The Nour El Nil Dahabiya represents the pinnacle of Dahabiya Nile Cruises, offering an intimate and elegant way to explore the Nile far from the crowds of large ships. Designed for travelers who appreciate privacy and authenticity, this beautifully crafted sailing boat glides quietly between Luxor and Aswan, following the river’s timeless rhythm.
With only a handful of cabins, life on board feels calm and personal. Days unfold with gentle sailing, expertly guided visits to iconic temples and hidden riverside sites, and relaxed moments on deck as palm-lined banks pass by. Evenings are defined by refined cuisine made from fresh local ingredients, attentive service, and a warm, boutique-style atmosphere.
For travelers seeking a slow-paced, design-led experience, the Nour El Nil Dahabiya stands out among Dahabiya Nile Cruises as a truly luxurious journey—where the Nile is not just seen, but deeply felt.
Nour El Nil 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 best time is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and ideal for sightseeing. December to February offers cooler weather and peak season conditions, while October, November, March, and April provide a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a luxury traditional sailing boat offering one of the most exclusive ways to explore the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Inspired by the elegant vessels once used by 19th-century explorers and royalty, it combines classic design with refined modern comfort, focusing on slow travel, privacy, and authenticity rather than mass tourism.
A dahabiya is significantly smaller than standard Nile cruise ships, hosting only a limited number of guests. This allows for a quieter, more personal experience, flexible sailing schedules, and access to lesser-visited riverside sites that large ships cannot reach. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more intimate, and the overall journey feels closer to a private yacht experience than a traditional cruise.
The cruise typically sails between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), following a carefully curated route that balances famous landmarks with hidden gems along the Nile. In addition to major highlights, the itinerary often includes visits to small islands, rural villages, and tranquil riverbanks, offering a deeper connection to local life along the Nile.
The Nour El Nil Dahabiya accommodates a very limited number of guests, usually fewer than 20, depending on the specific vessel. This low guest count ensures a calm onboard atmosphere, attentive service, and plenty of personal space throughout the journey.
The Nour El Nil offered something rare—space to breathe. From quiet mornings on deck to relaxed evenings with good food and conversation, everything felt intentional. I returned home rested, inspired, and grateful for the experience.
This was not just a cruise, but a complete change of pace. Days felt longer in the best possible way. I found myself reflecting more, observing more, and appreciating the Nile beyond its historical fame.
I was impressed by how seamless everything felt. Transfers, excursions, meals—all flowed naturally. The smaller scale made a huge difference, especially when visiting temples without large crowds.
The Nour El Nil felt elegant without being stiff. The crew created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made everyone feel at ease. It was easy to slow down and simply enjoy being present on the river.
This cruise felt incredibly well-balanced. There was enough structure to feel organized, but plenty of freedom to relax. Sitting on deck with a book as the Nile drifted by became my favorite daily ritual.
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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