Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with Nile-view cabins, shaded sailing areas, full-board dining, and a slower pace between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
Minya is a 5-Star Luxury dahabiya. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Prices start at $3,811 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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 Fridays | October – April: from $3,811single cabin $7,116 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $4,981single cabin $9,388 |
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 Luxury dahabiya
- Cabins
- 7
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the dahabiya, and the lateen sail softens the sounds of the riverbank. From the shaded deck, you can watch fishermen cast their nets, read in the lounge, or step ashore where larger motor cruisers usually continue downstream.
Our Egyptologists connect the quiet sailing with time among temples, village paths, and river landscapes, while the chef-prepared full board meals keep the day unhurried. Unlike a large motor cruiser, Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a smaller setting and a gentler pace on the water. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects the vessel and arranges your transfers, shore visits, and on-the-ground support before you sail.
What lingers
- 01Small, traditional dahabiya – we anchor overnight at village quays to avoid day-boat crowds.
- 02Onboard Egyptologist leads archaeological walks: Beni Hasan tomb inscriptions and Tuna el-Gebel catacombs explained.
- 03We allow two-hour visits at Beni Hasan and Deir al-Bersha, not rushed like large-ship itineraries.
- 04We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; crew handle luggage transfers, dinghy landings and local museum entries.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya.
- Shore excursions as described in the vessel's program.
- On-board use of public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Egypt entry visa fees and travel insurance.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, unless otherwise requested.
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.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a slower Nile itinerary with a more intimate onboard setting than a large motor cruiser. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and history-focused travelers who are comfortable with several days of monument visits and time on the river. Moderate mobility is helpful because shore excursions may involve steps, uneven ground, and boarding from the riverbank.
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.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Lightweight daypack and refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent for evenings near the river
- Any personal medication and a basic first aid kit
- Plug adapter for Egyptian sockets (Type C and F)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- Long sleeves and long trousers for sun and mosques
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirt or trousers for temple and mosque visits
- A light sweater or windproof for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for short transfers but may be difficult to use on uneven quays and some temple approaches. High chairs are not guaranteed on a dahabiya, so request them in advance and we will check with the vessel assigned for your sailing.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Minya dahabiya experience requires moderate mobility. Boarding and disembarking use a gangway with steps and variable heights, and some sites visited involve uneven stone, steep staircases, loose sand and short unpaved walks. Cabins are on one or two decks, accessed by stairs; most dahabiyas do not have elevators. Transfers between dock and shore are by tender or short coach ride, sometimes across cobbled quays. Wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat and walk short distances may participate with advance notice; fully ambulant access is limited at many archaeological sites. Tell us about mobility needs when you book so we can advise which shore excursions are feasible and arrange additional assistance where possible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails as the primary motive force, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers during normal sailing. We arrange vessels that combine sail power with a small generator or auxiliary engine for manoeuvring; fuel consumption is therefore lower per guest than on larger motor vessels on comparable itineraries. We contract local Egyptologists, local crew and shore guides, and buy produce and provisions from vendors in Luxor and Aswan when available, so spending benefits nearby communities. Onboard practices typically include linen reuse on request, separation of recyclables where port facilities allow, and measured provisioning to reduce food waste. If you have specific sustainability priorities, tell us before travel and we will request them with the supplier.
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
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of the Nile's ancient sites.02What is included in the Minya Dahabiya cruise package?
The cruise includes full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya, and all shore excursions as described in the vessel's program. You also have access to the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room.03What is excluded from the Minya Dahabiya cruise price?
Exclusions typically include international flights, Egypt entry visa fees, travel insurance, drinks (including water), other bar charges, and gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists.04What is a dahabiya, and how does it differ from larger Nile cruisers?
A dahabiya is a traditional, intimate sail-powered Nile boat, typically with 8 to 12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it sails at a gentler pace, ties up closer to riverbanks for evening walks, and can access off-the-beaten-path sites.05What are the accessibility considerations for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Access to the dahabiya and its shore excursions involves walking on uneven ancient stone, some stairs, and gangplanks. Guests should be able to manage these movements independently or with minimal assistance. Please inform us of any specific mobility needs when booking.06What is the policy for children on the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the deck. Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.08What shore excursions are part of the Minya Dahabiya program?
The included shore excursion program visits major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. The dahabiya also stops at unique sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.09What is the best time of year to take a Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.10Is Wi-Fi available on board the Minya Dahabiya?
Wi-Fi availability on dahabiyas can be limited and may incur additional charges. We recommend checking with your Discovery Tours Egypt advisor for the most current information regarding internet access on board the Minya Dahabiya.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-759684
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