Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star, sail-powered dahabiya with eight cabins, a rooftop terrace, Nile views and full-board dining for up to 16 guests.
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
This intimate superior dahabiya is a small Nile sailing vessel operating between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
·In summary
This dahabiya cruise links Luxor and Aswan with shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. It includes Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, water with meals, use of the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room, and WiFi in public areas subject to signal.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Wellness
- Couples·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Superior Dahabiya with two suites and six double cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Full-board dining, starting with embarkation-day lunch and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day · Drinking water served with meals · Use of the rooftop terrace · Access to the lounge and dining room · Wi-Fi in public areas, depending on local signal · Shore excursions shown in the confirmed programme
- Best for
- Couples seeking a quieter Nile experience · Families comfortable with river-boat travel · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Private charter groups · Travellers preferring small-capacity sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books and arranges the cruise.
- Standard arrangements can include professional Egyptologist guiding and on-the-ground support when specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Seven-day sail aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan, paced for relaxed site visits.
- 02We avoid large motor-cruise timetables; moor at riverbank villages and islands that larger ships skip.
- 03Our Egyptologists accompany guided walks to Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple and Philae, timed to avoid crowds.
- 04Evening on-deck meals and sunset navigation, with no engine rumble–dahabiya sailing is quieter than motor cruises.
- 05Includes cabin accommodation, meals and shore excursions; Khufu pyramid interior, premium tombs, and gratuities excluded.
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the Nile carries Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya past palms, mud-brick villages and fishing boats, with the lateen sail lifting quietly above the water. On deck, the river sets the pace: slow enough to notice changing light, hear the crew at work and reach the temples without the hurried rhythm of a large motorised cruiser.
Days ashore bring Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus at Edfu, while evenings leave space for a chef-prepared meal or a quiet hour on the rooftop terrace. The 38-metre dahabiya accommodates up to 16 guests with a crew of 10. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your shore visits, vehicles and local Egyptologists before you travel.
Background
The facts
This intimate dahabiya cruise runs between Luxor and Aswan along the River Nile, with shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The programme includes Esna and sailing on the Nile.
The itinerary takes in key archaeological sites in Upper Egypt. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are on the east bank of ancient Thebes; the Valley of the Kings is on the west bank, where royal tombs from the New Kingdom were carved into the Theban hills. Edfu lies roughly halfway between Luxor and Aswan and is famed for its well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, completed in the 1st century BCE. Around 50 kilometres north of Aswan, Kom Ombo is home to a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Philae Temple stands on Agilkia Island near Aswan.
The vessel has eight cabins: two suites and six double cabins. Shared amenities comprise a rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room; WiFi is available in public areas, subject to local signal. Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day. Water is served with meals, but other drinks are not included. The full-charter rate is available on request; a minimum of two cabins is needed to guarantee sailing. We'll confirm per-person-sharing rates and any single supplement when you book.
Named in this entry
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Esna·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Horus Temple in Edfu·Temple at Kom Ombo·Philae Temple·Ancient Thebes·Abu Simbel
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and families seeking a quieter, slower-paced Nile experience than a larger motorised cruiser, particularly travellers interested in ancient Egyptian sites and small-group or exclusive-charter arrangements. Guests should be comfortable with boarding a river vessel, walking across uneven temple ground and managing hot conditions during shore visits.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger motorised cruise if you want extensive on-board facilities or a livelier social scene. The limited cabin capacity and minimum two-cabin requirement to guarantee sailing may not suit solo travellers or small parties seeking a guaranteed departure.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Eight cabins create a more intimate setting than larger motorised cruisers.
- Rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room provide space between shore visits.
Things to Consider
- Only eight cabins are available, so choice is limited.
- At least two cabins are needed to guarantee sailing.
- Temple visits involve walking over uneven ancient stone.
- Drinks beyond water and crew and guide gratuities cost extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and a slower sailing style, creating a quieter experience between shore visits. This package includes eight cabins, two suites and six double cabins, but its stated route and excursion programme should not be confused with a fixed-duration itinerary because the number of nights is confirmed at booking.
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
Aboard
Meet the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 38-metre dahabiya carrying up to 16 guests, crewed by 10.
- Length
- 38m
- Guests
- Up to 16
- Crew
- 10
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board dining, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Water served alongside meals
- Entry to the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room
- Wi-Fi in public areas, where a local signal is available
Not included
- Beverages other than water served with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and guide
- Entrance charges for national parks or temples, unless confirmed as included when booking
- Flights to Egypt, whether international or domestic
- Transfers, visa costs and personal spending
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask at booking which shore visits require separate entrance tickets, as applicable temple fees are not included unless stated.
- 02
Bring a power bank for shore visits; public-area WiFi depends on the local signal.
- 03
Pack a light layer for the rooftop terrace after sunset, when the river breeze can feel cooler.
