4 Nights Pasha Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan
The Pasha Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a luxury sailing experience, taking you back to a refined era of Egyptian travel. Unlike the larger, modern cruise ships, the Pasha is a beautifully restored, twin-masted sailing boat, providing an intimate, tranquil journey between the historical centers of Luxor and Aswan.
This vessel is specifically designed for discerning travelers who seek an exclusive Nile cruise experience, prioritizing privacy and authenticity over the crowds. Sailing gently with the prevailing winds, the Pasha revives the serene atmosphere enjoyed by 19th-century European explorers and Egyptian royalty.
On board, you’ll find no more than a handful of elegantly appointed cabins and suites, ensuring highly personalized service from a dedicated crew and an expert Egyptologist guide.
The itinerary is designed to move at a deliberate, relaxed pace, allowing you to fully absorb the timeless beauty of the Nile Valley. This means not only visiting the iconic sites like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, but also anchoring at secluded spots, small islands, and ancient sites like Gebel el Silsila, which are typically inaccessible to larger vessels.
Dining is a highlight, featuring gourmet Egyptian cuisine prepared fresh daily, often served al fresco on the spacious sundeck or under the stars during an unforgettable riverside barbecue.
For those looking for the best way to see Egypt in absolute comfort and silence, the Pasha Dahabiya provides an unmatched blend of historical charm, small-group exclusivity, and five-star luxury amenities, making it the ultimate sailing adventure on the Nile.
Tour Details
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Tour Location: Luxor / Esna / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
- Tour Availability: Monday
- Pickup & Drop Off: Luxor / Aswan
- Tour Type: Sharing
- Language: English
- Wheel chair: Accessible
Highlights
Luxor Attractions
- Valley of the Kings
- Hatshepsut temple
- Memnon Colossi
- Karnak temple
- Luxor temple by night
Aswan attractions
- Edfu temple
- Kom Ombo temple
- Aswan High Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Philae temple
Inclusions
- Pick up & drop off with new brand vehicle
- Entrance fees for all the sights mentioned in the program
- Expert Egyptologist tour guide speaks fluent English
- Accommodation for 3 nights on board 5-star cruise on full board basis
- All services and taxes
Exclusions
- Tipping
- Personal expensive
- Hot Air Balloon
- Nubian Village
- Any Extra tombs in the Valley of the Kings
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: Welcome to Luxor – From Ancient Pharaohs to Nile Sailing
Your journey begins the moment you arrive in Luxor. Whether you are landing at Luxor International Airport, stepping off the train at the Luxor Train Station, or joining us from your Luxor Hotel lobby, your private Egyptologist guide will be there to greet you.
We’ll be heading straight to the magnificent West Bank, the city of the dead, where the Pharaohs prepared for their eternal lives.
Valley of the Kings – The Ancient Pharaohs’ Tombs
This is where the grand scale of Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom comes to life. Instead of building huge pyramids, pharaohs from the 18th to 20th Dynasties chose this secluded, desert valley to carve their final resting places deep into the rock, hoping to deter looters.
In fact, the murals are not just decoration; they are religious and navigational texts, primarily the Amduat (Book of the Underworld) and the Book of Gates.
These elaborate “maps” were essential guides for the deceased King, detailing the dangers and deities he would encounter on his journey alongside the Sun God Ra through the twelve hours of the night, ensuring his rebirth at dawn. It’s like a meticulously planned spiritual roadmap for eternity.
Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)
Next, we visit the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, nestled dramatically against the towering cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This temple is truly one-of-a-kind. Its striking, modern-looking design, featuring three ascending terraced levels connected by grand ramps, was revolutionary for its time.
Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful female pharaohs, and her temple served not only as a place for her eternal cult but also as a visual monument to her divine legitimacy.
The famous relief scenes detail her divine birth and, most remarkably, the Expedition to the Land of Punt, a detailed record of a successful trading mission that brought back exotic goods like frankincense trees, which were planted in the temple’s courtyard. It’s a stone-carved economic report from 3,500 years ago!
The Colossi of Memnon – Silent Guardians
Before leaving the Luxor West Bank, we pause for a moment with the two towering statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. These colossal stone figures, depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated, were originally positioned to guard the entrance of his vast mortuary temple—a temple so grand that it dwarfed Karnak in size, but which has largely vanished today.
Karnak Temple Complex – The Earthly House of Amun
We cross back to the East Bank for the absolute pinnacle of New Kingdom worship: the Karnak Temple Complex.
