Dahabiya Nile River Cruises

Best Luxor and Aswan Dahabiya Nile River Cruises

A Dahabiya Nile River Cruise is the most intimate and private way to sail between Luxor and Aswan. Traditional Egyptian sailing boats with a small number of cabins, Dahabiyas offer a completely different experience to the classic Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise, combining the same private Egyptologist guide, full board, and all entrance fees with a slower pace, quieter moorings, and stops at villages and islands that larger cruise boats never visit. A Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise is ideal for travelers who want exclusivity, flexibility, and a genuine connection with the Nile and its riverbank communities.

The most common Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan takes 5 days / 4 nights, while the Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor takes 4 days / 3 nights, depending on the preferred route, available dates, and sightseeing plan.

Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise packages are available on 4 and 5 day itineraries sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Dahabiya Nile Cruise prices start from $1,132 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed), with single cabin and suite options available. Departures from Luxor every Monday and Saturday and from Aswan every Wednesday and Friday.

A Dahabiya Luxor Aswan Cruise Holiday can be arranged as a Dahabiya Luxor Aswan Cruise Vacation, a private Dahabiya Luxor Aswan Cruise Package, or a Dahabiya Luxor Aswan Cruise from Cairo with domestic flights, transfers, sightseeing, and cruise accommodation included. The Best Dahabiya Luxor Aswan Cruise Price depends on the Dahabiya category, cabin type, travel date, route, and included visits.

At WOW Egypt Tours, every Dahabiya Nile River Cruise is fully private and arranged exclusively for your group or family. The WOW Team is available 24/7 before, during, and after your trip to ensure everything runs perfectly. For larger groups, the WOW Team can arrange a fully private Dahabiya chartered exclusively for your party.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price

Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise packages are available on 4 and 5 day itineraries sailing between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. All Dahabiya Nile Cruise holidays include a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, full board on board, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, and all entrance fees throughout. The 4 Days/3 Nights Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile Cruise prices start from $1,132 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed). The 5 Days/4 Nights Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Nile Cruise prices start from $1,332 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed). Single cabin from $1,440 per person. Suite from $1,620 per person based on 2 guests. Departures from Luxor every Monday and Saturday and from Aswan every Wednesday and Friday.

A Dahabiya Nile Cruise Holiday can be arranged as a Dahabiya Nile Cruise Vacation, a Dahabiya Nile Cruise Package, or a Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Cairo with domestic flights, transfers, sightseeing, and cruise accommodation included. The Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price depends on the Dahabiya category, cabin type, travel date, route, and included visits.

At WOW Egypt Tours, all Dahabiya Nile Cruises are available as Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruises.

Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise Holidays: What Is Included

Every Dahabiya Nile River Cruise package booked through WOW Egypt Tours is fully inclusive. The price you are quoted is the price you pay, with all of the following included:

Private Professional Egyptologist Guide
One dedicated private Egyptologist for your group for the full duration of the cruise. Full expert commentary at every temple, village, and site on the itinerary. No group tours, no shared guides, and no handoffs to local site guides.

Private Modern Air-Conditioned Vehicle
A private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver for all transfers to and from the Dahabiya, and for any overland excursions during the itinerary.

Private Cabin with En-Suite Bathroom
A private cabin on board with an en-suite bathroom. Cabin options include double cabins (twin or king bed), single cabins, and suites, with sizes and specifications varying by Dahabiya. Suite cabins offer the most spacious and highest-quality accommodation on board.

Full Board on Board
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on board daily throughout the cruise. All meals prepared fresh on board and included with no additional dining costs.

All Entrance Fees and Tickets
All site admissions on the standard itinerary are included, from Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple to Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. No surprise costs on arrival.

Private Transfers Throughout
All airport, hotel, and Dahabiya transfers included and coordinated by the WOW Team. Internal flights from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan can be added for a complete Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Cairo package.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise Itinerary

The Dahabiya Nile River Cruise route covers a remarkable combination of major ancient monuments and rarely visited sites along the Nile River Valley between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike larger cruise boats, the Dahabiya moors at quiet islands and docks at small riverside villages, giving travelers an authentic experience of the Nile that goes well beyond the standard tourist itinerary. Many of these riverside stops and island moorings are accessible only by Dahabiya, making this the most exclusive way to experience the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.

