Egypt Discovery
Nile Cruise5-Star Ultra DeluxeEsna → Aswan

Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Five-star dahabiya with sun deck, lounge bar and dining salon; panoramic-window or Nile-view balcony cabins, full-board dining and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan

At a glance

Length
6 days · 5 nights
Embarks
Mon
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

Malouka Dahabiya is a six-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with visits to major Upper Egypt sites, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

The six-day Malouka Dahabiya cruise sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

  • Luxury
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history
Best for
  • Couples·
  • Seniors·
  • Groups

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Five-Star Dahabiya
Destinations
Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Accommodation aboard Malouka Dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Guided excursion to Karnak Temple · Guided excursion to Luxor Temple · Guided excursion to the Valley of the Kings · Guided excursion to Edfu Temple of Horus · Guided excursion to Kom Ombo · Guided excursion to Philae
Best for
Couples · Nile cruise travellers · Guests seeking a slower sailing pace · Travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites
Guide languages
English · French · German · Italian · Others
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books Malouka Dahabiya for its clients.
  • The listed shore-excursion programme names six sites: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
  • The product details distinguish included guided shore visits from excluded drinks beyond water and gratuities unless requested.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor
  • 02Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank
  • 03See the Temple of Horus at Edfu
  • 04Visit Kom Ombo and the temple complex beside the Nile
  • 05Visit Philae, the island temple complex near Aswan
  • 06Sail weekly between Luxor and Aswan in either direction

02Overview

A first look

By first light the lateen sails whisper and the Nile sharpens into consecutive thumbnails of temple façades, village quays and palm groves. Onboard the Malouka Dahabiya mornings are for guided visits ashore, afternoons for the sun deck or your cabin’s panoramic window, evenings for dinner in the dining salon while the river lights slide past.

Our Egyptologists lead the shore visits and explain what you see; we select and book this five-star dahabiya for you as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Unlike larger cruisers, a dahabiya can tie up at shallow quays and call at quieter sites, and we arrange the practical details for your stay aboard.

Background

The facts

Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The six-day cruise has embarkation and disembarkation in either city, with weekly sailings in both directions. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the vessel for travellers.

The shore programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor’s East Bank, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Further south, visits include Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple.

Karnak was developed over many centuries, particularly during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Much of Luxor Temple dates to the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs cut into limestone hills. These Luxor monuments form part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis; Philae is part of the UNESCO Nubian Monuments site.

The vessel has Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on cabin type. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Site opening hours can vary by season and date. Special-ticket tombs are not included unless requested.

Named in this entry

Malouka Dahabiya·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Visit to Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Amenhotep III·Ramesses II·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Malouka Dahabiya suits couples, adult friends and first-time visitors who want guided visits to major temples and tombs with a slower pace than a large Nile cruiser. It is a good fit for travellers who value a smaller-boat atmosphere over nightlife and extensive on-board entertainment.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a larger cruiser if you want frequent entertainment or facilities designed for young children. This cruise may not suit travellers who need step-free access or find uneven paths and repeated sightseeing tiring.

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Smaller-boat atmosphere, with a sun deck and lounge bar.
  • Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer different accommodation choices.

Things to Consider

  • Archaeological sites include uneven ground, steps and limited shade.
  • Several consecutive sightseeing visits may feel tiring for some travellers.
  • May to September brings intense heat in Upper Egypt.
  • Drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many larger Nile cruisers follow the main river route; a dahabiya offers a smaller-boat sailing experience. We arrange Malouka Dahabiya, whose listed programme focuses on Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

The route

Esna and Aswan

  1. EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

Bundled in

  • Full board
  • Group Egyptologist

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Accommodation on board the Malouka Dahabiya, in your chosen cabin class
  • Full board dining, from lunch on the day you embark through breakfast on the day you disembark
  • Shore trips with a guide to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae

Not included

  • International and domestic air travel.
  • Travel insurance and visas.
  • Drinks other than water served with meals, unless specified otherwise.
  • Tips for the crew and Egyptologists, unless requested.
  • Extra charges for premium entry, including pyramid interiors and specially ticketed tombs, unless requested.

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Choose a cabin category by its stated features; Nile-view balconies are not listed for every cabin.

  2. 02

    Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals unless your booking states otherwise.

  3. 03

    Ask before departure which special-ticket tombs are available and what their additional entrance fees are.

  4. 04

    Check the current opening times for each archaeological site close to your travel date.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, subject to availability, and enquire about sailing direction, as the vessel travels between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Premium-ticket tombs and pyramid interiors, drinks beyond water and gratuities are not included unless requested; ask us to check what can be arranged for your dates.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

The six-day Malouka Dahabiya fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, or within a longer Egypt itinerary that also includes Cairo. Its route links major temples and tombs along the Nile, with Philae near Aswan.

