Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt
A 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with a lateen sail, intimate cabins, chef-prepared full-board dining and access to quieter Nile sites.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Bens Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered Nile cruise package arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with the assigned vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Destinations
- River Nile, Egypt · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala quarry
- Includes
- Dahabiya cruise accommodation · Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Sailing on the River Nile · Standard sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the confirmed programme
- Best for
- Couples seeking quiet sailing · Small groups · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Travellers interested in lesser-visited Nile sites · History and archaeology enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Local assistance and coordinated transfers can be arranged through the tour operator
- Confirmed cruise inclusions and cancellation terms are provided before booking
02Overview
A first look
The lateen sail catches the morning breeze as Bens Dahabiya glides past date palms, narrow fields and small Nile villages. From the deck, the river feels less like a transport route and more like a moving view of daily Egyptian life, with fishermen casting from wooden boats and quiet banks appearing between landings.
Sailing is deliberately unhurried, giving you time to pause at lesser-visited river sites and settle into chef-prepared meals without a nightclub or disco on board. Our Egyptologists arrange the shore visits and explain the archaeology and local customs, while we coordinate the vessel and practical details. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your arrangements are handled by people based in Egypt.
Background
The facts
Bens Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered Nile cruise arranged and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt. A dahabiya uses a lateen sail and typically carries substantially fewer passengers than a large Nile cruiser, creating a quieter sailing environment and allowing access to smaller riverbank locations and sites beyond the main cruiser route. The vessel assigned at booking is operated by a third-party cruise line, not by Discovery Tours Egypt.
The sailing programme may include less-visited locations such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, subject to the confirmed route and local navigation conditions. These sites provide access to ancient temples, quarries and Nile landscapes that are not always included on standard large-ship itineraries. Shore excursions can involve uneven ground, steps and walking in exposed conditions.
Full-board service runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals, gratuities, travel insurance, personal expenses and optional excursions are excluded unless specifically stated in the confirmed booking. Wind conditions can affect sailing times, so the final daily schedule may vary.
Named in this entry
River Nile·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala quarry·Luxor·Aswan·lateen sail·Nile Valley
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya cruise suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who value quiet sailing, smaller sites and a slower pace over nightlife or large-ship entertainment. It is best for travellers with reasonable mobility who can manage uneven riverbank ground, steps and walking during shore excursions.
What lingers
- 01Intimate dahabiya sailing with a lateen sail and a slower river pace
- 02Smaller vessel access to Nile sites and riverbank locations beyond the main cruiser route
- 03Chef-prepared full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 04A quieter alternative to larger Nile cruisers, with no nightclub or disco
- 05Cruise arrangements selected and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya usually carries fewer passengers, has a slower sailing pace and can reach smaller riverbank locations. It also provides a quieter atmosphere without a nightclub or disco, although wind conditions may affect sailing times and shore visits can involve uneven ground.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
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 Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,639 | £1,793 | £2,254 |
| Double cabin | £1,101 | £1,197 | £1,486 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,297 | £1,412 | £1,758 |
| Double cabin | £893 | £965 | £1,181 |
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard Bens Dahabiya during the Nile cruise
- Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Sailing on the River Nile
- Standard sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the confirmed cruise programme
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Gratuities
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and optional excursions unless listed in the confirmed booking
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise on a private or tailored basis where available, subject to the confirmed sailing programme and cabin availability. Travellers may request optional excursions, additional pre- or post-cruise nights, private transfers or upgraded arrangements
- pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities remain excluded unless specifically added.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise requires boarding from a Nile quay, often via an uneven gangway with a step between the bank and the vessel. Cabins and shared areas are reached by stairs, while narrow passages and limited deck space make wheelchair use difficult. Shore visits may involve sand, unpaved riverbanks, cobblestones, steps and uneven archaeological remains at sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. A foldable wheelchair may be possible, subject to the assigned vessel and transfers. Please request a mobility assessment before booking, as assistance must be arranged in advance.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- SPF50 sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples, villages and religious sites
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children 12 and older 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. Strollers are generally impractical because of gangways, stairs, narrow passages and uneven shore landings. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The lateen sail allows the dahabiya to travel at a slower river pace and may reduce continuous engine use, although an auxiliary engine can be needed for manoeuvring, safety or calm winds. We arrange the cruise with Egyptian sailing, catering, transport and guiding partners. Chef-prepared meals are served on board, reducing the need for restaurant transfers while sailing. Vessel-specific environmental practices vary, so we avoid making wider claims. A refillable bottle, reduced use of single-use plastic and care around riverbanks, villages and archaeological sites are encouraged.
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
·In summary
This dahabiya Nile cruise includes accommodation aboard a sail-powered Nile boat, sailing on the River Nile, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and standard sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the confirmed programme. The itinerary may visit smaller Nile sites and riverbank locations such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala, depending on the booked route.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise lasts for 7 days, providing a relaxed journey along the River Nile. This includes six nights aboard the dahabiya, sailing between Luxor and Aswan, allowing for a thorough exploration of the region's sites.02What is included in the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes accommodation on Bens Dahabiya, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and sailing on the Nile. Standard sightseeing and entrance fees, as per the confirmed programme, are also covered. Water is provided with meals.03What is not included in the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Exclusions typically cover drinks beyond water served with meals, gratuities, and entrance to premium sites such as pyramid interiors or specific tombs. Optional excursions and personal expenses are also not included. Travellers are responsible for their own travel insurance.04What is the accessibility like on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Dahabiyas offer an intimate experience, but shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sand. Some gangways to the vessel can be steep, and there are stairs between decks on board. Travellers with mobility concerns should contact us for specific details.05Is the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children will require their own cabin, which will be charged at the full adult rate.06What should I wear and bring for the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for daytime, with modest attire suitable for temple visits. Bring comfortable walking shoes for excursions, sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the photography policy on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on board the dahabiya and at most archaeological sites. Some locations, particularly inside tombs or museums, may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Always check signage or ask your Egyptologist for guidance.08What is the best time of year to take the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are ideal for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, which may affect comfort during shore excursions. The dahabiya sails year-round.09How does the Bens Dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Bens Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered vessel with fewer cabins, offering a quieter, more personalised experience. Unlike larger ships, it can access smaller, less-visited sites and riverbank villages, providing a unique perspective on the Nile.10What kind of meals are served on the Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Meals are served full board, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. The onboard chef prepares fresh, local cuisine, typically served buffet-style or as a set menu. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with advance notice.
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-066995
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