Zekrayaat Dahabiya
Seven-day dahabiya sailing Luxor to Aswan
At a glance
- Embarks
- Mon
- Board
- Full Board
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Zekrayaat Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin
- Includes
- Nile sailing aboard Zekrayaat Dahabiya · Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Visits to Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Slow-paced holidays · Couples · Small private groups
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise.
- The supplied product details do not identify the vessel’s route or shore-excursion programme.
02Overview
A first look
Zekrayaat is a traditional sailing dahabiya on the quiet stretch of the Nile between Esna and Aswan — a handful of cabins, meals on deck, and moorings at islands, quarries, and villages the big cruisers pass by. The name means "memories" in Arabic — a fair description of what a week under sail here leaves you with.
Background
The facts
Zekrayaat Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise aboard a dahabiya, a traditional sailing-boat type used for river travel in Egypt. The cruise is selected, booked and arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
The supplied product details do not identify the embarkation point, sailing route, shore visits, distances or departure times. These details should be confirmed from the itinerary before travel rather than inferred from other Nile cruises.
The Nile has supported settlement and transport in Egypt since antiquity. No specific archaeological sites, historical periods or UNESCO World Heritage properties are named in the supplied itinerary for this cruise.
Boarding arrangements, vessel access, opening hours and seasonal schedules are not specified in the available product information. Ask for the confirmed route and embarkation instructions before booking.
Named in this entry
Zekrayaat Dahabiya·Nile River·Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Zekrayaat Dahabiya may suit adults and older children who want a quiet Nile sailing experience rather than the facilities and evening entertainment of a large cruise ship. It is worth considering for couples, solo travellers or families who value a smaller-boat setting, but the available details do not specify the route, sailing hours or shore visits.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want resort-style facilities, a detailed shore-excursion programme or a confirmed multi-night itinerary. The one-day listing does not give enough information to assess access needs or the amount of walking involved.
What lingers
- 01Sail-powered dahabiya cruising on the Nile
- 02A slower-paced alternative to larger motorised Nile cruisers
- 03Time to experience the river and its banks between stops
- 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Dahabiya format offers a more intimate setting than large Nile cruisers
- Sail-powered travel keeps the focus on the river
- A quieter alternative to ships with evening entertainment
- The listed duration is one day
Things to Consider
- One day allows limited time on the Nile
- The listing does not state the route or stops
- Wind can affect sailing pace and timing
- No accessibility or onboard-facility details are provided
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most larger Nile cruisers rely on engines and follow established river itineraries. A dahabiya is a sailing-boat type associated with a slower pace, but the available details do not confirm this vessel’s propulsion, cabin count or stops.
The route
Luxor and ASWAN
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 Luxor 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.
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board accommodation aboard Zekrayaat Dahabiya
- Sightseeing accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to the attractions listed
- Tea, coffee and bottled water each day
- Transfers in air-conditioned private vehicles
- Felucca sailing, subject to availability
- Taxes and service fees
Not included
- Flights to and from Egypt
- Personal spending
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Excursions not included in the itinerary
- Drinks outside those included with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Request the confirmed embarkation point and reporting time before arranging transport to the river.
- 02
Ask whether mobility limits affect boarding, as the vessel’s access arrangements are not specified.
- 03
Check which drinks are included; water with meals is the stated baseline for dahabiya cruises.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The available product details do not confirm private-charter options, meal upgrades, extra shore visits or itinerary extensions. Ask us whether any of these can be arranged for your date before booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– This one-day sailing can be added to a wider Egypt itinerary that includes time in Cairo or visits to Luxor and Aswan. The embarkation point and route are not specified, so check these before planning nearby sightseeing.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya itinerary includes uneven archaeological ground, stone steps, soft sand at some riverbanks and low gangways when boarding. Onboard access is by a short ladder or fixed steps. The cabins and dining area are on the main deck, with one or two steps to some cabins. Transfers by coach or launch also involve stepping up and down. Wheelchair users may have limited independent access, and continuous ramp access cannot be guaranteed. Remote sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila may have no ramps or lifts. We can discuss additional assistance and airport meet-and-assist before booking, but local help cannot remove these access limitations.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Light daypack for shore visits
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain or windproof layer for evenings
- Personal medication and basic first-aid items
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- Light scarf or wrap for sun protection and modesty
- Smart-casual clothing for dinner
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (no more than one child per cabin); two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be folded and stored onboard, but the cabins are compact and steps make them less practical during the cruise. Meals are from the vessel’s menu. High chairs are not guaranteed, so ask for one when booking.
Location
On the map
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Sail between four named Nile destinations
02
Choose a dahabiya instead of a large cruise ship
03
We arrange the cruise with its vessel operator
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses a lateen sail and makes less use of its engine while sailing under wind power than an engine-only Nile cruiser. We arrange bookings with locally owned dahabiyas and Egyptian captains, crew and chefs. Provisions are often bought from markets in Luxor and Aswan, and local guides and small suppliers provide services during shore visits. The shallow-draft vessel can reach smaller sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, away from some of the busiest monument areas. Waste separation depends on available facilities. Refillable water containers are used to reduce reliance on single-use plastic; the extent of this provision can vary.
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
Zekrayaat Dahabiya is listed as a one-day cruise on the Nile in Egypt. The available product details do not specify its route, embarkation point or shore excursions, so confirm these before booking.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What should I pack for a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing trip?
Pack light, airy clothes, comfortable shoes for walks ashore and a broad-brimmed hat for your dahabiya journey. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and swimwear. A light jacket or shawl comes in handy on cooler evenings on deck, particularly from October to March.02Are special dietary requirements catered for on Zekrayaat Dahabiya?
We can cater for special dietary requirements. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs well before departure, so the onboard chef can prepare suitable meals during your sailing. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through to breakfast on disembarkation day.03When is the ideal season for a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing?
The ideal time to sail on Zekrayaat Dahabiya is from October to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and comfortable for sightseeing. While the dahabiya operates year-round, the summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially during midday excursions.04Is Zekrayaat Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Yes, Zekrayaat Dahabiya welcomes families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the 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.05How many guests can Zekrayaat Dahabiya accommodate?
Zekrayaat Dahabiya offers an intimate sailing experience, typically accommodating a small number of guests across its limited cabins. This ensures a personalised service, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or families seeking a more exclusive Nile journey than larger cruisers provide.06What is included in the Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing package?
Your Zekrayaat Dahabiya package includes full board accommodation, all listed sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist, and entrance fees to attractions. Daily tea, coffee, bottled water, and all transfers by air-conditioned private vehicles are also covered, along with a felucca ride, if available.07What is not included in the Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing package?
The package does not include international flights, personal expenses, or gratuities for the crew and guide. Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary and drinks beyond those included in the meal plan are also excluded. We can advise on typical tipping amounts.08What is the pace of a Zekrayaat Dahabiya sailing trip?
The dahabiya offers a relaxed, unhurried pace, sailing gently along the Nile with its lateen sails. Unlike larger cruisers, it often stops at quieter, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila. This allows for more time to absorb the scenery and enjoy the intimate atmosphere on board.09What kind of shore excursions are offered from Zekrayaat Dahabiya?
Shore excursions from Zekrayaat Dahabiya focus on unique, less-frequented sites that larger boats cannot access. These include the ancient city of El Kab, the sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila, and the Hagar Salsala quarry, all accompanied by one of our expert Egyptologists.10Is Zekrayaat Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Access to Zekrayaat Dahabiya involves gangplanks, and cabins have steps. Shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain, sand, or steps at archaeological sites. While the crew can assist, travellers with significant mobility concerns may find some aspects challenging.
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
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-861249
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