With only a handful of cabins, Dahabiyas offer a private, tranquil atmosphere perfect for couples, families, and travelers seeking authenticity and elegance.
Step aboard a Dahabiya and rediscover the art of slow, elegant travel along the storied waters of the Nile. These traditional wind-powered vessels, once the preferred mode of travel for Egyptian nobility and 19th-century European explorers, offer a refined, intimate, and immersive experience far removed from the crowds and noise of modern cruise ships.
Crafted with fine woodwork and classic design, Dahabiyas are a tribute to Egypt’s golden age of travel. Gliding silently between Luxor and Aswan, they follow a route that unveils the Nile’s hidden gems—stopping at off-the-beaten-path temples, serene islands, and charming riverside villages that larger ships often bypass. Each journey is curated to deliver a deeper connection to Egypt’s ancient history, local culture, and breathtaking landscapes at an unhurried, soulful pace.
Onboard, guests are treated to modern luxuries with a traditional touch. Spacious suites feature panoramic views, while gourmet dining showcases authentic Egyptian flavors and international favorites. With personalized service and only a few cabins per boat, Dahabiyas ensure an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquility—ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking an authentic and elegant escape.
A Dahabiya cruise is more than a journey—it’s a celebration of heritage and a return to the elegance of true exploration. Let the Nile’s timeless rhythm guide your adventure, where every breeze and sunrise brings you closer to the heart of Egypt.
A Dahabiya is a traditional wooden sailing boat designed for an exclusive and serene journey along the Nile. These elegant vessels are powered by sails, allowing for a quiet and intimate cruising experience. Each Dahabiya is carefully designed to offer both comfort and luxury, typically featuring: Spacious Decks: Large open areas with comfortable seating and shaded lounges for relaxation and scenic views. Luxury Cabins: Beautifully designed private rooms with panoramic windows, en-suite bathrooms, and elegant furnishings. Dining Area: A dedicated space where guests enjoy gourmet meals prepared by an onboard chef. Lounge & Common Areas: Cozy indoor spaces for socializing, reading, or unwinding. Crew Quarters: Separate living spaces for the dedicated staff who ensure a seamless journey.
Luxury Features of a Dahabiya
A Dahabiya cruise is designed to offer an exclusive and high-end experience. The luxury elements include: Elegant Interiors: High-end furnishings, handcrafted décor, and traditional Egyptian design elements. Private Balconies: Some Dahabiyas offer suites with balconies for uninterrupted Nile views. Personalized Service: A dedicated crew ensures every guest enjoys a tailored, first-class experience. Gourmet Cuisine: Freshly prepared meals using local ingredients, often served on the deck under the stars. Cultural Excursions: Exclusive guided visits to ancient temples, hidden villages, and off-the-beaten-path sites. Eco-Friendly Travel: The use of sails minimizes environmental impact, making it a sustainable way to explore the Nile.
When choosing a Nile River cruise, travelers often weigh the charm of Dahabiya sailboats against the convenience of modern Nile cruise ships. Each option offers a distinct style of travel, tailored to different preferences. Below is a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which experience best suits your journey through Egypt.
1. Size and Capacity Dahabiyas are traditional wooden sailboats designed for an intimate and serene atmosphere. They typically host between 10 and 24 passengers, with cabins ranging from 4 to 14 in total. The limited guest count ensures a tranquil, personalized experience ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking privacy and exclusivity. In contrast, Nile cruise ships accommodate larger groups—ranging from 50 to over 200 passengers. These modern vessels deliver a more vibrant setting with structured itineraries and expansive facilities, making them a popular choice for travelers who enjoy social interaction and onboard amenities.
2. Sailing Experience A Dahabiya cruise offers a peaceful, wind-powered journey reminiscent of 19th-century travel. When wind conditions are calm, a towboat assists to maintain the pace. Dahabiyas can dock at remote temples, small villages, and islands that are often inaccessible to larger ships, offering a more immersive cultural experience. Meanwhile, Nile cruise ships rely entirely on engine power, providing consistent travel times and fixed routes between major archaeological sites like Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. While efficient, their size may restrict access to more secluded stops along the river.
3. Amenities and Services Dahabiyas focus on refined simplicity and bespoke service. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed suites with panoramic views, open-air lounges, and gourmet dining in a quiet, uncrowded environment. The smaller group size allows for more flexible itineraries and personalized excursions. In contrast, Nile cruise ships are floating resorts, often featuring multiple dining options, pools, spas, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and scheduled activities. These ships cater to a broader range of travelers with diverse preferences, delivering convenience and variety in a more organized format.
4. Price Comparison Pricing for both cruise styles depends on season, duration, and level of luxury. Dahabiyas command a premium due to their exclusivity and tailored experiences. A 3-night Dahabiya cruise typically starts around €835 per person, reflecting the high level of privacy, service, and curated excursions. Standard Nile cruise boats offer more accessible pricing, with 3- to 7-night packages ranging between $450 and $750 per person. Luxury options on modern Nile ships start at approximately $790 and can go up to $1,299 per person, offering high-end amenities while retaining the structure of larger group travel.
