
What is a dahabiya?
Eight cabins. Two masts. No engine note when the wind is up. A dahabiya is a wooden sailing yacht built for the Nile – a slower, smaller way to read the river. One mooring at El Kab where nobody else stops. A single dining table on the sun deck. Lateen sails handled by a crew that has worked this stretch of water for longer than most of our guests have been visiting Egypt.
The cabins are ensuite, air-conditioned, and twin-or-double depending on the layout. Everything else – the pace, the moorings, the silence – is unchanged from the form that's been sailed for two hundred years.

Lateen sails up, engine off, the river goes quiet by Edfu.
In the fleet
Every dahabiya we book. (45)
Hand-picked across the Prestige and Luxury tiers. Each vessel below sails the 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night per-person cabin rate on a shared departure; whole-boat private charter is quoted on request.

Abundance Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered boat for travelling the Nile at a slower pace than on a motorised cruiser. Its lateen sails and smaller scale allow it to call at riverside places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with bottled water, tea and coffee also provided on board. Scheduled shore visits follow the vessel’s excursion programme. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise provider. Drinks beyond the stated basics, gratuities and optional excursions are extra.
from£1,978per person · high season, October–April

Abydos Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan on a five-day dahabiya that calls at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. The Abydos Dahabiya typically accommodates 8–14 guests, so the pace is intimate and unhurried. Our Egyptologists lead every excursion, explaining inscriptions, temple architecture and local history at each stop. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers in Luxor and Aswan. Unlike larger motor cruises, this route gives extended shore time at Gebel El Silsila and El Kab, and evenings often include riverside meals near quiet village landings. Trade-offs: cabins are compact and the programme is deliberately relaxed, so this is not a party vessel but a small-guest sailing experience focused on archaeology and village riverside life.
On request

Adelaide Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail the Nile aboard the Adelaide Dahabiya for seven days, cruising at a slower, sail-influenced pace that prioritises time ashore. This is a small-boat alternative to four-night motor-ship cruises; the slower schedule lets you visit quieter riverbanks and villages. We arrange private Egyptologists and short road transfers rather than large coach movements. Expect smaller cabins and fewer onboard facilities than a large river cruise ship, and variable sail timings when wind conditions change. We operate Adelaide Dahabiya as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide local crew, fuel-powered backup, and all on-shore logistics.
from£2,177per person · high season, October–April

Akhnaton Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Akhnaton Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered craft offering seven days on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We operate it as a small, privately chartered dahabiya; we don't run group-bus tours. Typical calls include Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Esna lock, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo. Unlike packaged motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly and anchors at quieter riverside moorings overnight. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on motor cruise ships and sailing days depend on wind; there is limited shade on the sun deck at midday. We can arrange a private Egyptologist and bespoke shore excursions for each group.
from£959per person · high season, October–April

Albatros Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
This seven-day dahabiya cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and rural Nile islands. Each day combines guided temple visits, island moorings and village walks, with time to relax on deck and watch the riverbanks change. Guided tours are led by our licensed Egyptologists and standard entrance fees for included sites are covered. With typically 6–10 cabins, Albatros Dahabiya maintains a quiet, low-capacity atmosphere compared with larger Nile boats. We do not run group bus tours; departures favour slower sailing and mooring at small islands and villages. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, Egyptologists and local arrangements for the cruise.
On request

Altesse Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Altesse Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya that sails the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Shore visits include Gebel El Silsila, a riverside quarry complex accessible to small vessels. Onboard life favours quiet sailing, shaded deck seating and small-group landings that keep walking and transfers short. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits and explain the temples of Khnum, Horus and Sobek in their historical context. We choose dahabiyas for this route because their shallow draft and smaller size allow moorings at sites larger cruise ships cannot reach. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your Egyptologist and on-the-ground support throughout the voyage.
On request

Amoura Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Amoura Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya for a quieter journey on the Nile. Its route includes stops at places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, which are accessible to dahabiyas. The pace differs from that of larger motor cruisers, with sailing shaped by wind conditions and time ashore at river sites. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The captain and crew are on board, and guests can use the public areas and sun deck. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its supplier.
from£943per person · high season, October–April