Accessibility

Who can join this

The Malouka Dahabiya requires reasonable mobility. Boarding and disembarkation use a narrow gangway with one or two steps, so wheelchair users will need assistance and may be limited to shore visits where a landing stage is level. On board there are steps between decks and cabins are reached by short staircases, not lifts. Shore excursions involve uneven ancient stone, temple steps, and sand; some tombs at the Valley of the Kings have steep steps and low passages. We can arrange porter assistance at embarkation and some sites, and we recommend guests with limited mobility contact us before booking so we can assess which shore visits will be practical.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The Malouka Dahabiya is a small-capacity sailing cruiser, which reduces the number of large ships visiting the same quays and therefore local congestion. The vessel uses a modern, fuel-efficient auxiliary engine maintained under the owner’s service programme to reduce fuel consumption while manoeuvring. Provisions are purchased from markets in Luxor and Aswan, supporting local suppliers and traders. On board, the crew separates recyclable waste and returns it to shore disposal facilities; single-use plastics are minimised where possible and bottled water is provided with refill points for personal bottles. We select this dahabiya because its size allows more direct calls to smaller landing stages, which helps local landing communities benefit from passenger spending.

  • 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 and any relevant visas
  • Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
  • Sun protection, SPF50+ sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Lightweight hat and a lightweight scarf for sun and temple visits
  • Reusable water bottle for refill at the vessel’s water stations
  • Small daypack for camera, guidebook and personal items
  • Any personal medication, plus a small first-aid kit

What to wear

  • Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing
  • Temples and mosques require shoulders and knees to be covered
  • A light layer for cooler early mornings on the Nile
  • Comfortable closed walking shoes with grip
  • Smart-casual outfit for evening dining on board

Children & families

Children 0–5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with parents. Children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and those 12 years and over 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. Cabins have limited space for strollers; folding buggies are more practical. Child safety equipment such as high chairs is not guaranteed on board, so please request details at time of 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.

5 nights / 6 days · Esna to Aswan

CabinHigh seasonOctober – April
Double cabin£2,763

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

Esna and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Karnak TempleRight here
  • Luxor TempleRight here
  • The Valley of the KingsRight here
  • Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
  • Visit to Kom Ombo TempleRight here
  • Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Visit six named temples and archaeological sites

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long does the Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise last?
    The Malouka Dahabiya Nile cruise lasts six days, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. The itinerary offers a gentler pace and time to explore several important ancient sites along the Nile River.
  2. 02What does the Malouka Dahabiya cruise fare include?
    The fare covers accommodation on board the Malouka Dahabiya, full-board meals from lunch on the day you embark to breakfast on disembarkation day, and guided excursions ashore to places such as Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
  3. 03What is excluded from the Malouka Dahabiya cruise fare?
    Items usually not included are international or domestic flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks other than water with meals, tips for the crew and Egyptologists, and premium admission fees for certain tombs or pyramid interiors.
  4. 04How accessible is the Malouka Dahabiya?
    Dahabiyas provide a more intimate experience, though boarding requires using gangplanks and there are stairs between decks. Excursions ashore can involve walking over uneven ancient stone or sandy paths. Travellers with mobility concerns should let us know about their particular needs.
  5. 05What are the child policies for the Malouka Dahabiya cruise?
    Children aged 0–5.99 travel free, while the rate for children aged 6–11.99 is available on request. Children need to share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child per cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own.
  6. 06What clothing and other items should I bring for the Malouka Dahabiya cruise?
    For daytime outings, we suggest wearing light, airy clothing; choose modest dress for religious sites and comfortable shoes for walking. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and any medicines you take. It may be cooler in the evenings, so we recommend bringing a light jacket.
  7. 07What meals can guests expect aboard the Malouka Dahabiya?
    Full board is provided on the Malouka Dahabiya, with meals usually featuring Egyptian and international dishes prepared by the onboard chef. Dining takes place in the salon, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  8. 08How does a dahabiya differ from a larger Nile cruiser?
    The Malouka is a smaller, sail-powered dahabiya, making for a more intimate journey at a gentler pace. It can reach distinctive places that larger cruisers cannot, including El Kab and Gebel Silsila, for a more exclusive experience.
  9. 09Is it possible to book the Malouka Dahabiya for a private charter?
    Yes, exclusive private charters can be arranged aboard the Malouka Dahabiya, with a tailored itinerary for families or groups. This offers more flexibility with shore trips and sailing times, subject to availability.
  10. 10When is the ideal time to cruise the Nile on a Malouka Dahabiya?
    October to April, when the weather is cooler, is generally regarded as the best period for a Nile cruise, with pleasant sightseeing temperatures. From May to September, summer heat can be intense, particularly in Upper Egypt.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-175389

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