How long is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise between Aswan and Luxor?

Typical sailings run three to seven nights, depending on the chosen itinerary. We offer flexible departures; some guests choose a short three-night sail to include key sites, while others extend to five or seven nights for a slower pace and more off-the-beaten-path moorings. Ask us which itinerary matches your travel dates and interests.

Where and when do we embark and disembark the dahabiya?

Embarkation is usually late morning in Aswan or Luxor; disembarkation follows breakfast on the final day. Exact pickup points and times depend on the sailing direction and the cruise operator's schedule. We confirm pier location, recommended arrival time and local transfers when we issue your final travel documents.

What is included on board the Iris dahabiya?

Full Board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included. The price also covers the private crew, captain who navigates by lateen sail, and the basic cruise programme; one of our Egyptologists joins selected departures. Shore visits follow the vessel’s itinerary and are arranged by us.

What is not included in the cruise price?

Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise, but pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded. International flights, personal travel insurance, and gratuities for crew and guides are also excluded unless you ask us to arrange them as extras.

Is the Iris dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?

The dahabiya has a low gangplank and some steps; many shore visits require uneven stone paths and loose sand. Passengers with restricted mobility should tell us before booking so we can advise; we can sometimes arrange gentler shore options, but the boat and many archaeological sites are not fully step-free.

Can families with children travel on the dahabiya?

Families can travel aboard, but the vessel is intimate and cabins are limited, so private cabin bookings are required for family groups. Very young infants or children who need constant supervision may find the moving deck and riverside terrain challenging. Tell us ages and needs and we will advise on suitability and cabin layout.

What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and ashore?

Bring sun protection first: wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and light long-sleeve shirts. Also sturdy walking shoes for uneven ancient stone, a lightweight jacket for evenings, and modest clothing for temple and mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered). Pack a small daypack and refillable water bottle for excursions.

Are there photography restrictions during excursions?

Photography is generally allowed at most river sites, but some tombs and museums restrict flash or tripods and may charge extra for cameras. We advise carrying a compact camera or phone and a printed/phone copy of your ticket at sites where permits are checked. Your Egyptologist will flag local restrictions before each visit.

What is the best time of year to sail on the Nile with the Iris dahabiya?

The preferred season is late autumn to early spring (November–March) when daytime temperatures are cooler. Summers are hot and can be uncomfortable during midday shore visits; we plan excursions for mornings or late afternoons. Shoulder months offer quieter moorings but variable winds for sail.

Can the Iris dahabiya call at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala?

Yes; a dahabiya’s shallow draft allows calls at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers often cannot reach. Moorings at these sites are subject to river conditions and the captain’s discretion; we plan such stops where possible, but final calls depend on water level and local permissions on the day.

Nile Cruise 5-Star Luxury Esna → Aswan

Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Sail between Aswan and Luxor on a lateen-sail dahabiya; Full Board meals, flexible itineraries and access to shallow moorings larger motor cruisers cannot reach.

At a glance

Length: 7 days · 6 nights
Embarks: Sun, Thu
Board: Full Board
Class: 5-star

The short answer

Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Luxury

02 Overview

A first look

You step from a low wooden gangplank into a warm Nile breeze; papyrus reeds brush the riverbank and the captain’s horn drifts across the water while the dahabiya’s deck warms underfoot. Mornings arrive with soft light and the day moves slowly — you read on deck, stroll to the shaded aft, or follow the captain ashore along a village path where fishermen mend nets and children watch from the bank.

We hand-picked the Iris for travellers who prefer a quieter, sail-led pace and the ability to moor where larger motor cruisers cannot. We arrange navigation, meals and on‑shore visits; one of our Egyptologists joins the cruise to explain monuments and local customs.

Background

The facts

Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow-paced cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers, which allows access to shallow moorings and less frequently visited riverbank sites. The vessel is selected by Discovery Tours Egypt for guests seeking a quieter onboard atmosphere and more time on the river.

The cruise programme typically includes shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. Between these stops, the vessel sails on the Nile rather than using road transfers for the main journey. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.

Because the dahabiya is smaller, it can call at sites such as Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers may not reach. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, all with Nile views and private bathroom facilities. Full Board is included, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise booking and local coordination, while onboard operations remain the responsibility of the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise, but gratuities and premium tomb entries such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are not included unless specifically requested.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This cruise suits adults and couples who prefer a slower river journey, smaller group spaces, and a more intimate onboard setting. It also appeals to history-focused travelers who want guided access to Upper Egypt monuments and lesser-visited Nile-side moorings.

