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Princess Farida Dahabiya
Step aboard the Princess Farida Dahabiya for a 4-day, 3-night journey from Aswan to Luxor—an intimate Nile cruise designed for travelers who value luxury, serenity, and authentic Egyptian…
About this tour
Step aboard the Princess Farida Dahabiya for a 4-day, 3-night journey from Aswan to Luxor—an intimate Nile cruise designed for travelers who value luxury, serenity, and authentic Egyptian charm. Starting in Aswan, explore iconic landmarks like Philae Temple and the High Dam before sailing leisurely to Kom Ombo and Edfu, where ancient temples await. Glide past timeless landscapes and traditional riverside villages as you relax on deck with gourmet meals and afternoon tea. Arrive in Luxor to uncover the treasures of both East and West Banks, including the magnificent Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Every detail aboard Princess Farida blends comfort, culture, and personalized service—promising a royal journey through Egypt’s most enchanting stretch of the Nile.
4 Days Princess Farida Dahabiya from Aswan to Luxor Every Friday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan & Kom Ombo Temple
Dahabiya2 meals
- Arrival in Aswan: Upon your arrival at Aswan Airport or from your hotel, our friendly representative will greet you and transfer you to begin your Dahabiya adventure along the Nile River.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this modern engineering wonder, completed in the 1960s, which controls the Nile’s annual flood and created Lake Nasser — one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.
- Philae Temple: Take a scenic motorboat ride to Agilkia Island to explore the Temple of Isis, an enchanting sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of magic and motherhood.
- Embark on the Princess Farida Dahabiya: Board your elegant Dahabiya and settle into your comfortable cabin. Enjoy lunch as you begin sailing gently toward Kom Ombo.
- Temple of Kom Ombo: Disembark to visit this fascinating double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon god, beautifully overlooking the Nile.
Day 2: Sail to Edfu – Explore Gebel El Silsila & the Temple of Horus
Small Nile-side Village3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy breakfast as your Dahabiya sails toward the historical site of Gebel El Silsila.
- Gebel El Silsila: Explore this fascinating quarry site where sandstone was extracted for Egypt’s great temples. Discover rock-cut shrines and carvings that reflect both the industrial and spiritual history of ancient Egypt.
- Scenic Sailing: Relax on the sundeck as you cruise along the Nile, passing palm groves and tranquil riverside villages.
- Temple of Horus at Edfu: On arrival in Edfu, take a horse-drawn carriage through the town to visit one of Egypt’s most well-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God. Admire its majestic pylons and detailed reliefs that bring ancient mythology to life.
Day 3: Sailing to Luxor – The Splendor of the East Bank
Luxor West Bank3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while sailing across Esna Lock toward Luxor.
- Karnak Temple Complex: Discover the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the world’s largest religious complex, where grand columns and colossal statues honor Egypt’s ancient gods.
- Luxor Temple: Continue your tour at the magnificent Luxor Temple, dedicated to Amun and once linked to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes. Its statues and hieroglyphs tell stories of power, devotion, and divine kingship.
- Evening Onboard: Relax with afternoon tea, followed by a delightful dinner and a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 4: Disembarkation & West Bank of Luxor
1 meal
- Breakfast & Check-Out: After breakfast, disembark from your Dahabiya for your guided tour of Luxor’s West Bank.
- Valley of the Kings: Step into history as you explore the ornate tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, decorated with vivid scenes from the afterlife.
- Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit the stunning mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, showcasing her extraordinary reign and architectural vision.
- Colossi of Memnon: Stop at the iconic twin statues of Amenhotep III that have stood guard over Thebes for over 3,000 years.
- Transfer to Departure: After your tour, our representative will transfer you to Luxor Airport or your hotel for your onward journey.
5 Days Princess Farida Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan Every Monday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Temples
Luxor West Bank2 meals
- Welcome Aboard: Step into a world of elegance and tranquility as you board the luxurious Princess Farida Dahabiya. Whether arriving from your hotel or the airport, our warm and professional team will greet you and assist with embarkation.
- Lunch Onboard: Settle into your private suite and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch served on deck as your Dahabiya begins gliding along the Nile, surrounded by golden sunlight and gentle breezes.
- Karnak Temple Complex: Begin your afternoon with a guided visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious complex in the world, built and expanded by over 30 pharaohs across two millennia.
- Luxor Temple: Continue to the graceful Luxor Temple, dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and once connected to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes. Its illuminated sandstone walls create a mesmerizing atmosphere as evening falls.
Day 2: The West Bank of Luxor – Valley of the Kings & Esna Lock
Island near Esna3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before beginning your exploration of Luxor’s West Bank.
- Valley of the Kings: Descend into the royal tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs and witness vivid wall paintings depicting their journey through the afterlife.
- Temple of Hatshepsut: Admire the elegant terraces of Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, a striking monument to one of Egypt’s most powerful women.
- Colossi of Memnon: Stand before the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, guardians of the ancient necropolis for over 3,000 years.
- Sail to Esna: Return to your Dahabiya for lunch and begin your peaceful sail toward Esna. Experience crossing the Esna Lock, an iconic part of every Nile journey.
Day 3: Temples of the Gods – Edfu, Gebel El Silsila & Kom Ombo
Island on the Nile3 meals
- Breakfast Onboard: Wake up to the tranquil scenery of the Nile as you sail toward Edfu.
- Temple of Horus at Edfu: Take a horse-drawn carriage through the charming town of Edfu to visit this perfectly preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon god. Its grand pylons and inscriptions narrate epic battles between good and evil.
- Gebel El Silsila: Continue to this ancient quarry, once the source of sandstone for Egypt’s great temples. Explore rock-cut chapels and carvings that reveal the sacred significance of the site.
- Temple of Kom Ombo: Visit this dual temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Explore its symmetrical design and the fascinating Crocodile Museum nearby.
Day 4: Discover the Charms of Aswan
Aswan3 meals
- Morning Sail: Enjoy breakfast as your Dahabiya sails gracefully into Aswan, one of Egypt’s most picturesque cities.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this monumental dam, completed in 1970, which transformed Egypt’s landscape and safeguarded its agriculture by controlling the annual floods of the Nile.
- Philae Temple: Take a short motorboat ride to Agilkia Island to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis. Rescued and relocated stone by stone after the construction of the dam, Philae remains one of Egypt’s most beloved temples.
- Evening Onboard: Enjoy dinner under the stars, reflecting on the serenity and timeless beauty of your journey.
Day 5: Disembarkation & Farewell to the Nile
1 meal
- Breakfast & Check-Out: Savor your final breakfast onboard the Princess Farida Dahabiya as the morning sun illuminates the Nile’s calm waters.
- Transfer to Departure: After disembarkation, our representative will transfer you to Aswan Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your remarkable journey along the world’s most legendary river.
Cruise Facilities
- Elegant, fully furnished cabins with private bathrooms
- Spacious sun deck with panoramic Nile views
- Lounge and dining area with open-air seating
- Onboard restaurant serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international dishes
- Complimentary afternoon tea and snacks
- Air-conditioned cabins and common areas
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Laundry service available upon request
- Daily housekeeping and cabin service
- Professional and multilingual Egyptologist tour guide
- 24-hour attentive staff and room service
- Private docking areas away from large cruise ships for a tranquil experience
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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