The Sacred Lotus Dahabiya offers a calm and intimate way to explore the Nile River , ideal for travelers seeking elegance, privacy, and slow sailing. As one of the most refined options within Dahabiya Nile Cruises, it provides a peaceful alternative to large cruise ships, gliding quietly between Luxor and Aswan along the Nile’s most scenic stretches.
With a limited number of guests on board, the experience feels personal and unhurried. Days are shaped by gentle sailing, relaxed guided visits to ancient temples, and moments of stillness along palm-lined riverbanks. Evenings are spent on deck under the stars, where the soft flow of the Nile sets a timeless atmosphere.
The dahabiya features tastefully designed cabins, inviting communal spaces, and attentive service that enhances comfort without intrusion. Freshly prepared meals blend Egyptian flavors with international touches, creating a dining experience that feels warm and authentic.
Sacred Lotus Dahabiya Highlights
Upon arrival at Aswan Airport/Train Station, you will be met and assisted by your Tour Director.
Then your Egyptologist guide will accompany you to enjoy a one-day tour in Aswan, where you will visit the Philae Temple and the High Dam while enjoying a walk in the Aswan Bazaar.
Later you will be escorted to board your Dahabiya Nile Boat and enjoy lunch. Enjoy a beautiful sail to Kom Ombo.
Overnight arrival in Kom Ombo.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast at your leisure. Here we visit the Greco-Roman Temple at Kom Ombo.
The temple building is symmetrical, with two entrance’s two halls, and two sanctuaries dedicated to the Falcon God Haroeris (Horus the Elder) and the Crocodile God Sobek.
We set off for the relaxing journey to the temple of Gebel el Silsila, another of our less frequented destinations.
You will be amazed as we tie up alongside the Speos of Hormheb. If possible, dinner will be served on the grounds of the illuminated temple or the upper deck while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere with music to match the mood.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast. At your leisure, visit Edfu Temple by horse cart, one of Egypt’s largest and most intact monuments.
The entrance is flanked by two beautiful granite statues of the divine falcon, Horus. After you visit the temple, either ride or walk in the bazaar, this is a vast bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs, spices, and perfumes.
We will then sail to an island where we will disembark for dinner on the edge of the Nile, depending on the weather, or dinner will be served on the Sun Deck.
Preparing for the fun Egyptian evening with Egyptian cuisine and Arabic music.
Dress up in a custom-made galabia or belly dance outfit. Gently sailing on our way to Esna, overnight Esna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Disembarkation from your Nile boat in Esna after enjoying your breakfast, then you will be escorted to Luxor to have a Sightseeing tour to visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple.
Later you will be transferred to Luxor airport or Train station for your final departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Upon your arrival at Luxor airport / Luxor train station, your tour manager will meet and assist you.
Then you will be accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide for a sightseeing tour in Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Memnon of Colossi, and Karnak Temple.
Then you will be transferred from Luxor to Esna to embark on your Nile Boat, where the crew on board will welcome you. Overnight in Esna on board your Nile boat.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, sail to Edfu, and arrive around noon. Visit Edfu Temple by horse carriage, one of the largest and most intact of Egypt’s monuments.
Two beautiful granite statues of the Falcon God Horus flank the entrance. After you visit the temple, either ride or walk through the bazaar, this is an extensive bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs, spices, and perfumes.
Lunch on Board then continues Sailing till Silsela Hormoheb Temple.
Dinner will be served on the grounds of the Temple, an island, or the Boat’s upper deck while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere with music to match the mood.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast at your leisure, sailing to Kom Ombo Temple, or visit the Greco-Roman Temple Kom Ombo.
Enjoy sailing to Aswan and listen to the sounds of the water buffalo as they wade in the shallow water while you will see the Donkeys on the banks of the Nile as they go about their day-to-day business and the various bird life of the river.
Overnight close to the doors of Aswan city
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast on Board, then you will visit the Philae Temple, The High Dam and enjoy walking in Aswan Bazaar. Back to the boat to enjoy a fantastic evening in Aswan and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night Stay on Aswan
Disembarkation after enjoying your breakfast, then you will be transferred to Aswan airport / Aswan train station for final departure.
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 Sacred Lotus Dahabiya is a luxury traditional sailing boat offering one of the most intimate ways to explore the River Nile. Unlike large cruise ships, it follows the classic dahabiya design once favored by 19th-century travelers, combining elegant simplicity with modern comfort. The focus is on slow travel, privacy, and an authentic connection to Upper Egypt rather than onboard entertainment or crowded facilities.
A dahabiya is significantly smaller than conventional Nile cruise ships, hosting only a limited number of guests. This allows for a quieter atmosphere, flexible sailing schedules, and access to secluded riverbanks and lesser-visited sites that large ships cannot reach. The experience is more personal and relaxed, with fewer distractions and a stronger emphasis on scenery, culture, and atmosphere.
The Sacred Lotus Dahabiya sails between Luxor and Aswan, covering some of the most historically rich stretches of the Nile. Along the way, guests visit renowned temples such as Edfu and Kom Ombo, while also enjoying peaceful sailing past villages, farmland, and palm-lined riverbanks. The exact order of visits may vary depending on sailing conditions, ensuring a smooth and unhurried journey.
Cabins on the Sacred Lotus Dahabiya are tastefully designed to provide comfort and tranquility. They feature Nile-facing windows, private bathrooms, and elegant furnishings that reflect classic style rather than modern excess. The limited number of cabins ensures a quiet onboard environment and a high level of personalized service throughout the journey.
Life on board is calm and unstructured in the best sense. Days are balanced between guided excursions and leisurely sailing time. Guests often spend afternoons relaxing on the sun deck, reading, watching daily life along the river, or enjoying conversations in shared spaces. Evenings are typically quiet and atmospheric, with dinner served on board and time to enjoy the Nile under the stars.
This cruise was about atmosphere rather than luxury in the traditional sense. Soft lighting, gentle sailing, and meaningful moments made it unforgettable. We felt truly connected to the Nile and its history. It stayed with us long after the journey ended.
We traveled as a small family group and appreciated how relaxed everything felt. There was no pressure to rush or follow crowds. The crew was patient and attentive, and the overall mood onboard was peaceful. It was a wonderful shared experience.
I wanted something reflective, and this journey gave me that. Mornings on the Nile were my favorite—quiet, golden, and calm. The Sacred Lotus felt safe, welcoming, and well cared for. I returned home feeling lighter than when I arrived.
This was our first Nile cruise, and I’m glad we chose a dahabiya. Everything felt intentional and unhurried. The scenery, the temples, and the gentle pace worked together beautifully. It never felt crowded or overwhelming. Just peaceful and rewarding.
We were a group of four friends and quickly felt at home onboard. The shared spaces encouraged conversation, but there was always room to step away and enjoy quiet moments. Evenings on deck were magical. The simplicity of the experience made it special.
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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