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Gardenia Dahabiya Nile Cruise5
Gardenia Dahabiya Nile Cruise 1
Gardenia Dahabiya Nile Cruise6
Gardenia Dahabiya Nile Cruise3
Gardenia Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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Egypt · Nile Cruise

Gardenia Dahabiya

Duration
4 Days / 5 Days
Tour type
Private, your party only
Guide language
English · more on request
About this tour

About Gardenia Dahabiya

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.

 

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)
The programme

Day by day

01 4 Days Gardenia Dahabiya from Aswan Every Friday

Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Aswan Sightseeing & Embarkation

  • 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.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo Temple

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Edfu Temple & Luxor East Bank

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor West Bank Excursions & Departure

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
02 5 Days Gardenia Dahabiya from Luxor Every Monday

Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Luxor & Karnak Temples

  • 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.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: El Hegz – Edfu – Al Ramady Island

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Al Ramady – Bisaw – Gebel el-Silsila – Kom Ombo

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kom Ombo – Sailing to Aswan

  • 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.
  • Overnight: Anchor near Aswan’s West Bank for your final night onboard.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan – Sightseeing & Departure

  • 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.
  • Meals: Breakfast
The quote

What's in the price, and what isn't

Included

  • 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.

Not included

  • Entry Visa to Egypt
  • Any Optional tours.
  • All personal Expenses.
  • Tipping (Recommend).
Questions we get on this tour

Asked and answered

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.

Why book with us

Licensed, local, andone WhatsApp away.

We are not a marketplace reselling someone else's tours. The consultant who plans your itinerary is the same person who answers when you message from Luxor at midnight.

Licensed tour operator

Registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, licence no. 1995 — a number you can check before you pay anyone anything.

Our own guides

Licensed Egyptologists lead every excursion, named in your confirmation, working for us rather than for a subcontractor.

Private by default

No group fillers and no shopping stops. Your party, your pace, and a day that can be rewritten the night before.

One itemised price

Entrance fees, transfers, taxes and internal flights sit inside the quote. Nothing is added at the temple gate.

Nothing to pay to enquire

A full day-by-day itinerary costs you nothing, and a 30% deposit is the first money that changes hands.

24/7 while you travel

One number, answered in Egypt, for the whole trip — not a call centre in another time zone.

Real travellers

5.0 on TripAdvisor,4.9 on Google.

Every quote is a real one, posted under the traveller's own name.

TripAdvisor 5.0 Read the reviews Google 4.9 Read the reviews
Ruth B Solo traveller · posted on TripAdvisor

What a great team!

They helped me plan my day and arranged for an Egyptologist and driver to take me to all these places.

Lethabo Nelwamondo Couple · posted on Google

Had a great time

Thanks to well organised sightseeing and tour guide Ahmed who was professional and pleasant.

iwanna v Couple · posted on TripAdvisor

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.

How to book

Four steps, andno online checkout anywhere.

You talk to a travel consultant, they build your trip, and you only confirm when the itinerary is right.

  1. Tell us your dates

    Your travel month, group size and what you'd like to see. Two minutes on the form, or a message on WhatsApp.

  2. Get an itinerary and quote

    A consultant writes your day-by-day plan with hotels, guides and transfers, priced in your currency. Free, and yours to keep.

  3. Confirm when it's right

    Adjust it as many times as you like. Nothing is booked and nothing is charged until you say the itinerary is right.

  4. Travel with support

    You're met at the airport, and your consultant stays reachable 24/7 for the whole trip — the same person, not a call centre.

Ready when you are — the first step takes two minutes.

Plan your trip
Good to know

Travel tips from the peoplewho run the trips.

Pick a question on the left. We answer it the way we would answer it on the phone — with the numbers, and with what we would actually do.

Travellers inside one of Egypt’s ancient temples

When to go

The comfortable half of the year runs October to April: 20–28 °C in Luxor and Aswan, which is what open-deck sailing and three hours inside a temple actually require.

Daytime20–28 °C
CrowdsPeak Nov–Feb
PricesHighest Dec–Jan
  • March and April keep the weather and lose the crowds — the best value window.
  • June to August is much cheaper, but afternoons pass 42 °C and excursions run at dawn.
  • Christmas and New Year need a 50% deposit, because the cruisers ask us for one too.

Our tip

Book three to four months out for November to February. For a dahabiya, make it four — they carry twelve people and the good cabins go first.