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Dahabiya Nile Cruises

A dahabiya is a traditional twin-masted Egyptian sailing yacht – wooden, intimate, no engine on the move, just the wind and the river current. Where 5-star Nile ships carry 80–150 guests, a dahabiya carries 6 to 12. The route is slower (Esna → Edfu → Mansoreya → Luxor or Aswan), the mooring is private (often beside agricultural fields rather than industrial docks), and the temple visits hit before the cruise-ship crowds. Itineraries run 4 to 8 nights depending on direction and the captain's mood with the wind. We curate 43 dahabiyas across price tiers – from family-built traditional vessels to ultra-luxury new-builds with butler service – and book either by cabin or as a private whole-boat charter for one party.

32 matching cruises

  1. Azhar DahabiyaBudget

    Azhar Dahabiya

    Nile (cruise route)

    You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.

    On request3 Nights
  2. Abundance Dahabiya Nile CruiseBudget

    Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail the Nile on Abundance Dahabiya with Full Board meals, expert crew, and secluded moorings. Enquire with Discovery Tours Egypt today.

    On request6 Nights
  3. Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Akhnaton Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya. We provide an Egyptologist for guided shore visits. We arrange embarkation, crew, daily breakfasts and scheduled transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise (premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded). We don't run group bus tours – the dahabiya keeps travel slow, with fewer transfers and more daylight at temples than typical four-night Nile cruises. Expect early starts for sunrise visits, limited shade on deck at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone during shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all local logistics.

    On request3 Nights
  4. Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail the Nile for seven days aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya with Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We operate the Iris as a private charter, avoiding large river-ship schedules and crowded day-stop itineraries. The dahabiya cruises at a traditional, slow pace, which gives longer shore time at Kom Ombo and Edfu and relaxed mornings in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists can join guided visits ashore; we arrange transfers, permits, and local guides. Trade-offs: cabins are more compact than contemporary river ships and onboard amenities are fewer, but the pace and privacy are materially different from standard Nile cruises.

    On request6 Nights
  5. Jasmine DahabiyaMid

    Jasmine Dahabiya

    Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Jasmine Dahabiya, visiting El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. The small, traditional dahabiya follows a relaxed seven-day route, mooring at riverside villages for longer site visits and evening meals ashore. Our Egyptologists lead each onshore excursion, describing the archaeology at El Kab and the Temple of Horus at Edfu in detail. Unlike large cruise ships, the Jasmine can tie up at narrow riverbanks, allowing walks through Fawaza Village, extended time at Kom Ombo, and quieter visits to Philae as the light fades. Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers, permits, and local logistics so you move between sites without taxi negotiation or scheduling surprises.

    From $2,0007 Nights
  6. Merit 1 & Merit 2 Prices ( Standard Cabins ) Budget

    Merit 1 & Merit 2 Prices ( Standard Cabins )

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail the Nile in luxury aboard Merit Dahabiya, exploring Luxor and Aswan with exclusive tours, fine dining, and intimate boutique cruising.

    On request6 Nights
  7. Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Merit 1 is a seven-day dahabiya sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with slow-paced shore time. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate Merit 1 as a private dahabiya option rather than a mass coach-based cruise. The itinerary can include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with our Egyptologists guiding key visits when these sites are scheduled. Unlike four-night motor-boat cruises, the dahabiya paces shore time more gently and often moors at quieter riverbanks away from crowded quays. Trade-offs: limited onboard facilities compared with larger ships, early starts for some temple visits, and walking on uneven ancient stone.

    On request6 Nights
  8. Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    Sail seven days between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing vessel with limited cabins. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide private transfers, mooring permits, and an Egyptologist for the cruise. We avoid large coach tours; shore visits are led by our Egyptologist and reserved for the dahabiya’s passengers. Unlike mass overnight Nile ships, a dahabiya sails slower and schedules longer stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Expect compact cabins and simpler onboard facilities; Wi‑Fi is intermittent and some temple visits start early to avoid crowds. Standard site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs cost extra.

