Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with shaded sun deck, graded Nile-view cabins, chef-prepared full-board dining, and guided shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
02Overview
A first look
Early light on the Nile smells of warm pottery clay, citrus and freshly baked flatbread, while the dahabiya slips past river islands with only the sound of lateen sails and water against the hull. On deck there is space to read in shade, watch farmers tend feluccas and feel the small-boat rhythm between Luxor and Aswan as the captain trims the sails and the chef prepares midday dishes from local produce.
We select and arrange this sail-powered dahabiya for our guests; it is slower and more personal than larger motor cruisers, with quieter decks and fewer cabins. One of our Egyptologists will lead the shore visits and manage timings and practicalities ashore.
Background
The facts
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel used for scheduled cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s principal archaeological sites, including Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city center, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. These sites represent Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods, with the Valley of the Kings containing royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including tombs associated with Seti I and Tutankhamun.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This vessel is suited to travelers who prefer a smaller-capacity sailing experience rather than a large motor cruiser. It is a good match for history-focused adults, couples, and families with older children who are comfortable with stairs, uneven site terrain, and several shore excursions over consecutive sailing days.
What lingers
- 01Traditional dahabiya layout, smaller passenger numbers than larger motor cruisers, more space on deck and a quieter onboard atmosphere
- 02Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, most with Nile-view panoramas or private balconies
- 03Shaded sun deck for lounging and scenic cruising on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 04Daily shore excursion programme visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Lounge bar and dining saloon serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 06Weekly sailings in both directions, allowing flexible embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £3,041 | £3,809 | £4,577 |
| Double cabin | £1,889 | £2,273 | £2,657 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,352 | £2,928 | £3,504 |
| Double cabin | £1,488 | £1,776 | £2,064 |
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in your selected cabin grade
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore-excursion programme provided by the vessel, visiting the sites listed in the highlights
Not included
- Beverages other than water with meals, unless specified otherwise
- Tipping and gratuities, both ashore and aboard
- Domestic and international flights, plus airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Premium site supplements, for example admission to pyramid interiors or privately ticketed tombs, unless you request them
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Princess Farida dahabiya requires a moderate level of mobility. Guests should be able to manage short flights of steps, narrow gangways and uneven stone quays when boarding and disembarking at Luxor or Aswan. Cabins are accessed by one or two steps; there is no lift between decks on this vessel. Shore excursions include walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and temple steps; several sites have steep staircases and low lighting in tomb interiors. Wheelchair users can be assisted onto the vessel with prior notice, but independent wheelchair access is limited and most cabin doorways and corridors are not wheelchair-width. If you have reduced mobility, please tell us at booking so we can discuss feasible arrangements, transfer assistance, and which shore visits are realistic for you.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and copies, kept separately
- Travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: SPF30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Lightweight reusable water bottle (refills available aboard)
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- A lightweight jumper or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear for the sun deck or pool, plus a cover-up for public areas
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical for moving between the pier and the vessel at main ports but may be cumbersome on uneven quays and at some shore sites; high chairs onboard are limited, please request at booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Princess Farida dahabiya combines traditional sail design with a diesel auxiliary engine, reducing fuel use on calm-water transits. The vessel carries a small passenger complement compared with larger motor cruisers, which reduces per-guest fuel consumption on sailing days. Local crew and Egyptian craftsmen service the dahabiya, and most provisions are sourced in Luxor and Aswan to support local suppliers and reduce refrigerated transport. Onboard waste is segregated where possible; food waste is composted or handed to local farms when regulations permit. Shore excursions are led by licensed local Egyptologists and local vendors are used for handicraft demonstrations and village visits, which keeps expenditure in the communities visited. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we select and arrange this vessel; we do not claim the vessel holds any specific third-party environmental certification.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise spans 7 days and 6 nights, offering a relaxed journey along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This allows ample time to experience the river's rhythm and visit significant ancient sites.02What is included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare?
Your cruise fare covers accommodation in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and daily housekeeping. The programmed shore excursions, guided by our Egyptologists, are also included.03What is not included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise price?
The price excludes beverages beyond water with meals, all gratuities for staff and guides, domestic or international flights, and Egypt entry visa costs. Personal travel insurance and premium site supplements, such as specific tomb entries, are also not included.04What is the accessibility like on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer an intimate experience, but guests should be prepared for some physical activity. Accessing ancient sites often involves walking on uneven ground, sand, and stairs. The vessel itself has stairs between decks, so a reasonable level of mobility is required.05What is the policy for children and families on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children will require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya Nile cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Essential items include a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and any personal medications. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the best time of year to take a Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The ideal time for a Nile cruise is during the winter sun months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.08What kind of photography is allowed on the Princess Farida Dahabiya and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on the dahabiya and at most outdoor archaeological sites. However, flash photography is often prohibited inside tombs and museums, and some sites may require a separate photography ticket. Always check for signage or ask your Egyptologist.09How does a dahabiya cruise differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Farida is a dahabiya, a smaller, sail-powered vessel with typically 8-12 cabins, offering a more intimate and slower-paced journey. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it can access smaller, less-visited sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila, providing a unique perspective.10Will I have an Egyptologist guide during the shore excursions?
Yes, a qualified Egyptologist will accompany you on all included shore excursions. They provide expert commentary and historical context at each ancient site, enriching your understanding of Egypt's rich civilisation and ensuring smooth logistics ashore.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-NIL-770143
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