Egypt Discovery
Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeAswan → Esna

Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

A 5-star, sail-powered dahabiya with ten cabins, panoramic dining windows, a sun deck, lounge bar, and full-board meals.

At a glance

Length
4 days · 3 nights
Embarks
Wed, Sat
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

This intimate dahabiya is a small sail-powered Nile vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with the boat owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.

·In summary

This dahabiya Nile cruise includes full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, use of the sun deck and lounge bar, and scheduled shore visits. The programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings, with land transport and an Egyptologist where provided by the cruise line.

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

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Dahabiya with 10 cabins: two suites and eight double cabins
Destinations
Nile River · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu · Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings · Aswan
Includes
All meals included, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Access to the sun deck and lounge bar · Shore excursions as scheduled · Land transport for shore visits where provided by the cruise line · Egyptologist for shore visits where provided by the cruise line
Best for
Couples seeking a quieter Nile journey · Small private groups · History enthusiasts · Travellers preferring sail-powered travel · Families able to manage steps and uneven archaeological sites
Guide languages
English
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books and arranges the cruise with the third-party cruise line.
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
  • The company is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
  • Cruise arrangements, transfers and travel support are handled locally in Egypt, with inclusions and exclusions confirmed before booking.

What lingers

  • 01Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra dahabiya over seven days.
  • 02Full-day guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings are included.
  • 03Longer moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo provide two-hour temple visits, avoiding midday motorboat crowds.
  • 04We use sail power where winds allow; mornings are kept quiet rather than following large motorboat timetables.
  • 05Optional Abu Simbel transfer by road or flight from Aswan; expect early starts and long drives if chosen.

02Overview

A first look

Before breakfast, the Nile is quiet enough to hear the lateen sail tightening above Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya as villages and date palms move slowly along the bank. The smaller scale changes the rhythm: there is room on the sun deck for a coffee, a shaded lounge for reading and a panoramic dining saloon for watching the river turn gold.

Shore days bring you beneath the columns of Karnak Temple, into the Valley of the Kings and towards the riverside temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Cabin space is compact, and facilities are simpler than on a large Nile ship, but the atmosphere is calmer. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the booking, land transport and confirmed Egyptologist provision before departure.

Background

The facts

A dahabiya is a small Nile vessel powered by sail, offering a more peaceful river trip than the larger motorised cruise ships. This package features 10 cabins—two suites and eight double cabins—as well as a sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon with panoramic windows. At least two cabins must be booked for sailing to be guaranteed; ask us for the full-charter rate per night.

Named in this entry

Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya·Nile River·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu’s Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·The Valley of the Kings·Theban Necropolis·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Aswan

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise is suited to couples, families and small private groups seeking a slower-paced Nile experience with fewer fellow passengers than a large river cruiser. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites, sailing and relaxed time on deck rather than nightlife or large onboard facilities.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a larger cruise ship if you want extensive onboard facilities or a wider choice of cabins. This may not suit travellers who need step-free access or families who need space for several children in one cabin.

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Ten cabins create a smaller setting than large Nile cruise ships.
  • A sun deck and lounge bar provide space between shore visits.
  • The dining saloon has panoramic windows overlooking the Nile.
  • The scheduled programme includes Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
  • Full-board meals cover lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Things to Consider

  • Only ten cabins are available, limiting choice on popular dates.
  • At least two cabins are needed for guaranteed sailing.
  • Temple visits involve uneven ground, steps and limited stroller access.
  • Drinks beyond water with meals and crew gratuities are extra.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike large motorised Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and uses sail-powered travel for a quieter, more intimate experience. It offers fewer large-ship facilities but provides a more private setting, full-board dining and scheduled visits to major Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan-area attractions.

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

Bundled in

  • Full board
  • Group Egyptologist

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Full-board dining, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Use of the vessel’s shared areas, including the sun deck and lounge bar
  • Shore excursions included in the vessel’s scheduled programme
  • Land transport and an Egyptologist for shore visits where supplied by the cruise line

Not included

  • Flights, both international and domestic
  • Drinks other than water with meals, unless stated otherwise
  • Tips for the crew and local guides, unless stated otherwise
  • Personal spending and optional activities, such as hot-air balloon rides and private tours
  • A single supplement, where applicable

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask whether your cabin is a suite or double cabin before confirming, as the vessel has only two suites.

  2. 02

    Check whether your chosen departure meets the two-cabin minimum before making non-refundable onward arrangements.

  3. 03

    Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals, crew gratuities and optional shore activities.