    On request6 Nights
  9. Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

    Nile (cruise route)

    A 7-day Nile cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate this trip as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead all site visits and our local crew handle navigation and meals. Unlike large motorized cruise boats, a dahabiya sails slowly and anchors overnight, allowing longer, quieter ashore visits. Expect smaller cabins and narrower gangways compared with larger river steamers; luggage and mobility constraints can apply. Typical days begin early for temples and may include walking on uneven ancient stone. We arrange private transfers, local guides, and flexible shore time; entrance fees are handled as stated in your booking.

    On request6 Nights
  10. Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya

    Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya

    Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. The route focuses on short, purposeful stops that let you walk ashore in small riverside villages and inspect sandstone quarries, cliff-cut tombs, and riverside temples with time to spare. Unlike large cruise ships, the dahabiya moors overnight close to village landing stages, which reduces bus transfers and creates quieter evenings on deck. We prefer dahabiyas because they reach places larger vessels cannot, and this itinerary schedules longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo than most packaged cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; contact us to tailor the cruise, add pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, or arrange an early-morning balloon flight in Luxor.

    On request7 Nights
  11. Three Pyramids DahabiyaBudget

    Three Pyramids Dahabiya

    Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologists lead every shore visit and explain the archaeology and inscriptions on site. The Three Pyramids Dahabiya sails slowly along the Nile, passing Esna Lock, palm groves, and riverside villages. We keep groups small, typically eight to twelve guests, for a quiet cruising environment and personal attention. Unlike larger motor cruises, this itinerary allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief shore calls. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts at key temples. Evenings are relaxed on the sun deck as the river light changes.

    From $1,8507 Nights
  12. Assouan DahabiyaMid

    Assouan Dahabiya

    The Assouan Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel that travels from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Onboard cabins are comfortable, meals are served aboard, and our licensed Egyptologists lead the visits to each site. Unlike large motorized Nile cruises, the dahabiya moors privately and reaches quieter riverbanks, which allows later-day visits and overnight stays beside cliffs such as Gebel El Silsila. We arrange transfers to and from the boat, tea and coffee throughout the day, and the necessary sailing permits and service charges. Optional excursions, such as an Abu Simbel transfer from Aswan, can be added at disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate every detail on the ground, including Egyptologist-led guided visits and local crew service.

    From $2,4005 Nights
  13. Abydos DahabiyaLuxury

    Abydos Dahabiya

    This five-day dahabiya cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, and Kom Ombo. You board in Esna after a private transfer from Luxor, and the Abydos Dahabiya moves slowly, allowing longer shore visits than larger overnight cruise ships. Our Egyptologists lead each guided visit, reading inscriptions and explaining quarry techniques at Gebel El Silsila. Cabins open onto river views, and meals feature fresh Egyptian and international dishes prepared onboard. Evenings include shore dinners and quiet moorings near riverside villages, preserving a relaxed pace. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists, and on-the-ground logistics for every booking.

    From $1,500
  14. Altesse DahabiyaLuxury

    Altesse Dahabiya

    Altesse Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Days combine relaxed deck time with guided shore visits led by our Egyptologists, and all meals are served aboard. The vessel’s small size allows access to quiet anchorages and riverside sites that larger motor cruises cannot reach. Tea, coffee, and soft beverages are included, and entry fees to the listed monuments are covered. We coordinate transfers, guides, and on-the-ground arrangements so you arrive at each site without logistical fuss. Because cabin availability is limited, we recommend booking early for travel between October and April. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage the local details for your cruise.

    From $2,000
  15. musk-dahabiya

    musk-dahabiya

    Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard Musk Dahabiya, a small traditional dahabiya that visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, watching riverside villages and palm groves slide by from the sundeck. Musk typically carries 8 to 14 guests, which keeps visits calmer and schedules more flexible than larger motorized cruises. We favour small sails because quieter moorings allow longer, less rushed time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Evenings are spent anchored under clear skies, and the itinerary offers an optional excursion day in Aswan for the High Dam or Abu Simbel. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate your on-the-ground arrangements and work with local crew to maintain a relaxed, low-capacity atmosphere.

