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Nile CruiseEsna → Aswan

Albatros Dahabiya

Seven-day dahabiya cruise Luxor to Aswan

At a glance

Length
5 days · 4 nights
Embarks
Mon, Fri
Board
Full Board

Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.

The short answer

Albatros Dahabiya is a one-day Nile dahabiya cruise arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

The listing describes Albatros Dahabiya as a one-day cruise on the Nile. It does not state the route, embarkation point or shore stops, so travellers should confirm these details before booking.

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation
Dahabiya cabin
Destinations
Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Includes
Cruise aboard Albatros Dahabiya · Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile · Stops at Esna · Stop at Edfu · Stop at Kom Ombo · Arrival in Aswan
Best for
Couples · Slow-travel enthusiasts · Nile cruise travellers
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The product is listed as a one-day Nile cruise.
  • The published product details do not confirm the route, departure point or excursions. Check these with us before booking.

What lingers

  • 01Sail-powered dahabiya cruise on the Nile
  • 02A slower-paced alternative to larger motorised Nile cruisers
  • 03Smaller-vessel format, distinct from large-boat cruising
  • 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day

02Overview

A first look

Albatros is a traditional sailing dahabiya on the quiet stretch of the Nile between Esna and Aswan — a handful of cabins, meals on deck, and moorings at islands, quarries, and villages the big cruisers pass by. The pace is the point — long afternoons on deck, riverside dinners, and small sites the motor ships never stop for.

Background

The facts

Albatros Dahabiya is a one-day cruise on the Nile. A dahabiya is a traditional style of river boat associated with sail-powered travel. This booking is a dahabiya cruise.

The term dahabiya refers to a class of Nile sailing boat, rather than a historical monument or a specific archaeological period.

The duration is one day. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.

Named in this entry

Albatros Dahabiya·Nile·Egypt·Nile River·lateen sail·dahabiya

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • The Albatros Dahabiya may suit adults and older children who value a smaller sailing boat and a quieter pace over the facilities of a large Nile cruiser. It is worth considering for couples, solo travellers and families who are comfortable with boat access and want to ask about a short sailing rather than a multi-night cruise.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want extensive onboard entertainment or need confirmed step-free access. A one-day listing also offers less time to enjoy the slower pace associated with dahabiya sailing.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Sail-powered dahabiya rather than a large motor cruiser
  • Smaller-boat setting for a quieter Nile journey
  • Dahabiyas can reach some places large cruisers cannot
  • A one-day option for travellers short on time

Things to Consider

  • One day allows limited time for slow sailing
  • Boat access may involve steps or uneven surfaces

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most large Nile cruise ships rely on engines and follow established port schedules. A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered style of river boat, though the supplied listing does not confirm this vessel’s cabin count or sailing arrangements. We select and arrange the booking; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EsnaThe temple & the river lock
  3. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  4. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  5. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

On board

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

Bundled in

  • Wi-Fi
  • Sun Deck
  • Restaurant

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Accommodation aboard the Albatros Dahabiya
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Excursions accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
  • Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
  • Private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan
  • Nile sailing permits and local taxes

Not included

  • International and domestic air travel
  • Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
  • Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
  • Activities not included in the listed programme

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask for the embarkation point and sailing time before arranging transport, as neither is stated in the listing.

  2. 02

    Confirm which shore visits, if any, are included; the available product details do not name any stops.

  3. 03

    Check what is provided on board, including meals; drinks (including water) are extra.

  4. 04

    Ask whether the listed one-day duration includes time aboard only or scheduled visits ashore.

Tailor it

Make it yours

We’ll confirm what can be arranged for your chosen date, including whether a longer sailing is available.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

The Albatros Dahabiya can sit between time in Luxor and Aswan as part of a wider Nile itinerary.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile dahabiya cruise can involve uneven stone paths, sand, steps and narrow gangways. Boarding may require stepping between a quay or tender and the vessel, and access can be difficult for guests who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Shore visits may include unpaved archaeological paths and temple stairs without handrails; terrain at sites such as Gebel Silsila can be rocky. Vehicle steps may also be needed for shore transfers. Step-free access and accessible cabins cannot be assumed. Tell us about any mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss which visits may be difficult or need to be adapted.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya is designed for sailing on the Nile, using its sail when conditions allow; details of the assigned vessel’s propulsion and fuel use should be confirmed before booking. Shore transfers may use an air-conditioned minivan or similar vehicle, depending on the arrangements for your itinerary. We select local Egyptologists and shore-service suppliers where available, and visits to smaller sites can bring business to local guides and service providers. Waste handling and recycling depend on the facilities available at the vessel and river ports. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owner or operator; we do not own or operate the boat. We cannot verify specific emissions savings or community contributions for an unassigned vessel.