Temples and Sites Along the Nile

Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, the Dahabiya Nile Cruise itinerary includes guided shore visits to the Temple of Khnum at Esna, the El Kab Tombs, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel el-Silsila, the village of Basaw, Daraw Village, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Peaceful moorings at El Hagaz Island and Herdiab Island offer a rare and quiet experience of the Nile away from the standard cruise boat docks, with the opportunity to swim or kayak at Herdiab Island when conditions allow.

Aswan Highlights

In Aswan, the Dahabiya Nile Cruise program includes guided visits to Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam. The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show is included on the 5 Days/4 Nights itinerary and is available as an optional extra on the 4 Days/3 Nights itinerary, subject to operation on the day of your visit. A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor can be added as an optional extra for travelers spending additional nights in Luxor before the cruise.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise Departure Days

Dahabiya Nile River Cruises from Luxor depart every Monday. Dahabiya Nile River Cruises from Aswan depart every Wednesday and Friday. The WOW Team confirms availability and secures your cabin on your preferred departure when you send your travel dates for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

4 Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

3 Nights Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile Cruise

The 4 Days/3 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is the most compact Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise itinerary, covering the key sites between Aswan and Luxor at a relaxed pace over 3 nights on the river. Departures from Aswan every Wednesday and Friday.

Day 1: Aswan Sightseeing and Sailing to Kom Ombo
The program starts in Aswan with embarkation and private guided visits to the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple. The Dahabiya then sails north towards Kom Ombo Temple, the remarkable double temple of the Ptolemaic period dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, with 2 entrances, 2 courts, 2 hypostyle halls, and 2 sanctuaries. Overnight on board near Gebel El Silsila.

Day 2: Gebel El Silsila, Basaw Village, and Edfu Temple
The Dahabiya calls at the ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel el-Silsila, used from the 18th Dynasty through the Greco-Roman period to supply sandstone for major temples across Egypt. The program continues with a visit to Basaw Village, offering a direct view of rural life and daily activities along the Upper Egyptian Nile, before a guided visit to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built between 237 BC and 57 BC and dedicated to Horus. Overnight on board in Edfu.

Day 3: El Kab Tombs and El Hagaz Island
The Dahabiya visits the El Kab Tombs, a group of New Kingdom rock-cut tombs dating from around 1550 BC to 1070 BC, belonging to governors, nobles, and military officials of ancient Upper Egypt. The tombs include detailed wall paintings showing hunting scenes, processions, religious rituals, and daily life. The Dahabiya then moors at El Hagaz Island, a quiet Nile island known for palm trees, farmland, and peaceful river views, with the opportunity to swim when conditions allow.

Day 4: Esna Temple and Disembarkation
The Dahabiya sails to Esna for a guided visit to the Temple of Khnum at Esna, dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed creator god connected with the Nile and creation. The preserved hypostyle hall includes 24 decorated columns with detailed capitals, religious texts, astronomical scenes, and reliefs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. After the visit, guests disembark in Esna and are transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor, approximately 55 km / 34 miles away.

4 Days/3 Nights Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price

Dahabiya Nile Cruise 4 Days/3 Nights Aswan to Luxor prices start from $1,132 per person in a double cabin. Single cabin from $1,440 per person. Suite from $1,620 per person based on 2 guests. Rates vary by season. Prices differ for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year, and Easter. See the 4 Days 3 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor page for the full itinerary, current seasonal rates, and availability for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

5 Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

4 Nights Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Nile Cruise

The 5 Days/4 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan is the most popular Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise package, departing from Luxor every Monday and sailing south to Aswan over 4 nights. This itinerary covers the full Nile River Valley temple route at a comfortable and unhurried pace with full professional guiding throughout.