This wasn’t just a temple; it was a sprawling, sacred city, continuously built and expanded by successive pharaohs over 2,500 years, making it the World’s Largest Religious Structure ever built.
Journey to Esna and Dahabiya Embarkation
After a morning of massive monuments, we trade the hustle of Luxor for the tranquility of the river. We will take a comfortable, approximately one-hour drive south through the countryside to the town of Esna.
In Esna, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your beautiful Traditional Dahabiya Cruise. This is the moment your experience shifts from touring to pure relaxation. A delicious Lunch will be served promptly on board as the crew casts off the lines and we begin our gentle sail.
Sailing the Nile and Overnight Stay
The afternoon is dedicated to the magic of the Nile itself. The Luxury Nile Sailing Boat will glide quietly along the river, providing stunning views of the lush banks and local life. Unlike larger, noisy cruise ships, the Dahabiya moves by the power of the wind (or with quiet assistance), offering a far more intimate and serene experience.
We will sail leisurely towards Edfu, and as the sun begins to set in spectacular Egyptian fashion, the crew will drop anchor.
Tonight, you’ll Overnight by one of the Nile Islands, a truly unique and peaceful setting away from the towns, under a blanket of stars.
Dinner will be served on deck or perhaps even on the island’s edge!
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2: Sailing to Edfu and the Temple of the Falcon God
You’ll wake up to the gentle rocking of the Dahabiya and the incredible sight of the sun rising over the Nile River. There is simply no better start to a day of exploration.
After enjoying a freshly prepared Breakfast on Board—perhaps on the sun deck with the cool morning breeze—we’ll continue our tranquil Nile sailing towards the city of Edfu.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride to Edfu Temple
As your luxurious sailing boat docks, we will disembark for a truly classic travel experience: a short, 20-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the bustling streets of Edfu town.
This is one of the charming traditions of the Dahabiya itinerary and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of modern Egyptian life before stepping back into antiquity.
Our goal is to arrive at the temple during the quietest hours, ensuring a more peaceful and exclusive temple visit.
Temple of Horus – The Best Preserved
Welcome to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most complete and best-preserved temple from the entire ancient world in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period (3rd to 1st century BC), its remarkably intact structure and roof give you the rare opportunity to experience an ancient temple as the Egyptians once did. It is dedicated to the falcon god, Horus, who was the patron deity of the town.
The reason this temple is so incredibly preserved is that it was buried almost completely under desert sand and river silt for centuries. Local inhabitants even built homes on top of it, inadvertently shielding it from the erosion and destruction that damaged other famous sites.
Once excavated, it revealed a treasure trove of inscriptions detailing temple rituals, myths, and even the building plans. Don’t miss the massive granite statue of Horus in falcon form, which guards the main pylon entrance. The walls inside the temple also depict the legendary battle between Horus and the evil god Set—a crucial story in Egyptian mythology.
Lunch and Afternoon Sail to Kom Ombo
We will take the horse-drawn carriage ride back to the Dahabiya, where your crew will be waiting with a wonderful, fresh Lunch on board.
The afternoon is reserved for pure Nile cruising. This is the essence of the Dahabiya experience: relaxing on the deck, reading a book, or watching the timeless scenery of feluccas, palm groves, and local farmers glide by as we gently sail toward our next destination, Kom Ombo city.
Sunset Anchor and Overnight on the Nile
As the day begins to cool and the sun dips low, painting the sky in fiery colors, your Captain will find a secluded, picturesque location to drop anchor.
Tonight, we will Overnight by one of the Nile Islands, away from the lights and noise of the main towns. This offers the quintessential Dahabiya sailing adventure—dinner served under the stars with the quiet sounds of the river providing the perfect soundtrack.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: The Double Temple and Sailing through the Sandstone Quarries
A beautiful day starts with a delicious breakfast on board your traditional Dahabiya. As we gently sail further south, the scenery becomes more dramatic, signaling our approach to one of the Nile’s most historically significant geological areas.
Sailing Past Gebel el Silsila Stone Quarries
We will spend the morning Sailing past the majestic Gebel el Silsila (The Chain of Mountains). This site is historically crucial as it was the main Sandstone Quarry for most of the major temples in Upper Egypt, including Karnak and Luxor.
