Skip to content
Dahabiya sailing the Nile under canvas

Sail-powered · 6–12 cabins · Between Esna and Aswan ·

Dahabiya Nile cruises – the river the way the pharaohs sailed it.

Traditional two-mast sailing yachts with 4–9 cabins, no engine noise, river-bank moorings at sites the 200-guest motor cruisers can't reach. Hand-picked by our Cairo reservations team – every dahabiya on this page sails under canvas, eats around one table, and runs on private-charter or shared-departure basis. Not a marketplace pull.

42dahabiyas in our fleet

£1,850per person · 4-night shared departure

What is a dahabiya?

Eight cabins. Two masts. No engine note when the wind is up. A dahabiya is a wooden sailing yacht built for the Nile – a slower, smaller way to read the river. One mooring at El Kab where nobody else stops. A single dining table on the sun deck. Lateen sails handled by a crew that has worked this stretch of water for longer than most of our guests have been visiting Egypt.

The cabins are ensuite, air-conditioned, and twin-or-double depending on the layout. Everything else – the pace, the moorings, the silence – is unchanged from the form that's been sailed for two hundred years.

Traditional dahabiya sailing the Nile between Esna and Aswan

Lateen sails up, engine off, the river goes quiet by Edfu.

In the fleet

Every dahabiya we book. (42)

Hand-picked across the Prestige and Luxury tiers. Each vessel below sails the 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night per-person cabin rate on a shared departure; whole-boat private charter is quoted on request.

  1. Abundance Dahabiya

    Abundance Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,776/ pp

  2. Abydos Dahabiya

    Abydos Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan on a five-day dahabiya that calls at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. The Abydos Dahabiya typically accommodates 8–14 guests, so the pace is intimate and unhurried. Our Egyptologists lead every excursion, explaining inscriptions, temple architecture and local history at each stop. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers in Luxor and Aswan. Unlike larger motor cruises, this route gives extended shore time at Gebel El Silsila and El Kab, and evenings often include riverside meals near quiet village landings. Trade-offs: cabins are compact and the programme is deliberately relaxed, so this is not a party vessel but a small-guest sailing experience focused on archaeology and village riverside life.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  3. Adelaide Dahabiya

    Adelaide Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Sail the Nile aboard the Adelaide Dahabiya for seven days, cruising at a slower, sail-influenced pace that prioritises time ashore. This is a small-boat alternative to four-night motor-ship cruises; the slower schedule lets you visit quieter riverbanks and villages. We arrange private Egyptologists and short road transfers rather than large coach movements. Expect smaller cabins and fewer onboard facilities than a large river cruise ship, and variable sail timings when wind conditions change. We operate Adelaide Dahabiya as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide local crew, fuel-powered backup, and all on-shore logistics.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,875/ pp

  4. Akhnaton Dahabiya

    Akhnaton Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    The Akhnaton Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered craft offering seven days on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We operate it as a small, privately chartered dahabiya; we don't run group-bus tours. Typical calls include Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Esna lock, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo. Unlike packaged motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly and anchors at quieter riverside moorings overnight. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on motor cruise ships and sailing days depend on wind; there is limited shade on the sun deck at midday. We can arrange a private Egyptologist and bespoke shore excursions for each group.

    Dahabiya5-Star Standard3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£840/ pp

  5. Albatros Dahabiya

    Albatros Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    This seven-day dahabiya cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and rural Nile islands. Each day combines guided temple visits, island moorings and village walks, with time to relax on deck and watch the riverbanks change. Guided tours are led by our licensed Egyptologists and standard entrance fees for included sites are covered. With typically 6–10 cabins, Albatros Dahabiya maintains a quiet, low-capacity atmosphere compared with larger Nile boats. We do not run group bus tours; departures favour slower sailing and mooring at small islands and villages. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, Egyptologists and local arrangements for the cruise.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board
  6. Altesse Dahabiya

    Altesse Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Altesse Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya that sails the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Shore visits include Gebel El Silsila, a riverside quarry complex accessible to small vessels. Onboard life favours quiet sailing, shaded deck seating and small-group landings that keep walking and transfers short. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits and explain the temples of Khnum, Horus and Sobek in their historical context. We choose dahabiyas for this route because their shallow draft and smaller size allow moorings at sites larger cruise ships cannot reach. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your Egyptologist and on-the-ground support throughout the voyage.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  7. Amoura Dahabiya

