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Gardenia Dahabiya
Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the Gardenia Dahabiya, a luxurious and intimate sailing vessel.
About this tour
Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the Gardenia Dahabiya, a luxurious and intimate sailing vessel. This cruise offers a serene journey through Egypt’s iconic landscapes, from the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak to the historic wonders of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Enjoy personalized service, elegant cabins, and the gentle rhythm of the Nile as you explore riverside villages, lush farmland, and golden sand dunes. With expertly prepared meals, onboard leisure, and optional excursions like Abu Simbel, this cruise combines comfort, culture, and unforgettable scenery for an authentic Nile experience.
4 Days Gardenia Dahabiya from Aswan Every Friday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Aswan Sightseeing & Embarkation
Dahabiya2 meals
- Arrival in Aswan: Our Nile Holiday representative will greet you at your hotel, airport, or train station and escort you to the Gardenia Dahabiya.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this impressive rock-fill dam that controls the Nile’s annual floods and generates electricity.
- Philae Temple: Enjoy a motorboat ride to Philae Temple Island, a stunning complex featuring temples from Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman periods.
- Embarkation: Board the Gardenia Dahabiya, enjoy lunch onboard, and spend the afternoon relaxing while taking in the serene river surroundings.
- Dinner & Overnight: Savor a freshly prepared dinner onboard as the Nile’s calm waters surround you.
Day 2: Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo Temple
3 meals
- Optional Abu Simbel Excursion: Early risers may visit the iconic temples carved by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago.
- Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy a hearty breakfast as your Dahabiya sails along the picturesque Nile, passing palm-lined banks and golden dunes.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, including twin entrances, sanctuaries, and ceremonial routes.
- Dinner & Overnight: Return to the Dahabiya for a relaxing evening and dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Edfu Temple & Luxor East Bank
Esna3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Start your day while the Dahabiya sails past riverside villages, farmers, and lush Nile landscapes.
- Edfu Temple: Take a horse and carriage ride to one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments, the Temple of Horus.
- Lunch Onboard: Return to the Dahabiya for a leisurely lunch before continuing your scenic Nile journey.
- Overnight in Esna: Enjoy dinner onboard while anchored near a quiet riverside location.
Day 4: Luxor West Bank Excursions & Departure
2 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin your final day with a morning meal before transferring to Luxor’s West Bank.
- West Bank Highlights: Explore the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Karnak Temple Complex: Visit this open-air museum of ancient architecture before concluding your journey.
- Disembarkation: Transfer to your Luxor hotel, airport, or train station, marking the end of your Gardenia Dahabiya Nile cruise.
5 Days Gardenia Dahabiya from Luxor Every Monday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Luxor & Karnak Temples
Dahabiya2 meals
- Pick-Up in Luxor: Our representative will meet you at your hotel, airport, or train station and escort you to your Dahabiya.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt, with its grand pylons, lakes, and columns.
- West Bank Highlights: Visit the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Embarkation: Board the Dahabiya at Esna and enjoy dinner onboard while mooring at El Hegz Island for the night.
Day 2: El Hegz – Edfu – Al Ramady Island
3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Start your morning with a leisurely meal as the Dahabiya sails toward Edfu.
- Edfu Temple: Visit this well-preserved monument via horse and carriage, witnessing its stunning hieroglyphic reliefs.
- Scenic Sailing: Cruise past villages, sugar cane fields, banana plantations, and date palms en route to Al Ramady Island.
- Dinner & Overnight: Enjoy dinner under the stars while anchored near the island.
Day 3: Al Ramady – Bisaw – Gebel el-Silsila – Kom Ombo
3 meals
- Morning Cruise: Sail early toward Gebel el-Silsila, the site of ancient Pharaonic quarries and the rock-cut Temple of Horemheb.
- Kom Ombo: Continue sailing while enjoying riverside life, then visit Egypt’s unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
- Dinner & Overnight: Return onboard for dinner and overnight near Al Bashir Island.
Day 4: Kom Ombo – Sailing to Aswan
3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin your day with breakfast before exploring Kom Ombo Temple in depth.
- Scenic Cruise: Enjoy lunch onboard while sailing toward Aswan, taking in the serene river views along the way.
Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan – Sightseeing & Departure
1 meal
- Breakfast & Disembarkation: Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before disembarking in Aswan.
- Aswan Highlights: Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam, and Philae Temple Island.
- Transfer: Our team will escort you to your hotel, airport, or train station, concluding your memorable Nile cruise.
Gardenia Dahabiya – Cruise Facilities
- Elegant cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning
- Spacious sun deck for relaxing and sightseeing
- Open-air dining area serving freshly prepared meals
- Indoor lounge with comfortable seating
- Onboard bar offering tea, coffee, and soft drinks
- Personalized service by a friendly crew
- BBQ facilities for special dinners on Nile islands
- Optional guided excursions with Egyptologist guides
- Safety equipment and first aid onboard
- Wi-Fi available in select areas (subject to coverage)
Included / Excluded
- Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
- All Transfers by a private A/C vehicle.
- Accommodation for 4 or 3 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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