Discovery Tours Egypt
From per person$1,299
Nile Cruise 5-Star Standard Esna → Aswan

Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise

At a glance

Length
7 days · 6 nights
Embarks
Sun, Thu
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

The short answer

Merit 1 Dahabiya is a traditional Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

02 Overview

A first look

We operate Merit 1 as a private seven-day dahabiya on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists normally lead scheduled visits to Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank when those stops are included.

Background

The facts

Merit 1 Dahabiya is a traditional Nile cruise vessel that sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Embarkation and disembarkation take place in either city, and the vessel’s programme alternates sailing days with scheduled shore excursions at major Upper Egypt sites. The route connects some of the best-known monuments on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, a river stretch that has been central to Egyptian travel and settlement for millennia.

The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, as well as Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are typically guided by local Egyptologists, with site time structured around the vessel’s sailing schedule rather than a fast turnaround. The Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of Luxor, while Philae is reached from Aswan by road and short boat transfer to Agilkia Island.

Accommodation is in cabins graded by class, with features such as panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on cabin category. Public areas typically include a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room, creating a slower-paced dahabiya atmosphere than larger cruise vessels. Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, while drinks beyond water with meals are usually extra.

Discovery Tours Egypt arranges this cruise for travellers as part of a licensed Egypt tour operation. The cruise line owns and operates the vessel, while Discovery Tours Egypt books and coordinates the cruise, guided shore visits, and related travel services for guests.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits travellers 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.

What lingers

  • 01 Seven days aboard the Merit 1 Dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, sailing with daily guided shore excursions.
  • 02 Visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
  • 03 We moor at village quays each evening; unlike larger cruise ships, guests walk ashore for markets and sunset.
  • 04 Our Egyptologists lead guided walks explaining temple chronology, Nile agriculture, and Nubian community life during stops.
  • 05 We avoid coach-style shore transfers; most sites are reached with short walks from the dahabiya's quays.

The route

Esna and Aswan

  1. EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
  2. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

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

  • Beverages beyond still water with meals
  • Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists unless requested
  • Entrance fees for optional premium sites such as pyramid interiors or premium tombs unless stated
  • International flights, visas and travel insurance
  • Transfers to embarkation or from disembarkation ports unless specifically arranged

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

Esna and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserEsnaAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 Is 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.
  2. 02 What 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. Extras commonly excluded are premium tomb entries (for example Tutankhamun or Seti I), pyramid interiors, international flights, and gratuities – we confirm specific inclusions on booking.
  3. 03 What 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.
  4. 04 How active is the itinerary on a 7-day Merit 1 dahabiya cruise?
    A 7-day dahabiya balances relaxed sailing days with shore excursions and short walks at archaeological sites. 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.
  5. 05 Is 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.
  6. 06 What should I pack for a 7-day Nile dahabiya cruise?
    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.

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-545946

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