Assouan Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Assouan Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae. You travel with a licensed Egyptologist from our team who leads visits to Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The dahabiya follows quieter channels and often moors privately beside cliffs such as Gebel El Silsila, allowing direct walks and time at sites larger cruise ships cannot reach. Unlike large Nile cruises, this itinerary includes calls at El Kab and Kom Ombo without a rushed schedule. Evenings are spent on deck watching village life pass and the river light change. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate the on-the-ground arrangements for the voyage.
On request

Azhar Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Board at the Luxor Nile pier, where the crew will bring your luggage aboard and your Egyptologist will meet the group and run through the week’s plans. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya, offering an intimate sailing experience rather than an ocean liner. She sails south when the wind is favourable; otherwise, the engine carries you onwards. The days combine temple visits with leisurely time on the river: morning trips to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, passage through the Esna lock, an overnight stop at Edfu to allow two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank and a motorboat visit to Philae temple in Aswan. Cabins are 12–16 m², with large windows, private en-suite bathrooms and daily cabin service. Expect a few steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than lifts. Meals are prepared on board using local produce, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included. The crew serves tea on the aft deck as life along the riverbanks drifts past. As your Egyptologist, I’ll draw your attention to details in the temple reliefs, help you time photographs of the inscriptions and explain the choice of moorings, whether on a quiet riverbank near a village or in the shelter of the Esna lock. Please note that Wi-Fi is available in public areas, but the signal can be patchy; cabins are compact and some days begin early. This is slow-paced Nile travel for travellers who value detail, peaceful decks and time at temples without crowds.
from£1,730per person · high season, October–April

Bens Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Bens Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya cruise on the River Nile in Egypt. Dahabiyas offer a quieter, slower-paced alternative to larger Nile cruise ships, though sailing times can vary with wind conditions. Full-board meals are provided from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Standard sightseeing and site entrance fees are included only where listed in the confirmed cruise programme. Some visits involve walking over uneven ground. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise provider. Unlike larger cruise ships, a dahabiya offers a smaller-scale sailing experience, but the exact route and sightseeing stops depend on the confirmed booking.
from£984per person · high season, October–April

Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan visiting Esna, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. The itinerary combines slow, bank-side sailing with shore visits: wander Esna’s carved halls, take a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu, and step into the rarely visited sandstone quarries at Gebel el-Silsila. Expect long daylight hours on deck, quiet moorings at Nile islands, and opportunities to swim from the dahabiya in sheltered spots. We prefer dahabiya sailings to larger motor cruises, because the vessel can tie up at riverside locations inaccessible to bigger ships. Unlike day tours run from larger boats, this route gives time at each site for reading inscriptions and photographing reliefs without a tight timetable.
On request

Hadeel Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Hadeel Dahabiya is a sail-powered boat for a slower Nile journey, with lateen sails and fewer than a dozen cabins. Its shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits to Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. Compared with larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya can reach quieter stretches of the river and smaller landing places. Full Board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and locally guided shore excursions. Sailings operate between Luxor and Aswan in both directions.
On request

Iris Luxury Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail seven days along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard Iris, a privately operated luxury dahabiya. We operate Iris as a private dahabiya rather than a large motor ship; that means slower transit and more time ashore. Unlike 4‑night motor cruise patterns, a dahabiya allows ad hoc moorings and quieter nights on the river. Our Egyptologists give daily briefings and accompany guided walks ashore. Trade‑offs: cabins are more compact than on larger ships, shade on deck is limited at midday, and some temple visits require early starts. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private embarkations and ground transfers.
from£1,229per person · high season, October–April

Jasmine Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
From Luxor to Aswan, the Jasmine Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sail that pairs gentle cruising with village visits and temple sightseeing. Board in Luxor, disembark in Aswan. The route includes El Kab, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo's Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, the Daraw camel market, and Philae Temple. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate a licensed Egyptologist for every sailing. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, the dahabiya ties up at small riverbanks such as Fawaza and El Hegz, allowing visits to local villages and markets that larger vessels cannot reach. Evenings are relaxed on deck, with candlelit dinners ashore at quieter moorings and wide views of the Nile at sunset.
On request

