Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional 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
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a one-day Nile sailing cruise in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a one-day dahabiya cruise in Luxor, on the Nile in Upper Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Dahabiya cabin
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full Board, from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Sailing on the Nile aboard the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Best for
- Travellers seeking a small-boat cruise · Guests interested in traditional Nile sailing · Couples · Slow-paced travellers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- The product details identify the cruise duration as one day and its location as Luxor on the Nile.
What lingers
- 01Travel on the Nile aboard a sail-powered dahabiya.
- 02A smaller-boat alternative to large motor cruisers.
- 03Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- 04The vessel is selected and booked for you by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Lazuli 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 sails out of Luxor with the classic Esna–Aswan pattern and a crew known for spoiling small groups.
Background
The facts
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise product based in Luxor, Egypt. A dahabiya is a traditional sailing-boat form used on the Nile; the product information identifies the vessel as sail-powered but does not specify its cabin count or exact sailing schedule.
The named location is Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. The supplied itinerary gives no embarkation point, route, shore visits, distances or sailing times, so these details should be confirmed before travel rather than inferred.
Luxor includes the ancient city of Thebes, associated with Egypt’s New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE). The UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis includes sites on both banks, among them Karnak Temple and the monuments of Luxor’s West Bank.
Opening times and access arrangements depend on the actual embarkation point and any shore visits; no visit schedule is provided here. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise through a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise-line supplier.
Named in this entry
Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya·Nile·Luxor·Thebes·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Luxor West Bank·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut·New Kingdom·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who want a short Nile sailing experience rather than a large-ship atmosphere. It may appeal to adults and older children interested in traditional sail-powered boats, though the available route and shore visits need confirming before booking.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a longer Nile itinerary if you want time for several temple visits or overnight sailing. This one-day listing does not provide enough detail to assess step-free access or the physical demands of boarding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A dahabiya offers a more intimate setting than a large Nile cruiser.
- Sail-powered travel gives the Nile journey a slower pace.
- A one-day format can fit a tighter holiday schedule.
- The vessel is selected and arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Things to Consider
- One day leaves little time for a multi-stop Nile itinerary.
- Sailing pace can depend on wind conditions.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruisers are motor-powered; the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya.
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
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation on board the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya
- Sightseeing visits accompanied by a licensed Egyptologist
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board
- Admission to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle transfers to and from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and applicable taxes
Not included
- International and domestic air travel
- Gratuities for the crew and guides
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional excursions or activities not included in the itinerary
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the precise embarkation point and transfer arrangements before setting a meeting time in Luxor.
- 02
Confirm what is included in the fare, especially meals, drinks and any shore visits, before departure.
- 03
Check the vessel’s actual departure time with the cruise supplier, as no sailing schedule is provided here.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The listing does not specify private-charter choices, extra sites, meal upgrades or extended sailing options. Ask us to check whether the route or duration can be adapted before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya can sit within a wider Luxor itinerary, alongside visits to Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank. Confirm the sailing route and dates before adding it to a longer Nile cruise plan.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A dahabiya has narrow corridors, low doorways and limited space for moving around. Boarding usually involves a gangway and one to three steps, while quays and shore paths can be uneven, with loose gravel, steps and cobbled approaches. Landings at places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. Wheelchair access and transfers aboard are not usually possible. A wheelchair user or traveller who needs regular assistance should contact us before booking so we can discuss the vessel’s facilities and consider a more suitable Nile cruise or alternative itinerary. Please also tell us about mobility aids or medical equipment you plan to bring.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The route is arranged on a dahabiya that uses a lateen sail while sailing on the Nile, which can reduce engine use and fuel consumption when wind conditions allow. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier, not by Discovery Tours Egypt. We arrange local services for shore visits, including guides at places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, and meals prepared by the vessel’s chef. These bookings bring custom to local suppliers, though we cannot quantify the income they provide or make a broader emissions claim. Transfers may use an air-conditioned vehicle where required; the vehicle type and size depend on the arrangements for your booking.
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 travel documents
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Personal medication and a copy of prescriptions
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- UK-to-Egypt plug adaptor and portable phone charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven quays and archaeological sites
- A light layer for breezy mornings on deck
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; those aged 12 and above pay the adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin. Strollers may help during airport transfers but are often impractical on uneven quays and steps. Portable child seats are not provided aboard. Tell us each child’s age when enquiring so we can check cabin arrangements and meal requirements.
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
- Luxor Museum15 min walk
- Karnak Temple3 km
- Valley of the Kings8 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Sail-powered dahabiya rather than a large motor cruiser
02
Route links Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
03
Full Board covers the embarkation and disembarkation meal window
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How many cabins does the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya have?
The Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya is an intimate vessel, typically featuring between 8 and 12 cabins. This limited capacity ensures a private and personalised sailing experience, allowing for greater comfort and attentive service from the crew.02Is the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Dahabiya offers a comfortable and spacious environment for families. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents; two or more children require a separate cabin.03When is the ideal time of year for a Nile sailing holiday?
The most popular time for a Nile Dahabiya cruise is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasantly mild. However, the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya operates year-round, with summer months offering warmer weather and fewer crowds at sites.04What should I pack for a Dahabiya cruise?
Pack light, airy clothes, comfortable shoes for walks ashore, and sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses. A light jacket or shawl can come in handy on cooler evenings on deck, while swimwear is useful for unwinding on the sun deck.05How far in advance should I book the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya?
Due to the limited number of cabins on the Dahabiya, we highly recommend booking at least three to six months in advance. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during peak season or school holidays like Easter or Christmas.06What is included in the full board arrangement on the Dahabiya?
Your full board includes lunch on the day of embarkation through breakfast on the day of disembarkation. This covers all meals, and coffee throughout your time on board. Alcoholic beverages are typically an additional cost.07What kind of shore excursions are included with the Dahabiya?
Your cruise includes guided visits to key ancient sites between Luxor and Aswan, accompanied by one of our licensed Egyptologists. The intimate size of the Dahabiya also allows access to unique locations like El Kab and Gebel Silsila, which larger cruisers cannot easily reach.08What is the typical pace of a Dahabiya cruise?
Dahabiya cruises offer a slower, more relaxed pace compared to larger vessels. With no engine, the journey is powered by sail, providing a tranquil experience on the Nile. This allows more time to enjoy the scenery and the quiet atmosphere.09Are transfers to and from the Dahabiya included?
Yes, private transfers are included from your hotel or the airport in Luxor or Aswan to the Lazuli Luxor Dahabiya for embarkation, and back again for disembarkation. We coordinate these arrangements to ensure a smooth start and end to your trip.10What is the tipping policy for the crew and guides?
Tipping for the Dahabiya crew and your Egyptologist guide is not included in the trip price. We provide clear guidance on appropriate tipping amounts in your pre-departure information, allowing you to budget accordingly for this customary practice.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-188316
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