Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star, sail-powered Nile dahabiya with panoramic decks, full-board dining, and space for up to 20 guests.
The short answer
Nour El Din is a 5-Star Deluxe 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 $1,444 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
Lateen sail catches the morning breeze as Nour El Din Dahabiya moves quietly along the Nile, with riverbank palms, village fields, and limestone outcrops passing at walking pace. The 45-meter vessel carries up to 20 guests, so shore visits and meals retain a calm, personal rhythm rather than the bustle of a large Nile cruiser.
Our Egyptologists put the river landscape into context as you visit ancient sites and quieter stretches that larger vessels may bypass. We arrange the cabin, sailing schedule, shore program, and transfers around your wider Egypt trip, while the vessel’s 11-person crew handles life aboard. Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
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 | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,444double cabinsingle cabin $2,321 | May – September: from $1,249double cabinsingle cabin $2,126 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,832double cabinsingle cabin $3,002 | May – September: from $1,572double cabinsingle cabin $2,742 |
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.
- New
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 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.
- 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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 10
- Decks
- 3
What lingers
- 0145-metre dahabiya with capacity for up to 20 guests
- 0211-person crew supporting a small-ship sailing experience
- 03Three-deck layout with two cabin decks
- 04Sail-powered Nile travel at a slower pace than larger cruisers
- 05Access to quieter river locations that larger vessels may not reach
- 06Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Aboard
Meet the Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 45-metre, 8-metre dahabiya carrying up to 20 guests, crewed by 11.
- Length
- 45m
- Width
- 8m
- Guests
- Up to 20
- Crew
- 11
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Nile cruise accommodation in the booked cabin category
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Cruise service from the vessel's 11-person crew
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions or services not listed in the confirmed booking
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
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged as part of a wider private Egypt program with airport transfers, guiding and pre- or post-cruise accommodation where requested. Travelers may request a specific cabin category, a single supplement, additional shore excursions or optional services, subject to availability and the confirmed booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to adults and older children who prefer intimate river travel, sailing, quieter landscapes and a slower pace over the entertainment and larger capacity of conventional Nile cruisers. It is particularly appropriate for travelers interested in small-ship experiences, photography and less-visited river locations.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, this dahabiya accommodates up to 20 guests and uses sail power for much of its journey, creating a quieter and slower-paced experience. Its smaller dimensions may allow visits to less-accessible river locations, although the exact route and shore excursions depend on the confirmed sailing program and navigation conditions.
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.
- Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,496 per person
- Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Wed from Esna / Sat from Aswan
From $1,496 per person
- Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,357 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
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cruise accommodation in the booked cabin category
- Destinations
- Nile River · Egypt · Quiet Nile river locations and smaller archaeological sites, subject to the confirmed route
- Includes
- Accommodation in the booked cabin category · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Service from the vessel’s 11-person crew
- Best for
- Small-ship sailing enthusiasts · Travelers seeking a slower Nile experience · Photography and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples and families comfortable with stairs and deck access
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Modest clothing for temples and villages
- Covered shoulders and knees at religious sites
- Swimsuit with a cover-up for shared deck areas
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children 12 and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. No minimum age, stroller policy, or high-chair provision has been confirmed, so families should ask us before booking. Strollers may be impractical on gangways, decks, steps, and uneven shore paths.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya is less accessible than a modern river cruiser. Boarding may involve a gangway, uneven riverbank surfaces, steps, and changes in water level. Shore visits can include sand, unpaved paths, ancient stone, narrow passages, and stairs at archaeological sites. The three-deck layout requires using stairs between cabin and public areas. Wheelchair users and guests with significant mobility limitations should contact us before booking so we can confirm the current boarding arrangements, cabin access, and shore-excursion conditions. We cannot guarantee wheelchair access at every landing or site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This 45-meter dahabiya uses lateen sails for much of its Nile travel, with the vessel's propulsion and operating arrangements managed by the cruise supplier. Its capacity of up to 20 guests and 11-person crew supports a smaller operating model than large Nile cruisers, although fuel use, waste, water consumption, and shore services still apply. We arrange the cruise with local suppliers and crew, helping keep accommodation, meals, navigation, and onboard service within Egypt's tourism economy. Guests should use refillable water bottles where practical and follow the crew's instructions for waste disposal. We make no claims about emissions certification or community programs for this dahabiya.
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
01What is a dahabiya cruise?
A dahabiya is a traditional, sail-powered Nile boat, offering a more intimate and slower-paced experience than larger cruise ships. The Nour El Din Dahabiya is 45 meters long, accommodating up to 20 guests with an 11-person crew. It stops at smaller, less-visited archaeological sites along the Nile.02What is the duration of the Nour El Din Dahabiya cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace between Luxor and Aswan, with ample time to enjoy the river and shore excursions.03What meals are included on the Nour El Din Dahabiya?
Full board is included, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically not included and are available for an additional charge.04What is the typical itinerary for this dahabiya cruise?
The Nour El Din Dahabiya sails between Luxor and Aswan, visiting key sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, along with unique stops such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. The specific route and daily activities are detailed in your confirmed itinerary.05What is the cabin capacity and crew size on the Nour El Din Dahabiya?
The Nour El Din Dahabiya accommodates up to 20 guests in its cabins and is served by an 11-person crew. This ratio ensures personalized service and an intimate atmosphere throughout your journey on the Nile.06Is the Nour El Din Dahabiya suitable for children?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 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 on a dahabiya cruise?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for daytime excursions and relaxing on board. For visits to religious sites, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appropriate. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are also advisable.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09Are gratuities included or expected on the Nour El Din Dahabiya?
Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included in the cruise price. It is customary to tip for good service, and guidelines for recommended amounts are usually provided closer to your departure date.10How does a dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Nour El Din Dahabiya is sail-powered and significantly smaller, offering a more exclusive and tranquil experience. Unlike larger ships, it can access quieter stretches of the Nile and smaller archaeological sites, providing a distinct perspective on ancient Egypt.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-298629
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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