    Amoura Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Amoura Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya offering a slower-paced Nile experience around Luxor. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has hand-picked the vessel for travelers who prefer lateen sails, small groups and quiet river moorings. The vessel provides chef-prepared Full Board meals, a sun deck for lounging, a shaded lounge bar and cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. The excursion program visits sites only shallow-draft boats can reach, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike mass-market motor cruisers, the dahabiya spends more time ashore and sails when wind conditions allow, producing a gentler rhythm to the day.

    Dahabiya5-Star Deluxe3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£840/ pp

  8. Assouan Dahabiya

    Assouan Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Assouan Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae. You travel with a licensed Egyptologist from our team who leads visits to Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The dahabiya follows quieter channels and often moors privately beside cliffs such as Gebel El Silsila, allowing direct walks and time at sites larger cruise ships cannot reach. Unlike large Nile cruises, this itinerary includes calls at El Kab and Kom Ombo without a rushed schedule. Evenings are spent on deck watching village life pass and the river light change. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate the on-the-ground arrangements for the voyage.

    Dahabiya5 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna5★Full Board
  9. Azhar Dahabiya

    Azhar Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,352/ pp

  10. Gordon Pacha Dahabiya

    Gordon Pacha Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan visiting Esna, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. The itinerary combines slow, bank-side sailing with shore visits: wander Esna’s carved halls, take a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu, and step into the rarely visited sandstone quarries at Gebel el-Silsila. Expect long daylight hours on deck, quiet moorings at Nile islands, and opportunities to swim from the dahabiya in sheltered spots. We prefer dahabiya sailings to larger motor cruises, because the vessel can tie up at riverside locations inaccessible to bigger ships. Unlike day tours run from larger boats, this route gives time at each site for reading inscriptions and photographing reliefs without a tight timetable.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  11. Hadeel Dahabiya

    Hadeel Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Hadeel Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails and under a dozen cabins, ideal for slow-paced Nile passages. We hand-picked this dahabiya for travellers who prefer personalised service, chef-prepared meals and access to shallower reaches larger motor cruisers cannot visit. The vessel's shore excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with stops at Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.

    Dahabiya5-Star Deluxe3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,321/ pp

  12. Iris Luxury Dahabiya

    Iris Luxury Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Sail seven days along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard Iris, a privately operated luxury dahabiya. We operate Iris as a private dahabiya rather than a large motor ship; that means slower transit and more time ashore. Unlike 4‑night motor cruise patterns, a dahabiya allows ad hoc moorings and quieter nights on the river. Our Egyptologists give daily briefings and accompany guided walks ashore. Trade‑offs: cabins are more compact than on larger ships, shade on deck is limited at midday, and some temple visits require early starts. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private embarkations and ground transfers.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£984/ pp

  13. Jasmine Dahabiya

    Jasmine Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    From Luxor to Aswan, the Jasmine Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sail that pairs gentle cruising with village visits and temple sightseeing. Board in Luxor, disembark in Aswan. The route includes El Kab, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo's Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, the Daraw camel market, and Philae Temple. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate a licensed Egyptologist for every sailing. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, the dahabiya ties up at small riverbanks such as Fawaza and El Hegz, allowing visits to local villages and markets that larger vessels cannot reach. Evenings are relaxed on deck, with candlelit dinners ashore at quieter moorings and wide views of the Nile at sunset.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Wed from Aswan / Sat from EsnaFull Board
  14. Judi Dahabiya

    Judi Dahabiya

    Luxor → Aswan

    Dahabiya Judi is a traditional sailing dahabiya, a seven-day Luxor to Aswan cruise visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Our Egyptologists lead every guided visit, explaining inscriptions, tomb scenes and temple architecture with archaeological context. Accommodation is onboard the dahabiya with full-board meals, afternoon tea and daily snacks included. We arrange transfers in air-conditioned vehicles and include entrance fees for the scheduled visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we prefer slow sailings and small groups rather than coach-style group tours. Unlike larger motorised cruise boats, a dahabiya can moor at smaller islands and provide quieter evenings and longer time ashore at places such as El Kab and Gebel El Silsila.

