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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
This luxury sail-powered dahabiya is an intimate Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
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 · Travellers preferring small-scale cruises · Photographers and landscape enthusiasts · Families comfortable with uneven archaeological sites
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Cruise booking and local coordination arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Entrance fees and premium tomb access are clarified before booking
- 24/7 on-the-ground support can be confirmed with the tour arrangements
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.
Background
The facts
This luxury dahabiya package sails on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with a slower and more intimate format than larger motorised Nile cruise ships. A dahabiya uses a traditional lateen sail and can often moor at smaller river locations that are unsuitable for larger vessels, including El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. The exact sailing route and shore-excursion schedule are confirmed at booking and may vary with river conditions and navigation requirements.
Potential sightseeing includes Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic temple complex at Kom Ombo and Philae Temple near Aswan. Karnak developed over many centuries, while the Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial area primarily during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE. Philae’s temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island during the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from rising waters.
Accommodation is provided in Nile-facing Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, each with a private bathroom. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals and bar purchases are charged separately. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and coordinates the cruise, while the assigned vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala·Aswan High Dam·Agilkia Island·New Kingdom Egypt
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 travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites, photography and a relaxed pace, provided they can manage gangways, uneven archaeological surfaces and occasional tender or riverbank access.
What lingers
- 01Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists accompany temple visits throughout the cruise.
- 02Seven days sailing between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo; time for shore excursions.
- 03Moor overnight at quieter Nile quays; early-morning access to Luxor West Bank tombs before coach crowds arrive.
- 04Dining on board uses local produce and freshwater from Aswan; kitchen accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
- 05Smaller vessel size compared with larger Nile steamers allows dockings near village piers and more flexible excursion timing.
- 06Optional transfers connect to Abu Simbel flights or Aswan airport; ask us about timing and added costs.
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 travellers seeking slow sailing, rural scenery and chef-prepared full-board dining than nightlife, large entertainment programmes or extensive onboard facilities.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
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, per cabin, in USD. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,816 | $3,362 | $4,210 |
| Double cabin | $1,776 | $2,088 | $2,550 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,208 | $2,618 | $3,254 |
| Double cabin | $1,428 | $1,662 | $2,009 |
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.
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 beyond water with meals and bar charges.
- Gratuities for onboard crew and local guides unless prepaid.
- Entrance fees to monuments and premium tombs where applicable, including pyramid interiors and certain paid tombs, unless otherwise stated.
- Visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
- Optional shore excursions or private guides not listed as included.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Travellers 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.
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.
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
The supplied product information does not state a minimum age. 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. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Location
On the map
– 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 local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This dahabiya cruise includes accommodation in a Nile-facing cabin with a private bathroom, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, captain and onboard crew, and use of deck and public areas. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while possible excursions include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise is 4 days in duration, offering a relaxed journey between Luxor and Aswan. 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 beyond water served with meals 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?
No, entrance fees to monuments and premium tombs, such as pyramid interiors or specific paid tombs, are not included in the standard cruise price unless explicitly stated. 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.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-864614
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