Nora Dahabiya
Sail-powered dahabiya with traditional lateen sails, 45 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, up to 15 guests, chef-prepared meals and Full Board.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nora Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Onboard dahabiya accommodation
- Destinations
- Nile · Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala quarry
- Includes
- Accommodation in booked cabin category · Full Board meals · Professional captain and crew · Chef-prepared meals · Guided shore excursions as stated · Meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport where specified
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Travelers seeking a quieter Nile sail · Couples · Small groups · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise arrangements are selected and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Small guest capacity of up to 15 travelers
- Crew of 10 for attentive onboard service
- Guided shore excursions are included as stated in the vessel itinerary
- Meet-and-assist is included where specified in the meeting-point details
02Overview
A first look
By first light the Nile looks like a band of glass, lateen sails whispering as the Nora Dahabiya slips past mud-brick villages and sculpted sandstone faces. The baking-oven heat waits inland; on deck there is shade, slow conversation, the creak of timber and time to watch remote riverbanks pass without the noise of a motor-ship.
We hand-pick this 45 metre by 7.5 metre dahabiya because its shallow draught reaches landings larger cruisers cannot, such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry. The vessel carries up to 15 guests with a crew of 10. One of our Egyptologists meets you in Luxor and accompanies the guided shore visits we arrange.
Background
The facts
Nora Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered Nile vessel measuring 45 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. It carries up to 15 guests with a crew of 10, which places it in the intimate dahabiya category rather than the larger motorised Nile cruise class. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise, while the vessel itself is operated by a third-party provider.
The dahabiya uses lateen sails and is designed for slower river travel on the Nile. This style of itinerary is suited to shallow water conditions and smaller docking points, which can allow access to less-visited landings such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry. These sites are associated with ancient Egyptian quarrying, temple construction, and settlements along the river corridor between Luxor and Aswan.
The cruise is sold on a Full Board basis, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Guided shore excursions are included as stated in the vessel itinerary, and meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport is included where specified in the meeting-point details. Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, gratuities, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are excluded unless stated otherwise.
Because the vessel is compact, the onboard layout typically supports a quieter and more personalised travel experience than large cruise ships. The small guest count and sail-powered movement make it suitable for travelers who want a river journey focused on the Nile itself, the archaeological stops, and access to sites that larger vessels cannot usually reach.
Named in this entry
Nile·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Hagar Salsala quarry·lateen sail·Nile River
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is best for adults and older children who want a slower Nile journey with fewer guests, guided heritage visits, and a more private atmosphere. It suits travelers interested in archaeology, river landscapes, and small-vessel sailing rather than large-ship entertainment.
What lingers
- 01Traditional lateen sails, a slower, low-noise sailing experience on the Nile
- 02Intimate dahabiya, typically 8–12 cabins, for personalised service
- 03Access to shallow or remote landings: El Kab, Gebel Silsila, Hagar Salsala quarry
- 04Chef-prepared meals included, Full Board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 05Smaller groups, suitable for travellers who prefer a relaxed pace rather than large-ship timetables
- 06Unlike large five-star cruisers, this vessel visits off-the-beaten-path sites unreachable by bigger boats
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large motorised Nile cruises, a dahabiya carries far fewer guests and uses lateen sails for slower travel on the river. That smaller size can allow access to shallow or remote landings such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and Hagar Salsala quarry. Compared with a standard luxury cruise, the experience is quieter, more personalised, and more focused on the route and shore excursions.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Aboard
Meet the Nora Dahabiya
A 45-metre, 7.5-metre dahabiya carrying up to 15 guests, across 6 cabins, crewed by 10.
