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

Download Pdf

Excellent

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

5.0 /5

(647 ) reviews

About

Step back in time to experience the Nile River as it was meant to be seen—quietly, gracefully, and far from the crowds. Sail on an intimate 4-night Dahabiya voyage from Luxor to Aswan, combining traditional Egyptian river craft with the serene elegance of small-ship sailing. Guided gently by a tugboat rather than a noisy engine, this traditional wooden sailboat glides smoothly along palm-lined banks, giving you rare access to secluded islands, pristine swimming spots, and untouched rural villages inaccessible to large cruise ships.

Immerse yourself in authentic Egyptian hospitality, unwind on the sun deck, and enjoy world-class guided excursions to Egypt's greatest ancient monuments.

Embarkation Days: Every Saturday (Overnight in Luxor, Sail Sunday)

To view detailed photos of each boat, click below:

Main Feature

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Language: English

Group size: Small Group Experience with Certified Tour Guide

Itinerary

Route Points

1 - Luxor

2 - Aswan

3 - Kom Ombo

Open in Google Maps

Day 1
(Saturday): Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Temples | Overnight in Luxor

Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be met by your representative and transferred to your Dahabiya for check-in and a welcoming lunch on board. Begin your exploration on Luxor’s East Bank with a guided visit to the colossal Karnak Temple, walking through the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, followed by the grand Luxor Temple. Return to the boat as the golden afternoon light settles over the Nile. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board while taking in the tranquil night views of Luxor's West Bank, where your boat remains moored overnight.

Included Activities: Private arrival transfer, guided tour of Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
(Sunday): Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple | Sail to Esna

Cross over to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the ancient underground burial site of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs (Optional: Step inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun with an on-site ticket purchase). Continue to the striking, cliffside Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to Egypt's premier female pharaoh.

Return to the Dahabiya as the sails are set to begin your voyage south toward Esna. Relax on the sun deck with afternoon tea as the Egyptian countryside gently drifts by. Dinner will be served on board before mooring beside a peaceful, secluded island for a quiet night on the river.

Included Activities: Guided tour of the Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut, scenic sailing toward Esna
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Monday): Temple of Edfu & Al Ramady Island

Wake to the gentle rhythms of the Nile as you sail toward Edfu. Upon arrival, visit the grand Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus—one of the best-preserved cult temples in all of Egypt.

Reboard your Dahabiya and continue sailing toward Al Ramady Island, a pristine, peaceful spot on the river. Here, away from standard tourist tracks, you can enjoy swimming in the clear river waters or simply relaxing on the sun deck. Dine under the stars with a delicious evening meal served on board, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature.

Included Activities: Guided tour of the Temple of Edfu, island visit & swimming opportunity at Al Ramady Island
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Tuesday): Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo Temple & Sheikh Fadl Island

Sail past the impressive ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel El Silsila, where the stone for Egypt's greatest temples was mined. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, a unique dual temple dramatically situated on the riverbank, dedicated equally to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.

After discovering the mummified crocodiles on-site, return to the vessel and set sail toward Sheikh Fadl Island. Unwind with afternoon tea on the sun deck as the sun dips below the desert horizon, followed by a gourmet dinner and a tranquil final overnight sail toward Aswan.

Included Activities: Scenic sailing via Gebel El Silsila, guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple, evening stop at Sheikh Fadl Island
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Wednesday): Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam & Departure

rrive early into the scenic city of Aswan. Following breakfast on board, disembark to visit the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully situated on Agilika Island. Continue to the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering feat that shaped contemporary Egypt. Your memorable Dahabiya sailing journey concludes with a smooth private transfer to Aswan Airport, train station, or your local hotel.

Included Activities: Guided tour of Philae Temple & Aswan High Dam, private departure transfer
Included Meals: Breakfast

Why book with Journey To Egypt?

U.S.-registered corporation and travel agent

Trusted by thousands of travelers

Expert local guides and authentic experiences

Secure and easy online booking

TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award Winner from 2016 to 2024

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 and Sheikh Fadl for swimming 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, we recommend booking domestic flights as follows:

Arrival Flight: Cairo to Luxor arriving before 10:00 AM on Day 1.
Departure Flight: Aswan to Cairo departing after 1:00 PM on Day 5.

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 begins on Saturday with lunch on board; check-out is on Wednesday following breakfast and morning 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

4 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 Karnak, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and High Dam
Certified Tour Guide: Services of a licensed, English-speaking tour guide
Private Transfers: Pickup in Luxor and drop-off in Aswan 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: Hot air balloon ride over Luxor on Day 2 ($125 per person) or Tomb of Tutankhamun entry fee

Location & Meeting Point

Meeting Point: Luxor Airport, Luxor Train Station, or your hotel location in Luxor. Your driver and representative will meet you upon arrival for your private transfer to the Dahabiya.