5-Star Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt
With lateen sails, an onboard jacuzzi and full-board meals, this smaller 5-star dahabiya offers a quieter way to travel the Nile.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
This 5-star dahabiya cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, with the cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Aswan · The Nile · Luxor
- Includes
- Three-night Nile cruise · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · On-board jacuzzi access · Agreed arrival and departure transfers · Standard cruise arrangements on the selected route
- Best for
- Travellers seeking a quieter Nile experience · Couples and adults · Families comfortable with compact cruise cabins · Scenic sailing enthusiasts · Visitors comparing dahabiyas with larger Nile cruisers
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- 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.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the third-party-operated cruise and agreed transfers.
- Standard cruise inclusions and exclusions are stated clearly, including the full-board window, drinks policy and gratuities exclusion.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile carries the sound of the wind through the rigging, while the Queen Isis Dahabiya’s lateen sail draws the boat past palms and low riverbank villages. From the deck, you can watch the landscape change between Aswan and Luxor at a pace that leaves room for conversation, photographs and quiet pauses. The setting feels more intimate than a large river cruiser, with the captain responding to the wind rather than a busy entertainment schedule. We arrange the sailing, shore arrangements and transfers around your booking, with our Egyptologists adding context to the places you see. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we remain your point of contact on land throughout.
Background
The facts
This 3-night Nile cruise connects Aswan and Luxor aboard an intimate 5-star dahabiya. Departures from Aswan to Luxor are scheduled on Mondays, while the reverse Luxor-to-Aswan route departs on Thursdays. The exact vessel is assigned at booking and is selected and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel itself is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
The cruise includes full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Water with meals is included, while other drinks, personal expenses and gratuities are excluded. Included transfers connect the cruise with the agreed arrival and departure points.
A dahabiya is a smaller Nile sailing boat designed for a slower and quieter experience than a large river cruiser. The vessel class generally has fewer cabins, sails at a relaxed pace and may access smaller landing points that are unsuitable for larger ships; the actual shore-excursion programme depends on the selected booking. A jacuzzi is available on board for use while sailing or during leisure periods.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Aswan·Luxor·Upper Egypt·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Philae Temple·Kom Ombo·Edfu Temple
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to adults and families who prefer a quieter, lower-capacity Nile experience over the entertainment and larger passenger numbers of conventional river cruisers. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in relaxed river travel, scenic sailing and a more intimate atmosphere rather than nightlife or extensive on-board facilities.
What lingers
- 01Travel between Aswan and Luxor aboard a dahabiya
- 02Choose the sailing direction offered for your selected departure
- 03Spend time on deck as the Nile landscape changes between the two cities
- 04Use the on-board jacuzzi during the cruise
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya offers a smaller passenger capacity, a quieter atmosphere and a slower sailing pace. It is a better fit for travellers prioritising intimacy and relaxation, while larger ships may provide more cabins, entertainment and extensive on-board facilities.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
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.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Three nights aboard Queen Isis Dahabiya on the Nile
- Meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to the on-board jacuzzi
- Transfers detailed in your booking
- Scheduled sailing between Aswan and Luxor, or Luxor and Aswan, based on your chosen departure
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal spending
- Optional excursions or services not listed in your booking
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Travellers can select the Aswan-to-Luxor Monday departure or the Luxor-to-Aswan Thursday departure, subject to availability. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the agreed arrival and departure transfers and discuss optional services or excursions not included in the standard booking
- drinks beyond water and gratuities remain additional.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires boarding and leaving a river vessel, often via a narrow or steep gangway. Access varies with the landing point and Nile water level. Shore visits may involve sand, unpaved paths, cobblestones, steps and uneven ancient stone at sites such as Karnak Temple or Luxor West Bank. Wheelchair access is not guaranteed on the vessel or at every landing point. A folding wheelchair may be possible after advance assessment, but storage and assistance must be confirmed. Guests with limited mobility should travel with a companion and tell us before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance details
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Required medication
- Small day bag for shore visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven paths and ancient stone
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and villages
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the jacuzzi
- Sun hat and light scarf
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 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. Strollers are not practical on narrow gangways or uneven shore paths. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail for much of the journey, with a captain and crew employed through the selected local cruise supplier. Road transfers use locally arranged vehicles matched to the booking. Shore visits support Egyptian guides, drivers, food suppliers, site staff and communities along the Nile. Smaller stops can include villages and archaeological sites that receive fewer large cruisers. Waste, water and fuel practices vary by vessel and supplier, so we do not make unsupported environmental claims. Carrying a reusable bottle, avoiding single-use plastic and respecting local communities helps reduce impact.
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
This 3-night Nile cruise includes sailing between Aswan and Luxor aboard an intimate 5-star dahabiya, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, agreed transfers and access to an on-board jacuzzi. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, personal expenses and optional services are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya cruise and how does it differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered Nile boat, typically featuring 8–12 cabins, offering a more intimate and slower-paced sailing experience. Unlike larger, engine-powered cruise ships, dahabiyas do not have nightclubs and can access less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.02What is the duration and route of the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
The Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise spans three nights, sailing between Aswan and Luxor. Departures from Aswan to Luxor are scheduled for Mondays, while the reverse route, Luxor to Aswan, departs on Thursdays, covering key historical sites along the Nile.03What meals are included during the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Your cruise includes full board, covering lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. This ensures all your main meals are provided while you are aboard the Queen Isis Dahabiya, prepared by the onboard chef.04Are drinks included with meals on the Queen Isis Dahabiya?
Water is included with meals on the Queen Isis Dahabiya. Other drinks, such as soft drinks, juices, or alcoholic beverages, are not included in the cruise fare and can be purchased separately on board as per your preference.05What is the policy for children travelling on the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What kind of transfers are included with the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise?
Transfers are included to connect the Queen Isis Dahabiya with your agreed arrival and departure points in Aswan and Luxor. These arrangements ensure seamless private car transportation to and from the vessel at the start and end of your journey.07What should I pack or wear for a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, including modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or shawl is advisable.08Is the Queen Isis Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas, including the Queen Isis, are smaller vessels with stairs between decks and gangways that can be steep depending on water levels. While our team assists, travellers with significant mobility concerns may find navigation challenging on board and at some ancient sites.09Are gratuities included in the Queen Isis Dahabiya cruise price?
No, gratuities for the crew and guides are not included in the cruise price. We recommend budgeting for these, as they are a customary way to acknowledge good service in Egypt and are typically paid at the end of your trip.10What makes the Queen Isis Dahabiya a unique Nile cruising experience?
The Queen Isis Dahabiya offers a unique, intimate sailing experience with a maximum of 12 passengers, allowing for a personalised journey. Its shallow draft enables stops at exclusive sites like Gebel Silsila and El Kab, which larger cruise ships cannot access.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-021066
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