Storia The Dahabeya Nile Cruise
An intimate 5-star dahabeya with lateen sails, Nile-view cabins, shaded deck space, and full-board dining between Luxor and Aswan.
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
Storia The Dahabeya is a boutique Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
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
- 05Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation/disembarkation at those ports
- 06Intimate passenger capacity, suited to travelers preferring a relaxed, small-ship atmosphere
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile narrows into a ribbon of brown water and palm-lined farmland, while Storia The Dahabeya’s lateen sail catches the breeze above the quiet deck. Settle into a Nile-view cabin, listen to the rigging and riverbank birds, or join the captain for a short sunset sailing rather than returning to the noise of a larger motorized cruiser.
Between Luxor and Aswan, our Egyptologists bring the river’s temples and tombs into focus during guided shore visits, then leave space for unhurried meals in the dining saloon. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the vessel, port logistics, and English-speaking Egyptologist, so your time aboard feels calm and well coordinated.
Background
The facts
Storia The Dahabeya is a Nile river cruise vessel designed in the traditional dahabeya style, with cabins arranged for river views and a quieter onboard atmosphere than larger motorised cruise ships. It sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at those ports. The vessel is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the cruise itself is operated by the third-party cruise line.
The included shore excursion program typically covers major Upper Egypt sites along the Nile corridor: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the east bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, and the temples of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae near Aswan. These are among the best-known Pharaonic and Greco-Roman monuments in southern Egypt. Standard site entrance fees are included unless a premium area or special ticket is requested separately.
Onboard facilities include a sun deck, lounge bar, dining saloon, and full board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Dahabeya cabins typically offer Nile-view windows or small balconies where available, and the smaller guest count creates a more intimate crew-to-guest ratio than on larger cruise vessels. Short sailing periods on the river are part of the experience, especially around sunset and while moving between excursion stops.
The cruise route connects Luxor and Aswan, two cities roughly 220 km apart by river, with navigation arranged around the vessel program and local sailing conditions. The dahabeya format is traditionally associated with slower river travel on the Nile and is often chosen by travelers who want a smaller-ship environment rather than a large floating hotel.
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.
The route
Esna and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
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
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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
- Entrance fees for premium optional sites not included in standard shore excursions (for example, pyramid interiors where applicable)
- International and domestic flights to embarkation/disembarkation ports
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $5,566single cabin $9,345 | May – September: from $2,676single cabin $4,232 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $7,293single cabin $12,332 | May – September: from $3,440single cabin $5,514 |
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 the typical duration of a Storia The Dahabeya Nile cruise?
Storia The Dahabeya typically offers sailings of 3 to 7 nights between Luxor and Aswan. 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.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-404494
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