Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya
The short answer
Lazuli Luxor is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Fares start from £1,957 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Lazuli 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 sails out of Luxor with the classic Esna–Aswan pattern and a crew known for spoiling small groups.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,957double cabinsingle cabin £3,178 | May – September: from £1,742double cabinsingle cabin £2,891 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,537double cabinsingle cabin £4,164 | May – September: from £2,250double cabinsingle cabin £3,781 |
Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
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.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days 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
- 01Travel on the Nile aboard a sail-powered dahabiya.
- 02A smaller-boat alternative to large motor cruisers.
- 03Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- 04The vessel is selected and booked for you by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Bundled in
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- All entry tickets
- Private transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on board the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
- Sightseeing visits accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board
- Admission to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle transfers to and from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and applicable taxes
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Gratuities for the crew and guides
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional excursions or activities not included in the itinerary
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the precise embarkation point and transfer arrangements before setting a meeting time in Luxor.
- 02
Confirm what is included in the fare, especially meals, drinks and any shore visits, before departure.
- 03
Check the vessel’s actual departure time with the cruise supplier, as no sailing schedule is provided here.
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
The listing does not specify private-charter choices, extra sites, meal upgrades or extended sailing options. Ask us to check whether the route or duration can be adapted before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who want a short Nile sailing experience rather than a large-ship atmosphere. It may appeal to adults and older children interested in traditional sail-powered boats, though the available route and shore visits need confirming before booking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a longer Nile itinerary if you want time for several temple visits or overnight sailing.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A dahabiya offers a more intimate setting than a large Nile cruiser.
- Sail-powered travel gives the Nile journey a slower pace.
- The vessel is selected and arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Things to Consider
- Sailing pace can depend on wind conditions.
Where it fits
The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya can sit within a wider Luxor itinerary, alongside visits to Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank. Confirm the sailing route and dates before adding it to a longer Nile cruise plan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruisers are motor-powered; the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya.
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.
- Merit 1 Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Esna
From £1,962 pp
- Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,840 pp
- Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £2,087 pp
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
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board, from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Sailing on the Nile aboard the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Best for
- Travellers seeking a small-boat cruise · Guests interested in traditional Nile sailing · Couples · Slow-paced travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Personal medication and a copy of prescriptions
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- UK-to-Egypt plug adaptor and portable phone charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven quays and archaeological sites
- A light layer for breezy mornings on deck
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; those aged 12 and above pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin. Strollers may help during airport transfers but are often impractical on uneven quays and steps. Portable child seats are not provided aboard. Tell us each child’s age when enquiring so we can check cabin arrangements and meal requirements.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya has narrow corridors, low doorways and limited space for moving around. Boarding usually involves a gangway and one to three steps, while quays and shore paths can be uneven, with loose gravel, steps and cobbled approaches. Landings at places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. Wheelchair access and transfers aboard are not usually possible. A wheelchair user or traveller who needs regular assistance should contact us before booking so we can discuss the vessel’s facilities and consider a more suitable Nile cruise or alternative itinerary. Please also tell us about mobility aids or medical equipment you plan to bring.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The route is arranged on a dahabiya that uses a lateen sail while sailing on the Nile, which can reduce engine use and fuel consumption when wind conditions allow. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier, not by Discovery Tours Egypt. We arrange local services for shore visits, including guides at places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, and meals prepared by the vessel’s chef. These bookings bring custom to local suppliers, though we cannot quantify the income they provide or make a broader emissions claim. Transfers may use an air-conditioned vehicle where required; the vehicle type and size depend on the arrangements for your booking.
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 many cabins does the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya have?
The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is an intimate vessel, typically featuring between 8 and 12 cabins. This limited capacity ensures a private and personalised sailing experience, allowing for greater comfort and attentive service from the crew.02Is the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Dahabiya offers a comfortable and spacious environment for families. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents; two or more children require a separate cabin.03When is the ideal time of year for a Nile sailing holiday?
The most popular time for a Nile Dahabiya cruise is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasantly mild. However, the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya operates year-round, with summer months offering warmer weather and fewer crowds at sites.04What should I pack for a Dahabiya cruise?
Pack light, airy clothes, comfortable shoes for walks ashore, and sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses. A light jacket or shawl can come in handy on cooler evenings on deck, while swimwear is useful for unwinding on the sun deck.05How far in advance should I book the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya?
Due to the limited number of cabins on the Dahabiya, we highly recommend booking at least three to six months in advance. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during peak season or school holidays like Easter or Christmas.06What is included in the full board arrangement on the Dahabiya?
Your full board includes lunch on the day of embarkation through breakfast on the day of disembarkation. This covers all meals, and coffee throughout your time on board. Alcoholic beverages are typically an additional cost.07What kind of shore excursions are included with the Dahabiya?
Your cruise includes guided visits to key ancient sites between Luxor and Aswan, accompanied by one of our licensed Egyptologists. The intimate size of the Dahabiya also allows access to unique locations like El Kab and Gebel Silsila, which larger cruisers cannot easily reach.08What is the typical pace of a Dahabiya cruise?
Dahabiya cruises offer a slower, more relaxed pace compared to larger vessels. With no engine, the journey is powered by sail, providing a tranquil experience on the Nile. This allows more time to enjoy the scenery and the quiet atmosphere.09Are transfers to and from the Dahabiya included?
Yes, private transfers are included from your hotel or the airport in Luxor or Aswan to the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya for embarkation, and back again for disembarkation. We coordinate these arrangements to ensure a smooth start and end to your trip.10What is the tipping policy for the crew and guides?
Tipping for the Dahabiya crew and your Egyptologist guide is not included in the trip price. We provide clear guidance on appropriate tipping amounts in your pre-departure information, allowing you to budget accordingly for this customary practice.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-015167
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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