The Assouan Dahabiya Cruise offers a tranquil and authentic Nile journey, perfectly categorized under Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruises. Designed for travelers who appreciate slow sailing, cultural depth, and intimate experiences, this traditional Dahabiya glides gracefully along quieter stretches of the river, far from mass tourism. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed and elegant atmosphere with comfortable cabins, a shaded sundeck for scenic viewing, freshly prepared meals, and attentive, personalized service that enhances the sense of exclusivity.
The experience is enriched with unique cultural encounters, including a visit to the ancient Temple of Khnum in Esna, dramatically set below street level, and the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s finest Greco-Roman temples. The journey continues with memorable stops such as Kom Ombo Temple, beautifully positioned on a bend in the Nile. Blending history, nature, and traditional sailing charm, the Assouan Dahabiya Cruise delivers a truly immersive and unforgettable Nile experience.
Dahabiya Highlights
Esna, located some 33 miles south of Luxor, is where you will board your Dahabiya and meet the crew. Esna is best known as a thriving merchant town for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 9 meters below street level.
Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through streets filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
El Kab, on the East bank of the Nile, was once the capital of Upper Egypt and is still home to the temple of Nekhbet, as well as a row of fascinating decorated tombs carved into the slope of the mountains. Upon docking, you will embark on a beautiful walk through a small fishing village to visit the necropolis.
In the afternoon, the boat will arrive at Edfu, home to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus. This is among the best preserved of all Egyptian temples.
Horse and carriage will take you to the temple through the busy city streets.
After returning to the boat, you will set sail for a beautiful island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile.
As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions.
These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times).
At night, the boat will tie up the foot of the floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
The Nile, flowing between two mountain ranges, is at its narrowest. You will usually be the only visitor at this fascinating site, as large Nile cruisers are not allowed to stop here.
After visiting the small temple of Horemheb and walking through the sandstone quarries, where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples, you will see a picturesque café to enjoy tea and shisha (waterpipe).
You will sail to a picturesque riverbank, stopping for lunch and swimming.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Boat
After a night on the water and beneath the stars, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo.
The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend in the river.
The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Dahabiya Bout
Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge.
Here your cruise comes to an end. You will leave us relaxed and refreshed in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Additional information
The tip is about $3-5 USD per person per night. For example, if you are 2 people staying 4 nights on a Nile cruise, the tip amount is $4 x 4 nights x 2 people = $32. So you leave $32 in an envelope at the front desk at the end of your Nile cruise.
Extra personal expenses on the trip may include a food tour, alcoholic beverages, tipping, visa fees, recreational expenses, and other services not listed.
Following are the items with extra costs during the trek:
All our packages and tours of Egypt do not include entrance fees to special archaeological sites such as entering the pyramids from inside, the mummies’ room in Museum, or entering the Tutankhamun tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.
We are offering a low down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on tour, including hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flight tickets, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager, making you’re booking a risk-free investment.
Notes:
The price of a Dahabiya Nile River cruise varies depending on the season, duration, and cabin type, but most packages range from $2000 to $3,000 per person for a full luxury experience. Prices often include meals, guided excursions, and onboard amenities.
A typical Dahabiya cruise package includes comfortable private cabins with panoramic views, all meals on board, guided visits to temples and historic sites, optional desert or island excursions, and personalized service from a small crew.
A Dahabiya Nile cruise is an intimate sailing experience on a traditional, elegant Nile boat, offering a slow, scenic journey through Egypt’s iconic temples, villages, and riverbanks, far from the crowds of larger ships.
The best time for a Dahabiya cruise is from October to April when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring temples and walking along the Nile. This period avoids the intense summer heat of Egypt.
The Assouan Dahabiya offers a more private, serene experience with fewer passengers, personalized service, flexible itineraries, and exclusive stops at smaller temples that large cruises cannot access.
Solo travel can be daunting, but the Assouan Dahabiya Nile Cruise turned it into a magical adventure. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a world of wonder and beauty.
The crew’s warmth and hospitality were exceptional. Our guide’s passion for Egypt’s history was infectious, and I left with a deep appreciation for this ancient civilization. Visiting temples like Karnak and Philae felt like stepping back in time.
The Dahabiya itself was a charming vessel, offering comfort and relaxation. Evenings spent stargazing on the deck were enchanting, and the food was a delightful mix of local flavors.
To any solo traveler considering this journey, don’t hesitate. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a sense of awe for Egypt’s treasures.
Lisa
Limited-time offer on Ultra Deluxe & Luxury Nile Cruises — book now and claim FREE extras (Hot Air Balloon or Abu Simbel Tour).
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