Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Albatros Dahabiya
The short answer
Albatros 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
Albatros 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 pace is the point — long afternoons on deck, riverside dinners, and small sites the motor ships never stop for.
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
- 01Sail-powered dahabiya cruise on the Nile
- 02A slower-paced alternative to larger motorised Nile cruisers
- 03Smaller-vessel format, distinct from large-boat cruising
- 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Albatros Dahabiya
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Excursions accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
- Private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan
- Nile sailing permits and local taxes
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Activities not included in the listed programme
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the embarkation point and sailing time before arranging transport, as neither is stated in the listing.
- 02
Confirm which shore visits, if any, are included; the available product details do not name any stops.
- 03
Check what is provided on board, including meals; drinks (including water) are extra.
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
We’ll confirm what can be arranged for your chosen date, including whether a longer sailing is available.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Albatros Dahabiya may suit adults and older children who value a smaller sailing boat and a quieter pace over the facilities of a large Nile cruiser. It is worth considering for couples, solo travellers and families who are comfortable with boat access and want to ask about a short sailing rather than a multi-night cruise.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want extensive onboard entertainment or need confirmed step-free access.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sail-powered dahabiya rather than a large motor cruiser
- Smaller-boat setting for a quieter Nile journey
- Dahabiyas can reach some places large cruisers cannot
Things to Consider
- Boat access may involve steps or uneven surfaces
Where it fits
The Albatros Dahabiya can sit between time in Luxor and Aswan as part of a wider Nile itinerary.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruise ships rely on engines and follow established port schedules. A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered style of river boat, though the supplied listing does not confirm this vessel’s cabin count or sailing arrangements. We select and arrange the booking; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
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
- Cruise aboard Albatros Dahabiya · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile · Stops at Esna · Stop at Edfu · Stop at Kom Ombo · Arrival in Aswan
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Nile cruise travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and visa documents
- A sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sun cream and lip balm
- Comfortable walking footwear with good grip
- Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or windproof layer
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Reusable water bottle
- Prescription medication in its original packaging
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm layer for cooler mornings on deck
- Closed, comfortable shoes for uneven paths and steps
- A scarf or wrap for sun and dust
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years and over 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 may help during airport or hotel transfers but are not practical for many shore visits or tender boarding. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya cruise can involve uneven stone paths, sand, steps and narrow gangways. Boarding may require stepping between a quay or tender and the vessel, and access can be difficult for guests who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Shore visits may include unpaved archaeological paths and temple stairs without handrails; terrain at sites such as Gebel Silsila can be rocky. Vehicle steps may also be needed for shore transfers. Step-free access and accessible cabins cannot be assumed. Tell us about any mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss which visits may be difficult or need to be adapted.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya is designed for sailing on the Nile, using its sail when conditions allow; details of the assigned vessel’s propulsion and fuel use should be confirmed before booking. Shore transfers may use an air-conditioned minivan or similar vehicle, depending on the arrangements for your itinerary. We select local Egyptologists and shore-service suppliers where available, and visits to smaller sites can bring business to local guides and service providers. Waste handling and recycling depend on the facilities available at the vessel and river ports. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owner or operator; we do not own or operate the boat. We cannot verify specific emissions savings or community contributions for an unassigned vessel.
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 Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
The exact departure and arrival times are not provided here, so please check the confirmed itinerary before travel. The Full Board meal window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.02Are transfers to the Albatros Dahabiya included?
Private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan are included, according to your chosen arrangements. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the vessel and coordinates the ground arrangements; the cruise line owns and operates the boat. Confirm your transfer point and timing in your final travel documents.03What is included in the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
The arrangement includes accommodation aboard Albatros Dahabiya, Full Board meals, guided visits with a licensed Egyptologist, entrance fees for the included sites, private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan, sailing permits and local taxes. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included on the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
International and domestic flights, crew and guide tips, alcoholic drinks and optional activities not included in the cruise arrangements are excluded. Any cancellation terms are those shown on this product page.05Is the Albatros Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility details are not supplied, so suitability depends on your mobility needs and the vessel’s boarding arrangements. A dahabiya requires getting on and off the boat for shore visits, and ancient sites may have uneven ground or steps. Tell us what support you need before booking so we can check the arrangements.06Can children travel on the Albatros 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, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Ask us to confirm cabin availability before booking.07What should I wear and bring on the Albatros Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes with a firm grip and light clothing for warm weather. The season and time of day affect conditions on deck, so pack a light layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, including covered shoulders and knees.08Can I take photographs on the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
Personal photography on deck and during shore visits is generally practical, but rules can differ between archaeological sites. Some tombs and interiors restrict photography or require a separate ticket or permit. Follow notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance, and ask before photographing local people or crew.09When is the best time to sail on the Nile aboard Albatros Dahabiya?
October to April is generally the most comfortable season for Nile sailing, while the vessel operates throughout the year. Summer brings stronger heat, especially during site visits, so plan for sun exposure and drink water regularly. Your exact sailing conditions depend on the dates and route confirmed for your booking.10Which places does the Albatros Dahabiya visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The sailing connects Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas can reach smaller landing places that larger Nile boats may pass, including sites such as El Kab or Gebel Silsila. We'll confirm which stops apply to your itinerary.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
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