Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
Three Pyramids Dahabiya
A 5-star, 40-metre dahabiya for up to 16 guests, with lateen sails, an 11-person crew and full-board dining.
The short answer
Three Pyramids is a 5-Star Standard dahabiya. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Esna, or in Esna on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan. Fares start from £1,001 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile is quiet enough to hear the lateen sail tighten and the wake draw a narrow line behind the dahabiya. Palm groves, cultivated fields and desert edges pass at walking pace, while the low deck keeps the riverbank in view rather than behind a cabin window.
Three Pyramids Dahabiya is 40 metres long and 7 metres wide, with space for up to 16 guests and an 11-person crew. We arrange the selected vessel for your booking and coordinate time ashore with our Egyptologists, leaving room for unhurried temple visits as well as quiet hours on the river. The trade-off is simple: fewer entertainment facilities than a large cruiser, but a calmer sailing rhythm and more personal service.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | 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 £1,001double cabinsingle cabin £1,363 | May – September: from £928double cabinsingle cabin £1,218 | Peak dates: from £1,030double cabinsingle cabin £1,421 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,265double cabinsingle cabin £1,748 | May – September: from £1,169double cabinsingle cabin £1,555 | Peak dates: from £1,304double cabinsingle cabin £1,826 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
On arrival at Luxor airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Luxor for the day: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple. You're then driven to Esna to board your dahabiya, welcomed by the crew for your first night moored there.
- 2
Breakfast at your leisure as the dahabiya sails towards Edfu, arriving around midday. Visit the Temple of Horus by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then wander the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
After lunch on board, sail on towards the temple at Gebel el-Silsila, with dinner served in the temple grounds, on a nearby island, or on the sun deck.
- 3
Breakfast at leisure, then sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Greco-Roman double temple, shared equally between the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek. Carry on sailing towards Aswan, taking in river life along the banks — water buffalo, donkeys and birdlife — mooring overnight close to the city.
- 4
After breakfast on board, spend the day exploring Aswan — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam — with time to browse the Aswan souk. Return to the boat for your last evening and overnight in Aswan.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Aswan airport or railway station for your onward departure.
- 1
On arrival at Aswan airport or railway station, your Egyptologist guide takes you sightseeing in Aswan for the day — the island Temple of Isis at Philae and the Aswan High Dam, with time to browse the Aswan bazaar. In the afternoon you board your dahabiya and take lunch on deck as the boat sets sail for Kom Ombo, mooring there overnight.
- 2
Breakfast at your leisure, then visit the Greco-Roman temple at Kom Ombo — a perfectly symmetrical double temple with matching halls and sanctuaries dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek.
Sail on to the quieter temple at Gebel el-Silsila, mooring alongside the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb; dinner is served in the temple grounds or on the sun deck, weather and mood permitting.
- 3
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn caleche — among Egypt's largest and best-preserved monuments, its entrance guarded by two granite falcon statues — then browse the bazaar for spices, souvenirs and perfume.
The dahabiya moors at a quiet island for a themed Egyptian evening: dinner by the riverbank or on the sun deck, Arabic music, and the option to dress in a gallabeya, before sailing gently on towards Esna overnight.
- 4
After breakfast, disembark at Esna and travel to Luxor for a sightseeing day — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple — before your transfer to Luxor airport or railway station for departure.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard dahabiya
- Cabins
- 8
- Decks
- 3
What lingers
- 01A 5-star dahabiya sailing on the Nile
- 02Capacity for up to 16 guests
- 03A smaller-scale alternative to larger Nile cruise ships
- 04Sailing programme follows the itinerary selected at booking
- 05The vessel is selected at booking, rather than tied to a named ship
Aboard
Meet the Three Pyramids Dahabiya
A 40-metre, 7-metre dahabiya carrying up to 16 guests, crewed by 11.
- Length
- 40m
- Width
- 7m
- Guests
- Up to 16
- Crew
- 11
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on a selected 5-star Nile dahabiya
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Nile sailing programme for the itinerary booked
- Service from the dahabiya’s crew
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions or services not included in the booked itinerary
- Transfers not specifically listed in the booking details
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which shore visits are confirmed for your selected sailing; regional examples are not guaranteed stops.
- 02
Check the embarkation and disembarkation points against your onward travel plans before booking.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses.
- 04
Confirm whether transfers are listed in your booking rather than assuming they are included.
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.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can confirm the assigned vessel, sailing dates, embarkation details and shore-excursion programme at booking. Travellers may request private arrangements, transfers, additional sightseeing or optional services, but these are subject to availability and may incur extra charges.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and families seeking a quiet, small-capacity Nile experience rather than entertainment and facilities found on larger cruise ships. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in traditional sailing, river landscapes and a slower pace, provided they are comfortable with boat access, steps and limited on-board space.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want evening entertainment, extensive onboard facilities or a faster, engine-led sailing style. The cruise may also be a poor fit if you need step-free access during shore visits.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A 40-metre dahabiya carries no more than 16 guests.