You’ll see the huge rock-cut chapels and the evidence of millennia of quarrying along the banks, where the Nile narrows dramatically between the cliffs. This quiet stretch of the river offers stunning views that major cruise ships often miss.
Swimming and Kayak Adventure in the Nile
Near the quarries, your captain will find a secluded, picturesque riverbank or sandbar. This is the perfect time for an exhilarating dip! You will have the chance for a refreshing Swimming in the Nile experience in the clear, clean water, or you can choose to enjoy a peaceful exploration by Kayak. This is a highlight of the Dahabiya journey—connecting with the river in a truly personal way.
Dinner and Overnight on Maniha Island
After the activities, we return to the Dahabiya. We will then Sail a short distance to the serene and quiet Maniha Island.
Here, the boat will moor for the night, providing a peaceful, secluded setting.
You will enjoy a sumptuous Dinner on board or perhaps a traditional barbecue on the island riverbank, ending the day under a blanket of spectacular stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: The Double Temple of Kom Ombo and Tranquil Island Mooring
The day begins with a leisurely Breakfast on Board as the sun illuminates the eastern bank of the Nile. Depending on our mooring location near Kom Ombo city (Maniha Island), we’ll prepare to disembark for our highly anticipated morning visit.
Visit to the Kom Ombo Temple
Following a short, scenic walk, we will explore the magnificent Double Temple of Kom Ombo. This Ptolemaic era shrine is truly exceptional, as it features perfectly symmetrical layouts, duplicating all chambers, courtyards, and sanctuaries for its two distinct patron gods.
The temple’s southern half is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, while the northern half honors Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the falcon god.
Take your time to observe the precise architectural balance and the fascinating reliefs, including the detailed medical and surgical instruments carved into the inner walls.
Near the temple entrance, you can also explore the small Crocodile Museum which houses mummified crocodiles found in the area, offering a tangible link to the temple’s crocodile cult heritage.
Sailing Past Daraw Village and Lunch
We return to the Dahabiya and cast off for a wonderful morning of Nile Sailing further south. We will pass by the agricultural center of Daraw Village, famous throughout Egypt for its large and vibrant Camel Market.
While the Dahabiya does not typically stop here, the sail offers beautiful glimpses into authentic Upper Egyptian life along the riverbanks.
Enjoy a freshly prepared Lunch on Board as we continue our calm, unhurried journey. This afternoon is dedicated to relaxation—perfect for reading on the shaded sun deck or simply watching the captivating, ever-changing scenery drift by.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Grand Finale in Aswan – Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels
Your final morning on the majestic Dahabiya begins with a leisurely Last Breakfast on Board.
After breakfast, it is time to say a fond farewell to the crew as you complete the Check Out and Disembarkation process.
Optional Early Visit: Abu Simbel Temple Complex
For those who wish to seize the day, there is an Optional Early Visit to Abu Simbel. This truly iconic journey requires a pre-dawn start to travel south to the colossal temples of Ramses II and his Queen Nefertari.
This spectacular site is world-famous for being entirely relocated to save it from the rising waters of the High Dam—a massive feat of modern engineering.
Participants on this early excursion will return to Aswan in time to join the afternoon sightseeing program.
Essential Aswan Attractions
The main day of exploration begins as we dive into Aswan’s key historical and modern sites:
Aswan High Dam
Your first stop is the modern engineering triumph, the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970, this monumental structure is essential to Egypt’s prosperity, controlling the annual Nile floods and generating hydroelectric power.
Philae Temple
Next, we visit the serene and beautiful Philae Temple. This Ptolemaic sanctuary, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt on Agilkia Island to save it from the original Nile floodwaters. A short boat ride across the water is required to reach the island, making the approach truly atmospheric.
Conclusion and Transfer
After exploring these captivating sites, your expert guide will escort you and your luggage to your Final Destination in Aswan, whether it be a local hotel, the train station, or Aswan International Airport, concluding your spectacular Dahabiya Nile Cruise adventure.
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.
Dahabiya Nile Cruise 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
4 Nights Pasha Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan Price
Adult Price = 1150 €
Kids 5 -11 years = 50% of the adult price
Kids 0-5 years = free of charge
Booking
You can book your 4 Nights Pasha Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan 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 £
Reservation 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.
Why Booking with Egy tour packages?
- Our main goal is customers satisfaction, Comfort and Enjoyment with professional expert guides, and best services.
- Customer Support Online via WhatsApp 24/7 & follow up from arrival till final departure.