Day 1: Transfer to Esna, Khnum Temple, and Embarkation
The program begins with private pickup from Luxor and a transfer to Esna, approximately 55 km / 34 miles south of Luxor. In Esna, a guided visit covers the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed creator god connected with the Nile and creation. The preserved hypostyle hall includes 24 decorated columns with detailed capitals, religious texts, astronomical scenes, and reliefs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. After the visit, guests board the Dahabiya in Esna and sail south towards El Hagaz Island. Overnight on board near El Hagaz Island.

Day 2: El Kab Tombs, Edfu Temple, and Basaw Village
The Dahabiya visits the El Kab Tombs, a group of New Kingdom rock-cut tombs dating from around 1550 BC to 1070 BC, belonging to governors, nobles, and military officials of ancient Upper Egypt, with wall paintings showing hunting scenes, processions, religious rituals, and daily life. The program continues with a guided visit to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built between 237 BC and 57 BC and dedicated to Horus, before sailing to Basaw Village for a direct view of rural life along the Upper Egyptian Nile. Overnight on board in Edfu.

Day 3: Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo Temple, and Daraw Village
The Dahabiya visits the ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel el-Silsila, used from the 18th Dynasty through the Greco-Roman period to supply sandstone for major temples including Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Dendera. The program continues at Kom Ombo Temple, the remarkable Ptolemaic double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, with 2 entrances, 2 courts, 2 hypostyle halls, and 2 sanctuaries, before sailing to Daraw Village, a riverside community known for traditional markets and Upper Egyptian village life. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Herdiab Island and Philae Sound and Light Show
The Dahabiya moors at Herdiab Island, a quiet island known for palm groves, farmland, and calm Nile views, with the opportunity to swim or kayak when conditions allow. The Dahabiya then sails towards Aswan. In the evening, an optional visit to Philae Temple for the Sound and Light Show is included, subject to operation on the day of your visit. Overnight on board in Aswan.

Day 5: Aswan Sightseeing and Disembarkation
The final day covers the main sightseeing sites in Aswan with private guided visits to the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple. After the visits, guests disembark and are transferred to Aswan International Airport, Aswan Train Station, their hotel, or their agreed final location.

5 Days/4 Nights Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price

Dahabiya Nile Cruise 5 Days/4 Nights Luxor to Aswan prices start from $1,332 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed). Single cabin from $1,440 per person. Suite from $1,620 per person based on 2 guests. Rates vary by season. Prices differ for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year, and Easter. See the 5 Days 4 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan page for the full itinerary, current seasonal rates, and availability for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise: How to Choose

The WOW Team curates a selection of the best Dahabiya boats on the Nile, typically carrying 6 to 12 cabins each, all with full board, private guiding, and private transfers included. Every Dahabiya on the program is selected for the quality of its cabins, the standard of its on-board meals, the professionalism of its crew, and its suitability for private small-group and family sailings.

When choosing your Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise, the WOW Team advises on the best available boat based on your travel dates, group size, cabin preference, and budget. You can select by sailing dates, cabin category (double, single, or suite), deck preference, and itinerary direction. Every Dahabiya on the program offers quiet moorings away from the large cruise boat docks, flexible daily timing, and opportunities for authentic riverside stops that no standard Nile Cruise tour can replicate.

Private Dahabiya Charter for Groups and Families

For larger families or groups, WOW Egypt Tours can arrange a fully private Dahabiya chartered exclusively for your party. A private charter Dahabiya Nile Cruise gives your group complete use of the entire boat, with total flexibility over the daily schedule, meal times, and pace of the itinerary. Private charter Dahabiya Nile Cruises are available on all itinerary lengths and directions. The WOW Team advises on the best Dahabiya for your group size and arranges all logistics from first contact to final transfer.

Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruises

All Dahabiya Nile Cruise boats on the WOW Egypt Tours program are available as Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruises. Dahabiya boats are purpose-built for intimate sailing on the Nile and are among the finest private sailing vessels in Egypt, with comfortable cabins, private en-suite bathrooms, freshly prepared full-board dining, and attentive crew throughout. The WOW Team selects the best available Dahabiya for your travel dates, group size, and budget, and advises on cabin type and deck position when arranging your package.

A Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise combined with a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, and all entrance fees delivers the most exclusive and personal Egypt Nile Cruise holiday available on the river. Contact the WOW Team for current availability and pricing on Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise packages for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Combine Your Dahabiya Nile Cruise with an Egypt Tour Package

A Dahabiya Nile River Cruise holiday pairs perfectly with additional Egypt destinations before or after your time on the river. The WOW Team can build a complete Egypt tour package by duration or a Egypt travel package by category, including family, honeymoon, classic, and group options, that combines your Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise with any of the following:

Cairo and the Pyramids
Add nights in Cairo before or after your Dahabiya Nile Cruise to visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A domestic flight connects Cairo to Luxor or Aswan in approximately one hour. Browse Egypt tour packages by duration to find the right Cairo and Dahabiya Nile Cruise combination, or explore Egypt travel packages by category for family, honeymoon, and classic Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise vacation options.

Lake Nasser Cruise Extension
The most complete Egypt Nile Cruise holiday combines a Dahabiya Nile Cruise with a Lake Nasser Cruise into a single seamless package covering the entire river from Luxor all the way to Abu Simbel. The WOW Team connects both cruises with private transfers in Aswan and coordinates the full itinerary from start to finish.

Alexandria
Combine your Dahabiya Nile Cruise with a private tour of Alexandria, visiting the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Montaza Palace gardens. Alexandria can be added as a day trip from Cairo or as an overnight extension to your Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise package.

Hurghada and the Red Sea
Extend your Dahabiya Nile Cruise package with days in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. A short domestic flight or private road transfer connects Hurghada to Luxor, making it easy to combine a Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise holiday with a beach stay in one complete Egypt vacation package. See Egypt travel packages for ready-made Nile and Red Sea combination options.

Add Nights in Aswan
Add nights in Aswan before or after your Dahabiya Nile Cruise to visit Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island botanical garden, the Philae Sound and Light Show, and the Nubian villages on the west bank of the Nile without the time constraints of the cruise itinerary.

Add Nights in Luxor
Add nights in Luxor to cover the full West Bank program including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Nobles Tombs, the Ramesseum, and Medinet Habu, or to enjoy a private sunrise hot air balloon ride at a more relaxed pace.

Abu Simbel Extension
Add a private day trip or overnight stay at the Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan by road or by plane, or continue onto a Lake Nasser Cruise for the full Aswan to Abu Simbel experience by water.

Browse all Egypt tour packages by duration or explore Egypt travel packages by category to find the right combination, or contact the WOW Team directly with your travel dates and interests for a tailored Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise vacation quote with no obligation.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise vs Classic Nile Cruise

A Dahabiya Nile Cruise and a classic Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise cover many of the same sites on the same river, but the experience on board and along the way is fundamentally different. A Dahabiya carries far fewer guests, sails at a slower pace, moors at quiet islands and villages rather than busy cruise boat docks, and offers a more flexible and personal daily rhythm. A classic Nile Cruise on a larger boat offers more cabin options across Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe, and Luxury categories, more on-board facilities, and a wider range of departure days each week. Both options include the same private Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, full board, and all entrance fees. For the most complete Egypt Nile Cruise holiday, the WOW Team recommends combining both.

Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise Packages 2026, 2027 and 2028

Dahabiya Nile Cruise holidays depart year-round in 2026, 2027, and 2028, with weekly departures from Luxor every Monday and Saturday and from Aswan every Wednesday and Friday. The WOW Team confirms availability, secures your cabin, and provides a full Egypt Dahabiya Nile Cruise package quote based on your travel dates, group size, and itinerary length. All current seasonal pricing and availability are listed on the Dahabiya Nile Cruises page. Browse Egypt tour packages by duration or Egypt travel packages by category for combination options, or send the WOW Team your travel dates to receive a clear, itemized quote for your Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise with no obligation.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
A Dahabiya Nile Cruise runs for either 4 days / 3 nights or 5 days / 4 nights depending on the direction of travel. The 4 Days / 3 Nights cruise departs from Aswan every Wednesday and Friday and sails north to Luxor. The 5 Days / 4 Nights cruise departs from Luxor every Monday and Saturday and sails south to Aswan. Both itineraries visit the same core temples and monuments along the Nile River Valley, with the longer itinerary allowing a more relaxed pace and additional stops.