    Dahabiya5 nightsDeparts Mon from Luxor5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,811/ pp

  15. Karnak Dahabiya

    Karnak Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Embark in Luxor and disembark in Aswan aboard the Karnak Dahabiya, a traditional Nile dahabiya that sails slowly between Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Gebel El Silsila. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Boarding is in Esna. All meals are served onboard and our Egyptologists lead the on-site visits, with entrance fees to the listed sites included. Days are deliberately unhurried, with long daylight sailing, time ashore in riverside villages, and evenings beside the river under lantern light. We prefer slow dahabiya sailings to larger motor cruises, so you spend more time walking at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than passing them from deck.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  16. L’Orient Dahabiya

    L’Orient Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    L'Orient Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Gebel el Silsila and El Kab. You board after a short transfer to Esna, then settle on polished wood decks as the dahabiya slips south. Days combine private visits to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo, painted tombs at El Kab, and the sandstone quarries and chapels at Gebel el Silsila. Evenings are calm, with an open-air riverside dinner option and time on deck to watch village life on the banks. We keep guest numbers to 8–14 aboard L'Orient Dahabiya, and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator organising transfers and Egyptologist-led visits. Unlike larger motorised Nile boats, a dahabiya ties up at islands and small quays, allowing quieter evenings and closer contact with riverside communities.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  17. La Rose Dahabiya

    La Rose Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    La Rose Dahabiya is a traditional Nile dahabiya that sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. It typically carries 10–14 guests, providing an intimate, slow-paced voyage along the river. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange a certified Egyptologist for every departure and private transfers to and from the boat. Unlike larger motor cruises, this route keeps visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo unhurried rather than reduced to brief port calls. You pass through Esna Lock, relax on the sundeck with village and island views, and have evenings at anchor for clear night skies. All meals, entrance fees to the listed sites, and tea, coffee and mineral water with meals are included.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  18. Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya

    Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. The vessel follows the traditional dahabiya form, allowing moorings at small islands and riverside villages that larger motor cruises cannot reach. Days combine short, guided walks ashore with relaxed afternoons on deck, tea between passages and low-key evenings beneath the stars. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead every visit, explaining temple inscriptions, quarry chapels and local village life. Unlike standard motor-boat cruises, this itinerary favours unhurried stops and longer onshore time for walking and photography.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  19. Lotus Dahabiya

    Lotus Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Embark in Luxor aboard Lotus Dahabiya, a traditional dahabiya sailing south to Aswan via Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. On arrival our Egyptologist meets you in Luxor and outlines the week's visits. Mornings are for temples, including an Edfu horse-carriage transfer to the Temple of Edfu; afternoons are for slow sailing and riverside vistas. At Gebel El Silsila you walk among rock-cut shrines and old quarry inscriptions rarely reachable by larger vessels. In Aswan the itinerary includes Philae Temple and the High Dam. We do not run group bus tours, which lets the boat anchor at quieter spots and gives longer time ashore. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, guides and meals as listed.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board
  20. Loulia Dahabiya

    Loulia Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Aboard Dahabiya Loulia you sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan over six days. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut. Days are unhurried, with time ashore at El Kab, a riverside village near Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and an onboard chef prepares all meals. We limit this dahabiya to 8–12 guests, which keeps the pace relaxed and avoids the timetable pressure of larger motor cruises. Evenings are spent on deck watching the riverbank villages and palm islands pass by, with opportunities for a cooking demonstration and quiet stargazing on the water.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  21. Malouka Dahabiya

    Malouka Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, arranged for you as a full board Nile cruise vessel with traditional low-slung lines and spacious public areas. The vessel offers a mix of Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining salon serving full board meals. The shore-excursion programme visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books this vessel for our clients on the ground.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury5 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,475/ pp

  22. Merit 1 & 2 Dahabiya

    Merit 1 & 2 Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    The Merit 1 is a seven-day dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists tailor each day ashore. Unlike larger cruise boats, the dahabiya pace lets you anchor overnight and spend longer at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We don't run group bus tours; excursions are private or small-group and timed to avoid the busiest hours. Trade-offs: cabins are smaller than on river cruise ships and boarding involves steps and a gangplank, so this is best for travellers comfortable with modest mobility requirements.

