Egypt Discovery
Nile CruiseEsna → Aswan

Assouan Dahabiya

Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya

At a glance

Length
6 days · 5 nights
Embarks
Mon
Board
Full Board
Class
5-star

Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.

The short answer

Assouan Dahabiya is a six-day sailing cruise on the Nile in the Aswan region of Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

A dahabiya is a small sailing boat used for Nile cruises, distinct from larger engine-powered river cruisers. The Assouan Dahabiya is listed as a six-day cruise in the Aswan region; specific route stops and sailing distances are not supplied.

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Dahabiya
Destinations
Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Nights aboard the Assouan Dahabiya · Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile · Shore excursions on the route · Standard site entrance fees
Best for
Slow-paced travellers · Couples · Small groups · Travellers seeking a sailing experience
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The supplied product facts identify the cruise duration as six days and its region as the Nile.
  • The itinerary details provided do not specify route stops, distances, daily timings or access arrangements.

What lingers

  • 01Sail on the Nile aboard a five-star dahabiya
  • 02A more intimate style of cruise than a large Nile cruiser
  • 03Sailing-powered travel on the river
  • 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day

02Overview

A first look

Assouan is the first and most intimate of the Nour El Nil dahabiyas — the boat that started the fleet — sailing the celebrated five-night Esna to Aswan route every Monday with the company’s signature deck life, house-style interiors, and cooking that guests cross the world for.

Background

The facts

Assouan Dahabiya is a six-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile in the Aswan region of southern Egypt. A dahabiya is a traditional-style sailing boat with a lateen sail and a small cabin capacity. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier, with the booking arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Aswan lies near the First Cataract of the Nile and has been an important settlement and trade centre in Upper Egypt since antiquity. The nearby Nubian Monuments, including Abu Simbel and Philae, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage property named the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, inscribed in 1979.

Nile cruise schedules and monument opening times can vary by season and site.

Named in this entry

Assouan Dahabiya·Nile·Aswan·Egypt·Upper Egypt·First Cataract of the Nile·Abu Simbel·Philae·Nubian Monuments·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This six-day Nile dahabiya suits adults and older teenagers who value sailing, a quieter onboard atmosphere and a smaller-boat experience over resort-style facilities. It may appeal to couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with shared cabin arrangements and a slower pace.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want extensive onboard entertainment, or ask before booking if you need step-free access. The specific shore visits and physical demands are not detailed here, so travellers with limited mobility should confirm them before committing.

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Sail-powered dahabiya experience rather than a large river cruiser
  • Intimate onboard setting, without a nightclub or disco
  • Slower pace than larger Nile cruise vessels
  • Dahabiyas can reach quieter sites beyond larger boats

Things to Consider

  • Fewer onboard facilities than larger Nile cruisers
  • Sailing pace depends on wind conditions
  • Cabin-sharing rules limit options for larger families
  • Specific shore visits are not confirmed in the available details

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most large Nile cruisers rely on engines and follow established docking schedules. This dahabiya is a sail-powered, small-cabin alternative, although the supplied itinerary does not confirm particular remote stops or exclusive-charter arrangements.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EsnaThe temple & the river lock
  3. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  4. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  5. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

  • →Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
  • →Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
  • ↻Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan

The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

On board

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

Bundled in

  • Wi-Fi
  • Sun Deck
  • Restaurant

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Cabin accommodation on Assouan Dahabiya
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Guiding by a licensed Egyptologist
  • Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
  • Tea, coffee and non-alcoholic soft drinks
  • Transport to and from the dahabiya
  • Required sailing permits and service charges

Not included

  • Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Excursions booked as optional extras, including Abu Simbel
  • Personal spending

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask for the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation points before booking onward rail or flight connections.

  2. 02

    Request the daily shore programme in writing, since the supplied listing does not name its stops.

  3. 03

    Check whether the vessel's sail plan depends on wind conditions and how any engine assistance is handled.

