Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional Nile dahabiya
The short answer
Gordon Pacha is a dahabiya. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Fares are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Gordon Pacha is a traditional sailing dahabiya on the quiet stretch of the Nile between Esna and Aswan — a handful of cabins, meals on deck, and moorings at islands, quarries, and villages the big cruisers pass by. She carries the name of the Victorian era’s most famous governor-general — fitting for a boat built around slow, old-fashioned river travel.
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this ship works.
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
On arrival at Luxor airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Luxor for the day: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple. You're then driven to Esna to board your dahabiya, welcomed by the crew for your first night moored there.
- 2
Breakfast at your leisure as the dahabiya sails towards Edfu, arriving around midday. Visit the Temple of Horus by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then wander the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
After lunch on board, sail on towards the temple at Gebel el-Silsila, with dinner served in the temple grounds, on a nearby island, or on the sun deck.
- 3
Breakfast at leisure, then sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Greco-Roman double temple, shared equally between the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek. Carry on sailing towards Aswan, taking in river life along the banks — water buffalo, donkeys and birdlife — mooring overnight close to the city.
- 4
After breakfast on board, spend the day exploring Aswan — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam — with time to browse the Aswan souk. Return to the boat for your last evening and overnight in Aswan.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Aswan airport or railway station for your onward departure.
- 1
On arrival at Aswan airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Aswan for the day — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam, with time to browse the Aswan bazaar. In the afternoon you board your dahabiya and take lunch on deck as the boat sets sail for Kom Ombo, mooring there overnight.
- 2
Breakfast at your leisure, then visit the Greco-Roman temple at Kom Ombo — a perfectly symmetrical double temple with matching halls and sanctuaries dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek.
Sail on to the quieter temple at Gebel el-Silsila, mooring alongside the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb; dinner is served in the temple grounds or on the sun deck, weather and mood permitting.
- 3
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then browse the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
The dahabiya moors at a quiet island for a themed Egyptian evening: dinner by the riverbank or on the sun deck, Arabic music, and the option to dress in a gallabeya, before sailing gently on towards Esna overnight.
- 4
After breakfast, disembark at Esna and travel to Luxor for a sightseeing day — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple — before your transfer to Luxor airport or railway station for departure.
What lingers
- 01Five-star dahabiya category Nile cruise package
- 02A smaller-scale sailing format than larger Nile cruise ships
- 03The vessel is assigned at booking
- 04Full Board meal service from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast
Bundled in
- Beautifully designed en-suite cabins with Nile views
- Air conditioning
- Modern bathrooms
- Spacious sun deck with loungers and shaded seating
- Elegant dining salon and lounge
- Onboard bar serving soft drinks and tea/coffee
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Stay aboard Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
- Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sightseeing accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
- Transfers departing from Luxor or Aswan
- Nile sailing permits and applicable taxes
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal spending
- Excursions not listed in the itinerary
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the embarkation point and boarding time before arranging onward transport.
- 02
Request the confirmed shore-excursion list and sailing schedule before paying a deposit.
- 03
Check which drinks are included; drinks (including water) are typically extra.
- 04
Ask how access between the landing point and the vessel is managed if you have limited mobility.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
We'll confirm whether a different sailing time, private charter or additional sightseeing can be arranged; availability depends on the vessel and schedule. We'll confirm accessibility before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Choose it if the sailing itself matters more than a detailed shore-excursion programme
- the available product information does not specify a route or stops.
Maybe not, if
- It is not the right choice if you want several nights aboard, visits to named archaeological sites or a confirmed full-day itinerary. Travellers who need step-free access should check the vessel’s facilities before booking.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A dahabiya offers a smaller-scale Nile sailing experience.
- Sailing provides a quieter alternative to large cruise ships.
- The vessel is arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Things to Consider
- Cabin, deck and accessibility details are not provided.
Where it fits
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya can fit into a wider Nile itinerary between time in Luxor and Aswan. Confirm the sailing route and dates before arranging hotel stays or onward travel, as these details determine the best connection.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Larger Nile cruise vessels generally offer more onboard facilities and follow routes suited to bigger boats. A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered alternative.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Queen Nefeer Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,023 pp
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,056 pp
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,072 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Dahabiya cruise · Lunch on the embarkation day · Dinner on board · Breakfast on the disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-paced travellers · Nile cruise travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Light jacket for cool or windy mornings
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A warm layer for chilly early mornings and evenings on deck
- Secure, comfortable shoes for uneven stone and sand
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; from age 12, the full adult price applies. Children need to share a cabin with a parent (one child maximum per cabin); two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are only practical onboard when folded, as cabins and gangways are small. An adult should supervise children around railings and on gangways. High chairs and baby equipment are not generally provided, so bring any essentials.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding may involve a narrow gangway or low boarding plank, and smaller landing stages can be uneven; expect to manage single steps and brief balance adjustments. Cabins and passageways are compact, with steps in some areas. Shore visits such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala can involve sand, uneven ancient stone and short, steep staircases. Wheelchair access is very limited, and most shore sites are not accessible by wheelchair. A folding travel wheelchair may help with some transfers, but access cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check arrangements for the vessel assigned to your cruise.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya is sail-powered and can use its lateen sail while travelling along the Nile, reducing the need for engine power during those stretches. A small diesel tender may be used for safety or transfers. The cruise includes locally sourced provisions and chef-prepared meals, as well as locally employed crew and licensed Egyptologists. Stops at villages such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can give travellers the chance to buy directly from local artisans. Ask before purchasing and agree the price clearly. A separate cruise operator provides the vessel and crew and is responsible for its onboard practices.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya cruise?
Dahabiya itineraries can vary, and the listing does not specify a route or number of nights. We can check the final schedule with the cruise line so you know when you embark and disembark.02How do I get to the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
Transfers from Luxor or Aswan are included, according to the selected itinerary. The departure city and transfer timing depend on your booking, so check these details before travel. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the transfer and cruise booking; the vessel is owned and operated by the cruise line.03What is included on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
The arrangement includes onboard accommodation, full-board meals, guided sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist, entrance fees to the included sites, transfers from Luxor or Aswan, sailing permits and taxes. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included in the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya package?
Flights, crew and guide gratuities, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses and optional tours not listed in the itinerary are excluded. A single supplement may apply if you want a cabin for sole use. Check the final booking details for the applicable terms, including the cancellation conditions shown on the page.05Is the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The listing does not provide verified accessibility details, so ask us to check the vessel and planned shore visits before booking. Boarding a river boat and visiting ancient sites may involve steps, uneven ground or sand. Tell us about any mobility needs, and we can confirm what the selected arrangement can accommodate.06Can children travel on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family’s dates.07What should I wear and bring on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suited to the season. Shore visits may involve uneven ancient stone or sandy ground. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful on the river in cooler months.08Can I take photographs during the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya shore visits?
Photography rules depend on the site and the specific areas visited. Some tombs and museum displays may restrict photography or require a separate ticket or permit. Check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance; do not photograph people without their consent. The itinerary does not specify which sites are included.09When is the best time to sail on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
October to April generally brings more comfortable temperatures for sailing and visiting archaeological sites. The cruise is offered year-round, but summer heat can make outdoor visits demanding, particularly around midday. Ask about the planned excursion timings for your dates so you can weigh cooler weather against the season you prefer.10Does the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya visit Gebel Silsila?
The supplied itinerary does not confirm a visit to Gebel Silsila, so do not assume it is included. Dahabiyas can reach quieter riverbank sites that larger Nile cruisers may not visit, but shore stops depend on the booked route. Ask us to verify the named sites on your final itinerary.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-739523
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
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