Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
La Rose Dahabiya
The short answer
La Rose 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
Palm-fringed banks, small Nile islands and granite outcrops slide by as the dahabiya moves at a gentle pace. Evenings are quiet, with deck dining and unobstructed views of the stars.
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
- 01Sail-powered dahabiya cruising on the Nile
- 02A smaller-boat style of travel than larger Nile cruisers
- 03A slower pace shaped by river sailing conditions
- 04La Rose Dahabiya is a cruise.
Bundled in
- Spacious sundeck with loungers
- Dining area
- Air conditioning
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on La Rose Dahabiya
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guidance from a certified Egyptologist
- Admission to every site listed
- Private transport between your pick-up point and the boat
- Taxes and service fees
Not included
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologist
- Optional experiences, including a hot-air balloon flight, Abu Simbel visit or felucca ride
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal spending
- Flights within Egypt and international flights
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Request the sailing schedule and planned shore visits in writing before confirming travel.
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 private booking, extra sightseeing or an extended itinerary can be arranged. Cabin pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- La Rose Dahabiya may suit couples, solo travellers and older children who want a short, quieter sailing experience rather than the facilities of a large Nile cruiser. It is best for travellers content with a brief cruise.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a longer Nile itinerary if you want time for several archaeological sites or a slower journey between cities. If you need step-free access, ask us to check the vessel before booking.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sail-powered dahabiya setting, distinct from large Nile cruisers
- A quieter onboard atmosphere, without a nightclub or disco
Things to Consider
- Cabin accessibility and onboard facilities are unconfirmed
Where it fits
La Rose Dahabiya can be added to a wider Nile itinerary combining Cairo with visits in Luxor and Aswan. Confirm the embarkation point and sailing dates before planning connecting stays, as these details are not provided here.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruisers are motorised; dahabiyas are sailing vessels. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges La Rose Dahabiya, which is owned and operated by a separate cruise-line company.
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
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cruise aboard La Rose Dahabiya · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day · Breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile · Route through Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Slow-paced travellers · Travellers seeking an intimate sailing experience
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and required visa documents
- Grippy, comfortable shoes for walking
- A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip protection
- A lightweight day bag for visits ashore
- Reusable water bottle
- A small torch or head torch for uneven paths
What to wear
- Loose-fitting, lightweight garments in cotton or linen
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Closed-toe shoes for quays, archaeological sites and quarries
- A lightweight fleece or wrap for cooler evenings aboard
Children & families
No minimum age is specified for this cruise. Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 and over 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 often impractical on quays and small landing stages; a lightweight, foldable pushchair is the more manageable option. Child-friendly meals can be requested when booking. No high-chair provision is confirmed, so please ask us about this before travel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya route involves repeated boarding and shore visits on uneven quays, soft sand and ancient stone. Expect steps, narrow gangways and occasional loose stones at sites such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab, as well as short inclines into temple precincts. Full wheelchair access is not possible on this route, and transfer vehicles and landing points may not be level. Crew and guides can often assist guests with limited mobility, but the level of help depends on the landing point and site conditions. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can discuss practical options and assess where assistance is possible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses sail power for its principal movement on the Nile, which reduces engine use while sailing. Shore transfers are arranged with local operators using air-conditioned minibuses or private cars; vehicle type depends on the transfer required. Crew and kitchen staff are hired from nearby communities, and meals are chef-prepared with ingredients sourced from regional markets. Shore visits may include local villages and craftspeople, with supplier payments supporting businesses in the places visited. These arrangements do not remove the environmental impact of travel. At archaeological sites, stay on marked paths and do not touch carvings. A reusable water bottle can be refilled on board.
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 La Rose Dahabiya cruise?
The stated meal plan runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Ask us to check the sailing dates and schedule for your chosen arrangement.02How do I get to La Rose Dahabiya, and are transfers included?
Private transfers to and from the boat are included in the listed arrangements. The exact meeting point and transfer times depend on your sailing date and the final arrangements. We can confirm where your driver will meet you once your booking details are set.03What is included on a La Rose Dahabiya sailing?
The listed arrangement includes accommodation aboard La Rose Dahabiya, meals, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to listed sites, and private transfers to and from the boat. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included on the La Rose Dahabiya cruise?
Crew and guide tips, optional excursions, drinks beyond the stated tea, coffee and mineral water, personal expenses and flights are excluded. Optional activities listed include a hot-air balloon, Abu Simbel and felucca rides. Check the final arrangement for any additional exclusions that apply to your booking.05Is La Rose Dahabiya accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on your mobility and the vessel’s boarding arrangements, which should be checked before booking. Shore visits can involve uneven ground and steps at ancient sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. Tell us what assistance you need so we can check what is practical for your trip.06Can children travel on La Rose 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. Confirm cabin availability for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring on La Rose Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suited to warm weather. Shore visits may involve uneven surfaces, so avoid shoes with smooth soles. Choose modest clothing when visiting religious sites, and carry a light layer for cooler evenings during the October to April sailing season.08Can I take photographs on La Rose Dahabiya and at the shore sites?
Photography is generally possible, but rules vary by site and may change. Follow notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance, particularly inside monuments, where photography may be restricted or require a separate ticket. Ask before photographing local residents, crew or other guests.09When is the best time to sail on La Rose Dahabiya?
October to April usually brings more comfortable conditions for sailing and visiting sites along the Nile. Temperatures can still be strong in the middle of the day, so carry water and sun protection. The vessel’s quieter river stops offer a different pace from larger Nile cruises with tighter shore schedules.10Which sites does La Rose Dahabiya visit that larger Nile boats cannot reach?
The listed shore programme includes El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, places larger Nile cruisers cannot reach. These visits add smaller archaeological sites to the route rather than focusing only on major temple stops. The exact sequence depends on the sailing arrangement.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-727822
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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