Assouan Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Embarks
- Mon
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Assouan Dahabiya is a six-day sailing cruise on the Nile in the Aswan region of Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
A dahabiya is a small sailing boat used for Nile cruises, distinct from larger engine-powered river cruisers. The Assouan Dahabiya is listed as a six-day cruise in the Aswan region; specific route stops and sailing distances are not supplied.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Nights aboard the Assouan Dahabiya · Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile · Shore excursions on the route · Standard site entrance fees
- Best for
- Slow-paced travellers · Couples · Small groups · Travellers seeking a sailing experience
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The supplied product facts identify the cruise duration as six days and its region as the Nile.
- The itinerary details provided do not specify route stops, distances, daily timings or access arrangements.
What lingers
- 01Sail on the Nile aboard a five-star dahabiya
- 02A more intimate style of cruise than a large Nile cruiser
- 03Sailing-powered travel on the river
- 04Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
02Overview
A first look
Assouan is the first and most intimate of the Nour El Nil dahabiyas — the boat that started the fleet — sailing the celebrated five-night Esna to Aswan route every Monday with the company’s signature deck life, house-style interiors, and cooking that guests cross the world for.
Background
The facts
Assouan Dahabiya is a six-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile in the Aswan region of southern Egypt. A dahabiya is a traditional-style sailing boat with a lateen sail and a small cabin capacity. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier, with the booking arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Aswan lies near the First Cataract of the Nile and has been an important settlement and trade centre in Upper Egypt since antiquity. The nearby Nubian Monuments, including Abu Simbel and Philae, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage property named the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, inscribed in 1979.
Nile cruise schedules and monument opening times can vary by season and site.
Named in this entry
Assouan Dahabiya·Nile·Aswan·Egypt·Upper Egypt·First Cataract of the Nile·Abu Simbel·Philae·Nubian Monuments·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This six-day Nile dahabiya suits adults and older teenagers who value sailing, a quieter onboard atmosphere and a smaller-boat experience over resort-style facilities. It may appeal to couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with shared cabin arrangements and a slower pace.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want extensive onboard entertainment, or ask before booking if you need step-free access. The specific shore visits and physical demands are not detailed here, so travellers with limited mobility should confirm them before committing.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sail-powered dahabiya experience rather than a large river cruiser
- Intimate onboard setting, without a nightclub or disco
- Slower pace than larger Nile cruise vessels
- Dahabiyas can reach quieter sites beyond larger boats
Things to Consider
- Fewer onboard facilities than larger Nile cruisers
- Sailing pace depends on wind conditions
- Cabin-sharing rules limit options for larger families
- Specific shore visits are not confirmed in the available details
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruisers rely on engines and follow established docking schedules. This dahabiya is a sail-powered, small-cabin alternative, although the supplied itinerary does not confirm particular remote stops or exclusive-charter arrangements.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
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
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation on Assouan Dahabiya
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guiding by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
- Transport to and from the dahabiya
- Required sailing permits and service charges
Not included
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Excursions booked as optional extras, including Abu Simbel
- Personal spending
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation points before booking onward rail or flight connections.
- 02
Request the daily shore programme in writing, since the supplied listing does not name its stops.
- 03
Check whether the vessel's sail plan depends on wind conditions and how any engine assistance is handled.
- 04
Confirm cabin configuration and luggage space directly before travel, as the listing gives no cabin specifications.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Ask whether an exclusive charter, extra sightseeing or a longer itinerary can be arranged for your dates; availability is not confirmed in the information provided. Confirm any meal or drinks upgrades before booking, as the stated Full Board window runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
A six-day dahabiya cruise can sit between time in Aswan and a stay in Luxor, depending on the sailing direction and dates. Check the confirmed embarkation and disembarkation points before arranging onward travel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding may involve a short gangway or steps, and some river landings have uneven stone quays or low docks. Cabins are reached by stairs, with no lift aboard these small sailing boats. Shore visits can include sand, uneven ancient stone and steep steps, including at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Full wheelchair access is not possible on most dahabiyas or at several landing points. We can arrange porter assistance at airports and discuss support for transfers. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check what can be arranged for your departure.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses its lateen sail to travel along the Nile, so it can reduce engine use while sailing. Small tenders or engine power may still be needed for manoeuvring and landing. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier; we select and arrange the cruise rather than operate the boat ourselves. Our arrangements use local captains and Egyptian crew, with locally sourced produce and provisions where available. Practices vary by vessel, but selected suppliers commonly use refillable water, limit single-use plastics and separate some waste. Landing at smaller river communities can bring custom to local suppliers. Ask us at enquiry to pass any particular sustainability preferences to the supplier.
