Dahabiya Judi
A 5-star sail-powered Nile boat with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining and quieter evenings without a nightclub or disco.
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
The Judi Dahabiya package is an intimate lateen-sail Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, with the vessel owned and operated by a third-party cruise company.
·In summary
The Judi Dahabiya package includes Nile sailing on an intimate lateen-sail dahabiya and chef-prepared full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Shore excursions, entrance fees, transfers and drinks (including water) are included only when specifically listed or are generally extra as stated in the confirmed programme.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Accommodation in a dahabiya cabin
- Destinations
- Nile · Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila
- Includes
- Sailing the Nile on the arranged dahabiya · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Meals prepared by the chef on board
- Best for
- Couples seeking a quiet Nile journey · Travellers interested in lesser-visited riverbank sites · Small groups and mature families · Guests who prefer sailing over large-ship entertainment
- Guide languages
- English
- Traveller support and arrangements are provided by an Egypt-based tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
What lingers
- 01Sail the Nile aboard a dahabiya, a traditional sail-powered river boat.
- 02A slower-paced alternative to larger Nile cruisers.
- 03El Kab and Gebel Silsila may feature when listed in the confirmed sailing programme.
- 04Chef-prepared meals on board.
- 05Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
02Overview
A first look
By mid-morning, the Nile’s current carries Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise past palms, cultivated banks and village life, while the lateen sail draws the boat onwards with little of the noise found on larger cruisers. Days settle into an easy rhythm: watch fishermen from the deck, take a close-up walk at El Kab or Gebel Silsila when the confirmed sailing programme allows, then return for a chef-prepared meal as the river darkens.
There is no nightclub or disco, so evenings suit conversation, reading and the occasional debate about whether another cup of tea is necessary. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning company, including the practical details shown in your confirmed programme.
Background
The facts
A dahabiya is a traditional-style Nile sailing boat that uses lateen sails and is designed for a slower, more intimate journey than a large river cruiser. The Judi Dahabiya programme is associated with sailing between the Luxor and Aswan regions, with possible calls at quieter riverbank locations such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila when these are included in the confirmed sailing programme.
El Kab lies on the east bank of the Nile, approximately 30 kilometres north of Edfu. The ancient settlement, known as Nekheb in antiquity, includes remains from several periods of Egyptian history, including rock-cut tombs and temple remains. Gebel Silsila is located between Edfu and Kom Ombo and is known for sandstone quarries, rock inscriptions and the Speos of Horemheb.
The cruise provides full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Chef-prepared meals are served on board, while drinks (including water) are generally charged separately. Shore excursions, entrance fees and transfers are included only when specifically listed in the confirmed programme.
A dahabiya normally has substantially fewer cabins than a large Nile cruiser and does not provide a nightclub or disco. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise with the owning cruise company; the vessel is operated by that third-party company.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Nekheb·Gebel Silsila·Speos of Horemheb·Edfu·Kom Ombo·lateen sail
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This sailing is suited to adults, couples and mature families who prefer a quiet, small-scale Nile experience over large-ship entertainment. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in landscape, ancient sites and relaxed sailing, provided they can manage gangplanks, uneven riverbanks and occasional walking over unpaved ground.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want organised evening entertainment or a more structured schedule. This sailing is also less suitable if steps, uneven riverbanks or sun exposure make getting ashore difficult.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A slower sailing pace than larger Nile cruisers, with quieter evenings.
- Lateen sails provide a closer connection to the Nile landscape.
- The programme may include less-visited sites such as El Kab.
- Chef-prepared meals are served on board from lunch through breakfast.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions and entrance fees are extra unless listed in the programme.
- Drinks (including water) are generally charged separately.
- Boat steps and uneven riverbanks can make shore visits demanding.
- There is no nightclub or disco for evening entertainment.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large Nile cruisers, a dahabiya offers a smaller-scale sailing experience, a slower pace and no nightclub or disco. Its shallow-draft format may allow access to quieter riverbank locations such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila when included in the confirmed programme, but it generally offers fewer onboard facilities and entertainment options.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundled in
- Elegant dining salon
- Large sun deck with loungers
- Shaded outdoor seating areas
- Onboard bar and lounge
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Cruising the Nile aboard your arranged dahabiya
- Meals prepared by the onboard chef
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Shore excursions and site entry fees not expressly included in the confirmed programme
- Transfers between the dahabiya and your arrival or departure point unless expressly included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask whether El Kab, Gebel Silsila or Hagar Salsala appears in your confirmed sailing programme before planning shore visits.
