Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Abydos Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan on a private dahabiya
The short answer
Abydos is a dahabiya. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Fares are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Abydos is a traditional sailing dahabiya on the quiet stretch of the Nile between Esna and Aswan — a handful of cabins, meals on deck, and moorings at islands, quarries, and villages the big cruisers pass by.
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this ship works.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
On arrival at Luxor airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Luxor for the day: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple. You're then driven to Esna to board your dahabiya, welcomed by the crew for your first night moored there.
- 2
Breakfast at your leisure as the dahabiya sails towards Edfu, arriving around midday. Visit the Temple of Horus by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then wander the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
After lunch on board, sail on 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. Carry on sailing towards Aswan, taking in river life along the banks — water buffalo, donkeys and birdlife — mooring overnight 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 browse the Aswan souk. Return to the boat for your last evening and overnight in Aswan.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Aswan airport or railway station for your onward departure.
- 1
On arrival at Aswan airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Aswan for the day — 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 take lunch on deck as the boat sets sail for Kom Ombo, mooring there overnight.
- 2
Breakfast at your 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 permitting.
- 3
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then browse 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, before sailing gently on towards Esna overnight.
- 4
After breakfast, disembark at Esna and travel 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 railway station for departure.
What lingers
- 01Travel on the Nile aboard a sail-powered dahabiya.
- 02A smaller-scale cruise format than larger motorised Nile cruisers.
- 03The product is listed at 5-star standard.
- 04Meals are provided on a Full Board basis during the stated cruise window.
Bundled in
- Air conditioning
- Private bathrooms
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on the Abydos Dahabiya, with full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Guided excursions accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to temples and archaeological sites
- Pickup and return transfers from the airport or hotel in Luxor or Aswan
- Service charges and taxes
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Tips
- Personal spending
- Optional excursions outside the programme
- Domestic flights, which can be arranged on request
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm whether the Temple of Seti I and the Osireion are included shore visits, rather than assuming access from the product name.
- 02
Wear shoes with firm soles for uneven ground around the Abydos archaeological remains.
- 03
Request the sailing timetable and seasonal operating dates before arranging onward transport from Sohag or Luxor.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Share any preferences for private charters, meal upgrades or add-on visits when booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This suits adults and older teenagers interested in Nile sailing who want a short, quieter alternative to a large river cruiser. Couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with a compact boat may prefer its slower pace and intimate setting.
Maybe not, if
- It may also be unsuitable if you need step-free access or rely on an engine-powered boat.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sail-powered dahabiya offers a quieter alternative to large cruisers.
- Intimate boat setting, without a nightclub or disco.
- Abydos is a named destination, not a generic Nile stop.
Things to Consider
- Sailing pace depends on wind conditions.
- Compact boats can mean limited space and facilities.
- No shore-excursion programme or accessibility details are supplied.
Where it fits
Abydos fits as a cultural stop on a Nile itinerary between Luxor and Sohag, or as a dedicated excursion from Luxor. Pair it with time in Luxor to compare the royal temples of the Nile with the temples and burial traditions at Abydos.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruise ships follow established routes between major river ports. Dahabiyas are smaller sailing boats.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,023 pp
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,056 pp
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,072 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya Cabin
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Nights aboard the Abydos Dahabiya · Sailing on the Nile · Shore visits at Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
- Best for
- Slow-paced Nile travel · Couples · Small parties · Travellers seeking an intimate sailing experience
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- A hat for sun protection and sunglasses
- High-factor sunscreen, SPF30 or above
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Light rain jacket for spring or autumn evenings
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Non-slip shoes for gangplanks and riverbanks
- A warm layer for early mornings and evenings
- Swimwear offering sun protection for optional swims in the river
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and those aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be difficult to use on sand, gangplanks and temple steps. High chairs may be available at partner hotels before embarkation but cannot be guaranteed aboard. Share children’s ages and requirements when enquiring so we can advise on bedding and safety.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires boarding a small river vessel, usually by a gangplank, and walking on uneven quays, soft sand and ancient stone. Some landings involve a step between the boat and jetty. Temple visits can include stairs, narrow passages and uneven surfaces, including at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard or along most temple approaches, so access is limited. You should be able to manage short walks and steps, or travel with someone who can assist. Please contact us before booking to discuss mobility needs and whether a private vehicle can help with riverbank access. Ramps or lifting equipment at docks cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses its lateen sail as its main means of propulsion when the wind allows, which can reduce engine use compared with larger motor cruisers. Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses, and we arrange them with locally contracted drivers. The supplied vehicle standard is described as equivalent to Euro 3 emissions requirements used locally. Menus are prepared by the onboard chef and may include produce and Nile Valley market fish sourced locally when available. We work with suppliers in Luxor and Aswan who employ local staff, and local guides and boatmen may be hired for temple landings. Waste is separated aboard where port facilities allow.
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 soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Abydos Dahabiya cruise?
The exact embarkation and disembarkation times depend on the final arrangement, so check your confirmed programme before travel. The vessel’s full-board meal window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.02Where do I meet the Abydos Dahabiya, and are transfers included?
Airport or hotel transfers in Luxor or Aswan are included. The meeting point and transfer timing depend on your confirmed arrangements, so check these details before travel. Discovery Tours Egypt coordinates the ground services and cruise booking; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.03What is included on the Abydos Dahabiya?
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The arrangement also includes guided excursions with a licensed Egyptologist, archaeological-site entrance fees and daily snacks, plus service charges and taxes. Alcoholic drinks, gratuities, personal spending and optional tours not listed in the programme are excluded.04What is not included on the Abydos Dahabiya?
Alcoholic drinks, gratuities, personal expenses and optional tours outside the listed programme are not included. Domestic flights are also excluded, but can be arranged on request. The cruise is priced per person sharing, with a single supplement for solo travellers; check the page’s final arrangement for the applicable supplement.05Is the Abydos Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the vessel and the shore visits in your final programme. Boarding a sailing boat and visiting archaeological sites can involve steps, uneven ground and limited shade. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the specific arrangements; access cannot be assumed at El Kab or Gebel Silsila.06Can children travel on the Abydos Dahabiya?
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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family’s dates.07What should I wear and bring on the Abydos Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suited to warm weather. Shore visits can involve uneven ground, so shoes with a firm grip are useful. Choose modest clothing for temples and archaeological sites, covering shoulders and knees; carry a light layer for cooler evenings between September and May.08Can I take photographs during the Abydos Dahabiya excursions?
Photography rules vary by site, and some areas or objects may have restrictions. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs, especially inside temples or tombs. The programme includes places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry; do not assume that flash or commercial photography is permitted.09When is the best time to sail on the Abydos Dahabiya?
September to May generally offers more comfortable conditions for Nile sailing and archaeological visits. Temperatures can still rise during the day, particularly in spring, so plan for sun and heat. Summer may bring hotter conditions at exposed sites such as the Hagar Salsala quarry; ask us about the forecast for your dates.10Which archaeological sites does the Abydos Dahabiya visit?
The programme described includes El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry. These quieter Nile stops contrast with the larger river-cruise routes, but the exact sequence depends on the sailing programme and conditions. Ask us to confirm which sites are planned for your dates before booking.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-940562
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
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