How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise from Luxor and what does a typical day look like?

A typical Amoura Dahabiya cruise ranges from 3 to 7 days depending on the itinerary you choose. Each day usually combines morning sightseeing from the boat, leisurely sails on the Nile in the afternoon, and evenings on deck; shore visits are timed to avoid the midday heat when possible. Exact daily stops depend on whether you sail south to Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan or remain between Luxor and Esna.

Where and when will you pick me up in Luxor for the dahabiya departure?

We collect guests from hotels and Luxor Airport; pick-up times depend on your sailing’s departure slot. We confirm your exact pick-up time in your e-tickets. Expect a transfer 30–90 minutes before embarkation to allow for luggage handling, check-in and a safety briefing on board.

What is included and what is excluded on the Amoura Dahabiya?

Included: cabin accommodation aboard the dahabiya, meals as stated, crew, basic on-board amenities, and shore excursions listed in your itinerary. Excluded: entrance fees to archaeological sites not specified as included, premium tombs, optional guided tours, soft drinks/alcohol unless stated, and tips. We provide a full inclusions list in the booking confirmation.

Is the Amoura Dahabiya accessible for people with reduced mobility?

The dahabiya has narrow gangways, 2–4 steps to cabins and some low decks; it is not step-free. Boarding and moving around can be difficult for guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. We can advise on suitability case-by-case and may arrange alternative arrangements or cabins on the lower deck where available.

What level of fitness is required for this cruise?

You should be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces, climb 8–12 steps, and embark/disembark via a narrow gangway. Sightseeing includes cobbled temple approaches and stone steps. If you have mobility concerns, tell us before booking so we can assess routes and help plan alternatives.

Can families with children join the Amoura Dahabiya?

Yes, families are welcome, but cabins are compact and not all routes are child-focused. Children must be supervised on deck and during shore visits. Some shore visits include long walks and temple stairs; consider shorter itineraries or private shore excursions if you travel with young children.

What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and during temple visits?

Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long sleeves, comfortable walking shoes with grip, refillable water bottle, and a light fleece for evenings. For temples and mosques wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Pack a small daypack for shore visits and non-slip shoes for boarding the dahabiya.

Are photography and flash allowed during visits from the dahabiya?

Photography is allowed at most temples and Nile scenes, but flash is often prohibited inside tombs and some temple interiors. The local site authorities set rules; our guide will remind you at each stop. Drone use is usually prohibited without prior special permission.

When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on the Amoura Dahabiya from Luxor?

The most comfortable months are October to April when daytime temperatures in Luxor average 20–30°C. May to September can be very hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 40°C. Shoulder seasons (October and April) give warm days and cooler nights; we plan excursions earlier or later in the day to avoid peak heat.

Which archaeological sites does the Amoura Dahabiya visit on a southbound route from Luxor?

On southbound sailings from Luxor, typical stops include the West Bank necropolis at Luxor, Esna Lock, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and, on longer itineraries, Aswan’s quays and Philae. Exact stops depend on the chosen itinerary and navigational conditions; your final route appears on your booking documents.

Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeEsna → Aswan

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise

An intimate 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with panoramic river views, shaded lounge bar, sun deck, and full-board dining.

At a glance

Length: 4 days · 3 nights
Embarks: Mon, Fri
Board: Full Board
Class: 5-star

The short answer

Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a sail-powered Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Guide languages: English · French · German · Italian · Others

02Overview

A first look

Before the heat settles over the Nile, a lateen sail lifts above the river and the shoreline begins to drift past in near silence. From the shaded lounge or sun deck, you can watch fishermen work the banks, step ashore at quiet moorings, and explore places such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab that larger cruisers cannot reach.

Our crew-arranged sailing rhythm leaves room for long lunches, village views, and unhurried visits to the temples along the route. We arrange the cabins, shore excursions, and transfers around your sailing schedule, with our Egyptologists providing context at each site. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your on-the-ground arrangements are coordinated before you board.

Background

The facts

Amoura Dahabiya is a sail-powered Nile vessel used for slow river cruising between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than standard motor cruisers and typically operate with shallow draughts, which allows them to moor closer to riverbank antiquities and less crowded landing points along the Nile. The vessel’s program combines sailing days with shore excursions, and movement on the river depends on wind conditions as well as navigation requirements.

