Licensed tour operator
Registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, licence no. 1995 — a number you can check before you pay anyone anything.
Egypt · Nile Cruise
Gorgonia Dahabiya
About Gorgonia Dahabiya
The Gorgonia Dahabiya offers a refined and intimate Nile experience, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, culture, and tranquility. Cruise along the legendary Nile, passing lush landscapes, charming villages, and iconic monuments while enjoying elegantly appointed cabins, exquisite cuisine, and personalized service. With expert-guided excursions to Egypt’s ancient temples and monuments, plus leisurely moments on the sun deck or by the riverbank, this Dahabiya combines adventure and serenity for a truly unforgettable journey along the Nile.
Cruise Facilities – Gorgonia Dahabiya
- Elegant cabins with comfortable beds and private bathrooms
- Air-conditioning and climate control
- Spacious sun deck with loungers and shaded areas for relaxation
- Outdoor dining area with panoramic Nile views
- Onboard restaurant serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international cuisine
- Lounge area for socializing and enjoying scenic views
- Tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day
- Attentive and professional crew providing personalized service
- Daily housekeeping and cabin cleaning
- Safety equipment and life jackets onboard
- Wi-Fi access (where possible along the Nile)
- Guided cultural excursions with an experienced Egyptologist
- Optional activities: horse and carriage rides, motorboat trips, and local village visits
- Evening entertainment with traditional music and cultural experiences
Day by day
01 4 Days Gorgonia Dahabiya From Aswan to Luxor Every Wednesday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Aswan Sightseeing & Embarkation
- Arrival in Aswan: Our tour manager will greet you at the airport, hotel, or train station and escort you to your Gorgonia Dahabiya.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this impressive rock-fill dam, constructed to control the Nile’s annual floods.
- Philae Temple: Take a motorboat ride to Philae Temple Island, a serene sanctuary with temples dating back to Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman periods.
- Embarkation: Board the Gorgonia Dahabiya and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard. Spend a free afternoon at leisure on the boat or exploring Aswan.
- Dinner & Overnight: Relax onboard as the Nile’s tranquil waters surround you.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo Temple
- Optional Abu Simbel Excursion: Early risers may visit the iconic Abu Simbel Temples, carved by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago.
- Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy breakfast as the Dahabiya sails along the Nile, with the striking contrast of deep blue waters, green palms, and golden sand dunes.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed god. Discover its twin entrances, ceremonial routes, and sanctuaries.
- Dinner & Overnight: Return to the Dahabiya for dinner under the stars and overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Edfu Temple – Luxor East Bank Excursions
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin the day while cruising past riverside villages, farmers’ fields, and lush Nile landscapes with sugar cane, banana, and date palms.
- Edfu Temple: Take a horse and carriage ride to visit one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments, the Temple of Horus.
- Lunch Onboard: Return to the Dahabiya for lunch before continuing your scenic journey toward Esna for overnight mooring.
- Dinner & Overnight: Enjoy dinner onboard in a serene riverside setting.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Luxor West Bank Excursions & Final Departure
- Breakfast Onboard: Start the day with breakfast before disembarking and 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 magnificent open-air museum of ancient architecture before concluding your journey.
- Transfer & Departure: Return to your hotel, airport, or train station in Luxor, marking the end of your Gorgonia Dahabiya cruise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
02 5 Days Gorgonia Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan Every Saturday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Karnak & West Bank Temples
- Pick-Up in Luxor: Our representative will meet you at your hotel, airport, or train station and transfer you to your Dahabiya.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt with grand pylons, sacred lakes, and colossal columns.
- West Bank Highlights: Visit the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Embarkation: Board the Dahabiya at Esna and sail to El Hegz Island for dinner and overnight onboard.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: El Hegz – Edfu – Ramadi Island
- Breakfast Onboard: Start your morning while cruising toward Edfu, enjoying scenic views of the Nile.
- Edfu Temple: Visit one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments via horse and carriage.
- Lunch Onboard: Continue sailing past riverside villages and fertile farmland, arriving at Ramadi Island for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Ramadi – Bisaw – Gebel el-Silsila – Kom Ombo
- Morning Cruise: Sail early toward Gebel el-Silsila and explore the ancient Pharaonic quarries and the rock-cut Temple of Horemheb with panoramic views.
- Kom Ombo: Observe riverside life while sailing and visit the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
- Overnight: Anchor near Al Bashir Island for dinner and overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kom Ombo – Sailing to Aswan
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this exceptional double temple with symmetric entrances, halls, and sanctuaries dedicated to Haroeris and Sobek.
- Lunch Onboard: Cruise toward Aswan while enjoying peaceful Nile scenery.
- Dinner & Overnight: Spend the night onboard near Aswan’s west bank.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Disembarkation – Aswan Excursions & Departure
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin your final day with breakfast before disembarking.
- Aswan Highlights: Visit Philae Temple Island, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam.
- Transfer & Departure: Our team will escort you to your hotel, airport, or train station, concluding your memorable Nile cruise journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Visas and entry
Most nationalities — US, UK, EU, Australian and Canadian included — get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, or online as an e-Visa before they fly.
VisaOn arrival
CostUS$25
Valid30 days
- Your passport needs six months’ validity from the day you land.
- The e-Visa is worth doing if you land late — it saves the queue at the bank window.
- We meet you before passport control and handle the paperwork with you.
Our tip
Carry the $25 in cash. The visa window at Cairo takes dollars and gives change in Egyptian pounds, and the card machine is not always working.
Money and tipping
Hotels, cruisers and restaurants take Visa and Mastercard. Markets, tips and small cafés are cash. We quote in US dollars and can invoice in EUR, GBP or AUD.
CardsHotels & cruisers
CashMarkets & tips
QuotesUS dollars
- Tipping is customary, never obligatory, and never inside your price.
- As a guide: $8–10 a day for your guide, $5 for your driver.
- Small notes are worth more than large ones — change is scarce everywhere.
Our tip
Change a little at the airport and the rest at your hotel. Street exchange offices quote well and pay badly.
What to pack
Light cotton for the days, one layer for the evenings, and shoes you can walk a temple in. Everything else you can buy here for less than you paid at home.
DaysLight cotton
EveningsOne warm layer
SitesClosed shoes
- Shoulders and knees covered for mosques — a scarf does the job for both.
- A hat and high-factor sun cream matter more than anything else on this list.
- Deck evenings on the Nile get genuinely cool from December to February.
Our tip
Leave room in the case. Cotton, spices and a hand-made galabeya cost a fraction of the airport price in Khan El Khalili, and your guide will tell you the real one.
Getting around
Cairo to Luxor is an hour by air and ten by road, so almost every itinerary flies it. Between Luxor and Aswan the river is the road, and your room moves with you.
Cairo → Luxor1 hour, by air
Luxor → Aswan3–4 nights
TransfersAll included
- Every transfer, domestic flight and entrance fee sits inside your quote.
- A private car and driver waits for you — no taxis, no haggling, no surprises.
- The sleeper train exists and we will book it, but it is slower and not cheaper.
Our tip
Sail Luxor to Aswan rather than the reverse if you can choose. You go upstream against the current, which means slower, longer afternoons on deck.