Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- 5 Days - 4 Nights
- From $849 per person
Description
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Nile with an exceptional Dahabiya cruise, perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, elegance, and exclusivity. Unlike larger vessels, the Dahabiya offers a more private atmosphere with fewer guests, attentive service, and the peaceful experience of sailing with the wind. Glide gracefully between Luxor and Aswan aboard a beautifully crafted vessel, pausing at rarely visited sites such as El Kab, Gebel el Silsila, and tranquil Nile islands. Each day blends handpicked excursions, gourmet meals, and moments of pure relaxation on deck. Discover hidden treasures, enjoy the comfort of intimate travel, and reconnect with the enchanting spirit of ancient Egypt—without the crowds.
Itinerary
Option 1: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1Embark in Aswan – Explore Kom Ombo
Upon arrival in Aswan, board your Dahabiya and settle into your cabin as your luxurious river journey begins. Savor lunch on deck while the boat sets sail northward along the Nile.
Your first stop is the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, beautifully positioned on a bend in the river. Dedicated to both Sobek and Haroeris, this unique double temple holds ancient tales of healing, fertility, and divine power. After exploring the site, return to your boat to enjoy a peaceful evening drifting on the Nile.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 2Gebel el Silsila – Ancient Sandstone Quarries
Begin your morning with breakfast as the Dahabiya approaches Gebel el Silsila, one of the Nile’s most atmospheric and less frequented locations. Wander among the ancient quarries where stone was extracted for temples and obelisks, and view Horemheb’s rock-cut temple.
Later, relax with a sunset dinner beside the riverbank—a tranquil highlight that truly captures the spirit of a Dahabiya cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 3Edfu and El Kab – Temples and Tombs Off the Beaten Path
After breakfast, visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus at Edfu, famed as one of ancient Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. Admire its towering pylons and intricate carvings depicting Horus’s legendary triumphs.
Sail onwards to El Kab, the ruins of an ancient city. Discover rock-cut tombs and stroll along massive mudbrick walls. Back aboard, your final night includes a farewell dinner crafted by the chef, followed by stargazing on deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 4Disembark in Esna – Journey’s End
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as your Dahabiya glides toward Esna. Disembark with assistance for your onward transfer to your next destination.
Your Nile Dahabiya adventure concludes here, leaving you with lasting memories of elegance, tranquility, and the majestic river’s enchantment.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: End of cruise
Option 2: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 1Luxor to Esna – Boarding and Sunset Sailing
Your adventure begins in Luxor, where a private, air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you to Esna. Upon arrival, board your elegant Dahabiya and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into your cabin. The cruise sets sail southward toward El Kab, floating past quiet villages shaded by palm trees and lush riverbanks cultivated by local farmers.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 2El Kab and Edfu – Ancient Temples
After breakfast, disembark to explore the ancient city of El Kab, once Upper Egypt's capital, with its intriguing rock-cut tombs and crumbling city walls. Continue the journey to Edfu, where you'll visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved and most impressive monuments.
Return to the boat for lunch and savor the tranquil experience of gliding silently down the Nile under sail, free from engine noise—a hallmark of the Dahabiya journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 3Gebel el Silsila – Riverside Sanctuary
Sail to Gebel el Silsila, an archaeological site rarely reached by larger cruises. Explore the ancient sandstone quarries and the rock-cut Temple of Horemheb, carved directly into the cliffs. Walk freely along the Nile's edge where pharaohs once sourced stone for their grand constructions.
This evening, enjoy a special dinner by the riverbank or under the stars atop the deck, surrounded by silence and history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 4Kom Ombo – Twin Gods and Riverside Views
The cruise continues to Kom Ombo, where you'll tour the dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Visit the nearby Crocodile Museum to view mummified crocodiles and learn about the ancient beliefs tied to the Nile.
Spend the afternoon sailing toward Aswan, enjoying your last full day on the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 5Arrival in Aswan – Farewell to the Nile
After breakfast, disembark in Aswan, where assistance will be provided for your onward travel arrangements. Your remarkable Dahabiya Nile cruise concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of luxury, ancient wonders, and the magical tranquility of the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: End of cruise
Included/Excluded
- Greeting and assistance by our representatives upon arrival at airport or train station
- Full-board accommodation on the cruise
- Professional tour guide in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish
- All sightseeing tours are private and guided
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Bottled water during excursions
- All transfers in a deluxe private air-conditioned vehicle
- All service charges and taxes
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Attractions
Durations
Languages
Cities
Frequently asked questions
How long is Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The cruise lasts 5 Days - 4 Nights and sails between Aswan & Luxor. Some cruises are offered in more than one length: the itinerary above lists each option.
How much does Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise cost?
The price starts at $849 per person. The exact price depends on your dates and the number of travellers, so send an enquiry for a quote for your trip.
What is included in the price?
The programme lists: Greeting and assistance by our representatives upon arrival at airport or train station; Full-board accommodation on the cruise; Professional tour guide in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish; All sightseeing tours are private and guided; Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary; Bottled water during excursions; All transfers in a deluxe private air-conditioned vehicle; All service charges and taxes.
What is not included?
Not included: Optional tours; Personal expenses; Gratuities.
Is a guide included?
Yes. The programme lists: Professional tour guide in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish; All sightseeing tours are private and guided.
Can I choose my dates and cabin?
Tell us the month you would like and how many of you are travelling when you enquire. We check the departures and cabins available for those dates and reply with a price.
How do I book Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Send an enquiry from the form on this page or message us on WhatsApp. It costs nothing to ask, and we reply within 24 hours with a price for your dates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Our cancellation terms are set out in the Cancellation Policy on this website. Ask us about the conditions for your dates before you book.
What travellers say
5.0 on Google · 7 reviews of Elevana Tours
“This is one of the best tours we had definitely doing it again and again”
“Great experience and great people. Highly recommend it to anybody going to Egypt”
“My family and I were very happy/satisfied to use this agency. We were thrilled to visit every single treasure in Egypt ❤️.”
