Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with a shaded sun deck, panoramic cabins, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Princess Farida is a 5-Star Ultra 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 $2,835 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late morning, the Nile carries Princess Farida Dahabiya past fields of sugarcane, palm groves, and villages set back from the riverbank. The lateen sail catches the breeze as lunch is served, then the quiet of the deck gives way to the footsteps and stone walls of places such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
We arrange the cabin category, shore visits, and meals so the rhythm stays unhurried, with time to watch daily life along the river rather than remain inside a large motor cruiser. Our Egyptologists put each site in context, while our local team coordinates the practical details before you sail.
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 Fridays | October – April: from $2,835double cabinsingle cabin $4,613 | May – September: from $2,390double cabinsingle cabin $3,724 | Peak dates: from $3,279double cabinsingle cabin $5,502 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $3,681double cabinsingle cabin $6,052 | May – September: from $3,088double cabinsingle cabin $4,866 | Peak dates: from $4,273double cabinsingle cabin $7,237 |
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 Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
- Cabins
- 8
What lingers
- 01Traditional dahabiya layout, smaller passenger numbers than larger motor cruisers, more space on deck and a quieter onboard atmosphere
- 02Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, most with Nile-view panoramas or private balconies
- 03Shaded sun deck for lounging and scenic cruising on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 04Daily shore excursion program visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Lounge bar and dining saloon serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the chosen cabin grade
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore-excursion program as offered by the vessel (visits named in the highlights)
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Tipping/gratuities ashore and aboard
- Domestic or international flights and airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa costs and personal travel insurance
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This vessel is suited to travelers who prefer a smaller-capacity sailing experience rather than a large motor cruiser. It is a good match for history-focused adults, couples, and families with older children who are comfortable with stairs, uneven site terrain, and several shore excursions over consecutive sailing days.
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.
- Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,835 per person
- Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Esna
From $2,665 per person
- Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $2,659 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
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital booking voucher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: SPF30+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Lightweight daypack for excursions and water bottle
- Medication and basic first-aid items, including motion-sickness remedies
- Power adaptor (Egypt uses Type C and F sockets, 220V)
- Copies of any mobility or medical requirements documented to share before travel
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures
- Layered sweater or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for visits to temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites and uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; 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 a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for transfers but less useful on uneven temple terrain; most cabins can accommodate a travel cot if requested in advance. Please tell us ages at booking so we can confirm bedding and cabin layout.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya itinerary involves boarding the vessel from a fixed gangway or low quay and walking across narrow corridors and cabin thresholds. Expect several short stair flights on board between decks, and limited headroom in some cabins. Shore excursions include uneven stone, cobbles, steep temple steps, and sandy or rocky riverbanks at smaller sites such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchair users will find full independent access difficult; folding wheelchairs and one-person assistance can sometimes be accommodated if advised in advance. We arrange meet-and-assist at the airport and can provide porter help at embarkation and disembarkation, but there is no lift access to upper decks on most dahabiyas. Please contact us before booking so we can advise on specific cabin locations, mobility requirements, and any additional assistance you need.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This route is sailed on a traditional dahabiya, which relies primarily on sails with occasional engine maneuvering for locks and safety, reducing fuel consumption compared with larger motor cruisers. We work with locally based crews, cooks, and daily-excursion guides, and we ask suppliers to source food and fresh produce from nearby markets in Luxor and Aswan where possible. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we encourage single-use plastic reduction by recommending reusable water bottles. Passenger numbers are low relative to larger Nile cruisers, which lowers pressure on fragile riverbank sites. Where shore visits include community stops, proceeds go to the local suppliers contracted for that sailing, including village guides and craft sellers. Waste management capacity varies by vessel and port; we request guests follow crew instructions on recycling and on-board waste separation.
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 Farida Dahabiya cruise?
This allows for a relaxed pace and visits to a range of ancient sites.02What is included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare?
Your fare includes accommodation aboard the dahabiya in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the programd shore excursions to sites like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.03What is not included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise price?
Excluded from the cruise price are beverages (including water), gratuities for staff and guides, domestic or international flights, Egypt entry visas, and personal travel insurance.04What is the accessibility like on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, but access to ancient sites often involves walking on uneven terrain, sand, and stairs. The vessel itself has stairs between decks. Guests should be able to manage these conditions.05What is the policy for children and families on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the 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.06What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya Nile cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and any personal medications. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the best time of year to take a Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.08What kind of photography is allowed on the Princess Farida Dahabiya and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on the dahabiya and at most outdoor archaeological sites. Some tombs and museum exhibits prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Always check for specific signage or ask your Egyptologist.09How does a dahabiya cruise differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Farida is a dahabiya, an intimate, sail-powered vessel with typically 8-12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, it can stop at smaller, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.10Will I have an Egyptologist guide during the shore excursions?
Yes, a qualified Egyptologist will accompany you on all included shore excursions, providing expert commentary and insights into the ancient sites you visit. Our Egyptologists enhance your understanding of Egypt's history and culture.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-770143
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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