Judi Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Dahabiya Judi is a traditional sailing dahabiya, a seven-day Luxor to Aswan cruise visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Our Egyptologists lead every guided visit, explaining inscriptions, tomb scenes and temple architecture with archaeological context. Accommodation is onboard the dahabiya with full-board meals, afternoon tea and daily snacks included. We arrange transfers in air-conditioned vehicles and include entrance fees for the scheduled visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we prefer slow sailings and small groups rather than coach-style group tours. Unlike larger motorised cruise boats, a dahabiya can moor at smaller islands and provide quieter evenings and longer time ashore at places such as El Kab and Gebel El Silsila.
On request

Karnak Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan aboard the Karnak Dahabiya, a traditional Nile dahabiya that sails slowly between Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Gebel El Silsila. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Boarding is in Esna. All meals are served onboard and our Egyptologists lead the on-site visits, with entrance fees to the listed sites included. Days are deliberately unhurried, with long daylight sailing, time ashore in riverside villages, and evenings beside the river under lantern light. We prefer slow dahabiya sailings to larger motor cruises, so you spend more time walking at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than passing them from deck.
On request

L’Orient Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
L'Orient Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Gebel el Silsila and El Kab. You board after a short transfer to Esna, then settle on polished wood decks as the dahabiya slips south. Days combine private visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo, painted tombs at El Kab, and the sandstone quarries and chapels at Gebel el Silsila. Evenings are calm, with an open-air riverside dinner option and time on deck to watch village life on the banks. We keep guest numbers to 8–14 aboard L'Orient Dahabiya, and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator organising transfers and Egyptologist-led visits. Unlike larger motorised Nile boats, a dahabiya ties up at islands and small quays, allowing quieter evenings and closer contact with riverside communities.
On request

La Rose Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
La Rose Dahabiya is a traditional Nile dahabiya that sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. It typically carries 10–14 guests, providing an intimate, slow-paced voyage along the river. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange a certified Egyptologist for every departure and private transfers to and from the boat. Unlike larger motor cruises, this route keeps visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo unhurried rather than reduced to brief port calls. You pass through Esna Lock, relax on the sundeck with village and island views, and have evenings at anchor for clear night skies. All meals, entrance fees to the listed sites, and tea, coffee and mineral water with meals are included.
On request

Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. The vessel follows the traditional dahabiya form, allowing moorings at small islands and riverside villages that larger motor cruises cannot reach. Days combine short, guided walks ashore with relaxed afternoons on deck, tea between passages and low-key evenings beneath the stars. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead every visit, explaining temple inscriptions, quarry chapels and local village life. Unlike standard motor-boat cruises, this itinerary favours unhurried stops and longer onshore time for walking and photography.
On request

Lotus Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Embark in Luxor aboard Lotus Dahabiya, a traditional dahabiya sailing south to Aswan via Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. On arrival our Egyptologist meets you in Luxor and outlines the week's visits. Mornings are for temples, including an Edfu horse-carriage transfer to the Temple of Edfu; afternoons are for slow sailing and riverside vistas. At Gebel El Silsila you walk among rock-cut shrines and old quarry inscriptions rarely reachable by larger vessels. In Aswan the itinerary includes Philae Temple and the High Dam. We do not run group bus tours, which lets the boat anchor at quieter spots and gives longer time ashore. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, guides and meals as listed.
On request

Loulia Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Aboard Dahabiya Loulia you sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan over six days. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut. Days are unhurried, with time ashore at El Kab, a riverside village near Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and an onboard chef prepares all meals. We limit this dahabiya to 8–12 guests, which keeps the pace relaxed and avoids the timetable pressure of larger motor cruises. Evenings are spent on deck watching the riverbank villages and palm islands pass by, with opportunities for a cooking demonstration and quiet stargazing on the water.
On request

Malouka Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya sailing on the Nile, with guided excursions to major sites in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. The programme includes Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full-board meals are provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. We arrange this cruise for our clients; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line. Unlike a visit focused on one city, this route links archaeological sites along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
from£2,763per person · high season, October–April

