sail-powered pace and access to shallower reaches such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab, unlike larger motorised cruisers. We arrange your transfers and local guides, and our Egyptologists lead the shore visits so practical details are taken care of.
Background
The facts
Hadeel Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel used for slow river passages between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers and typically carry under a dozen cabins, which allows navigation on shallower stretches of the Nile when river conditions permit. Its lateen sails and shallow draft are the defining technical features of the vessel type, making it suited to quiet sailing rather than fast point-to-point transport.
The vessel’s shore excursion programme includes key Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple on Luxor’s east bank, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple dedicated to Horus, Kom Ombo’s double temple, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Stops at Gebel Silsila and El Kab may also be possible when water levels and sailing conditions allow. Because the cruise operates on the river rather than the open sea, visitors should expect a sequence of sailing periods and guided sightseeing calls rather than continuous cruising.
Luxor and Aswan are the embarkation and disembarkation ports. The sailing programme runs weekly in both directions, which allows boarding from either city depending on availability and route direction. Full board is included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, while drinks beyond water are usually extra unless specified in the booking terms.
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.
What lingers
- 01 Traditional lateen sails and quiet, shallow-draft navigation allow access to Gebel Silsila and El Kab
- 02 Under a dozen cabins, creating a personalised onboard atmosphere and attentive crew service
- 03 Full Board dining with chef-prepared meals, typically excluding drinks beyond water
- 04 Sun deck and communal lounge for panoramic Nile views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 05 Shore excursion programme calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 06 Weekly sailings in both directions, allowing flexible embarkation from Luxor or Aswan
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–September | October–April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
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.
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 programme, guided locally.
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless expressly stated.
- Premium site tickets and optional entry fees (for example, pyramid interiors or premium tombs).
- 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.
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 typical duration of the Hadeel Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Hadeel Dahabiya Nile cruise typically lasts 7 days, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of both major and lesser-known sites along the Nile River. -
02 What 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 beyond water with meals are generally an additional cost. -
03 What 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. -
04 What is the policy for children travelling 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. -
05 What 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. -
06 Are 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. -
07 What 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. -
08 Are 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. -
09 What 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. -
10 Are there any optional activities or premium site tickets I should consider?
Premium site tickets, such as entry to specific pyramid interiors or certain premium tombs, are not included. Optional activities, like a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor, can be arranged for an additional cost.
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-NIL-109048
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