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3-night Nile Holiday Dahabiya Aswan to Esna

Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 3 Nights Aswan to Esna Overview

Embark on an unforgettable luxury Nile cruise with a traditional Dahabiya boat on a serene 3-night voyage from Aswan to Esna. This exclusive Egyptian holiday offers a tranquil, personalized alternative to large river cruise ships, letting you sail the River Nile like a 19th-century royal traveler.

Dahabiya cruises are celebrated for their slow-paced journey and the ability to anchor at unique, less-visited locations, providing an authentic Nile experience and closer access to local life and secluded historical sites.

The Luxury Dahabiya Difference

The Dahabiya itself is the star of this Nile holiday. These elegant, two-masted sailing vessels feature a small number of beautifully furnished 9 suites, ensuring a high degree of privacy and attentive, personalized service from the dedicated crew.

Enjoy the panoramic views from the spacious sundeck, savor gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and simply relax as the timeless Egyptian landscape glides by. This is the ultimate choice for a boutique sailing trip on the Nile.

The 3-night cruise concludes upon disembarkation in Esna, with a transfer typically provided to nearby Luxor for further exploration of its famous West and East Bank sites.

Details

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Tour Location: Aswan – Luxor
Tour Availability: Upon request
Pickup & Drop Off: Aswan – Luxor
Tour Type: Private
Suitable for: Couples, Family, solo traveller
Wheelchair: Accessible

Tour Highlights

Aswan High Dam
Philae temple | Isis temple
Unfinished Obelisk
Kom Ombo temple
Edfu temple
Valley of Kings
Hatshepsut temple
Colossi of Memnon
Karnak temple

Inclusions

Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure
All transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation on board a 5-star Dahabiya on a full-board basis
All sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary
Entrance fees to all sites between Luxor and Aswan
Tea and coffee are served during meals on board the Dahabiya
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Professional Egyptologist guide for all excursions
All service charges and applicable taxes

Exclusions

Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Gratuities (tipping)

What to take

Valid Passport for 6 months starting from the flying day
Warm clothes in winter
Comfortable shoes
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Hat or Scarf
Umbrella

Itinerary

Day 1: Aswan’s Ancient Wonders & Luxury Dahabiya Experience

Your unforgettable 3-night Nile Holiday Dahabiya Aswan to Esna starts in the captivating Aswan City, historically known as the gateway to ancient Nubia.

Upon arrival, your Egyptologist guide from Egy tour packages travel agency will provide a warm welcome at the Aswan Airport, your pre-cruise Aswan hotel, or the train station to begin your exclusive Aswan city tour.

Modern Engineering Feats & Sacred Sanctuaries

The first half of your day is dedicated to two of Aswan’s must-see attractions, expertly blending massive modern engineering with powerful pharaonic history.

Aswan High Dam (Modern Engineering Feat)

Begin your essential Aswan sightseeing with a stop at the colossal Aswan High Dam, a true modern engineering marvel completed in 1970. This massive embankment dam was pivotal in controlling the Nile’s annual flooding, significantly boosting the Egyptian economy, and generating essential hydroelectric power.

Lake Nasser

From the dam’s crest, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, on one side, and the original, flowing River Nile on the other.

This visit offers crucial insight into the geographical and economic importance of the Nile in contemporary Egyptian life.

Philae Temple (Pearl of Egypt)

Next, you’ll transfer to the scenic island complex of Philae Temple, widely celebrated as the “Pearl of Egypt.” To reach this stunning monument, which was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island by UNESCO after the High Dam’s construction saved it from flooding, you will enjoy a serene motorboat ride across the tranquil Nile waters.

Once on the island, your guide will lead you through the magnificent courts and chambers of the Temple of Isis, the revered ancient Egyptian goddess of magic and motherhood.

Marvel at the preserved reliefs, the huge Pylons, and the famous Trajan’s Kiosk, which beautifully showcases a blend of pharaonic and Greco-Roman architecture.

Check-in, Luxury & Relaxation on the Nile

Following your morning of historical exploration, you will be transferred to the pier to board your elegant Nile Holiday Dahabiya. This is the moment your boutique sailing trip truly begins.

Complete your check-in and settle into your beautifully appointed cabin or suite before enjoying a freshly prepared, delicious onboard lunch as you soak in the historic surroundings of Aswan’s Nile banks.

Free Afternoon: Aswan Souk or Sundeck Serenity

The afternoon is free to personalize your experience. You can choose to relax on the Dahabiya’s spacious sundeck, watching the unique Aswan landscape glide by and simply enjoying the serenity of the Nile.