How much does a Dahabiya Nile Cruise cost?
The 4 Days/3 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor starts from $1,132 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed). The 5 Days/4 Nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan starts from $1,332 per person in a double cabin (twin or king bed). Single cabin from $1,440 per person. Suite from $1,620 per person based on 2 guests. Prices vary by cabin type, season, and itinerary. All prices include a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide, private transfers, full board, and all entrance fees. There are no hidden costs.

What sites are visited on a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Dahabiya Nile Cruise visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Khnum at Esna, the El Kab Tombs, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the sandstone quarries of Gebel el-Silsila, the Temple of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam. The Dahabiya also moors at quiet island stops including El Hagaz Island and Herdiab Island, which are not visited on any standard Nile Cruise.

When is the best time to take a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Dahabiya Nile Cruises depart year-round. The most comfortable months for sailing are October through April, when temperatures along the Nile are mild and ideal for outdoor sightseeing at the temples. May through September brings intense heat in Upper Egypt, though cruises continue to operate and the sites are far less crowded during this period. Christmas, New Year, and Easter are peak travel periods with higher prices and earlier booking requirements. The WOW Team advises on the best travel dates based on your preferences and budget.

Is a Dahabiya Nile Cruise different from a classic Nile Cruise?
Yes, they are fundamentally different experiences. A Dahabiya carries far fewer guests, sails at a slower pace, and moors at quiet islands and villages rather than busy cruise boat docks. A classic Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise on a larger boat offers more cabin categories, more on-board facilities, and more departure days each week. Both include the same private Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, full board, and all entrance fees. Many travelers combine both for the most complete Nile experience.

What is included in a Dahabiya Nile Cruise package?
Every Dahabiya Nile Cruise package through WOW Egypt Tours includes a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide for all temple and site visits, a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for all transfers, full-board accommodation on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily), a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, all entrance fees to every site on the itinerary, and all service charges and taxes. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan can be added when required. There are no hidden costs.

Do I need to book the Dahabiya Nile Cruise in advance?
Yes. Dahabiya boats carry a small number of cabins and depart only once per week in each direction. Cabins sell out several weeks ahead during peak seasons including October to April, Christmas, New Year, and Easter. The WOW Team recommends booking as early as possible to secure your preferred cabin type and departure date. Contact the WOW Team with your travel dates for 2026, 2027, or 2028 and they will confirm availability and hold your cabin promptly.

Can I charter an entire Dahabiya for my group?
Yes. For larger families or groups, the WOW Team can arrange a fully private Dahabiya chartered exclusively for your party. A private charter gives your group complete use of the entire boat, with total flexibility over the daily schedule, meal times, and pace of the itinerary. The WOW Team advises on the best Dahabiya for your group size and arranges all logistics from first contact to final transfer.

Is the Dahabiya Nile Cruise suitable for families and children?
Yes. The relaxed pace, small on-board community, and flexible daily schedule make the Dahabiya Nile Cruise well suited to families travelling with children. Children aged 2 to 5 are charged 25% of the adult price, children aged 6 to 11 are charged 50%, and children under 2 travel free when sharing a cabin with parents. The WOW Team can advise on the best cabin configuration and itinerary for families travelling with children of different ages.

Can I add Abu Simbel to my Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Yes. A private day trip or overnight stay at the Abu Simbel Temples can be added from Aswan by road or by plane. Alternatively, your Dahabiya Nile Cruise can be combined with a Lake Nasser Cruise for the full experience by water from Aswan all the way to Abu Simbel. The WOW Team coordinates the complete itinerary from Luxor to Abu Simbel as a single seamless package.