Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Four double cabins and a lateen sail give this smaller Nile dahabiya a quieter feel, with full-board dining included.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
Per cabin · Cabins are sold individually — book just your own cabin, sharing the boat with a handful of other guests.
The short answer
This intimate standard dahabiya is a four-double-cabin Nile sailing boat arranged and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt and operated by a third-party supplier.
·In summary
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya offers four double cabins, with at least two needing to be booked to guarantee sailing. The full-charter rate is available on request, and sailing times depend on wind conditions.
- Cultural
- Budget
- Honeymoon
- Adventure
- Photography
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Standard dahabiya with four double cabins
- Destinations
- Nile River, Egypt · Upper Egypt, subject to the confirmed sailing route
- Includes
- Full Board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Nile sailing aboard the assigned dahabiya · Double-cabin accommodation according to the booked arrangement
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Small private groups · Travellers seeking quieter Nile sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the third-party-operated vessel and supporting ground services.
- The operator provides on-the-ground coordination for transfers and tour arrangements.
- Cruise and cabin details are confirmed against supplier availability before booking.
What lingers
- 01Four double cabins with capacity for up to eight guests
- 02Lateen-sail design for sailing on the Nile
- 03Smaller passenger capacity than a large Nile cruise ship
- 04Full charter offered; rate available on request
- 05A minimum of two cabins is required to guarantee sailing
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile carries only the soft slap of water against Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya and the lift of its lateen sail. From the deck, the banks pass at river pace: palms, fields and villages changing gradually rather than blurring behind the windows of a larger cruiser. There is room to read, watch the captain handle the sail and settle into the quiet between shore visits.
The four double cabins make this a practical choice for a couple, family or small private group, although the boat needs at least two cabins booked to sail. Wind sets the rhythm, so timings can shift. We arrange the booking and supporting services through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with cabin details and Full Board confirmed before departure.
Background
The facts
A dahabiya is a traditional-style sailing boat on the Nile, offering a smaller, quieter experience than a conventional large Nile cruiser. It is powered by a lateen sail, and sailing times depend on the wind, making the pace generally less fixed than aboard an engine-powered cruise ship. The package offers four double cabins and suits couples, families and small groups travelling together.
Exclusive full charter is available on request, and a minimum of two cabins must be booked to guarantee sailing. A full charter reserves the available accommodation for private travel; the final cabin arrangements and price depend on the booking details. A private full-charter supplement may apply if fewer than all four cabins are booked.
Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally charged separately. Gratuities, personal expenses and optional entrance tickets not specified in the booking are excluded.
Discovery Tours Egypt chooses, books and arranges the dahabiya and related services locally. The vessel belongs to and is operated by a third-party supplier, rather than Discovery Tours Egypt. The information provided does not give a set embarkation or disembarkation city, sailing direction or shore-excursion programme, so confirm these details before booking.
Named in this entry
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya·Nile River·Egypt·Upper Egypt·Luxor·Aswan·El Kab·Gebel Silsila·The quarry at Hagar Salsala
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This dahabiya is designed for couples, families and small groups who value privacy, a quieter setting and traditional sail-powered travel. It suits travellers with a relaxed pace who prefer a small boat with four double cabins rather than the facilities and larger passenger numbers of a conventional Nile cruiser.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a larger Nile cruiser if you want extensive shared facilities or onboard entertainment. This dahabiya may not suit travellers who need step-free access or families relying on a stroller.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Four double cabins allow a small-group or exclusive charter
- Cabin bookings are possible, subject to a two-cabin minimum
Things to Consider
- Only four double cabins are available
- At least two cabins must be booked to guarantee sailing
- Sailing times depend on wind conditions
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a large engine-powered Nile cruiser, a dahabiya has a smaller setting, fewer cabins and lateen-sail navigation, creating a quieter style of river travel. Sailing times depend on wind conditions, and the boat generally offers fewer large-ship facilities, nightlife options and passenger capacity than a conventional Nile cruise ship.
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
Aboard
Meet the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
This dahabiya carrying up to 8 guests, across 3 cabins.
- Guests
- Up to 8
Cabin breakdown
- 013 · Double Cabin
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full Board, covering lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Nile sailing aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
- Double-cabin accommodation, according to the cabin arrangement booked
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- The additional charge for exclusive charter when fewer than four cabins are booked
- Gratuities
- Entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs and other optional sites not specified in the booking
- Personal spending and services not included in the booking
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Allow flexibility around sailing times: wind conditions affect progress under the lateen sail.
- 02
Ask whether your booking is for individual cabins or full charter before comparing the total price.