- 02
Set aside a separate budget for drinks (including water), entrance fees, excursions, gratuities and transfers not listed in your booking.
- 03
Check the cancellation terms in your booking documents before paying, as refund conditions are set out there.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can confirm whether the sailing is arranged on a private or shared basis and can review the available route and shore-excursion programme. Transfers, additional sightseeing such as Luxor or Aswan visits, entrance fees and other services can be added when available, while meals remain full board within the stated embarkation and disembarkation window.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Judi Dahabiya can form the Nile-sailing part of a wider Luxor and Aswan holiday, paired with time in either city before or after the cruise. Confirm the sailing direction and shore visits against the programme for your dates.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding usually involves steps between the riverbank or dock and the boat, sometimes over uneven ground with limited handrails. Nile landing points may include sand, mud, loose gravel and exposed stone. Shore visits to El Kab and Gebel Silsila can involve unpaved paths, steps and limited shade. Cabins and shared areas are compact, so a standard wheelchair may be difficult to store or manoeuvre. Strollers are also impractical. Please contact us before booking if you use a wheelchair, walking frame or other mobility aid, so we can confirm the assigned vessel, boarding point, cabin access and shore conditions.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The arranged dahabiya uses a lateen sail for much of its Nile journey when wind conditions allow, reducing the need for engine power during those sailing periods. The vessel is owned and operated by the selected cruise supplier, while Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the booking and local coordination. Chef-prepared meals are supplied and prepared on board through the vessel’s catering arrangements. Quieter landings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can distribute visitor spending beyond the busiest sites, although local benefit depends on the specific landing point and guest purchases. Please avoid single-use plastic and return waste to the vessel where local disposal facilities are limited.
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
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- A compact day bag
- Any prescribed medication you need
What to wear
- Lightweight clothes with a relaxed fit
- Breathable layer for cooler evenings
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven banks and stone paths
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest clothing for mosque visits
- A sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel free of charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price, while children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with no more than one child in each cabin. Two or more children will need a cabin of their own. Strollers are impractical on uneven riverbanks, steps and narrow boat passageways. Please ask us to check whether a high chair is available before 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
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Karnak TempleRight here
- El KabRight here
- Gebel SilsilaRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Sail aboard Judi Dahabiya, selected for a quieter Nile experience
02
Potential programme stops include El Kab and Gebel Silsila
03
Chef-prepared full-board meals cover the complete sailing stay
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya Nile cruise?
A dahabiya provides an intimate Nile journey under sail, usually hosting 8 to 12 guests across a small number of cabins. In contrast to larger motor vessels, dahabiyas use lateen sails for a quieter, more leisurely trip and can visit less-frequented places along the riverbank.02What is included with the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Your Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise comes with full board, starting with lunch on the day you embark and ending with breakfast on the day you disembark. This includes your dahabiya sailing and meals prepared by the chef and served on board.03Which costs are excluded from the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise price?
Exclusions typically cover drinks (including water), shore excursions, and entrance fees unless specifically listed in your confirmed programme. Transfers to and from the dahabiya, gratuities, personal expenses, and travel insurance are also not included.04How long does a Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise usually last?
This specific product is listed as 6 days, which is a common length for dahabiya cruises. These itineraries often range from 5 to 8 nights, allowing for a more relaxed pace and stops at unique sites along the Nile River.05What kind of meals are served on board the dahabiya?
Chef-prepared meals are served on board the Judi Dahabiya as part of your full-board arrangement. This begins with lunch on your embarkation day and concludes with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance.06Which unique sites can a dahabiya visit?
Dahabiyas, including the Judi Dahabiya, can reach quieter riverbank locations inaccessible to larger cruise ships. This often includes historical sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, offering a more exclusive sightseeing experience away from crowds.07What are the children’s arrangements on the Judi Dahabiya?
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult price. From age 12, children pay the full adult price. Children need to share a cabin with their parents, and only one child is permitted per cabin. If you are travelling with two or more children, they will need a separate cabin.08What should I wear for a dahabiya cruise and shore excursions?
Comfortable, casual clothing is suitable for life on board. For shore excursions, we recommend light, breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes. When visiting religious sites, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is advisable for both men and women.09Can travellers with mobility concerns access the Judi Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas are intimate sailing vessels with multiple decks and can have narrow gangways, which may present challenges for guests with significant mobility concerns. Shore excursions can also involve walking on uneven ancient stone or sand. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.10Which company operates the Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges your Judi Dahabiya Nile Cruise with care, working with the company that owns the vessel. We organise your trip on the ground, while the dahabiya is owned and run by a third-party cruise line.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-895938
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