Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Pickup Luxor Hotel or Airport
Tour Type Private Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Availability On request / Custom departure dates
Price From $1,300
Destinations Luxor – Esna – El Kab – Edfu – Bassao Island – Gebel El Silsila – Kom Ombo – Daraw – Aswan
Book This Tour → Send us a message and we will confirm availability and send a quote within 24 hours.
Overview
This 5-day Dahabiya Nile Cruise is one of Egypt's most intimate travel experiences — a slow, unhurried sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard a classic wooden vessel that feels a world away from modern life. Unlike large cruise ships, a Dahabiya carries just a handful of guests, which means quieter temples, personal service, and a genuine connection with the river that has shaped this civilisation for thousands of years.
From the towering columns of Karnak and the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, to the hidden rock carvings of El Kab and the stone quarries of Gebel El Silsila, every day brings a different layer of Egypt's extraordinary story. Evenings are spent anchored in calm stretches of the Nile, where dinner is served on deck under a sky blazing with stars, and the only sound is the gentle current against the hull.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family, or in a small group, this Dahabiya cruise offers the perfect pace — curious and enriching by day, peaceful and restorative by night. It is Egypt as it was meant to be discovered: slowly, beautifully, and far from the crowds. Book your Dahabiya Nile Cruise today and let the river show you the way.
Want to compare options? Browse all our Egypt Tour Packages or design your own journey with our Tailor-Made service.
Good to Know
This itinerary is flexible. Want to begin in Aswan and sail north to Luxor instead? Interested in adding a visit to Abu Simbel or a spectacular hot air balloon ride over Luxor before boarding? Looking to pair this cruise with a Cairo extension? We can adjust the program to suit any schedule or interest. Contact us and we will build the version that works perfectly for you.
Also worth exploring: our Nile cruise options for different sailing styles and routes, our Luxor day tours for add-on excursions including the West Bank & Hatshepsut Temple, the Dendera Temple of Hathor, or even a cycling tour of the West Bank. Our Aswan day tours are ideal if you want more time in the south, and our full Egypt Tour Packages cover longer itineraries combining Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
Plan Your 5 Days in Egypt → Contact Nile Travel Machine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dahabiya Nile Cruise and how is it different from a regular cruise?
A Dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian sailing boat, historically used by royalty and travellers on the Nile. Unlike large cruise ships that carry hundreds of passengers, a Dahabiya holds a small private group — usually between 8 and 16 guests. This means a quieter, more personal experience, with the freedom to stop at lesser-visited sites and move at a more relaxed pace.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Absolutely. This 5-day Dahabiya Nile Cruise covers Egypt's most iconic temples and landscapes in a thoughtful, unhurried sequence. Your licensed Egyptologist guide provides expert context at every site, so even first-time visitors leave with a deep understanding of what they have seen.
What meals are included on the Dahabiya?
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5 — that is four dinners, four lunches, and four breakfasts, all prepared on board using fresh local ingredients. Meals are typically served on deck, weather permitting, which makes every dining experience part of the journey.
Can I visit Abu Simbel as part of this trip?
Yes. Abu Simbel is available as an optional add-on from Aswan on the final day or as a pre-cruise extension. You can also combine this cruise with a broader Egypt tour package that includes Cairo and Abu Simbel. Let us know when booking and we will build it into your itinerary.
How many passengers are on board the Dahabiya?
Our Dahabiya cruises are designed for small, private groups. Capacity varies by vessel, but most carry between 8 and 16 guests. For couples, families, or groups looking for an entirely private sailing experience, we can arrange exclusive charters — contact us for details.
Is this itinerary suitable for families with children?
Yes — the 5-day Dahabiya Nile Cruise is an excellent choice for families. The slower pace, the open deck, the felucca ride, and the storytelling around each temple tend to capture children's imaginations naturally. A farm life experience in Luxor can also be added as a fun, hands-on activity for younger travellers. Your Egyptologist adapts explanations for all ages.
What is the best time of year for a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
October through April is generally considered the best time to sail the Nile, with cooler temperatures and clear skies making outdoor temple visits and deck dining especially enjoyable. December and January are the most popular months. Summer sailings are possible but temperatures in Upper Egypt can be intense — ask us about timing if you are planning a warm-weather trip.
What other tours can I add to this cruise?
A wide range of add-ons are available. In Luxor, popular extras include a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank, a felucca ride to Banana Island, and a dedicated Luxor day tour of the West Bank. In Aswan, our Aswan day tours cover the Nubian village, the High Dam, and Abu Simbel.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes, completely. We can reverse the direction (Aswan to Luxor), extend the cruise, add a Cairo extension with the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, or include any of our Luxor day tours or Aswan day tours as extras. Use our Tailor-Made service to build a version designed around your exact interests.
How do I book?
Simply contact us by email or phone. We confirm availability, answer all your questions, and send a detailed quote with no obligation. Most itineraries are confirmed within 24 hours.
