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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
This private dahabiya Nile cruise is an intimate four-cabin sailing experience arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
·In summary
This private dahabiya Nile cruise includes sailing accommodation in a double cabin, Full Board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, and coordination by Discovery Tours Egypt. The four-cabin boat uses a lateen sail; drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses and optional entrance tickets are excluded.
- Cultural
- Budget
- Honeymoon
- Adventure
- Photography
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors·
- Solo traveller
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
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Cruise and accommodation arrangements are confirmed according to the booked cabin or charter arrangement.
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium tombs, pyramid interiors and optional tickets are excluded unless requested.
What lingers
- 01Four double cabins for an intimate Nile sailing experience
- 02Available for exclusive full charter at US$1,000 per night
- 03Minimum booking of two cabins required to guarantee sailing
- 04Standard dahabiya design with lateen sail
- 05Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 06Smaller scale than a conventional large Nile cruiser
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.
Background
The facts
This product is an intimate, sail-powered dahabiya experience on the Nile in Egypt. The boat has four double cabins and is available for exclusive full charter, making it suitable for couples, families and small groups seeking a quieter setting than a conventional large Nile cruise ship. A minimum booking of two cabins is required to guarantee sailing.
The dahabiya uses a traditional lateen sail. Sailing times depend on wind conditions, so the pace can differ from that of engine-powered Nile cruisers. Its smaller size allows a more private onboard atmosphere and may support access to quieter river locations, subject to the confirmed sailing program and navigational conditions.
Full Board begins with lunch on the embarkation day and ends with breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally charged separately. Gratuities, personal expenses and optional entrance tickets are excluded unless specifically added to the booking.
The published full-charter rate is US$1,000 per night. Cabin-based pricing, supplements and the exact sailing duration depend on the confirmed booking arrangement. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and coordinates the cruise and related ground services; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Egypt·Upper Egypt·lateen sail·dahabiya·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala quarry
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.
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
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and other optional entrance tickets not stated in the booking
- Personal expenses and services not listed in the booking
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.
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
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.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | 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 $1,341single cabin $1,952 | May – September: from $1,093single cabin $1,532 | Peak dates: from $1,311single cabin $1,857 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,660single cabin $2,473 | May – September: from $1,328single cabin $1,914 | Peak dates: from $1,620single cabin $2,348 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing 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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
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?
Exclusions are drinks (including water), a private full charter supplement if fewer than all four cabins are booked, gratuities, and optional entrance tickets like pyramid interiors or premium tombs. Personal expenses are also not included.04What is the typical duration of the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
This specific Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise is 4 days, sailing on the Nile. Dahabiyas generally offer a more extended and leisurely journey compared to standard Nile cruises, often ranging from 5 to 8 nights.05How 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.06Is 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.07What 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.08What 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.09Can the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya be chartered privately?
Yes, Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya is available for full private charter. The rate is US$1,000 per night, with a minimum of two cabins required to guarantee sailing. This offers an exclusive experience for your group.10What 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-921271
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