Nora Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Nora Dahabiya is a four-day sail-powered Nile cruise visiting sites between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Full Board aboard Nora Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Nile · Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala quarry
- Includes
- Stay in the booked cabin category · Full Board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Professional skipper and crew · Chef-prepared meals · Onboard afternoon tea where provided · Guided visits ashore in line with the vessel's itinerary · Meet-and-greet assistance at Luxor International Airport where indicated
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Small groups · Travellers seeking a slower pace · Guests wanting remote Nile landings
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise arrangement, booking and itinerary coordination are handled before travel
- Guided shore excursions are included as stated in the vessel itinerary
- Small guest capacity of up to 15 with a crew of 10 supports attentive service
- 24/7 on-the-ground support is available through the tour operator during travel
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
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 sail-powered Nile vessel used for small-group cruising between Luxor and Aswan, with an emphasis on quieter river travel and access to landings that larger cruise ships may not reach. Dahabiyas are typically smaller than standard Nile cruise boats and are designed for a slower itinerary, using lateen sails and shallow draft navigation where river conditions permit.
The vessel measures 45 metres by 7.5 metres and carries up to 15 guests, with a crew of 10. This scale supports a more intimate onboard arrangement than larger 5-star Nile cruisers, usually with 8–12 cabins depending on configuration. Full Board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and guided shore excursions are included as stated in the itinerary.
Typical route points for this style of dahabiya include El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, alongside the Nile corridor between Luxor and Aswan. These stops are associated with ancient quarrying, river transport, and Pharaonic settlement remains, and are chosen in part because smaller vessels can moor at shallow or less developed landings.
Because the cruise is arranged around sailing rather than fixed large-ship infrastructure, timings can vary with river conditions, docking access and weather. Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, gratuities, visas, travel insurance and any optional or premium archaeological tickets are normally excluded unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Quarry at Hagar Salsala·International airport in Luxor·Nile Valley
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travellers and small groups who value fewer passengers and a slower pace. It is also a good fit for history-focused guests who prefer remote sites and guided shore excursions over large-ship facilities.
- Guests should be comfortable with boarding and disembarking from a smaller vessel and with some itinerary flexibility based on river conditions. It is usually better suited to adults and older children than to travellers seeking resort-style entertainment or a high-activity cruise programme.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want evening entertainment, extensive onboard facilities or a faster-paced schedule. This is also not ideal if uneven landings, steps or walking at archaeological sites would be difficult.
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
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Lateen sails offer a quieter pace than larger motorised Nile cruisers.
- Up to 15 guests keep the onboard atmosphere intimate.
- Shore visits include less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
- Full Board covers meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast.
- A crew of 10 serves a maximum of 15 guests.
Things to Consider
- Uneven river landings can make boarding and shore visits demanding.
- Strollers are of limited use at archaeological sites and landings.
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals are generally extra.
- There is no nightclub or large-ship entertainment programme.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, Nora Dahabiya is a smaller sail-powered vessel with fewer guests, which usually means a quieter onboard atmosphere and more personalised service. Its shallow draft also allows access to landings such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry that some larger boats cannot reach. Compared with a land-based Egypt tour, this format combines accommodation, transport and guided shore excursions while travelling between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile. It is better suited to travellers who want slower sailing and cultural stops rather than resort-style facilities or nightlife.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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.
Aboard
Meet the Nora Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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 you board through breakfast on the day you leave
- A cabin aboard Nora Dahabiya in the category selected at booking
- A professional captain and the vessel’s crew
- Meals prepared by the chef, plus afternoon tea when the vessel provides it
- Shore visits with a guide, according to the vessel’s itinerary
- Assistance on arrival at Luxor International Airport, as set out in the meeting-point details
Not included
- Drinks other than bottled water served with meals, unless stated as included
- International air travel and airport taxes
- Visa costs and travel insurance
- Tips for the crew and guides, unless stated otherwise
- Personal spending and optional outings absent from the itinerary
- Additional archaeological-site tickets, such as access inside a pyramid or entry to premium tombs, unless specifically included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check which stops are confirmed on your sailing, as the listed landings depend on the vessel itinerary.
- 02
Budget for drinks beyond bottled water with meals unless your booking details state otherwise.
- 03
Ask for the meeting-point details before travel if you are using the included Luxor airport meet-and-assist.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- This cruise can usually be tailored as a private or shared booking, depending on availability and cabin category. Travellers may also request extensions in Luxor or Aswan, extra sightseeing such as temples or museums, or upgraded meals and special arrangements where offered by the vessel programme.
- Where the itinerary allows, some guests choose to combine the dahabiya with pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan. Any changes remain subject to the vessel schedule, river conditions and supplier confirmation.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Nora Dahabiya fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, pairing well with time at Karnak Temple or Philae. Its route includes quieter Nile landings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
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 and required visa
- Comfortable shoes with a good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF30 or higher
- Refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Prescribed medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Camera, spare batteries or charger
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for daytime
- Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- Light waterproof or windproof layer for breezy sailing
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and children aged 12 or over pay the full 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 be usable at the airport and on flat dock areas, but are impractical aboard and at many shore landings. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- El Kab0.0 km
- Gebel Silsila0.0 km
- Quarry at Hagar Salsala0.0 km
- Karnak Temple0.0 km
- Philae Temple0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Reach shallow landings larger Nile cruisers cannot access
02
Sail aboard a vessel limited to 15 guests
03
Visit El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala quarry
– 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 is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt. It includes Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation in the booked cabin category, a professional captain and crew, chef-prepared meals, and guided shore excursions listed in the itinerary. It also includes meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport arrivals as stated in the meeting-point details.
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.02Which items are covered by the Nora Dahabiya cruise fare?
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.04How accessible is 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 clothing and other essentials should I pack for the dahabiya cruise?
For daytime outings, we suggest wearing light, comfortable clothes, with modest dress when visiting religious sites. Pack a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, insect repellent and comfortable shoes for walking. It may be cooler on deck in the evenings, so we recommend bringing a light jacket.07What rules apply to photography during shore excursions?
Photography is usually allowed at archaeological sites, but flash photography may be banned in some areas, and video cameras may incur an extra fee. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the rules at each site during your excursions.08When is the ideal season for 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.09How does a dahabiya cruise compare with travelling on a larger Nile cruiser?
A traditional sailing boat, the Nora Dahabiya offers a more personal experience for a maximum of 15 guests. Its gentler pace lets it reach shallower, more secluded places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, beyond the reach of larger cruisers.10How can I reach the Nora Dahabiya to board?
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
- 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
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-295821
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