Altesse Dahabiya

The short answer

Altesse Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

N/A

Destinations

Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cruise arranged aboard Altesse Dahabiya · Nile sailing · Route through Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan · Full Board · Lunch on embarkation day · Breakfast on disembarkation day

Best for

Couples · Slow-paced travellers · Small groups · Nile cruise travellers

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Travel by dahabiya, a smaller sail-powered Nile boat.
• 02A quieter alternative to larger Nile cruise ships.
• 03The 5-star category is specified for this product.
• 04Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most large Nile cruise ships are motorised and carry more passengers; dahabiyas are sailing boats with a smaller-vessel format.

The route

Where this ship sails

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

• Esna to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• ·Wi-Fi
• ·Sun Deck
• ·Restaurant
• ·Library and lounge

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Ask for the confirmed embarkation point and sailing hours before arranging transport to the river.

2. 02

   Check whether the one-day schedule includes a shore stop, as none is specified in the available details.

3. 03

   Bring sun protection and water for time on deck; shade and onboard facilities are not confirmed.

4. 04

   Request the vessel's access details in advance if stairs, narrow gangways or uneven riverbank surfaces may be difficult.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask us whether any of these can be arranged for your chosen sailing.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

Boarding involves a gangway from the river quay, usually with three to six steps. Cabins are reached by narrow companionways and at least one stair, so they may not suit guests who cannot manage steps or narrow passages. Shore visits to El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry can involve uneven stone, cobbles, sand and unpaved paths. Wheelchair access on board and at these sites is limited; assisted transfers and walking are often needed. Crew can help with luggage, but this does not remove the physical demands. Please tell us about mobility needs, wheelchair dimensions, oxygen or powered equipment before booking so we can check what can be accommodated.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

A lateen sail provides propulsion while conditions allow, reducing reliance on the auxiliary diesel engine; the engine may be needed for manoeuvring or when winds are calm. We arrange locally owned dahabiyas with Egyptian captains, chefs and crew, so employment and service income remain with local suppliers. Partners source produce and bread from markets in Luxor, Esna and Aswan. Some use reusable serviceware, and the vessel owner manages separated waste under local port rules. Greywater is taken to designated collection points rather than released in shallow inshore areas. These practices vary by assigned vessel, so ask us to confirm the arrangements for your sailing.

• 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

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

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• Luxor West BankRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   A smaller sailing vessel for a quieter Nile journey

2. 02

   Full Board covers meals from embarkation lunch

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Altesse Dahabiya sailing?

   The product is listed as a one-day Altesse Dahabiya sailing, but the exact departure and return times depend on the confirmed arrangement. Ask us to verify the sailing programme before booking, particularly if you are connecting with another Nile journey. Meals follow the stated Full Board window, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
2. 02Are transfers to and from Altesse Dahabiya included?

   Transfers to and from the dahabiya are included. The collection point and timings depend on your confirmed arrangements, so check these details before travel. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and books the sailing, while the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
3. 03What is included in the Altesse Dahabiya sailing?

   The arrangement includes accommodation aboard Altesse Dahabiya, meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, an Egyptologist guide, entry fees to included monuments, transfers and taxes and service charges. Alcoholic drinks, crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses, insurance and unlisted optional activities are not included.
4. 04Is Altesse Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   Accessibility depends on the vessel and each landing point, and no step-free access is confirmed in the information provided. Boarding a river boat and visiting ancient sites may involve steps, uneven ground or sand. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the specific arrangements with the cruise line.
5. 05What is the child policy for Altesse 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 (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Confirm cabin availability and the final family arrangement before booking.
6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Altesse Dahabiya sailing?

   Bring sun protection, a hat, water and comfortable shoes for boarding and walking on uneven ancient ground. Light clothing is practical in warm weather, with an extra layer for cooler evenings. Choose modest clothing when visiting temples or other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
7. 07Can I take photographs during the Altesse Dahabiya trip?

   Photography is generally possible at outdoor stops, including places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, but rules vary by site and monument. Some interiors or objects may prohibit photography or require a separate permission. Follow signs and your Egyptologist's guidance, and ask before photographing local people.
8. 08When is the best time to travel on Altesse Dahabiya?

   The sailing is recommended from October to April, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for time ashore. Cabin availability is limited, so booking ahead is sensible for these months. Conditions and site timings can vary, and your confirmed itinerary should be checked before departure.
9. 09Does Altesse Dahabiya visit El Kab and Gebel Silsila?

   El Kab and Gebel Silsila are among the shore stops described for this sailing programme; Hagar Salsala quarry is also mentioned. The precise stops can depend on the confirmed route and conditions. These smaller Nile sites offer a different visit from the major temple calls made by larger cruise boats.
10. 10How are Altesse Dahabiya cabins priced for solo travellers?

    The sailing is priced per person sharing, and a single supplement applies when a traveller occupies a cabin alone. The supplement and cabin availability depend on the final arrangement, so request the current details before booking. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking; the cruise line operates the vessel.