  • Licensed Egyptologist guides

    State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years

  • Fair wages on the ground

    Drivers + guides paid above market

  • Site preservation

    We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs

  • Local teams, real help

    Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport and visa documents
  • A sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection
  • High-SPF sun cream and lip balm
  • Comfortable walking footwear with good grip
  • Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or windproof layer
  • Small daypack for shore visits
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Prescription medication in its original packaging

What to wear

  • Loose, lightweight clothes for hot days
  • Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
  • A warm layer for cooler mornings on deck
  • Closed, comfortable shoes for uneven paths and steps
  • A scarf or wrap for sun and dust

Children & families

Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may help during airport or hotel transfers but are not practical for many shore visits or tender boarding. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking.

Cabin pricing

Rates on request

There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin you have in mind.

Add Cairo before or after your cruise

The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.

How an extension is arranged

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Location

On the map

Luxor and Aswan — where it sails in EgyptMediterranean SeaRed SeaWestern DesertEastern DesertLake NasserLuxorEsnaEdfuKom OmboAswanCairoAbu SimbelN
Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Karnak TempleRight here
  • Luxor TempleRight here
  • Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    A dahabiya sailing route through four Nile destinations

  2. 02

    Albatros Dahabiya selected and arranged by our Egypt team

  3. 03

    Full Board covers the embarkation-to-disembarkation window

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
    The product is listed as a one-day sailing on the Nile. The exact departure and arrival times are not provided here, so please check the confirmed itinerary before travel. The Full Board meal window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
  2. 02Are transfers to the Albatros Dahabiya included?
    Private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan are included, according to your chosen arrangements. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the vessel and coordinates the ground arrangements; the cruise line owns and operates the boat. Confirm your transfer point and timing in your final travel documents.
  3. 03What is included in the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
    The arrangement includes accommodation aboard Albatros Dahabiya, Full Board meals, guided visits with a licensed Egyptologist, entrance fees for the included sites, private transfers to or from Luxor or Aswan, sailing permits and local taxes. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
  4. 04What is not included on the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
    International and domestic flights, crew and guide tips, alcoholic drinks and optional activities not included in the cruise arrangements are excluded. Any cancellation terms are those shown on this product page.
  5. 05Is the Albatros Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
    Accessibility details are not supplied, so suitability depends on your mobility needs and the vessel’s boarding arrangements. A dahabiya requires getting on and off the boat for shore visits, and ancient sites may have uneven ground or steps. Tell us what support you need before booking so we can check the arrangements.
  6. 06Can children travel on the Albatros Dahabiya?
    Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Ask us to confirm cabin availability before booking.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Albatros Dahabiya?
    Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes with a firm grip and light clothing for warm weather. The season and time of day affect conditions on deck, so pack a light layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, including covered shoulders and knees.
  8. 08Can I take photographs on the Albatros Dahabiya cruise?
    Personal photography on deck and during shore visits is generally practical, but rules can differ between archaeological sites. Some tombs and interiors restrict photography or require a separate ticket or permit. Follow notices and your Egyptologist’s guidance, and ask before photographing local people or crew.
  9. 09When is the best time to sail on the Nile aboard Albatros Dahabiya?
    October to April is generally the most comfortable season for Nile sailing, while the vessel operates throughout the year. Summer brings stronger heat, especially during site visits, so plan for sun exposure and drink water regularly. Your exact sailing conditions depend on the dates and route confirmed for your booking.
  10. 10Which places does the Albatros Dahabiya visit between Luxor and Aswan?
    The sailing connects Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas can reach smaller landing places that larger Nile boats may pass, including sites such as El Kab or Gebel Silsila. We'll confirm which stops apply to your itinerary.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 1 December 2025

Last updated 1 December 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951

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