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Egypt · Nile Cruise

Karnak Dahabiya

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

About Karnak Dahabiya

No engines, no crowds — just wind, water, and 3,000 years of history sliding past your deck chair. The Karnak Dahabiya is a five-cabin, twin-sailed boat that carries you between Luxor and Aswan the way travelers did before the age of the mega-cruise ship: slowly, silently, and privately.

Over 4, 5, or 6 days, you’ll wake to Nile mist instead of a marina, moor at riverside villages no big ship can reach, and explore Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae with a licensed Egyptologist guide steering the story. Evenings mean sundowners on deck, dinner under the stars, and a silence you won’t find on a 300-cabin cruiser.

 

Cruise Facilities

  • 5 elegantly designed cabins with private bathrooms and panoramic Nile views
  • Spacious sun deck with comfortable loungers for relaxation and sightseeing
  • Refined dining area serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international cuisine
  • Outdoor lounge for tea, cocktails, and sunset views
  • Onboard library and reading corner for peaceful moments
  • Air-conditioned cabins with modern amenities and daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water throughout the cruise
  • Authentic Dahabiya sailing experience powered by wind and tranquility (no engine noise)
  • Professional multilingual crew and experienced Egyptologist guide
  • Free Wi-Fi access in common areas (subject to Nile coverage)
The programme

Day by day

01 4 Days Karnak Dahabiya Cruise From Aswan to Esna

Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Philae Temple & Herdiab

  • Arrival in Aswan: Begin your unforgettable Dahabiya adventure with a warm welcome and private pick-up from your Aswan hotel or the airport.
  • Philae Temple: Visit the enchanting Temple of Isis, one of Egypt’s most beloved monuments. Relocated stone by stone by UNESCO to save it from flooding, Philae rests serenely on an island surrounded by tranquil waters — a sanctuary that has inspired travelers for centuries.
  • Embarkation on Karnak Dahabiya: After your visit, you’ll be escorted to the elegant Karnak Dahabiya, where your attentive crew awaits. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you begin sailing toward Herdiab, taking in the peaceful beauty of the Nile.
  • Evening Onboard: Relax on deck with dinner as the sun sets, casting golden reflections over the water.
  • Overnight: Aboard the Dahabiya near Herdiab
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Herdiab – Kom Ombo – Gebel el-Silsila

  • Breakfast Onboard: Begin your day with a peaceful breakfast while your Dahabiya sails gracefully along the Nile.
  • Temple of Kom Ombo: Explore this remarkable twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the falcon god of protection. Standing proudly on a bend of the Nile, Kom Ombo’s symmetrical design and fascinating reliefs make it truly unique.
  • Gebel el-Silsila: Continue sailing to this breathtaking sandstone gorge, once an ancient quarry for Egypt’s grandest temples. Visit the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb, dedicated to Pharaoh Horemheb and several deities, including Sobek. Wander through the site and admire the craftsmanship of ancient builders who shaped Egypt’s architectural legacy.
  • Evening Onboard: Enjoy a relaxed dinner on deck surrounded by the calm of the Nile.
  • Overnight: Near Gebel el-Silsila
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bassaw – Edfu – El Hegz

  • Morning Sail: After breakfast, sail toward the peaceful fishing village of Bassaw. This charming riverside community offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Egyptian life, where ancient fishing techniques are still practiced today.
  • Temple of Horus at Edfu: After lunch, visit one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples — the majestic Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the falcon god, this monumental structure reflects the grandeur of Egypt’s late temple-building era. Explore the intricate reliefs and towering pylons that tell stories of divine kingship and protection.
  • Evening Onboard: Continue sailing to El Hegz, where you’ll enjoy a tranquil dinner under the starlit Nile sky.
  • Overnight: Aboard the Dahabiya at El Hegz
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: El Hegz – Esna – Luxor Departure

  • Breakfast & Sailing: Savor your final breakfast on deck as your Dahabiya glides gracefully toward Esna, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile Valley.
  • Disembarkation: Upon arrival in Esna, bid farewell to your crew and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor.
  • End of Journey: Carry with you unforgettable memories of the timeless Nile and the peaceful rhythm of life aboard the Karnak Dahabiya.
  • Meals: Breakfast
02 5 Days Karnak Dahabiya From Luxor to Aswan

