Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail between Aswan and Luxor on a lateen-sail dahabiya; Full Board meals, flexible itineraries and access to shallow moorings larger motor cruisers cannot reach.
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
You step from a low wooden gangplank into a warm Nile breeze; papyrus reeds brush the riverbank and the captain’s horn drifts across the water while the dahabiya’s deck warms underfoot. Mornings arrive with soft light and the day moves slowly — you read on deck, stroll to the shaded aft, or follow the captain ashore along a village path where fishermen mend nets and children watch from the bank.
We hand-picked the Iris for travellers who prefer a quieter, sail-led pace and the ability to moor where larger motor cruisers cannot. We arrange navigation, meals and on‑shore visits; one of our Egyptologists joins the cruise to explain monuments and local customs.
Background
The facts
Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow-paced cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers, which allows access to shallow moorings and less frequently visited riverbank sites. The vessel is selected by Discovery Tours Egypt for guests seeking a quieter onboard atmosphere and more time on the river.
The cruise program typically includes shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. Between these stops, the vessel sails on the Nile rather than using road transfers for the main journey. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Because the dahabiya is smaller, it can call at sites such as Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers may not reach. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, all with Nile views and private bathroom facilities. Full Board is included, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise booking and local coordination, while onboard operations remain the responsibility of the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise, but gratuities and premium tomb entries such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are not included unless specifically requested.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and couples who prefer a slower river journey, smaller group spaces, and a more intimate onboard setting. It also appeals to history-focused travelers who want guided access to Upper Egypt monuments and lesser-visited Nile-side moorings.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day Nile cruise aboard Iris Luxury Dahabiya, traditional sail vessel offering relaxed navigation between Luxor and Aswan.
- 02Daily schedule favours morning and late-afternoon sailing to avoid midday heat and prolong site visits ashore.
- 03Guided visits can include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank tombs, Edfu and Kom Ombo on typical 7‑day routings.
- 04Shipboard comfort includes shaded deck seating and quiet sailing; we schedule longer moorings for village walks.
- 05We avoid large motor cruises: navigation is low-speed, allowing extended temple visits and evening shore strolls.
- 06Private transfers and luggage handling are organised; daily ports of call kept small to limit crowds.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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 | £2,081 | £2,196 | £2,772 |
| Double cabin | £1,217 | £1,409 | £1,697 |
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 | £1,632 | £1,718 | £2,150 |
| Double cabin | £984 | £1,128 | £1,344 |
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 aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya.
- Full Board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Captain and onboard crew.
- Use of onboard public areas and deck spaces.
- Local service arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt (cruise booking and local coordination).
Not included
- International flights to Egypt.
- Airport transfers unless explicitly booked.
- Drinks beyond water with meals, and any bar charges.
- Gratuities for onboard crew and local guides, unless pre-paid.
- Entrance fees to monuments and premium tombs where applicable, including pyramid interiors and certain paid tombs, unless otherwise stated.
- Visas, travel insurance and personal expenses.
- Any optional shore excursions or private guides not listed as included.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding and disembarkation use a gangway that may be steep and moves with the river, and cabins are typically reached by 2–4 steps from the main deck. Shore visits often involve uneven ancient stone, narrow tomb passages, stairs (for example in the Valley of the Kings and at some temples), and soft sand at riverside quays such as Gebel Silsila. Wheelchair users should note that standard wheelchairs cannot be taken onto most tombs or through narrow temple corridors; collapsible travel chairs can be carried but require a companion to assist. Transfers between pier and site are by small launch or coach with steps. If you require assistance, we arrange a meet-and-assist on arrival at Luxor International Airport and can plan lower-impact alternatives where possible, but we cannot guarantee full accessibility at every archaeological site.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle (filtered water available aboard)
- Light rain shell or windbreaker for cool evenings
- Day pack for shore excursions
- Any personal medications in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- A warm layer for evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knee-length bottoms for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- Hat or scarf for additional sun protection
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older 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. Strollers can be used on paved quays and the vessel's deck, but they are impractical inside narrow tomb passages and some temples; collapsible travel strollers are easiest to carry. High chairs are not guaranteed onboard standard dahabiyas, please request at booking so we can confirm availability.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses sail power as its principal means of propulsion, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers. Onboard systems typically include a small generator for essential services; we request that guests minimize energy use for charging and air-conditioning. Food is prepared by an onboard chef using produce sourced from nearby Luxor and Aswan markets when available; this supports local farmers and reduces transport miles. Crew are recruited locally and paid according to local labour practice; bookings channel revenue to local suppliers for provisioning, launch transfers, and site guides. We provide filtered water stations to reduce single-use plastic bottles where practical, and encourage guests to bring refillable bottles. While sailing to shallow sites such as Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala allows visits the larger cruisers cannot reach, we brief guests on heritage protection measures, and ask that no climbing or removal of archaeological material takes place.
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 Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise between Aswan and Luxor?
Typical sailings run three to seven nights, depending on the chosen itinerary. We offer flexible departures; some guests choose a short three-night sail to include key sites, while others extend to five or seven nights for a slower pace and more off-the-beaten-path moorings. Ask us which itinerary matches your travel dates and interests.02Where and when do we embark and disembark the dahabiya?
Embarkation is usually late morning in Aswan or Luxor; disembarkation follows breakfast on the final day. Exact pickup points and times depend on the sailing direction and the cruise operator's schedule. We confirm pier location, recommended arrival time and local transfers when we issue your final travel documents.03What is included on board the Iris dahabiya?
Full Board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included. The price also covers the private crew, captain who navigates by lateen sail, and the basic cruise programme; one of our Egyptologists joins selected departures. Shore visits follow the vessel’s itinerary and are arranged by us.04What is not included in the cruise price?
Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise, but pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded. International flights, personal travel insurance, and gratuities for crew and guides are also excluded unless you ask us to arrange them as extras.05Is the Iris dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The dahabiya has a low gangplank and some steps; many shore visits require uneven stone paths and loose sand. Passengers with restricted mobility should tell us before booking so we can advise; we can sometimes arrange gentler shore options, but the boat and many archaeological sites are not fully step-free.06Can families with children travel on the dahabiya?
Families can travel aboard, but the vessel is intimate and cabins are limited, so private cabin bookings are required for family groups. Very young infants or children who need constant supervision may find the moving deck and riverside terrain challenging. Tell us ages and needs and we will advise on suitability and cabin layout.07What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and ashore?
Bring sun protection first: wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and light long-sleeve shirts. Also sturdy walking shoes for uneven ancient stone, a lightweight jacket for evenings, and modest clothing for temple and mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered). Pack a small daypack and refillable water bottle for excursions.08Are there photography restrictions during excursions?
Photography is generally allowed at most river sites, but some tombs and museums restrict flash or tripods and may charge extra for cameras. We advise carrying a compact camera or phone and a printed/phone copy of your ticket at sites where permits are checked. Your Egyptologist will flag local restrictions before each visit.09What is the best time of year to sail on the Nile with the Iris dahabiya?
The preferred season is late autumn to early spring (November–March) when daytime temperatures are cooler. Summers are hot and can be uncomfortable during midday shore visits; we plan excursions for mornings or late afternoons. Shoulder months offer quieter moorings but variable winds for sail.10Can the Iris dahabiya call at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala?
Yes; a dahabiya’s shallow draft allows calls at Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala that larger motor cruisers often cannot reach. Moorings at these sites are subject to river conditions and the captain’s discretion; we plan such stops where possible, but final calls depend on water level and local permissions on the day.
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-864614
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