The Luxor–Aswan cruise corridor covers some of Upper Egypt’s best-known monuments. In Luxor, common excursion points include Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the east bank, while the west bank includes the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground used mainly during the New Kingdom from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Between the two cities, dahabiya itineraries may also include Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus, and Kom Ombo, where the double temple is dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.

Further south, Philae Island is associated with the cult of Isis and the relocated temple complex preserved after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The cruising distance between Luxor and Aswan is roughly 200 km by river, though exact sailing patterns vary by water level, wind, and the sequence of shore calls. Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan make the vessel suitable for travelers who prefer a slower pace and longer time ashore.

On board, the vessel is arranged for Full Board dining from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Public areas commonly include a sun deck, shaded lounge bar, and cabins with either panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, depending on cabin category.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This vessel suits travelers who prefer a quieter Nile experience, especially couples, solo travelers, and small private groups. It is also a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable with a slower pace, river-view relaxation, and longer time devoted to temple visits.

What lingers

01Intimate sail-powered dahabiya, ideal for quieter Nile sailing days
02Full Board dining, including lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
03Sun deck and shaded lounge bar with panoramic river views
04Shallow-draft calls to sites larger motor cruisers cannot reach, such as riverbank antiquities
05Excursion program includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
06Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan

The route

Esna and Aswan

EsnaThe temple & the river lockEmbark
AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

Choose your direction

→Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
→Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current

The route

Where this ship sails

The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.

Esna to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide

At sea

Detailed itinerary

Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.

Cabin pricing

Pricing & seasonal rates

Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.

5 Days / 4 Nights · Esna to Aswan

Cabin	Low	High	Peak
Single Cabin	$2,061	$2,139	$2,217
Double Cabin	$956	$995	$1,034

4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna

Cabin	Low	High	Peak
Single Cabin	$1,644	$1,702	$1,761
Double Cabin	$815	$844	$874

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.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Accommodation onboard Amoura Dahabiya
All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Private Egyptologist guide
All tours as mentioned in itinerary
Entrance fees to included historical sites
Transfers to/from the Dahabiya
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and bottled water
Service charges and taxes

Not included

Personal expenses
Tips for crew and guide
Optional activities not listed
Alcoholic beverages
Domestic or international flights
Travel insurance

Accessibility

Who can join this

This dahabiya voyage involves uneven riverbank terrain, stone steps, and soft sand at some landing sites such as El Kab and Gebel Silsila. Boarding and disembarkation are by gangway with 4 to 8 steps on most calls; some smaller landings require a short climb up a riverbank slope. The vessel has narrow corridors and cabin doorways typical of traditional Nile boats, and cabins are not wheelchair-accessible. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can assess each shore excursion and arrange alternatives where possible. Mobility aids that fold for transfer in private vehicles are recommended.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

Valid passport and photocopy
Comfortable walking shoes with grip
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
Lightweight rainproof or windproof jacket for evenings
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack for excursions
Any personal medication plus prescriptions

What to wear

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime
Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
A warmer layer for early mornings and evenings
Non-slip closed shoes for onshore landings
A wide-brim hat for sun protection

Children & families

Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult rate; anyone 12 years or older pays 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 on the vessel for in-harbor movement but are not suitable for many shore landings, where terrain is uneven. Please tell us ages at enquiry so we can advise on cabin configuration and excursion suitability.

Location

On the map

Cairo lies north; your cruise is the gold stretch in the south. The Nile flows north, so sailing upstream means heading south.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The Amoura dahabiya route uses traditional sail propulsion on open water sections, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers and lowering fuel consumption on those legs. Onshore transfers are provided in modern air-conditioned minibuses that meet Euro 3 or better emissions norms, and local licensed Egyptologists are hired per excursion, directly paying daily wages to accredited guides from Luxor and Aswan. Crew and suppliers are paid according to local wage practices, and perishable catering supplies are sourced from markets in Luxor and Aswan to support small vendors. We avoid single-use plastics where practical, supplying filtered drinking water on board and asking guests to use refillable bottles.

