Discover Ancient

EGYPT

via Nile River Cruise

A Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers an intimate and elegant way to travel between Luxor and Aswan. Inspired by the traditional sailing boats once used by early explorers, a Dahabiya combines the timeless romance of Nile travel with modern comfort and personalized service. Its smaller size allows for a peaceful journey, access to quieter locations, and a more relaxed alternative to large cruise ships.

Life on board moves at the gentle rhythm of the river. Relax on the spacious sun deck, read a book, or watch traditional villages and everyday life unfold along the riverbanks. Along the way, you can explore ancient monuments, visit local communities, stroll through colorful markets, and discover places rarely reached by larger vessels.

Freshly prepared meals are served on board, either in the dining area, on the sun deck, or at a scenic location beside the Nile. Evenings are calm and atmospheric, with opportunities to dine beneath the stars or enjoy traditional music in a beautiful riverside setting. With comfortable accommodation, delicious cuisine, fascinating sightseeing, and attentive personal service, a Dahabiya cruise provides the perfect balance of authentic Egyptian character and refined luxury.

Travel Egypt Now Presents:

5 Days Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan

Day 1 – Monday: Luxor Sightseeing and Embarkation in Esna

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, Luxor Train Station, or your hotel, you will meet your representative and professional Egyptologist tour guide.

Begin your journey by exploring some of Luxor’s most important archaeological sites:

Valley of the Kings
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Colossi of Memnon
Karnak Temple Complex

After completing your Luxor tour, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Esna. Board your Dahabiya, meet the crew, and settle into your cabin.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, followed by your first overnight stay in Esna.

Overnight: Dahabiya in Esna
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Tuesday: Esna, Edfu and Gebel El-Silsila

Enjoy breakfast on board as the Dahabiya begins sailing toward Edfu.

Upon arrival, travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This remarkably preserved Ptolemaic temple is one of the largest and most complete ancient Egyptian temples still standing.

After exploring the temple, you may walk through Edfu’s colorful local market before returning to the Dahabiya for lunch.

Continue sailing south toward Gebel El-Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry and religious site located between Edfu and Kom Ombo. Visit the rock-cut sanctuary known as the Speos of Horemheb.

Depending on sailing and weather conditions, dinner may be served beside the Nile, near the archaeological site, on a quiet island, or on the Dahabiya’s upper deck.

Overnight: Near Gebel El-Silsila
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 – Wednesday: Kom Ombo and Sailing to Aswan

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful morning sailing toward Kom Ombo.

Visit the unusual double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, or Horus the Elder. Explore its symmetrical halls, sanctuaries, detailed reliefs, and the nearby Crocodile Museum.

Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing toward Aswan. Relax on deck while watching traditional villages, farmland, birds, water buffalo, and everyday life along the Nile.

The Dahabiya will moor near Aswan for the night.

Overnight: Near Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Thursday: Aswan Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast on board before beginning your guided tour of Aswan.

Visit the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis and relocated to Agilkia Island following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Continue to the High Dam, one of Egypt’s most significant modern engineering projects. You will also have time to explore Aswan’s local market and experience the city’s distinctive Nubian atmosphere.

Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and enjoy your final evening on board in Aswan.

Overnight: Dahabiya in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner