Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional Nile dahabiya
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya is a one-day sailing cruise on the Nile in Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Dahabiya cruise · Lunch on the embarkation day · Dinner on board · Breakfast on the disembarkation day · Sailing on the Nile
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-paced travellers · Nile cruise travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; it does not own or operate the vessel.
- The product details identify Gordon Pacha Dahabiya as a dahabiya cruise on the Nile.
What lingers
- 01Five-star dahabiya category Nile cruise package
- 02A smaller-scale sailing format than larger Nile cruise ships
- 03The vessel is assigned at booking
- 04Full Board meal service from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast
02Overview
A first look
Gordon Pacha 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. She carries the name of the Victorian era’s most famous governor-general — fitting for a boat built around slow, old-fashioned river travel.
Background
The facts
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya is a dahabiya cruise on the Nile in Egypt. A dahabiya is a traditional-style sailing vessel; this is a one-day cruise. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the booking, while the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier.
The Nile has been a central transport route in Egypt since antiquity. The river connects Upper and Lower Egypt and passes archaeological sites from several periods.
The cruise board basis runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Named in this entry
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya·Nile·Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This one-day cruise may suit couples, solo travellers and older children who want a short sailing experience on the Nile rather than a multi-night cruise. Choose it if the sailing itself matters more than a detailed shore-excursion programme
- the available product information does not specify a route or stops.
Maybe not, if
- It is not the right choice if you want several nights aboard, visits to named archaeological sites or a confirmed full-day itinerary. Travellers who need step-free access should check the vessel’s facilities before booking.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A dahabiya offers a smaller-scale Nile sailing experience.
- Sailing provides a quieter alternative to large cruise ships.
- A one-day format requires no overnight stay aboard.
Things to Consider
- One day allows less time than a multi-night sailing.
- Cabin, deck and accessibility details are not provided.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Larger Nile cruise vessels generally offer more onboard facilities and follow routes suited to bigger boats. A dahabiya is a smaller, sail-powered alternative.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EsnaThe temple & the river lock
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
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
Bundled in
- Beautifully designed en-suite cabins with Nile views
- Air conditioning
- Modern bathrooms
- Spacious sun deck with loungers and shaded seating
- Elegant dining salon and lounge
- Onboard bar serving soft drinks and tea/coffee
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Stay aboard Gordon Pacha Dahabiya
- Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sightseeing accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Admission to the sites included in the itinerary
- Transfers departing from Luxor or Aswan
- Nile sailing permits and applicable taxes
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Tips for the crew and Egyptologist
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal spending
- Excursions not listed in the itinerary
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the embarkation point and boarding time before arranging onward transport.
- 02
Request the confirmed shore-excursion list and sailing schedule before paying a deposit.
- 03
Check which drinks are included; drinks (including water) are typically extra.
- 04
Ask how access between the landing point and the vessel is managed if you have limited mobility.
Tailor it
Make it yours
We'll confirm whether a different sailing time, private charter or additional sightseeing can be arranged; availability depends on the vessel and schedule. We'll confirm accessibility before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Gordon Pacha Dahabiya can fit into a wider Nile itinerary between time in Luxor and Aswan. Confirm the sailing route and dates before arranging hotel stays or onward travel, as these details determine the best connection.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding may involve a narrow gangway or low boarding plank, and smaller landing stages can be uneven; expect to manage single steps and brief balance adjustments. Cabins and passageways are compact, with steps in some areas. Shore visits such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala can involve sand, uneven ancient stone and short, steep staircases. Wheelchair access is very limited, and most shore sites are not accessible by wheelchair. A folding travel wheelchair may help with some transfers, but access cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check arrangements for the vessel assigned to your cruise.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya is sail-powered and can use its lateen sail while travelling along the Nile, reducing the need for engine power during those stretches. A small diesel tender may be used for safety or transfers. The cruise includes locally sourced provisions and chef-prepared meals, as well as locally employed crew and licensed Egyptologists. Stops at villages such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can give travellers the chance to buy directly from local artisans. Ask before purchasing and agree the price clearly. A separate cruise operator provides the vessel and crew and is responsible for its onboard practices.