Alternatively, join your guide for a vibrant, authentic cultural experience at the bustling Aswan Souk (Sharia al-Souq). Explore the colorful market stalls, famous for their unique Nubian handicrafts, aromatic Egyptian spices, and the best quality Karkrade (dried hibiscus flowers). It’s the perfect place to shop for authentic Egyptian souvenirs.

Your luxurious day concludes with a delightful dinner served on the Dahabiya, as you overnight in Aswan.

Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Ancient Nubian Culture & Double Temple Grandeur

Your second day offers a choice between an early-morning excursion to a world-famous wonder or a relaxing, localized cultural morning before your luxury Dahabiya cruise begins its majestic sail north.

Option 1 (Optional Early Morning Excursion): Abu Simbel Temples Tour

Abu Simbel Temples: Unforgettable Day Trip from Aswan

For the ultimate ancient Egypt exploration, secure your spot on the optional, highly-recommended pre-dawn Abu Simbel Temples tour. This historical excursion is consistently ranked as one of the best day trips from Aswan and offers a breathtaking encounter with monumental rock-cut architecture.

To ensure a safe and convenient journey, transportation is typically arranged via road convoy, departing early from the Dahabiya.

The centerpiece of your visit is the awe-inspiring Great Temple of Ramesses II. Prepare to be amazed by the temple’s formidable façade, famously guarded by four colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II, each towering over 20 meters high.

This massive structure was strategically built in Nubia to project the Egyptian power of Ramesses the Great and remains a highlight of any comprehensive Egyptian holiday.

Adjacent to the main temple, you will discover the Temple of Nefertari, a smaller but equally significant shrine dedicated to Ramesses’ chief wife, Queen Nefertari.

This elegant temple honors the Queen as the goddess Hathor, showcasing the profound royal and religious connections of the New Kingdom.

Both temples constitute a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the incredible modern engineering feat of the 1960s UNESCO rescue project, where the entire complex was painstakingly dismantled, cut into thousands of pieces, and relocated to higher ground.

This immense effort saved these ancient Egyptian treasures from the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Following this extraordinary cultural experience, you will return to Aswan and the Dahabiya, perfectly timed for a relaxed late lunch before your afternoon Nile sailing continues.

Option 2 (Morning on the Nile): Cultural Immersion or Dahabiya Serenity

Leisurely Morning in Aswan: Nile Luxury & Cultural Exploration

Enjoy a leisurely start focused on local Egyptian culture and the absolute tranquility of the Nile before your scenic sailing begins.

Breakfast and Free Time (Onboard Luxury)

Savor a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast on board your luxury Dahabiya boat, setting the perfect, serene tone for the day.

Use your free morning time for ultimate relaxation on the spacious sundeck. Unwind with a good book, soak up the warm Egyptian sun, and appreciate the personalized service that defines a unique Dahabiya experience.

Nubian Village Visit (Authentic Cultural Tour)

Against a small charge, embark on a profound journey into Nubian culture with a visit to an authentic Nubian Village (such as Gharb Soheil).

You will travel by motorboat to this brightly painted settlement, where you can meet a local family. Moreover, enjoy a refreshing traditional hibiscus tea, and gain deep insight into the unique Nubian lifestyle, language, and ancient customs that thrive along the banks of the Nile. This is a highly recommended genuine cultural immersion opportunity.

Midday Sailing and Onboard Lunch

Around 2:00 PM, watch as your Dahabiya will majestically set sail from Aswan. Feel the gentle, calming motion of the wind-powered vessel as you begin your serene journey north toward Kom Ombo.

Enjoy an exquisite onboard lunch as you glide past the stunning vistas of the Upper Egyptian countryside, featuring the striking contrast between verdant banks and dramatic desert cliffs.

Temple of Kom Ombo (Ancient Double Temple)

Your first major historical stop after sailing is the visually impressive Temple of Kom Ombo. This site is famous for its unique double temple design, built with perfect symmetry and dedicated to two distinct sets of deities: the northern half to Haroeris (Horus the Elder, the falcon god), and the southern half to Sobek (the crocodile god of fertility).

Your expert guide will highlight fascinating wall reliefs, including an intriguing depiction of ancient surgical instruments, offering a glimpse into sophisticated Roman-era medical knowledge.

Near the temple, explore the small Crocodile Museum, which houses numerous mummified crocodiles discovered in the area, further reinforcing Sobek’s powerful connection to this archaeological site.

