Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate, sail-powered dahabiya with shaded sun deck, chef-prepared full-board dining, graded Nile-view cabins, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
02 Overview
A first look
By dawn the lateen sails whisper as the Princess Farida slips from Luxor's quay, the Nile's damp air carrying river mud, citrus and baked bread. Morning light pools on carved stone as you stand on a shaded deck, the captain adjusting sheets while the chef plans lunch from local produce and the crew prepares the tender.
This is an intimate, sail-powered dahabiya experience, slower and more personal than larger motor cruisers, with space to read on deck between programmed shore visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We select and arrange this cruise for our guests, and one of our Egyptologists will guide the shore excursions and handle logistics ashore.
Background
The facts
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel used for scheduled cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s principal archaeological sites, including Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city centre, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. These sites represent Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods, with the Valley of the Kings containing royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including tombs associated with Seti I and Tutankhamun.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This vessel is suited to travelers who prefer a smaller-capacity sailing experience rather than a large motor cruiser. It is a good match for history-focused adults, couples, and families with older children who are comfortable with stairs, uneven site terrain, and several shore excursions over consecutive sailing days.
What lingers
- 01 Traditional dahabiya layout, smaller passenger numbers than larger motor cruisers, more space on deck and a quieter onboard atmosphere
- 02 Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, most with Nile-view panoramas or private balconies
- 03 Shaded sun deck for lounging and scenic cruising on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 04 Daily shore excursion programme visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05 Lounge bar and dining saloon serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 06 Weekly sailings in both directions, allowing flexible embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan
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
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | May–September | October–April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the chosen cabin grade
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore-excursion programme as offered by the vessel (visits named in the highlights)
Not included
- Beverages beyond water with meals, unless otherwise stated
- Tipping/gratuities ashore and aboard
- Domestic or international flights and airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa costs and personal travel insurance
- Premium site supplements such as entrance to pyramid interiors or privately ticketed tombs, unless explicitly requested
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 What is the duration of the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise is 7 days and 6 nights, sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and visits to a range of ancient sites. -
02 What is included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare?
Your fare includes accommodation aboard the dahabiya in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the programmed shore excursions to sites like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. -
03 What is not included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise price?
Excluded from the cruise price are beverages beyond water with meals, gratuities for staff and guides, domestic or international flights, Egypt entry visas, and personal travel insurance. Premium site supplements, like pyramid interiors, are also extra. -
04 What is the accessibility like on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, but access to ancient sites often involves walking on uneven terrain, sand, and stairs. The vessel itself has stairs between decks. Guests should be able to manage these conditions. -
05 What is the policy for children and families on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the 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. -
06 What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya Nile cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and any personal medications. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck. -
07 What is the best time of year to take a Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt. -
08 What kind of photography is allowed on the Princess Farida Dahabiya and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on the dahabiya and at most outdoor archaeological sites. Some tombs and museum exhibits prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Always check for specific signage or ask your Egyptologist. -
09 How does a dahabiya cruise differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Farida is a dahabiya, an intimate, sail-powered vessel with typically 8-12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, it can stop at smaller, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila. -
10 Will I have an Egyptologist guide during the shore excursions?
Yes, a qualified Egyptologist will accompany you on all included shore excursions, providing expert commentary and insights into the ancient sites you visit. Our Egyptologists enhance your understanding of Egypt's history and culture.
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-770143
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