Merit 1 & 2 Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Merit 1 is a seven-day dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists tailor each day ashore. Unlike larger cruise boats, the dahabiya pace lets you anchor overnight and spend longer at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We don't run group bus tours; excursions are private or small-group and timed to avoid the busiest hours. Trade-offs: cabins are smaller than on river cruise ships and boarding involves steps and a gangplank, so this is best for travellers comfortable with modest mobility requirements.
from£1,886per person · high season, October–April

Meroe Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan. The shore programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits guided by an Egyptologist. Accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, and full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The sun deck and lounge bar provide places to sit between visits. Unlike a brief Nile cruise, this programme includes several major temple sites and the Valley of the Kings. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tomb entries and gratuities are extra.
from£2,998per person · high season, October–April

Minya Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Minya Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile dahabiya cruise offering slow sailing, village moorings and extended daylight ashore. We operate small dahabiyas and do not run group bus tours; that keeps mornings and landings flexible. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this itinerary prioritises sailing time and evenings at village quays rather than fixed port turnarounds. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are extra and not included unless requested. Expect simpler cabins, occasional river noise and fewer onboard facilities during sail days. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
from£2,778per person · high season, October–April

Musk Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Musk Dahabiya is a seven-day dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan that visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. You embark in Luxor, meet your certified Egyptologist, and settle into a small-group sailing that moves slowly along the Nile, allowing longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo than larger overnight river boats. Days combine short onshore visits, sundeck time and evening moorings near riverside villages; the Esna lock crossing is part of the route. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your transfers and Egyptologist, so local logistics are handled for you. We arrange these sailings as intimate dahabiya cruises, not large coach-based river tours, which suits travellers who prefer a relaxed pace and small groups.
On request

Nawara Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Nawara Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days combine short onshore walks, guided visits and long, quiet stretches of sailing where the riverbank villages pass slowly. Our Egyptologists lead every archaeological visit and explain the sites linked to Egypt’s New Kingdom and later periods. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your embarkation in Luxor and final transfer in Aswan. We do not run large bus tours, the itinerary favours small-group landing points and evening moorings. Unlike cruise-ship timetables, this route includes the Daraw market and an overnight on Fawaza Island, giving more time for local encounters and photography.
On request

Nora Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nora Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel el Silsila and Kom Ombo. Visits include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the rock-cut shrines of Gebel el Silsila, and Kom Ombo’s twin shrines to Sobek and Haroeris. Onboard life is low-key, with mornings on deck, afternoons watching river traffic and evenings moored at quiet islands. A traditional dahabiya has a shallow draft, which allows closer riverbank navigation than larger motorised boats. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate local partners for each sailing. Unlike larger Nile motor cruises, Nora Dahabiya typically carries around 8 to 12 guests, which allows longer site visits and a quieter pace ashore.
On request

Nour El Din Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Din Dahabiya is a 45-metre sailing vessel on the Nile, designed for up to 20 guests and served by an 11-person crew. Its three-deck layout includes two cabin decks. As a dahabiya, it offers a slower style of river travel than larger Nile cruisers and may reach quieter stretches and smaller archaeological sites. The cruise is full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Water served with meals is included; other drinks are extra. We arrange the booking as part of your Egypt plans. The cruise supplier owns and operates the vessel.
from£1,056per person · high season, October–April

Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with shore visits scheduled along the Nile. It offers Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plus a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served from embarkation to disembarkation, and the on-board programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya is a smaller sailing vessel, with a quieter pace on the river. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
from£2,270per person · high season, October–April

Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Princess Cleopatra dahabiya is a seven-day traditional-sailing cruise along the Nile. Unlike motorised mini-cruises, dahabiyas use sails traditionally and give quieter overnight crossings. We operate this itinerary as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can adjust embarkation points where feasible. Expect compact cabins and generous deck space for daytime sailing; plan for early starts at temples, walking on uneven ancient stone, and occasional itinerary changes when wind is light. Standard site entrance fees apply unless we state otherwise; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra. We recommend seven days to see key riverside sites without repeated hotel changes.
from£1,094per person · high season, October–April

Princess Donia Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
A traditional dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan, Princess Donia visits Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The six-day voyage sails slowly during daylight, giving more time ashore than larger motor launches. We limit parties to 8–12 guests, and our Egyptologists lead each visit with local context and walking routes that suit small groups. Expect relaxed evenings on deck, an island stop for a short walk or swim, and riverside scenes of palm groves and village life. Practical notes, we cover: some early starts at key sites, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited cabin availability which makes early booking advisable.
On request