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 any required visa
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Light jacket for cool or windy mornings
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm days
- Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- A warm layer for chilly early mornings and evenings on deck
- Secure, comfortable shoes for uneven stone and sand
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; from age 12, the full adult price applies. Children need to share a cabin with a parent (one child maximum per cabin); two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers are only practical onboard when folded, as cabins and gangways are small. An adult should supervise children around railings and on gangways. High chairs and baby equipment are not generally provided, so bring any essentials.
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
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-BahriRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Sail between Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
02
Choose a dahabiya for a quieter Nile journey
03
We arrange the cruise with its independent operator
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya cruise?
The product is listed as a one-day experience, but confirm the sailing and overnight arrangements for your chosen dates before booking. Dahabiya itineraries can vary, and the listing does not specify a route or number of nights. We can check the final schedule with the cruise line so you know when you embark and disembark.02How do I get to the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
Transfers from Luxor or Aswan are included, according to the selected itinerary. The departure city and transfer timing depend on your booking, so check these details before travel. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the transfer and cruise booking; the vessel is owned and operated by the cruise line.03What is included on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
The arrangement includes onboard accommodation, full-board meals, guided sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist, entrance fees to the included sites, transfers from Luxor or Aswan, sailing permits and taxes. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included in the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya package?
Flights, crew and guide gratuities, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses and optional tours not listed in the itinerary are excluded. A single supplement may apply if you want a cabin for sole use. Check the final booking details for the applicable terms, including the cancellation conditions shown on the page.05Is the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The listing does not provide verified accessibility details, so ask us to check the vessel and planned shore visits before booking. Boarding a river boat and visiting ancient sites may involve steps, uneven ground or sand. Tell us about any mobility needs, and we can confirm what the selected arrangement can accommodate.06Can children travel on the Gordon Pacha 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. Ask us to confirm cabin availability for your family’s dates.07What should I wear and bring on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suited to the season. Shore visits may involve uneven ancient stone or sandy ground. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, covering shoulders and knees. A light layer can be useful on the river in cooler months.08Can I take photographs during the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya shore visits?
Photography rules depend on the site and the specific areas visited. Some tombs and museum displays may restrict photography or require a separate ticket or permit. Check signs and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance; do not photograph people without their consent. The itinerary does not specify which sites are included.09When is the best time to sail on the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya?
October to April generally brings more comfortable temperatures for sailing and visiting archaeological sites. The cruise is offered year-round, but summer heat can make outdoor visits demanding, particularly around midday. Ask about the planned excursion timings for your dates so you can weigh cooler weather against the season you prefer.10Does the Gordon Pacha Dahabiya visit Gebel Silsila?
The supplied itinerary does not confirm a visit to Gebel Silsila, so do not assume it is included. Dahabiyas can reach quieter riverbank sites that larger Nile cruisers may not visit, but shore stops depend on the booked route. Ask us to verify the named sites on your final itinerary.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-739523
You Might Also Like
NileNawara Dahabiya
Nawara Dahabiya is a traditional dahabiya sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Philae. Days combine short onshore walks, guided visits and long, quiet stretches of sailing where the riverbank villages pass slowly. Our Egyptologists lead every archaeological visit and explain the sites linked to Egypt’s New Kingdom and later periods. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange your embarkation in Luxor and final transfer in Aswan. We do not run large bus tours, the itinerary favours small-group landing points and evening moorings. Unlike cruise-ship timetables, this route includes the Daraw market and an overnight on Fawaza Island, giving more time for local encounters and photography.
Nile3 Nights
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya is a small sailing boat on the Nile, featuring four double cabins and room for up to eight guests. With its lateen sail and limited passenger capacity, it provides a more peaceful alternative to larger Nile cruise ships, although sailing times are dictated by the wind. Full Board covers lunch on the day you embark through to breakfast on the day you disembark; drinks (including water) cost extra. The dahabiya can be chartered in full; the rate is available on request. At least two cabins must be booked to guarantee sailing, and a private charter supplement may be charged when fewer than all four cabins are booked. The booking is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we do not operate the vessel.
From £991
NileLazuli Luxor Dahabiya
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya sails the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo. The vessel follows the traditional dahabiya form, allowing moorings at small islands and riverside villages that larger motor cruises cannot reach. Days combine short, guided walks ashore with relaxed afternoons on deck, tea between passages and low-key evenings beneath the stars. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead every visit, explaining temple inscriptions, quarry chapels and local village life. Unlike standard motor-boat cruises, this itinerary favours unhurried stops and longer onshore time for walking and photography.