Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with ten cabins, panoramic dining windows, a sun deck, and an intimate onboard lounge bar.
The short answer
Princess Cleopatra is a 5-Star Deluxe dahabiya. Embark in Aswan on a Saturday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Wednesday for 4 nights to Aswan. Prices start at $1,505 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the lateen sail catches the Nile breeze, and the riverbank slips past at a pace that lets you hear water against the hull. Aboard Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya, you can take coffee on the sun deck, watch village life from the panoramic dining saloon, and settle into the quieter rhythm of sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Our team arranges your booking and shore program, from the columns of Karnak Temple to the rock-cut sanctuaries at Philae. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this ten-cabin dahabiya has no nightclub or crowded pool deck, so evenings stay calm. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we confirm your cabin, meal plan, land transport, and Egyptologist arrangements before departure.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,505double cabinsingle cabin $2,254 | May – September: from $1,217double cabinsingle cabin $1,757 | Peak dates: from $1,648double cabinsingle cabin $2,818 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,912double cabinsingle cabin $2,910 | May – September: from $1,528double cabinsingle cabin $2,247 | Peak dates: from $2,102double cabinsingle cabin $3,662 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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 Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 10
What lingers
- 01We moor overnight at Edfu and Kom Ombo, enabling evening visits after day boats depart.
- 02Small dahabiya shallow draft reaches riverside quays larger cruise ships cannot access.
- 03Includes guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank; site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
- 04Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, we operate a sailing dahabiya with lower passenger numbers and quieter evenings.
- 05Optional hot-air-balloon pickup in Luxor and flexible transfers – we handle airport-to-boat logistics on arrival day.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Use of public areas, including the sun deck and lounge bar
- Shore excursions scheduled by the vessel
- Land transport and an Egyptologist for shore visits where provided by the cruise line
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and local guides unless otherwise stated
- Personal expenses and optional extras, including hot-air balloon rides and private tours
- Single supplement where applicable
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
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise privately or coordinate selected travel services around the scheduled sailing, subject to cabin availability and the cruise line’s program. Optional additions may include private sightseeing, hot-air balloon rides, extra hotel nights, domestic flights and alternative land arrangements; these are not included unless confirmed in writing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya suits couples, honeymooners, mature travelers and small private groups who prefer a slower, quieter Nile journey over the facilities and capacity of a large cruise ship. It is particularly appropriate for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian temples, flexible private arrangements and intimate river travel, provided they can manage uneven temple surfaces and occasional steps.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and sail-powered operation, creating a quieter and more intimate river experience. It has fewer resort-style facilities and a limited number of cabins, but provides access to scheduled archaeological sites including Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
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 $1,505 per person
- Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,453 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
- 10-Cabin Dahabiya with Two Suites and Eight Double Cabins
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Aswan
- Includes
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Use of sun deck and lounge bar · Scheduled shore excursions · Land transport for shore visits where provided · Egyptologist for shore visits where provided
- Best for
- Couples and honeymooners · Small private groups · Travelers seeking quiet Nile sailing · Ancient Egypt and temple enthusiasts · Luxury-minded travelers preferring intimate accommodation
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for use on the sun deck
- Light scarf or wrap for sun protection
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. Strollers are not practical for many shore visits because ancient sites include sand, steps, and uneven surfaces. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the assigned vessel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya requires moderate physical mobility. Shore visits can involve uneven stone, sand, cobblestones, narrow paths, steps, and steep or irregular access points at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Boarding may require stepping from a dock or gangway onto the vessel, depending on the Nile water level. Wheelchair access is limited, and a standard wheelchair may not be practical on every excursion. Strollers are also difficult on ancient-site terrain. Please tell us about any mobility, balance, or stair requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses a lateen sail and travels with a smaller passenger capacity than larger Nile cruise ships, which can reduce reliance on continuous engine-powered cruising during suitable wind conditions. The vessel still requires auxiliary systems and may use an engine when wind, river traffic, or safety conditions require it. We arrange shore transport and licensed Egyptologists through local Egyptian suppliers where these services are provided by the cruise line. Full-board meals are prepared for guests on board, while excursions direct spending toward local guides, drivers, site staff, and Egyptian heritage destinations. Specific fuel use, waste procedures, and supplier initiatives vary by the assigned vessel and are confirmed by the cruise line.
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 the duration of the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace between Luxor and Aswan, with dedicated time for shore excursions.02What is included in the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. You also have access to public areas like the sun deck and lounge bar, along with scheduled shore excursions, land transport, and an Egyptologist for site visits as provided by the cruise line.03What shore excursions are part of the cruise itinerary?
The scheduled shore program includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are arranged by the vessel, with land transport and an Egyptologist included.04What is the dining arrangement on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya operates on a full-board basis, meaning all meals are included from lunch on your embarkation day until breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra, unless specified otherwise.05What is the policy for children on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. 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.06Is the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas, including the Princess Cleopatra, are smaller vessels with stairs to the sun deck and cabins. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Travelers with significant mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific needs before booking.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Modest dress is advised for temple visits.08What is the best time of year to take a Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09What is the difference between a dahabiya and a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered vessel with 10 cabins, offering a quieter and more personalized experience than larger cruise ships. It can access smaller sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila that larger vessels cannot reach.10Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?
Gratuities for the crew and local guides are not included in the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare, unless explicitly stated. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-633770
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Wed in Esna · Sat in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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