4 Days from Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile Cruise | The Nile Dahabiya

4 Days – 3 Nights | Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Set off on a journey from Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile cruise — the traditional Egyptian sailing boat — and experience the magic of ancient Egypt like never before. Thanks to its small size, The Nile Dahabiya can dock at quieter, more intimate spots along the river, offering you a truly authentic experience. Blending classic elegance with modern comfort, this vessel is designed to deliver all the conveniences of today while preserving the charm of its 19th-century heritage.

 

Depart from Aswan every Wednesday.

Day 1

Aswan – Herdiab

Begin your Aswan to Luxor  Dahabiya Nile cruise by boarding The Nile Dahabiya, and enjoy your first lunch on board.

The adventure begins with a visit to the Philae Temple. Since the creation of Lake Nasser by the Aswan Dam, the temple has been relocated to Agilkia Island, about 5 km south of Aswan. Dedicated to the goddess Isis — the universal mother and wife of Osiris — the temple is famed for its beautiful bas-reliefs, columns, and frescoes, making it one of Egypt’s most enchanting sanctuaries.

After the visit, you’ll begin sailing toward Herdiab. Dinner and overnight stay on board at Herdiab.

Day 2

Herdiab – Kom Ombo – Gebel el-Silsila – Edfu

Your day begins with a visit to Kom Ombo, a beautifully situated temple on a high riverbank. Unique in design, the temple is perfectly symmetrical and honors two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.

After the visit, return to the boat for lunch as you sail toward Gebel el-Silsila, where you’ll explore:

  • A speos (rock-cut temple) dedicated to the god Horemheb and seven other deities including local god Sobek.

  • An ancient sandstone quarry used to build several temples in Egypt.

The journey continues to Edfu, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 3

Edfu – El Kab – Esna

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved and largest temples in Egypt. Construction began in 237 BC under Ptolemy III and was completed nearly 200 years later. The temple stands 26 meters tall, 137 meters long, and 79 meters wide. It remained buried in sand until its rediscovery by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette in the 19th century.

The temple’s detailed bas-reliefs and inscriptions offer valuable insight into ancient Egyptian religion, rituals, and festivals — including the annual “Beautiful Reunion” when goddess Hathor would travel from Dendera to join her husband Horus in Edfu.

After the visit, lunch will be served as you sail to El Kab, a city believed to date back to the Neolithic period. It’s surrounded by a mudbrick wall from 747–332 BC. On land, you’ll explore tombs carved into the mountainside, including:

  • Ahmose’s Tomb, which includes a unique inscription describing the conquest of Avaris and the expulsion of the Hyksos.
  • Paheri’s Tomb, dating back to 1570 BC, showing detailed scenes of rural life — farming, fishing, hunting, and a funeral banquet.

Evening sail to Esna. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4

Esna – Luxor

In the early morning, you’ll cruise to Luxor, where you’ll explore the iconic Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

After the visit, you’ll disembark and end  your Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya Nile cruise magical experience.

Included:

  • All transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • 3 nights onboard The Nile Dahabiya.
  • Guided excursions in Luxor and Aswan.
  • Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Expert Egyptologist guide during your Dahabiya Nile cruise.
  • All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Unlimited water, tea, and coffee.
  • Meet-and-greet service upon arrival and departure.
  • Personalized assistance throughout your journey.
  • All service charges and taxes included.

Excluded:

  • International and domestic flights.
  • Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Visa fees.
  • Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and any services not listed in the program.
  • Optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor.
  • Gratuities for guide and dahabiya crew (€50 per person, mandatory, to be paid in cash on-site).

 

The Nile Dahabiya sets sail from Aswan every Wednesdays, taking you on a peaceful and unforgettable journey along the Nile. Enjoy the beauty of Egypt at a slow, relaxing pace while exploring ancient sites and hidden gems along the way.