Choosing Your Nile Cruise Experience If you’re seeking a quiet, luxurious, and culturally immersive journey with a sense of old-world romance, a Dahabiya offers unmatched charm. If you prefer a dynamic atmosphere with modern comforts, entertainment, and efficient travel between Egypt’s top attractions, a Nile cruise boat may be the better fit. Whichever you choose, sailing the Nile remains one of the most magical ways to explore Egypt’s ancient legacy.
A Dahabiya cruise offers a unique and intimate way to explore the timeless wonders of the Nile River. Unlike larger cruise ships, Dahabiyas follow less-traveled routes, allowing passengers to discover hidden gems, tranquil landscapes, and ancient treasures at a relaxed pace.
Dahabiya cruises operate on several routes, each offering a distinct experience: 1. 5 Nights from Esna to Aswan The classic Nile journey covers major historical landmarks and picturesque rural villages.
2. 4 Nights from Esna to Aswan A popular option that starts from Esna, bypassing crowded docks in Luxor and allowing for a serene voyage.
3. 3 Nights from Aswan to Esna A shorter cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet immersive experience, with a focus on hidden temples and quiet villages.
Which Dahabiya Route is Best for You? For a full Nile experience, choose the Luxor to Aswan (or Aswan to Luxor) route. For a quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Esna to Aswan route offers a more relaxed alternative. For a shorter yet enriching journey, the Esna to Esna route provides a compact and immersive Nile cruise.
Best Time to Travel: October to April – This is the ideal season to explore Egypt, with mild temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It provides perfect conditions for temple visits and enjoying the refreshing Nile breeze.
Months to Avoid: May to September – Summer temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities especially in Luxor and Aswan difficult. While the heat can be intense, summer cruises offer fewer crowds.
Why Choose the Cooler Season? Comfortable temperatures for walking tours and sightseeing. Ideal conditions for relaxing on the Dahabiya’s open deck. Enhanced opportunities for wildlife spotting along the Nile. The peak tourist season (December to February) offers vibrant cultural experiences, though demand is high—booking in advance is recommended.
For a great balance of good weather and fewer tourists, October-November and March-April are the best months to plan your Dahabiya cruise.
This 5-day journey is a perfect balance between time and experience, mirroring the 6-day itinerary but in a slightly condensed format. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the luxury and exclusivity of a Dahabiya cruise. You’ll explore Egypt’s timeless landmarks, experiencing the tranquility and personalized service of the Dahabiya on a shorter, more intimate route.
Tour Highlights:
Esna & The Temple of Khnum
Your journey begins in Esna, home to the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god of creation. Located 9 meters below modern street level, this temple features beautifully preserved reliefs depicting Egyptian gods and Roman emperors.
El Kab – Egypt’s Forgotten City
Sail to El Kab, one of the oldest cities in Upper Egypt. Walk through ancient tombs carved into cliffs, depicting scenes of daily life and battle victories. Explore a traditional fishermen’s village, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle along the Nile.
Edfu & The Temple of Horus
A horse-drawn carriage takes you through Edfu, where you will visit the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Admire its massive pylons, intricate hieroglyphs, and fascinating mythological carvings.
Gebel Silsila – Ancient Sandstone Quarries
Sail to Gebel Silsila, Egypt’s narrowest section of the Nile, and explore the ancient sandstone quarries where stone was sourced for Egypt’s greatest temples. Visit the Temple of Horemheb, uniquely carved into the cliffs.
Kom Ombo & The Crocodile Temple
Explore the Kom Ombo Temple, a rare double temple dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Visit the Crocodile Museum, highlighting mummified crocodiles and ancient artifacts.
Traditional Nubian Village in Aswan
As your journey ends, visit a picturesque Nubian village, interact with the friendly locals, and experience the vibrant Nubian culture before disembarking in Aswan.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Excluded:
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
For those who want to explore at a leisurely pace, this one-way cruise from Luxor to Aswan provides ample time to visit historical sites, enjoy serene sailing, and experience authentic Egyptian culture without rushing.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast
What’s Included?
What’s Not Included?
Set sail on the timeless waters of the Nile aboard a luxurious Dahabiya, offering an unparalleled and intimate cruising experience. Unlike the large cruise ships, this boutique adventure allows for crowd-free exploration of Egypt’s most iconic temples, serene islands, and charming riverside villages.
Your journey begins with a pick-up from any location in Aswan—whether your hotel, the airport, or the train station. A private transfer will take you to the Dahabiya, where the crew will extend a warm welcome as you step aboard your elegant sailing boat.
Set sail towards a tranquil Nile Island, where you can take a leisurely countryside walk, soaking in the serene beauty of the riverbanks. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the sundeck, taking in the breathtaking views of the Nile.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, an extraordinary twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Then, continue sailing toward Gebel El-Silsila, an ancient quarry where pharaohs sourced sandstone for their magnificent temples.
