Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A five-star sail-powered dahabiya with graded cabins, a shaded sun deck and full-board meals in its dining saloon.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- 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
Princess Farida Dahabiya is an eight-day Nile sailing cruise between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Princess Farida Dahabiya sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, connecting six named archaeological sites. Its shore programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
- Luxury
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin in the selected grade · Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Daily cabin cleaning and service on board · Shore excursions to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Shore excursions to the Valley of the Kings and Edfu · Shore excursions to Kom Ombo and Philae
- Best for
- Couples · Culture-focused travellers · Nile cruise travellers · Travellers preferring smaller vessels
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The product information identifies the cruise vessel and its weekly Luxor-to-Aswan sailings in both directions.
- The stated shore programme names six sites: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya.
- 02Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories.
- 03Spend time on the shaded sun deck between shore visits.
- 04Visit Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05See Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae on the shore-excursion programme.
- 06Select a weekly sailing in either direction between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Early light on the Nile smells of warm pottery clay, citrus and freshly baked flatbread, while the dahabiya slips past river islands with only the sound of lateen sails and water against the hull. On deck there is space to read in shade, watch farmers tend feluccas and feel the small-boat rhythm between Luxor and Aswan as the captain trims the sails and the chef prepares midday dishes from local produce.
We select and arrange this sail-powered dahabiya for our guests; it is slower and more personal than larger motor cruisers, with quieter decks and fewer cabins. One of our Egyptologists will lead the shore visits and manage timings and practicalities ashore.
Background
The facts
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a scheduled sailing cruise vessel on the Nile, travelling between Luxor and Aswan in either direction. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier.
The route links Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae near Aswan.
The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including those associated with Seti I and Tutankhamun. Karnak and Luxor Temple reflect major phases of ancient Egyptian religious building, while Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae include substantial Ptolemaic-period remains. The Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis and the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae are UNESCO World Heritage properties.
The cruise has weekly departures in both directions. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise.
Named in this entry
Princess Farida Dahabiya·Nile·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae·Seti I·Tutankhamun·Abu Simbel
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults, couples and families with older children who prefer a smaller sailing vessel to a large motor cruiser. It is a good fit for travellers interested in ancient sites and comfortable with repeated shore visits on uneven ground.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger motor cruiser if you want extensive onboard entertainment or a faster-paced sailing style. The shore visits are not well suited to travellers who need step-free access or rely on a pushchair.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Smaller-capacity sailing offers a quieter alternative to large motor cruisers.
- A shaded sun deck provides space to relax between shore visits.
- Three cabin grades include Standard, Deluxe and Suite options.
Things to Consider
- Temple and tomb visits involve uneven ground, steps and sand.
- Shore excursions recur across several consecutive sailing days.
- Drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise.
- Premium tomb and pyramid interior tickets are not included.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Larger Nile motor cruisers generally have more passengers; Princess Farida Dahabiya is described as a smaller sailing vessel with a quieter onboard atmosphere. Unlike a cruise focused only on the main river stops, its stated shore programme includes both Luxor’s west bank and Philae near Aswan.
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
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
- 2
- 3
- 4
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in your selected cabin grade
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore-excursion programme provided by the vessel, visiting the sites listed in the highlights
Not included
- Beverages other than water with meals, unless specified otherwise
- Tipping and gratuities, both ashore and aboard
- Domestic and international flights, plus airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Premium site supplements, for example admission to pyramid interiors or privately ticketed tombs, unless you request them
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Budget separately for drinks beyond water with meals, as these are extra unless your booking states otherwise.
- 02
Set aside cash for gratuities, which are excluded both aboard and ashore.
- 03
Ask before booking whether your preferred cabin grade has a private balcony; the product information says only most cabins have one.
