How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise between Luxor and Aswan?

The standard Amoura Dahabiya sail runs for four nights between Luxor and Aswan. We schedule a measured pace with daylight cruising and frequent shore stops. Exact itinerary can vary by wind and river level; we confirm the day-by-day plan at booking and again the evening before departure so you know which temples and villages you will visit.

What time and where is the pick-up in Luxor for embarkation?

Embarkation normally begins at the Nile quay near central Luxor at around 11:00. We provide a precise pick-up time and meeting point the day before embarkation. Transfers from hotels on Luxor's east bank are usually a short drive; if you are staying on the west bank or at a Nile-side hotel with restricted quay access, we will advise an adjusted meeting point.

Which meals and drinks are included on board the Amoura Dahabiya?

Full Board is included: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with chef-prepared meals served on board. Soft drinks and bottled water are usually provided at set times; alcoholic drinks may be available for purchase on some cruises. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if informed at least 14 days before departure.

What is expressly excluded from the cruise price?

Entrance fees for premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I, gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, and optional activities (hot-air balloon, felucca trip) are not included unless we state otherwise. Local departure taxes and special permit fees, if required, are also excluded. We list the full exclusions in the booking confirmation.

Is the Amoura Dahabiya suitable for travellers with reduced mobility?

The dahabiya has low decks and boarding involves steps and a gangplank; uneven stone at shore landings is common. Some cabins are reached by narrow stairs. If you use a wheelchair, have significant mobility limits or need assistance, tell us in advance so we can advise whether this cruise is appropriate and arrange additional help where possible.

Can children travel on the dahabiya and are family cabins available?

Children are welcome but cabin space is limited and not all cabins accept extra berths. The cruise is quieter and slower-paced, which suits families who value relaxed shore time. For families under-12 we recommend booking a private cabin and advising ages at booking so we can arrange appropriate lifejackets, seating and shore-visit pacing.

What should I bring and wear for shore visits and deck time?

Bring sun protection first: high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. For temples wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven stone. Pack a light, long-sleeved layer for mornings and evenings on deck and a small daypack for camera gear and water.

Are photography and tripods allowed at the temples and on board?

Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Kom Ombo, Edfu and most riverside sites, but flash or tripods may be restricted inside some temple interiors. Rules vary by site and can change; our Egyptologists advise on specific restrictions each morning and will help with the best times and angles for photography.

When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on a dahabiya?

November to March offers the most comfortable temperatures and clearer skies for cruising and shore visits. Spring (March–May) can be warmer and windy; summer is hot and may restrict midday walking. We plan itineraries to avoid the hottest hours and suggest early starts or later afternoon visits during summer.

Will an Egyptologist accompany shore visits on the Amoura Dahabiya?

An Egyptologist leads or briefs the shore visits on most sailings; our Egyptologists provide morning briefings on the day’s route and sites. On some departures a local guide licensed for specific sites will join; we state the guiding arrangements at booking so you know whether your visit is led by one of our Egyptologists or a local specialist.

Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeEsna → Aswan

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Traditional sail between Luxor and Aswan with private cabins, Full Board meals and optional Egyptologist-led visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu

At a glance

Length: 4 days · 3 nights
Embarks: Mon, Fri
Board: Full Board
Class: 5-star

The short answer

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Guide languages: English · French · German · Italian · Others

02Overview

A first look

Early morning on the Nile, the dahabiya slips between light and shadow; you step ashore onto warm stone and smell tamarisk and faint diesel as Luxor stirs. The boat's low decks make boarding gradual, nets hang from nearby skiffs, and coffee vendors push brazier carts along the quay while the east bank skyline widens in the window.

You travel at a measured pace, sailing when the wind permits and spending long daylight hours ashore for short walks, photography and village visits. Unlike larger dahabiyas, we prioritise daytime cruising and frequent shore time. We arrange the crew, meals and local transfers, and our Egyptologists brief you each morning on the day's route and sites.

Background

The facts

Amoura Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow river cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers and typically operate with shallow draughts, which allows them to moor closer to riverbank antiquities and less crowded landing points along the Nile. The vessel’s program combines sailing days with shore excursions, and movement on the river depends on wind conditions as well as navigation requirements.

The Luxor–Aswan cruise corridor covers some of Upper Egypt’s best-known monuments. In Luxor, common excursion points include Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the east bank, while the west bank includes the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground used mainly during the New Kingdom from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Between the two cities, dahabiya itineraries may also include Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo, where the double temple is dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.

Further south, Philae Island is associated with the cult of Isis and the relocated temple complex preserved after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The cruising distance between Luxor and Aswan is roughly 200 km by river, though exact sailing patterns vary by water level, wind, and the sequence of shore calls. Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan make the vessel suitable for travelers who prefer a slower pace and longer time ashore.

On board, the vessel is arranged for Full Board dining from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Public areas commonly include a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, and cabins with either panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, depending on cabin category.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This vessel suits travelers who prefer a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travelers, and small private groups. It is also a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable with a slower pace, river-view relaxation, and longer time devoted to temple visits.

What lingers

01Intimate sail-powered dahabiya, ideal for quieter Nile sailing days
02Full Board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
03Sun deck and shaded lounge bar with panoramic river views
04Shallow-draft calls to sites larger motor cruisers cannot reach, such as riverbank antiquities
05Excursion program includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
06Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan

The route

Esna and Aswan

EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

→Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
→Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current

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

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.

Cabin pricing

Pricing & seasonal rates

Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.

4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan

Cabin	Low seasonMay – September	High seasonOctober – April	Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr
Single cabin	£1,505	£1,505	£1,620
Double cabin	£1,025	£1,025	£1,140

3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna

Cabin	Low seasonMay – September	High seasonOctober – April	Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr
Single cabin	£1,200	£1,200	£1,286
Double cabin	£840	£840	£926

Cabin allocation

Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.

Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Accommodation onboard Amoura Dahabiya
All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Private Egyptologist guide
All tours as mentioned in itinerary
Entrance fees to included historical sites
Transfers to/from the Dahabiya
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and bottled water
Service charges and taxes

Not included

Personal expenses
Tips for crew and guide
Optional activities not listed
Alcoholic beverages
Domestic or international flights
Travel insurance

Accessibility

Who can join this

We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our on-the-ground team will meet you, but the Amoura Dahabiya has physical constraints that limit accessibility for some travellers. The vessel has steps between the gangway, public areas and most cabins; there is no lift on board. Shore access uses small gangplanks and often requires stepping onto uneven quays or sandy riverbank paths. Visits to temples and tombs include cobbled surfaces, stone steps, narrow passageways and low ceilings. Portable folding wheelchairs may be usable for short stretches on board, but independent wheelchair access at many archaeological sites is not possible. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, contact us before booking so we can assess needs and arrange assistance where feasible; we cannot guarantee full access at every site.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

Valid passport and any required entry documents
Sunscreen SPF30+ and lip protection
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
Lightweight daypack and reusable water bottle
Adapter for Egyptian mains voltage 220V, type C/F
Personal medication and a small first-aid kit

What to wear

Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures
A warm layer for cooler early mornings and evenings on deck
Covered shoulders and knees for temple visits
Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
A scarf or shirt for additional sun and dust protection

Children & families

Children are accepted aboard the Amoura Dahabiya, but the vessel is not childproofed and small children require continuous supervision. We recommend a minimum age of six years for comfortable participation because of ladder steps, gangplanks and uneven surfaces during shore visits. Child fares vary by cabin class and are priced per person sharing; a single supplement usually applies to solo travellers. Pushchairs and large strollers are impractical on board, a lightweight folding stroller may be managed but must be stored during shore visits. Please contact us with children's ages and any special requirements so we can advise and make practical arrangements.

Location

On the map

Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The Amoura Dahabiya carries fewer guests than larger Nile steamers, which lowers per-trip fuel and energy demand compared with larger vessels. The boat uses standard marine diesel for propulsion and onboard power, with routine maintenance carried out in Luxor and Aswan to reduce fuel inefficiency. Crew and shore staff are recruited locally from Luxor and Aswan communities; fresh provisions such as fruit, vegetables and bread are sourced from local markets when practicable. Waste is segregated on board and single-use plastics are minimised by providing refillable water stations. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we work with the vessel owner to encourage fuel-efficient sailing practices and to support local suppliers, while recognising that river cruising produces measurable emissions compared with land-only travel.

Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise between Luxor and Aswan?
The standard Amoura Dahabiya sail runs for four nights between Luxor and Aswan. We schedule a measured pace with daylight cruising and frequent shore stops. Exact itinerary can vary by wind and river level; we confirm the day-by-day plan at booking and again the evening before departure so you know which temples and villages you will visit.
02What time and where is the pick-up in Luxor for embarkation?
Embarkation normally begins at the Nile quay near central Luxor at around 11:00. We provide a precise pick-up time and meeting point the day before embarkation. Transfers from hotels on Luxor's east bank are usually a short drive; if you are staying on the west bank or at a Nile-side hotel with restricted quay access, we will advise an adjusted meeting point.
03Which meals and drinks are included on board the Amoura Dahabiya?
Full Board is included: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with chef-prepared meals served on board. Soft drinks and bottled water are usually provided at set times; alcoholic drinks may be available for purchase on some cruises. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if informed at least 14 days before departure.
04What is expressly excluded from the cruise price?
Entrance fees for premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I, gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, and optional activities (hot-air balloon, felucca trip) are not included unless we state otherwise. Local departure taxes and special permit fees, if required, are also excluded. We list the full exclusions in the booking confirmation.
05Is the Amoura Dahabiya suitable for travellers with reduced mobility?
The dahabiya has low decks and boarding involves steps and a gangplank; uneven stone at shore landings is common. Some cabins are reached by narrow stairs. If you use a wheelchair, have significant mobility limits or need assistance, tell us in advance so we can advise whether this cruise is appropriate and arrange additional help where possible.
06Can children travel on the dahabiya and are family cabins available?
Children are welcome but cabin space is limited and not all cabins accept extra berths. The cruise is quieter and slower-paced, which suits families who value relaxed shore time. For families under-12 we recommend booking a private cabin and advising ages at booking so we can arrange appropriate lifejackets, seating and shore-visit pacing.
07What should I bring and wear for shore visits and deck time?
Bring sun protection first: high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. For temples wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven stone. Pack a light, long-sleeved layer for mornings and evenings on deck and a small daypack for camera gear and water.
08Are photography and tripods allowed at the temples and on board?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Kom Ombo, Edfu and most riverside sites, but flash or tripods may be restricted inside some temple interiors. Rules vary by site and can change; our Egyptologists advise on specific restrictions each morning and will help with the best times and angles for photography.
09When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on a dahabiya?
November to March offers the most comfortable temperatures and clearer skies for cruising and shore visits. Spring (March–May) can be warmer and windy; summer is hot and may restrict midday walking. We plan itineraries to avoid the hottest hours and suggest early starts or later afternoon visits during summer.
10Will an Egyptologist accompany shore visits on the Amoura Dahabiya?
An Egyptologist leads or briefs the shore visits on most sailings; our Egyptologists provide morning briefings on the day’s route and sites. On some departures a local guide licensed for specific sites will join; we state the guiding arrangements at booking so you know whether your visit is led by one of our Egyptologists or a local specialist.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days: Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days: 50% refund
Within 14 days: No refund – date changes considered case by case

Product ID: CRU-NIL-709784

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