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.
02Overview
A first look
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
- 01Seven days aboard the Merit 1 Dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, sailing with daily guided shore excursions.
- 02Visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
- 03We moor at village quays each evening; unlike larger cruise ships, guests walk ashore for markets and sunset.
- 04Our Egyptologists lead guided walks explaining temple chronology, Nile agriculture, and Nubian community life during stops.
- 05We avoid coach-style shore transfers; most sites are reached with short walks from the dahabiya's quays.
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 | $1,607 | $1,607 | $1,607 |
| Single Cabin | $4,419 | $4,419 | $4,419 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,299 | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Single Cabin | $3,409 | $3,409 | $3,409 |
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
- 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
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. 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.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.04How 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.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.06What 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 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-545946
You Might Also Like
Luxor6 Nights
Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From $1,487
Luxor6 Nights
Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile for seven days aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya with Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We operate the Iris as a private charter, avoiding large river-ship schedules and crowded day-stop itineraries. The dahabiya cruises at a traditional, slow pace, which gives longer shore time at Kom Ombo and Edfu and relaxed mornings in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists can join guided visits ashore; we arrange transfers, permits, and local guides. Trade-offs: cabins are more compact than contemporary river ships and onboard amenities are fewer, but the pace and privacy are materially different from standard Nile cruises.
From $931
Luxor6 Nights
Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail seven days between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing vessel with limited cabins. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide private transfers, mooring permits, and an Egyptologist for the cruise. We avoid large coach tours; shore visits are led by our Egyptologist and reserved for the dahabiya’s passengers. Unlike mass overnight Nile ships, a dahabiya sails slower and schedules longer stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Expect compact cabins and simpler onboard facilities; Wi‑Fi is intermittent and some temple visits start early to avoid crowds. Standard site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs cost extra.
From $829