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Queen Nefer Dahabiya

Step aboard the graceful Queen Nefer Dahabiya, a beautifully crafted sailing vessel that captures the essence of slow, luxurious travel along the Nile. This intimate cruise offers a peaceful alternative to large ships, allowing guests to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders at a relaxed pace. With only a handful of spacious cabins, generous deck areas, and a dedicated crew, the experience combines comfort, privacy, and exceptional service. Whether admiring the timeless riverbanks, dining under the stars, or visiting secluded temples accessible only to smaller boats, the Queen Nefer Dahabiya promise

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • TypeDahabiya
Queen Nefer Dahabiya

Overview

Step aboard the graceful Queen Nefer Dahabiya, a beautifully crafted sailing vessel that captures the essence of slow, luxurious travel along the Nile. This intimate cruise offers a peaceful alternative to large ships, allowing guests to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders at a relaxed pace. With only a handful of spacious cabins, generous deck areas, and a dedicated crew, the experience combines comfort, privacy, and exceptional service. Whether admiring the timeless riverbanks, dining under the stars, or visiting secluded temples accessible only to smaller boats, the Queen Nefer Dahabiya promises a journey filled with culture, tranquility, and authentic Nile charm.

Highlights

  • Small dahabiya sailing the stretch between Aswan and Esna
  • Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin sanctuaries of Kom Ombo
  • Quarries at Gebel El Silsila and the rock tombs of El Kab
  • Island moorings including El Fawaz, Quessia and El Koubania
  • Campfire evening at Maniha and a stop at Daraw

Itinerary

  1. 1Welcome Aboard in Aswan – Kom Ombo – Gebel El Silsila

    Your adventure begins with a morning pickup at 9:00 AM from your chosen location in Aswan. After a warm greeting from the crew, board the elegant Queen Nefer Dahabiya and begin sailing toward a quiet island, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside. Lunch is served on the sundeck before visiting the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. Admire its twin sanctuaries and scenic views over the Nile. Continue sailing to Gebel El Silsila, the ancient sandstone quarries that once supplied stone for Egypt’s grand temples. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Gebel El Silsila

  2. 2Gebel El Silsila – Temple of Horus at Edfu – El Fawaz Island

    After breakfast, explore the rock-cut shrines and temple remains at Gebel El Silsila, including monuments built by Seti I and Ramesses II. As the dahabiya sails north, enjoy the tranquil scenes of daily life along the riverbanks. Arrive in Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, adorned with sacred inscriptions. Later, sail to El Fawaz Island, where dinner is served around a campfire beneath the starlit sky. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near El Fawaz Island

  3. 3El Kab – Sail to Esna

    Begin the day with a leisurely sail to El Kab, the ancient city of Nekheb, once the capital of Upper Egypt. Explore its rock-cut tombs and temple ruins nestled in the cliffs. Return to the dahabiya and continue sailing toward Esna, passing palm groves and quiet riverside villages. Enjoy your final evening on board with a relaxing dinner and the warm hospitality of the crew. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Esna

  4. 4Disembarkation in Esna – Transfer to Luxor

    Enjoy your last breakfast on board as the cruise concludes in Esna. A private transfer will take you to your chosen destination in Luxor, about an hour’s drive away. Depart with cherished memories of your serene and luxurious journey along the Nile. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

  5. 1Arrival in Esna – Visit El Kab – Sail to Quessia

    Your journey begins with a morning pickup at 9:00 AM from any address in Luxor. Travel south to Esna, approximately 50 km away, to board the Queen Nefer Dahabiya and meet the friendly crew. Start with a guided visit to the Temple of Khnum, located below modern street level, followed by a stroll through Esna’s colorful markets. As you sail, stop at El Kab to explore ancient temples and cliffside tombs. Anchor near Quessia Island for dinner on the sundeck or by the riverbank under the stars. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Quessia

  6. 2Explore Edfu – Sail to Wadi El Shat

    After breakfast, sail toward Edfu, passing through scenic stretches of the Nile lined with palm groves and desert landscapes. Visit the grand Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s most complete temples, reached by horse-drawn carriage through the lively town. Continue sailing to Wadi El Shat, where you can walk through peaceful villages and enjoy the surrounding desert views. Dinner is served either on board or by the riverside. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Wadi El Shat

  7. 3Gebel El Silsila – Kom Ombo – Campfire at Maniha

    Begin the day sailing to Gebel El Silsila, where you’ll visit ancient sandstone quarries and rock-cut chapels built by Seti I, Ramesses II, and Horemheb. Enjoy lunch on deck as you continue to Kom Ombo to explore the twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. In the evening, anchor at Maniha and gather around a campfire for a memorable dinner by the riverbank. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near Maniha

  8. 4Visit Daraw – Sail to El Koubania, Aswan

    In the morning, sail to Daraw, once a major stop for camel caravans arriving from Sudan. Visit the lively camel market and stroll through the village to experience local life. Continue sailing to El Koubania, a Nubian village near Aswan known for its lush gardens. Relax on board as the desert landscape draws closer. Enjoy your final dinner on board surrounded by the calm of the Nile. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: On board near El Koubania

  9. 5Disembarkation in Aswan

    After breakfast, your cruise concludes in Aswan. A private transfer will take you to your chosen location in the city. Leave with lasting memories of your intimate and elegant Nile journey aboard the Queen Nefer Dahabiya. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: —

What’s included

  • Meet and assist upon arrival at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board the Queen Nefer 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 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 Queen Nefer 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 Queen Nefer Dahabiya cost?

It starts at $799 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 queen nefer 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 5The Temple of Horus at Edfu — view 6The Temple of Khnum at Esna — view 3The Nile River — view 8Felucca Sailing on the Nile — view 2

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