Lotus Dahabiya
Traditional dahabiya, Luxor to Aswan
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Lotus Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The product is listed as a one-day cruise on the Nile, but its embarkation point and route are not provided. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Sailing aboard Lotus Dahabiya · Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Nile route via Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan
- Best for
- Couples · Slow-paced travellers · Nile cruise travellers · Small-boat sailing enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; it does not own or operate the vessel.
- The cruise line owns and operates Lotus Dahabiya.
- The available product details do not specify a route, departure point or shore-excursion programme. Check these details before booking.
What lingers
- 01Sail on the Nile aboard an intimate dahabiya rather than a large motor cruiser.
- 02Sail-powered travel offers a slower pace on the river.
- 03Dahabiyas can reach quieter riverbank stops inaccessible to some larger vessels; this product's specific stops are not confirmed.
- 04Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
02Overview
A first look
Lotus 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.
Background
The facts
Lotus Dahabiya is a one-day cruise on the Nile in Egypt. A dahabiya is a traditional sailing-boat type used for Nile travel.
The Nile Valley includes monuments from several periods of Egyptian history.
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.
Named in this entry
Lotus Dahabiya·Nile·Egypt·Discovery Tours Egypt·Egyptian Ministry of Tourism·Egyptian Travel Agents Association·ETAA
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Lotus Dahabiya may suit adults and older children who want a short, slower-paced Nile sailing experience rather than a large-ship cruise. It is worth considering for couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with a small boat.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger vessel if you need a broad range of onboard facilities or a powered boat. The available information does not confirm step-free access, so travellers who need it should check before booking.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A smaller vessel can feel more intimate than a large cruiser
- A short sailing option for travellers with limited time
Things to Consider
- The exact route and shore visits are not stated
- Sailing pace depends on wind and river conditions
- Small-boat facilities and accessibility are not confirmed
- A one-day booking allows little time for an extended Nile itinerary
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most large Nile cruises use larger vessels and published city-to-city itineraries. Lotus Dahabiya is a 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
- Onboard Bar
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation on Lotus Dahabiya
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Services of a professional Egyptologist
- Excursions to every archaeological site listed
- Admission charges for the included sites
- Transfers between the vessel and the relevant locations
- Applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- Gratuities and personal purchases
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Activities booked as optional extras
- Domestic air travel, where needed
- Travel insurance
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for the exact embarkation point and arrival time before arranging transport to the boat.
- 02
Request the sailing schedule in writing, including any planned shore stops and time ashore.
- 03
Confirm which meals and drinks are included for this one-day sailing before departure.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Ask whether a private or exclusive charter is available for your date; availability and terms are not confirmed here. The route and any additional shore visits or meal changes also need checking with the booking team before you choose.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Lotus Dahabiya can sit within a wider Nile itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise involves moderate physical demands. Boarding and leaving the boat require using a short gangplank or steps, and some landing points may have uneven access. Shore visits can include uneven ancient stone, narrow paths, steps at temples and tombs, compacted sand and cobbles. Transfers by minivan involve a step. A wheelchair user may be able to board with assistance if they can manage a narrow cabin step, but powered wheelchairs will not fit on the gangplank or in most cabins. Access cannot be guaranteed at every landing point or archaeological site. We can discuss your mobility needs before booking and advise what assistance may be possible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses its lateen sails when wind allows, with an auxiliary engine used when sailing conditions require it. Minivans are used for shore transfers; we do not have verified emissions figures for the boat or vehicles, so cannot make a quantified environmental claim. We arrange services with local captains, chefs and Egyptologists in Luxor, Esna and Aswan, and provisions are sourced from regional markets where possible. This supports local businesses, although we cannot guarantee the origin of every item. Guests can bring a refillable bottle and avoid single-use plastics where practical. We can discuss locally based community or reforestation projects if you wish to explore ways to support them.
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 a photocopy
- Comfortable, grippy walking footwear
- Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Light daypack and refillable water bottle
- Small torch for uneven paths
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Plug adaptor for Egyptian sockets, types C or F
What to wear
- Light, airy clothes for warm days
- A warm layer for cooler mornings and evenings
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Closed-toe walking shoes for archaeological sites
- Lightweight scarf for sun and wind
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and children aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be used on the vessel decks but are impractical at many archaeological sites because of steps and uneven ground. Ask us about cabin arrangements 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
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Edfu TempleRight here
- Kom Ombo TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
A sail-powered alternative to larger Nile cruise ships
02
Cruise arrangements selected and coordinated by Egypt specialists
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Lotus Dahabiya trip?
The Lotus Dahabiya listing is for one day, but confirm the embarkation and disembarkation times before booking. The stated meal plan runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, so the final arrangement may include an overnight stay aboard. Ask us to confirm the dates and sailing plan for your booking.02Is transport to and from Lotus Dahabiya included?
Transport to and from Lotus Dahabiya is included in the stated arrangements. The exact meeting point and transfer times depend on the confirmed embarkation plan. We will confirm these details before travel; the vessel is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and is owned and operated by its cruise line.03What is included on the Lotus Dahabiya trip?
The stated inclusions are accommodation aboard Lotus Dahabiya, meals, an Egyptologist guide, visits to the listed archaeological sites and their entrance fees. Transport to and from the dahabiya, taxes and service charges are also listed. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.04What is not included in the Lotus Dahabiya arrangements?
Tips, personal expenses, drinks not listed as included, optional activities, travel insurance and any domestic flights required are excluded. Drinks (including water) may cost extra. Check the final booking details for the precise drinks provision and refer to the cancellation terms shown on the product page.05Is Lotus Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Mobility access depends on the vessel layout and the landing points used for shore visits. Ancient sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila can involve uneven ground, steps or walking on rough surfaces. Tell us about any access needs before booking so we can check the specific arrangements rather than assume they will be manageable.06What is the child policy on Lotus 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. The cabin arrangement and availability should be confirmed when you enquire.07What should I wear and bring on Lotus Dahabiya?
Choose comfortable clothing and practical footwear for time aboard and walking at archaeological sites. Bring a hat, high-factor sun cream, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle, as shade can be limited during visits. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Casual clothing is suitable by day; smart-casual dress works for dinner.08Can I take photographs aboard Lotus Dahabiya and at the sites?
Photography is generally possible aboard and at many outdoor sites, but rules vary by location. Some tombs or museum spaces may prohibit photography or require a separate photography ticket. Check posted instructions and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures, particularly inside monuments or of local people.09When is the best time to sail on the Nile aboard Lotus Dahabiya?
The cooler months from November to March are generally more comfortable for shore visits in Egypt. Temperatures rise considerably in summer, especially around midday, so plan for strong sun and ask about the timing of excursions. Weather and sailing conditions can affect the pace, and the confirmed schedule should guide your travel dates.10Does Lotus Dahabiya visit El Kab and Gebel Silsila?
El Kab and the Gebel Silsila quarry are named as possible stops, but the exact shore programme depends on the confirmed sailing arrangement. These quieter Nile sites differ from the main temple stops commonly served by larger cruisers. Ask us which locations are included on your dates and how much time is planned at each.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-391898
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