  4. 04

    Confirm cabin configuration and luggage space directly before travel, as the listing gives no cabin specifications.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask whether an exclusive charter, extra sightseeing or a longer itinerary can be arranged for your dates; availability is not confirmed in the information provided. Confirm any meal or drinks upgrades before booking, as the stated Full Board window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

A six-day dahabiya cruise can sit between time in Aswan and a stay in Luxor, depending on the sailing direction and dates. Check the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation points before arranging onward travel.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding may involve a short gangway or steps, and some river landings have uneven stone quays or low docks. Cabins are reached by stairs, with no lift aboard these small sailing boats. Shore visits can include sand, uneven ancient stone and steep steps, including at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Full wheelchair access is not possible on most dahabiyas or at several landing points. We can arrange porter assistance at airports and discuss support for transfers. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check what can be arranged for your departure.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

A dahabiya uses its lateen sail to travel along the Nile, so it can reduce engine use while sailing. Small tenders or engine power may still be needed for manoeuvring and landing. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier; we select and arrange the cruise rather than operate the boat ourselves. Our arrangements use local captains and Egyptian crew, with locally sourced produce and provisions where available. Practices vary by vessel, but selected suppliers commonly use refillable water, limit single-use plastics and separate some waste. Landing at smaller river communities can bring custom to local suppliers. Ask us at enquiry to pass any particular sustainability preferences to the supplier.

  • 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

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • A valid passport and travel documents
  • Walking shoes with a firm grip
  • Sun cream and a wide-brimmed hat
  • Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack for shore visits
  • Personal medication and prescription copies

What to wear

  • Light, relaxed clothing for the daytime
  • A warm layer for deck time in the morning and evening
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
  • Closed, non-slip shoes for quays and ancient sites

Children & families

Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or over pay the 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 help during airport transfers but are awkward aboard, where stairs and limited cabin space restrict their use. High chairs and child seats are not standard; request any required equipment when booking.

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.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday
15–30 days
50% back, or 75% kept as credit
7–14 days
25% back, or 50% kept as credit
2–6 days
Nothing back; 25% kept as credit
Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up
No refund and no credit

Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Location

On the map

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Philae TempleRight here
  • Unfinished ObeliskRight here
  • Nubian MuseumRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    A sail-powered alternative to larger Nile cruisers

  2. 02

    A slower route through Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo

  3. 03

    The Assouan Dahabiya selected and arranged by our team

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What makes the Assouan Dahabiya different from larger Nile cruise ships?
    The Assouan Dahabiya offers a more intimate and exclusive sailing experience on the Nile. Unlike larger vessels, it can access quieter routes and moor at less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, providing a unique perspective on ancient Egypt.
  2. 02What is the typical pick-up and drop-off process for this dahabiya cruise?
    We arrange all transfers to and from the dahabiya. Our drivers will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your itinerary, and ensure a smooth transfer directly to the vessel for embarkation or disembarkation.
  3. 03What is included in the price of the Assouan Dahabiya cruise?
    Your cruise includes accommodation aboard the Assouan Dahabiya, all meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, a licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to all included sites, and transfers. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also provided.
  4. 04What expenses are not covered in the dahabiya cruise price?
    The cruise price excludes gratuities for the crew and guide, alcoholic beverages, and any optional excursions, such as a visit to Abu Simbel. Personal expenses and items of a personal nature are also not included.
  5. 05Is the Assouan Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
    Dahabiyas involve navigating gangplanks and stairs, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. While the deck areas are spacious, shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Please discuss specific needs with us when booking.
  6. 06Is the Assouan Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
    Yes, the dahabiya offers a calm and educational environment for families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50%. Children must share a cabin with parents; two or more children require a separate cabin.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
    Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Modest attire is recommended for temple visits. Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
  8. 08What is the best time of year to take the Assouan Dahabiya cruise?
    The ideal time for a dahabiya cruise is from September to May, when the weather is most comfortable for sailing and shore excursions. This period offers pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for enjoying the Nile's scenery and ancient sites.
  9. 09Can the chef accommodate specific dietary requirements on board?
    Yes, the onboard chef can cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets. Please inform us of any specific requirements at the time of booking so arrangements can be made in advance.
  10. 10What unique sites does the Assouan Dahabiya visit that larger ships cannot?
    The Assouan Dahabiya's shallow draft allows it to moor at less-frequented locations such as El Kab, an ancient city with rock-cut tombs, and Gebel Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry. These stops offer a more intimate archaeological experience.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-160659

You Might Also Like

Adelaide Dahabiya Nile CruiseNile

5 Nights

Adelaide Dahabiya Nile Cruise

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 £2,177

Hadeel Dahabiya Nile CruiseNile

5 Nights

Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise

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.

From £1,459

Dahabiya JudiNile

5 Nights

Dahabiya Judi

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.