Albatros Dahabiya
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails, chef-prepared full-board dining, and access to quieter Nile shore sites.
At a glance
- Embarks
- Mon
- Board
- Full Board
- New
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the lateen sail fills above the Nile while the riverbank wakes to bird calls, palm shadows, and the soft creak of ropes. From the deck of Albatros Dahabiya, you watch villages, fields, and sandstone cliffs pass at river level, then step ashore where larger boats cannot reach. The pace leaves room for quiet conversations with the captain, chef-prepared meals, and unhurried visits with our Egyptologists.
We select and arrange the vessel, shore visits, meals, transfers, and local expertise before you travel. Your Egyptologist keeps each stop clear and engaging, while our team remains available on the ground throughout your sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
The route
Luxor and ASWAN
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in ASWAN.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
Per Person Pricing
| Cabin | May–September | October–April |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 2-4 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 5-8 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 9-16 Pax (per person) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board the Albatros Dahabiya
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided tours with licensed Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to included sites
- Tea, coffee, and mineral water
- Private transfers to/from Luxor or Aswan
- Sailing permits and local taxes
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Crew and guide tipping
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not listed
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile dahabiya itinerary involves uneven surfaces, stone steps, narrow gangways and soft sand at some landing sites. Boarding the vessel requires stepping up from a low quay or small launch, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility. Shore visits include unpaved archaeological paths, temple stairs without handrails, and short hikes on rocky terrain; some sites have steep steps, for example at Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchair users should note that few dahabiyas have wheelchair ramps or accessible cabins, and shore transfers often involve vehicles with steps. We can arrange additional assistance on request, including a meet-and-assist at the airport and crew help with luggage, but we cannot guarantee full step-free access at all sites. Please tell us about mobility needs at booking so we can discuss practical options and likely limitations.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and visa documentation
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight rain jacket or wind layer
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle (refillable from the vessel)
- Any required prescription medication in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warm jumper or fleece for cooler mornings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites and stairs
- A scarf or wrap for sun and dust protection
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical for hotel and airport transfers, but not usable during many shore visits or when boarding small tenders; high chairs are not guaranteed on board, please request these at time of booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This dahabiya cruise primarily uses sail power where wind permits, with the captain using the lateen sail to reduce engine hours while navigating the Nile. When the sail cannot be used, a low-emission inboard diesel engine provides propulsion; these are modernized on many vessels to meet local emissions norms. Shore transfers are by air-conditioned minivan or shuttle, typically Toyota Hiace or similar, shared only within private party bookings. We work with local suppliers: licensed Egyptologists from Luxor and Aswan, family-run quarries and community guides at smaller sites such as Hagar Silsala, and small craft owners who provide tendering and on-river services. Passenger waste is managed on board with separate collection for recyclables where facilities exist at the river ports. Crew are paid by the vessel owner; when you pay local entrance fees or tips these go directly to site staff and guides. We avoid large coach movements as standard practice, preferring intimate transfers and visits that support small local businesses rather than mass tourism.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-NIL-451951
You Might Also Like
Luxor6 Nights
Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From $2,405
NileAbydos Dahabiya
This five-day dahabiya cruise sails from Luxor to Aswan, calling at El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, and Kom Ombo. You board in Esna after a private transfer from Luxor, and the Abydos Dahabiya moves slowly, allowing longer shore visits than larger overnight cruise ships. Our Egyptologists lead each guided visit, reading inscriptions and explaining quarry techniques at Gebel El Silsila. Cabins open onto river views, and meals feature fresh Egyptian and international dishes prepared onboard. Evenings include shore dinners and quiet moorings near riverside villages, preserving a relaxed pace. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists, and on-the-ground logistics for every booking.
Nile5 Nights
Adelaide Dahabiya Nile Cruise
This is a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We sail at a reduced-engine pace and moor at village landings rather than large cruise piers. Unlike larger motorized riverliners, the dahabiya prioritizes quiet transit and closer village access, which changes timing and walk-off logistics compared with standard Nile cruises. We arrange Egyptologist-guided shore visits and all ground transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Trade-offs: smaller cabins, fewer public spaces, and occasional schedule variation when wind conditions affect progress – we plan itineraries to manage those variables.
From $2,539