    On request
  16. Karnak DahabiyaLuxury

    Karnak Dahabiya

    Karnak Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and riverside islands. The voyage follows a slow, sail-assisted rhythm, with long daylight hours for temple visits, village walks, and photography from deck. At Edfu we include a horse-drawn carriage transfer through the town streets to the Temple of Horus, and at Gebel El Silsila you walk among sandstone quarries and small chapels. Evenings feature relaxed meals on deck, and one outdoor dinner on the riverbank by lantern light. Unlike larger overnight Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya moors at small islands and spends more time ashore. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead guided excursions on all listed visits.

    From $2,000
  17. La Rose DahabiyaLuxury

    La Rose Dahabiya

    La Rose Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on a seven-day itinerary. You board in Luxor to visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, sail through Esna Lock, and call at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We provide accommodation aboard La Rose, all meals, a certified Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to the listed sites, and private transfers. We do not run large coach-group tours, so the dahabiya typically carries 10 to 14 guests for an intimate, slow-paced voyage. Unlike larger motor-cruise schedules, this itinerary allows overnight moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo for longer visits ashore. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate your on-ground logistics and can arrange Abu Simbel or other optional excursions from Aswan.

    From $1,600
  18. L’Orient DahabiyaLuxury

    L’Orient Dahabiya

    Embark in Luxor then board L'Orient Dahabiya at Esna for a five-day sail south to Aswan, visiting Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Gebel El Silsila. Your Egyptologist guides visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin temple at Kom Ombo, and the sandstone quarries and rock chapels at Gebel El Silsila. Meals are served on board on a full-board basis, and evenings include a riverside dinner and quiet island anchoring. We do not run large coach tours, the dahabiya carries about eight to fourteen guests for a slower pace and more personal commentary. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies all guided visits, so you have local insight at each site.

    From $1,500
  19. Zahra DahabiyaLuxury

    Zahra Dahabiya

    Zahra Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Each day pairs guided visits to named monuments with long stretches on the river, from a sunset walk at Luxor Temple to an overnight anchorage on a Nile island. You pass through Esna Lock, travel by horse carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and explore Kom Ombo’s double temple and a Nubian village. Aswan concludes with Philae and optional excursions to the High Dam or Abu Simbel. We limit each cruise to about 10–14 guests, keeping shore visits quieter and schedules flexible. Unlike faster motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly, allowing extended time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator with Cairo-based advisors.

    From $1,500
  20. Dahabiya LouliaLuxury

    Dahabiya Loulia

    Loulia Dahabiya is a six-day dahabiya cruise sailing from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, El Kab, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Accommodation is in private cabins with en suite bathrooms aboard a boutique sailing boat. Our Egyptologists lead every shore visit, explaining inscriptions, ritual spaces, and the archaeology of each site. Group size is limited to 8-12 passengers, which keeps port calls unhurried and time ashore relaxed. Compared with typical 4-night Nile cruises, this itinerary allows more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than short bused visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate the Egyptologist, crew, and transfers so logistics are handled while you focus on the river and the ruins.

    From $1,800
  21. Dahabiya JudiLuxury

    Dahabiya Judi

    A seven-day dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard Dahabiya Judi, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. You board in Luxor and pass through Esna Lock, with stops at El Kab and Gebel El Silsila for close-up walks among sandstone quarries. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange an English-speaking Egyptologist, transfers, and full-board meals; entrance fees for scheduled visits are included. We keep groups deliberately small on Dahabiya Judi, allowing longer onshore time and overnight moorings at quieter sites. Unlike standard short Nile cruises, this itinerary gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo and includes a private island barbecue and relaxed afternoons on deck.

