Egypt Discovery
From per person£3,860
Nile Cruise PackageEsna → Aswan

Dahabiya Nile Cruise 4 Nights, Embark 2nd August - Solar Eclipse 2027

Board at Esna on 2 August 2027 for a total solar eclipse, then sail south aboard a deluxe 5-star dahabiya with full board

At a glance

Length
5 days · 4 nights
Departs
Daily
Class
5-star

The short answer

The assigned dahabiya is a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Esna and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New
Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel style
Shared Dahabiya Nile Cruise with Guided Sightseeing
Accommodation
Deluxe 5-Star Dahabiya Cabin
Operated by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the dahabiya is operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
Destinations
Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Gebel el-Silsila · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Four nights in a shared-boat cabin · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Nile embarkation at Esna · Luxor, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Aswan sightseeing as listed · Egyptologist-guided visits and standard site entrance fees as stated in the booking details
Best for
Solar eclipse travelers · History enthusiasts · Couples · Adults seeking a quieter Nile experience · Travelers interested in traditional sailing · Families with older children
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

The fixed embarkation date is 2 August 2027, during Egypt’s hot summer, when daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan commonly reach approximately 38–42°C. Early-morning sightseeing, sun protection, hydration, and breathable clothing are important; eclipse viewing must use certified solar-safe equipment. August can be less crowded than the peak winter season, but local holiday schedules and Ramadan dates should be checked separately because Ramadan does not fall on this departure date.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The itinerary is planned and the dahabiya is arranged through a third-party cruise supplier; the vessel is not owned or operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Egyptologist-guided sightseeing is included as stated in the booking details.
  • A representative confirms the precise embarkation pier and assists with luggage and local security procedures.
  • Booking details clarify cabin assignment, river-condition changes, included meals, and excluded gratuities and personal expenses.
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).

02Overview

A first look

At Esna, the Nile moves quietly past the landing point as lateen sails catch the morning air. On 2 August 2027, the river becomes your setting for a total solar eclipse visible from Egypt, with changing light across the water and riverbanks. A dahabiya travels more quietly than larger motorised Nile cruisers, giving you time to watch village life and pause at smaller landing places where conditions permit.

We arrange the shared cabin, full-board sailing and embarkation support through the vessel assigned at booking. Our representative confirms the pier before departure, assists with luggage and explains local security procedures, while our Egyptologists provide context as the landscape unfolds.

Background

The facts

This 5-day Nile cruise package begins at Esna on 2 August 2027, the date of a total solar eclipse visible in Egypt, and ends in Aswan. The itinerary includes four nights in a shared-boat cabin aboard an assigned deluxe 5-star dahabiya. Dahabiyas traditionally use lateen sails and generally travel more quietly and slowly than larger motorized Nile cruisers, although sailing routes and landing points depend on wind, river levels, navigation, and local security conditions.

Before embarkation, the itinerary covers Luxor’s West Bank and East Bank. The Valley of the Kings is approximately 7 km from central Luxor, while the Temple of Hatshepsut lies about 2 km farther west and the Colossi of Memnon stand near the route between the royal necropolis and the city. Karnak Temple is on Luxor’s East Bank, roughly 3 km north of Luxor Temple. The vessel boards at the Esna embarkation area, approximately 55 km south of Luxor by road.

The cruise route includes Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed mainly during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE, is one of Egypt’s best-preserved major temples. Gebel el-Silsila contains sandstone quarries and rock-cut sanctuaries. Kom Ombo Temple, built primarily during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, is dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.

In Aswan, the itinerary visits the High Dam, completed in 1970, and Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. The Philae complex was relocated during the 1960s International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia because the original island was threatened by rising Lake Nasser. Full board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks other than water, gratuities, personal expenses, and unspecified transfers are excluded.

Named in this entry

Esna·Luxor·Luxor West Bank·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Karnak Temple·Edfu·Temple of Horus·Gebel el-Silsila·Kom Ombo Temple·Sobek·Horus the Elder·Aswan·Aswan High Dam·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Lake Nasser·Nile River·International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits adults, couples, and families interested in ancient Egyptian temples, river landscapes, and a quieter alternative to large motorized Nile cruisers. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with walking over uneven temple surfaces, boarding a vessel at a changing pier, and sharing a cabin on a scheduled cruise itinerary.

What lingers

  • 01Sail the Nile aboard an intimate deluxe 5-star dahabiya with lateen sails.
  • 02Embark on 2 August 2027, the date of the total solar eclipse visible in Egypt.
  • 03Travel at a slower pace than on larger motorised Nile cruisers.
  • 04Stay in a shared-boat cabin, with pricing calculated per person sharing.
  • 05Enjoy full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
  • 06Reach quieter riverbanks and smaller landing points where larger vessels may not be able to stop.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike larger motorized Nile cruisers, a dahabiya generally travels at a slower pace using traditional lateen sails and may reach smaller landing points when river and security conditions allow. Unlike a cruise-only booking, this package also includes guided sightseeing in Luxor before embarkation and visits to major temples and monuments en route to Aswan. The specific vessel is assigned at booking rather than selected from a named ship in the itinerary.

Day by day

Detailed itinerary

5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Gebel el-Silsila · Kom Ombo · Aswan

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  2. 2

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  5. 5

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Four nights on a deluxe 5-star dahabiya.
  • Shared-boat cabin accommodation, with the price based on two people sharing.
  • Full board from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day.
  • Embarkation on the Nile at Esna.

