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Dahabeya Queen Farida
The Dahabeya Queen of Egypt offers an intimate and luxurious Nile cruising experience.
About this tour
The Dahabeya Queen of Egypt offers an intimate and luxurious Nile cruising experience. Combining comfort, elegance, and authentic cultural immersion, this traditional sailing vessel allows guests to explore Egypt’s iconic temples, villages, and natural landscapes at a leisurely pace. With cozy cabins, fine dining, and a relaxing sun deck, passengers enjoy scenic Nile views while benefiting from personalized service and expert guidance. Ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil and culturally rich journey, this Dahabeya brings the timeless charm of the Nile to life, creating unforgettable memories along one of the world’s most legendary rivers.
6 Days Dahabeya Queen Farida From Esna Every Sunday
Day 1: Sunday: Embarkation at Esna – El Hegz Island
Dahabiya2 meals
- Embarkation & Lunch: Begin your Nile journey at Esna with lunch onboard your luxurious Dahabeya. Settle into your cabin, your cozy floating home for the next days.
- Sailing to El Hegz Island: Enjoy a scenic four-hour sail to the charming village of El Hegz, north of Edfu. Take in the serene river views as you glide along the Nile.
- Evening: Relax and savor dinner onboard as the Dahabeya moors at El Hegz Island. Overnight onboard.
Day 2: Monday: El Kab & Edfu
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail & Exploration: After an early breakfast, sail for approximately one hour to El Kab and explore its fascinating ancient tombs with your guide.
- Journey to Edfu: Continue sailing for about three hours to Edfu. Visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples dedicated to Horus.
- Evening Mooring: Sail for another hour to El Fauaza Island for dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 3: Tuesday: Gebel El Silsila
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail & Walk: Depart El Fauaza after breakfast and sail for about three hours to El Ramady. Explore the scenic surroundings on foot with your guide.
- Gebel El Silsila: Continue sailing three hours to Gebel El Silsila, renowned for its sandstone cliffs and ancient quarries. Enjoy a guided visit to this historic site.
- Evening Mooring: Sail for one hour to the village of Fares, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 4: Wednesday: Kom Ombo
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning: Begin with a leisurely stroll around the village before a three-hour sail to Kom Ombo.
- Kom Ombo Temple: After lunch onboard, explore this remarkable double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.
- Evening: Sail for two hours to Harbyab Island, mooring for dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 5: Thursday: Aswan – Philae Temple & High Dam
Aswan3 meals
- Sailing to Aswan: Depart Harbyab Island after breakfast and enjoy a four-hour scenic sail to Aswan.
- Lunch Onboard: Delight in lunch as your Dahabeya glides along the Nile.
- Aswan Sightseeing: Explore the iconic Philae Temple dedicated to Isis and the Aswan High Dam. Optional excursions, including Abu Simbel, can be arranged locally.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner onboard and overnight in Aswan.
Day 6: Friday: Disembarkation in Aswan
1 meal
- Farewell: After breakfast, disembark from the Dahabeya, concluding your unforgettable Nile adventure.
8 Days Dahabeya Queen Farida From Esna Every Sunday
Day 1: Sunday: Embarkation at Esna – El Hegz Island
Dahabiya2 meals
- Embarkation & Lunch: Begin your Nile adventure at Esna with embarkation at lunchtime. Settle into your cabin, your floating home for the week, and enjoy lunch onboard while taking in the serene Nile scenery.
- Sailing to El Hegz Island: Cruise for approximately four hours to El Hegz Village, a charming riverside village north of Edfu.
- Evening: Relax and savor dinner onboard as the Dahabeya moors at El Hegz Island. Overnight onboard.
Day 2: Monday: El Kab & Edfu
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail & Exploration: After breakfast, sail for about one hour to El Kab and explore its ancient tombs with your guide.
- Journey to Edfu: Continue sailing for approximately three hours to Edfu. Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples dedicated to Horus.
- Evening Mooring: Sail for another hour to El Fauaza Island for dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 3: Tuesday: Gebel El Silsila
3 meals
- Morning Sail & Exploration: Depart El Fauaza after breakfast and sail about three hours to El Ramady. Explore the village and surrounding area on foot with your guide.
- Gebel El Silsila: Continue sailing for three hours to Gebel El Silsila, famous for its sandstone cliffs and ancient quarries. Enjoy a guided visit before sailing for one hour to the village of Fares for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Wednesday: Kom Ombo
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail: Begin the day with a leisurely stroll around the village before a three-hour sail to Kom Ombo.
- Kom Ombo Temple: After lunch onboard, explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
- Evening: Sail for two hours to Harbyab Island and enjoy dinner and overnight onboard surrounded by nature.
