Dahabiya Nora
Sail-powered dahabiya with traditional lateen sails, 45 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, up to 15 guests, chef-prepared meals and Full Board.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Private charter · Available as a private charter only — the whole boat, exclusively for your party.
The short answer
Nora Dahabiya is a four-day sail-powered Nile cruise visiting sites between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Nora Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt. It includes Full Board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation in the booked cabin category, a professional captain and crew, chef-prepared meals, and guided shore excursions listed in the itinerary. It also includes meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport arrivals as stated in the meeting-point details.
- Luxury
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Full Board aboard Nora Dahabiya
- Destinations
- Nile · Luxor · Aswan · El Kab · Gebel Silsila · Hagar Salsala quarry
- Includes
- Stay in the booked cabin category · Full Board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Professional skipper and crew · Chef-prepared meals · Onboard afternoon tea where provided · Guided visits ashore in line with the vessel's itinerary · Meet-and-greet assistance at Luxor International Airport where indicated
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · Small groups · Travellers seeking a slower pace · Guests wanting remote Nile landings
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Cruise arrangement, booking and itinerary coordination are handled before travel
- Small guest capacity of up to 15 with a crew of 10 supports attentive service
- 24/7 on-the-ground support is available through the tour operator during travel
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise
What lingers
- 01Traditional lateen sails, a slower, low-noise sailing experience on the Nile
- 02Intimate dahabiya, typically 8–12 cabins, for personalised service
- 03Access to shallow or remote landings: El Kab, Gebel Silsila, Hagar Salsala quarry
- 04Chef-prepared meals included, Full Board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 05Smaller groups, suitable for travellers who prefer a relaxed pace rather than large-ship timetables
- 06Unlike large five-star cruisers, this vessel visits off-the-beaten-path sites unreachable by bigger boats
02Overview
A first look
By first light the Nile looks like a band of glass, lateen sails whispering as the Nora Dahabiya slips past mud-brick villages and sculpted sandstone faces. The baking-oven heat waits inland; on deck there is shade, slow conversation, the creak of timber and time to watch remote riverbanks pass without the noise of a motor-ship.
We hand-pick this 45 metre by 7.5 metre dahabiya because its shallow draught reaches landings larger cruisers cannot, such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry. The vessel carries up to 15 guests with a crew of 10. One of our Egyptologists meets you in Luxor and accompanies the guided shore visits we arrange.
Background
The facts
Nora Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for small-group cruising between Luxor and Aswan, with an emphasis on quieter river travel and access to landings that larger cruise ships may not reach. Dahabiyas are typically smaller than standard Nile cruise boats and are designed for a slower itinerary, using lateen sails and shallow draft navigation where river conditions permit.
The vessel measures 45 metres by 7.5 metres and carries up to 15 guests, with a crew of 10. This scale supports a more intimate onboard arrangement than larger 5-star Nile cruisers, usually with 8–12 cabins depending on configuration. Full Board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and guided shore excursions are included as stated in the itinerary.
Typical route points for this style of dahabiya include El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, alongside the Nile corridor between Luxor and Aswan. These stops are associated with ancient quarrying, river transport, and Pharaonic settlement remains, and are chosen in part because smaller vessels can moor at shallow or less developed landings.
Because the cruise is arranged around sailing rather than fixed large-ship infrastructure, timings can vary with river conditions, docking access and weather. Drinks (including water), gratuities, visas, travel insurance and any optional or premium archaeological tickets are normally excluded unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·Quarry at Hagar Salsala·International airport in Luxor·Nile Valley
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travellers and small groups who value fewer passengers and a slower pace. It is also a good fit for history-focused guests who prefer remote sites and guided shore excursions over large-ship facilities.
- Guests should be comfortable with boarding and disembarking from a smaller vessel and with some itinerary flexibility based on river conditions. It is usually better suited to adults and older children than to travellers seeking resort-style entertainment or a high-activity cruise programme.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want evening entertainment, extensive onboard facilities or a faster-paced schedule. This is also not ideal if uneven landings, steps or walking at archaeological sites would be difficult.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Lateen sails offer a quieter pace than larger motorised Nile cruisers.
- Up to 15 guests keep the onboard atmosphere intimate.
- Shore visits include less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
- A crew of 10 serves a maximum of 15 guests.
Things to Consider
- Uneven river landings can make boarding and shore visits demanding.
- Strollers are of limited use at archaeological sites and landings.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- There is no nightclub or large-ship entertainment programme.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, Nora Dahabiya is a smaller sail-powered vessel with fewer guests, which usually means a quieter onboard atmosphere and more personalised service. Its shallow draft also allows access to landings such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry that some larger boats cannot reach. Compared with a land-based Egypt tour, this format combines accommodation, transport and guided shore excursions while travelling between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile. It is better suited to travellers who want slower sailing and cultural stops rather than resort-style facilities or nightlife.
The route
Esna and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
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 Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Aboard
Meet the Dahabiya Nora
A 45-metre, 7.5-metre dahabiya carrying up to 15 guests, across 6 cabins, crewed by 10.
