3-Night Dahabiya Nile Cruise on Merit | Aswan to Luxor Sailing Journey

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About

Discover the ultimate slow-travel journey along the Nile River. This 3-night Dahabiya sailing voyage from Aswan to Luxor offers an intimate alternative to large cruise liners, pairing traditional Egyptian river craft with serene, small-group comfort. Towed quietly along palm-shaded banks, your boat brings you closer to nature, giving you exclusive access to tranquil river islands, inviting swimming bays, and untouched local culture.

Experience true Egyptian warmth, lounge under golden sunsets on the sun deck, and take in Egypt’s most iconic monuments at an unhurried, peaceful pace.

Embarkation Days: Every Wednesday (Disembarkation Saturday in Luxor)

To view detailed photos of each boat, click below:

Main Feature

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Language: English

Group size: Small Group Experience with Certified Tour Guide

Itinerary

Route Points

1 - Aswan

2 - Luxor

3 - Kom Ombo

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Day 1
(Wednesday): Discover the Beauty of Aswan | High Dam & Philae Temple

Your journey begins in the charming, historic city of Aswan. Your tour begins at 7:30 AM, when our team and certified tour guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Aswan (or arrival point) to start your morning sightseeing. Embark on a guided exploration of the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, followed by the majestic Philae Temple, set beautifully on Agilika Island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Following your tours, head to the Dahabiya for check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch on board. Spend the afternoon strolling through Aswan’s vibrant local market before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Aswan.

Included Activities: Private transfer from your Aswan hotel, guided tour of Philae Temple & Aswan High Dam, Aswan local market exploration, Dahabiya embarkation
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
(Thursday): Optional Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Temple & Al Ramady Island

For early risers, take an optional morning excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples (available at $130 per person), featuring the colossal rock-cut statues of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.

Upon returning, set sail northward toward Kom Ombo Temple, a unique dual temple standing dramatically on the riverbank, dedicated equally to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. After exploring its ancient reliefs and crocodile museum, sail to Al Ramady Island. Dine under the stars on board surrounded by the peaceful night sounds of the Nile, where your boat remains moored overnight.

Included Activities: Guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple, scenic sailing & overnight stop at Al Ramady Island
Optional Activity: Private excursion to Abu Simbel Temples ($130 per person)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Friday): Esna Lock Crossing & Luxor East Bank Temples

Wake to a relaxing morning on board as your Dahabiya sails toward Luxor, passing through the historic Esna Lock. Upon arrival in Luxor, cross over to the East Bank to explore the legendary Karnak Temple, walking through its colossal Great Hypostyle Hall, followed by the grand Luxor Temple. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board before spending your final overnight stay moored on Luxor’s West Bank.

Included Activities: Esna Lock navigation, guided tour of Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Saturday): Valley of the Kings, West Bank Monuments & Departure

On your final morning, discover the treasures of Luxor's West Bank. Visit the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the ancient underground burial site of Egypt’s pharaohs (Optional: Step inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun with an on-site ticket purchase). Continue to the cliffside Temple of Hatshepsut and stop to admire the towering Colossi of Memnon. Your memorable Dahabiya sailing journey concludes with a smooth private transfer to Luxor Airport, train station, or your local hotel.

Included Activities: Guided tour of the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon, private departure transfer
Included Meals: Breakfast

Why book with Journey To Egypt?

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Why you’ll love this…

Engine-Free Sailing: Enjoy the true peace of the Nile with a quiet, traditional sailboat experience free from motor vibration.
Hidden Nile Gems: Access secluded islands like Al Ramady Island for pristine views and undisturbed nature walks.
Small-Group Intimacy: Avoid heavy cruise crowds with an exclusive, boutique small-group setting.
Complete Comfort: Relax in air-conditioned deluxe cabins and a panoramic sun deck.
Expert Local Guidance: Gain deep historical insights with a certified English-speaking tour guide on all excursions.

Important To Know

Recommended Flight Schedules: To ensure you maximize your itinerary and join the 7:30 AM pickup smoothly without stress, we recommend booking domestic flights as follows:

Arrival Flight: Cairo to Aswan arriving the night before your embarkation date (Tuesday evening). We advise booking a stay at any hotel on the East Bank of the Nile, located close to Aswan downtown. (Please avoid booking hotels on the West Bank or remote islands to ensure an easy 7:30 AM pickup on Wednesday morning).
Departure Flight: Luxor to Cairo departing after 2:00 PM on Day 4 (Saturday).

Onboard Comfort & Life On the Nile:

Engine-Free Navigation: The boat is gently maneuvered by an accompanying tugboat maintained at a comfortable distance, ensuring quiet and authentic sailing.
Deck & Amenities: Features a spacious sun deck equipped with shaded lounging areas and open-air dining space.
Cabins: All deluxe cabins feature individual climate control (air-conditioning), panoramic openable windows, a minibar, an in-room safe, and private en-suite bathrooms.
Know in Advance:

Sightseeing Group Format:

All sightseeing is conducted as a shared small-group experience with an English-speaking tour guide for all passengers on board.
Pricing & Occupancy: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply for solo travelers.
Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in takes place on Wednesday following morning Aswan tours; check-out is on Saturday in Luxor following West Bank tours.
Extra Fees On-Site: Optional tomb entry tickets (such as Tutankhamun or Ramses VI in the Valley of the Kings) are available for purchase on-site via credit card.

Remember to Bring:

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Comfortable walking shoes for temple tours
Swimwear for island stops
Cash for personal expenses and gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Cruise Company Cancellation Policy:

If space is cancelled between 120 – 90 days prior to embarkation date, 25% of the total fare will be forfeited.
If space is cancelled between 90 – 60 days prior to embarkation date, 50% of the total fare will be forfeited.
If space is cancelled between 60 – 30 days prior to embarkation date, 75% of the total fare will be forfeited.
If space is cancelled 30 days or less prior to embarkation date, 100% (the total fare) will be forfeited.

Included

3 Nights Accommodation: On board a traditional Dahabiya on a full-board basis
Full Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and hot/soft drinks daily
Guided Sightseeing: Shared group tours for all passengers on board to Philae Temple, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon
Certified Tour Guide: Services of a licensed, English-speaking tour guide
Private Transfers: Hotel pickup in Aswan (East Bank) and drop-off in Luxor with professional drivers
Island Stops: Exclusive visits to secluded river spots and islands

Excluded

Airfare: Domestic and international flights
Tipping (Gratuities): Tips for Dahabiya crew, guide, and drivers
Personal Expenses: Laundry, alcoholic beverages, or personal purchases
Optional Excursions: Abu Simbel excursion on Day 2 ($130 per person), Hot air balloon ride over
Luxor on Day 4 ($125 per person), or Tomb of Tutankhamun entry fee

Location & Meeting Point

Meeting Point: Your hotel location on the East Bank in Aswan (or Aswan Airport / Train Station if arriving early morning). Our team and tour guide will pick you up at 7:30 AM on Day 1 for your morning tours prior to Dahabiya embarkation.