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
- A valid passport and travel documents
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Sun cream and a wide-brimmed hat
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Personal medication and prescription copies
What to wear
- Light, relaxed clothing for the daytime
- A warm layer for deck time in the morning and evening
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Closed, non-slip shoes for quays and ancient sites
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or over pay the 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 can help during airport transfers but are awkward aboard, where stairs and limited cabin space restrict their use. High chairs and child seats are not standard; request any required equipment 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.
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
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Philae TempleRight here
- Unfinished ObeliskRight here
- Nubian MuseumRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
A sail-powered alternative to larger Nile cruisers
02
A slower route through Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo
03
The Assouan Dahabiya selected and arranged by our team
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What makes the Assouan Dahabiya different from larger Nile cruise ships?
The Assouan Dahabiya offers a more intimate and exclusive sailing experience on the Nile. Unlike larger vessels, it can access quieter routes and moor at less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, providing a unique perspective on ancient Egypt.02What is the typical pick-up and drop-off process for this dahabiya cruise?
We arrange all transfers to and from the dahabiya. Our drivers will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your itinerary, and ensure a smooth transfer directly to the vessel for embarkation or disembarkation.03What is included in the price of the Assouan Dahabiya cruise?
Your cruise includes accommodation aboard the Assouan Dahabiya, all meals from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, a licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to all included sites, and transfers.04What expenses are not covered in the dahabiya cruise price?
The cruise price excludes gratuities for the crew and guide, alcoholic beverages, and any optional excursions, such as a visit to Abu Simbel. Personal expenses and items of a personal nature are also not included.05Is the Assouan Dahabiya accessible for travellers with mobility concerns?
Dahabiyas involve navigating gangplanks and stairs, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. While the deck areas are spacious, shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient terrain. Please discuss specific needs with us when booking.06Is the Assouan Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Yes, the dahabiya offers a calm and educational environment for families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50%. Children must share a cabin with parents; two or more children require a separate cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya cruise on the Nile?
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Modest attire is recommended for temple visits. Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.08What is the best time of year to take the Assouan Dahabiya cruise?
The ideal time for a dahabiya cruise is from September to May, when the weather is most comfortable for sailing and shore excursions. This period offers pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for enjoying the Nile's scenery and ancient sites.09Can the chef accommodate specific dietary requirements on board?
Yes, the onboard chef can cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets. Please inform us of any specific requirements at the time of booking so arrangements can be made in advance.10What unique sites does the Assouan Dahabiya visit that larger ships cannot?
The Assouan Dahabiya's shallow draft allows it to moor at less-frequented locations such as El Kab, an ancient city with rock-cut tombs, and Gebel Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry. These stops offer a more intimate archaeological experience.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-160659
You Might Also Like
Nile5 Nights
Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Hadeel Dahabiya is a sail-powered boat for a slower Nile journey, with lateen sails and fewer than a dozen cabins. Its shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits to Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. Compared with larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya can reach quieter stretches of the river and smaller landing places. Full Board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are typically extra. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and locally guided shore excursions. Sailings operate between Luxor and Aswan in both directions.
From £1,459
Nile5 Nights
Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan. The shore programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits guided by an Egyptologist. Accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, and full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The sun deck and lounge bar provide places to sit between visits. Unlike a brief Nile cruise, this programme includes several major temple sites and the Valley of the Kings. Drinks (including water), premium tomb entries and gratuities are extra.
From £2,998
Nile5 Nights
Nour El Nil Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with shore visits scheduled along the Nile. It offers Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plus a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served from embarkation to disembarkation, and the on-board programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya is a smaller sailing vessel, with a quieter pace on the river. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
From £2,270