Day 1: Luxor – Esna – El Hegz

  • Karnak Temple: Begin your journey at 7:30 AM with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and towering obelisks built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. Its grand Hypostyle Hall, filled with massive columns, stands as a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
  • Valley of the Kings: Cross the Nile to explore the sacred burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers. Hidden in desert cliffs, this valley holds the tombs of legendary pharaohs who sought eternal life beyond.
  • Embarkation in Esna: After your explorations, transfer to Esna and board your elegant Karnak Dahabiya, a traditional twin-sailed Nile vessel. Enjoy lunch onboard as you begin sailing smoothly toward El Hegz.
  • Evening Onboard: Relax on deck, watching the sunset over the Nile, followed by dinner under the stars.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: El Kaab – Edfu – Fawaza Island

  • El Kaab Visit: After breakfast, sail to El Kaab, an ancient walled city. Discover the rock-cut tombs of noble governors and the remains of temples dedicated to the divine meeting of Hathor and Horus.
  • Edfu Temple: Continue cruising south to Edfu, where you’ll explore one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples—the Temple of Horus. This monumental Ptolemaic sanctuary showcases Egypt’s architectural and artistic brilliance.
  • Evening Barbecue: Anchor at the tranquil Fawaza Island and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner in a serene setting surrounded by the Nile’s beauty.
  • Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya near Fawaza Island.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bassaw – Gebel el-Silsila – Beshir

  • Bassaw Village: Wake up to gentle Nile breezes and sail toward Bassaw, a quiet fishing village untouched by modern tourism. Meet locals and discover their timeless way of life along the riverbanks.
  • Gebel el-Silsila: Enjoy lunch onboard while sailing toward the majestic sandstone gorge of Gebel el-Silsila. Visit the rock-cut temple of Horemheb and explore the ancient quarries that supplied stone for Egypt’s grand temples.
  • Dinner & Overnight: Enjoy dinner onboard as you dock near Beshir, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the Nile.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kom Ombo – Herdiab Village

  • Kom Ombo Temple: After breakfast, sail to Kom Ombo to visit its extraordinary twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. This perfectly symmetrical structure stands dramatically on a bend in the Nile.
  • Herdiab Village: Continue your journey to Herdiab Village, one of the Nile’s oldest settlements, where traditional farming and fishing are still part of daily life. Stroll through the village to experience authentic Egyptian culture.
  • Evening at Herdiab Island: Enjoy your final dinner on Herdiab Island with the warm glow of lanterns reflecting on the river.
  • Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya near Herdiab.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Herdiab – Aswan – Philae Temple

  • Morning at Leisure: Enjoy breakfast on the peaceful banks of Herdiab Island, with an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear Nile waters.
  • Sailing to Aswan: Savor your final lunch onboard while admiring the timeless scenery as the Dahabiya glides toward Aswan.
  • Philae Temple: Upon arrival, visit the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Rescued from flooding by UNESCO, this island sanctuary remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and spiritual sites.
  • Disembarkation: After your tour, transfer to your hotel or Aswan Airport for your onward journey.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
03 6 Days Karnak Dahabiya From Luxor to Aswan

Day 1: Luxor – Esna – El Hegz

  • Karnak Temple: Begin your Dahabiya adventure at 7:30 AM with a guided visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex constructed over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. Its Hypostyle Hall, with its forest of towering columns, covers an area larger than Notre Dame Cathedral, standing as a monumental tribute to the Theban gods.
  • Valley of the Kings: Cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings (main entry included), the eternal resting place of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Carved deep into desert cliffs, this valley was believed to be the gateway to the afterlife.
  • Embarkation in Esna: After the visits, transfer to Esna and board your elegant Karnak Dahabiya, a traditional twin-sailed Nile boat. Enjoy your first lunch on board as you begin cruising south toward El Hegz.
  • Evening Onboard: Relax and watch the tranquil Nile scenery as dinner is served under the stars.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: El Hegz – El Kaab – Edfu – Fawaza Island

  • El Kaab: After breakfast, sail toward El Kaab, an ancient walled city once ruled by powerful governors. Visit their rock-cut tombs and the ruins of a temple dedicated to the meeting of Hathor and Horus, symbolizing divine love and union.
  • Edfu Temple: Continue your journey to Edfu, home to the grand Temple of Horus—one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Admire its towering pylons and beautifully detailed reliefs, which reflect the last golden era of temple construction.
  • Evening Barbecue: As the sun sets, anchor at Fawaza Island and enjoy a relaxed barbecue dinner surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile.
  • Overnight: Onboard near Fawaza Island.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Fawaza – Bassaw – Gebel el-Silsila – Beshir

