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Egypt · Nile Cruise

Nile Palace Dahabiya

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

About Nile Palace Dahabiya

The Nile Palace Dahabiya offers an intimate and elegant Nile cruise experience that captures the golden age of Egyptian travel. Designed for comfort and charm, this boutique sailing vessel blends traditional craftsmanship with modern luxury. With only a few cabins, it ensures personalized service, peaceful sailing, and access to places larger ships can’t reach. Each day brings a balance of cultural exploration and tranquil relaxation — from majestic temples like Philae, Kom Ombo, and Edfu to quiet evenings under a canopy of stars. Whether you start in Luxor or Aswan, every moment aboard the Nile Palace Dahabiya celebrates the timeless beauty of the Nile and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.

 

Cruise Facilities

  • Elegant air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms
  • Spacious sun deck with shaded lounge and panoramic views
  • Onboard restaurant serving freshly prepared Egyptian and international dishes
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water throughout the day
  • Free Wi-Fi access (where network available)
  • Daily housekeeping and laundry service upon request
  • Professional Egyptologist guide during excursions
  • 24-hour attentive crew and personalized guest service
  • Onboard library and board games for leisure
  • Safety equipment and first aid available on board
The programme

Day by day

01 4 Days Nile Palace Dahabiya from Aswan Every Friday

Day 1: Embarkation in Aswan – Philae Temple & Aswan Market

  • Arrival in Aswan: Our representative will greet you at your hotel, airport, or train station and escort you to the elegant Nile Palace Dahabiya.
  • Welcome Lunch & Embarkation: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard as you settle into your luxurious Dahabiya cabin.
  • Philae Temple: Visit the stunning Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island, carefully relocated and surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Nile.
  • Aswan High Dam: Explore this modern engineering marvel that controls Nile floods and generates electricity.
  • Aswan Market: End the day wandering through the colorful local market, filled with spices, Nubian crafts, and jewelry.
  • Dinner Onboard: Return to your Dahabiya for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo Temple – Al Ramady Island

  • Optional Abu Simbel Trip: Early risers can choose to visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, carved by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago.
  • Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy a hearty breakfast as your Dahabiya sails north along the Nile toward Kom Ombo.
  • Kom Ombo Temple: Explore this unique dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, including a visit to the nearby Crocodile Museum.
  • Lunch Onboard: Savor lunch while cruising to Al Ramady Island.
  • Evening Barbecue: Relax and enjoy dinner under the stars on Al Ramady Island, surrounded by the serenity of the Nile.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sailing to Esna – Luxor & Karnak Temples

  • Morning Cruise: Sail toward Esna, passing picturesque Nile landscapes and riverside villages while enjoying breakfast onboard.
  • Esna Lock: Witness the impressive Esna Lock in action as your Dahabiya continues northward.
  • Karnak Temple: Explore the world’s largest religious complex, a monumental tribute to the gods of Thebes.
  • Luxor Temple: Visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk, and soak in its magnificent architecture.
  • Dinner Onboard: Return to your Dahabiya for dinner on deck, anchored near Luxor’s West Bank.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon

  • Breakfast & Disembarkation: Enjoy breakfast before disembarking for a full-day exploration of Luxor’s West Bank.
  • Valley of the Kings: Visit the famous tombs of Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Admire the mortuary temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most remarkable female rulers.
  • Colossi of Memnon: See the towering statues that have guarded the West Bank for over 3,400 years.
  • Farewell & Check-Out: Return to your Dahabiya for check-out, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile journey.
  • Meals: Breakfast
02 5 Days Nile Palace Dahabiya from Luxor Every Monday

Day 1: Embarkation in Luxor – Temples of Luxor & Karnak

  • Boarding the Dahabiya: Step aboard the elegant Nile Palace Dahabiya in Luxor and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink.
  • Lunch Onboard: Savor a freshly prepared lunch as you settle into your luxurious cabin and admire the tranquil Nile views.
  • Karnak Temple Complex: Explore this vast open-air museum of colossal columns, sacred lakes, and grand pylons—a monumental tribute to Egypt’s gods and Pharaohs.
  • Luxor Temple: Visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk, highlighting its remarkable architecture and historic significance.
  • Dinner Onboard: Return to your Dahabiya for dinner while enjoying the serene view of Luxor’s West Bank.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Sailing to Esna

  • Breakfast Onboard: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before disembarking for your West Bank tour.
  • Valley of the Kings: Visit the famous tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including Ramses II and Tutankhamun.
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon: Admire the mortuary temple of Egypt’s famed female ruler and the towering statues of Amenhotep III.
  • Lunch Onboard: Return to the Dahabiya for a leisurely lunch before sailing south toward Esna.
  • Afternoon Cruise: Relax on deck with afternoon tea as you glide along the scenic Nile.
  • Dinner Onboard: Enjoy dinner as the Dahabiya anchors near a peaceful Nile island for the night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Esna Lock – Edfu Temple – Al Ramady Island

  • Breakfast Onboard: Begin the day as your Dahabiya passes through the impressive Esna Lock.
  • Temple of Horus at Edfu: Visit one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
  • Al Ramady Island: Sail to Al Ramady Island and enjoy a peaceful evening on the Nile.
  • Dinner Under the Stars: Relish a relaxing dinner outdoors on deck, surrounded by the calm river waters.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sheikh Fadl Island – Sailing Toward Aswan

  • Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while sailing past scenic Nile landscapes toward Sheikh Fadl Island.
  • Relaxation on Deck: Spend the day onboard, taking in the river views, enjoying lunch, and afternoon tea on deck.
  • Dinner Onboard: End your day with a cozy dinner served in an open-air setting under the stars.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Arrival in Aswan – Philae Temple & High Dam

  • Breakfast & Arrival: Start your final morning with breakfast onboard as you arrive in Aswan.
  • Philae Temple: Explore this enchanting temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island and surrounded by the serene Nile waters.
  • Aswan High Dam: Visit the modern engineering marvel that controls Nile flooding and generates electricity.
  • Disembarkation: Bid farewell to your crew as you transfer to your hotel or the airport, concluding your unforgettable Nile cruise experience.
  • 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.