4 nightsNile dahabiya, 5 nights
The Nile under sail, with stops the big ships skip
- 5 nights
- Classic
- Small group
- Guide in Spanish · English
- Updated Oct 2026
Overview
A dahabiya is a traditional two-masted sailing boat with 8 to 12 cabins. It moves more slowly than a large cruise ship and can moor at banks and islands where bigger boats do not stop.
We pick you up in Luxor and you board near Esna, past the lock. Over five nights the boat travels upriver to Aswan, stopping at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila and Kom Ombo. Afternoons are spent on deck, watching villages and fields go by.
When the wind drops, a tug helps the boat keep to schedule. Meals are served at one sitting for the whole group, and a guide who speaks your language travels with you. The boat name is still to be confirmed.
Highlights
- Sailing on a boat with 8 to 12 cabins
- Tombs of the nobles and temple at El Kab
- Temple of Horus at Edfu
- Quarries and chapels of Gebel el-Silsila
- Kom Ombo temple on the riverbank
- Nights moored at quiet banks and islands
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Luxor to Esna and boarding
We pick you up from your Luxor hotel and drive to the mooring near Esna. You board, have lunch and the dahabiya starts sailing south. First night moored at the riverbank.
LuxorLunch · DinnerOn board · Dahabiya (name pending)
Day 2El Kab
In the morning you go ashore at El Kab, ancient Nekheb, to see the rock-cut tombs of the nobles and what remains of its temple. Back on board for lunch, then an afternoon of sailing.
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerOn board · Dahabiya (name pending)
Day 3Edfu
You visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu early, before the groups from the large ships arrive. The dahabiya then carries on south past fields and palm groves.
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerOn board · Dahabiya (name pending)
Day 4Gebel el-Silsila
The boat stops at Gebel el-Silsila, where the sandstone for many Upper Egypt temples was quarried. You walk through the quarries and rock-cut chapels, including the speos of Horemheb. Overnight moored nearby.
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerOn board · Dahabiya (name pending)
Day 5Kom Ombo
You reach Kom Ombo and visit the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, next to the crocodile museum. In the afternoon the dahabiya sails the last stretch towards Aswan.
Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerOn board · Dahabiya (name pending)
Day 6Arrive in Aswan and leave the boat
Breakfast on board and arrival in Aswan in the morning. You leave the boat and we take you to your hotel, the airport or the railway station.
AswanBreakfast
Included / Not included
Included
- Five nights in a double cabin on a dahabiya (name pending)
- Full board on the boat, with water, tea and coffee
- Guided visits in Spanish or English as per the programme
- Road transfer from Luxor to the boarding point
- Departure transfer in Aswan
Not included
- Monument entry tickets, at current rates [verify]
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Flights and Egypt visa [verify]
- Tips for the crew and guide
- Travel insurance
The ship
- The ship
- Dahabiya (name pending)
- Category
- Dahabiya
- Facilities
- Sun deck, Restaurant, Bar, Air conditioning
Route direction: from Luxor to Aswan.
Cabins
| Type | Size | Beds | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double cabin | 16 m² | Two single beds or one double bed | $1,240 |
| Suite | 26 m² | One double bed and a private terrace | $1,560 |
Departure dates
- 16 January 2027 · Winter season
- 20 February 2027 · Winter season
- 20 March 2027 · Late spring departure
- 13 November 2027 · Start of the sailing season
Deck plan
Prices and notes
- Price from
- $1,240 · per person in a double room
Sample price per person in a double cabin. Monument entry depends on current ticket prices [verify].
Practical information
- Duration
- 5 nights
- Group
- Small group · 2 to 20 people
- Guide in
- Spanish · English
- Departure days
- Saturday
- Season
- Dahabiyas usually operate from October to April [verify]. Many do not sail in summer because of the heat.
What to bring
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Closed shoes for going ashore on sandy banks
- A jacket or fleece for winter evenings on deck
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, as cabin space is limited
- A small torch
Cancellation
[Sample text: cancellation terms pending owner approval.] Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you notify us. [pending]
FAQ
What happens if there is no wind?
The dahabiya sails whenever it can. When the wind is too light, a tug travels with it so it reaches each stop on time.
How many people are on board?
It depends on the boat: these vessels have 8 to 12 cabins, so the group stays small.
Can I charter the whole dahabiya for my family or group?
Yes, on many dates. Send us the number of travellers and we will put together a proposal.
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Guides to prepare your trip
What to see in Luxor in two days
A two-day Luxor plan: Karnak and Luxor Temple on the east bank, then the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut on the west bank.
When to visit Egypt: the weather month by month
Typical temperatures, wind, Red Sea water and dates that move every year: what to weigh up when choosing the month for your trip to Egypt.
Tell us what you're planning
We reply personally, with concrete ideas and no strings attached.