Nile Cruise · Esna → Aswan · 5 days · 4 nights
Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027
A 5-star, sail-powered dahabiya with eight cabins, exclusive use for up to 23 guests, and full-board dining.
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027 is a 5-Star Luxury dahabiya. Embark in Aswan for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
Late-afternoon light will change along the Nile on August 2, 2027, as your dahabiya waits at its reserved riverbank mooring for the eclipse totality window. From the sun deck or shore, subject to local conditions and arrangements, your party can watch the river, palms, and limestone banks fall into an unusual darkness while the captain and crew keep the setting calm and private.
Between these moments, sail at an unhurried pace, dine on board, and step ashore with our Egyptologists at Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. We arrange the vessel, shore program, meals, and local coordination through Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your group can focus on the river and the sky.
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this ship works.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
- Editor’s Pick
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
- 12
What lingers
- 01Exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya for up to 23 guests
- 02Riverbank mooring reserved for the 2027 solar eclipse totality window
- 03Possible eclipse viewing from the vessel or shore, subject to local conditions and arrangements
- 04Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 06Flexible sailing and excursion timings for a private charter rather than a standard group cruise
Aboard
Meet the Private Dahabiya Charter Solar Eclipse 2027
This dahabiya carrying up to 23 guests, across 12 cabins.
- Guests
- Up to 23
Cabin breakdown
- 019 · Standard Cabin
- 022 · Veranda Cabin
- 031 · Single Cabin
Bundled in
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Whole-boat private charter of the dahabiya for the booked period
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Professional captain and onboard crew
- Riverbank mooring held for the eclipse totality window
- Use of the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining saloon
- Shore excursion program to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings, as arranged for the charter
- Arrangement services by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Port or local authority fees, if applicable
- Personal travel insurance, visas, and medical costs
- Gratuities for crew, guides, and drivers
- Premium site entry fees not included in the charter contract, such as certain premium tombs
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 charter allows private-group coordination of sailing and shore-excursion timings, subject to navigation, site-opening and local-authority requirements. Discovery Tours Egypt can discuss private transfers, additional guiding or pre- and post-cruise accommodation, while premium tomb entries, drinks (including water) and gratuities remain separate unless added to the confirmed arrangements.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This charter is designed for private groups, families, astronomy enthusiasts and multigenerational parties of up to 23 guests who want exclusive use of a small Nile sailing boat. It suits travelers who prefer a slower, more intimate experience and can manage shore excursions involving walking over uneven temple and archaeological surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard group Nile cruise, this charter provides exclusive use of an eight-cabin dahabiya and allows sailing and excursion timings to be coordinated more flexibly for the private party. A dahabiya is smaller and slower-paced than a large Nile cruiser, with a sail-powered design, captain and crew, and access to a more intimate river experience; exact navigation and mooring remain subject to local conditions and authorities.
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.
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,247 per person
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,291 per person
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,314 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
- Exclusive-use eight-cabin sail-powered dahabiya
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Whole-boat private charter · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Professional captain and onboard crew · Riverbank mooring reserved for eclipse totality · Sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon · Shore excursions to listed Nile sites · Arrangement services by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- Private groups of up to 23 guests · Solar eclipse travelers · Astronomy enthusiasts · Families and multigenerational groups · Travelers seeking an intimate Nile sailing experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples
- Modest clothing for religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for onboard use
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are difficult to use on riverbanks, gangways, steps, and uneven archaeological sites. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and is subject to confirmation.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This private dahabiya charter involves boarding from a Nile riverbank, where the landing surface may be uneven, sandy, or affected by water level. Access between the bank and vessel can require a narrow gangway, steps, and assistance from the crew. Onboard, cabins and shared areas are connected by steps, and the sun deck may have uneven flooring. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings involve walking, stone surfaces, sand, and steps. The charter is not suitable for standard wheelchair use without advance assessment. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can confirm practical arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses lateen sails and travels at a slower pace than larger Nile cruisers, although an auxiliary motor may be used when wind, river traffic, or safety conditions require it. Meals are prepared onboard, and food and supplies are sourced through Egyptian suppliers arranged for the charter where available. Shore visits support local guides, drivers, site staff, and community businesses in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. We coordinate transport and excursions with local partners, but the vessel owner and crew remain responsible for boat operations. Guests should avoid single-use plastics and follow crew instructions for waste disposal along the Nile.
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 and how is it different from other Nile cruises?
A dahabiya is a traditional, sail-powered Nile boat, offering a more intimate and personalized experience than larger cruise ships. It typically has 8 to 12 cabins, no engine, and can access quieter riverbanks and off-the-beaten-path sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.02What is the duration of this Private Dahabiya Charter for the Solar Eclipse?
The itinerary includes sailing and shore excursions.03What meals are included during the dahabiya charter?
Full board is included, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes chef-prepared meals served in the dining saloon.04What shore excursions are part of this private charter?
The charter includes a comprehensive shore excursion program to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Excursion timings can be arranged flexibly for your private party.05How many guests can this private dahabiya charter accommodate?
This private dahabiya charter offers exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered boat, accommodating up to 23 guests. It is ideal for larger families or groups traveling together.06What is the policy for children on this dahabiya charter?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. Each child must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.07What is excluded from the Private Dahabiya Charter price?
Exclusions typically include international and domestic flights, drinks (including water), bar charges, port or local authority fees, personal travel insurance, visas, medical costs, and gratuities for crew, guides, and drivers. Premium site entry fees for specific tombs are also extra.08What should we wear and bring on a dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and layers for cooler evenings on deck. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.09How is the solar eclipse viewing arranged?
A riverbank mooring is reserved for the eclipse totality window, allowing for viewing from the dahabiya or the shore. Specific arrangements are subject to local conditions and will be coordinated by our team.10Is this dahabiya charter suitable for travelers with mobility concerns?
While dahabiyas offer a more intimate setting, accessibility can be limited due to gangways, uneven terrain at ancient sites, and stairs onboard. Please discuss any specific mobility needs with us so we can advise on suitability.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-318994
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