Experience the Nile in Timeless Elegance Aboard a Dahabiya
With just a handful of cabins, Dahabiyas offers an intimate and tranquil setting, perfect for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and charm.
Step aboard and rediscover the art of slow, graceful travel along the storied waters of the Nile. Once favored by Egyptian royalty and 19th-century explorers, these traditional, wind-powered vessels deliver a refined journey far removed from the crowds of modern cruise ships.
Handcrafted from rich wood with elegant, classic design, each Dahabiya is a tribute to Egypt’s golden era of travel. Gliding between Luxor and Aswan, the route reveals the Nile’s hidden treasures, quiet temples, peaceful islands, and village life untouched by mass tourism. Every stop is thoughtfully curated to offer a deeper connection to Egypt’s ancient wonders and everyday culture.
Onboard, modern comfort meets timeless style. Spacious suites offer panoramic views, and dining features fresh, authentic Egyptian cuisine alongside international favorites. With attentive, personalized service and only a few guests on board, Dahabiyas promise an atmosphere of exclusivity and relaxation.
A Dahabiya cruise is more than a holiday; it’s a journey back to the elegance of true exploration. Let the gentle rhythm of the Nile guide you through Egypt’s living history. make it a short paragraph
A Dahabiya is a traditional wooden sailing boat designed for a serene and exclusive journey along the Nile. Powered by sails, it offers a quiet, intimate experience far from the crowds of larger ships. Each vessel combines classic charm with modern comfort, featuring:
Luxury Highlights
Eco-Friendly Travel: Sail-powered cruising with minimal impact
Dahabiya vs. Nile Cruise Ship: Which Is Right for You?
When choosing a Nile cruise, travelers often consider the intimate charm of a Dahabiya versus the convenience and amenities of a modern cruise ship. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
. Size & Atmosphere
. Sailing Style
. Amenities & Experience
. Pricing
Which to Choose?
Both offer unforgettable ways to explore Egypt, let the Nile guide your perfect adventure.
Explore the Nile by Dahabiya
Dahabiya cruises offer a quiet, luxurious alternative to larger ships, sailing slower routes, uncovering hidden temples, and visiting peaceful riverside villages.
Top Routes
Which Route to Choose?
Best Time to Go
October–April: Ideal weather for sightseeing and cruising. May–September: Fewer crowds, but very hot, best for indoor relaxation.
An Intimate Luxury Journey on the Timeless Nile
Indulge in a luxurious 5-night journey along the Nile aboard an elegant Dahabiya cruise, designed for travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and immersive cultural discovery. With a small group setting, personalized service, and access to hidden treasures inaccessible to larger vessels, this itinerary offers an ideal blend of relaxation and exploration in just under a week.
Program Highlights
Day 1: Luxor to Esna | Esna to El Kab
Meet in Luxor and enjoy a private transfer to Esna, where you’ll visit the Temple of Khnum and explore the vibrant local market. Afterward, board your Dahabiya and begin sailing toward El Kab. Overnight stay onboard. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: El Kab | Edfu
Begin the day with a guided visit to the ancient tombs of El Kab and a traditional riverside village. Continue sailing to Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage will take you to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. In the evening, sail to a scenic Nile Island for overnight mooring.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gebel El-Silsila Region
Enjoy a relaxed day of sailing with opportunities for swimming in the Nile or walking along the desert banks. In the afternoon, explore the sandstone quarries and the cliff-hewn Temple of Horemheb at Gebel El-Silsila.
Day 4: Private Island Experience | Scenic Sailing
Spend a peaceful morning relaxing at Gebel El-Silsila or on a private Nile island. Later, enjoy scenic sailing through some of the most tranquil stretches of the river. A traditional dinner is served onboard.
Day 5: Kom Ombo | Arrival in Aswan
Visit the fascinating dual temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, followed by a tour of the Crocodile Museum. Continue sailing toward Aswan. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner onboard.
Day 6: Disembarkation in Aswan
5 nights aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruiseComfortable cabins with elegant furnishings and panoramic Nile views.
All freshly prepared mealsDaily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard by an expert chef.
Guided tours with a certified EgyptologistInsightful visits to temples, tombs, and historical sites with professional commentary.
Entrance feesAdmission to all sites mentioned in the itinerary is covered.
Private transfersFrom Luxor to Esna (embarkation) and Aswan drop-off upon disembarkation.
Complimentary beveragesUnlimited tea, coffee, and bottled water are provided throughout the journey.
