Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, Nile-view cabins, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Merit 1 is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya. Embark in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan. Prices start at $2,481 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile is quiet except for water against the hull and the canvas of the lateen sail catching the first breeze. From the sun deck, you watch palm-lined banks, village rooftops, and cultivated fields slide past at river speed, then step ashore for unhurried visits to ancient sites along the Luxor to Aswan route.
The dahabiya creates a calmer rhythm than a large Nile cruiser, with time to read in the shaded lounge, share meals, and listen as our local Egyptologists explain the places you visit. We arrange your cabin, shore program, and ground logistics through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so the days feel organized without being crowded.
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 |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $2,481double cabinsingle cabin $3,990 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $3,215double cabinsingle cabin $5,227 |
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 Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 10
What lingers
- 01Visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
- 02We moor at village quays each evening; unlike larger cruise ships, guests walk ashore for markets and sunset.
- 03Our Egyptologists lead guided walks explaining temple chronology, Nile agriculture, and Nubian community life during stops.
- 04We avoid coach-style shore transfers; most sites are reached with short walks from the dahabiya's quays.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation aboard the Merit 1 Dahabiya in the booked cabin class
- Daily housekeeping and use of public facilities including sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists unless requested
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
- Transfers to embarkation or from disembarkation ports unless specifically arranged
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 want a slower-paced Nile experience with structured sightseeing, especially adults and older teens interested in temples, ancient history, and photography. It is also suitable for couples and small private groups who prefer cabin-based travel and guided shore excursions over large-ship entertainment.
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.
- Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,516 per person
- Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,357 per person
- Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,692 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
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Sun protection, SPF 30+ and a wide-brim hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Reusable water bottle
- Small torch or headlamp for uneven quays
- Medication, insect repellent and personal first-aid items
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fibers
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler mornings and evenings
- Flat, closed or closed-toe walking shoes for temple visits
- A sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, one child maximum per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are generally impractical on quays and at temple entrances; bring a compact carrier for younger children. Please advise ages at booking so we can allocate appropriate cabin bedding and lifejackets.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Onboard access is generally level between public areas, but many Nile quays have stepped gangways and uneven stone surfaces. Shore visits involve walking on loose sand, cobbles, narrow pavements and temple stone with steps; expect 20 to 40 minutes of standing and walking at most scheduled sites. The vessel does not have full wheelchair ramps for shore disembarkation at smaller quays. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, please tell us before booking so we can advise on which embarkation port, cabin category and shore visits are practicable. We can arrange assistance with boarding from the Luxor or Aswan quay, but heavy manual lifting by crew is not guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya route uses a sail-capable, low-engine vessel profile, reducing fuel consumption while sailing on the Nile compared with larger cruisers. To reduce single-use plastic, we encourage guests to bring reusable bottles. Local suppliers include village markets and artisan cooperatives for provisioning, and the crew and Egyptologists are hired from the Luxor and Aswan labour pool to support local employment. Shore excursions prefer foot access and short transfers in air-conditioned minibuses rather than additional large coach hires, when practicable. Waste separation is practised onboard where harbour facilities permit; please follow crew guidance for disposal of food waste and recyclables.
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
01Is the Merit 1 Dahabiya a private boat?
Yes – the Merit 1 Dahabiya operates as a private dahabiya for your party. We run private sailings rather than fixed large-ship departures, so schedules, meal times and shore visits are flexible for your group. This format reduces time spent boarding buses and allows quieter anchorages; the trade-off is fewer onboard facilities compared with larger Nile hotel ships.02What is included in the Merit 1 Dahabiya price?
Standard inclusions are cabin accommodation, meals aboard, crew, local cruise transfers, and standard site entrance fees. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange local logistics and can book licensed Egyptologist guides on request.03What are the cabins like on a dahabiya such as Merit 1?
Dahabiya cabins are generally compact with basic en-suite facilities and limited storage compared with larger Nile cruise cabins. Expect a simple, cozy layout, easy access to the deck, and small wardrobes; some cabins have fixed beds rather than twin conversions. The upside is generous outdoor space on deck; the downside is less private indoor space and limited luggage room.04
Shore visits typically require walking on uneven ancient stone, steps, and soft sand; we schedule early starts to avoid midday heat when practical. Unlike packaged bus tours, the dahabiya pace is flexible but requires basic mobility for embarking, disembarking and site visits.05Is the Merit 1 Dahabiya suitable for children and families?
Yes, families can travel on Merit 1, but cabins and deck spaces are compact and require supervision for young children. Docking can be level or involve gangplanks and steps; lifejacket use and close supervision on deck are essential. If you travel with infants or very small children we recommend discussing cabin allocation and any child-related equipment with us before booking.06
Bring sun protection, light layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and prescription medicines. Also pack modest clothing for temple visits, a small daypack, refillable water bottle, insect repellent, and copies of travel documents; cash is useful for drinks and tipping. Expect limited wardrobe space onboard and strong midday sun – shade and hat are important.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-545946
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Esna · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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