- Lateen-sail travel offers a quieter pace than larger cruisers.
- An 11-person crew provides service in a small setting.
Things to Consider
- Drinks (including water) generally cost extra.
- Shore visits can involve uneven ground, steps and heat.
- Stroller access at archaeological sites may be limited.
- The exact sailing route depends on the itinerary confirmed at booking.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruise ships, this dahabiya carries up to 16 guests and uses a traditional lateen sail for a quieter, slower-paced experience. It has fewer large-ship facilities and entertainment options, but its smaller size may permit access to quieter river locations and smaller sites, depending on the confirmed itinerary.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,001 pp
- Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £1,009 pp
- Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard dahabiya
Embarks Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan
From £976 pp
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
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-star Dahabiya cruise on the Nile
- Destinations
- The Nile · Egypt · Three Pyramids
- Includes
- Stay on board a chosen 5-star Nile dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation day · Full board through breakfast on disembarkation day · Nile sailing schedule for your booked trip · Service from the dahabiya crew
- Best for
- Couples seeking a quieter Nile experience · Small groups and families · Travellers interested in traditional sailing · Guests preferring intimate cruises to large ships
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- A water bottle you can refill
- Sturdy, comfortable footwear for walking
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication
- A compact bag for excursions ashore
- Egyptian pounds for personal spending and tips
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Shoes with good grip for quays and uneven ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light extra layer for breezy Nile evenings
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
Children & families
There is no stated minimum age. Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Gangways, steps and uneven shore paths can make the cruise challenging with young children. Strollers are generally impractical, and high-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise requires boarding from a Nile quay, where the approach may include uneven ground, a short gangway and assistance with luggage. Cabins and shared areas are normally reached by steps, with no lift or purpose-built wheelchair cabin. Shore visits can involve sand, gravel, rough paths, ancient stone and stairs at sites such as temples and quarries. A foldable wheelchair may be possible, subject to confirmation of the assigned vessel and cabin. Please contact us before booking so we can check boarding access, cabin location and the planned shore visits.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail for much of the Nile journey, although an auxiliary engine may be needed for manoeuvring, docking or calm conditions. With capacity for up to 16 guests, it carries fewer passengers than larger Nile cruise ships. We arrange the sailing, meals, crew service and shore programme with local Egyptian suppliers. Visits can support local guides, boatmen, food suppliers and communities near smaller river stops. We do not describe the cruise as emission-free. Fuel use, water supply, waste handling and sourcing depend on the assigned vessel and its operating procedures.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What does a dahabiya cruise involve?
A dahabiya cruise offers an intimate, sail-powered journey on the Nile, distinct from larger motor cruises. The Three Pyramids Dahabiya is 40 metres long, accommodating up to 16 guests with an 11-person crew, providing a quieter, more personal experience of the river.02How long does the Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruise last?
This allows for a relaxed pace, with ample time to explore the ancient sites along the Nile and enjoy the sailing experience, including stops at locations inaccessible to larger vessels.03Which meals are provided during the dahabiya cruise?
Your cruise includes full board, commencing with lunch on the embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on the disembarkation day. All main meals are prepared by the onboard chef. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional cost.04Does the dahabiya cruise include transfers?
Transfers are included only if explicitly detailed in your booking confirmation. While we arrange your Nile sailing programme, any transfers to or from the dahabiya, such as airport or hotel connections, must be specifically confirmed as part of your itinerary.05How accessible is a dahabiya?
Dahabiyas like the Three Pyramids offer an intimate setting, but accessibility can be limited. Guests navigate gangplanks to board, and there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and paths. Please contact us to discuss specific mobility needs.06What are the child policies for the Three Pyramids Dahabiya?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. No more than one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need their own cabin.07What clothing and items should I pack for a dahabiya cruise?
We suggest packing light, comfortable clothes for warm weather, as well as modest clothing for visits to religious sites. Key items are a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for shore trips over ancient stone and uneven paths.08When is the ideal time of year for a Nile dahabiya cruise?
The optimal time for a Nile dahabiya cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09Which special sites can a dahabiya visit that larger cruise ships cannot?
The Three Pyramids Dahabiya, due to its smaller size and sail power, can access unique sites such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry. These locations are often inaccessible to larger vessels, providing a more exclusive exploration of ancient Egypt.10Are gratuities covered, or are they expected on the dahabiya cruise?
The cruise fare does not cover gratuities for the crew or Egyptologists. Tipping for services is customary in Egypt. We can advise on suitable amounts for the crew and your guide in your final travel documents.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-422585
At a glance
- Length
- 3 or 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Esna · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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