Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Traditional dahabiya with sail-powered, intimate cabins, Nile-view windows or balconies, shaded sun deck, lounge bar, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Minya Dahabiya is a luxury Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02 Overview
A first look
By sunrise the Minya Dahabiya's lateen sails cast long shadows on the Nile, and the scent of the river and papyrus drifts across the shaded deck. The vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at low-bank sites larger motor cruisers cannot reach.
Mornings are for guided walks and temple visits, afternoons for slipping along the river under sail, and evenings for strolls from the gangplank onto the riverbank. Our Egyptologists accompany shore visits and we arrange embarkation transfers and timed pick-ups, so the day is guided and the small-group pace remains relaxed. Unlike larger motor cruisers, the dahabiya ties up closer to the shore for longer evenings ashore.
Background
The facts
Minya Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for travel between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than large motor cruisers and typically have fewer cabins, a quieter onboard atmosphere, and access to riverbanks and mooring points that larger vessels cannot always use. The vessel’s public areas include a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar, and a dining room, with accommodation provided in cabins that may feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on class.
The cruise programme links Upper Egypt’s most visited monuments on the Nile corridor. In Luxor, the principal sites are Karnak Temple Complex, begun in the Middle Kingdom and expanded over many centuries, and Luxor Temple on the east bank. West Bank sightseeing typically includes the Valley of the Kings, where royal tombs from the New Kingdom were cut into the Theban cliffs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62).
Southbound and northbound sailings also include Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae as part of the vessel’s shore-excursion programme. Edfu is known for the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt; Kom Ombo is a rare double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus; and Philae on Agilkia Island preserves the temple of Isis after the relocation campaign that followed the Aswan High Dam project. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a slower Nile itinerary with a more intimate onboard setting than a large motor cruiser. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and history-focused travelers who are comfortable with several days of monument visits and time on the river. Moderate mobility is helpful because shore excursions may involve steps, uneven ground, and boarding from the riverbank.
What lingers
- 01 Seven-day dahabiya cruise between Minya sites – Beni Hasan, Deir al-Bersha, Tuna el-Gebel, Ashmunein.
- 02 Small, traditional dahabiya – we anchor overnight at village quays to avoid day-boat crowds.
- 03 Onboard Egyptologist leads archaeological walks: Beni Hasan tomb inscriptions and Tuna el-Gebel catacombs explained.
- 04 We allow two-hour visits at Beni Hasan and Deir al-Bersha, not rushed like large-ship itineraries.
- 05 We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; crew handle luggage transfers, dinghy landings and local museum entries.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya.
- Shore excursions as described in the vessel's programme.
- On-board use of public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Egypt entry visa fees and travel insurance.
- Drinks beyond bottled water served with meals, and other bar charges.
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, unless otherwise requested.
- Optional or premium site extras, such as pyramid interior tickets or private tombs.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
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.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 How long is the Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise is 7 days long, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of the Nile's ancient sites. -
02 What is included in the Minya Dahabiya cruise package?
The cruise includes full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya, and all shore excursions as described in the vessel's programme. You also have access to the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room. -
03 What is excluded from the Minya Dahabiya cruise price?
Exclusions typically include international flights, Egypt entry visa fees, travel insurance, drinks beyond bottled water served with meals, other bar charges, and gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists. Optional site extras, such as pyramid interior tickets or private tombs, are also not included. -
04 What is a dahabiya, and how does it differ from larger Nile cruisers?
A dahabiya is a traditional, intimate sail-powered Nile boat, typically with 8 to 12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it sails at a gentler pace, ties up closer to riverbanks for evening walks, and can access off-the-beaten-path sites. -
05 What are the accessibility considerations for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Access to the dahabiya and its shore excursions involves walking on uneven ancient stone, some stairs, and gangplanks. Guests should be able to manage these movements independently or with minimal assistance. Please inform us of any specific mobility needs when booking. -
06 What is the policy for children on the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 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. -
07 What should I wear and bring for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the deck. Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications. -
08 What shore excursions are part of the Minya Dahabiya programme?
The included shore excursion programme visits major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. The dahabiya also stops at unique sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila. -
09 What is the best time of year to take a Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt. -
10 Is Wi-Fi available on board the Minya Dahabiya?
Wi-Fi availability on dahabiyas can be limited and may incur additional charges. We recommend checking with your Discovery Tours Egypt advisor for the most current information regarding internet access on board the Minya Dahabiya.
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
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-759684
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