    From $2,000
  22. Dahabiya Nora

    Dahabiya Nora

    Nora Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan over five days, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and El Kab. The boat typically hosts around 8 to 12 guests, which allows longer shore time at each temple and quieter evenings on the river. All scheduled visits are led by a licensed Egyptologist who explains the inscriptions and ritual spaces at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your arrival logistics and local guiding on the ground. Unlike larger motor-ship cruises, this dahabiya keeps a gentle pace, with afternoons free to relax on deck and evenings moored in calm stretches of the Nile.

    On request
  23. Yakouta DahabiyaLuxury

    Yakouta Dahabiya

    Yakouta Dahabiya runs a seven-day Luxor to Aswan cruise on the Nile, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead all shore visits, with entrance fees to the listed sites included. Meals, daily housekeeping, and tea, coffee, and soft drinks are provided on board. We keep guest numbers intentionally small to preserve a relaxed pace and allow longer visits at major temples. Unlike larger motor cruises, the dahabiya passes through the Esna Lock and can anchor overnight near smaller river sites for unhurried exploration, sailing when weather permits.

    From $2,000
  24. Roi Farouk Dahabiya

    Roi Farouk Dahabiya

    Depart Luxor and sail to Aswan aboard the Roi Farouk Dahabiya, a low-profile dahabiya that navigates narrower Nile reaches. Your Discovery Tours Egypt representative meets you in Luxor, and the crew welcomes you aboard with a drink as the vessel slips toward Esna. Stops include the Temple of Khnum at Esna, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Because the dahabiya is small, we can moor at riverside anchorages inaccessible to larger ships, allowing an evening ashore at Gebel El Silsila. Unlike larger river-ship itineraries, this cruise alternates short temple visits with long, unhurried stretches of sailing, a pace that suits travelers wanting relaxed time on the water. The voyage is operated with local crew and supported by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

    On request
  25. Lazuli Luxor DahabiyaLuxury

    Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya

    The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a small sailing dahabiya that follows the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Embark in Luxor and settle into a cabin as the boat slips south past El Hegz Island toward Edfu and Gebel El Silsila. Visits include the Temple of Edfu, the double temple at Kom Ombo, riverside island walks, and a village visit where locals show traditional farming. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead every onshore visit. We do not run large group bus tours, instead keeping numbers low so time onshore is longer than on typical short river cruises. Included are onboard meals, mineral water, entrance fees for listed sites, and private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan.

    From $1,450
  26. Gordon Pacha DahabiyaLuxury

    Gordon Pacha Dahabiya

    Sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya, a traditional sailing dahabiya that moves at a relaxed pace. Daily stops include Esna, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae, each visited with time for short walks and close study of reliefs and inscriptions. A licensed Egyptologist leads every guided visit and explains the sites' chronology and architectural phases. We keep each cruise deliberately small to match the vessel's intimate scale, avoiding the crowded rhythms of larger motor cruises. Unlike many larger itineraries, this route includes an exclusive stop at the Gebel el-Silsila sandstone quarries. Afternoons are for reading on deck, swimming from the shallower banks, or watching riverside life go by.

    From $1,450
  27. Princess Donia DahabiyaLuxury

    Princess Donia Dahabiya

    This intimate dahabiya cruise sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Our Egyptologist leads guided visits at each site, explaining inscriptions, cult practice, and temple architecture. We limit group size to 8 to 12 guests, which keeps time on deck flexible and shore visits unhurried. Unlike larger motor-ship cruises, the dahabiya’s slower rhythm allows a quiet island stop and longer temple visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Meals are prepared onboard, and the crew handles embarkation and local transfers so you can focus on the sights. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate all local arrangements on the ground.