Not included

  • Drinks served with meals, except water.
  • Gratuities.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Transfers to or from the Esna embarkation point, unless expressly included in the booking details.
  • Any service not expressly listed in the booking details.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Discovery Tours Egypt can discuss private guiding, pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in Luxor or Aswan, airport transfers, and additional sightseeing where availability permits. Cabin assignment, vessel selection, pier instructions, and optional services remain subject to booking availability, river conditions, and the specific booking details.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Boarding the traditional dahabiya at Esna requires reaching the Nile bank, where the surface may be uneven and access can change with water levels. Expect steps, narrow passageways, limited handrails and movement between deck levels. Shore visits may involve sand, uneven ancient stone, stairs and limited shade. Wheelchair use can be difficult on the vessel and at landing points. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so our team can check the selected dahabiya, boarding conditions and available assistance. A companion may be needed for safe movement and supervision.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport
  • Certified eclipse-viewing glasses for 2 August 2027
  • SPF50 sunscreen
  • Hat with a secure brim
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • Insect repellent
  • Phone or camera with a spare battery

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
  • Breathable layers for changing temperatures
  • Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
  • Comfortable shoes with good grip
  • Swimwear with a cover-up for shared deck areas
  • Light sweater or shawl for breezy evenings

Children & families

Children are accepted on request because the minimum age, cabin layout and safety arrangements depend on the selected dahabiya. Child pricing is not a fixed percentage and must be confirmed before booking. Strollers are generally impractical because of steps, narrow passageways and uneven riverbank landings. High-chair availability depends on the vessel. Children must be supervised on deck and during every shore visit.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Esna Nile embarkation pointMap

On the ground

Your route

1Luxor2Edfu3Aswan4Kom Ombo

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails and generally moves more slowly than a large motorised Nile cruiser. An engine may still be used when wind, river traffic or navigation requires it. We arrange shore visits through Egyptian guides, boat crews, drivers and other local service providers in the Nile Valley. Smaller landing points may be used when river levels and local conditions allow, directing visitor spending beyond the main cruise ports. Waste handling, water use and onboard operations depend on the selected vessel, so we make no wider environmental claims without supplier-specific evidence.

  • 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 5-day package includes four nights in a shared-boat cabin aboard an assigned deluxe 5-star dahabiya, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and Nile embarkation at Esna on 2 August 2027. The itinerary visits Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple, followed by Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, the Aswan High Dam, and Philae Temple.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is a dahabiya Nile cruise?
    A dahabiya Nile cruise offers a more intimate sailing experience on the Nile River, utilising traditional lateen sails instead of large engines. These smaller vessels can reach less-frequented riverbanks and provide a quieter journey compared to larger, motorised cruise ships. This particular cruise spans four nights, departing from Esna.
  2. 02What is included in the price of this dahabiya cruise?
    The cruise price covers four nights aboard a deluxe 5-star dahabiya, accommodation in a shared-boat cabin, and full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Nile embarkation at Esna is also arranged for you.
  3. 03What is not included in the dahabiya cruise package?
    Excluded from the package are all drinks apart from water served with meals, gratuities, and personal expenses. Transfers to or from the Esna embarkation point are also not included unless explicitly stated in your booking details. Any services not specifically mentioned are extra.
  4. 04What is the embarkation process like in Esna?
    Embarkation for your dahabiya cruise is at Esna on 2 August 2027. Our representative will confirm the precise pier and provide assistance with luggage and local security procedures, as boarding instructions can sometimes change due to river conditions. Please note, transfers to Esna are not included unless specified.
  5. 05Is this cruise suitable for children or families?
    Dahabiya cruises offer a relaxed pace, which can be enjoyable for families seeking a quieter holiday. However, suitability depends on the children's ages and interests, as the focus is on historical sites and the sailing experience. There are no dedicated children's programmes on board.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring on a dahabiya Nile cruise?
    We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes for ancient sites, and a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. For evenings on board, smart casual attire is appropriate. Modest dress is required for visits to temples and religious sites.
  7. 07What is the accessibility like on a dahabiya cruise?
    Dahabiyas are smaller vessels, which may involve navigating steps to board and move between decks. Excursions to ancient sites often include walking on uneven terrain, sand, and stairs. Travellers with mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific needs and potential accommodations.
  8. 08What is the photography policy on board and at sites?
    Photography is generally permitted on board the dahabiya and at most ancient sites, though some specific tombs or museum exhibits may prohibit it or require a separate photography ticket. Always check for posted signs or ask your Egyptologist guide for clarification before taking pictures.
  9. 09Why is this cruise scheduled for 2 August 2027?
    This particular dahabiya cruise is scheduled for 2 August 2027 to coincide with a total solar eclipse that will be visible across parts of Egypt. The itinerary is designed to offer both the traditional Nile experience and the unique opportunity to witness this rare celestial event from the river.
  10. 10What are the typical meal arrangements on the dahabiya?
    This cruise operates on a full-board basis, meaning all meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included. Meals are typically served on board, offering a blend of local and international cuisine. Water is provided with meals, but other beverages are an additional cost.

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

Editorial review

Discovery Tours

Product ID: CRU-NIL-771626

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