Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star, sail-powered dahabiya with ten cabins, panoramic dining windows, a sun deck, lounge bar, and full-board meals.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This intimate sail-powered dahabiya Nile cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with a 10-cabin vessel assigned at booking and scheduled sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 10-Cabin Dahabiya with Two Suites and Eight Double Cabins
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Aswan
- Includes
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Use of sun deck and lounge bar · Scheduled shore excursions · Land transport for shore visits where provided · Egyptologist for shore visits where provided
- Best for
- Couples and honeymooners · Small private groups · Travellers seeking quiet Nile sailing · Ancient Egypt and temple enthusiasts · Luxury-minded travellers preferring intimate accommodation
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books and arranges the cruise with the third-party cruise line.
- The cruise line provides land transport and an Egyptologist for shore visits where included in its programme.
- DTE can provide on-the-ground travel coordination and support for the services it arranges.
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium tombs, pyramid interiors and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested.
- Cruise availability, cabin assignment, sailing guarantees and cancellation terms are confirmed according to the booking conditions shown on the page.
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the Nile is quiet enough to hear the lateen sail tightening above Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya as villages and date palms move slowly along the bank. The smaller scale changes the rhythm: there is room on the sun deck for a coffee, a shaded lounge for reading and a panoramic dining saloon for watching the river turn gold.
Shore days bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, into the Valley of the Kings and towards the riverside temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Cabin space is compact, and facilities are simpler than on a large Nile ship, but the atmosphere is calmer. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the booking, land transport and confirmed Egyptologist provision before departure.
Background
The facts
This intimate dahabiya Nile cruise uses a small sail-powered vessel with 10 cabins: two suites and eight double cabins. Public areas include a sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon with panoramic windows. The vessel is designed for a quieter river journey than larger Nile cruise ships and may be available for full charter at US$2,800 per night. A minimum of two cabins is required for guaranteed sailing.
The scheduled shore programme includes Luxor’s Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak is approximately 3 km from Luxor Temple, while the Valley of the Kings lies roughly 7 km west of the Nile in the Theban Necropolis. Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island, reached by boat from the Philae landing area near Aswan.
Full-board service runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Included shore visits use land transport and an Egyptologist where provided by the cruise line. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, personal expenses, optional excursions and flights are excluded unless specifically arranged.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Theban Necropolis·Aswan·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya suits couples, honeymooners, mature travellers and small private groups who prefer a slower, quieter Nile journey over the facilities and capacity of a large cruise ship. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian temples, flexible private arrangements and intimate river travel, provided they can manage uneven temple surfaces and occasional steps.
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra dahabiya over seven days.
- 02Full-day guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings are included.
- 03Longer moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo provide two-hour temple visits, avoiding midday motorboat crowds.
- 04We use sail power where winds allow; mornings are kept quiet rather than following large motorboat timetables.
- 05Optional Abu Simbel transfer by road or flight from Aswan; expect early starts and long drives if chosen.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and sail-powered operation, creating a quieter and more intimate river experience. It has fewer resort-style facilities and a limited number of cabins, but provides access to scheduled archaeological sites including Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; a third-party cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
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.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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 | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,647 | £1,976 |
| Double cabin | £1,099 | £1,099 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,302 | £1,549 |
| Double cabin | £892 | £892 |
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.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board dining, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Use of the vessel’s shared areas, including the sun deck and lounge bar
- Shore excursions included in the vessel’s scheduled programme
- Land transport and an Egyptologist for shore visits where supplied by the cruise line
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks other than water served with meals, unless specified otherwise
- Gratuities for the crew and local guides, unless stated otherwise
- Personal spending and optional extras, including hot-air-balloon rides and private tours
- Single supplement, where applicable
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise privately or coordinate selected travel services around the scheduled sailing, subject to cabin availability and the cruise line’s programme. Optional additions may include private sightseeing, hot-air balloon rides, extra hotel nights, domestic flights and alternative land arrangements
- these are not included unless confirmed in writing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya requires moderate physical mobility. Boarding may involve stepping from a dock or gangway onto the vessel, with access affected by Nile water levels. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings can include sand, uneven ancient stone, cobbles, narrow paths, steps and steep or irregular access points. Wheelchair access is limited and a standard wheelchair may not be practical on every excursion. Strollers are also difficult to use at these sites. Please tell us about mobility, balance or stair requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for the sun deck
- Light scarf or wrap for sun protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 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 not practical for many shore visits because ancient sites include sand, steps and uneven surfaces. High-chair availability should be requested before booking and confirmed with the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail and has a smaller passenger capacity than larger Nile cruise ships. In suitable wind, sailing can reduce reliance on continuous engine-powered travel, although auxiliary systems and engine use remain necessary when wind, river traffic or safety conditions require it. We arrange shore transport and Egyptologists through local Egyptian suppliers where these services are provided by the cruise line. Full-board meals are prepared on board, while shore visits support Egyptian guides, drivers, site staff and heritage destinations. Fuel use, waste procedures and supplier initiatives vary by the assigned vessel and should be confirmed with the cruise line.
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 full-board dahabiya Nile cruise includes lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, use of the sun deck and lounge bar, and scheduled shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Land transport and an Egyptologist are included for shore visits where provided by the cruise line; drinks beyond water, gratuities, flights and optional extras are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise is four days long, offering an intimate sailing experience on the Nile River. This allows for a relaxed pace between Luxor and Aswan, with dedicated time for shore excursions.02What is included in the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full-board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through to breakfast on your disembarkation day. You also have access to public areas like the sun deck and lounge bar, along with scheduled shore excursions, land transport, and an Egyptologist for site visits where provided by the cruise line.03What shore excursions are part of the cruise itinerary?
The scheduled shore programme includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are arranged by the vessel, with land transport and an Egyptologist included.04What is the dining arrangement on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya operates on a full-board basis, meaning all meals are included from lunch on your embarkation day until breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra, unless specified otherwise.05What is the policy for children on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06Is the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas, including the Princess Cleopatra, are smaller vessels with stairs to the sun deck and cabins. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Travellers with significant mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific needs before booking.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Modest dress is advised for temple visits.08What is the best time of year to take a Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.09What is the difference between a dahabiya and a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered vessel with 10 cabins, offering a quieter and more personalised experience than larger cruise ships. It can access smaller sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila that larger vessels cannot reach.10Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?
Gratuities for the crew and local guides are not included in the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare, unless explicitly stated. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts.
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-633770
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