Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise – An Elegant Sailing Experience Along the Timeless Nile
Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise, offering an intimate and relaxing way to discover the ancient treasures and authentic landscapes of Upper Egypt. With its traditional sailing style and comfortable atmosphere, the Dahabiya provides a peaceful alternative to larger Nile cruise ships.
Sail through the heart of the Nile Valley between Luxor and Aswan, enjoying spectacular views of palm-lined riverbanks, traditional villages, desert landscapes, and quiet Nile islands. Depending on your selected itinerary, explore remarkable ancient sites such as Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, El Kab, Edfu Temple, Gebel El-Silsila, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.
The journey goes beyond Egypt’s famous monuments, with opportunities to visit local villages and peaceful islands, experience traditional riverside life, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Nile away from the busy tourist routes. Relax on deck, savor freshly prepared meals onboard, and enjoy peaceful evenings while anchored along the river.
Combining ancient history, authentic culture, comfortable sailing, and personalized hospitality, the Nour El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a memorable way to experience the Nile at a slower and more intimate pace.
Cruise itinerary
1Arrival in Luxor – Esna & Temple of Khnum
Upon arrival at Luxor Airport or Luxor Train Station, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour manager and transferred to Esna, where the elegant Noor El Din Dahabiya awaits.
Before boarding, explore the historic town of Esna and visit the impressive Temple of Khnum, located below the modern street level. Dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed creator god, the temple offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious traditions of ancient Egypt.
Continue with a walk through Esna’s lively local market, where colorful textiles, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, and traditional shops provide an authentic look at everyday Egyptian life.
Return to the Dahabiya for a freshly prepared lunch and settle into your cabin. Spend a relaxing afternoon sailing or enjoying the peaceful surroundings from the deck.
In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard as the Dahabiya remains anchored in Esna.
2El Kab – Edfu Temple – Nile Island
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the Nile and enjoy breakfast onboard as the Noor El Din Dahabiya sails toward El Kab, one of Upper Egypt’s most important ancient settlements.
Explore the archaeological remains of this historic city, including the Temple of Nekhbet and beautifully decorated rock-cut tombs. Afterward, take a short walk through a nearby fishing village for an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of communities living along the Nile.
Return to the Dahabiya and enjoy lunch while continuing your journey toward Edfu.
Upon arrival, travel by traditional horse-drawn carriage to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples from the Greco-Roman period. Explore its monumental pylons, impressive columns, detailed reliefs, and ancient inscriptions dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.
Return to the Dahabiya and enjoy dinner as you sail toward a peaceful Nile island. Anchor beside the island and spend a tranquil evening surrounded by the natural beauty of the river.
3Sailing the Nile – Island Experience & Ancient Rock Carvings
Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast as the Dahabiya glides through some of the most peaceful stretches of the Nile. Enjoy panoramic views of fertile fields, palm groves, traditional villages, and the changing landscapes of Upper Egypt.
In the afternoon, stop at a remote Nile island where you can take a refreshing swim or enjoy a gentle walk along the riverbank. Take time to relax and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere away from the main tourist routes.
Continue your journey with a visit to a nearby desert valley, where ancient rock carvings and prehistoric inscriptions provide fascinating evidence of early travelers, communities, and trade routes that once crossed the region.
As the sun begins to set, return toward the Nile and enjoy a spectacular view of the illuminated Temple of Gebel El-Silsila from the water.
4Gebel El-Silsila – Ancient Quarries & Riverside Picnic
After breakfast, explore Gebel El-Silsila, where the Nile passes through one of its narrowest and most dramatic sections, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.
Visit the Temple of Horemheb and explore the ancient sandstone quarries, where enormous quantities of stone were extracted and transported for the construction of temples and monuments throughout ancient Egypt.
After the archaeological visit, enjoy a stop at a small riverside café where you can relax with traditional Egyptian tea and shisha while experiencing the warm hospitality of the local community.
Return to the Dahabiya and continue sailing toward a peaceful riverbank. Enjoy an outdoor lunch surrounded by palm trees and beautiful Nile scenery, followed by a relaxing afternoon at leisure.
In the evening, unwind on deck as the sun sets over the river and the stars appear above the calm waters of the Nile.
5Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Dahabiya continues sailing south toward Kom Ombo.
Upon arrival, visit the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely built as a double temple and dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god. Explore its symmetrical design, impressive columns, detailed reliefs, and ancient inscriptions while learning about the temple’s religious and medical significance.
Continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles and artifacts illustrating the important role these sacred animals played in ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Return to the Dahabiya and enjoy dinner onboard as the vessel continues sailing toward Aswan. Spend a peaceful final evening on the Nile.
6Arrival & Disembarkation in Aswan
Enjoy your final breakfast on the deck of the Noor El Din Dahabiya as you approach Aswan, one of Egypt’s most beautiful cities and the gateway to Nubia.
Take in the final views of the Nile before saying farewell to the crew and completing your disembarkation.
You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport or Aswan Train Station according to your onward travel arrangements.
Your memorable Noor El Din Dahabiya Nile Cruise comes to an end.
Prices per person, double cabin
5 nights
FromLuxor - Aswan
Prices are per person sharing a double cabin. Single supplements and peak-date surcharges (Christmas, New Year) may apply — confirmed on enquiry.
Included & excluded
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide for all Tours
- Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout
- 5 nights full-board accommodation aboard a traditional Dahabiya
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled water during tours, transfers, and onboard
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Optional tours or activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals unless specified
- Tipping for guides, crew, and drivers
- Travel insurance
Ship features & facilities
Pricing, booking & policies
Price Policy
Cancellation Policy
Refund Policy
Children Policy
Other Dahabiya Nile cruises
| Cruise | Category | Duration | Sailing days | Board | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nour El Din DahabiyaThis cruise | Dahabiya | 5 nights | Esna: Monday | Full board | $2,400 | |
| 4 Night Dahabiya Nile Cruise Esna to Aswan | Dahabiya | 4 Nights | — | Full board | $1,965 | View |
| 5 Night Dahabiya Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan | Dahabiya | 5 Nights | — | Full board | $2,365 | View |
| Akhnaton Dahabiya | Dahabiya | 3 Nights / 4 Nights / 7 Nights | — | Full board | $2,600 | View |
| Farouz El Nil Dahabiya | Dahabiya | 5 Nights / 7 Nights | — | Full board | $2,500 | View |