    Dahabiya5-Star Standard3 / 4 nightsDeparts Wed from Aswan / Sat from Esna5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,632/ pp

  23. Meroe Dahabiya

    Meroe Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya style Nile cruise vessel offering full board accommodation and a paced shore-excursion program. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are arranged in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile views or private balconies. Shore excursions visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by Egyptologist-guided land visits. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tombs and personal gratuities are typically extra.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury5 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,681/ pp

  24. Minya Dahabiya

    Minya Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Minya Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile dahabiya cruise offering slow sailing, village moorings and extended daylight ashore. We operate small dahabiyas and do not run group bus tours; that keeps mornings and landings flexible. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, this itinerary prioritises sailing time and evenings at village quays rather than fixed port turnarounds. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are extra and not included unless requested. Expect simpler cabins, occasional river noise and fewer onboard facilities during sail days. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,377/ pp

  25. Musk Dahabiya

    Musk Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Musk Dahabiya is a seven-day dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan that visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. You embark in Luxor, meet your certified Egyptologist, and settle into a small-group sailing that moves slowly along the Nile, allowing longer stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo than larger overnight river boats. Days combine short onshore visits, sundeck time and evening moorings near riverside villages; the Esna lock crossing is part of the route. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate your transfers and Egyptologist, so local logistics are handled for you. We arrange these sailings as intimate dahabiya cruises, not large coach-based river tours, which suits travellers who prefer a relaxed pace and small groups.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  26. Nawara Dahabiya

    Nawara Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Nawara Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days combine short onshore walks, guided visits and long, quiet stretches of sailing where the riverbank villages pass slowly. Our Egyptologists lead every archaeological visit and explain the sites linked to Egypt’s New Kingdom and later periods. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your embarkation in Luxor and final transfer in Aswan. We do not run large bus tours, the itinerary favours small-group landing points and evening moorings. Unlike cruise-ship timetables, this route includes the Daraw market and an overnight on Fawaza Island, giving more time for local encounters and photography.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board
  27. Nora Dahabiya

    Nora Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Nora Dahabiya sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel el Silsila and Kom Ombo. Visits include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the rock-cut shrines of Gebel el Silsila, and Kom Ombo’s twin shrines to Sobek and Haroeris. Onboard life is low-key, with mornings on deck, afternoons watching river traffic and evenings moored at quiet islands. A traditional dahabiya has a shallow draft, which allows closer riverbank navigation than larger motorised boats. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and coordinate local partners for each sailing. Unlike larger Nile motor cruises, Nora Dahabiya typically carries around 8 to 12 guests, which allows longer site visits and a quieter pace ashore.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Sun from Esna / Thu from Aswan5★Full Board
  28. Nour El Nil Dahabiya

    Nour El Nil Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star traditional dahabiya offering intimate sailing on the Nile, with full board and an on-board shore excursion programme. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, each with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-facing windows or balconies where the layout allows. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and alternates sailing days with excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Unlike larger motor ships, a dahabiya offers fewer cabins, quieter sailing and more daylight time on deck for shore visits.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury5 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£2,043/ pp

  29. Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    The Princess Cleopatra dahabiya is a seven-day traditional-sailing cruise along the Nile. Unlike motorised mini-cruises, dahabiyas use sails traditionally and give quieter overnight crossings. We operate this itinerary as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can adjust embarkation points where feasible. Expect compact cabins and generous deck space for daytime sailing; plan for early starts at temples, walking on uneven ancient stone, and occasional itinerary changes when wind is light. Standard site entrance fees apply unless we state otherwise; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra. We recommend seven days to see key riverside sites without repeated hotel changes.

