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Akhnaton Dahabiya

The Akhnaton Dahabiya presents an exceptional Nile sailing experience that unites the charm of traditional Egyptian craftsmanship with the ease of contemporary luxury. Built with fine wood and decorated using locally made fabrics, linens, and Egyptian cotton, this elegant vessel reflects the spirit of Egypt’s cultural heritage. Cruising peacefully between Esna and Aswan, the Akhnaton Dahabiya offers travelers a tranquil passage through the Nile Valley, gliding past timeless temples, lush riverbanks, and quiet villages. This intimate journey allows guests to rediscover the Nile as explorers onc

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • TypeDahabiya
Akhnaton Dahabiya

Overview

The Akhnaton Dahabiya presents an exceptional Nile sailing experience that unites the charm of traditional Egyptian craftsmanship with the ease of contemporary luxury. Built with fine wood and decorated using locally made fabrics, linens, and Egyptian cotton, this elegant vessel reflects the spirit of Egypt’s cultural heritage. Cruising peacefully between Esna and Aswan, the Akhnaton Dahabiya offers travelers a tranquil passage through the Nile Valley, gliding past timeless temples, lush riverbanks, and quiet villages. This intimate journey allows guests to rediscover the Nile as explorers once did, surrounded by comfort, authenticity, and the gentle rhythm of the river.

Highlights

  • A dahabiya route calling at Gebel el-Silsila and El-Kab
  • Island moorings at El-Fawaz, Ramadi and El Herdiab
  • Kom Ombo and Edfu temples on both directions of the route
  • Sails Aswan to Esna, or Esna back to Aswan
  • Daraw and Maniha included on the Aswan-bound leg

Itinerary

  1. 1Aswan - Kom Ombo - Gebel el‑Silsila

    Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be greeted and escorted to board the Akhnaton Dahabiya. After enjoying lunch on deck, the cruise begins its gentle journey toward Kom Ombo. Here, you’ll explore the remarkable twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, a fine example of Greco-Roman architecture. As the afternoon unfolds, the dahabiya continues sailing to Gebel el‑Silsila, once a major sandstone quarry adorned with rock-cut shrines and reliefs of pharaohs such as Horemheb, Seti I, and Ramesses II. Dinner is served on board, and the night is spent moored nearby. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Gebel el‑Silsila

  2. 2Edfu - El‑Fawaz Island

    After breakfast, the dahabiya sails toward Edfu, home to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved sanctuaries. Explore its grand halls and courtyards before returning to the boat for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck as the scenery of the Nile drifts by. By sunset, the vessel anchors at El‑Fawaz Island, where dinner is served under the stars, creating a magical evening atmosphere. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board at El‑Fawaz Island

  3. 3El‑Kab - Esna

    Enjoy breakfast as the dahabiya glides toward El‑Kab, an ancient site known for its rock-cut tombs and historical significance. After exploring, return to the boat for lunch and continue sailing toward Esna. The journey passes through peaceful villages and fertile farmlands, offering glimpses of authentic rural life along the Nile. Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay in Esna. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board in Esna

  4. 4Disembark in Esna → Transfer to Luxor

    After breakfast, disembark in Esna. You will then be transferred to Luxor, concluding your serene Nile adventure with lasting memories of Egypt’s timeless beauty. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

  5. 1Embark in Esna - El‑Kab

    Begin your journey with a transfer from Luxor to Esna, where you will board the Akhnaton Dahabiya. Enjoy lunch as the boat sets sail toward El‑Kab, a site rich in ancient tombs and temples. Relax on deck, taking in the tranquil river views. Dinner is served on board, and the night is spent anchored near El‑Kab. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near El‑Kab

  6. 2Edfu - Ramadi Island

    After breakfast, visit the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god. Following your exploration, return to the dahabiya for lunch as it sails onward. In the afternoon, the boat anchors at Ramadi Island, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening and dinner under lantern light. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board at Ramadi Island

  7. 3Gebel el‑Silsila - Maniha

    Start the day with breakfast on deck before arriving at Gebel el‑Silsila. Explore the ancient quarries and rock-cut shrines dedicated to pharaohs such as Seti I, Ramesses II, and Horemheb. After lunch, continue sailing to the quiet area of Maniha, a perfect place to unwind. Dinner and overnight stay on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board at Maniha

  8. 4Kom Ombo - Daraw - El Herdiab Island

    After breakfast, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Continue to Daraw, once a bustling camel market town. By evening, the dahabiya anchors near El Herdiab Island in Aswan. Enjoy dinner on board, with an optional Nubian folklore performance to end the day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near El Herdiab Island

  9. 5Disembark in Aswan

    Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking in Aswan. You will be transferred to your chosen location in the city, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile cruise. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

What’s included

  • Meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board the Akhnaton Dahabiya on a full-board basis
  • Professional tour guide fluent in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish
  • All sightseeing tours conducted privately with a guide
  • Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water provided during excursions
  • All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • All applicable service charges and taxes

Not included

  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping

How booking works

  1. Send your dates

    Use the enquiry form with your travel dates and how many people are coming. Nothing is charged and nothing is held at this point.

  2. We reply with a plan

    You get a written itinerary and a full price back — what is included, what is not, and what the alternatives are if a date or a hotel does not work.

  3. You change what you want

    Go back and forth as many times as you need. The itinerary is not fixed until you say it is.

  4. Confirm and travel

    Once the plan is right, we confirm the bookings and send you the final documents with your guide and driver details.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Akhnaton Dahabiya?

4 days and 3 nights in total, counted from your arrival day to your departure day.

Is there a day-by-day itinerary?

Yes — 9 days are written out above, with what you see and where you sleep on each one. Every day can be changed before you book.

How much does Akhnaton Dahabiya cost?

It starts at $949 per person. The final price depends on your dates, your group size and the hotel level you choose, so we quote it for your specific trip rather than selling a fixed package.

What is included in the price?

8 things are included, listed in full above. In short: meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station; accommodation on board the akhnaton dahabiya on a full-board basis; professional tour guide fluent in english, portuguese, german, or spanish; all sightseeing tours conducted privately with a guide, and more.

What is not included?

The exclusions are listed above in full. The main ones are optional excursions; personal expenses; tipping. Ask us before you book if you want any of them added — most of them can be.

Can this trip be changed?

Yes. Nothing on this page is fixed. Days can be added or dropped, sites swapped, hotels moved up or down, and the whole route rebuilt around what you actually want to see.

What to pack

Clothing

  • Loose cotton or linen — it is hot in the sun and cold on the water after dark
  • A light long-sleeved layer for evenings and for sun cover at open sites
  • Shoulders and knees covered for mosques and churches; a scarf for women at mosques
  • One warm layer between November and February — desert nights drop sharply

Feet

  • Closed walking shoes you have already broken in — temple ground is uneven stone and sand
  • Sandals or slip-ons for the boat and the hotel

Sun and heat

  • A wide-brimmed hat — there is almost no shade at Giza, Karnak or Abu Simbel
  • High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses
  • A refillable water bottle

For the Nile boat

  • Swimwear — most cruise boats have a sun deck pool
  • A light windproof layer for the top deck while sailing
  • Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive, though the river is calm

Practical

  • A universal adapter — Egypt uses European two-pin type C and F sockets at 220V
  • Any medication you take, in its original packaging
  • Small notes in local currency for tips and small purchases
  • A power bank — you will be off a socket for most of each day

Gallery

The Temple of Kom Ombo — view 2The Temple of Horus at Edfu — view 3The Temple of Khnum at Esna — view 3Felucca Sailing on the Nile — view 5The Nile River — view 6

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