Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A sail-powered 5-star dahabiya with Nile-facing cabins, lateen-sail views, sun-deck seating and full-board dining between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a four-day sail-powered Nile cruise linking Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
This full-board dahabiya cruise links Luxor and Aswan and includes accommodation in a Nile-view cabin with a private bathroom, onboard captain and crew, public deck areas, and meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Possible shore visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala, depending on the confirmed sailing programme.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Luxury
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Nile-view dahabiya cabin with private bathroom
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Accommodation aboard the assigned dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Captain and onboard crew · Use of public areas and deck spaces · Local cruise booking and coordination arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Best for
- Couples · History enthusiasts · Travellers seeking quieter Nile stops · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Mature families
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books and coordinates the cruise with a third-party vessel operator.
- Cruise arrangements include coordination of the local booking, captain and onboard crew supplied by the vessel operator.
- Egyptologist-led sightseeing and private guides can be requested where available, subject to the confirmed programme.
- DTE provides on-the-ground travel coordination; airport transfers, visas, insurance and gratuities are included only when stated in the booking.
- The vessel operator, rather than Discovery Tours Egypt, is responsible for the boat and onboard operations.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day Nile cruise aboard Iris Luxury Dahabiya, traditional sail vessel offering relaxed navigation between Luxor and Aswan.
- 02Daily schedule favours morning and late-afternoon sailing to avoid midday heat and prolong site visits ashore.
- 03Guided visits can include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank tombs, Edfu and Kom Ombo on typical 7‑day routings.
- 04Shipboard comfort includes shaded deck seating and quiet sailing; we schedule longer moorings for village walks.
- 05We avoid large motor cruises: navigation is low-speed, allowing extended temple visits and evening shore strolls.
- 06Private transfers and luggage handling are organised; daily ports of call kept small to limit crowds.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside Iris Luxury Dahabiya, with the lateen sail lifting quietly above palms, cultivated fields and mud-brick villages. From the deck, the river feels unhurried; ashore, the day might lead from the painted chambers of the Valley of the Kings to the columns of Karnak Temple, or towards smaller moorings near El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
This is a slower alternative to the fixed schedules of larger Nile cruisers, although the compact cabins and limited onboard facilities are part of the trade-off. Our Egyptologists can put each site into context without crowding the sailing itself. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the vessel, cabin, transfers and local shore support for you.
Background
The facts
A luxury dahabiya Nile cruise is a sail-powered river journey linking Luxor and Aswan, generally lasting approximately five to eight nights depending on the selected itinerary. The vessel uses a lateen sail and can moor at smaller river locations that may not be accessible to larger Nile cruisers, including El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Possible sightseeing includes Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo and Philae Temple near Aswan. El Kab contains rock-cut tombs and ancient settlement remains, while Gebel Silsila is known for sandstone quarries and riverside archaeological remains. The final shore-excursion schedule depends on the confirmed sailing programme and river conditions.
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories. Each cabin has Nile views and a private bathroom. Full-board service runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals and bar charges are extra. Public areas and a sun deck provide outdoor viewing while sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala·lateen sail
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults, couples and mature families who prefer a quiet, intimate sailing experience over the entertainment and larger passenger capacity of a conventional Nile cruiser. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in archaeology, rural landscapes and less-visited sites, with a moderate level of mobility needed for uneven riverbanks, temple paths and tender or gangway access.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger cruise ship if you want extensive onboard entertainment or a faster-paced itinerary. This trip is also a poor fit for travellers who need step-free access or cannot manage uneven archaeological paths and riverbank boarding.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Sail-powered dahabiya reaches quieter Nile moorings beyond larger ships.
- Nile-facing cabins have private bathrooms in three cabin categories.
- Possible visits include El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala.
- A slower sailing pace leaves time to enjoy the river scenery.
Things to Consider
- Gangways and riverbank boarding may be difficult for some travellers.
- Ancient-site paths can be uneven and lack consistent step-free access.
- Drinks beyond water with meals and bar charges cost extra.
- Shore excursions may be optional rather than included in the cruise booking.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered vessel designed for a quieter pace and access to smaller moorings such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. It generally offers fewer onboard entertainment facilities but more intimate public spaces, Nile-facing cabins and a more personalised sailing atmosphere.
The route
Esna and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Bundled in
- All meals
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board the Iris Luxury Dahabiya.
- Full-board meals, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day.
- The captain and crew on board.
- Access to the vessel’s shared indoor areas and decks.
- Cruise booking and local arrangements made by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Not included
- International flights to Egypt
- Airport transfers unless booked separately
- Drinks other than water served with meals, plus bar charges
- Gratuities for the onboard crew and local guides unless paid in advance
- Monument entrance fees and applicable premium tomb charges, including pyramid interiors and selected paid tombs, unless stated otherwise
- Visas, travel insurance and personal expenses
- Optional shore excursions and private guides not specified as included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask at booking which optional shore visits are planned, since the route can change with river conditions and navigation requirements.