    From $2,250
  28. Dahabiya ZekrayaatLuxury

    Dahabiya Zekrayaat

    Sail the Nile aboard Zekrayaat Dahabiya, following the river from Luxor toward Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and a licensed Egyptologist leads every site visit. You visit Esna Temple, travel by horse-carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, meet families at Wadi El Shat village, and explore Kom Ombo and Philae. The dahabiya keeps a slow, unhurried pace, so mornings ashore are longer than on larger motorized river cruises. We keep groups small, the boat has limited cabins to preserve an intimate atmosphere. Evenings include guided island walks, a sunset on Fawaza Island, and a farewell dinner in Aswan, giving time for relaxed conversation and quiet viewing of the river.

    From $1,900
  29. Nawara DahabiyaLuxury

    Nawara Dahabiya

    Nawara Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Daraw, and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our certified Egyptologists lead the guided visits at each site. The itinerary moves at a slow, classical sailing pace, including an overnight mooring near Fawaza Island and extended onshore time at quarry sites and village walks. Unlike larger motorized cruises, this dahabiya stays close to small islands and quieter riverbanks, which allows longer visits ashore and calmer evenings. You board in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, with time for the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk on the final day.

    From $2,000
  30. Lotus DahabiyaLuxury

    Lotus Dahabiya

    A classic dahabiya sail from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The Lotus Dahabiya moves under sail and gentle engine power, pausing at riverside sites that larger motor cruisers often skip. Our Egyptologists accompany the voyage and lead guided visits at each temple, with time ashore for quiet exploration. We run small-capacity sailings rather than large ship departures, which reduces crowds at landing points and shortens onshore transfer times. Unlike scheduled overnight motor cruises, the Lotus anchors in calm riverside spots for extended visits to Edfu and Gebel El Silsila. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your on-the-ground logistics, from guide services to local transfers.

    From $2,000
  31. Albatros DahabiyaLuxury

    Albatros Dahabiya

    Board the Albatros Dahabiya in Esna and sail from Luxor to Aswan visiting Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Nile islands. Our Egyptologists lead temple walks at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and explain quarry inscriptions at Gebel El Silsila. Evenings are quiet, with tea on deck and a candle-lit dinner ashore at Gebel El Silsila's riverbank. We favour dahabiya pacing, sailing slowly so shore time is longer than on larger motor cruises. Unlike day trips run from busy ports, this itinerary includes village walks and time on rural islands, increasing contact with local communities. Boarding takes place in Esna; disembarkation is in Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and the people who run your trip on the ground.

    From $1,500
  32. Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027Premium

    Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027

    From $9,8007 Nights

Practical questions

What travelers ask about this style of tour.

  1. 01What's the difference between a dahabiya and a Nile cruise ship?

    A dahabiya is a traditional sailing yacht – 6–12 cabins, no engine while moving (it's towed in calm and sails when there's wind), and moors at smaller spots inaccessible to bigger ships. A Nile cruise ship is a 5-star floating hotel – 80–150 cabins, full engine power, pool deck, fixed schedule. Dahabiyas feel like a private yacht; cruise ships feel like a resort. Same temples, different journey.

  2. 02How long is a typical dahabiya cruise?

    Five nights is the most-booked length – Esna to Aswan with stops at Edfu, El Kab, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Daraw. Seven and eight-night itineraries extend further (often adding Luxor on either end). Three-night short charters exist but skip the smaller dahabiya-only temple stops that are the whole point of going slow.

  3. 03How much does a dahabiya cost compared to a regular Nile cruise?

    Cabin pricing on a dahabiya typically starts at $1,800 per person for 5 nights at the comfort tier, $2,800–$4,500 at the deluxe tier, and $5,500+ at the ultra-luxury tier. A private whole-boat charter runs $12,000–$45,000 for the entire vessel (sleeping 6–12) for 5 nights. A standard 5-star Nile ship in the same 5-night slot is $1,200–$2,000 per person. You're paying for exclusivity and the slower route.

From the Cairo desk

Found the shape. Now make it yours.

Every Nile cruise we run is tailor-made – your dates, your cabin, your sailing direction. Send a short brief or talk to the Cairo desk direct. Replies within one working day.

– Suhaila & the Cairo team · 38 years · 6 offices · IATA #90255546