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4-Night Sultana Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan Itinerary

Sailing the Nile the Old-Fashioned Way: The Sultana Dahabiya

If the idea of fighting for a pool chair on a massive floating hotel sounds exhausting, the Sultana Dahabiya offers a completely different way to see Egypt. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a step back in time.

The Sultana is a Dahabiya, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Unlike the large, motor-heavy vessels that crowd the river, the Sultana relies largely on the wind and a quiet engine. It’s intimate, authentic, and incredibly peaceful.

The Vibe

Think “boutique hotel” rather than “resort.” The Sultana is small, hosting only a handful of guests, which means the service is personal and attentive.

The design is elegant—polished wood, brass fixtures, and canvas awnings—giving it a classic, 19th-century explorer feel. It’s luxury without the pretension.

The Journey: Luxor to Aswan

Sailing from Luxor to Aswan gives you the best of the Nile’s current. It’s a leisurely 4 to 5-day trip downriver. Because the boat is smaller, it can dock at spots the big ships simply can’t reach.

You won’t just be shuttled to the main tourist sites; you’ll stop at quiet islands, tiny villages, and lesser-known temples along the way.

Why It Stands Out

The silence is the biggest selling point. When the sails go up, you move almost without sound. You can actually hear the water lapping against the hull and the birds in the reeds.

It’s the kind of trip where you spend as much time sitting on the deck watching the palm trees drift by as you do explore ancient ruins.

The Bottom Line

The Sultana Dahabiya is perfect for travelers who want to slow down. If you’re looking for nightlife and crowds, look elsewhere.

But if you want to watch the sunset over the Valley of the Kings with a glass of wine in hand, far from the noise of the city, this is the boat for you.

Details

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Tour Location: Aswan–Luxor
Tour Availability: Upon request
Pickup & Drop Off: Aswan–Luxor
Tour Type: Private
Language: English
Suitable for: Couples, families, and solo travelers
Wheelchair: Accessible

Tour Highlights

Aswan High Dam
Philae temple | Isis temple
Unfinished Obelisk
Kom Ombo temple
Gebel El Silsila
Edfu temple
Valley of Kings
Hatshepsut’s 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: Immersion in History

Your adventure begins the moment you meet your guide in Luxor. This is a “big hit” kind of day, focusing on the ancient wonders of Thebes before you transition to the slower pace of the river.

You’ll start at the Valley of the Kings, descending into the famous tombs to see the intricate colors that have survived thousands of years.

From there, it’s a short drive to the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, a dramatic structure carved directly into the limestone cliffs.

Next, you’ll see the Colossi of Memnon, the massive twin statues that have stood guard over the plains for centuries.

Finally, you’ll head to Karnak Temple. It is difficult to overstate the scale of Karnak—the sheer size of the columns and the history packed into the site is truly breathtaking.

After a morning full of monuments, you’ll take a private, one-hour drive to Esna. This is where the vibe shifts completely. You’ll board the Sultana Dahabiya and leave the crowds behind.

Lunch is served on deck as the boat begins the quiet journey toward El Kab. The afternoon is all about relaxation.

If you’re feeling up for it, you can stop to visit the cut-rock tombs at El Kab (there is a small extra charge for this). If you prefer to just unwind, you can stay on board, enjoy the scenery, and watch the riverbank drift by.

Day 2: Tombs, Temples, and Secluded Islands – El Kab, Edfu, Bassao

You’ll wake up to the quiet of the Nile at El Kab. After a relaxed breakfast on deck, we head ashore to explore what remains of ancient Nekheb. It’s a wild, atmospheric spot compared to the polished tourist sites.

El Kab is famous for its cut-rock tombs, and you’ll see the best of them. The Tomb of Ahmose, son of Ebana, is the highlight here. Actually, he was an admiral and a warrior, and his autobiography is carved right into the walls.

It reads like an action novel from 3,500 years ago. The Tomb of Paheri is also worth seeing for its detailed, surprisingly colorful reliefs depicting daily life, including fishing and hunting scenes in the marshes.

Once we’ve had our fill of history, we return to the Sultana and hoist the sails. We enjoy lunch on deck while the breeze carries us toward Edfu. It’s a scenic stretch of river—perfect for reading a book or just watching the local fishermen at work.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Edfu. This is home to the Temple of Horus, which is arguably the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt.

Because it was buried under sand for so long, the roof is still intact. Walking inside feels like stepping back in time, with massive statues and incredibly detailed carvings that still look fresh.

By late afternoon, we leave the crowds of Edfu behind and sail toward Bisaw Island. This is a quiet spot far from the noise of the city. We’ll anchor here for the night, giving you a peaceful evening under the stars with nothing but the sound of the river around you.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Real Life and Ancient Stone – Bassao, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo, Herdiab

We start Day 3 by stepping directly into the rhythm of the Nile. After breakfast, we head ashore at Bisaw village.

This isn’t a staged tourist attraction—it’s a living, breathing community. You’ll walk through the village paths shaded by mango and palm trees, getting an authentic look at daily life.

You might see women baking bread in traditional clay ovens, farmers tending to their cows, or children making their way to school. It’s a simple, human connection that is often the highlight of the trip.

Once we say goodbye to the village, we set sail for Gebel El Silsila. This area is famous for its ancient sandstone quarries, where the stone for many of Egypt’s temples was cut.

You can still see the tool marks and unfinished monuments left behind by workers thousands of years ago. It’s a fascinating open-air museum before we head back to the boat for a peaceful lunch on the water.

In the afternoon, we continue sailing to Kom Ombo. We’ll dock here to visit the unique Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, which is actually a double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.

Right next door is the Crocodile Museum, home to mummified crocodiles that were once sacred offerings.

We wrap up the day by sailing to Herdiab Island. We’ll moor here for the night, far away from the city lights. It’s a quiet, secluded spot—perfect for a relaxing dinner under the stars with nothing but the sound of the water lapping against the hull.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Camels, Engineering, and Island Temples – Daraw, Philae, Aswan

Begins with breakfast on the deck as we sail toward Daraw. This village is famous for its camel market, and it offers a rare window into a world that few travelers see.

Your guide will walk you through the history of the route, explaining the incredible journey these animals make on foot from Sudan all the way into Egypt.

It’s a gritty, authentic experience that offers a completely different perspective on life along the Nile.

We return to the Sultana for lunch as we make our way further south to Aswan. The afternoon is dedicated to two very different kinds of wonders.

First, we stop at the Aswan High Dam, a massive modern engineering feat that changed the landscape of the country.

Then, we take a boat to Agilkia Island to visit the Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, especially when the setting sun hits the stone.

We’ll head back to the Dahabiya for your final dinner on board. You’ll spend the night moored in Aswan, surrounded by the city lights reflecting on the water.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Farewell to the Nile

On your final morning, take your time with breakfast on the deck. It’s a quiet moment to enjoy the river breeze one last time before the day begins.

Once you’ve packed up and checked out, you’ll say goodbye to the crew.

From there, we’ll handle your transfer to wherever your journey takes you next. whether that’s catching a flight at Aswan Airport, checking into a hotel in town, or heading to the train station.

Meals: breakfast

Note:

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

Sultana Dahabiya Nile Cruise Facilities

6 suites with balconies
2 panoramic suites
2 twin rooms
In-room private safe
Large windows with a panoramic view
Private WC
A/C rooms
Hair dryer
Elegant fine dining room and lounge
Electronic fire and smoke detection
Chaise-longue chairs on the sun deck & restaurant

4-Night Sultana Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan Price

Adult Price = 1300 €

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 the spot.

WhatsApp: +201000852186

info@egytourpackages.com

Payment

You can pay in 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.