- 03
Budget separately for drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The booking can be arranged as an exclusive full charter or with the required minimum of two cabins, subject to availability and the applicable supplement. Discovery Tours Egypt can also coordinate supporting transfers and land services; the embarkation point, route, shore visits, cabin configuration and any additional entrance tickets should be confirmed in the personalised booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya fits as a quieter four-day sailing segment within a wider Egypt holiday, paired with time in Cairo or Luxor.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires careful consideration for guests with limited mobility. Embarkation may involve a gangway, an uneven riverbank, steps and luggage handling. The vessel has narrow decks and passageways, and cabins and bathrooms may not provide wheelchair access. There is no confirmed lift or step-free route. Shore visits can involve sand, gravel, uneven ancient stone and stairs at temples, quarries and villages. A foldable wheelchair may be possible only with advance confirmation. Please share mobility requirements before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and embarkation arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The dahabiya uses its lateen sail when river and weather conditions allow, reducing engine use during those periods. Sailing remains dependent on wind, river conditions and the captain’s judgement, so we do not describe the cruise as zero-emission. We arrange services through local Egyptian crews, cooks, guides, drivers and shore-excursion providers. Smaller vessels can stop at riverside communities and archaeological areas that larger Nile cruisers may pass. Fuel use, waste handling and shore facilities vary by assigned vessel. Drinks (including water) are generally extra, and we encourage guests to avoid single-use plastics where practical.
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
- Walking shoes with comfortable, sturdy soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- A hat with a wide brim and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- A small bag for day trips
- Prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, relaxed-fit clothing
- Breathable layers for temperatures that may vary
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and villages
- Sandals or walking shoes with a good grip
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- A light jacket for breezy evenings
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 and over pay the adult price. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are impractical on the gangway, narrow decks, uneven riverbanks and archaeological sites, so consider a compact folding stroller or a carrier. High-chair availability must be confirmed before booking.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price 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.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Esnaembarks Fridays | October – April: from £991single cabin £1,442 | May – September: from £808single cabin £1,132 | Peak dates: from £969single cabin £1,373 |
| 4 nights · Esna → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,227single cabin £1,828 | May – September: from £982single cabin £1,415 | Peak dates: from £1,197single cabin £1,735 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
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.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days 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
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Four double cabins offer a smaller setting than large Nile cruisers
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
The Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise lasts four days. The exact embarkation and disembarkation times depend on your booking, so check the confirmed arrangements before travelling. The Full Board period runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. A four-day sailing is shorter than the five-to-eight-night dahabiya journeys often offered on the Nile.02How are transfers to the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya arranged?
We arrange the cruise booking and can confirm transfer arrangements with you before travel. The pick-up point, timing and any transfer charges depend on your itinerary and booking. Please check these details in your confirmation rather than assuming a transfer is included. The vessel is operated by its cruise supplier, not by Discovery Tours Egypt.03What is included in the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya booking?
The booking includes Nile sailing aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya, accommodation in a double cabin according to your cabin arrangement, and Full Board. Full Board starts with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included.04What is not included in the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Optional entrance tickets not specified in your booking, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs, are also extra. A private-charter supplement may apply if fewer than all four cabins are booked. Check your confirmed itinerary for any other services or tickets.05Is the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
The accessibility of Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya has not been specified, so we cannot confirm that it suits a particular mobility need. Boarding a boat and visiting riverside sites may involve steps, uneven ground or other physical demands. Tell us what assistance you need before booking, and we will check the vessel and planned visits with the cruise supplier.06Can children travel on the Queen Cleopatra 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 dahabiya has four double cabins, so confirm cabin availability and the arrangement for your family before booking.07What clothing and essentials should I pack for a Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
Bring light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and comfortable walking shoes for time ashore. Temperatures can be high, particularly in summer, and shade may be limited during visits. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. A light layer can be useful on deck when the wind picks up.08Can I take photographs aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya and at the sites?
You can take photographs on deck, but rules at shore sites vary. Some tombs and monuments restrict photography or require a separate ticket, so check the signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures indoors. Avoid photographing local people without permission. The booking does not include optional entrance tickets, which may cover access to certain interiors.09When is the best time to sail on the Nile aboard Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya?
October to April usually brings cooler conditions for Nile travel than the hotter summer months. Winter sun is a useful UK holiday-season option, but mornings and evenings can feel cooler than the daytime. The lateen sail depends on wind conditions, so sailing times may vary. If you are travelling during Easter or half-term, confirm availability early.10Which places does the Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya visit along the Nile?
The confirmed shore-excursion programme depends on your booking, and specific stops have not been supplied. Dahabiyas can reach riverside places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and the Hagar Salsala quarry, but do not assume these are included on your sailing. Ask us to confirm the route and visits listed in your final itinerary.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-921271
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