Upper deck of a Dahabiya sailboat with sun loungers and a shaded seating area overlooking the Nile
Traditional white Dahabiya sailboat with unfurled sails cruising on the Nile River.
Woman relaxing on a white cushioned outdoor couch on a Dahabiya boat deck.
Shaded outdoor lounge on a Dahabiya deck with patterned poufs and a central brass table.
Open-air covered dining deck on a Dahabiya sailboat with wooden chairs and set tables overlooking the river.
A close-up view of a dining table on a boat deck set with engraved wooden placemats, stainless steel cutlery, a small vase with white and re
An indoor boat lounge with polished wood floors, light wooden wall paneling, a large white L-shaped sectional sofa with red cushions, small
A wooden boat deck featuring a white potted plant in the foreground, a wooden buffet table setup with a tea and coffee station, potted plant
Open-air boat deck with a four-poster wooden daybed, lounge chairs, and a covered canopy overlooking the Nile.
Traditional double-sailed wooden Dahabiya boat cruising along the Nile River.
A well-lit boat cabin bedroom with a king bed made up with white linens, polished wood walls, gold curtains, and floor-to-ceiling glass door
Covered balcony corridor on a Dahabiya sailboat with glass cabin doors and cushion seating facing the water.
Inside of a Dahabiya cabin with a white wooden sofa and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to the river deck
Small excursion boat cruising through a narrow Nile River waterway lined with tall grass and rocks.
Cows grazing in a green pasture along the rural Nile River bank with palm trees behind them
Yellow kayak with a red paddle on a wooden Dahabiya deck overlooking the Nile River
View of the calm blue Nile River and distant green shoreline framed through an irregular rectangular opening cut into ancient sandstone ston
Tour group walking past an ancient sandstone quarry cliff on a sunny shore excursion.
Ancient rock-cut sandstone tombs and shrines carved into desert cliffs above a vibrant green reedy shoreline and the deep blue Nile River un
Two guests lounging on wooden deck chairs overlooking the river on a Dahabiya sailboat.
A covered wooden boat deck with white cushioned armchairs, wooden side tables, a water dispenser, and potted plants overlooking the blue wat
A square hot tub lined with small blue tiles built into a wooden deck platform, set beneath a white shaded canopy structure on a boat overlo
Indoor lounge on a Dahabiya sailboat with a white section sofa, white poufs, and polished wooden walls.
A covered wooden boat deck with white support beams, featuring L-shaped seating with white cushions, blue and beige accent pillows, a low wo
An elevated view of a two-masted white and wooden Dahabiya sailboat navigating the calm waters of the Nile River, with lush green trees and
Upper sun deck of a Dahabiya boat with wooden pergola shading, white outdoor couches, and blue-and-white striped footstools.
Open-air deck dining experience set against the scenic backdrop of the Nile.
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3-Night Private Dahabiya Nile River Sailing Experience: Aswan to Luxor

4 days

Easy

Day 1: Boarding in Aswan, Nubian Culture & Daraw Evening

  • Excerpt: Board your Dahabiya in Aswan at noon and sail toward Daraw. Discover Nubian heritage, visit a local camel barn, shop the market for dinner ingredients, and enjoy swimming or kayaking before an overnight stay on board.
  • Description:  Begin your Nile sailing journey with a seamless check-in and an immersive dive into local traditions:
    Boarding & Lunch: Check into the Dahabiya at noon (pickup available from any address in Aswan) and enjoy lunch while setting sail toward Daraw.
    Nubian Village Visit: Explore an ancient Nubian town to discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted heritage of the Nile Valley civilizations.
    Camel Barn & Local Market: Visit a local camel barn to learn about camel trading, then master Egyptian-style shopping skills at the Daraw market while picking up fresh ingredients for dinner.
    Water Activities & Overnight: Take the opportunity to swim or kayak along the Nile before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay on board in Daraw. (Note: Please request kayaks at least two days prior to departure to ensure availability.)

Day 2: Kom Ombo Temple, Gebel el-Silsila Quarries & Nile Sailing

  • Excerpt: Visit the iconic Kom Ombo Temple and Crocodile Museum before sailing to Gebel el-Silsila. Explore ancient sandstone quarries, rock-cut shrines, and the Chapel of Horemheb, followed by dinner on board near Bisaw.
  • Description: Spend the day discovering ancient Nile monuments, royal quarries, and scenic river landscapes:
    Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum: Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Horus the Falcon God and Sobek the Crocodile God, followed by a visit to the Crocodile Museum to see real mummified crocodiles.
    Sailing & Lunch: Return to the Dahabiya for a freshly prepared lunch on board as you sail toward Gebel el-Silsila.
    Gebel el-Silsila Sandstone Quarry & Shrines: Take a guided walk parallel to the Nile to examine the vast ancient quarry that supplied sandstone for Luxor's major temples. Discover the rock-cut Chapel of Horemheb, ancient shrines, and royal inscriptions.
    Leisure & Overnight near Bisaw: Enjoy time at the nearby sand dunes—perfect for sliding and relaxing—before an evening dinner and overnight stay on board near Bisaw.

