Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya offers an intimate and elegant way to experience the Nile, designed for travelers who value privacy, slow sailing, and refined comfort. As one of the most distinctive Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruises, it provides a serene alternative to large Cruise ships. This elegant dahabiya glides gently between Aswan and Luxor, following the river’s natural rhythm and stopping at smaller, less-crowded islands and temples that big vessels cannot reach.
With a limited number of beautifully appointed cabins, the Sonesta Amirat creates a calm, boutique atmosphere where personalized service defines the experience. Guests enjoy panoramic Nile views, open-air deck spaces ideal for sunset sailing, and freshly prepared meals inspired by both Egyptian and international cuisine—hallmarks of premium Dahabiya Nile Cruises. The journey feels more like sailing on a private river yacht than joining a traditional cruise.
Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya Highlights
Embarkation in Aswan for a relaxing week sailing the Nile on a Luxuriously appointed Dahabiya. Overnight, the ship moored on the Nile Banks of Aswan.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Today you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902).
You will also see the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Sail on the way to Kom Ombo (noon time).
Overnight near Kom Ombo
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Morning sail to Kom Ombo To visit the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus, god of the morning sun.
Overnight moored beside a Nile Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
This morning you will sail to Edfu To visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu.
Overnight moored beside an Island
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Today will be a leisurely day; After Breakfast Commence sailing to Esna, and passing the lock, Then Dahabeya will moor beside a Nile Island
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
This morning you will sail to Luxor and visit the magnificent temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak, with its vast hypostyle hall of 137 columns, followed by the imposing 28th Dynasty Luxor Temple.
Overnight moored in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Excursion to the West Bank to visit the great burial places of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings – where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
Continue to the adjacent Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Overnight moored in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast aboard the Dahabiya. Followed by disembarkation
Meals: Breakfast
Embarkation in Luxor for a relaxing week sailing the Nile on a Luxuriously appointed Dahabiya.
After lunch, take an excursion to visit the magnificent Amon-Ra temple complex at Karnak, with its vast hypostyle hall of 137 columns, followed by the imposing 28th Dynasty Luxor Temple.
Overnight moored on the Nile Banks of Luxor.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
You will visit the West Bank for visits to the burial places of Pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings – where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
Continue to the adjacent Valley of the Queens, the temple of Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Sail on the way to Esna (noon time); Overnight near Esna
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Today will be a leisurely day, After Breakfast. Commence sailing.
Overnight moored beside a Nile Island
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
This morning you will sail to Edfu. Visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu.
Overnight moored beside a Nile Island.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Today you will sail on the way to Kom Ombo. Overnight moored beside a Nile Island
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Visit Kom Ombo to see the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus, god of the morning sun.
A leisurely day sailing to Aswan and moored nearby Aswan bridge.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
Today you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902).
You will also see the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Breakfast aboard the Dehabeya & Disembarkation
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:
A dahabiya is a traditional, small sailing vessel inspired by the boats once used by 19th-century explorers and royalty. Unlike large Nile cruise ships that carry dozens or even hundreds of guests, a dahabiya hosts only a small number of travelers. This results in a quieter, more personal experience, slower sailing powered mainly by wind, and the ability to dock at secluded islands and lesser-visited temples that big ships cannot access.
Sonesta Amirat typically sails between Aswan and Luxor, following a carefully planned route that blends famous highlights with hidden gems along the Nile. In addition to major temples, the itinerary often includes peaceful river islands and local villages, offering a more authentic look at life along the Nile away from crowded tourist ports.
The dahabiya features a limited number of elegant cabins, creating a boutique, yacht-like atmosphere. With fewer guests on board, service feels highly personalized, common areas are never crowded, and the overall mood is calm, refined, and unhurried—ideal for travelers who value space and privacy.
Most packages include accommodation on board, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), guided sightseeing with a licensed Egyptologist, and scheduled shore excursions. When booked through a complete tour package, transfers, entrance fees, and logistical arrangements are usually included, ensuring a seamless, worry-free experience.
Absolutely. The quiet sailing, romantic sunsets, open-air deck spaces, and intimate dining experience make this dahabiya especially popular with couples and honeymooners. Many guests describe it as one of the most romantic ways to experience the Nile.
The ideal season is from October to April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and evenings are pleasantly cool. December to February is peak season, while October, November, March, and April offer excellent weather with fewer crowds. Summer sailings are hotter but can be more budget-friendly.
We wanted something authentic and calm, and Sonesta Amirat delivered beautifully. No loud entertainment, no crowds—just history, scenery, and comfort. The rhythm of the river sets the pace.
It’s the kind of journey that stays with you long after it ends.
This was a deeply relaxing experience. I loved having time to read, reflect, and simply watch the Nile drift by. The small number of guests made conversations more meaningful.
I left feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.
Traveling with adult family members, we appreciated the calm atmosphere and cultural focus. The guides explained history clearly without overwhelming us. The dahabiya itself felt elegant and comfortable throughout the journey.
Everyone agreed it was one of our best shared trips.
We chose this cruise for our anniversary, and it was the perfect setting. Quiet sailing, soft lighting at night, and attentive service made it feel very special. The staff subtly arranged small touches that made the trip memorable.
Our group wanted something unique, and this dahabiya truly stood out. The relaxed schedule allowed us to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Evenings on the deck became our favorite routine.
It felt exclusive but never pretentious.
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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