    Dahabiya5-Star Deluxe3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£840/ pp

  30. Princess Donia Dahabiya

    Princess Donia Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    A traditional dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan, Princess Donia visits Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The six-day voyage sails slowly during daylight, giving more time ashore than larger motor launches. We limit parties to 8–12 guests, and our Egyptologists lead each visit with local context and walking routes that suit small groups. Expect relaxed evenings on deck, an island stop for a short walk or swim, and riverside scenes of palm groves and village life. Practical notes, we cover: some early starts at key sites, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited cabin availability which makes early booking advisable.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board
  31. Princess Farida Dahabiya

    Princess Farida Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya, a traditional, small-capacity sailing vessel on the Nile. The vessel offers graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon, with a programmed sequence of shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges this cruise for our guests.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,488/ pp

  32. Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027

    Private Dahabiya Charter – Solar Eclipse 2027

    Esna → Aswan

    This private dahabiya charter places your party on the Nile during the 2027 solar eclipse, with exclusive use of an eight-cabin, sail-powered boat for up to 23 guests. A riverbank mooring is reserved for the eclipse totality window, with viewing from the dahabiya or shore subject to local conditions and arrangements. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The charter includes a professional captain and crew, plus shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a standard group cruise, sailing and excursion timings can be arranged more flexibly for your private party.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£7,237/ pp

  33. Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya

    ESNA → ASWAN

    Discover Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise, with elegant cabins, a sun deck and guided shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan. Enquire now.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£768/ pp

  34. Queen Nefeer Dahabiya

    Queen Nefeer Dahabiya

    ESNA → ASWAN

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£840/ pp

  35. Roi Farouk Dahabiya

    Roi Farouk Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    A classic dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan, the Roi Farouk Dahabiya visits Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. You board in Luxor, enjoy a welcome drink, and settle into a compact, traditionally furnished cabin as the vessel slips into the Nile's current. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits at each site, explaining hieroglyphs, construction phases and later restorations. Because cabins are limited, we keep groups small and unhurried, which lets the dahabiya anchor at secluded quays such as Gebel El Silsila. Meals are prepared aboard and the schedule balances sightseeing with relaxed afternoons on deck. Expect early starts for some temple visits and uneven walking surfaces at ancient sites, especially at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and your contact in Egypt for this cruise.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  36. Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    This seven-day Nile cruise aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya visits Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. We operate private, sail-powered dahabiyas rather than large motor cruise ships; sailing slows transit and reduces engine noise. One of our Egyptologists provides a pre-embarkation briefing in Luxor, and we arrange guided visits and local transfers throughout. Unlike standard four-night motor-cruise itineraries, the seven-day dahabiya gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stopovers. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on larger Nile cruisers, sailing relies on wind, and some excursions require early starts to avoid midday heat. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all practical arrangements.

    Dahabiya5-Star Luxury3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£967/ pp

  37. Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya

    Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya, a traditional dahabiya that favours slow, intimate cruising along the Nile. The seven-day route calls at El Kab, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, the Daraw market and Philae, with time to walk village lanes and watch river life from deck. We do not run group bus tours, so shore visits are longer and paced for photography and conversation. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, a dahabiya moors in quieter spots and can visit small riverbank sites directly. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your Egyptologist, local permits and transfers on the ground.

    Dahabiya6 nightsDeparts Sat from Luxor/Aswan5★Full Board
  38. Storia The Dahabeya

    Storia The Dahabeya

    Storia The Dahabeya is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel with traditional dahabeya cabins, a sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon. The vessel offers full board, a program of guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, and embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, Storia The Dahabeya aims for a quieter, boutique sailing atmosphere with fewer guests and a more intimate crew-to-guest ratio.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board

    From · 4 nights£1,776/ pp

  39. Three Pyramids Dahabiya

    Three Pyramids Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruises from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The pace is measured, with mornings ashore for temple visits and afternoons spent sailing past palm groves and Nile islands. You pass through the historic Esna Lock, visit a riverside village and explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin temples at Kom Ombo. We favour small-group dahabiya sailings with eight to 12 guests rather than larger motor-ship cruises, so visits are quieter and more flexible. Our Egyptologists lead the sightseeing and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, available to answer planning questions and arrange your transfers and onward travel.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board
  40. Yakouta Dahabiya

    Yakouta Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Yakouta Dahabiya is a traditional sail-style Nile vessel cruising from Luxor to Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days pair guided archaeological visits with slow, scenic sailing, passing through the Esna Lock and calling at small Nile villages where you can walk among farmland and meet local people. You travel with an expert Egyptologist who explains inscriptions, ritual spaces and funerary art at each stop. We avoid rushed, coach-style schedules; this programme allocates proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than squeezing them into brief port calls. Compared with larger motorised cruise boats, a dahabiya moves more quietly and gives easier shore access for village walks and photography. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange shore visits to match your pace.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  41. Zahra Dahabiya

