L’Orient Dahabiya

The short answer

L’Orient Dahabiya is a one-day sailing cruise on the Nile in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

Dahabiya cabin

Destinations

Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Cruise aboard L’Orient Dahabiya · Full Board from embarkation-day lunch through disembarkation-day breakfast · Sailing on the Nile · Route through Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

Best for

Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Small parties · Slow-paced travel

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Travel on the Nile aboard a dahabiya-style cruise.
• 02A slower-paced alternative to larger motorised Nile cruisers.
• 03Sailing on the Nile rather than travelling on an ocean-going ship.
• 04Full Board meal service from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most large Nile cruise ships are engine-powered and follow established river routes. Dahabiyas are sailing boats and can offer a smaller-scale experience, but this listing does not confirm L’Orient Dahabiya’s cabin count, route or shore programme.

The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

• Esna to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide

Bundled in

• ·Shaded sundeck lounge
• ·Onboard dining room with panoramic windows
• ·Air conditioning

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Ask for the embarkation point and sailing direction before booking, as neither is stated in the available itinerary information.

2. 02

   Request the exact shore-visit list and time ashore; the product details supplied do not name any stops.

3. 03

   Bring sun protection and a hat for time on deck, particularly during the hotter months.

4. 04

   Confirm boarding access and transfer arrangements with the organiser before travel.

Tailor it

Make it yours

We'll confirm whether a private charter, additional shore visits or a longer itinerary can be arranged; availability depends on the vessel's schedule and confirmed route.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

A Nile dahabiya involves boarding by gangplank or steps, which can vary in height with the river level. There is no lift, and narrow staircases and compact cabins may make the vessel impractical for wheelchair users or anyone who cannot manage steps with assistance. Shore visits can involve uneven stone, sand and unpaved paths, including at sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. Crew assistance with boarding is usual, but independent wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. Tell us about mobility needs or equipment before booking so we can discuss the route and any transfer support available.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

A dahabiya uses its lateen sail to travel on the Nile when conditions allow. Auxiliary engine use is limited to when it is needed, so sailing does not mean every part of the journey is engine-free. Shore visits may involve local Egyptologists, guides and restaurants; we’ll confirm the specific suppliers for this departure when we arrange the cruise. You can reduce disposable plastic use by bringing a refillable bottle and following any water-refill arrangements on board. At archaeological sites, stay on marked visitor routes and avoid touching or climbing on ancient stone.

• 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

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

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Karnak TempleRight here
• Luxor TempleRight here
• Philae TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   A sail-powered dahabiya rather than a large river cruiser

2. 02

   Cruise arrangements handled by a licensed Egyptian tour operator

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the L’Orient Dahabiya cruise?

   The listed duration is one day, but confirm the embarkation and disembarkation times before booking. Full Board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day, so the meal window may cross calendar dates. The final sailing plan depends on the dates and arrangement confirmed for your booking.
2. 02What transfers and guided visits are included with L’Orient Dahabiya?

   Transfers to or from the boat in Luxor or Aswan are included, along with guided visits and standard entrance fees. A professional Egyptologist accompanies the cruise. The exact meeting point, transfer time and shore-visit sequence depend on your confirmed embarkation point and itinerary, so check those details in your booking information.
3. 03What is included in the meals and drinks on L’Orient Dahabiya?

   Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals. Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals.
4. 04What is not included in the L’Orient Dahabiya booking?

   Alcoholic drinks, tips, optional tours, personal expenses and domestic flights are excluded. Flights can be arranged on request. The price is based on per-person sharing, and a single supplement may apply if you need a cabin to yourself. Check the cancellation terms shown on the page for the rules that apply to your booking.
5. 05Is the L’Orient Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

   The available information does not confirm step-free access, accessible cabins or assistance with boarding. A dahabiya requires getting on and off a boat and may involve uneven riverbank surfaces during shore visits. Tell us about any mobility requirements before booking so we can check what can be arranged for this vessel and itinerary.
6. 06Can children travel on L’Orient 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 before booking.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on L’Orient Dahabiya?

   Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes for boarding and shore visits. Lightweight clothing suits warm weather, with a layer for cooler evenings, especially from autumn to spring. Choose modest clothing for visits to religious sites. Pack for both boat time and uneven ground.
8. 08Can I take photographs on L’Orient Dahabiya and during shore visits?

   Personal photography on board and along the Nile is generally practical, but restrictions may apply at individual archaeological sites. Some tombs and museum spaces prohibit photography or require a separate photography ticket. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s instructions, and ask before photographing local residents or workers along the river.
9. 09When is the best time to sail on the Nile aboard L’Orient Dahabiya?

   September to May is the recommended season for cooler conditions during sightseeing. Egypt remains sunny, so bring sun protection even in winter. Summer can be very hot, particularly during exposed shore visits. The pace is slower than on larger Nile cruisers, but an early start or a warm afternoon may still be part of the programme.
10. 10Does L’Orient Dahabiya visit Gebel Silsila?

    Gebel Silsila is a possible point of interest. The site is an ancient sandstone quarry on the Nile between Edfu and Kom Ombo. We’ll confirm whether it appears on your booked sailing plan before you travel.