Princess Farida Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star sailing vessel on the Nile, with graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Sailings run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the embarkation city depends on the selected itinerary. Full-board meals are served from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Beverages beyond water with meals and gratuities are extra. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its supplier. Unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya offers a sailing-vessel setting on the river.
from£1,978per person · high season, October–April

Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027
Esna → Aswan
The Private Dahabiya Charter is an exclusive Nile sailing for up to 23 guests, arranged around the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027. A riverbank mooring is held for the eclipse totality window; viewing from the vessel or shore depends on local conditions and arrangements. The charter includes full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with a captain and onboard crew. Its shore excursion programme can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a standard group cruise, the private charter allows sailing and excursion timings to be arranged more flexibly for your party. Drinks beyond water with meals and bar charges are extra.
On request

Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya is a small sailing boat on the Nile, featuring four double cabins and room for up to eight guests. With its lateen sail and limited passenger capacity, it provides a more peaceful alternative to larger Nile cruise ships, although sailing times are dictated by the wind. Full Board covers lunch on the day you embark through to breakfast on the day you disembark; drinks other than water served with meals cost extra. The dahabiya can be chartered in full; the rate is available on request. At least two cabins must be booked to guarantee sailing, and a private charter supplement may be charged when fewer than all four cabins are booked. The booking is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we do not operate the vessel.
from£991per person · high season, October–April

Queen Isis Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Isis Dahabiya is a Nile cruise aboard a dahabiya, a smaller style of river vessel associated with a quieter pace than larger cruise ships. The route connects Aswan and Luxor, with the direction determined by your selected departure. You can spend time on deck as the river landscape changes between the two cities, then use the on-board jacuzzi between stops. Full board is served from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and optional services or excursions not listed in your booking are extra. Transfers are arranged according to the booking details.
On request
Queen Nefeer Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Nefeer Dahabiya is a dahabiya cruise on the River Nile, a smaller sailing vessel class associated with a quieter pace than larger motor cruisers. A dahabiya’s lateen sail uses the wind where conditions allow; sailing schedules can therefore depend on the breeze and river traffic. The smaller format can reach some Nile-side stops that larger cruise ships cannot, though the exact route and shore visits depend on the itinerary booked. Full Board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s operator; the boat is not operated by us.
from£910per person · high season, October–April

Roi Farouk Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
A classic dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan, the Roi Farouk Dahabiya visits Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. You board in Luxor, enjoy a welcome drink, and settle into a compact, traditionally furnished cabin as the vessel slips into the Nile's current. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits at each site, explaining hieroglyphs, construction phases and later restorations. Because cabins are limited, we keep groups small and unhurried, which lets the dahabiya anchor at secluded quays such as Gebel El Silsila. Meals are prepared aboard and the schedule balances sightseeing with relaxed afternoons on deck. Expect early starts for some temple visits and uneven walking surfaces at ancient sites, especially at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and your contact in Egypt for this cruise.
On request

Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
This seven-day Nile cruise aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya visits Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. We operate private, sail-powered dahabiyas rather than large motor cruise ships; sailing slows transit and reduces engine noise. One of our Egyptologists provides a pre-embarkation briefing in Luxor, and we arrange guided visits and local transfers throughout. Unlike standard four-night motor-cruise itineraries, the seven-day dahabiya gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stopovers. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on larger Nile cruisers, sailing relies on wind, and some excursions require early starts to avoid midday heat. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all practical arrangements.
from£1,094per person · high season, October–April

Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya, a traditional dahabiya that favours slow, intimate cruising along the Nile. The seven-day route calls at El Kab, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, the Daraw market and Philae, with time to walk village lanes and watch river life from deck. We do not run group bus tours, so shore visits are longer and paced for photography and conversation. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya moors in quieter spots and can visit small riverbank sites directly. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your Egyptologist, local permits and transfers on the ground.
On request
Storia The Dahabeya
Storia The Dahabeya is a 5-star dahabeya cruise on the Nile, with a sun deck, lounge bar and public lounges. The programme includes guided shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, accompanied by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, a dahabeya is a sail-powered boat, offering a slower way to travel along the river. We arrange the cruise and its listed excursions; the vessel is operated by its supplier. Drinks beyond bottled water with meals and gratuities are not included.
from£4,114per person · high season, October–April