Starry Night Anchoring (Tranquil Nile Mooring)

Unlike much larger Nile cruise ships, your luxury Dahabiya will typically moor for the night at a quiet, picturesque Nile Island or a secluded stretch of the riverbank. This guarantees a peaceful stay, far from city noise or busy docks.

Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared dinner—often served al fresco on the sundeck or even as a unique barbecue dinner on the tranquil riverbank—followed by a relaxing evening beneath the vast, clear Egyptian night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Itinerary: Edfu Temple & Tranquil Nile Sailing

Breakfast & Sail to Edfu

Start your day with a delicious and freshly prepared Dahabiya breakfast served on deck, enjoying the early morning serenity of the River Nile.

After breakfast, your elegant Dahabiya will set sail gently, continuing its northbound journey toward Edfu City. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the ever-changing Nile landscape as you cruise

Horse Carriage Ride & Edfu Temple Visit

Upon reaching Edfu, you will enjoy a unique, typical Egyptian transportation experience: an authentic horse carriage ride through the city streets.

The carriage will take you directly to your destination: the magnificent Temple of Edfu. This experience is a charming taste of local life and one of the quintessential parts of a Nile River cruise.

Temple of Edfu Exploration

Step back into history at the Temple of Edfu, widely recognized as the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this Ptolemaic-era masterpiece is famous for its towering pylons, intact roof, and wealth of hieroglyphic inscriptions.

It is the second-biggest temple in Egypt after the massive Karnak Temple Complex. Marvel at the incredible detail and learn about the myths of Horus from your expert guide. After your inspiring visit, you will return via horse carriage to the Dahabiya.

Lunch Onboard & All-Day Sailing:

Your boat will immediately set sail towards Esna, its next major stop. Enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch as the Dahabiya sails peacefully through the Upper Egyptian landscape.

The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to tranquil Nile sailing, offering perfect opportunities for relaxation, reading, and soaking up the luxury Dahabiya experience.

Arrival and Overnight Mooring

Your Dahabiya will arrive near Esna and will typically moor for the night at a quiet, secluded stretch of the riverbank, ensuring a peaceful dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor’s West Bank Treasures & Karnak Temple (Disembarkation Day)

Enjoy a final, delicious onboard breakfast served on your luxury Dahabiya. After breakfast, you will complete the check-out process. Your journey continues with a comfortable, approximately one-hour private transfer from your mooring location to the historic city of Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes.

Upon arrival, you will immediately begin your exploration of Luxor’s most famous sites, starting on the spectacular West Bank of the Nile.

Thebes’ Ancient Necropolis

Your first stop is the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the Royal Necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun and Ramesses II, were buried in elaborate underground tombs.

Explore several accessible tombs and marvel at the vivid hieroglyphics and well-preserved funerary art in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an essential stop on any Egypt tour.

Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)

Next, visit the magnificent mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. The temple is an architectural wonder, rising in three massive terraces against the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Colossi of Memnon Photo Stop

Conclude your West Bank tour with a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These towering figures, which once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple, provide a perfect photo opportunity before lunch.

Lunch & East Bank Grandeur

Enjoy a delicious and well-deserved lunch at a high-quality local restaurant in Luxor.

Karnak Temple Complex

After lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore Karnak Temple Complex. This site, which was the main place of worship for the Theban Triad, is the largest religious building ever constructed and a monumental highlight of ancient Egyptian architecture. Walk through the massive Hypostyle Hall, featuring 134 towering columns, and witness the grandeur of centuries of pharaonic construction.

Note:

Kindly feel free to share your thoughts about the itinerary by adding or removing anything to be able to fulfill your needs.

Nile Holiday Dahabiya Facilities

In-room private safe
Large windows with a panoramic view
Private WC
A/C rooms
Hairdryer
Elegant fine dining room and lounge
Electronic fire and smoke detection
Chaise-longue chairs on the sun deck
WIFI on the deck

3-night Nile Holiday Dahabiya Aswan to Esna Price

Adult Price = 1050 €

Kids 5 -11 years = 50% of the adult price

Kids 0-5 years = free of charge

Booking

You can book your 3-night Nile Holiday Dahabiya Aswan to Esna via WhatsApp or send us an E-mail and you will receive the confirmation on spot.

WhatsApp: +201000852186

info@egytourpackages.com

Payment

You can pay by Egyptian pounds, $, €‎ or £

Reservations should be made as early as possible to book your Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Deposit payment should be 50 % during the Christmas and New Year holidays

The deposit counts as part of your final payment

The deposit can be made by bank wire transfer or sent via link

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests should be sent via WhatsApp or emailed to provide the Company with written confirmation that your reservation should be canceled.