- 02
Carry cash for crew and local guide gratuities if you have not arranged pre-payment.
- 03
Confirm monument entry fees before travel, especially if a visit includes a separately priced tomb.
- 04
Pack sun protection for time on deck, where shade may vary with the boat’s position and time of day.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can be arranged with different cabin categories, including Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability. Travellers may request private guides, optional shore excursions, airport transfers or pre- and post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan; these services are additional unless specifically included in the confirmed booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
The four-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan fits between a Cairo stay and time in either city. Compared with larger Nile cruisers, a dahabiya can call at smaller river moorings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya is not described as wheelchair accessible. Boarding may require using a gangway, which can be steep or affected by the river level, and riverbanks may be uneven. Narrow passageways, steps between cabin and deck areas, and stairs to the sun deck can make moving around difficult. Cabins and private bathrooms have not been confirmed as accessible. Shore visits, including Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, El Kab and Gebel Silsila, may involve sand, uneven ancient stone, steps and limited shade. Guests with reduced mobility should request an individual assessment before booking. A foldable wheelchair may be possible, but only if the cruise supplier confirms this in advance.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail, which can provide propulsion on suitable stretches of the Nile and reduce reliance on an engine while sailing. Wind conditions, manoeuvring, docking and safety needs can affect how the vessel moves, so we cannot promise that every stretch is sailed. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with local captains, crew, guides, food suppliers and shore-service providers. Stops at smaller Nile sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can bring visitor spending beyond the main cruise ports. River travel still uses water and creates waste. Please use water carefully, avoid single-use plastic where practical and follow the crew’s instructions for waste disposal.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable shoes for walking, with soles that grip securely
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Hat to keep the sun off and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Insect repellent
- Any medicines you need
- Small bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes
- Breathable layers for variable temperatures
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- Swimwear and a cover-up for wearing on deck
- Warm layer for cooler evenings and sailing
Children & families
The minimum age has not been specified, so please ask us before booking with a young child. Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 and over pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Gangways, steps and uneven riverbanks can make strollers impractical. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
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 | £2,081 | £2,485 | £3,112 |
| Double cabin | £1,312 | £1,543 | £1,885 |
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 | £1,632 | £1,935 | £2,405 |
| Double cabin | £1,056 | £1,229 | £1,485 |
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.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday
- 15–30 days
- 50% back, or 75% kept as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% back, or 50% kept as credit
- 2–6 days
- Nothing back; 25% kept as credit
- Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up
- No refund and no credit
Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- El KabRight here
- Gebel SilsilaRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Three cabin categories, each with a Nile view
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a 4-day journey, providing a relaxed pace between Luxor and Aswan. This duration allows ample time to enjoy the sailing experience and participate in various shore excursions.02What is included in the cost of the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise?
Your stay on the Iris Luxury Dahabiya, meals from lunch on the day you embark to breakfast on the day you disembark, and the captain and onboard crew’s services are included in the cruise. Discovery Tours Egypt takes care of all local cruise arrangements.03Which shore excursions are typically part of this dahabiya cruise?
Shore excursions may feature major sites such as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The dahabiya's smaller size also permits stops at less-frequented locations like El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and Hagar Salsala.04What is the meal arrangement on the Iris Luxury Dahabiya?
The Iris Luxury Dahabiya provides full board, with every meal included from lunch on embarkation day through to breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks other than water served with meals are charged separately.05Is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya suitable for travellers with mobility issues?
Dahabiyas are traditional vessels with stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep, depending on the river's water levels. Travellers with significant mobility concerns should contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements.06What arrangements apply to children travelling aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel at no charge; children aged 6–11.99 years pay half the adult price. From age 12, children pay the full adult fare. Only one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a separate cabin.07What clothing and items should I bring for a dahabiya cruise?
For daytime, pack light, comfortable clothes; wear modest clothing when visiting temples, and bring layers for cooler evenings on deck. Take essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for walking on excursions and any personal medication. We also recommend bringing a camera.08When is the best time of year to take a Nile dahabiya cruise?
The ideal time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09Are monument entrance fees included in the cruise price?
Entrance charges for monuments and premium tombs, such as pyramid interiors or particular paid tombs, are not part of the standard cruise price unless specifically noted. These fees are payable separately during shore excursions.10How does a dahabiya differ from the larger Nile cruise ships?
Unlike larger motor-powered cruise ships, the Iris Luxury Dahabiya is powered by sail and offers a more personal, leisurely experience. With fewer passengers, it can reach quieter parts of the river and smaller ancient sites that see fewer visitors.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-864614
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