The Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers an intimate and tranquil sailing experience, perfectly categorized under Dahabiya Nile Cruises. Designed for travelers who value privacy, authenticity, and slow travel, this elegant Dahabiya glides gently along the Nile, allowing guests to truly connect with the river and its timeless landscapes. Onboard, the atmosphere is calm and refined, with tastefully designed cabins, a shaded sundeck ideal for relaxation, and personalized service that reflects traditional Egyptian hospitality.
Freshly prepared meals are served in a relaxed setting, complemented by uninterrupted views of palm-lined riverbanks and local life along the shore. Cultural highlights may include iconic landmarks such as the enchanting Philae Temple in Aswan and the monumental Karnak Temple in Luxor. Combining heritage, comfort, and exclusivity, the Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise delivers a truly authentic and memorable Nile journey away from mass tourism.
Dahabiya Highlights
Climb to Luxor.
Lunch on board.
After lunch, visit Luxor and Karnak temples.
Dinner and Overnight on the West bank.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast on board.
Visit the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Lunch on board.
Sail to Esna and have Tea time on the Sun Deck.
Dinner during sailing.
Overnight beside an Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast while crossing the Esna Lock. Sail to Edfu and have lunch while sailing.
Visit Edfu Temple. Sail to Gray Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast on board while sailing to Kom Ombo. Visit Kom Ombo Temple.
Lunch on board while sailing.
Stay on Hor Diab Island, where you will experience swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the Nile River.
Dinner on board while sailing to Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast on board.
Visit the Philae Temple and the High Dam.
Lunch on board.
The possibility of visiting the Nubian village (optional).
Dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast on board.
Possibility of Visit Abu Simbel Temple early morning (OptionalVisit).
Disembarkation in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast
Embarkation in Luxor.
Lunch on board.
After Lunch, visits the Luxor & Karnak Temples.
Dinner and Overnight on the West bank.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast on board.
Visit the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple and
the Colossi of Memnon.
Lunch on board.
Sail to Esna and have Tea time on the Sun Deck.
Dinner during sailing.
Overnight beside an Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock.
Lunch on board while sailing.
Visit Edfu Temple.
Sail to Al Ramady Island.
Private Island Dinner Along With An Exclusive Egyptian Rababa Show.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast on board while sailing to Kom Ombo
Visit Kom Ombo Temple.
Lunch on board while sailing.
Arrive at Hor Diab Island and have the experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the
Nile River.
Dinner on board while sailing to Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Overnight in Aswan.
Breakfast on board.
Visit the Philae Temple and the High dam. Lunch on board.
Possibility of Visiting the Nubian Village ( Optional ).
Dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast on board.
Possibility of Visiting Abu Simbel Temple early morning (OptionalVisit).
Lunch on board while sailing.
Sail to el Ramady Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
Early morning Sail to Esna.
Breakfast on board while sailing
crossing Esna lock.
Lunch on board while sailing to Luxor
Arrive in Luxor.
Visit the unique Sound & Light Show
Dinner and overnight in Luxor West Bank.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Night Stay on overnight in Luxor West Bank.
Breakfast on board.
Disembarkation in Luxor.
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 Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a luxury traditional sailing cruise on the Nile River, offering a peaceful, intimate alternative to large cruise ships. It blends classic Egyptian charm with modern comfort, allowing travelers to explore Egypt’s iconic archaeological sites and river scenery while enjoying personalized service, elegant cabins, and gourmet meals.
The Merit Dahabiya can be booked for different durations — commonly 5–7 nights or longer — and sails mainly between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa). Along the route you’ll experience the beauty of the Nile and visit key ancient sites such as Luxor and Karnak Temples, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.
Onboard facilities are designed for comfort and relaxation, including air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and panoramic windows, a sun deck with loungers and Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a bar, reading lounge, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour service. You can also expect attentive staff and optional medical assistance if needed.
Most Merit Dahabiya cruise prices include all accommodation on board, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), guided tours with expert Egyptologist guides, entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary, and transfers between ports and airports. Extras like tipping, optional tours (like Abu Simbel), and personal expenses are usually not included.
Departure days vary with itinerary length and direction, but typically cruises leave from Luxor on Saturdays and from Aswan on Wednesdays. Multiple options are available throughout the year, allowing travelers flexibility to choose shorter or longer journeys.
From start to finish, everything was seamless. A must-do experience for anyone visiting Egypt.
Stylish, intimate, and very authentic. The Merit Dahabiya truly captures the spirit of the Nile.
A calm and luxurious alternative to large cruise ships. Excellent service and fascinating historical stops.
Every detail felt personal and thoughtful. The sunset views from the deck were unforgettable.
The itinerary was well balanced between sightseeing and relaxation. One of the best Nile experiences I’ve had.
Limited-time offer on Ultra Deluxe & Luxury Nile Cruises — book now and claim FREE extras (Hot Air Balloon or Abu Simbel Tour).
WhatsApp us