  4. 04

    For a full charter, confirm the total number of nights and ask us for the rate.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise as a private booking or full charter, subject to availability and the two-cabin minimum for guaranteed sailing. Travellers may request optional experiences such as a hot-air balloon ride, private tours or additional hotel and transfer arrangements; these are not included unless confirmed in writing.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya fits a Luxor-to-Aswan Nile itinerary, with visits spanning Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor to Philae Temple near Aswan. Pair it with time in Cairo before or after the cruise for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile dahabiya requires moderate mobility. Boarding may involve stepping from a dock or gangway onto the vessel, and access can change with the river level. Shore visits at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings can include steps, sand, uneven stone, cobbled paths and narrow or irregular routes. Wheelchair access is limited, and a standard wheelchair may not be practical on every visit. Strollers are also difficult to use at many ancient sites. Please tell us about mobility, balance or stair requirements before booking so we can check the arrangements for the assigned vessel and excursions.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses a lateen sail and has a smaller passenger capacity than larger Nile cruise ships. In suitable wind, sailing can reduce reliance on continuous engine-powered travel, although auxiliary systems and engine use remain necessary when wind, river traffic or safety conditions require it. We arrange shore transport and Egyptologists through local Egyptian suppliers where these services are provided by the cruise line. Full-board meals are prepared on board, while shore visits support Egyptian guides, drivers, site staff and heritage destinations. Fuel use, waste procedures and supplier initiatives vary by the assigned vessel and should be confirmed with the cruise line.

  • 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

  • A valid passport and travel documents
  • Comfortable walking shoes with grippy soles
  • SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
  • A hat with a wide brim and sunglasses
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
  • Compact day bag for visits ashore

What to wear

  • Light, loose clothes for warm days
  • Breathable layers for cooler Nile evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
  • Swimwear and a sun-deck cover-up
  • A lightweight scarf or wrap to shield you from the sun

Children & families

Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% and those aged 12 or 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 impractical on many shore visits because of sand, steps and uneven surfaces. Request a high chair before booking; availability must be confirmed with the assigned vessel.

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.

4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan

CabinLow seasonMay – SeptemberHigh seasonOctober – AprilPeak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr
Single cabin£1,612£2,102£2,658
Double cabin£1,080£1,364£1,505

3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna

CabinLow seasonMay – SeptemberHigh seasonOctober – AprilPeak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr
Single cabin£1,280£1,648£2,065
Double cabin£882£1,094£1,200

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 Temple3 km
  • Luxor Temple7 min walk
  • The Valley of the Kings7 km
  • Edfu Temple of Horus100 km
  • Temple of Kom Ombo165 km
  • Philae Temple220 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    The scheduled programme includes six named temples and archaeological sites

  2. 02

    We arrange the cruise without implying we operate the vessel

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile cruise?
    The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise lasts four days. The exact sailing and shore-visit timings depend on the confirmed programme. Ask us to check the embarkation and disembarkation arrangements for your dates before you book, particularly if you are connecting with flights or another Nile journey.
  2. 02How are transfers and shore visits arranged for the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
    The vessel’s scheduled shore programme covers visits at stops along the Nile, with land transport and an Egyptologist provided where the cruise line includes them. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges your booking as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Confirm any airport transfers separately, as they are not listed among the cruise inclusions.
  3. 03Which items are covered by the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
    Full-board meals are included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The fare also includes use of the sun deck and lounge bar, scheduled shore excursions, and land transport and an Egyptologist for visits where these are provided by the cruise line. Confirm the final arrangements before travel.
  4. 04What is not included in the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya fare?
    International and domestic flights, gratuities, personal spending and optional activities are excluded unless your booking states otherwise. Drinks beyond water served with meals may cost extra. A single supplement may apply when one person occupies a cabin. Hot-air balloon rides and private tours are examples of optional extras.
  5. 05Is the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for travellers with mobility concerns?
    The Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya has stairs between some areas, and shore visits can involve uneven ancient ground. These physical demands may make parts of the trip difficult for guests with limited mobility. Contact us before booking with your specific needs so we can check what can be arranged with the cruise line.
  6. 06What is the children’s policy on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
    Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%; 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 require their own cabin.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?
    Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for uneven temple ground, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. A light layer is useful after sunset. Choose modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees. Upper Egypt can be very hot, so carry water while walking ashore.
  8. 08Can I take photographs during the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya shore visits?
    Photography rules vary by site and may change, so follow signs and instructions from site staff or your Egyptologist. Some areas or objects may restrict photography, and flash can be prohibited. Check locally before taking pictures inside tombs or museums, and ask permission before photographing people.
  9. 09When is the best time to take the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile cruise?
    October to April usually brings milder conditions for sightseeing in Upper Egypt than the hotter summer months. Winter sun is a popular reason to travel, but mornings and evenings can feel cool on the river. In summer, plan for strong heat during visits and follow your guide’s advice.
  10. 10Which sites does the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya visit?
    The scheduled programme names Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Visits are subject to the cruise line’s confirmed schedule. Unlike larger Nile ships, this ten-cabin dahabiya offers a quieter setting, though the listed programme does not confirm additional stops.

Editorial review

Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-633770

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