Personal expenses & gratuitiesTips for the crew and personal spending are at guests’ discretion.
Optional excursionsSuch as a Nubian village visit, Philae Temple tour, or felucca ride, available upon request.
Soft drinks & alcoholic beveragesOffered onboard at an additional cost.
A Serene & Culturally Rich Journey Along the Nile
For travelers seeking a slow-paced, immersive experience, this elegant 4-night Dahabiya cruise from Esna to Aswan offers a perfect blend of ancient history, local culture, and relaxed luxury. With expert guiding and a small group setting, sail past temples, villages, and dramatic Nile landscapes—away from the crowds.
Highlights
Day 1: Luxor to Esna | El Kab | Island Near Quessia
Meet in Luxor and enjoy a private transfer to Esna, where you’ll visit the Temple of Khnum and explore the vibrant local market. Board your Dahabiya and begin sailing south to El Kab for a guided exploration of its tombs and ancient ruins. Continue to a quiet island near Quessia for overnight mooring. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Edfu | Wadi El Shat
Begin the day with a scenic sail to Edfu. Travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. After lunch onboard, cruise to the peaceful village of Wadi El Shat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gebel El-Silsila | Kom Ombo
In the morning, explore the sandstone quarries and the cliff-hewn Temple of Horemheb at Gebel El-Silsila. Sail onward to Kom Ombo for a guided visit to the twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, followed by the Crocodile Museum. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Daraw Market | Nubian Village | Sail to Aswan
After breakfast, sail to Daraw and visit its traditional rural market. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Nubian village to engage with local families and enjoy a cultural immersion. Continue sailing to Aswan and enjoy a farewell dinner onboard. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan
Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking in Aswan. A private transfer will take you to your hotel, airport, or train station.
3 nights aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise
All freshly prepared meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided tours with a certified English-speaking Egyptologist
Private transfers: Aswan pick-up & Esna to Luxor drop-off
Complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water onboard
Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and temples
Personal expenses and crew gratuities
Optional excursions (e.g., Nubian village tour)
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
A Boutique Journey through Ancient Egypt’s Southern Nile
Set sail aboard a luxurious Dahabiya, where intimacy meets elegance and every detail is curated for comfort, culture, and calm. This 3-night cruise from Aswan to Esna invites you to explore timeless temples, remote villages, and serene islands far from the crowds, close to the heart of Egypt.
Day 1: Aswan | Kom Ombo | Gebel El-Silsila
Begin with a private pick-up in Aswan. Embark your Dahabiya and sail to Kom Ombo for a guided tour of the temple and crocodile museum. Continue sailing to the quiet cliffs of Gebel El-Silsila, mooring near the quarries for the evening. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gebel El-Silsila | Edfu | El Fawaz Island
Morning visit to the ancient sandstone quarries and the Temple of Horemheb. Sail onward to Edfu and ride a horse-drawn carriage to the impressive Temple of Horus. In the evening, enjoy a magical campfire dinner under the stars at El Fawaz Island. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: El Kab | Esna
Sail to El Kab and walk among its rock-cut tombs, ruined temples, and mudbrick city walls. Return to the Dahabiya for a relaxing afternoon sail to Esna. Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Disembarkation in Esna | Transfer to Luxor
After breakfast, disembark in Esna. A private transfer will take you to your hotel, airport, or train station in Luxor (approx. 1 hour). Meals Included: Breakfast
3 nights aboard a luxury Dahabiya Nile cruiseComfortable cabins with elegant furnishings and Nile views.
All freshly prepared mealsDaily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard.
Guided tours with a certified EgyptologistExpert-led site visits to temples and ancient landmarks.
Private transfersPick-up from Aswan and drop-off in Luxor (via Esna).
Complimentary beveragesUnlimited tea, coffee, and bottled water throughout the cruise.
❌ Not Included
Optional excursionsSuch as Nubian village tours or additional activities, available on request.
Soft drinks & alcoholic beveragesAvailable onboard at an additional cost.
🏷️5 Nights(Esna-Aswan)Starting from
Season Single Double pp
May–August From $1500 From $1300
September–April From $1600 From $1500
🏷️4 Nights (Esna-Aswan)Starting from
May–August From $1400 From $1200
September–April From $1700 From $1400
🏷️3 Nights(Aswan-Esna)Starting from
May–August From $1150 From $800
September–April From $1500 From $1100
0-5 years old Free of charge (must sit on parents’ lap; separate seats may require extra payment). 6-11 years old 50% of the adult price. 12 years old Full adult price applies.
