Three Pyramids Dahabiya
A 5-star Nile dahabiya with lateen sails, room for up to 16 guests, and an 11-person crew.
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
Three Pyramids Dahabiya is a 5-star intimate Nile sailing package on a traditional lateen-sail vessel, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Dahabiya
- Destinations
- The Nile · Egypt · Three Pyramids
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard a selected 5-star Nile dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Nile sailing programme for the booked itinerary · Crew service aboard the dahabiya
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-travel enthusiasts · History and archaeology travellers · Small groups · Travellers seeking a quieter Nile experience
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books, and arranges the third-party-operated dahabiya.
- The cruise package specifies a 40-metre vessel with capacity for up to 16 guests and an 11-person crew.
- The booking documentation identifies inclusions, exclusions, full-board dates, and optional services clearly.
- Transfers and services are confirmed according to the specific booking details rather than assumed to be included.
02Overview
A first look
The Nile moves quietly beneath a lateen sail, with the riverbank close enough to catch the scent of reeds and hear birds above the water. From the shaded deck, you can watch villages, fields, and desert edges pass at a pace larger engine-led cruisers cannot match.
At 40 meters long and 7 meters wide, Three Pyramids Dahabiya carries up to 16 guests with an 11-person crew. We arrange the vessel selected for your booking and coordinate each shore visit with our Egyptologists, so your time ashore feels considered rather than rushed. The smaller scale also makes it easier to settle into the rhythm of sailing, reading, sharing meals, and watching the Nile change color before sunset.
Background
The facts
The Three Pyramids Dahabiya is an intimate 5-star Nile sailing package in Egypt. The selected dahabiya is approximately 40 metres long and accommodates up to 16 guests with an 11-person crew. Its traditional lateen-sail design provides a quieter, slower-paced alternative to larger engine-led Nile cruise vessels.
The cruise includes full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Water served with meals is included; other drinks are generally charged separately. Accommodation is provided aboard a selected 5-star Nile dahabiya, with the sailing programme and included shore visits determined by the booked itinerary.
A dahabiya can travel at a slower pace and may access smaller riverside sites that are not practical for larger cruise ships. Typical dahabiya programmes in this region may include lesser-visited locations such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry, but travellers should confirm the exact sites included in their selected itinerary before booking.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books, and arranges the cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The dahabiya is owned and operated by a third-party cruise supplier; Discovery Tours Egypt does not own or operate the vessel. Transfers, optional excursions, gratuities, personal expenses, and services not listed in the booking details are excluded.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Egypt·Three Pyramids·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala quarry·lateen sail·dahabiya·Ancient Egyptian archaeological sites
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya cruise suits adults, couples, families with older children, and travellers interested in traditional sailing, river landscapes, and smaller archaeological sites. It is best for guests who prefer an intimate setting with up to 16 passengers rather than the entertainment and larger capacity of a conventional Nile cruiser.
What lingers
- 01Travel on a 40-metre traditional dahabiya with capacity for up to 16 guests
- 02Enjoy a quieter sailing style than larger Nile cruise ships
- 03Sail with an 11-person crew in an intimate setting
- 04Experience the Nile from a lateen-sail vessel rather than an engine-led cruiser
- 05Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this dahabiya carries up to 16 guests and uses a traditional lateen-sail design for a quieter, slower-paced experience. Its smaller size may allow access to riverside locations that larger vessels cannot reach, although the exact shore-excursion programme depends on the booked itinerary.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in USD. Each rate below 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.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,025 | $2,285 | $2,389 |
| Double cabin | $1,505 | $1,635 | $1,687 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,614 | $1,809 | $1,887 |
| Double cabin | $1,224 | $1,321 | $1,360 |
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.
Aboard
Meet the Three Pyramids Dahabiya
A 40-metre, 7-metre dahabiya carrying up to 16 guests, crewed by 11.