As the sun sets, relish a delightful dinner onboard before mooring near Gebel El-Silsila for an overnight stay.
Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast onboard before exploring Gebel El-Silsila. Visit its rock-cut chapels and ancient inscriptions, uncovering the secrets of this important quarry site.
As you sail towards Edfu, relax on the sundeck and admire the picturesque scenery of traditional villages and lush palm groves. Upon arrival, embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s most well-preserved temples, where intricate hieroglyphs tell tales of the ancient past.
Return to Dahabiya for a delicious lunch, then continue sailing to El Fawaz, a serene Nile Island untouched by mass tourism. In the evening, enjoy a magical dinner under the stars, complete with a cozy campfire on the riverbank—a truly unforgettable experience.
Start your day with breakfast onboard as the Dahabiya gently sails towards El-Kab, one of Egypt’s oldest cities, known as Nekheb in ancient times. Explore its rock-cut tombs from the Old Kingdom, along with the remains of temples and mudbrick walls that once protected this historic settlement.
After your visit, continue sailing towards Esna, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Nile’s serene landscapes. Take in the peaceful atmosphere as you relax on deck, perhaps sipping tea while watching the golden hues of the setting sun reflect on the water.
As your journey nears its end, gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable memories made during your Dahabiya adventure.
Savor a final breakfast onboard as your Dahabiya approaches Esna. Upon arrival, disembark and transfer to Luxor, a comfortable one-hour drive away.
You will arrive in Luxor around 11:00 AM, ready to continue your Egyptian adventure—whether it’s exploring Karnak and Luxor Temples or simply relaxing at your hotel.
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.
Child pricing applies only when sharing a room with parents (Max: 2 children per room).
Prices apply to cruises in Egypt and may vary based on availability and seasonality.
Seasonal Variations Prices are subject to change based on the travel season. May – August: Typically, the low season. September – April: Peak season with higher prices. Christmas/New Year: Expect a premium due to high demand. Easter Season: Also considered a high-demand period, with slightly higher prices.
Additional Charges: Taxes, port fees, and service charges may apply.
Group Discounts: Available for larger groups, contact us for details.
Single Supplement applies for solo travelers booking a private cabin.
Special rates are available for larger groups or travel agents.
After submission we’ll get in touch on the provided email address. The final price will be provided based on your requirements.
from Germany
Our FAQs and Terms & Conditions page explain everything you need to know about how to book your tours and trips with MSM Travel Egypt, accepted payment methods, deposit policies, refund and cancellation terms, and what happens if your plans change.
Sail along the legendary Nile River in comfort and elegance.
Serenity, History & Unforgettable Views – Experience a 5-star cruise with spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of the desert-meets-water horizon. Lake Nasser provides a peaceful, crowd-free environment. Unlike the crowded stretches of the Nile, Lake Nasser offers a peaceful, exclusive environment, perfect for those looking for a contemplative adventure. The tranquil setting, coupled […]
Explore Egypt’s and relax in well-appointed cabins with panoramic views, indulge in gourmet dining, and unwind on sun decks complete with swimming pools and tranquil lounges. Sail between Luxor and Aswan on a Classic Nile Cruise that seamlessly weaves together Egypt’s ancient grandeur and the serene beauty of the Nile Valley. This immersive journey combines […]
Egypt is a captivating destination, rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. However, like any international travel destination, safety is a primary concern for visitors. Understanding the realities of safety in Egypt in 2025 will help you enjoy your trip with confidence and peace of mind. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the key aspects […]
When visiting Egypt, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the pyramids, ancient temples, and vibrant bazaars. But to make the most of your journey, it’s always helpful to know a few local secrets, practical tips, and common travel mistakes to avoid. Here’s your essential guide to traveling smart in Egypt. Insider […]
Egypt is more than just ancient monuments and golden sands — it’s a country rich in vibrant culture, deep-rooted traditions, and a remarkable history that shaped the world. From the mighty Pharaohs of ancient times to the warm hospitality of today’s Egyptian people, the heart of Egypt lies in its living culture as much as […]
Understanding the local currency and payment systems in Egypt is essential for a smooth, stress-free travel experience. Whether you’re navigating busy markets, dining in local restaurants, or booking tours, knowing how to handle money in Egypt will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your journey much easier. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you […]
Packing for Egypt in 2025 requires smart planning to ensure you are comfortable, respectful of local customs, and fully prepared for the climate. Egypt’s unique combination of desert landscapes, ancient sites, bustling cities, and beach resorts means your suitcase needs to cover a wide range of situations. Whether you’re visiting Cairo, cruising the Nile, exploring […]
Planning a trip to Egypt requires more than just booking flights and choosing hotels – it’s about selecting the right season to fully enjoy the country’s incredible historical sites, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. Egypt is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Egypt depends on what you want to experience. In this […]