- 04
Choose cabin sharing arrangements early, especially if you need two cabins for your party.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The experience can be arranged as a private charter, subject to a minimum of two cabins required to guarantee sailing. Travellers can ask Discovery Tours Egypt to review cabin allocation, transfers, visas, guide arrangements and additional sightseeing or nights, where operationally available; drinks other than water and gratuities remain separate unless added to the booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya links Luxor and Aswan, so it can sit between a Cairo visit and time in either Nile city. Its four-day route suits travellers who want a smaller sailing vessel rather than a large motorised Nile cruiser.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding a dahabiya may involve a narrow or sloping gangway between the riverbank and vessel. The boat can move slightly as you board, and cabins and shared spaces may require steps or narrow passageways. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient stone, sand, steps and exposed ground. Wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed on the vessel or at every site. If you use a wheelchair, walking frame or other mobility aid, contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, boarding point and excursion arrangements. Our team can discuss which visits may be difficult, but cannot promise step-free access.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail while sailing on the Nile, which can reduce engine use during suitable conditions. Engines may still be required for manoeuvring, safety or weather. We arrange the cruise with local Egyptian suppliers, including the boat crew, catering team, road transport providers and Egyptologists. Meals are prepared on board and water is provided with meals. WiFi is available in public areas subject to local signal, so it is not continuous internet access. Please use refillable bottles where practical, limit single-use plastic and follow the crew's waste-disposal guidance along the river.
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
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking footwear with a firm grip
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Insect repellent
- A refillable water bottle
- A small bag for day trips ashore
- Prescription medication you need during the cruise
What to wear
- Lightweight garments with a relaxed fit
- Airy layers for cooler Nile evenings
- Comfortable footwear for sand, steps and uneven stone paths
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for communal spaces
- A sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel at no cost; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price, while children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. No separate minimum age, stroller arrangements or high-chair provision has been confirmed. If any of these details are important for your family, please check with us before booking.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price 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.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,094single cabin £1,648 | May – September: from £882single cabin £1,280 | Peak dates: from £1,055single cabin £1,567 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,364single cabin £2,102 | May – September: from £1,080single cabin £1,612 | Peak dates: from £1,311single cabin £1,995 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
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.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
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.See the complete terms for cancelling and refunds
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Karnak Temple3 km
- The Valley of the Kings6 km
- Horus Temple in EdfuRight here
- Temple at Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare a quieter sail-powered dahabiya with larger motorised cruisers
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise lasts four days, sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The exact sequence and timing of shore visits depend on the final itinerary. Unlike longer dahabiya holidays, this is a short sailing programme, so check the planned stops before booking if a particular site is essential.02Are transfers included with the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
Transfers are not included in the stated cruise arrangements. Discovery Tours Egypt can advise on arranging transport to and from the vessel, with details depending on your arrival point and sailing dates. Confirm embarkation and disembarkation arrangements before booking flights, as flight times need to fit the cruise schedule.03What does the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare include?
Full-board meals are included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with water served at meals. Guests may also use the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room, and WiFi is available in public areas when the local signal allows. Check your booking confirmation for the final inclusions.04What is excluded from the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
Drinks other than water served with meals, gratuities, flights, transfers, visas and personal expenses are excluded. Temple or national park entrance fees may also be extra unless your booking states otherwise. Standard site fees are usually included on tours, but this cruise listing makes an exception, so confirm the treatment of each fee before travelling.05Is the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya accessible for passengers with limited mobility?
The vessel and shore visits may involve stairs and uneven ground, so this cruise may not suit every traveller with limited mobility. Specific access details are not provided for the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya. Tell us about your needs before booking, and we can check what can be arranged for boarding and visits to sites such as Karnak Temple.06What is the child policy on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel free, those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% and children aged 12 or over pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with no more than one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, water-resistant sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for shore visits. Light clothing suits warm daytime conditions, while a light layer can help during cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing at temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. Pack any personal medication you need, as supplies may not be easy to find during sailing.08Can I take photographs on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
Photography is generally possible aboard the vessel and at many archaeological sites, but restrictions can vary by location. Some areas may prohibit photography or charge an additional fee, particularly for video equipment. Ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures inside a tomb or temple, and follow any signs or instructions from site staff.09When is the best time to take the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for sightseeing along the Nile. Summer is hotter, especially during visits to exposed archaeological sites, so plan for early starts and strong sun. Weather and sailing conditions vary, and the four-day schedule may leave less flexibility than a longer cruise.10Which sites does the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The listed shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The final sequence depends on the sailing itinerary. The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya has eight cabins, giving it a smaller scale than larger motorised Nile cruisers.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-952725
You Might Also Like
Nile3 Nights
Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail seven days along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard Iris, a privately operated luxury dahabiya. We operate Iris as a private dahabiya rather than a large motor ship; that means slower transit and more time ashore. Unlike 4‑night motor cruise patterns, a dahabiya allows ad hoc moorings and quieter nights on the river. Our Egyptologists give daily briefings and accompany guided walks ashore. Trade‑offs: cabins are more compact than on larger ships, shade on deck is limited at midday, and some temple visits require early starts. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private embarkations and ground transfers.
From £1,229
Nile3 Nights
Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
The Princess Cleopatra dahabiya is a seven-day traditional-sailing cruise along the Nile. Unlike motorised mini-cruises, dahabiyas use sails traditionally and give quieter overnight crossings. We operate this itinerary as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can adjust embarkation points where feasible. Expect compact cabins and generous deck space for daytime sailing; plan for early starts at temples, walking on uneven ancient stone, and occasional itinerary changes when wind is light. Standard site entrance fees apply unless we state otherwise; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra. We recommend seven days to see key riverside sites without repeated hotel changes.
From £1,094
Nile3 Nights
Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nour El Din Dahabiya is a 45-metre sailing vessel on the Nile, designed for up to 20 guests and served by an 11-person crew. Its three-deck layout includes two cabin decks. As a dahabiya, it offers a slower style of river travel than larger Nile cruisers and may reach quieter stretches and smaller archaeological sites. The cruise is full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Water served with meals is included; other drinks are extra. We arrange the booking as part of your Egypt plans. The cruise supplier owns and operates the vessel.
From £1,056