Day 5: Thursday: Aswan – Philae Temple & High Dam
Aswan3 meals
- Sailing to Aswan: Depart Harbyab Island in the early morning for a four-hour sail to Aswan.
- Lunch Onboard: Delight in lunch onboard as you cruise along the Nile.
- Aswan Sightseeing: Explore the iconic Philae Temple on Agilkia Island and the Aswan High Dam. Optional excursions to Abu Simbel can be arranged locally.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner onboard and overnight in Aswan.
Day 6: Friday: Aswan – Harbyab Island
Nile cruise3 meals
- Afternoon Sail & Leisure: Sail back to Harbyab Island in the early afternoon for a day dedicated to relaxation and nature immersion. Enjoy birdwatching, gentle walks, or a refreshing swim in the Nile.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight onboard at Harbyab Island.
Day 7: Saturday: Harbyab Island – Esna
Dahabiya3 meals
- Morning Sail: Early morning departure from Harbyab Island to Esna, enjoying a final day of serenity onboard.
- Relaxation & Farewell: Spend the day unwinding, enjoying the Dahabeya’s amenities, and savoring delicious Egyptian cuisine. Join a farewell celebration in the evening to toast your Nile adventure.
- Evening: Overnight mooring in Esna.
Day 8: Sunday: Disembarkation in Esna
1 meal
- Farewell: After breakfast, bid farewell to your floating home and conclude your unforgettable Nile journey.
8 Days Dahabeya Queen Farida From Luxor Every Saturday
Day 1: Saturday: Embarkation in Luxor
Nile cruise2 meals
- Embarkation & Lunch: Begin your Nile journey at midday with embarkation in Luxor. Settle into your cabin, your floating home for the week, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard.
- Karnak & Luxor Temples: Visit the iconic Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, marveling at their grandeur, history, and architectural splendor.
- Evening: Return to the Dahabeya for dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Day 2: Sunday: Luxor – El Hegz Island
Nile cruise3 meals
- West Bank Sightseeing: After breakfast, explore Luxor’s West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
- Drive to El Hegz: After lunch, travel to El Hegz Village, a small riverside village north of Edfu, and settle in for the night onboard.
Day 3: Monday: El Kab & Edfu
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail & Exploration: Sail for about one hour to El Kab and explore its ancient tombs with your guide.
- Journey to Edfu: Continue sailing for approximately three hours to Edfu. After lunch onboard, visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus.
- Evening: Sail for about an hour to El Fauaza Island for dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 4: Tuesday: Gebel El Silsila
3 meals
- Morning Sail & Walk: After breakfast, sail about three hours to El Ramady and enjoy a scenic walk exploring the surrounding landscape.
- Gebel El Silsila: Continue sailing for three hours to Gebel El Silsila, famed for its sandstone cliffs and ancient quarries. After a guided visit, sail for one hour to Fares village for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Wednesday: Kom Ombo
Nile cruise3 meals
- Morning Sail: Depart for a three-hour sail to Kom Ombo.
- Kom Ombo Temple: After lunch onboard, explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
- Evening: Sail for about two hours to Harbyab Island, relax, and spend the night onboard surrounded by nature.
Day 6: Thursday: Aswan – Philae Temple & High Dam
Aswan onboard the Dahabeya3 meals
- Sailing to Aswan: Depart Harbyab Island for a four-hour sail to Aswan, the southernmost point of your Nile cruise.
- Lunch Onboard & Sightseeing: Enjoy lunch onboard, then visit the majestic Philae Temple on Agilkia Island and the Aswan High Dam. Optional Abu Simbel excursions can be arranged locally.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight in Aswan onboard the Dahabeya.
Day 7: Friday: Aswan – Luxor
Nile cruise3 meals
- Return Sail: After breakfast, begin a leisurely sail back to Luxor, enjoying the scenic Nile views and relaxing onboard.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight onboard as your unforgettable journey continues to its final stops.
Day 8: Saturday: Disembarkation in Esna
1 meal
- Farewell: After breakfast, disembark and bid farewell to the Dahabeya, concluding your memorable Nile adventure.
Cruise Facilities
- Elegant cabins with private bathrooms and Nile views
- Air conditioning and heating in all cabins
- Spacious sun deck with loungers for relaxation and sightseeing
- Onboard restaurant serving authentic Egyptian and international cuisine
- Bar offering a selection of beverages
- Lounge and social area for gatherings and leisure
- Wi-Fi access in common areas (limited)
- Library with books about Egypt and Nile history
- Onboard guide and crew providing expert assistance
- Safety equipment and 24-hour attentive crew
Included / Excluded
- Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
- All Transfers by a private A/C vehicle.
