Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Iris dahabiya; flexible itineraries, on-board meals and a private crew.
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
You step from a low wooden gangplank onto the warm Nile breeze; papyrus reeds and the distant call of a boat horn set the day's pace while the dahabiya's polished deck warms underfoot. Mornings begin with soft light on the river and afternoons with slow, uninterrupted travel — you read on deck, walk the shaded aft, or follow the captain ashore to a village path where locals gather at the water's edge.
We arrange navigation, meals and on-shore visits so you can move at the river's rhythm; one of our Egyptologists joins the cruise to explain monuments and local customs, and our crew manage the practical details so you can step off and explore.}
Background
The facts
Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow-paced cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers, which allows access to shallow moorings and less frequently visited riverbank sites. The vessel is selected by Discovery Tours Egypt for guests seeking a quieter onboard atmosphere and more time on the river.
The cruise programme typically includes shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. Between these stops, the vessel sails on the Nile rather than using road transfers for the main journey. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Because the dahabiya is smaller, it can call at sites such as Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers may not reach. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, all with Nile views and private bathroom facilities. Full Board is included, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise booking and local coordination, while onboard operations remain the responsibility of the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise, but gratuities and premium tomb entries such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are not included unless specifically requested.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and couples who prefer a slower river journey, smaller group spaces, and a more intimate onboard setting. It also appeals to history-focused travelers who want guided access to Upper Egypt monuments and lesser-visited Nile-side moorings.
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.
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.
5 Days / 4 Nights · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,044 | $1,169 | $1,357 |
| Single Cabin | $2,732 | $2,882 | $3,632 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $878 | $971 | $1,112 |
| Single Cabin | $2,143 | $2,256 | $2,818 |
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.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya.
- Full Board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Captain and onboard crew.
- Use of onboard public areas and deck spaces.
- Local service arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (cruise booking and local coordination).
Not included
- International flights to Egypt.
- Airport transfers unless explicitly booked.
- Drinks beyond water with meals, and any bar charges.
- Gratuities for onboard crew and local guides, unless pre-paid.
- 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.
- Any optional shore excursions or private guides not listed as included.
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
01How long is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise and what route does it follow?
The typical cruise is five nights, sailing between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) with daytime stops. We stop at named sites such as Luxor West Bank, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Walking times at each site vary from 45 minutes to three hours depending on which temples and tombs you choose to visit.02What time and where is pickup on embarkation day?
Embarkation pickup is usually mid-morning from your Luxor or Aswan hotel; exact time depends on the itinerary. We confirm a precise pickup time and meeting point in your final documents. If you are arriving by air or train, we coordinate to allow for check-in and transfers; earlier or later pickups can be arranged for an extra charge.03Which services and items are included in the cruise price?
Standard inclusions are onboard accommodation, meals on the dahabiya, local English-speaking guide for scheduled excursions, and tender transfers to shore. Named entrance fees for scheduled temple visits are usually included unless stated otherwise in your booking. We confirm the exact inclusions on your booking confirmation; optional extras such as private guides, premium tombs, or hot-air balloon rides are charged separately.04What important items or clothing should I bring for the dahabiya cruise?
Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long-sleeve shirts, comfortable walking shoes with grip, and a small daypack. Also pack a light waterproof layer for occasional river breezes, modest clothing for temples and mosques (shoulders and knees covered), personal medications, power adapters, and any preferred toiletries—the dahabiya cabins have limited storage space.05Are entrance fees, tomb extras, and gratuities included or extra?
Entrance fees for standard temple visits are usually included unless your confirmation states otherwise; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and pyramid interiors are extra. Gratuities for guides and crew are not included by default; we can pre-arrange a gratuity guideline or handle pooled tips onboard if you prefer. We list exclusions clearly on your invoice.06Is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The dahabiya and river landings involve steps, narrow gangplanks and some uneven surfaces; full wheelchair access is not available. Guests with reduced mobility can still join if they can manage several flights of stairs and 10–20 metres on uneven ground. Tell us at booking so we assign lower-deck cabins and plan gentler shore visits where possible.07Can children travel on the dahabiya and are there family cabins?
Children are welcome but cabins are compact; family cabins are limited. We recommend families with young children discuss sleeping arrangements and safety on board at booking. Supervision is required during shore landings and on deck; lifejackets are provided for children during boat transfers. Some walking at sites is uneven and not stroller-friendly.08Are there photography restrictions at the sites visited from the dahabiya?
Photography is permitted at most temples, but rules vary: flash is often banned inside tombs and some museum rooms. Tripods and professional equipment may require prior permission at certain sites (for example, the Egyptian Museum rooms). Your guide will advise on-site and arrange special permits if you request professional photography in advance.09When is the best time of year to sail on the Nile by dahabiya?
The preferred season is October to April when daytime temperatures are typically 20–30°C and evenings cooler. May–September are much hotter, often exceeding 35°C. River breezes can make evenings pleasant; if you travel in summer, plan early-morning excursions, extra sun protection, and be prepared for higher temperatures on shared shore walks.10Which specific temples or sites will we visit from the dahabiya and how long are the visits?
Typical stops include Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut), Edfu Temple (two to three hours), Kom Ombo (one hour), and Philae/Aswan (two to three hours). Exact visit durations depend on your interests and pacing. If you want to prioritise a specific tomb (Tutankhamun) or a sunrise visit to Abu Simbel, tell us at booking so we can adjust the schedule or recommend an overnight extension.
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 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-864614
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