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
The short answer
This is an intimate superior dahabiya Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Superior Dahabiya with eight cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Water with meals · Rooftop terrace access · Lounge and dining room access · WiFi in public areas subject to local signal · Shore excursions listed in the confirmed programme
- Best for
- Couples seeking a quieter Nile journey · Private groups · History enthusiasts · Travellers preferring small boats · Families planning shared cabins
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718
- Transfers, guides and cruise arrangements are coordinated by the local operator
- Cruise inclusions and exclusions are stated clearly, including the full-board meal window
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 arranged dahabiya route connects Luxor and Aswan along approximately 240 km of the navigable Nile Valley. Shore visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. The exact sailing schedule and embarkation arrangements are confirmed at booking.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Esna·Ancient Thebes·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This experience suits adults and families who prefer a quieter, slower-paced Nile journey over a large motorised cruiser. It is particularly appropriate for history enthusiasts, couples and private groups comfortable with walking over uneven temple grounds and boarding a low-profile river boat.
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.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and a slower sailing pace, creating a quieter river experience. Its compact design may allow a more intimate itinerary, while the included route focuses on major sites such as Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
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
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 | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,647 | £1,976 |
| Double cabin | £2,085 | £1,292 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,302 | £1,549 |
| Double cabin | £1,631 | £1,036 |
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.
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
- wifi
- concierge
- rooftop-terrace
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Drinking water served with meals
- Access to the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room
- WiFi in public areas, subject to local signal availability
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities
- National park and temple entrance fees where applicable, unless stated at booking
- International and domestic flights to Egypt
- Transfers, visas and personal expenses
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The cruise can be arranged as a private charter, with a minimum of two cabins required to guarantee sailing. Travellers may request private or shared arrangements, additional transfers and guide services, subject to availability
- premium tombs, special entrance fees, drinks beyond water and gratuities should be confirmed separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires regular movement between the Luxor riverbank, gangway, cabin areas and shore excursions. Boarding may involve a narrow or sloping gangway, and the vessel can move slightly while guests embark. On shore, 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. Guests using wheelchairs, walking frames or mobility aids should contact us before booking so our team can check the assigned vessel, quay and excursion arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable shoes for sand, steps and uneven stone
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, while children aged 12 and 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. No separate minimum age, stroller arrangements or high-chair provision has been confirmed, so please ask us before booking.
Location
On the map
– 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 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
The arranged dahabiya cruise includes sailing between Luxor and Aswan, shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, plus full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Water with meals and access to the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room are included; transfers, visas, drinks other than meal water, gratuities and applicable entrance fees are excluded unless stated at booking.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the usual length of the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise typically lasts 7 days, sailing along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This duration allows for a leisurely pace, ensuring ample time to explore the significant ancient sites without feeling rushed.02What is included in the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
The fare covers full-board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, with water served during meals. You also have access to the rooftop terrace, lounge, and dining room, plus WiFi in public areas, subject to local signal availability.03What is not included in the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
Exclusions typically comprise drinks beyond water served with meals, crew and guide gratuities, national park or temple entrance fees unless explicitly stated at booking, international and domestic flights to Egypt, transfers, visas, and personal expenses.04What level of accessibility should I expect on a dahabiya?
Dahabiyas, including the Royal Cleopatra, offer an intimate experience but are not fully accessible. Guests should be prepared for stairs between decks and walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces during shore excursions. Our team can discuss specific mobility needs upon enquiry.05What is the policy for children on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime, modest attire for temple visits, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Essential items include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.07Can I take photos during the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise and at the sites?
Photography is generally allowed onboard and at most archaeological sites. However, some specific areas or sites may have restrictions or require an additional fee for video cameras. Your Egyptologist guide will advise on specific rules at each location.08What is the best time of year to take the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The most comfortable time to cruise the Nile is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May through September, can be very hot, although sailing is still possible.09How does the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya differ from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya offers a more intimate, sail-powered experience with only eight cabins, unlike larger motorised cruisers. It provides a quieter journey, anchors overnight at riverbanks, and can access smaller, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.10What specific sites are visited on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya itinerary?
The itinerary includes major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. The dahabiya's smaller size also allows for stops at unique locations like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
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-952725
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