Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Storia The Dahabeya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabeya offering a smaller-vessel Nile experience, with shore excursions at major temples along the river.
The short answer
Storia The is a 5-Star Luxury 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 $5,582 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
On the Nile, the river’s changing light is the backdrop from the sun deck, while the lounge bar and dining saloon offer quieter places to settle between shore visits. Storia The Dahabeya has traditional dahabeya cabins and a more intimate onboard atmosphere than larger motorized Nile cruisers, with fewer guests and a closer crew-to-guest ratio. At the temples and tombs, an English-speaking Egyptologist brings details into focus, from carved columns at Karnak Temple to the painted chambers of the Valley of the Kings.
We arrange the cruise booking and the vessel’s guided shore excursion program, so you can focus on the river and the places along its banks. Full board covers meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast; drinks are not included, even with meals.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $5,582double cabinsingle cabin $9,361 | May – September: from $2,692double cabinsingle cabin $4,248 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $7,349double cabinsingle cabin $12,388 | May – September: from $3,496double cabinsingle cabin $5,571 |
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.
What lingers
- 01Traditional dahabeya cabins with Nile-view windows or small balconies where available
- 02Shaded sun deck for relaxation and short sunset sailings on the river
- 03Lounge bar and dining saloon serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04Guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Intimate passenger capacity, suited to travelers preferring a relaxed, small-ship atmosphere
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
- Scheduled guided shore excursions as per the vessel program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- Services of an English-speaking Egyptologist for shore excursions
- Use of onboard facilities: sun deck, lounge bar and public lounges
- Port and harbour taxes
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew, Egyptologist and guides
- Private or optional excursions not listed in the vessel program
- International and domestic flights to embarkation/disembarkation ports
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 cruise suits travelers who prefer a quieter, boutique river experience with fewer guests and a slower pace. It is a strong fit for couples, mature travelers, and history-focused visitors who value Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and comfortable onboard dining.
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.
- Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $3,638 per person
The route
Esna and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport with at least six months validity
- Comfortable walking shoes with tread for uneven stone
- Sun protection: high SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Lightweight daypack for water, camera, and personal items
- Reusable water bottle to refill on board
- A small torch or headlamp for uneven quay areas at night
- Any personal medications plus a photocopy of prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves and long trousers for sun and mosquito protection at dusk
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm layer for early-morning and evening breezes on the river
- Non-slip shoes for boarding and walking on wet quays
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, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical on the quays and at larger ports but may be difficult to use when boarding via gangplank; please plan to carry infants at some embarkation points. The vessel has no childcare facilities; parents are responsible for supervising children during shore excursions and while on deck.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya program requires a moderate level of mobility. Expect uneven riverbank paths, cobbles at some landing sites, short gangplanks to board and disembark, and stone steps at ancient sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo. Many shore visits include walking on uneven, worn stone and short staircases without handrails. The vessel has single-level cabins in most cases but some cabins require steps down from the deck; ask us for a cabin close to the deck if you have limited mobility. Wheelchairs can be accommodated only with advance notice and depending on the assigned vessel and port facilities; some landing sites and smaller quays are not wheelchair accessible. If you use a mobility scooter, please contact us before booking so we can confirm access and safe storage ashore. Our Egyptologists and crew can assist with short transfers between the quay and the vessel, but we cannot guarantee technical lifting assistance.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This dahabiya uses sail propulsion supplemented by a small auxiliary engine for manoeuvring; the sailing profile reduces fuel consumption compared with larger engine-powered Nile cruisers. Transfers to and from Luxor and Aswan use modern air-conditioned minibuses that meet local emissions standards, and we work with locally owned transport companies whenever possible. Shore excursions employ certified local Egyptologists and community guides who are paid at local market rates, which supports village economies along the Nile. The onboard team sources fresh produce from markets in Luxor and Aswan, supporting small-scale farmers and suppliers. Compared with larger 5-star cruisers, the dahabiya’s low passenger count reduces per-person resource use and allows visits to smaller quays and archaeological sites that do not require large infrastructure. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we request guests follow site rules: take all litter with you, avoid removing artefacts or stones, and ask permission before photographing people in village settings.
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 typical duration of a Storia The Dahabeya Nile cruise?
We can arrange the specific duration that best suits your travel plans and interests.02What is included in the full board basis on Storia The Dahabeya?
Your cruise on Storia The Dahabeya includes full board, covering lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. This typically includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other beverages are usually extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Storia The Dahabeya program?
The Storia The Dahabeya shore excursion program includes visits to major sites like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These are led by our Egyptologists.04What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for Storia The Dahabeya?
Storia The Dahabeya typically embarks and disembarks in Luxor and Aswan. The direction of travel, either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor, alternates weekly.05What types of cabins are available on Storia The Dahabeya?
Storia The Dahabeya offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. These cabins feature panoramic windows, and some may include a Nile-view balcony, with sizes varying by class.06Is Storia The Dahabeya accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile dahabeyas like Storia The Dahabeya have stairs between decks and may have gangways that require some mobility for boarding and disembarking. Guests with significant mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific arrangements.07What should I wear during my Storia The Dahabeya cruise and excursions?
For excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing are recommended. When visiting religious sites, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appropriate. Onboard, casual attire is suitable.08Can children participate in a Storia The Dahabeya Nile cruise?
Children are welcome on Storia The Dahabeya. The cruise offers a relaxed environment, and our Egyptologists can tailor explanations during shore excursions to engage younger travelers. Specific activities for children are not typically provided.09What is the best time of year to take a Storia The Dahabeya Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise on Storia The Dahabeya is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot.10Are gratuities included or expected on Storia The Dahabeya?
Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists on Storia The Dahabeya are not typically included in the cruise price. It is customary to offer gratuities at the end of your sailing, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-404494
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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