Iris Dahabiya
Step 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 t
Overview
Step 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 the Nile’s enduring spirit.
Highlights
- Philae Temple on the Aswan day
- Kom Ombo and Edfu temples on the sailing days
- Both banks of Luxor across two separate days
- Unhurried sailing days written into the itinerary
- Runs Aswan to Luxor, or Luxor to Aswan
Itinerary
1Arrival in Aswan & Visit to Philae Temple
Upon reaching Aswan, you’ll be greeted by a representative who will escort you to the graceful Iris Dahabiya. Enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into your cabin and take in the peaceful rhythm of the Nile. Your first exploration begins with the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully situated on an island. Admire its intricate carvings and learn about its relocation to save it from the rising waters. Return to the dahabiya for lunch, then relax as the boat sails quietly along the river. Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay anchored on the Nile. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya2Kom Ombo Temple & Leisurely Sailing
Wake to the gentle light of dawn and enjoy breakfast on deck. The dahabiya stops at Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Visit the Crocodile Mummies Museum to see relics of ancient worship. Continue sailing toward Edfu, spending the day relaxing on deck, watching village life unfold along the riverbanks, and savoring tea time as the scenery drifts by. Lunch and dinner are served on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya3Edfu Temple & Luxor East Bank
After breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage through Edfu to visit the grand Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. Its towering pylons and detailed reliefs reveal the myths of ancient Egypt. The dahabiya then sails toward Luxor. After lunch, begin your East Bank tour with the vast Karnak Temple Complex, famous for its colossal columns and sacred lake. Continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night and connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and overnight in Luxor. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya in Luxor4Luxor West Bank & Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark and begin your exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were entombed in richly decorated chambers, including that of Tutankhamun. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning structure carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. End your tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once guarded a grand mortuary temple. Afterward, transfer to Luxor Airport, marking the end of your memorable Nile journey. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —1Embarkation and Luxor East Bank Tour
Board the Iris Dahabiya in Luxor and settle into your elegant cabin with panoramic views of the Nile. After lunch prepared by the onboard chef, begin your exploration of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex of sanctuaries and halls, followed by the nearby Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes. Return to the dahabiya for dinner and overnight in Luxor. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya in Luxor2Luxor West Bank – Sail to Edfu
After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture, and stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the dahabiya for lunch as it sails through the Esna Lock toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya3Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the most complete temples in Egypt. Return to the dahabiya for lunch as you sail toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, explore the twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and visit the Crocodile Museum to see fascinating relics. Continue sailing toward Aswan while enjoying dinner on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya4Discovering Aswan – Nubian Charm
After breakfast, begin your Aswan sightseeing with a visit to the impressive High Dam, followed by the enchanting Temple of Philae, one of Egypt’s most beautiful monuments. Return to the dahabiya for your final dinner on board, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Onboard the Dahabiya in Aswan5Arrival in Aswan – Disembarkation
Enjoy breakfast before disembarking in Aswan. Optional excursions, such as a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples, can be arranged upon request. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Nile sailing experience. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —
What’s included
- Meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station
- Accommodation on board the Iris Dahabiya on a full-board basis
- Professional tour guide fluent in English, Portuguese, German, or Spanish
- All sightseeing tours conducted as private guided excursions
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled water provided during excursions
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- All service charges and applicable taxes
Not included
- Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
How booking works
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.
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.
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.
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 Iris 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 Iris Dahabiya cost?
It starts at $1,099 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 iris dahabiya on a full-board basis; professional tour guide fluent in english, portuguese, german, or spanish; all sightseeing tours conducted as private guided excursions, and more.
What is not included?
The exclusions are listed above in full. The main ones are optional excursions not listed in the itinerary; 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
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