Three Pyramids Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruises from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The pace is measured, with mornings ashore for temple visits and afternoons spent sailing past palm groves and Nile islands. You pass through the historic Esna Lock, visit a riverside village and explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin temples at Kom Ombo. We favour small-group dahabiya sailings with eight to 12 guests rather than larger motor-ship cruises, so visits are quieter and more flexible. Our Egyptologists lead the sightseeing and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, available to answer planning questions and arrange your transfers and onward travel.
from£984per person · high season, October–April

Yakouta Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Yakouta Dahabiya is a traditional sail-style Nile vessel cruising from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days pair guided archaeological visits with slow, scenic sailing, passing through the Esna Lock and calling at small Nile villages where you can walk among farmland and meet local people. You travel with an expert Egyptologist who explains inscriptions, ritual spaces and funerary art at each stop. We avoid rushed, coach-style schedules; this programme allocates proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than squeezing them into brief port calls. Compared with larger motorised cruise boats, a dahabiya moves more quietly and gives easier shore access for village walks and photography. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange shore visits to match your pace.
On request

Zahra Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Zahra Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. In Luxor you step aboard after a visit to Karnak and Luxor Temples, then pass through Esna Lock as the boat settles into a slow southbound rhythm. At Edfu we include a horse-carriage transfer to the Temple of Horus, and at Kom Ombo you visit the unusual double temple of Sobek and Horus. We arrange private guided visits rather than coach-group shore stops, so visits are unhurried and scheduled for the best light. Evenings are usually spent on deck or anchored at a quiet island, with optional excursions in Aswan such as the High Dam, the Botanical Garden or an early trip to Abu Simbel.
On request

