Dahabiya Loulia

The short answer

Loulia Dahabiya is a one-day Nile cruise in Egypt, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

·In summary

Snapshot

Good to know

Accommodation

N/A

Destinations

Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan

Includes

Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Sailing aboard Loulia Dahabiya · Nile sailing · Route destinations: Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

Best for

Travellers seeking a quieter Nile cruise · Sailing enthusiasts · Couples · Small parties

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

What lingers

• 01Sail on the Nile aboard a dahabiya, a traditional sailing boat.
• 02Listed as a 5-star cruise product.
• 03A quieter sailing style than larger motorised Nile cruise ships.
• 04The vessel is assigned at booking, so confirm its facilities for your departure.

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

Worth knowing

How this compares

Large Nile cruise ships generally carry more passengers and follow set itineraries. Dahabiyas are smaller sailing boats, offering a quieter form of river travel.

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

• ·Elegant lounge and dining area
• ·Sun deck with loungers and shaded seating
• ·Traditional wind-powered sailing
• ·Onboard kitchen
• ·Air conditioning

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

1. 01

   Ask for the confirmed embarkation point and boarding time before arranging transport to the river.

2. 02

   Check whether the sailing depends on wind conditions, as dahabiyas travel under sail.

3. 03

   Request the current cabin description and deck plan before choosing a cabin.

4. 04

   Confirm which drinks, if any, are included in the booking price.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Ask whether a private booking, additional shore visits or a longer itinerary can be arranged; the listing does not confirm these options. Confirm meal arrangements and any requested upgrades before paying, as no upgrade details are supplied.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Accessibility

Who can join this

A dahabiya has narrow gangways, low decks and steps between the cabins, salon and sundeck. Cabin doorways commonly have one or two steps. Boarding from a quay or riverbank may involve a short gangplank or a transfer boat, depending on the water level. Shore visits can include uneven stone, loose sand and steep temple steps; ramps are not available at many ancient sites. Wheelchair access is limited, and step-free boarding cannot be guaranteed. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or need help with steps, tell us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and landing points. A travelling companion is advisable where you need assistance with transfers.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

This dahabiya uses its lateen sail to reduce reliance on engine power while sailing on the Nile. An auxiliary engine may be needed for manoeuvring or when wind conditions are unsuitable. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier; we arrange the cruise and can request information about its current onboard practices. Dahabiya crews, cooks and local suppliers support employment in Nile towns, although the specific sourcing arrangements vary by sailing. Shore visits also use local services, including Egyptologists and boatmen where required. Waste and wastewater handling depend on the vessel’s facilities and local port rules, so we cannot promise that every practice is identical across departures. A refillable water bottle can help reduce demand for single-use plastic; ask us whether refills or larger shared containers are available for your sailing.

• 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 quieter Nile journey without an onboard nightclub

2. 02

   We arrange the booking with the vessel's operator

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Loulia Dahabiya cruise?

   The listed duration is one day, with meals running from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Confirm the sailing dates and exact embarkation and disembarkation times before booking, as these determine how the overnight stay fits the one-day listing.
2. 02How do transfers to Loulia Dahabiya work?

   Private transfers from Luxor or Aswan are included in the listed arrangements. The departure point and transfer timing depend on your confirmed itinerary, so check these details before travel. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise and transfers; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
3. 03What is included on the Loulia Dahabiya cruise?

   The arrangements include a private cabin with bathroom, meals, an Egyptologist guide, listed site entrance fees, private transfers from Luxor or Aswan, and taxes and service charges. Full Board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
4. 04What is not included in the Loulia Dahabiya arrangements?

   International flights, personal expenses, crew and guide tips, alcoholic drinks and optional activities not listed in the itinerary are excluded. Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals. Check the page for the cancellation terms that apply to your booking.
5. 05How much walking is involved, and is Loulia Dahabiya accessible?

   Visits to ancient sites can involve uneven ground, steps and limited shade, so expect some walking. The source information does not confirm step-free access or facilities for reduced mobility. If you have specific access needs, contact us before booking so we can check the arrangements with the cruise line.
6. 06Can children travel on Loulia 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.
7. 07What should I wear and bring on the Loulia Dahabiya cruise?

   Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suited to the weather. Shore visits may involve uneven ancient ground and little shade. Choose modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees, and carry a light layer for cooler evenings during the winter months.
8. 08Can I take photographs during the Loulia Dahabiya shore visits?

   Photography rules vary by site and may change, particularly inside monuments and tombs. Follow signs and your Egyptologist’s guidance, and ask before photographing people. Some locations may charge separately for camera use. We'll confirm whether any such fees apply.
9. 09When is the best time to sail on Loulia Dahabiya?

   October to April generally brings more comfortable temperatures for sailing and shore visits. Winter sun is a popular reason to travel, though daytime temperatures and conditions vary. Ask us to check the expected weather for your dates, especially if you are travelling during the warmer months.
10. 10Which shore visits are listed for Loulia Dahabiya?

    The listed shore visits include El Kab and Gebel Silsila, with Hagar Salsala also named in the route information. These quieter Nile sites differ from the main stops reached by larger cruise boats. The final programme and visit order depend on the confirmed sailing arrangements.