Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Queen Isis Dahabiya
An intimate 5-star dahabiya with lateen sails, full-board dining, and an onboard jacuzzi for relaxed Nile sailing.
The short answer
Queen Isis is a 5-Star Deluxe dahabiya. Embark in Aswan for 3 nights to Esna (on a Friday), 3 nights to Luxor (on a Friday) or a 7-night round trip, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan, or in Luxor for 4 nights to Aswan (on a Monday) or a 7-night round trip. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the deck, and the lateen sail catches the breeze above the riverbank palms. On the Queen Isis Dahabiya, the pace is quieter than on a large river cruiser, with time to watch village life, listen to the rigging, and pause where the river narrows near ancient quarries and temple landscapes.
We arrange the sailing, shore visits, vehicles, and meals so the days feel unhurried rather than tightly programmed. Our Egyptologists put each stop in context, while the captain adjusts the route to the river and wind. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we remain your point of contact on land from embarkation through disembarkation.
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.
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.
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
Board at Luxor and enjoy lunch on board before visiting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, then begin sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then sail on to Aswan.
- 4
Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional flight or drive to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 5
A relaxed day at Aswan: sail by felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel turns north.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Luxor with time for any West Bank sites not yet seen, or relax on the sun deck as you moor for the final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Luxor for your onward transfer.
- 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.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then begins sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then sail on to Kom Ombo and its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan, where the ship moors for the night.
- 4
The ship lies moored at Aswan. Guests visiting Abu Simbel leave before dawn, by road or by air, for the two rock temples Ramesses II cut into the cliff, returning aboard around midday. The afternoon is at leisure on board.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan. The morning then covers Aswan itself: the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae reached by motor launch, and the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board. Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Sail north to Kom Ombo for its double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Sail on towards Luxor.
- 3
Reach Luxor and cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then disembark for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board, then visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
A relaxed day at Aswan by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or a Nubian village visit. An optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo for the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
- 4
At Luxor, cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then the vessel begins its return sailing south.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Aswan with time to relax on board or take an optional excursion before your final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan for your onward transfer.
What lingers
- 01Travel aboard an intimate 5-star dahabiya
- 02Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Use the on-board jacuzzi while sailing
- 04Transfers are included as part of the arranged cruise service
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
- Use of the onboard jacuzzi
- Transfers as specified in the booking
- Standard cruise arrangements between Aswan and Luxor, or Luxor and Aswan, according to the selected departure
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional services or excursions not stated 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
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the agreed arrival and departure transfers and discuss optional services or excursions not included in the standard booking; drinks (including water) and gratuities remain additional.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to adults and families who prefer a quieter, lower-capacity Nile experience over the entertainment and larger passenger numbers of conventional river cruisers. It is particularly appropriate for travelers interested in relaxed river travel, scenic sailing and a more intimate atmosphere rather than nightlife or extensive on-board facilities.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya offers a smaller passenger capacity, a quieter atmosphere and a slower sailing pace. It is a better fit for travelers prioritising intimacy and relaxation, while larger ships may provide more cabins, entertainment and extensive on-board facilities.
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
- 5-Star Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Aswan · The Nile · Luxor
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · On-board jacuzzi access · Agreed arrival and departure transfers · Standard cruise arrangements on the selected route
- Best for
- Travelers seeking a quieter Nile experience · Couples and adults · Families comfortable with compact cruise cabins · Scenic sailing enthusiasts · Visitors comparing dahabiyas with larger Nile cruisers
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Any required medication
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven sites
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and villages
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the jacuzzi
- Sun hat and light scarf
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over 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 narrow gangways or uneven shore paths. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves boarding and leaving a river vessel, where gangways may be narrow, steep, or uneven depending on the landing point and water level. Shore visits can include unpaved paths, sand, cobblestones, steps, and uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites. Wheelchair access is not guaranteed on the vessel or at every landing point. A folding wheelchair may be possible with advance assessment, but storage and assistance must be confirmed before booking. Guests with limited mobility should travel with a companion who can assist with steps and transfers. Please tell us about mobility requirements before departure.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses a sail-powered dahabiya for much of the route, with a captain and crew employed through the selected local cruise supplier. Road transfers use locally arranged vehicles matched to the group size and itinerary. Shore visits support Egyptian guides, drivers, site staff, food suppliers, and communities along the Nile, including villages and smaller archaeological stops that receive fewer large cruise vessels. Waste, water, and fuel practices vary by vessel and supplier, so we do not make unsupported environmental claims. Guests can help by carrying a reusable water bottle, avoiding single-use plastic, and respecting local communities and historic sites.
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 does it differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered Nile boat, typically with 8–12 cabins, offering a more intimate and slower-paced sailing experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, dahabiyas do not have engines or nightclubs, allowing for stops at less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.02What meals are included during the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Your cruise includes full board, covering lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. This ensures all your main meals are provided while you are aboard the Queen Isis Dahabiya.03Are drinks included with meals on the Queen Isis Dahabiya?
Other drinks, such as soft drinks, juices, or alcoholic beverages, are not included and can be purchased separately on board.04What is the policy for children traveling on the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What kind of transfers are included with the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Transfers are included to connect the Queen Isis Dahabiya with your agreed arrival and departure points in Aswan and Luxor. These arrangements ensure seamless transportation to and from the vessel.06What should I pack or wear for a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, including modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or shawl is advisable.07Is the Queen Isis Dahabiya accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas, including the Queen Isis, are smaller vessels with stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on water levels. While our team assists, travelers with significant mobility concerns may find navigation challenging on board and at some ancient sites.08Are gratuities included in the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise price?
No, gratuities for the crew and guides are not included in the cruise price. We recommend budgeting for these, as they are a customary way to acknowledge good service in Egypt.09What makes the Queen Isis Dahabiya a unique Nile cruising experience?
The Queen Isis Dahabiya offers a unique, intimate sailing experience with a maximum of 12 passengers, allowing for a personalized journey. Its shallow draft enables stops at exclusive sites like Gebel Silsila and El Kab, which larger cruise ships cannot access.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-021066
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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