Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise

The short answer

Iris Luxury Dahabiya is a sail-powered dahabiya Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Luxury

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists accompany temple visits throughout the cruise.
• 02Seven days sailing between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo; time for shore excursions.
• 03Moor overnight at quieter Nile quays; early-morning access to Luxor West Bank tombs before coach crowds arrive.
• 04Dining on board uses local produce and freshwater from Aswan; kitchen accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
• 05Smaller vessel size compared with larger Nile steamers allows dockings near village piers and more flexible excursion timing.
• 06Optional transfers connect to Abu Simbel flights or Aswan airport; ask us about timing and added costs.

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

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Accessibility

Who can join this

This dahabiya cruise requires moderate mobility. Boarding and disembarkation use a gangway that may be steep and moves with the river, and cabins are typically reached by 2–4 steps from the main deck. Shore visits often involve uneven ancient stone, narrow tomb passages, stairs (for example in the Valley of the Kings and at some temples), and soft sand at riverside quays such as Gebel Silsila. Wheelchair users should note that standard wheelchairs cannot be taken onto most tombs or through narrow temple corridors; collapsible travel chairs can be carried but require a companion to assist. Transfers between pier and site are by small launch or coach with steps. If you require assistance, we arrange a meet-and-assist on arrival at Luxor International Airport and can plan lower-impact alternatives where possible, but we cannot guarantee full accessibility at every archaeological site.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The dahabiya uses sail power as its principal means of propulsion, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers. Onboard systems typically include a small generator for essential services; we request that guests minimize energy use for charging and air-conditioning. Food is prepared by an onboard chef using produce sourced from nearby Luxor and Aswan markets when available; this supports local farmers and reduces transport miles. Crew are recruited locally and paid according to local labour practice; bookings channel revenue to local suppliers for provisioning, launch transfers, and site guides. We provide filtered water stations to reduce single-use plastic bottles where practical, and encourage guests to bring refillable bottles. While sailing to shallow sites such as Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala allows visits the larger cruisers cannot reach, we brief guests on heritage protection measures, and ask that no climbing or removal of archaeological material takes place.

• 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

1. 01How long is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya cruise and what route does it follow?

   The typical cruise is five nights, sailing between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) with daytime stops. We stop at named sites such as Luxor West Bank, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Walking times at each site vary from 45 minutes to three hours depending on which temples and tombs you choose to visit.
2. 02What time and where is pickup on embarkation day?

   Embarkation pickup is usually mid-morning from your Luxor or Aswan hotel; exact time depends on the itinerary. We confirm a precise pickup time and meeting point in your final documents. If you are arriving by air or train, we coordinate to allow for check-in and transfers; earlier or later pickups can be arranged for an extra charge.
3. 03Which services and items are included in the cruise price?

   Standard inclusions are onboard accommodation, meals on the dahabiya, local English-speaking guide for scheduled excursions, and tender transfers to shore. Named entrance fees for scheduled temple visits are usually included unless stated otherwise in your booking. We confirm the exact inclusions on your booking confirmation; optional extras such as private guides, premium tombs, or hot-air balloon rides are charged separately.
4. 04What important items or clothing should I bring for the dahabiya cruise?

   Bring sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen), light long-sleeve shirts, comfortable walking shoes with grip, and a small daypack. Also pack a light waterproof layer for occasional river breezes, modest clothing for temples and mosques (shoulders and knees covered), personal medications, power adapters, and any preferred toiletries—the dahabiya cabins have limited storage space.
5. 05Are entrance fees, tomb extras, and gratuities included or extra?

   Entrance fees for standard temple visits are usually included unless your confirmation states otherwise; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and pyramid interiors are extra. Gratuities for guides and crew are not included by default; we can pre-arrange a gratuity guideline or handle pooled tips onboard if you prefer. We list exclusions clearly on your invoice.
6. 06Is the Iris Luxury Dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?

   The dahabiya and river landings involve steps, narrow gangplanks and some uneven surfaces; full wheelchair access is not available. Guests with reduced mobility can still join if they can manage several flights of stairs and 10–20 meters on uneven ground. Tell us at booking so we assign lower-deck cabins and plan gentler shore visits where possible.
7. 07Can children travel on the dahabiya and are there family cabins?

   Children are welcome but cabins are compact; family cabins are limited. We recommend families with young children discuss sleeping arrangements and safety on board at booking. Supervision is required during shore landings and on deck; lifejackets are provided for children during boat transfers. Some walking at sites is uneven and not stroller-friendly.
8. 08Are there photography restrictions at the sites visited from the dahabiya?

   Photography is permitted at most temples, but rules vary: flash is often banned inside tombs and some museum rooms. Tripods and professional equipment may require prior permission at certain sites (for example, the Egyptian Museum rooms). Your guide will advise on-site and arrange special permits if you request professional photography in advance.
9. 09When is the best time of year to sail on the Nile by dahabiya?

   The preferred season is October to April when daytime temperatures are typically 20–30°C and evenings cooler. May–September are much hotter, often exceeding 35°C. River breezes can make evenings pleasant; if you travel in summer, plan early-morning excursions, extra sun protection, and be prepared for higher temperatures on shared shore walks.
10. 10Which specific temples or sites will we visit from the dahabiya and how long are the visits?

    Typical stops include Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut), Edfu Temple (two to three hours), Kom Ombo (one hour), and Philae/Aswan (two to three hours). Exact visit durations depend on your interests and pacing. If you want to prioritise a specific tomb (Tutankhamun) or a sunrise visit to Abu Simbel, tell us at booking so we can adjust the schedule or recommend an overnight extension.

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