- Accommodation for 6 or 8 nights on a Dahabiya for full board basis.
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
- English-speaking tour guide during the visits.
- Bottled water during the visits.
- All service charges and taxes.
- Entry Visa to Egypt
- Any Optional tours.
- All personal Expenses.
- Tipping (Recommend).
Policies, in plain English
All rates listed by EgyVacations are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) unless stated otherwise. However, we accept payment in other major currencies such as EUR and GBP, based on the daily exchange rate at the time of payment.
- Our prices are based on current market rates, seasonal variations, and availability, and are subject to change without prior notice. Rates are only confirmed once full payment or a deposit has been received.
- Package rates generally include accommodation, transportation, guided tours, and meals, as outlined in your detailed itinerary. Please refer to your specific booking for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.
- Holiday Season Supplement: A 25% holiday surcharge applies to all Nile Cruise and tour package bookings during Christmas, New Year, and Easter periods.
Start your dream tour by paying as low as 30% of the total cost. During festive periods like New Year, Christmas and Easter, we require a 50% down payment. Feel free to pay the rest two days before your arrival or in cash when you arrive – we’ve got you covered!
- If you’re paying by credit card, we need a signed letter from you. This letter gives us permission to charge your card. Make sure the signature matches the one on your card and passport.
- Upon receiving your payment, we’ll issue a written confirmation, along with your itinerary and travel documents.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
- From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 15% of the entire tour price will be charged.
- 35% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
- 50% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
- 100% of the tour price if you cancel 14-1 days before arrival.
Christmas, New Year, and Easter:
- From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 30% of the entire tour price will be charged.
- 50% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
- 75% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
Additionally, airlines charge their fees which are subject to the airlines’ terms and conditions, and there’s also a 5% bank fee on refunds. If you don’t show up for your reservation, we won’t be able to give you a refund.
EgyVacations welcomes families with children and offers the following pricing structure:
- Under 2 years: Free of charge
- 2 to 5 years: 25% of adult rate
- 6 to 11 years: 50% of adult rate
- 12 years and above: Full adult rate
Children’s discounts apply when sharing a room with two paying adults. Please note that some cruises or hotels may have their own child policies, which will be specified in your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
A Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a luxurious yet traditional way to explore the Nile River aboard an elegant, sail-powered boat. Unlike large cruise ships, Dahabiya boats are small and intimate, typically carrying 8–12 passengers. They offer a serene, personalized journey between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travelers to enjoy the beauty of the Nile at a slower pace. Onboard, guests can expect comfortable ensuite cabins, freshly prepared meals, and guided tours to Egypt’s most captivating temples and villages along the riverbanks.
What are the Best Places to Visit with Dahabiya Boats?
The most popular route for Dahabiya cruises runs between Luxor and Aswan, featuring world-famous temples and lesser-known gems. Key stops include Luxor’s Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Along the journey, travelers explore Esna’s lock, the Temple of Edfu, the stunning sandstone quarries of Gebel El-Silsila, and the twin temple of Kom Ombo. The adventure usually ends in Aswan, home to the Philae Temple, Nubian villages, and serene Nile islands — making it one of the most scenic routes in Egypt.
When is the Best Time for a Dahabiya Trip on the Nile River?
The best time to enjoy a Dahabiya cruise is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly mild and perfect for sightseeing. During these months, the temperatures are comfortable for exploring temples and open-air sites during the day, while evenings remain cool and refreshing. The summer months from May to September can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt, but some travelers still choose this period for quieter sailings and better rates.
How to Book a Dahabiya on the Nile?
Booking a Dahabiya cruise is easy and can be done through local tour operators, travel agencies, or directly from cruise companies online. Most Dahabiyas offer fixed weekly departures, usually from Luxor or Aswan, with options for shared or private charters. When booking, it’s important to check the itinerary, inclusions (meals, guides, entrance fees), and the type of Dahabiya — as some are boutique-style with higher-end service while others focus on authentic, simple sailing experiences. Booking in advance, especially in peak season, ensures availability and better cabin choices.
How Much Should I Tip on the Dahabiya?
Tipping, or “baksheesh,” is a customary practice in Egypt and an important part of a Dahabiya cruise experience. For a 4- or 5-day trip, a total tip of $10–15 USD per person per day is generally appropriate, which is then shared among the crew, guides, and service staff. Many operators collect tips at the end of the trip in an envelope to distribute fairly. Of course, tipping more is always appreciated if the service exceeded your expectations.
Travellers, in their own words.
Every quote is a real one, posted under the traveller's own name.
What a great team!
They helped me plan my day and arranged for an Egyptologist and driver to take me to all these places.
Had a great time
Thanks to well organised sightseeing and tour guide Ahmed who was professional and pleasant.
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