It was the best choice ever
We trusted EgyVacations for our trip to Egypt… They made our trip anxiety free, they solve every problem from our arrival to the airport till our departure.
Iris Dahabiya Cruise
The Iris Dahabiya offers a luxurious and intimate Nile cruising experience between Aswan and Luxor.
About this tour
The Iris Dahabiya offers a luxurious and intimate Nile cruising experience between Aswan and Luxor. With elegant cabins, a spacious sundeck, and attentive crew, it combines comfort and charm, making every moment along the Nile unforgettable. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, relax under the sun, or take in the scenic riverside landscapes as the Dahabiya glides past ancient temples, islands, and quaint villages. Whether savoring a sunset dinner on deck, exploring historic temples with a knowledgeable Egyptologist, or strolling along peaceful riverbanks, the Iris Dahabiya promises an immersive journey steeped in culture, history, and tranquility. Perfect for travelers seeking a serene yet enriching Nile adventure, it blends classic elegance with modern comfort for a truly unforgettable experience.
4 Days Iris Dahabiya From Aswan to Luxor Every Friday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – High Dam & Philae Temple | El Hyrdiya Island
2 meals
- Arrival in Aswan: Our representative will greet you at the airport, train station, or hotel and escort you to the luxurious Iris Dahabiya. Enjoy a warm welcome from the crew with refreshments to start your Nile adventure.
- Lunch Onboard: Check in and savor a freshly prepared lunch as you relax onboard.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this modern engineering marvel controlling the Nile floods.
- Philae Temple: Explore the Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island, with its exquisite hieroglyphs and serene surroundings.
- Evening Cruise & El Hyrdiya Island: Sail gently toward El Hyrdiya Island. Enjoy a countryside walk before returning for a delightful dinner under the stars. Overnight moored by the island.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 2: Kom Ombo – Daraw – Gabel El Silsila – Besaw Island
Dahabiya3 meals
- Morning Cruise & Kom Ombo Temple: After breakfast, sail toward Kom Ombo and explore its unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris with a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide.
- Optional Daraw Village Excursion: Visit the vibrant camel market and colorful streets, returning to the Dahabiya for lunch onboard.
- Gabel El Silsila: Sail to the ancient sandstone quarries and explore rock-cut shrines, learning about their importance in Egyptian architecture.
- Evening at Besaw Island: Anchor near the island for a peaceful dinner surrounded by nature. Overnight onboard.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 3: Edfu Temple – Sailing to Luxor
3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Start your day while sailing toward Edfu.
- Edfu Temple: Visit the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
- Lunch Onboard & Scenic Sailing: Return to the Dahabiya for lunch as you sail toward Esna, watching daily life along the Nile.
- Afternoon Leisure: Relax on the sundeck, soaking in the tranquil river views and timeless landscapes.
- Evening Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard as you approach Luxor. Overnight sailing toward the city.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 4: Luxor West & East Bank – Disembarkation
1 meal
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin your final day with a farewell breakfast.
- Luxor West Bank: Visit the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Luxor East Bank – Karnak Temple: Cross the Nile to explore the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture.
- Transfer & Departure: Private transfer to Luxor airport, train station, or hotel, concluding your unforgettable Nile adventure.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
5 Days Iris Dahabiya From Luxor Every Monday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Karnak & Luxor Temples | Monday
2 meals
- Arrival in Luxor: Meet your friendly representative at Luxor Airport, train station, or hotel and transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle to your luxury Dahabiya.
- Lunch Onboard: Board your elegant vessel and enjoy a welcome lunch as you settle into your floating home for the next five days.
- Karnak & Luxor Temples: Explore the grandeur of the East Bank with a guided tour. Marvel at Karnak Temple’s colossal pillars and wander through Luxor Temple, illuminated beautifully at sunset.
- Evening Relaxation: Unwind on the sundeck, enjoy optional onboard activities, and savor a delicious dinner as your Dahabiya remains moored in Luxor.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 2: West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Sailing to Edfu | Tuesday
Dahabiya3 meals
- West Bank Excursion: After breakfast, cross the Nile to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, visit Hatshepsut Temple, and admire the towering Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch Onboard & Sailing: Return to the Dahabiya for lunch before setting sail along the Nile, leaving the bustling crowds behind.
- Scenic Afternoon Cruise: Glide past ancient rock-cut tombs at Al Kab (Nekhbet) before mooring at a peaceful island near Edfu.
- Evening Dinner: Enjoy a sundeck dinner or a barbecue under the stars on the island. Overnight onboard.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples | Wednesday
Dahabiya3 meals
- Breakfast & Edfu Temple: Begin your day with breakfast onboard, then visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s most well-preserved temples with stunning reliefs.
- Lunch Onboard: Return to the Dahabiya for a leisurely lunch as you cruise toward Kom Ombo.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, known for its perfectly symmetrical design.
- Evening Dinner: Experience a magical candlelit barbecue onboard or around a campfire on Maniha Island. Overnight onboard.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 4: Sailing to Aswan – High Dam & Philae Temple | Thursday
Dahabiya3 meals
- Morning Cruise: Take in the scenic beauty of the Nile as you sail toward Aswan.
- Aswan Sightseeing: After breakfast, disembark to visit the Aswan High Dam and then take a boat to Agilkia Island to explore Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis.
- Evening Farewell: Enjoy your farewell dinner onboard as the Dahabiya moors in Aswan. Overnight onboard.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Day 5: Disembarkation & Optional Abu Simbel Excursion | Friday
1 meal
- Optional Abu Simbel: For early risers, take a pre-dawn excursion to Abu Simbel, the world-famous temples relocated from Lake Nasser’s rising waters.
- Breakfast & Disembarkation: Return for breakfast onboard before disembarking. A private transfer will take you to Aswan Airport, train station, or hotel, concluding your remarkable Nile journey.
- Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Unlimited Water
Cruise Facilities
- Elegant cabins with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning
- Spacious sundeck with lounge chairs for relaxing and sightseeing
- Onboard dining area serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international cuisine
- Tea, coffee, and unlimited water available throughout your stay
- Barbecue and outdoor dining options on deck or nearby islands
- Onboard lounge for reading, socializing, and entertainment
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas (signal may vary along the Nile)
- Safety equipment and first-aid kit onboard
- Professional crew providing attentive service and local hospitality
- Egyptologist guide available for all excursions
- Optional sundeck yoga or relaxation sessions (seasonal)
- Laundry service upon request
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.
Other routes travellers compared this with
6 Days / 8 Days
Dahabiya
Dahabeya Queen Farida
Esna · El Kab · Edfu · Gebel El Silsila
- Full-board Dahabiya
- Temple of Edfu
- Gebel El Silsila quarries
- Entrance fees included
From$1,350per personView tour
4 Days / 5 Days
Dahabiya
King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya
3N Aswan → Luxor · 4N from Luxor
- Full board
- Departs every Friday
- Entrance fees included
- Guide included
From$1,100per personView tour
4 Days / 5 Days
Dahabiya
Gorgonia Dahabiya
3N Aswan → Luxor · 4N Luxor → Aswan
- Full board
- Departs every Wednesday
- Entrance fees included
- Guide included
From$1,000per personView tour