Queen Cleopatra Dahabiya
A 5-star dahabiya with panoramic windows, sun deck, lounge bar and dining room, full-board dining, weekly sailings, hand-picked by our Egyptologists.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02Overview
A first look
Queen Cleopatra 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. Cabins and the master suite book individually, or the whole boat can be chartered for a private sailing.
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 | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,313 | £1,563 |
| Double cabin | £929 | £1,083 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,056 | £1,243 |
| Double cabin | £768 | £883 |
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.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya itinerary involves walking on uneven surfaces including sand, packed Nile riverbanks, temple courtyards, and ancient stone pavements. Expect stepped entrances at many sites, stair access to some tombs, and non-level gangways when boarding and disembarking the vessel. The vessel has narrow companionways and cabin door thresholds; cabins are not guaranteed wheelchair-accessible. Transfers use vehicles with two or three steps. We can provide a porter to assist with luggage; please tell us about mobility needs before booking. If you use a wheelchair, contact us so we can assess site access individually and recommend alternative shore visits where appropriate.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Lightweight layered clothing for hot days and cooler nights
- Reusable water bottle for onboard refills
- Small daypack for excursions and personal items
- Any personal medication in carry-on with prescription details
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime
- Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection and temple visits
- Covered shoulders and knees for mosques and temple approaches
- A light sweater or windproof for evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and above 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. Strollers are practical on flat hotel and market areas but not on uneven temple forecourts or riverbanks; bring a lightweight foldable stroller if needed. Please tell us ages at booking so we can confirm bedding and safety arrangements.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
On this route we use sail-powered dahabiyas for most sailing days, which reduces engine use compared with standard motor cruisers while preserving the quieter Nile environment. Shore transfers and excursions are run in modern minibuses with drivers contracted locally; these suppliers are small family-run businesses we have worked with for years. Food is prepared on board by a chef who sources fruit, vegetables, and bread from the nearest village markets, supporting local producers along the river. We avoid single-use plastic water bottles on board where possible and provide large refill containers and filtered water for guest bottles. Crew members receive fair wages and tips are shared among the boat team according to local labour practice.
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
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-921271
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