Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with Nile-view cabins, shaded sailing areas, full-board dining, and a slower pace between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Minya Dahabiya is a luxury Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the dahabiya, and the lateen sail softens the sounds of the riverbank. From the shaded deck, you can watch fishermen cast their nets, read in the lounge, or step ashore where larger motor cruisers usually continue downstream.
Our Egyptologists connect the quiet sailing with time among temples, village paths, and river landscapes, while the chef-prepared full board meals keep the day unhurried. Unlike a large motor cruiser, Minya Dahabiya Nile Cruise offers a smaller setting and a gentler pace on the water. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects the vessel and arranges your transfers, shore visits, and on-the-ground support before you sail.
Background
The facts
Minya Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for travel between Luxor and Aswan. Dahabiyas are smaller than large motor cruisers and typically have fewer cabins, a quieter onboard atmosphere, and access to riverbanks and mooring points that larger vessels cannot always use. The vessel’s public areas include a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar, and a dining room, with accommodation provided in cabins that may feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on class.
The cruise program links Upper Egypt’s most visited monuments on the Nile corridor. In Luxor, the principal sites are Karnak Temple Complex, begun in the Middle Kingdom and expanded over many centuries, and Luxor Temple on the east bank. West Bank sightseeing typically includes the Valley of the Kings, where royal tombs from the New Kingdom were cut into the Theban cliffs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62).
Southbound and northbound sailings also include Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae as part of the vessel’s shore-excursion program. Edfu is known for the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt; Kom Ombo is a rare double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus; and Philae on Agilkia Island preserves the temple of Isis after the relocation campaign that followed the Aswan High Dam project. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a slower Nile itinerary with a more intimate onboard setting than a large motor cruiser. It is a good fit for adults, couples, and history-focused travelers who are comfortable with several days of monument visits and time on the river. Moderate mobility is helpful because shore excursions may involve steps, uneven ground, and boarding from the riverbank.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day dahabiya cruise between Minya sites – Beni Hasan, Deir al-Bersha, Tuna el-Gebel, Ashmunein.
- 02Small, traditional dahabiya – we anchor overnight at village quays to avoid day-boat crowds.
- 03Onboard Egyptologist leads archaeological walks: Beni Hasan tomb inscriptions and Tuna el-Gebel catacombs explained.
- 04We allow two-hour visits at Beni Hasan and Deir al-Bersha, not rushed like large-ship itineraries.
- 05We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; crew handle luggage transfers, dinghy landings and local museum entries.
The route
Esna and Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna 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.
5 Days / 4 Nights · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $7,872 | $7,872 | $7,872 |
| Double Cabin | $2,344 | $2,344 | $2,344 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $6,002 | $6,002 | $6,002 |
| Double Cabin | $1,856 | $1,856 | $1,856 |
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
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya.
- Shore excursions as described in the vessel's program.
- On-board use of public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room.
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Egypt entry visa fees and travel insurance.
- Drinks beyond bottled water served with meals, and other bar charges.
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, unless otherwise requested.
- Optional or premium site extras, such as pyramid interior tickets or private tombs.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Minya dahabiya experience requires moderate mobility. Boarding and disembarking use a gangway with steps and variable heights, and some sites visited involve uneven stone, steep staircases, loose sand and short unpaved walks. Cabins are on one or two decks, accessed by stairs; most dahabiyas do not have elevators. Transfers between dock and shore are by tender or short coach ride, sometimes across cobbled quays. Wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat and walk short distances may participate with advance notice; fully ambulant access is limited at many archaeological sites. Tell us about mobility needs when you book so we can advise which shore excursions are feasible and arrange additional assistance where possible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Lightweight daypack and refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent for evenings near the river
- Any personal medication and a basic first aid kit
- Plug adapter for Egyptian sockets (Type C and F)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- Long sleeves and long trousers for sun and mosques
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirt or trousers for temple and mosque visits
- A light sweater or windproof for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; 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 a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for short transfers but may be difficult to use on uneven quays and some temple approaches. High chairs are not guaranteed on a dahabiya, so request them in advance and we will check with the vessel assigned for your sailing.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A dahabiya uses traditional lateen sails as the primary motive force, reducing engine hours compared with larger motor cruisers during normal sailing. We arrange vessels that combine sail power with a small generator or auxiliary engine for manoeuvring; fuel consumption is therefore lower per guest than on larger motor vessels on comparable itineraries. We contract local Egyptologists, local crew and shore guides, and buy produce and provisions from vendors in Luxor and Aswan when available, so spending benefits nearby communities. Onboard practices typically include linen reuse on request, separation of recyclables where port facilities allow, and measured provisioning to reduce food waste. If you have specific sustainability priorities, tell us before travel and we will request them with the supplier.
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 Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise is 7 days long, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of the Nile's ancient sites.02What is included in the Minya Dahabiya cruise package?
The cruise includes full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation aboard the Minya Dahabiya, and all shore excursions as described in the vessel's program. You also have access to the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room.03What is excluded from the Minya Dahabiya cruise price?
Exclusions typically include international flights, Egypt entry visa fees, travel insurance, drinks beyond bottled water served with meals, other bar charges, and gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists. Optional site extras, such as pyramid interior tickets or private tombs, are also not included.04What is a dahabiya, and how does it differ from larger Nile cruisers?
A dahabiya is a traditional, intimate sail-powered Nile boat, typically with 8 to 12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger motor cruisers, it sails at a gentler pace, ties up closer to riverbanks for evening walks, and can access off-the-beaten-path sites.05What are the accessibility considerations for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Access to the dahabiya and its shore excursions involves walking on uneven ancient stone, some stairs, and gangplanks. Guests should be able to manage these movements independently or with minimal assistance. Please inform us of any specific mobility needs when booking.06What is the policy for children on the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for the Minya Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on the deck. Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.08What shore excursions are part of the Minya Dahabiya program?
The included shore excursion program visits major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. The dahabiya also stops at unique sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.09What is the best time of year to take a Minya Dahabiya Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.10Is Wi-Fi available on board the Minya Dahabiya?
Wi-Fi availability on dahabiyas can be limited and may incur additional charges. We recommend checking with your Discovery Tours Egypt advisor for the most current information regarding internet access on board the Minya Dahabiya.
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-759684
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