  • Bassaw Village: Begin your morning with breakfast as you sail toward Bassaw, a peaceful fishing village untouched by modern tourism. Wander through the narrow paths, meet local villagers, and discover their centuries-old fishing traditions.
  • Gebel el-Silsila: Enjoy lunch onboard while sailing to the majestic cliffs of Gebel el-Silsila. Explore the Speos of Horemheb, a rock-cut sanctuary from the 14th century BC dedicated to Pharaoh Horemheb and Sobek. Walk through the ancient sandstone quarries that once supplied stone for Egypt’s great temples.
  • Dinner & Overnight: Dock near Beshir and enjoy dinner onboard under the peaceful night sky.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kom Ombo – Herdiab Village

  • Kom Ombo Temple: After breakfast, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically set on a bend of the Nile. Dedicated to two deities—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed protector—this temple’s symmetry and detailed carvings make it one of Egypt’s most fascinating sites.
  • Herdiab Village: Continue sailing to Herdiab, one of the oldest communities along the Nile. Walk through the village, meet the locals, and witness traditional farming methods still used today.
  • Evening at Herdiab Island: Enjoy a relaxing dinner on Herdiab Island, surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile.
  • Overnight: Onboard near Herdiab.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Herdiab – Aswan – Philae Temple & Sound & Light Show

  • Morning on the Nile: Enjoy breakfast on the sandy shores of Herdiab Beach, with time for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Nile waters.
  • Sailing to Aswan: Continue cruising toward Aswan while savoring a leisurely lunch onboard and admiring the timeless river landscapes.
  • Philae Temple Visit: In the afternoon, explore the stunning Philae Temple, devoted to the goddess Isis. Relocated by UNESCO to preserve it from flooding, this island sanctuary remains one of Egypt’s most romantic sites.
  • Sound & Light Show: Return to Philae in the evening for the captivating Sound & Light Show, where ancient legends and history unfold in a mesmerizing display of narration and illumination.
  • Evening Onboard: Enjoy a farewell dinner and spend your final night onboard in Aswan.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Aswan – Disembarkation

  • Farewell Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast onboard as you bid farewell to your Dahabiya crew.
  • Disembarkation: Disembark at 9:00 AM in Aswan and transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Nile adventure.
  • 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 5 or 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 is a traditional twin-sailed boat that carries far fewer guests than a standard Nile cruise ship — usually under 12 travelers instead of 200+. It trades engines for wind power, so the ride is quiet, and its shallow draft lets it moor at villages and islands large ships can't reach.

What's the difference between a Dahabiya and a regular Nile cruise ship?

Standard Nile cruise ships carry 100–300 passengers on a fixed multi-deck itinerary. A Dahabiya, like the Karnak Dahabiya, carries a handful of guests across just 5 cabins, sails at a slower pace, and swaps big buffets and pool decks for personalized service and closer access to temples and riverside life.

How much does a Karnak Dahabiya cruise cost?

Karnak Dahabiya cruises start from $1,150 per person, depending on the 4, 5, or 6-day itinerary and cabin category chosen. The rate covers full-board accommodation, private transfers, guided sightseeing, and entrance fees — see the Included/Excluded list above for full details.

What is included on the Karnak Dahabiya?

Your fare includes private airport/hotel transfers, full-board meals for the length of the cruise, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide, and entrance fees to every site on the itinerary. Visa fees, optional tours, personal expenses, and tipping are not included.

When is the best time for a Dahabiya cruise on the Nile?

October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for temple visits and time on deck. May to September is hotter, especially in Upper Egypt, but it also means quieter sailing and lower rates for travelers who don't mind the heat.

How many people sail on the Karnak Dahabiya?

With just 5 cabins, the Karnak Dahabiya sails with a small, intimate group rather than a shipful of tourists — a minimum of 2 guests is required for departure, making it a good fit for couples, families, or small private groups.

How much should I tip the crew on a Dahabiya cruise?

Tipping ("baksheesh") is customary in Egypt. For a 4–6 day Dahabiya cruise, $10–15 USD per person per day is standard, typically collected at the end of the trip and shared among the crew, guide, and service staff.

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.