Albatros Dahabiya
Seven-day dahabiya cruise Luxor to Aswan
At a glance
- Embarks
- Mon
- Board
- Full Board
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
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
Luxor and ASWAN
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in ASWAN.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board the Albatros Dahabiya
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided tours with licensed Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to included sites
- Tea, coffee, and mineral water
- Private transfers to/from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and local taxes
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Crew and guide tipping
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not listed
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya itinerary involves uneven surfaces, stone steps, narrow gangways and soft sand at some landing sites. Boarding the vessel requires stepping up from a low quay or small launch, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility. Shore visits include unpaved archaeological paths, temple stairs without handrails, and short hikes on rocky terrain; some sites have steep steps, for example at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchair users should note that few dahabiyas have wheelchair ramps or accessible cabins, and shore transfers often involve vehicles with steps. We can arrange additional assistance on request, including a meet-and-assist at the airport and crew help with luggage, but we cannot guarantee full step-free access at all sites. Please tell us about mobility needs at booking so we can discuss practical options and likely limitations.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and visa documentation
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight rain jacket or wind layer
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle (refillable from the vessel)
- Any required prescription medication in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm jumper or fleece for cooler mornings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites and stairs
- A scarf or wrap for sun and dust protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 years and older 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. Strollers are practical for hotel and airport transfers, but not usable during many shore visits or when boarding small tenders; high chairs are not guaranteed on board, please request these at time of booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This dahabiya cruise primarily uses sail power where wind permits, with the captain using the lateen sail to reduce engine hours while navigating the Nile. When the sail cannot be used, a low-emission inboard diesel engine provides propulsion; these are modernized on many vessels to meet local emissions norms. Shore transfers are by air-conditioned minivan or shuttle, typically Toyota Hiace or similar, shared only within private party bookings. We work with local suppliers: licensed Egyptologists from Luxor and Aswan, family-run quarries and community guides at smaller sites such as Hagar Silsala, and small craft owners who provide tendering and on-river services. Passenger waste is managed on board with separate collection for recyclables where facilities exist at the river ports. Crew are paid by the vessel owner; when you pay local entrance fees or tips these go directly to site staff and guides. We avoid large coach movements as standard practice, preferring intimate transfers and visits that support small local businesses rather than mass tourism.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951
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