We Egypt Tours
Start an enquiry

Elephantine Dahabiya

Step aboard the Elephantine Dahabiya and rediscover the golden era of Nile exploration. This handcrafted vessel, inspired by 18th-century sailing boats, combines traditional Egyptian artistry with refined modern comfort. With only 11 beautifully appointed suites, wide wooden decks, and panoramic windows, the atmosphere on board is serene and exclusive. The Dahabiya glides gracefully with the wind, reaching tranquil islands, quiet villages, and ancient temples inaccessible to larger ships. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, attentive service, and the timeless beauty of the Nile unfolding before them.

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • TypeDahabiya
Elephantine Dahabiya

Overview

Step aboard the Elephantine Dahabiya and rediscover the golden era of Nile exploration. This handcrafted vessel, inspired by 18th-century sailing boats, combines traditional Egyptian artistry with refined modern comfort. With only 11 beautifully appointed suites, wide wooden decks, and panoramic windows, the atmosphere on board is serene and exclusive. The Dahabiya glides gracefully with the wind, reaching tranquil islands, quiet villages, and ancient temples inaccessible to larger ships. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, attentive service, and the timeless beauty of the Nile unfolding before them. Whether sailing from Luxor to Aswan or the reverse, each day reveals a new chapter of Egypt’s history and natural splendor.

Highlights

  • Sails either way, Aswan to Luxor or Luxor to Aswan
  • Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna temples along the route
  • West Bank tour in Luxor on the disembarkation day
  • Philae Temple and a felucca sail on the Aswan day
  • Quiet moorings at El Hegz and Kobaniya between the temples

Itinerary

  1. 1Embarkation in Aswan – Kom Ombo

    At 14:00, board the elegant Elephantine Dahabiya, where the crew welcomes you warmly. After a delicious lunch on board, the sail begins toward Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, visit the remarkable twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, dramatically positioned along the Nile’s edge. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard near Kom Ombo

  2. 2Kom Ombo – Edfu – Esna

    Enjoy breakfast as the Dahabiya sails toward Edfu, passing palm groves and riverside villages. Upon arrival, explore the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient sanctuaries. Continue sailing toward Esna, spending a relaxing afternoon on the sun deck as the Nile drifts by. Dinner is served on board before anchoring near Esna. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard near Esna

  3. 3Esna – Luxor

    After breakfast, the Dahabiya passes through the Esna Lock and continues to Luxor. In the afternoon, visit two of Upper Egypt’s most celebrated monuments: the vast Karnak Temple Complex and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple. Return to the boat for dinner and a peaceful evening on the river. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard in Luxor

  4. 4Disembarkation in Luxor – West Bank Tour

    After breakfast at 08:00, disembark in Luxor and begin a guided tour of the West Bank. Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. This marks the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable Nile journey. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

  5. 1Embarkation in Luxor

    At 14:00, board the refined Elephantine Dahabiya, where the crew assists you with your luggage and welcomes you aboard. After lunch, visit the grand Karnak Temple Complex, followed by the illuminated Luxor Temple along the riverbank. Return to the Dahabiya for dinner and a tranquil evening under the stars. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard in Luxor

  6. 2Luxor – Esna – El Hegz

    After breakfast, explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Around midday, the Dahabiya begins sailing south through the Esna Lock toward the peaceful island of El Hegz. Enjoy the serene scenery of the Nile and the golden fields as evening falls. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard near El Hegz

  7. 3El Hegz – Edfu – Kom Ombo – Kobaniya

    Begin the day with a stroll through the quiet village of El Hegz before sailing to Edfu. A horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples. After lunch, continue to Kom Ombo to visit the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris and the Crocodile Museum. The Dahabiya then sails to the tranquil village of Kobaniya for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard near Kobaniya

  8. 4Aswan – Philae – Felucca Sailing – Spice Market

    After breakfast, visit the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and the impressive Aswan High Dam. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely felucca sail and explore the vibrant Aswan Spice Market, filled with colorful stalls and aromatic scents. The evening concludes with a festive dinner on board featuring Nubian music and dance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard in Aswan

  9. 5Disembarkation in Aswan

    After breakfast at 08:00, bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Aswan. Transfer to the airport or railway station, carrying cherished memories of your luxurious Nile sailing adventure. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

What’s included

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

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 Elephantine 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 Elephantine Dahabiya cost?

It starts at $899 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 on a full-board basis; professional tour guide fluent in english, portuguese, german, or spanish; all sightseeing tours conducted privately, 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 4The Temple of Horus at Edfu — view 5The Temple of Khnum at Esna — view 2Valley of the Kings — view 7The Temple of Isis at Philae standing on its island in the Nile at Aswan

Related trips

Akhnaton DahabiyaThe 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 oncBest Dahabiya Nile CruiseDiscover the timeless charm of the Nile aboard the Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise, designed for travelers who value privacy, elegance, and authenticity. Unlike large cruise ships, this traditional sailing experience offers a quiet and personal atmosphere with limited guests, attentive service, and smooth sailing under canvas sails. Journey between Luxor and Aswan aboard a beautifully handcrafted vessel, stopping at rarely visited sites such as El Kab, Gebel el Silsila, and tranquil Nile islands. Each day combines guided excursions, fine dining, and peaceful moments on deck. This Dahabiya cruise proIris DahabiyaStep aboard the Iris Dahabiya, a handcrafted sailing vessel that blends classic charm with refined comfort. Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess Iris, this elegant dahabiya offers a tranquil and exclusive way to explore the Nile. As the sails catch the soft breeze, you’ll drift past timeless temples, lush riverbanks, and golden desert horizons. With only a limited number of cabins and suites, the Iris Dahabiya ensures a serene and personalized experience, allowing you to witness Egypt’s treasures at a relaxed and meaningful pace. This is not just a cruise—it’s a journey into the heart of tCan this itinerary be customized around our arrival and departure dates?Reusable FAQ for private trip customization.Is a Nile cruise worth it on a first Egypt trip?Reusable FAQ for cruise decision-making.What is the best time to visit Egypt?A reusable planning FAQ for seasonal timing.