Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with Nile-facing cabins, sun-deck views, and full-board dining for intimate river travel.
The short answer
Iris Luxury 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 $1,678 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By midmorning, the Nile carries the soft creak of rigging and the scent of warm river air as the lateen sail fills above Iris Luxury Dahabiya. From the deck, you watch palms, fields, and mud-brick villages pass at a slower pace, then step ashore where larger vessels cannot easily moor. Ancient temples, carved quarries, and quiet riverbanks give each stop a more personal rhythm.
Our Egyptologists add context without turning the sailing into a lecture, pointing out details you might otherwise miss before you return to the shade of the deck. We select and arrange Iris Luxury Dahabiya, your cabin, shore arrangements, and local support as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
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 $1,678double cabinsingle cabin $2,633 | May – September: from $1,444double cabinsingle cabin $2,224 | Peak dates: from $2,025double cabinsingle cabin $3,270 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,144double cabinsingle cabin $3,418 | May – September: from $1,832double cabinsingle cabin $2,872 | Peak dates: from $2,607double cabinsingle cabin $4,267 |
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
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists accompany temple visits throughout the cruise.
- 02Moor overnight at quieter Nile quays; early-morning access to Luxor West Bank tombs before coach crowds arrive.
- 03Dining on board uses local produce and freshwater from Aswan; kitchen accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
- 04Smaller vessel size compared with larger Nile steamers allows dockings near village piers and more flexible excursion timing.
- 05Optional transfers connect to Abu Simbel flights or Aswan airport; ask us about timing and added costs.
Bundled in
- All meals
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard Iris Luxury Dahabiya.
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day.
- Captain and onboard crew.
- Use of onboard public areas and deck spaces.
- Local cruise booking and coordination arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Not included
- International flights to Egypt.
- Airport transfers unless explicitly booked.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for onboard crew and local guides unless prepaid.
- Visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
- Optional shore excursions or private guides not listed as included.
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
Travelers may request private or shared shore excursions, private Egyptologist guides and additional sightseeing at locations such as Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, subject to the confirmed sailing plan. Cabin categories include Standard, Deluxe and Suite; airport transfers, visas, travel insurance, drinks, gratuities and optional excursions can be arranged or added where available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya is suited to adults, couples and mature families who prefer quiet sailing, rural Nile scenery and smaller-scale river travel over nightlife or large-ship entertainment. It is particularly appropriate for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian sites, photography and a relaxed pace, provided they can manage gangways, uneven archaeological surfaces and occasional tender or riverbank access.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger motorised Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya uses a lateen sail, has a smaller and quieter onboard setting, and may reach riverbank moorings near El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. It is better suited to travelers seeking slow sailing, rural scenery and chef-prepared full-board dining than nightlife, large entertainment programs or extensive onboard facilities.
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.
- Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,496 per person
- Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Wed from Esna / Sat from Aswan
From $1,496 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
- Accommodation
- Luxury Nile Dahabiya with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Nile-facing cabin with private bathroom · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Captain and onboard crew · Use of public areas and deck spaces · Local cruise booking and coordination
- Best for
- Couples seeking quiet Nile sailing · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Travelers preferring small-scale cruises · Photographers and landscape enthusiasts · Families comfortable with uneven archaeological sites
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Any required medication
- Small bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimwear with a cover-up for deck use
- Warm layer for cooler evenings and sailing days
Children & families
We'll confirm the minimum age and high-chair availability before booking. Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over 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 may be difficult because of gangways, steps, narrow passages, and uneven riverbank access.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya is not fully wheelchair accessible. Embarkation may involve a gangway, uneven riverbank surfaces, narrow passageways, steps, and changes in water level. Cabins and private bathrooms are not described as accessible, and the sun deck may be reached by stairs. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and Hagar Salsala can involve sand, uneven ancient stone, steps, and limited shade. Guests with reduced mobility should request an individual assessment before booking. A foldable wheelchair may be possible only with advance confirmation from the cruise supplier.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Sailing by lateen sail can reduce engine use while the vessel is moving on suitable stretches of the Nile, although auxiliary engines may be required for maneuvering, docking, safety, or unfavorable wind. The cruise uses local captains, crew, guides, food suppliers, and shore-service providers arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Visiting smaller moorings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila directs spending beyond the main Nile cruise ports. Waste and water use remain important environmental considerations on a river vessel, so guests should avoid single-use plastics, use water carefully, and follow crew instructions for waste disposal.
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 Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
This allows for an intimate experience on the Nile, with time to enjoy both the sailing and shore excursions.02What is included in the price of the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise?
The cruise includes accommodation aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the services of the captain and onboard crew. Discovery Tours Egypt handles all local cruise booking and coordination.03What shore excursions are typically offered on this dahabiya cruise?
Shore excursions may include major sites like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The dahabiya's smaller size also allows for stops at quieter locations such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and Hagar Salsala.04What is the meal plan on the Iris Luxury Dahabiya?
The Iris Luxury Dahabiya operates on a full board basis, which covers all meals from lunch on your embarkation day until breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are charged separately.05Is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
While dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, they are older vessels with stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. Travelers with significant mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific accessibility details.06What is the policy for children on the Iris Luxury Dahabiya?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free, and children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime, modest attire for temple visits, and layers for cooler evenings on deck. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes for excursions, and any personal medications. A camera is also recommended.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09Are entrance fees to monuments included in the cruise price?
These will be an additional cost during your shore excursions.10How does a dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered vessel, offering a more intimate and slower-paced experience compared to larger motor-powered cruise ships. It typically carries fewer passengers and can access quieter river locations and smaller, less-visited ancient sites.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-864614
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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