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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01How long is the Amoura Dahabiya cruise from Luxor and what does a typical day look like?
A typical Amoura Dahabiya cruise ranges from 3 to 7 days depending on the itinerary you choose. Each day usually combines morning sightseeing from the boat, leisurely sails on the Nile in the afternoon, and evenings on deck; shore visits are timed to avoid the midday heat when possible. Exact daily stops depend on whether you sail south to Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan or remain between Luxor and Esna.
02Where and when will you pick me up in Luxor for the dahabiya departure?
We collect guests from hotels and Luxor Airport; pick-up times depend on your sailing’s departure slot. We confirm your exact pick-up time in your e-tickets. Expect a transfer 30–90 minutes before embarkation to allow for luggage handling, check-in and a safety briefing on board.
03What is included and what is excluded on the Amoura Dahabiya?
Included: cabin accommodation aboard the dahabiya, meals as stated, crew, basic on-board amenities, and shore excursions listed in your itinerary. Excluded: entrance fees to archaeological sites not specified as included, premium tombs, optional guided tours, soft drinks/alcohol unless stated, and tips. We provide a full inclusions list in the booking confirmation.
04Is the Amoura Dahabiya accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The dahabiya has narrow gangways, 2–4 steps to cabins and some low decks; it is not step-free. Boarding and moving around can be difficult for guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. We can advise on suitability case-by-case and may arrange alternative arrangements or cabins on the lower deck where available.
05What level of fitness is required for this cruise?
You should be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces, climb 8–12 steps, and embark/disembark via a narrow gangway. Sightseeing includes cobbled temple approaches and stone steps. If you have mobility concerns, tell us before booking so we can assess routes and help plan alternatives.
06Can families with children join the Amoura Dahabiya?
Yes, families are welcome, but cabins are compact and not all routes are child-focused. Children must be supervised on deck and during shore visits. Some shore visits include long walks and temple stairs; consider shorter itineraries or private shore excursions if you travel with young children.
07What should I bring and wear on the dahabiya and during temple visits?
Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long sleeves, comfortable walking shoes with grip, refillable water bottle, and a light fleece for evenings. For temples and mosques wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Pack a small daypack for shore visits and non-slip shoes for boarding the dahabiya.
08Are photography and flash allowed during visits from the dahabiya?
Photography is allowed at most temples and Nile scenes, but flash is often prohibited inside tombs and some temple interiors. The local site authorities set rules; our guide will remind you at each stop. Drone use is usually prohibited without prior special permission.
09When is the best time of year to sail the Nile on the Amoura Dahabiya from Luxor?
The most comfortable months are October to April when daytime temperatures in Luxor average 20–30°C. May to September can be very hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 40°C. Shoulder seasons (October and April) give warm days and cooler nights; we plan excursions earlier or later in the day to avoid peak heat.
10Which archaeological sites does the Amoura Dahabiya visit on a southbound route from Luxor?
On southbound sailings from Luxor, typical stops include the West Bank necropolis at Luxor, Esna Lock, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and, on longer itineraries, Aswan’s quays and Philae. Exact stops depend on the chosen itinerary and navigational conditions; your final route appears on your booking documents.

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-709784

Luxor

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Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Akhnaton Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya. We provide an Egyptologist for guided shore visits. We arrange embarkation, crew, daily breakfasts and scheduled transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise (premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded). We don't run group bus tours – the dahabiya keeps travel slow, with fewer transfers and more daylight at temples than typical four-night Nile cruises. Expect early starts for sunrise visits, limited shade on deck at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone during shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all local logistics.

From $1,138

Luxor

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Azhar Dahabiya Nile Cruise

You board at Luxor Nile pier and the crew lifts your luggage aboard while your Egyptologist meets the group and outlines the week. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya – intimate sailing scale, not an ocean liner – and she moves under sail when the wind favors us, otherwise the engine takes us south. Days alternate temple excursions and relaxed river time: morning visits to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, the Esna lock as we pass, a deliberate overnight at Edfu so you have two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank, and the Philae temple by motorboat in Aswan. Cabins measure 12–16 m² with large windows, private en suite bathrooms and daily cabin service; expect a few companionable steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than elevators. Meals are cooked on board from local produce – breakfast, lunch, dinner included – and the crew serves tea on the aft deck while the river village life slides by. As your Egyptologist I point out relief details at each temple, time inscriptions for photography, and explain why we choose certain moorings (quiet riverbank near a village, or the shelter of the Esna lock). Be aware: Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but signal is patchy; cabins are compact and the schedule asks for early starts on some days. This is slow Nile travel for travelers who prefer detail, calm decks, and temple time without crowds.

From $3,185

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Hadeel Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Hadeel Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails and under a dozen cabins, ideal for slow-paced Nile passages. We hand-picked this dahabiya for travelers who prefer personalised service, chef-prepared meals and access to shallower reaches larger motor cruisers cannot visit. The vessel's shore excursion program includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with stops at Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.