- Length
- 45m
- Width
- 7.5m
- Guests
- Up to 15
- Crew
- 10
Cabin breakdown
- 014 · Luxury Cabins
- 022 · Terrace Suites
Bundled in
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board, covering lunch on the day of embarkation through breakfast on the day of disembarkation
- Accommodation in the booked cabin category aboard the Nora Dahabiya
- Professional captain and the vessel's onboard crew (crew of 10)
- Chef-prepared meals and onboard afternoon tea where the vessel provides it
- Guided shore excursions listed in the vessel itinerary, led by the boat's arranged Egyptologist guide
- Meet-and-assist service at Luxor International Airport arrivals as specified in the meeting-point details
- All standard harbour and port handling charges where applicable
Not included
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless the itinerary specifically states they are included
- International flights and airport departure taxes
- Visas and travel insurance
- Gratuities for crew and guides, unless the booking states otherwise
- Personal expenses and optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Premium archaeological-site extras, for example pyramid interior or premium tomb tickets, unless explicitly included
- Any services or items not listed in the inclusions
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose private or shared cabin arrangements depending on availability, and some departures may be booked as exclusive-charter style experiences. Additional customisation may include upgraded sightseeing, extended pre- or post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan, or selected meal and excursion add-ons if offered in the itinerary.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Nora Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya, and boarding and movement aboard involve steps, narrow gangways and low doorways. Cabins are on one or two levels with steps to some cabins; there is no lift. Shore landings at El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala use simple wooden or stone jetties and soft sand in places, so transfers between boat and shore may be uneven and require stepping down from the gangway. Full wheelchair roll-on is not possible on board or at most shallow landings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport arrivals where possible; please contact us before booking so we can assess mobility needs, advise on the most suitable cabin locations, and discuss which shore visits are feasible for you. We cannot guarantee full accessibility at archaeological sites or at some small village landings, and some sites require walking on uneven ancient stone and short flights of steps.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport with required visas and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: high SPF sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Lightweight refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits and personal items
- Any prescribed medication plus a basic first-aid kit
- Camera with spare batteries or charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in natural fabrics
- Layers for cooler early mornings and evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A light waterproof or windproof layer for breezy sailing
Children & families
Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are usable for airport transfer and flat dock areas, but they are impractical on board and during many shore landings. High chairs are not guaranteed onboard, so please request them at booking if required.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nora Dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails for substantial parts of the itinerary, which reduces engine use, fuel consumption and engine noise while sailing on the Nile. The vessel is 45 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, with a shallow draught that allows it to reach remote or shallow landings such as El Kab and Hagar Salsala, reducing the need for long road transfers. Onboard provisioning is sourced primarily from local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, including bakeries and produce markets, which supports small businesses along the Nile. Crew and many guides are locally employed, and guided shore visits contract local archaeologists and village guides where available. Waste is separated onboard and returned to port facilities for proper disposal. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we monitor supplier practices and prioritise partners who employ local staff and who follow straightforward waste and water handling procedures.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
Nora Dahabiya includes accommodation aboard the vessel, Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and guided shore excursions listed in the itinerary. It also includes captain and crew service, chef-prepared meals, and meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport where specified.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise typically lasts four days, offering three nights aboard the vessel. This allows for a relaxed journey between Luxor and Aswan, with ample time to explore the unique archaeological sites along the way.02What is included in the Nora Dahabiya cruise price?
The cruise price includes Full Board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Accommodation in your selected cabin, the professional crew, chef-prepared meals, afternoon tea, and guided shore excursions as per the itinerary are also covered.03What is not included in the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
Excluded from the cruise price are drinks beyond bottled water with meals, international flights, visas, and travel insurance. Gratuities for the crew and guides, personal expenses, optional excursions, and premium archaeological site tickets are also not included.04What is the accessibility like on the Nora Dahabiya?
The Nora Dahabiya offers a more intimate experience than larger cruisers. Guests should be able to navigate gangplanks and some stairs on board. Shore excursions may involve walking on uneven terrain or ancient stone. Please discuss any specific accessibility needs with us in advance.05Can children join the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; 12+ pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions and modest attire for visiting religious sites. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings on deck can be cooler, so a light jacket is advisable.07What is the photography policy on shore excursions?
Photography is generally permitted at most archaeological sites, though some areas may prohibit flash photography or require an additional fee for video cameras. Your Egyptologist guide will advise on specific site regulations during your excursions.08What is the best time of year to take a Nora Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt, making winter sun ideal.09What makes a dahabiya cruise different from a larger Nile cruiser?
The Nora Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered boat, offering a more intimate experience with a maximum of 15 guests. It provides a slower pace and can access shallower, more remote sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila, which larger cruisers cannot reach.10How do I get to the Nora Dahabiya for embarkation?
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges meet-and-assist services at Luxor International Airport arrivals. Our team will transfer you directly to the Nora Dahabiya for embarkation, ensuring a smooth start to your cruise holiday.
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 1 July 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-295821
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