Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Three Pyramids Dahabiya
A 5-star Nile dahabiya with lateen sails, room for up to 16 guests, and an 11-person crew.
The short answer
Three Pyramids is a 5-Star Standard 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 $1,346 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,346double cabinsingle cabin $1,834 | May – September: from $1,249double cabinsingle cabin $1,639 | Peak dates: from $1,385double cabinsingle cabin $1,912 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,702double cabinsingle cabin $2,352 | May – September: from $1,572double cabinsingle cabin $2,092 | Peak dates: from $1,754double cabinsingle cabin $2,456 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard dahabiya
- Cabins
- 8
- Decks
- 3
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
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, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions or services not stated in the booked itinerary
- Transfers not specifically listed in the booking details
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
Travelers 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 program depend on the itinerary confirmed at booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya cruise suits adults, couples, families with older children, and travelers 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.
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 program depends on the booked itinerary.
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.
- Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,346 per person
- Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From $1,357 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 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 program for the booked itinerary · Crew service aboard the dahabiya
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-travel enthusiasts · History and archaeology travelers · Small groups · Travelers seeking a quieter Nile experience
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
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.
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.
– 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 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?
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?
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 (including water) 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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-422585
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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