Day 3: Bisaw Island Life, Edfu's Temple of Horus & Nile Sailing

  • Excerpt: Experience local life on Bisaw Island with farm walks, sun-bread baking, and Nile fishing. Sail to Edfu to tour the magnificent Temple of Horus before continuing toward Esna for dinner and overnight on board.
  • Description :Immerse yourself in authentic village culture and explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temples:
    Bisaw Island & Local Life: Step ashore at Bisaw Island for a guided walk through local farms. Meet community members, learn traditional sun-bread baking, and join local fishermen on their boats to experience Nile fishing firsthand.
    Lunch & Sailing to Edfu: Return to the Dahabiya for lunch as you sail toward Edfu.
    Temple of Horus & Tell Edfu: Visit the massive Temple of Horus, famous for its grand pylons, hypostyle halls, and detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions. View the ancient settlement mounds of Tell Edfu and enjoy a stroll through the local market if time permits.
    Evening Sailing & Overnight: Relax on board as you sail toward Esna, enjoying dinner and an overnight stay near El Hegz.

Day 4: Esna Heritage Highlights & Transfer to Luxor

  • Excerpt: Check out of the Dahabiya after breakfast to explore Esna's Temple of Khnum, the restored Wekalet Al-Geddawi caravanserai, and the Ottoman-era market before a 1-hour drive and drop-off in Luxor.
  • Description: Conclude your Nile cruise experience with an exploration of Esna's ancient and cultural landmarks before heading to Luxor:
    Breakfast & Check-Out: Enjoy a final breakfast on board the Dahabiya before checking out.
    Temple of Khnum: Discover the remarkably preserved Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the ram-headed creator god Khnum, situated below street level in the heart of Esna.
    Wekalet Al-Geddawi & Al-Qissariya Market: Visit the beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai to learn about traditional textiles and heritage craft traditions, followed by a stroll through the vibrant Ottoman-era market.
    Transfer to Luxor: Travel comfortably by car for approximately 1 hour to Luxor for drop-off at your hotel or Luxor Airport
What's included?
  • Food & drinks
  • WiFi
  • Entry or admission fee

Accommodation & Meals:
 3 nights' accommodation aboard a private Dahabiya sailing boat.
Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner freshly prepared on board).
Complimentary hot and cold beverages (Mineral water, tea, and coffee throughout the cruise).

  • Tours & Transfers:
     Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all shore excursions.
    Private pick-up/drop-off transfers in air-conditioned vehicles (Airport, Train Station, or Hotel in Aswan and Luxor).
    Guided visits to key sights: Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple.
  • Onboard Amenities:
     Free Wi-Fi access on board.
    Daily housekeeping and cabin services.
Exclusions
  • Tip or gratuity
  • Entry tax
  • Optional Tours: Any additional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Abu Simbel or Hot Air Balloon in Luxor).
  • Personal Expenses: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenir purchases).
  • Tipping: Gratuities for the boat crew, Egyptologist guide, and drivers ( customary in Egypt).
Please note
  • Infants must sit on your lap
  • Passport required
  • Public transportation nearby

Accessibility & Physical Requirements: • Modest walking is required at historical sites, involving uneven ground, stairs, and sand. • This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with severe mobility impairments.  Dietary & Health Requirements: • Please advise any specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) at the time of booking so our chef can accommodate you.  Sailing & Logistics: • Sailing schedules are subject to river traffic and weather conditions. • Dahabiyas rely on wind power and a small tugboat for maneuvering when there is no wind.  Passport & Identification: • A clear passport copy for all guests must be provided prior to travel to obtain necessary local river sailing permits.

What to bring

    Documents: Valid passport (or photo ID) for river navigation permits and checkpoints.

    • Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days, modest attire for visiting temples (covering shoulders and knees), and a warm layer/jacket for cooler Nile breeze evenings.
    • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good traction for uneven temple grounds, plus casual sandals for onboard relaxation.
    • Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
    • Personal Essentials: Swimwear (if planning to swim in the Nile), insect repellent, personal medications, and a reusable water bottle.
    • Electronics & Cash: Camera or smartphone with extra power banks, plus local currency (Egyptian Pounds) for personal purchases, tipping, or local vendors