Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with four double cabins, a lateen sail, chef-prepared full-board dining, and an intimate scale.
The short answer
Queen Cleopatra is a 5-Star Standard 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 $1,500 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile is quiet except for water against the hull and the canvas lifting above Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya. The lateen sail gives the river a different rhythm from a large cruiser, with progress shaped by the wind and long views across the banks. A smaller setting keeps the days unhurried: settle into a double cabin, watch the captain work the sail, and return to the deck as the light changes over the water.
We arrange the booking, cabin details, and supporting services with a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so the practical pieces are confirmed before you travel. Full Board begins with lunch on embarkation and ends with breakfast on disembarkation; 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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,500double cabinsingle cabin $2,110 | May – September: from $1,251double cabinsingle cabin $1,691 | Peak dates: from $1,470double cabinsingle cabin $2,016 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,901double cabinsingle cabin $2,714 | May – September: from $1,569double cabinsingle cabin $2,155 | Peak dates: from $1,861double cabinsingle cabin $2,589 |
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 Standard dahabiya
- Cabins
- 4
What lingers
- 01Four double cabins for an intimate Nile sailing experience
- 02Minimum booking of two cabins required to guarantee sailing
- 03Standard dahabiya design with lateen sail
- 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 05Smaller scale than a conventional large Nile cruiser
Aboard
Meet the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
This dahabiya carrying up to 8 guests, across 3 cabins.
- Guests
- Up to 8
Cabin breakdown
- 013 · Double Cabin
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Nile sailing aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
- Accommodation in a double cabin, based on the booked cabin arrangement
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Private full charter supplement when fewer than all four cabins are booked
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not listed in the 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 an exclusive full charter or through a cabin booking, subject to the minimum of two cabins required to guarantee sailing. Discovery Tours Egypt can coordinate supporting transfers, guides and sightseeing services around the sailing, while the exact route, shore visits and duration are confirmed before booking. Fewer than four cabins may require a private full-charter supplement.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya is designed for couples, families and small private groups who value a peaceful sailing environment over the entertainment and larger public areas of a conventional Nile cruiser. It suits travelers with a relaxed pace and moderate mobility, as boarding, shore landings and movement around a traditional boat may involve steps or uneven surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large engine-powered Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya has a smaller four-cabin layout, a quieter atmosphere and traditional lateen-sail travel. Sailing times depend on wind conditions, and the product is available for exclusive full charter rather than a standard large-ship cruise experience.
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.
- Three Pyramids Dahabiya
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,489 per person
- Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,489 per person
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,456 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
- Intimate dahabiya with four double cabins
- Destinations
- Nile River, Egypt · Upper Egypt, subject to the confirmed sailing route
- Includes
- Full Board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Nile sailing aboard the arranged dahabiya · Double-cabin accommodation according to the booking · Supporting ground services arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt when included in the package
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Small private groups · Travelers seeking quiet Nile sailing · Guests preferring an exclusive charter
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag
- Prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and villages
- Secure sandals or walking shoes
- Swimsuit with a cover-up for shared areas
- Light jacket for breezy evenings
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 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 on the gangway, narrow decks, uneven riverbanks, or archaeological sites, so a compact folding stroller or carrier is preferable. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise requires careful consideration for guests with limited mobility. Embarkation may involve a gangway, uneven riverbank surfaces, steps, and narrow passageways aboard the vessel. Cabins and bathrooms may not be wheelchair accessible, and there is no confirmed lift or step-free route. Shore visits can include sand, gravel, uneven ancient stone, and stairs at archaeological sites such as temples and quarries. A foldable wheelchair may be possible only with advance confirmation. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and embarkation arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses its lateen sail when river and weather conditions allow, reducing reliance on engine-powered cruising during those periods. The vessel is supplied through local Egyptian crews, cooks, guides, transport providers, and shore-excursion businesses arranged by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. Smaller-scale sailing supports local stops that larger Nile cruisers may not reach, including riverside communities and archaeological areas. Fuel use, waste handling, and shore facilities vary by the assigned vessel, so we do not claim zero-emission operation. Drinks (including water) are generally extra, and guests should avoid single-use plastics where practical.
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 and how is it different from a larger Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a traditional, sail-powered Nile boat, offering an intimate and slower-paced experience than larger cruise ships. Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya has four double cabins, accommodating couples, families, or small groups, and often stops at sites larger boats cannot reach.02What is included in the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The cruise includes Full Board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, Nile sailing aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya, and accommodation in a double cabin based on your booking.03What is not included in the dahabiya cruise price?
Personal expenses are also not included.04How are transfers arranged to and from the dahabiya?
Discovery Tours Egypt, as your licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges all necessary transfers to and from the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya. These logistics are coordinated as part of your overall booking to ensure a smooth journey.05Is the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Yes, Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya can accommodate families. Children 0–5.99 years travel free, 6–11.99 years pay 50%, and 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise?
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and modest attire for visiting religious sites. Bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions.07What is the best time of year to take a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
The best time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.08Can the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya be chartered privately?
Yes, Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya is available for full private charter. This offers an exclusive experience for your group.09What kind of shore excursions are included with the dahabiya cruise?
Dahabiyas often visit smaller, less crowded sites like El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry, which larger cruise ships cannot access. Your specific itinerary will detail the included shore excursions.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-921271
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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