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Noor El Din Dahabiya
Sail back in time aboard the Noor El Din Dahabiya, an intimate and luxurious Nile sailing boat that blends elegance, comfort, and history.
About this tour
Sail back in time aboard the Noor El Din Dahabiya, an intimate and luxurious Nile sailing boat that blends elegance, comfort, and history. This 6-day journey from Esna to Aswan offers a serene alternative to large cruise ships, allowing you to explore ancient temples, peaceful islands, and rural villages at a relaxed pace. With gourmet meals, guided tours by expert Egyptologists, and personalized service, the Noor El Din Dahabiya delivers an unforgettable Nile experience that captures the romance and charm of Egypt’s golden age of travel.
6 Days Noor El Din Dahabiya Every Monday from Esna to Aswan
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Esna & Temple of Khnum
On board in Esna2 meals
- Arrival & Transfer: Upon arrival at Luxor Airport or Train Station, you’ll be warmly greeted by your tour manager from Luxor and Aswan Tours and transferred to Esna, where your elegant Noor El Din Dahabiya awaits.
- Temple of Khnum: Before embarkation, explore Esna’s ancient charm, including the Temple of Khnum, located 9 meters below street level and dedicated to the ram-headed creator god.
- Local Market: Wander through Esna’s vibrant market, filled with colorful textiles, aromatic spices, and handmade crafts that reflect authentic Egyptian life.
- Lunch & Relaxation: Return to your Dahabiya for a freshly prepared lunch and enjoy your first serene afternoon on the Nile.
- Evening: Spend a tranquil night aboard your Dahabiya as it anchors in Esna.
Day 2: El Kab – Edfu Temple – Island Stop
Beside a Nile Island3 meals
- Morning Sail: Wake up to the soft rhythm of the Nile as your Dahabiya sails toward El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt.
- El Kab: Explore this fascinating archaeological site, home to the Temple of Nekhbet and beautifully painted rock-cut tombs. A short walk through a nearby fishing village offers an authentic glimpse into local life.
- Edfu Temple: After lunch, arrive at Edfu and ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage to visit the Temple of Horus — one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples from the Greco-Roman period.
- Evening Onboard: Return to your Dahabiya for a relaxing dinner as you sail toward a quiet island, where you’ll anchor for the night.
Day 3: Sailing the Nile – Island Walk & Ancient Petroglyphs
Near Gebel el-Silsila3 meals
- Morning Leisure: Enjoy a peaceful breakfast as your Dahabiya glides through unspoiled stretches of the Nile, passing green fields and palm groves.
- Island Stop: In the afternoon, pause at a remote island for swimming or a gentle stroll along the riverbank.
- Ancient Petroglyphs: Follow your guide to a nearby desert valley where prehistoric rock carvings and ancient hieroglyphs tell stories of early trade routes and travelers.
- Evening: As the sun sets, anchor beside the floodlit Temple of Gebel el-Silsila — a breathtaking view to end the day.
Day 4: Gebel el-Silsila – Quarries & Riverside Picnic
On board3 meals
- Morning Exploration: Start your day at the narrowest point of the Nile, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. Visit the Temple of Horemheb and the ancient quarries of Gebel el-Silsila, where stones for Egypt’s greatest monuments were once cut.
- Local Experience: Stop at a small riverside café for traditional tea and shisha, offering a glimpse into Egyptian hospitality.
- Riverside Lunch: Continue sailing to a tranquil riverbank for an outdoor lunch and a relaxing afternoon under the palms.
- Evening: Unwind on deck as the sun sets and the stars reflect on the Nile’s calm waters.
Day 5: Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum
Near Kom Ombo3 meals
- Morning Sail: After a restful night, cruise south toward Kom Ombo, a temple dramatically situated on a bend of the Nile.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this remarkable dual temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Discover its symmetrical design, ancient reliefs, and healing chambers.
- Crocodile Museum: Visit the nearby museum showcasing mummified crocodiles and artifacts from ancient Egypt’s reverence for these creatures.
- Evening Onboard: Enjoy dinner and a peaceful night on your Dahabiya as you sail toward Aswan.
Day 6: Disembarkation in Aswan
1 meal
- Morning Arrival: Enjoy your final breakfast on the deck of your Noor El Din Dahabiya as you arrive in Aswan, the jewel of southern Egypt.
- Disembarkation: Bid farewell to the crew before being transferred to Aswan Airport or Train Station for your onward journey.
Cruise Facilities – Noor El Din Dahabiya
- Stylishly furnished cabins with private bathrooms and large Nile-view windows
- Air-conditioned rooms and elegant interior décor inspired by traditional Egyptian design
- Spacious sun deck with shaded lounges and open-air dining area
- Onboard restaurant serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international dishes
- Experienced multilingual Egyptologist guide for all excursions
- Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day
- 24-hour reception and attentive crew providing personalized service
- Free Wi-Fi in common areas (subject to signal availability)
- Evening entertainment and traditional music on selected nights
- Safety equipment and first-aid service available on board
Included / Excluded
- Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
- All Transfers by a private A/C vehicle.
- Accommodation for 5 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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