Tailor it
Make it yours
You can choose a Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin and select a Luxor-to-Aswan or Aswan-to-Luxor sailing, subject to availability. Premium tickets for privately ticketed tombs or pyramid interiors can be requested separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Pair the eight-day sailing with time in Cairo before or after the Nile route; unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya offers a smaller onboard setting and can call at riverbank sites that larger boats may not reach.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Princess Farida dahabiya requires a moderate level of mobility. Guests should be able to manage short flights of steps, narrow gangways and uneven stone quays when boarding and disembarking at Luxor or Aswan. Cabins are accessed by one or two steps; there is no lift between decks on this vessel. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and temple steps; several sites have steep staircases and low lighting in tomb interiors. Wheelchair users can be assisted onto the vessel with prior notice, but independent wheelchair access is limited and most cabin doorways and corridors are not wheelchair-width. If you have reduced mobility, please tell us at booking so we can discuss feasible arrangements, transfer assistance, and which shore visits are realistic for you.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Princess Farida dahabiya combines traditional sail design with a diesel auxiliary engine, reducing fuel use on calm-water transits. The vessel carries a small passenger complement compared with larger motor cruisers, which reduces per-guest fuel consumption on sailing days. Local crew and Egyptian craftsmen service the dahabiya, and most provisions are sourced in Luxor and Aswan to support local suppliers and reduce refrigerated transport. Onboard waste is segregated where possible; food waste is composted or handed to local farms when regulations permit. Shore excursions are led by licensed local Egyptologists and local vendors are used for handicraft demonstrations and village visits, which keeps expenditure in the communities visited. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we select and arrange this vessel; we do not claim the vessel holds any specific third-party environmental certification.
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
- Passport and copies, kept separately
- Travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: SPF30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Lightweight reusable water bottle (refills available aboard)
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- A lightweight jumper or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear for the sun deck or pool, plus a cover-up for public areas
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older 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 practical for moving between the pier and the vessel at main ports but may be cumbersome on uneven quays and at some shore sites; high chairs onboard are limited, please request at 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.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £3,419 | £4,295 | £5,171 |
| Double cabin | £2,104 | £2,542 | £2,980 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,635 | £3,293 | £3,950 |
| Double cabin | £1,649 | £1,978 | £2,307 |
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
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- The Temple of PhilaeRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit major temples and tombs along the Nile
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise last?
The Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise spans 7 days and 6 nights, offering a relaxed journey along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This allows ample time to experience the river's rhythm and visit significant ancient sites.02What does the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare cover?
Your cruise fare covers accommodation in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and daily housekeeping. The programmed shore excursions, guided by our Egyptologists, are also included.03Which items are excluded from the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare?
The price excludes beverages beyond water with meals, all gratuities for staff and guides, domestic or international flights, and Egypt entry visa costs. Personal travel insurance and premium site supplements, such as specific tomb entries, are also not included.04How accessible is the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer an intimate experience, but guests should be prepared for some physical activity. Accessing ancient sites often involves walking on uneven ground, sand, and stairs. The vessel itself has stairs between decks, so a reasonable level of mobility is required.05What arrangements apply to children and families aboard the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Children aged 0–5.99 years can travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay half the adult price. Children are required to share a cabin with their parents, and only one child is allowed per cabin. If there are two or more children, they will need a cabin of their own.06What should I pack and wear for a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
For daytime outings, opt for lightweight, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes; dress modestly when visiting temples. Pack essentials such as a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and any medication you take. A light jacket can come in handy for cooler evenings on deck.07When is the ideal time of year for a Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The ideal time for a Nile cruise is during the winter sun months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.08What photography is permitted aboard the Princess Farida Dahabiya and at the sites?
Photography is generally permitted on the dahabiya and at most outdoor archaeological sites. However, flash photography is often prohibited inside tombs and museums, and some sites may require a separate photography ticket. Always check for signage or ask your Egyptologist.09How does cruising on a dahabiya compare with travelling on a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Farida is a dahabiya, a smaller, sail-powered vessel with typically 8-12 cabins, offering a more intimate and slower-paced journey. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it can access smaller, less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, providing a unique perspective.10Will an Egyptologist guide accompany me on the shore excursions?
Yes, a qualified Egyptologist will accompany you on all included shore excursions. They provide expert commentary and historical context at each ancient site, enriching your understanding of Egypt's rich civilisation and ensuring smooth logistics ashore.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-770143
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