Zekrayaat Dahabiya
Luxor → Aswan
Zekrayaat Dahabiya is a small sailboat following a seven-day Luxor to Aswan itinerary, visiting Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. You travel at a relaxed pace, landing at Nile islands and riverside villages to meet local families and walk short trails. Meals are full board, prepared by the onboard chef, and your sightseeing is led by a licensed Egyptologist. We keep groups deliberately small to match the vessel’s scale, which changes the pace and the kinds of places you can visit compared with larger motorised Nile cruises. Expect gentle sailing, open-deck views, an occasional felucca ride, and guided visits to Edfu by horse-carriage and Kom Ombo’s twin temple design. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers and on-ground logistics, and we can adapt menus for dietary needs when advised in advance.
On request
What you're actually booking
A dahabiya, line by line.
- Cabin count
- 4–9 cabins · 8–18 guests maximum
- Propulsion
- Two lateen sails · towed by a small motor tug when the wind drops
- Dining
- One table · chef-prepared menu set to the trip
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1 · captain + chef + 4–6 crew
- Pool
- No – but a shaded sun deck for every meal and the after-dark hours
- Route
- Esna ↔ Aswan via Edfu, Kom Ombo, El Kab, Silsila
- Durations
- 3 nights (Aswan departure) or 4, 5, 6, 7 nights (Esna departure)
- Best for
- Couples · honeymoons · returning travellers · private-charter groups
- From (per person)
- from £910 per person · high season, October–April
Vessel by vessel
Dahabiya vs. standard motor cruiser.
Pick a length
Pick your sailing length.
Every dahabiya on this page sails the Esna–Aswan stretch – 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights departing Esna, or 3 nights running the reverse direction from Aswan. The 3-night is the shortest possible dahabiya trip; the 7-night is the one most returning travellers come back for.
- 3Aswan → Esna
3 nights · Aswan to Esna
The shortest dahabiya sailing, run in reverse from the Esna-departure lineup below. Suits travellers with only a few river days to spare.
- Same Luxor–Aswan corridor temples, compressed into a shorter sailing
- Runs opposite the 4/5/6/7-night Esna-departure schedule
- Fits alongside a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension
- 4Mon · Esna → Fri · Aswan
4 nights · Esna to Aswan
The short shape. Built for travellers combining a dahabiya with a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension.
- Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples
- Two long bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila
- Aswan disembarkation feeds the Abu Simbel fly-day or Cairo flight
- 5Mon · Esna → Sat · Aswan
5 nights · Esna to Aswan + Philae
An extra day at Aswan for Philae temple at golden hour, a felucca around Elephantine Island, and a slower Kom Ombo morning.
- Adds Philae + Elephantine to the 4-night base
- Pace lengthens – usually 3 sailing hours per day
- The standard honeymoon shape
- 6Luxor → Aswan
6 nights · Luxor to Aswan
A near-full week under sail without committing to the round-trip. Sits between the 5-night and 7-night shapes on price and pace.
- Same Luxor–Aswan corridor as the shorter sailings, with an extra day on the water
- 1 vessel currently sails this length
- The middle option for travellers who want more than 5 nights without the full round-trip week
- 7Sat · Aswan → Sat · Aswan
7 nights · Aswan round-trip
The full-week round-trip – sails south to El Kab and Silsila, returns the same stretch with different light, different moorings, different river.
- Two passes at Edfu and Kom Ombo (morning + evening)
- Most-requested itinerary for returning travellers
- Best dahabiya value per-night basis
Before you book
Eight questions before you book.
01What actually is a dahabiya?
A traditional two-masted Egyptian sailing yacht with 4–9 cabins, sail-powered, designed for slow Nile cruising. Modern dahabiyas keep the historic hull shape but add ensuite cabins, climate control, and a chef-grade kitchen. The defining trait: no engine noise under sail, and riverbank moorings the 200-guest motor cruisers physically can't make.
02How is a dahabiya different from a regular Nile cruise?
Three things change. Scale (8–18 guests vs 60–200), propulsion (sails vs diesel engines – meaning silence underway), and moorings (small bank sites at El Kab, Silsila, and Hagar Silsila that the bigger boats can't enter). The temples visited are mostly the same; the rhythm of getting there is entirely different.
03Can I charter the whole boat privately?
Yes – whole-boat private charter is standard on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Pricing scales with the boat (not per cabin), so it's most economical for groups of 8+ but works for honeymoon couples wanting total privacy too. Our Cairo reservations team handles charter pricing direct.
04What's the typical length of a dahabiya cruise?
3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights. The 3-night runs the reverse direction, departing Aswan; the 4/5/6/7-night sailings depart Esna, with the 4-night sailing Mondays and the 7-night running as an Aswan round-trip. Most returning travellers pick the 7-night.
05When does a dahabiya actually sail under wind?
Roughly 2–3 hours per sailing day in peak season (Oct–Apr), when the prevailing northerly is steady. Outside those hours, or when the wind drops, a small motor tug pulls the dahabiya – silent at distance and only audible when the boat is moored alongside.
06Is there air conditioning and Wi-Fi onboard?
Air conditioning yes, on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Wi-Fi varies – most boats run a 4G hotspot which is functional on the Nile valley signal but not on bank moorings. We treat dahabiya trips as a partial digital detox and brief guests accordingly before sailing.
07Is a dahabiya suitable for families?
For families with older children (10+) yes – there's space, the pacing is calm, and the single-table dining works. For families with toddlers we'd usually point to a Deluxe or Ultra-Deluxe motor cruiser instead: more deck space, a pool, and a wider age range of other guests. Honest steer from our reservations team.
08When's the best time to take a dahabiya cruise?
October through April. The wind is steady, daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s to low-30s C, and the Nile valley light at golden hour rewards the slow pace. May–June and September are still workable but warmer; July–August is hot enough that we'd point you elsewhere – Red Sea, Cairo evenings, Alexandria – until the season turns again.
Prefer a motor cruiser?
Different vessel, different river. Browse by tier.

5-Star Standard
Category-A vessels and sail-powered dahabiyas. Smaller-scale, off-the-beaten-path stops.

5-Star Deluxe
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.

5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.

5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels with private balconies, butler service on select suites, and the sail-powered sister dahabi…
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back two dahabiyas and a hold.
– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery
