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Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Sailing from Esna to Aswan

Book your timeless Egyptian journey aboard the Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Sailing from Esna to Aswan. This intimate, 4-night sailing adventure from Luxor to Aswan offers the perfect blend of classic elegance and tranquil discovery.

Forget the noisy, large cruise ships—a Dahabiya Nile Cruise revives the golden age of travel, giving you an authentic, slow-paced experience that connects you deeply with the River Nile and its ancient shores.

The Intimate Luxury Nile Experience

The Turquoise Dahabiya is a traditional wooden sailing boat designed for boutique, luxury travel. With only a handful of cabins, you are guaranteed a personalized service and a peaceful atmosphere that larger vessels simply cannot match.

Picture yourself lounging on the expansive sun deck, watching the iconic Egyptian landscapes drift by, propelled only by the gentle desert breeze and the whisper of the sails.

In fact, it’s a journey defined by silence, serenity, and the kind of authentic local charm that has all but vanished from modern tourism.

Unforgettable Ancient Wonders

This 4-night itinerary is perfectly paced to explore the unmissable ancient sites of Upper Egypt. Beginning in Luxor, you’ll delve into the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossal Karnak Temple.

As you sail the Nile, your small ship size allows you to dock at serene, off-the-beaten-path locations and charming local villages that large cruises bypass.

You’ll visit the best-preserved temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, before concluding your adventure in the beautiful southern city of Aswan, where the High Dam and the stunning Philae Temple await.

Every stop is enhanced by an expert Egyptologist guide, ensuring you unlock the secrets of this incredible civilization.

Choosing the Turquoise Dahabiya means opting for exclusive luxury, unhurried sightseeing, and an incomparable way to experience the majestic Nile River.

Details

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
Tour Location: Luxor Esna Aswan
Tour Availability: Every Monday
Pickup & Drop Off: Aswan
Tour Type: Sharing
Suitable for: Couples, Family, solo traveler
Wheel chair: Accessible

Tour Highlights

Valley of Kings
Hatshepsut temple
Colossi of Memnon
Karnak
El Kab Tombs
Edfu temple
Kom Ombo temple
Aswan High Dam
Philae temple

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Dahabiya 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: Touching the Stones of Pharaohs

Hello, and welcome aboard! Our 4-night Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise adventure officially kicks off today in Luxor, the heart of Ancient Thebes. From the moment you are greeted by our amazing Egyptologist guide—whether at the Luxor Airport, the train station, or our hotel—you will feel the history buzzing in the air.

This first day is intense, covering the absolute must-see ancient wonders on both sides of the majestic Nile River. Grab your hat and sunscreen—we’re stepping into a time machine!

The West Bank: Secrets of the Afterlife

We started early by crossing over to the West Bank, the ancient city of the dead and the gateway to the next world for the pharaohs. Our first stop? The incomparable

Valley of the Kings.

This is the ultimate royal burial place, where New Kingdom pharaohs (like Tutankhamun and Ramses II) were laid to rest. Walking through the narrow passages and into the tombs is absolutely breathtaking.

Forget the pictures; nothing prepares you for the vibrant, well-preserved carvings that cover every wall. You guide will point out key scenes from the Book of the Dead and the Imyduat, essentially ancient guidebooks for the afterlife. It’s a genuine privilege to witness this level of artistry and religious belief.

Next, we visited the truly unique Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari). Built into towering limestone cliffs, it feels more like a modern architectural wonder than a 3,500-year-old structure.

In fact, Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful female pharaohs, and the reliefs here tell her fascinating story, from her divine birth to her ambitious expedition to Punt. Don’t miss the distinct Hathor and Anubis Chapels tucked within its tiers.

Conclude the West Bank deep-dive with a quick stop at the colossal, but strangely tranquil, Colossi of Memnon. These two colossal statues are all that remain of the massive mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. They make for a great photo opportunity before we headed back across the Nile for a well-deserved break!

The East Bank: Monuments to the Gods

Karnak temples

Seriously, calling it a temple doesn’t do it justice; it’s an architectural city! This complex was the main cult center for the god Amun-Ra, built and expanded over 1,500 years by dozens of pharaohs. The sheer scale is mind-boggling.

The highlight for me was, without a doubt, the Great Hypostyle Hall. Walking among those 134 enormous columns is a humbling experience. You feel utterly tiny.

Also, the Sacred Lake (used for temple purification rites) and the rare Sekhmet Chapel. Every pylon and obelisk tell a new, layered story of devotion and power.

Settling In: Life Aboard the Turquoise Dahabiya

Finally, after a day packed with exploration, we were transferred to our home for the next four nights: the beautiful Turquoise Dahabiya in Esna.

Checking in, and enjoy the small size of the Dahabiya gave off a vibe of exclusive luxury and quiet relaxation.

Enjoy your first freshly prepared lunch onboard, a delicious welcome to life on the river while starting to sail towards El Kab and overnight by A Nile Island.

Day 2: The Gentle Breeze and Hidden Treasures

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, the scent of fresh coffee mixing with the cool, fresh air of the River Nile. Watching the banks of the river slowly glide by as we headed south felt like pure, unadulterated relaxation—the definition of luxury Nile travel.

El Kab: Stepping Off the Tourist Map

Our first stop proved why choosing a small Dahabiya is the best decision for an authentic Egyptian journey. We gently docked at El Kab, an ancient city usually by passed by the bigger vessels. It felt like we had the place to ourselves!

The focus here was the El Kab Tombs, carved into the cliffs. These aren’t the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, but they offer something just as fascinating: insights into the lives of powerful non-royal figures, like the warrior Ahmose Son of Ibana.

Your guide will bring the reliefs to life, showing us unique scenes detailing military exploits and daily life from the New Kingdom. It was a powerful reminder that history is made by more than just pharaohs.

Edfu: The Perfect Temple and a Classic Ride

Back on board, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch while continuing our serene sail towards Edfu. The afternoon offered a delightfully traditional experience: a horse carriage ride from the river to the Temple of Horus. It’s a classic way to arrive and adds a touch of vintage charm to the day, weaving us through the local town streets before arriving at the monumental structure.

Horus temple

The Temple of Horus in Edfu is famous for a reason—it is the best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Seeing it for the first time is incredible; the colossal pylons and completely intact roof make you feel like you’ve stepped straight back into the ancient world.

Inside, the Holy of Holies is mesmerizing, but the most exciting part was following the narrative reliefs that show the detailed mythical struggle between Horus and Seth. It’s an ancient graphic novel carved in stone.

Anchoring Under the Stars

After another lovely carriage ride back, we set sail as the afternoon sun began to dip low. The captain took us toward the quiet area around Bassao Island.

This is perhaps the biggest selling point of the Dahabiya experience: instead of tying up at a crowded dock, we found an isolated, peaceful spot to anchor for the night.

After a superb dinner on deck, the light pollution is zero, offering an unforgettable stargazing experience. Lying back, listening only to the gentle lap of the water, felt truly magical. It was the perfect, quiet conclusion to a day filled with ancient wonders and peaceful sailing.

Day 3: Sails, Sandstone, and Twin Gods

We enjoyed a slow start near Bassao Island after breakfast. We will visit the island which offers a perfect idea for Egyptian traditions in country sides. We learned about the local way of life. Fishing, education, and weddings were discussed. It was a fascinating insight into local culture.

Gebel El Silsila: Quarrying History

Your sail continued to Gebel El Silsila, famous for its sandstone quarries. Most ancient temples were built from these stones. This is the land of stones where monuments began. We explored the vast quarry site, swim in the cool Nile River. Or, you could grab a kayak and paddle. It was an unexpected, joyous break. A moment of activity and cooling off in the heart of Egypt.

Kom Ombo: The Double Temple

We resumed our journey after the swim. Lunch was served as we sailed toward Kom Ombo. This famous city sits on the East Bank of the Nile.

We arrived to visit the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple. It is known as the Double Temple. It was built symmetrically for two Gods. The right-side honors Sobek, the Crocodile God while the left side worships Horus, the Falcon God.

The temple reliefs are very well-preserved. Look for the ancient surgical instruments carved on the walls. It stands beautifully on a Nile bend.

Peaceful Night in Herdiab

We returned to the Luxury Dahabiya. The sun began to set. We set sail for El Herdiab Island. We anchored for a very peaceful night onboard.

Dinner was served under the quiet stars and overnight near Herdiab Island on the serene Nile.

Day 4: Camel Market and Philae Temple Majesty

We began with a delightful breakfast on board. The Turquoise Dahabiya provides the most peaceful start to the day.

Our first stop was a profound dive into deeply rooted local traditions at Daraw Island, which is exceptionally famous for its vibrant markets, and the main attraction here is undoubtedly the renowned Camel Market.

This is a truly authentic local experience to watch the lively interactions and bustling trade, which offers a fascinating contrast to the quiet dignity of the ancient temples, and thus provides a genuine, unfiltered look into the daily rhythms of Upper Egyptian life.

Afternoon: The Temple of Isis

The afternoon was dedicated to one of Egypt’s most beautiful sites. We will head out to Agilkia Island. This is the magnificent, new home of the Temple of Isis.

Originally located on the island of Philae, the temple was moved piece-by-piece. This UNESCO World Heritage rescue mission saved it from the rising Nile waters after the High Dam was built.

The Philae Temple is an architectural masterpiece. We explored the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. The setting on the island is stunningly picturesque.

Your guide will explain the myths and rituals associated with this key ancient Egyptian deity.

Evening: Aswan Overnight

Later, a delicious dinner was served onboard the Dahabiya, and as we ate, we thoroughly enjoyed the shimmering, atmospheric views of the Aswan skyline, creating a poignant moment for reflection on our incredible Nile River Cruise.

We settled in for our overnight stay in Aswan, feeling relaxed and content while preparing for the final arrangements and eventual departure on the following day.

Day 5: A Final Morning on the Majestic Nile

The Turquoise Dahabiya Cruise concluded with a final, peaceful breakfast on the Dahabiya in Aswan. After check-out, a private transfer whisked us to the Aswan Airport, train station, or our next hotel. The memories from our Nile River journey will truly last a lifetime!

Meals: breakfast

Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise Facilities

3 suites king bed, 28 m²
6 panoramic room
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

Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Aswan to Luxor 3 Nights 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 Turquoise Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Sailing 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.