Nile Cruise · Nile · 8 days · 7 nights
Private Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya, full-board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast, shaded sun deck, lounge bar and personalised shore excursions.
The short answer
Private Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for Solar Eclipse 2027.
- New
02 Overview
A first look
By late afternoon the Nile often goes still, the light flattening across the water so you notice the sound of the sails and the creak of timber before anything else. On this charter the quiet is part of the plan, a paced sequence of afternoons on deck, dawn-watch coffees, and the slow change of light along the riverbanks as the dahabiya sails between Luxor and Aswan.
We arrange the whole-boat charter and coordinate mooring timed for the eclipse totality, and our Egyptologists help shape the shore-excursion programme. That practical planning means your days are spent on the vessel and ashore, not worrying about logistics.
Background
The facts
Private Dahabiya is an eight-cabin sail-powered Nile vessel offered as a whole-boat charter for Solar Eclipse 2027. The charter is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, while the cruise line supplies the vessel, captain, and onboard crew. The format is designed for exclusive use by one party, with cabin accommodation, full board, and a private excursion programme.
The eclipse component includes riverbank mooring timed for the totality window, allowing viewing from the vessel and from the shore when conditions permit. Because the itinerary is built around the eclipse event rather than a fixed public sailing pattern, timing can be adjusted for viewing logistics and navigation along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel’s sailing programme also includes time for temple visits and historic sites on both riverbanks.
Typical shore excursions associated with the charter include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. These sites represent different periods of ancient Egyptian history, from New Kingdom mortuary temples to Ptolemaic sanctuaries. Standard site entrance fees are generally included unless a specific exclusion is stated; premium tomb entries and gratuities are usually extra.
Onboard facilities include a shaded sun deck, lounge bar, and dining saloon for meals and briefings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya format is smaller and quieter than larger Nile cruise ships, which makes it suitable for private charters that prioritize flexible schedules and a more controlled viewing environment.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This charter is best suited to couples, families, and private groups who want exclusive use of a small Nile vessel during Solar Eclipse 2027. It appeals to travelers who value archaeology, photography, and a quieter sailing environment over large-group cruising. The trip is appropriate for most adults and older children who are comfortable with temple visits and time spent on deck.
What lingers
- 01 Whole-boat charter of an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya, exclusive use for your party
- 02 Riverbank mooring held for the eclipse totality window, allowing viewing from the vessel and shore
- 03 Shaded sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon for meals and evening briefings
- 04 Personalised shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05 Full board included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 06 Unlike standard group sailings, this charter provides flexible timings and a private excursion tempo
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Whole-boat private charter of the dahabiya for the booked period
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Professional captain and onboard crew
- Riverbank mooring held for the eclipse totality window
- Use of vessel facilities, including sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon
- Shore excursion programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings as arranged for the charter
- Arrangement services by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks beyond water with meals, and bar charges
- Port or local authority fees if applicable
- Personal travel insurance, visas and medical costs
- Gratuities for crew, guides and drivers
- Any premium site entry fees not included in the charter contract (for example, certain premium tombs)
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin). Two or more children require their own cabin.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What does this charter include?
Exclusive whole-boat use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered dahabiya, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and a professional captain and crew. -
02 Where do we view the 2027 solar eclipse?
From a riverbank mooring held specifically for the eclipse totality window, viewable from the vessel or the shore. -
03 What's the price?
From $9,800 for the whole-boat charter, for the booked period. -
04 What shore excursions are included?
A personalised programme to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, arranged around your party's schedule rather than a fixed group timetable. -
05 How is this different from a standard Nile cruise?
You charter the whole boat privately, so excursion timings are flexible rather than following a shared group itinerary.
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
Last updated 28 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-318994
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