- Length
- 40m
- Width
- 7m
- Guests
- Up to 16
- Crew
- 11
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard a selected 5-star Nile dahabiya
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Nile sailing program arranged for the booked itinerary
- Crew service aboard the dahabiya
Not included
- Drinks beyond water served with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions or services not stated in the booked itinerary
- Transfers not specifically listed in the booking details
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travellers can request a private or shared booking subject to availability, with pricing generally calculated per person sharing and a single supplement for solo occupancy. Optional excursions, transfers, and additional services may be added when available, while the precise sailing route and shore-excursion programme depend on the itinerary confirmed at booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise involves boarding from a Nile quay, where access may require a short gangway, uneven surfaces, and assistance with luggage. On board, cabins and shared areas are reached by steps, and there is usually no elevator or purpose-built wheelchair cabin. Shore visits can include sand, gravel, rough paths, ancient stone, and stairs at archaeological sites such as temples and tombs. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin location, gangway, and planned shore stops. A foldable wheelchair may be possible, subject to vessel confirmation.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Sun protection and sunscreen SPF 50+
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Insect repellent
- Any required prescription medication
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Cash in Egyptian pounds for personal expenses and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ground and river quays
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- A light layer for breezy evenings on the Nile
- Swimwear with a suitable cover-up for shared areas
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or 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. There is no stated minimum age, but parents should consider the gangway, steps, open deck, and uneven shore terrain. Strollers are generally impractical on quays and archaeological sites. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail for much of its Nile journey, although an auxiliary engine may be required for maneuvering, docking, or calm conditions. Its capacity of up to 16 guests limits passenger numbers compared with larger Nile cruise ships. We arrange the sailing, meals, crew service, and shore program through local Egyptian cruise and tourism suppliers. A smaller vessel can reach quieter river locations and supports local guides, boatmen, restaurants, and site communities during shore visits. We do not claim that the cruise is emission-free or that all supplies are locally sourced. Water, fuel use, waste handling, and supplier practices depend on the assigned vessel and its operating procedures.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This Three Pyramids Dahabiya package includes accommodation aboard a selected 5-star sail-powered Nile dahabiya, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, the booked Nile sailing programme, and crew service. Drinks beyond water served with meals, gratuities, personal expenses, optional services, and unlisted transfers are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya cruise?
A dahabiya cruise is an intimate, sail-powered Nile boat experience, offering a slower pace than larger cruise ships. The Three Pyramids Dahabiya is 40 meters long, carries up to 16 guests, and provides access to smaller riverside sites. It focuses on traditional sailing and personalized service.02What is the duration of the Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruise?
The Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruise is 8 days long, providing ample time to explore the Nile and its historical sites. This extended duration allows for a more relaxed itinerary compared to shorter cruises, including stops at less-visited locations.03What meals are included on the dahabiya cruise?
Your cruise includes full board, starting with lunch on the embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on the disembarkation day. This covers all main meals prepared by the onboard chef. Drinks beyond water served with meals are typically an additional cost.04Are transfers included with the dahabiya cruise?
Transfers are included only if specifically listed in your booking details. We arrange your Nile sailing program, but any transfers to or from the dahabiya, such as airport or hotel transfers, must be explicitly confirmed as part of your itinerary.05What is the accessibility like on a dahabiya?
Dahabiyas like the Three Pyramids offer a more intimate setting, but accessibility can be limited due to gangplanks, stairs between decks, and uneven terrain at ancient sites. Travelers with mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific needs before booking.06What is the policy for children on the Three Pyramids Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, modest attire for visiting religious sites, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions on ancient stone and uneven paths.08What is the best time of year to take a Nile dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09What unique sites does a dahabiya visit compared to larger cruise ships?
The Three Pyramids Dahabiya, being smaller and sail-powered, can access unique sites like El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry. These locations are often inaccessible to larger vessels, offering a more exclusive exploration of ancient Egypt.10Are gratuities included or expected on the dahabiya cruise?
Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists are not included in the cruise price. Tipping is customary in Egypt for services rendered. We can provide guidance on appropriate amounts for the crew and your guide as part of your final travel documents.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-NIL-422585
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