Dahabiya cruises operate on fixed sailing dates between Esna and Aswan. Once you share your travel window, we’ll provide handpicked Dahabiya options along with fact sheets, deck plans, amenities, and photos. After you select the vessel that suits you best, we’ll take care of the full booking and arrangements.
• Some Dahabiya boats offer suite cabin upgrades at an additional cost. • Pricing varies by boat and cabin category. Please inquire for specific options.
• Standard Cabin: Comfortable room with elegant furnishings and large windows. • Suite Cabin: Spacious upgrade with premium features and scenic views or a private balcony.
• Dahabiya cruises do not offer triple occupancy cabins. • Each cabin accommodates a maximum of two guests. • For three travelers, a combination of one double cabin and one single cabin must be booked.
• Not all Dahabiya boats serve alcohol onboard. However, guests are welcome to bring their alcoholic beverages. You may also purchase alcohol in Egypt, though available brands may differ from those in your home country.
• Prices vary depending on travel season, fuel costs, and USD exchange rates. • May to August: Low season with more competitive rates. • September to April: Peak season with higher pricing due to increased demand. • Christmas, New Year, and Easter: Premium pricing applies during these high-demand periods. • Final prices may be subject to change based on fuel surcharges and currency fluctuations.
After submission we’ll get in touch on the provided email address. The final price will be provided based on your requirements.
To enter Egypt, most travelers need a tourist visa, which can be obtained in one of the following ways: Visa on Arrival: Available at major Egyptian airports. This is a convenient option for eligible travelers who prefer to get their visa upon arrival in Egypt. Electronic Visa (e-Visa): You can apply online before your trip through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal. This allows you to receive your visa electronically and avoid airport queues. Embassy or Consulate Visa: If you're not eligible for the e-Visa or visa on arrival, you may need to apply through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country. 👉 To find out whether you need a visa before coming to Egypt, use the official visa eligibility checker:
Egypt offers several convenient transportation options. Domestic flights connect major cities like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Abu Simbel, making long-distance travel fast and efficient. Trains provide comfortable travel between popular destinations, especially between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Private transfers arranged by MSM Travel Egypt offer safe, air-conditioned transport between airports, hotels, and sightseeing locations.
Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. Cash is recommended for local markets and tipping. ATMs are available, and currency exchange services are easy to find at airports, banks, and exchange offices.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in major tourist areas. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid drinking tap water. Stick to reputable tour providers, follow local advice, and keep copies of important documents. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Staying connected in Egypt is easy. Local SIM cards with data are available at airports and mobile shops—Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat are the main providers. Prices typically start around $5–USD 10 for a basic tourist SIM with 10–20 GB of data. Most hotels, cafés, and tourist spots offer free Wi-Fi. MSM Travel Egypt also offers SIM cards and mobile hotspot setup as part of our services, so you’re always connected from day one.
Arabic is Egypt’s official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by guides. Many locals also understand French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Russian. Here are some fun and useful phrases you’ll hear often: Salam Alaikum (السلام عليكم) – Peace be upon you Shukran (شكراً) – Thank you Aywa (أيوه) – Yes La’ (لا) – No Habibi / Habibti (حبيبي / حبيبتي) – My dear Yalla, yalla, yalla (يلا) – Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Ma’a as-salama (مع السلامة) – Goodbye If you’d like to learn a little Arabic before or during your trip, just ask us, and we’ll give you a small welcome booklet with common phrases—a free souvenir and a friendly way to learn a bit of the local language.
Egypt follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2. Daylight Saving Time may apply during summer months, shifting the clock to UTC +3. Most businesses, shops, and government offices operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday. Banks usually open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and many tourist sites and markets stay open later in the evening, especially in major cities. Fridays are considered weekend days, so some places may open late or close early.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical needs or lost items. Egypt has modern hospitals and pharmacies in major cities, with English-speaking doctors often available. Keep your insurance and any prescriptions with you.
Booking with us is simple and secure. We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and online payments. All bank payments are made to a registered business account under the company name, MSM Travel Ltd. A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Cancellations are accepted within specific timeframes, with refunds based on notice given. Full details are available in our Terms & Conditions.
For emergencies, dial: Police: 122 Ambulance: 123 Tourist Police: 126 Support is available 24/7 in major tourist areas. Keep your hotel info, travel documents, and emergency contact numbers handy at all times.
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