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
King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya
About King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya
The King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya offers a refined and intimate cruising experience along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Designed for comfort and elegance, the Dahabiya features luxurious cabins, a spacious sundeck, and attentive crew, ensuring a relaxing and memorable journey. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals while gliding past iconic temples, islands, and picturesque villages. The cruise combines leisure and culture, with guided visits to ancient monuments, tranquil river scenery, and optional activities onboard or onshore. Whether enjoying a sunset dinner on the deck, exploring historic sites with a knowledgeable Egyptologist, or simply unwinding along the river, the King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya promises a serene and immersive Nile adventure. Perfect for travelers seeking elegance, history, and a peaceful connection with the heart of Egypt.
King Akhenaten Nile Dahabiya – Cruise Facilities
- Luxurious cabins with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning
- Elegant sundeck with sun loungers and shaded areas
- Onboard dining area serving freshly prepared local and international cuisine
- Tea, coffee, and unlimited water throughout the cruise
- Barbecue and outdoor dining options on deck or nearby islands
- Comfortable lounge for socializing and relaxation
- Professional crew providing attentive, personalized service
- Egyptologist guide available for all excursions
- Safety equipment and first-aid kit onboard
- Optional entertainment and cultural activities on board
- Laundry service upon request
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas (signal may vary along the Nile)
Day by day
01 4 Days King Akhenaten Dahabiya From Aswan to Luxor Every Friday
Day 1: Embarkation in Aswan – Philae Temple & Aswan Market
- Arrival & Embarkation: Begin your Nile journey aboard the King Akhenaten Dahabiya in Aswan, soaking in the Nubian charm and serene river views as you step onboard.
- Lunch Onboard: Savor a freshly prepared lunch crafted with local ingredients by your onboard chef.
- Philae Temple: Explore the Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island, a stunning sanctuary set amid tranquil waters.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit this modern marvel that controls the Nile floods and provides electricity across Egypt.
- Aswan Market: Wander through the vibrant market, discovering spices, crafts, and handmade jewelry.
- Evening at Leisure: Return to your Dahabiya to relax as the boat moors in Aswan. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo Temple – Al Ramady Island
- Optional Excursion: Early risers can join a pre-dawn trip to the Abu Simbel Temples, carved by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago.
- Breakfast & Sailing: Enjoy breakfast onboard while cruising north along the Nile.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, including the nearby Crocodile Museum.
- Lunch Onboard: Relish a freshly prepared lunch while sailing toward Al Ramady Island.
- Evening: Anchor beside the peaceful island and enjoy a dinner under the stars. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Sailing to Esna – Luxor & Karnak Temples
- Morning Cruise: Relax on deck while sailing toward Esna, passing picturesque villages and Nile landscapes.
- Esna Lock Experience: Witness the lock operation raising or lowering your Dahabiya for the journey to Luxor.
- Karnak & Luxor Temples: Explore Karnak Temple, dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk along the Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Evening: Return to your Dahabiya for dinner and overnight mooring near Luxor’s West Bank.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon
- Breakfast Onboard: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore tombs of Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs.
- Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit this elegant mortuary temple honoring Egypt’s only female pharaoh.
- Colossi of Memnon: Admire the twin statues standing guard for over 3,400 years.
- Disembarkation: Return to the Dahabiya for check-out in Luxor, concluding your Nile journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
02 5 Days King Akhenaten Dahabiya from Luxor Every Monday
Day 1: Embarkation in Luxor – Temples of Luxor & Karnak
- Arrival & Embarkation: Board the King Akhenaten Dahabiya in Luxor and meet the friendly crew onboard.
- Welcome & Lunch: Enjoy a refreshing drink and freshly prepared lunch as you settle in.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the vast complex of columns, pylons, and sacred lakes.
- Luxor Temple: Visit this elegant temple, illuminated as dusk settles over the Nile.
- Evening Onboard: Dinner while admiring the West Bank sunset. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Sailing to Esna
- Breakfast Onboard: Start your day with a delicious breakfast.
- West Bank Excursions: Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.
- Afternoon Sailing: Cruise south toward Esna, enjoying afternoon tea on deck.
- Evening: Dinner onboard as the Dahabiya anchors near a peaceful Nile island. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Esna Lock – Edfu Temple – Al Ramady Island
- Morning Cruise: Pass through the fascinating Esna Lock.
- Temple of Edfu: Explore one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples dedicated to Horus.
- Evening at Al Ramady Island: Anchor and enjoy a peaceful dinner under the stars. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Sheikh Fadl Island – Sailing Toward Aswan
- Morning Sailing: Cruise early toward Sheikh Fadl Island, enjoying breakfast on deck.
- Leisure Day: Relax onboard, taking in the timeless Nile scenery.
- Lunch & Afternoon Tea: Enjoy meals while drifting along the river.
- Evening: Open-air dinner near Sheikh Fadl Island, featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine. Overnight onboard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Arrival in Aswan – Philae Temple & High Dam
- Arrival in Aswan: Breakfast onboard as your Dahabiya reaches Aswan.
- Philae Temple: Visit this enchanting temple dedicated to Isis on Agilkia Island.
- Aswan High Dam: Explore this modern engineering marvel.
- Disembarkation: Bid farewell to the crew and transfer to Aswan airport, train station, or hotel, concluding your Nile adventure.
- 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.