Princess Farida Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate sail-powered dahabiya with a shaded sun deck, panoramic cabins, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
02Overview
A first look
By late morning, the Nile carries Princess Farida Dahabiya past fields of sugarcane, palm groves, and villages set back from the riverbank. The lateen sail catches the breeze as lunch is served, then the quiet of the deck gives way to the footsteps and stone walls of places such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
We arrange the cabin category, shore visits, and meals so the rhythm stays unhurried, with time to watch daily life along the river rather than remain inside a large motor cruiser. Our Egyptologists put each site in context, while our local team coordinates the practical details before you sail.
Background
The facts
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel used for scheduled cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s principal archaeological sites, including Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city center, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. These sites represent Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods, with the Valley of the Kings containing royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including tombs associated with Seti I and Tutankhamun.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This vessel is suited to travelers who prefer a smaller-capacity sailing experience rather than a large motor cruiser. It is a good match for history-focused adults, couples, and families with older children who are comfortable with stairs, uneven site terrain, and several shore excursions over consecutive sailing days.
What lingers
- 01Traditional dahabiya layout, smaller passenger numbers than larger motor cruisers, more space on deck and a quieter onboard atmosphere
- 02Graded cabins: Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, most with Nile-view panoramas or private balconies
- 03Shaded sun deck for lounging and scenic cruising on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan
- 04Daily shore excursion program visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Lounge bar and dining saloon serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 06Weekly sailings in both directions, allowing flexible embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,541 | $1,801 | $2,061 |
| Single Cabin | $4,141 | $5,181 | $6,221 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $1,254 | $1,449 | $1,644 |
| Single Cabin | $3,204 | $3,984 | $4,764 |
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
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the chosen cabin grade
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore-excursion program as offered by the vessel (visits named in the highlights)
Not included
- Beverages beyond water with meals, unless otherwise stated
- Tipping/gratuities ashore and aboard
- Domestic or international flights and airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa costs and personal travel insurance
- Premium site supplements such as entrance to pyramid interiors or privately ticketed tombs, unless explicitly requested
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya itinerary involves boarding the vessel from a fixed gangway or low quay and walking across narrow corridors and cabin thresholds. Expect several short stair flights on board between decks, and limited headroom in some cabins. Shore excursions include uneven stone, cobbles, steep temple steps, and sandy or rocky riverbanks at smaller sites such as Gebel Silsila and El Kab. Wheelchair users will find full independent access difficult; folding wheelchairs and one-person assistance can sometimes be accommodated if advised in advance. We arrange meet-and-assist at the airport and can provide porter help at embarkation and disembarkation, but there is no lift access to upper decks on most dahabiyas. Please contact us before booking so we can advise on specific cabin locations, mobility requirements, and any additional assistance you need.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital booking voucher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: SPF30+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Lightweight daypack for excursions and water bottle
- Medication and basic first-aid items, including motion-sickness remedies
- Power adaptor (Egypt uses Type C and F sockets, 220V)
- Copies of any mobility or medical requirements documented to share before travel
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures
- Layered sweater or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for visits to temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites and uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical for transfers but less useful on uneven temple terrain; most cabins can accommodate a travel cot if requested in advance. Please tell us ages at booking so we can confirm bedding and cabin layout.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This route is sailed on a traditional dahabiya, which relies primarily on sails with occasional engine maneuvering for locks and safety, reducing fuel consumption compared with larger motor cruisers. We work with locally based crews, cooks, and daily-excursion guides, and we ask suppliers to source food and fresh produce from nearby markets in Luxor and Aswan where possible. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we encourage single-use plastic reduction by recommending reusable water bottles and offering water refill points on board when available. Passenger numbers are low relative to larger Nile cruisers, which lowers pressure on fragile riverbank sites. Where shore visits include community stops, proceeds go to the local suppliers contracted for that sailing, including village guides and craft sellers. Waste management capacity varies by vessel and port; we request guests follow crew instructions on recycling and on-board waste separation.
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
01What is the duration of the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise is 7 days and 6 nights, sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and visits to a range of ancient sites.02What is included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise fare?
Your fare includes accommodation aboard the dahabiya in your chosen cabin grade, full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and the programd shore excursions to sites like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.03What is not included in the Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise price?
Excluded from the cruise price are beverages beyond water with meals, gratuities for staff and guides, domestic or international flights, Egypt entry visas, and personal travel insurance. Premium site supplements, like pyramid interiors, are also extra.04What is the accessibility like on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience, but access to ancient sites often involves walking on uneven terrain, sand, and stairs. The vessel itself has stairs between decks. Guests should be able to manage these conditions.05What is the policy for children and families on the Princess Farida Dahabiya?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a dahabiya Nile cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and any personal medications. A light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings on deck.07What is the best time of year to take a Princess Farida Dahabiya cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.08What kind of photography is allowed on the Princess Farida Dahabiya and at sites?
Photography is generally permitted on the dahabiya and at most outdoor archaeological sites. Some tombs and museum exhibits prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket. Always check for specific signage or ask your Egyptologist.09How does a dahabiya cruise differ from a larger Nile cruise ship?
The Princess Farida is a dahabiya, an intimate, sail-powered vessel with typically 8-12 cabins, offering a slower, more personalised experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, it can stop at smaller, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.10Will I have an Egyptologist guide during the shore excursions?
Yes, a qualified Egyptologist will accompany you on all included shore excursions, providing expert commentary and insights into the ancient sites you visit. Our Egyptologists enhance your understanding of Egypt's history and culture.
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-770143
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