- Length
- 45m
- Width
- 7.5m
- Guests
- Up to 15
- Crew
- 10
Cabin breakdown
- 014 · Luxury Cabins
- 022 · Terrace Suites
Bundled in
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Full board
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full Board, covering lunch on the day you board through breakfast on the day you leave
- A cabin aboard Nora Dahabiya in the category selected at booking
- A professional captain and the vessel’s crew
- Meals prepared by the chef, plus afternoon tea when the vessel provides it
- Shore visits with a guide, according to the vessel’s itinerary
- Assistance on arrival at Luxor International Airport, as set out in the meeting-point details
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- International air travel and airport taxes
- Visa costs and travel insurance
- Tips for the crew and guides, unless stated otherwise
- Personal spending and optional outings absent from the itinerary
- Additional archaeological-site tickets, such as access inside a pyramid or entry to premium tombs, unless specifically included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check which stops are confirmed on your sailing, as the listed landings depend on the vessel itinerary.
- 02
Budget for drinks (including water) unless your booking details state otherwise.
- 03
Ask for the meeting-point details before travel if you are using the included Luxor airport meet-and-assist.
Tailor it
Make it yours
This cruise can usually be tailored as a private or shared booking, depending on availability and cabin category. Travellers may also request extensions in Luxor or Aswan, extra sightseeing such as temples or museums, or upgraded meals and special arrangements where offered by the vessel programme. Where the itinerary allows, some guests choose to combine the dahabiya with pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor or Aswan. Any changes remain subject to the vessel schedule, river conditions and supplier confirmation.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Nora Dahabiya fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, pairing well with time at Karnak Temple or Philae. Its route includes quieter Nile landings such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Nora Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya, and boarding and movement aboard involve steps, narrow gangways and low doorways. Cabins are on one or two levels with steps to some cabins; there is no lift. Shore landings at El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala use simple wooden or stone jetties and soft sand in places, so transfers between boat and shore may be uneven and require stepping down from the gangway. Full wheelchair roll-on is not possible on board or at most shallow landings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist at Luxor International Airport arrivals where possible; please contact us before booking so we can assess mobility needs, advise on the most suitable cabin locations, and discuss which shore visits are feasible for you. We cannot guarantee full accessibility at archaeological sites or at some small village landings, and some sites require walking on uneven ancient stone and short flights of steps.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nora Dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails for substantial parts of the itinerary, which reduces engine use, fuel consumption and engine noise while sailing on the Nile. The vessel is 45 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, with a shallow draught that allows it to reach remote or shallow landings such as El Kab and Hagar Salsala, reducing the need for long road transfers. Onboard provisioning is sourced primarily from local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, including bakeries and produce markets, which supports small businesses along the Nile. Crew and many guides are locally employed, and guided shore visits contract local archaeologists and village guides where available. Waste is separated onboard and returned to port facilities for proper disposal. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we monitor supplier practices and prioritise partners who employ local staff and who follow straightforward waste and water handling procedures.
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 required visa
- Comfortable shoes with a good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF30 or higher
- Refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore visits
- Prescribed medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Camera, spare batteries or charger
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for daytime
- Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- Light waterproof or windproof layer for breezy sailing
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, 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 need their own cabin. Strollers may be usable at the airport and on flat dock areas, but are impractical aboard and at many shore landings. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when 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
- El KabRight here
- Gebel SilsilaRight here
- Quarry at Hagar SalsalaRight here
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Reach shallow landings larger Nile cruisers cannot access
02
Sail aboard a vessel limited to 15 guests
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise typically lasts four days, offering three nights aboard the vessel. This allows for a relaxed journey between Luxor and Aswan, with ample time to explore the unique archaeological sites along the way.02Which items are covered by the Nora Dahabiya cruise fare?
The cruise price includes Full Board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Accommodation in your selected cabin, the professional crew, chef-prepared meals, afternoon tea, and guided shore excursions as per the itinerary are also covered.03What is not included in the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The cruise price excludes drinks (including water), international flights, visas and travel insurance. Crew and guide gratuities, personal expenses, optional excursions and premium archaeological site tickets are also excluded.04How accessible is the Nora Dahabiya?
The Nora Dahabiya provides a more intimate experience than larger cruisers. Guests need to be able to use gangplanks and some stairs on board. Shore excursions can involve walking over uneven ground or ancient stone. Please let us know about any specific accessibility requirements in advance.05Can children join the Nora Dahabiya Nile cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel free; the rate for those aged 6–11.99 is available on request, while children aged 12+ pay the full adult rate. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need their own cabin.06What clothing and other essentials should I pack for the dahabiya cruise?
For daytime outings, we suggest wearing light, comfortable clothes, with modest dress when visiting religious sites. Pack a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, insect repellent and comfortable shoes for walking. It may be cooler on deck in the evenings, so we recommend bringing a light jacket.07What rules apply to photography during shore excursions?
Photography is usually allowed at archaeological sites, but flash photography may be banned in some areas, and video cameras may incur an extra fee. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the rules at each site during your excursions.08When is the ideal season for a Nora Dahabiya cruise?
The ideal period for a Nile cruise is generally October to April, when conditions are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer, from May to September, can be extremely hot, particularly in Upper Egypt, so winter is ideal for some sunshine.09How does a dahabiya cruise compare with travelling on a larger Nile cruiser?
A traditional sailing boat, the Nora Dahabiya offers a more personal experience for a maximum of 15 guests. Its gentler pace lets it reach shallower, more secluded places such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, beyond the reach of larger cruisers.10How can I reach the Nora Dahabiya to board?
Discovery Tours Egypt organises meet-and-assist services on arrival at Luxor International Airport. Our team will take you straight to the Nora Dahabiya for embarkation, helping your cruise holiday get off to a smooth start.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-295821
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