What lingers

01 Seven-day Nile cruise aboard Iris Luxury Dahabiya, traditional sail vessel offering relaxed navigation between Luxor and Aswan.
02 Daily schedule favours morning and late-afternoon sailing to avoid midday heat and prolong site visits ashore.
03 Guided visits can include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank tombs, Edfu and Kom Ombo on typical 7‑day routings.
04 Shipboard comfort includes shaded deck seating and quiet sailing; we schedule longer moorings for village walks.
05 We avoid large motor cruises: navigation is low-speed, allowing extended temple visits and evening shore strolls.
06 Private transfers and luggage handling are organised; daily ports of call kept small to limit crowds.

The route

Esna and Aswan

EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

→Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
→Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Accommodation aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya.
Full Board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Captain and onboard crew.
Use of onboard public areas and deck spaces.
Local service arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (cruise booking and local coordination).

Not included

International flights to Egypt.
Airport transfers unless explicitly booked.
Drinks beyond water with meals, and any bar charges.
Gratuities for onboard crew and local guides, unless pre-paid.
Entrance fees to monuments and premium tombs where applicable, including pyramid interiors and certain paid tombs, unless otherwise stated.
Visas, travel insurance and personal expenses.
Any optional shore excursions or private guides not listed as included.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

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.

Location

On the map

Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How long is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise between Aswan and Luxor?

Typical sailings run three to seven nights, depending on the chosen itinerary. We offer flexible departures; some guests choose a short three-night sail to include key sites, while others extend to five or seven nights for a slower pace and more off-the-beaten-path moorings. Ask us which itinerary matches your travel dates and interests.
02 Where and when do we embark and disembark the dahabiya?

Embarkation is usually late morning in Aswan or Luxor; disembarkation follows breakfast on the final day. Exact pickup points and times depend on the sailing direction and the cruise operator's schedule. We confirm pier location, recommended arrival time and local transfers when we issue your final travel documents.
03 What is included on board the Iris dahabiya?

Full Board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included. The price also covers the private crew, captain who navigates by lateen sail, and the basic cruise programme; one of our Egyptologists joins selected departures. Shore visits follow the vessel’s itinerary and are arranged by us.
04 What is not included in the cruise price?

Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise, but pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded. International flights, personal travel insurance, and gratuities for crew and guides are also excluded unless you ask us to arrange them as extras.
05 Is the Iris dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?

The dahabiya has a low gangplank and some steps; many shore visits require uneven stone paths and loose sand. Passengers with restricted mobility should tell us before booking so we can advise; we can sometimes arrange gentler shore options, but the boat and many archaeological sites are not fully step-free.
06 Can families with children travel on the dahabiya?

Families can travel aboard, but the vessel is intimate and cabins are limited, so private cabin bookings are required for family groups. Very young infants or children who need constant supervision may find the moving deck and riverside terrain challenging. Tell us ages and needs and we will advise on suitability and cabin layout.
07 What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and ashore?

Bring sun protection first: wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and light long-sleeve shirts. Also sturdy walking shoes for uneven ancient stone, a lightweight jacket for evenings, and modest clothing for temple and mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered). Pack a small daypack and refillable water bottle for excursions.
08 Are there photography restrictions during excursions?

Photography is generally allowed at most river sites, but some tombs and museums restrict flash or tripods and may charge extra for cameras. We advise carrying a compact camera or phone and a printed/phone copy of your ticket at sites where permits are checked. Your Egyptologist will flag local restrictions before each visit.
09 What is the best time of year to sail on the Nile with the Iris dahabiya?

The preferred season is late autumn to early spring (November–March) when daytime temperatures are cooler. Summers are hot and can be uncomfortable during midday shore visits; we plan excursions for mornings or late afternoons. Shoulder months offer quieter moorings but variable winds for sail.
10 Can the Iris dahabiya call at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala?

Yes; a dahabiya’s shallow draft allows calls at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers often cannot reach. Moorings at these sites are subject to river conditions and the captain’s discretion; we plan such stops where possible, but final calls depend on water level and local permissions on the day.

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 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-864614

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