5-Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Luxor - Esna - El Kab - Edfu - Gebel el Silsila - Kom Ombo - Aswan
- Oct - Apr
Trip Overview
A dahabiya Nile cruise is the slow, quiet way to sail between Luxor and Aswan. These traditional two-masted sailing boats carry only a small group of guests, usually in 6 to 12 cabins, and they moor at islands and small sites the big cruise ships pass by.
Over four nights you visit the temples at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, the rock tombs of El Kab and the ancient quarries of Gebel el Silsila, with time to swim or walk on a sandbank when the boat stops. Meals are cooked on board and eaten on deck, and evenings are calm, with no crowds. We pick you up in Luxor and drive you to Esna, where the boat starts. Read more about the history of the dahabiya.
Combine it with: our Luxor West and East Bank private tour before you board, and the Abu Simbel day tour from Aswan after. Or see all our Nile cruises.
Dahabiya photos: Marc Ryckaert (CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY 3.0) and Votpuske (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Price Includes
- 4 nights on a dahabiya sailing boat
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
- Guided visits to all sites in the itinerary with an Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Transfer from your Luxor hotel to Esna, and from the boat in Aswan
Price Excludes
- Flights or train to Luxor and from Aswan
- Drinks on board
- Abu Simbel trip (optional)
- Tips for the crew and guide
- Egypt visa
Itinerary
Day 1Luxor to Esna and board
Morning pickup from your hotel in Luxor and drive to Esna. Visit the Temple of Khnum, then board the dahabiya for lunch and set sail. Overnight moored on the river.
Day 2El Kab and Edfu
Visit the painted rock tombs of El Kab, then sail on to Edfu and the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved temple in Egypt.
Day 3Gebel el Silsila
Explore the sandstone quarries and rock shrines of Gebel el Silsila, where the stone for many temples was cut. Afternoon sailing, with a stop on an island or sandbank when the weather allows.
Day 4Kom Ombo and Aswan
Visit the double temple of Kom Ombo, then sail the last stretch to Aswan. Last dinner on board.
Day 5Disembark in Aswan
Breakfast on board, then transfer to Aswan airport, the train station or your hotel. Philae Temple or Abu Simbel can be added on request.
Map
7 places on this map:
- Luxor
- Esna
- El Kab
- Edfu
- Gebel el Silsila
- Kom Ombo
- Aswan
FAQ
What is the difference between a dahabiya and a cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a small sailing boat with few cabins and no crowds. It stops at quieter sites and moors at islands. A cruise ship is larger and faster, with a pool and more facilities, and costs less.
How many guests are on board?
Most dahabiyas have 6 to 12 cabins, so you sail with a small group. Whole boats can be booked for families and groups.
Does the dahabiya visit the Valley of the Kings?
No, the boat starts in Esna, south of Luxor. Add a day in Luxor before you board to see the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple.
When do dahabiyas sail?
Most sail from October to April. Departure days depend on the boat, so send us your dates and we will confirm availability.
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