Dahabiya Judi
A 5-star sail-powered Nile boat with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining and quieter evenings without a nightclub or disco.
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Embarks
- Mon
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This intimate dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with the vessel owned and operated by a third-party cruise company.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin accommodation
- Destinations
- Nile · Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila
- Includes
- Nile sailing aboard the arranged dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Chef-prepared meals on board
- Best for
- Couples and honeymooners · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Photography and history travellers · Travellers seeking quieter Nile sailing · Small-group or private cruise guests
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books, and arranges the cruise with the owning cruise company.
- A licensed Egyptian tour operator can provide local coordination for transfers and sightseeing when these services are included or added to the booking.
- Cruise details, cabin assignment, sailing schedule, included visits, and cancellation terms are confirmed in the booking documentation.
02Overview
A first look
By mid-morning, the Nile’s current carries Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise past palms, cultivated banks and village life, while the lateen sail draws the boat onwards with little of the noise found on larger cruisers. Days settle into an easy rhythm: watch fishermen from the deck, take a close-up walk at El Kab or Gebel Silsila when the confirmed sailing programme allows, then return for a chef-prepared meal as the river darkens.
There is no nightclub or disco, so evenings suit conversation, reading and the occasional debate about whether another cup of tea is necessary. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning company, including the practical details shown in your confirmed programme.
Background
The facts
A dahabiya is a traditional-style Nile sailing boat that uses lateen sails and generally carries far fewer passengers than a large river cruiser. This type of cruise offers a slower pace on the river, quieter evenings, and the possibility of stopping at riverbank locations that may not be accessible to larger vessels. The arranged programme may include locations such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, depending on the confirmed sailing schedule.
The route connects the Luxor and Aswan areas along the Nile Valley. Luxor and Aswan are approximately 230 kilometres apart by road, while the navigable river route is longer. El Kab lies about 25 kilometres south of Luxor and contains ancient settlement remains, rock-cut tombs, and temple-related archaeology. Gebel Silsila, approximately 65 kilometres north of Aswan, is known for sandstone quarries, rock shrines, and inscriptions from several periods of Egyptian history.
Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Chef-prepared meals are served on board; drinks other than water served with meals are generally charged separately. Shore excursions, entrance fees, transfers, gratuities, personal expenses, and travel insurance are excluded unless specifically listed in the confirmed programme.
Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books, and arranges the dahabiya with the owning cruise company. The vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise company, not by Discovery Tours Egypt. The exact vessel assignment, sailing dates, cabin availability, and included shore visits are confirmed at booking.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Upper Egypt·Nile Valley·lateen sail·sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This sailing suits adults, couples, honeymooners, photographers, and experienced Egypt travellers who prefer a calm, intimate river journey over the entertainment and capacity of a large Nile cruiser. Travellers should be comfortable with boarding a boat, walking on uneven riverbanks, and following a flexible sailing schedule.
What lingers
- 01Intimate dahabiya sailing on the Nile
- 02Lateen-sail cruising with a slower pace than larger Nile cruisers
- 03Access to quieter riverbank locations where included in the sailing programme
- 04Potential visits to El Kab and Gebel Silsila
- 05Chef-prepared meals served on board
- 06No nightclub or disco, supporting a quieter evening atmosphere
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya uses lateen sails, carries fewer passengers, and follows a slower river itinerary with a quieter evening atmosphere and no nightclub or disco. Its smaller size may allow access to locations such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila when those stops appear in the confirmed programme, although shore excursions and entrance fees are not automatically included.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | May–September | October–April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Elegant dining salon
- Large sun deck with loungers
- Shaded outdoor seating areas
- Onboard bar and lounge
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board dining from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Sailing on the Nile aboard the arranged dahabiya
- Chef-prepared meals served aboard the dahabiya
Not included
- Beverages other than water served with meals
- Shore excursions and site entry fees not expressly included in the confirmed programme
- Transfers between the dahabiya and your arrival or departure point unless expressly included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can confirm whether the booking is arranged on a private or shared basis, subject to availability, and can review cabin categories, single supplements, and transfer requirements. Shore excursions, entrance fees, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and private transfers can be added when available or included if stated in the confirmed programme.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding usually involves steps between the riverbank or dock and the boat, sometimes over uneven ground with limited handrails. Nile landing points may include sand, mud, loose gravel and exposed stone. Shore visits to El Kab and Gebel Silsila can involve unpaved paths, steps and limited shade. Cabins and shared areas are compact, so a standard wheelchair may be difficult to store or manoeuvre. Strollers are also impractical. Please contact us before booking if you use a wheelchair, walking frame or other mobility aid, so we can confirm the assigned vessel, boarding point, cabin access and shore conditions.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag
- Required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven banks and ancient stone
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and local communities
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- Sun hat and sunglasses
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 on uneven riverbanks, steps or compact boat passageways. Please confirm high-chair availability before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The arranged dahabiya uses a lateen sail for much of its Nile journey when wind conditions allow, reducing the need for engine power during those sailing periods. The vessel is owned and operated by the selected cruise supplier, while Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the booking and local coordination. Chef-prepared meals are supplied and prepared on board through the vessel’s catering arrangements. Quieter landings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can distribute visitor spending beyond the busiest sites, although local benefit depends on the specific landing point and guest purchases. Please avoid single-use plastic and return waste to the vessel where local disposal facilities are limited.
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 sailing between the Luxor and Aswan areas, full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, and chef-prepared meals served on board. Possible quieter riverbank visits include El Kab and Gebel Silsila when listed in the confirmed sailing programme; drinks other than water, shore excursions, entrance fees, transfers, gratuities, and travel insurance are generally excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya cruise?
A dahabiya cruise offers an intimate, sail-powered experience on the Nile River, typically with 8–12 cabins. These vessels rely on lateen sails, providing a quieter, slower-paced journey and often access to less-frequented riverbank sites.02What does the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise include?
The Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise includes full board, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers Nile sailing aboard the dahabiya and chef-prepared meals on board. Water is served with meals.03What is not included in the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise price?
Exclusions typically cover drinks other than water served with meals, shore excursions, and entrance fees unless specifically listed in your confirmed programme. Transfers to and from the dahabiya, gratuities, personal expenses, and travel insurance are also not included.04What is the typical duration of a Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
This specific Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise is for six days. Dahabiya cruises generally offer longer itineraries than larger cruisers, often ranging from five to eight nights, allowing for a more relaxed pace and unique stops.05What kind of meals are served on board the Judi Dahabiya?
Chef-prepared meals are served on board the Judi Dahabiya. The cruise operates on a full-board basis, starting with lunch on the day you embark and concluding with breakfast on the day you disembark. Dietary requests can often be accommodated with advance notice.06What unique sites does a dahabiya visit on the Nile?
Dahabiyas, like the Judi Dahabiya, can access quieter riverbank locations that larger cruise ships cannot. This often includes sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, offering a more exclusive sightseeing experience away from the main tourist routes.07What is the policy for children on the Judi Dahabiya?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. If you have two or more children, they will require their own cabin.08What should I wear on a dahabiya cruise?
Comfortable, casual clothing is suitable for life on board. For shore excursions, light, breathable fabrics are recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for visiting religious sites and temples.09Is the Judi Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas are intimate sailing vessels with multiple decks and often narrow gangways, which may present challenges for travellers with significant mobility concerns. Access to shore excursions can also involve uneven terrain. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.10Who operates the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt carefully selects and arranges your Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise with the vessel's owning cruise company. We coordinate your trip on the ground, but the dahabiya itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
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
Last updated 1 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-895938
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