    Zahra Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Zahra Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. In Luxor you step aboard after a visit to Karnak and Luxor Temples, then pass through Esna Lock as the boat settles into a slow southbound rhythm. At Edfu we include a horse-carriage transfer to the Temple of Horus, and at Kom Ombo you visit the unusual double temple of Sobek and Horus. We arrange private guided visits rather than coach-group shore stops, so visits are unhurried and scheduled for the best light. Evenings are usually spent on deck or anchored at a quiet island, with optional excursions in Aswan such as the High Dam, the Botanical Garden or an early trip to Abu Simbel.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from Aswan5★Full Board
  42. Zekrayaat Dahabiya

    Zekrayaat Dahabiya

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Zekrayaat Dahabiya is a small sailboat following a seven-day Luxor to Aswan itinerary, visiting Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. You travel at a relaxed pace, landing at Nile islands and riverside villages to meet local families and walk short trails. Meals are full board, prepared by the onboard chef, and your sightseeing is led by a licensed Egyptologist. We keep groups deliberately small to match the vessel’s scale, which changes the pace and the kinds of places you can visit compared with larger motorised Nile cruises. Expect gentle sailing, open-deck views, an occasional felucca ride, and guided visits to Edfu by horse-carriage and Kom Ombo’s twin temple design. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers and on-ground logistics, and we can adapt menus for dietary needs when advised in advance.

    Dahabiya3 / 4 nightsDeparts Mon from Esna / Fri from AswanFull Board

What you're actually booking

A dahabiya, line by line.

Cabin count
4–9 cabins · 8–18 guests maximum
Propulsion
Two lateen sails · towed by a small motor tug when the wind drops
Dining
One table · chef-prepared menu set to the trip
Crew-to-guest ratio
≈ 1 : 1 · captain + chef + 4–6 crew
Pool
No – but a shaded sun deck for every meal and the after-dark hours
Route
Esna ↔ Aswan via Edfu, Kom Ombo, El Kab, Silsila
Durations
3 nights (Aswan departure) or 4, 5, 6, 7 nights (Esna departure)
Best for
Couples · honeymoons · returning travellers · private-charter groups
From (per person)
£1,850 · 4 nights, shared departure

Vessel by vessel

Dahabiya vs. standard motor cruiser.

Standard motor cruiser
Dahabiya
Capacity
60–200 guests · 30–80 cabins
8–18 guests · 4–9 cabins
Propulsion
Twin diesel engines · constant low engine note
Lateen sails · silent under canvas
Pace
Fixed schedule · packed temple itinerary
Slow · 2–3 sailing hours then a long mooring
Moorings
Edfu, Kom Ombo, Esna locks (with the fleet)
El Kab, Silsila, Hagar Silsila + Edfu + Kom Ombo (bank stops)
Atmosphere
Social · lounge bar · evening entertainment
Private · dinners on the sun deck under stars
Pool / spa
Sun-deck pool, lounge bar, spa on Ultra-Deluxe and Luxury
No pool, no spa – sun deck only
Charter option
Suites only · whole-boat charter rare
Whole-boat private charter is standard
Best for
First Egypt holiday · families · groups of 6+
Couples · honeymoons · small groups · returning travellers

Pick a length

Pick your sailing length.

Every dahabiya on this page sails the Esna–Aswan stretch – 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights departing Esna, or 3 nights running the reverse direction from Aswan. The 3-night is the shortest possible dahabiya trip; the 7-night is the one most returning travellers come back for.

  1. 3Aswan → Esna

    3 nights · Aswan to Esna

    The shortest dahabiya sailing, run in reverse from the Esna-departure lineup below. Suits travellers with only a few river days to spare.

    • Same Luxor–Aswan corridor temples, compressed into a shorter sailing
    • Runs opposite the 4/5/6/7-night Esna-departure schedule
    • Fits alongside a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension
  2. 4Mon · Esna → Fri · Aswan

    4 nights · Esna to Aswan

    The short shape. Built for travellers combining a dahabiya with a longer Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension.

    • Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples
    • Two long bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila
    • Aswan disembarkation feeds the Abu Simbel fly-day or Cairo flight
  3. 5Mon · Esna → Sat · Aswan

    5 nights · Esna to Aswan + Philae

    An extra day at Aswan for Philae temple at golden hour, a felucca around Elephantine Island, and a slower Kom Ombo morning.

    • Adds Philae + Elephantine to the 4-night base
    • Pace lengthens – usually 3 sailing hours per day
    • The standard honeymoon shape
  4. 6Luxor → Aswan

    6 nights · Luxor to Aswan

    A near-full week under sail without committing to the round-trip. Sits between the 5-night and 7-night shapes on price and pace.

    • Same Luxor–Aswan corridor as the shorter sailings, with an extra day on the water
    • Seven vessels currently sail this length, from £1,260 per person
    • The middle option for travellers who want more than 5 nights without the full round-trip week
  5. 7Sat · Aswan → Sat · Aswan

    7 nights · Aswan round-trip

    The full-week round-trip – sails south to El Kab and Silsila, returns the same stretch with different light, different moorings, different river.

    • Two passes at Edfu and Kom Ombo (morning + evening)
    • Most-requested itinerary for returning travellers
    • Best dahabiya value per-night basis

Before you book

Eight questions before you book.

  1. 01What actually is a dahabiya?

    A traditional two-masted Egyptian sailing yacht with 4–9 cabins, sail-powered, designed for slow Nile cruising. Modern dahabiyas keep the historic hull shape but add ensuite cabins, climate control, and a chef-grade kitchen. The defining trait: no engine noise under sail, and riverbank moorings the 200-guest motor cruisers physically can't make.

  2. 02How is a dahabiya different from a regular Nile cruise?

    Three things change. Scale (8–18 guests vs 60–200), propulsion (sails vs diesel engines – meaning silence underway), and moorings (small bank sites at El Kab, Silsila, and Hagar Silsila that the bigger boats can't enter). The temples visited are mostly the same; the rhythm of getting there is entirely different.

  3. 03Can I charter the whole boat privately?

    Yes – whole-boat private charter is standard on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Pricing scales with the boat (not per cabin), so it's most economical for groups of 8+ but works for honeymoon couples wanting total privacy too. Our Cairo reservations team handles charter pricing direct.

  4. 04What's the typical length of a dahabiya cruise?

    3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 nights. The 3-night runs the reverse direction, departing Aswan; the 4/5/6/7-night sailings depart Esna, with the 4-night sailing Mondays and the 7-night running as an Aswan round-trip. Most returning travellers pick the 7-night.

  5. 05When does a dahabiya actually sail under wind?

    Roughly 2–3 hours per sailing day in peak season (Oct–Apr), when the prevailing northerly is steady. Outside those hours, or when the wind drops, a small motor tug pulls the dahabiya – silent at distance and only audible when the boat is moored alongside.

  6. 06Is there air conditioning and Wi-Fi onboard?

    Air conditioning yes, on every dahabiya in our 2026 inventory. Wi-Fi varies – most boats run a 4G hotspot which is functional on the Nile valley signal but not on bank moorings. We treat dahabiya trips as a partial digital detox and brief guests accordingly before sailing.

  7. 07Is a dahabiya suitable for families?

    For families with older children (10+) yes – there's space, the pacing is calm, and the single-table dining works. For families with toddlers we'd usually point to a Deluxe or Ultra-Deluxe motor cruiser instead: more deck space, a pool, and a wider age range of other guests. Honest steer from our reservations team.

  8. 08When's the best time to take a dahabiya cruise?

    October through April. The wind is steady, daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s to low-30s C, and the Nile valley light at golden hour rewards the slow pace. May–June and September are still workable but warmer; July–August is hot enough that we'd point you elsewhere – Red Sea, Cairo evenings, Alexandria – until the season turns again.

Prefer a motor cruiser?

Different vessel, different river. Browse by tier.

Talk to the Cairo desk

Send your travel window. We'll send back two dahabiyas and a hold.

– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery