Nour El-Nil Sail

Aswan to Luxor

( reviews)
duration icon

Duration

5 Nights / 6 Days

start location

Start Location

Aswan

tour schedule

Tour Schedule

5 Nights/6 Days - Monday

Overview

Set off on a 5-night, 6-day journey aboard the Nour El-Nil Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna, tracing Egypt’s ancient river in reverse. This direction offers a unique rhythm and perspective, gliding from the Nubian heartlands northward toward Luxor’s sacred temples. Every moment aboard this handcrafted vessel captures the essence of refined adventure and tranquil discovery.

Onboard Experience
The Nour El-Nil Dahabiya offers an atmosphere of quiet luxury. Spend your days lounging beneath flowing white sails, exploring secluded Nile islands, or joining guided tours of temples and villages untouched by mass tourism. Evenings bring candlelit dining and storytelling beneath vast desert skies—a return to the soul of Egypt.

Rooms & Suites
Cabins and suites on board feature tasteful minimalist design, local art, and wide Nile-facing windows. Each room includes a private bath, air conditioning, and soft ambient lighting that enhances the Dahabiya’s serene mood. The intimate capacity ensures personalized attention for every guest.

Features & Highlights

  • 5-night itinerary from Aswan to Esna

  • Visits to Kom Ombo, Gebel El Silsila, and Edfu Temple

  • Authentic wind-powered sailing — no engine noise, pure serenity

  • Fine dining and personalized service

  • Small guest capacity for an intimate cruise experience

  • Curated cultural excursions guided by Egyptologists

Itinerary

  • Meet and assist upon arrival in Aswan.

  • Transfer to the elegant Dahabiya and enjoy a welcome drink as cabins are assigned.

  • Lunch onboard, followed by your first excursion:

    • Philae Temple, the mystical sanctuary of Isis.

  • Return to the boat and begin a gentle afternoon sail toward the Nubian shoreline.

  • Sunset tea served on deck.

  • Dinner & overnight onboard near Aswan.

  • Breakfast onboard while sailing north.

  • Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek & Horus the Elder, uniquely shared between two deities.

  • Return to the dahabiya and continue sailing past palm groves, fishing boats, and quiet riverbanks.

  • Lunch served while drifting toward Edfu.

  • Free time on deck for reading, journaling, meditation, or photography.

  • Dinner & overnight near Edfu.

  • Breakfast onboard.

  • Transfer by local carriage to visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s most well-preserved and majestic temples.

  • Return to the dahabiya and sail toward an island or village along the Nile.

  • Afternoon walk through a traditional village, offering a window into modern rural Egyptian life.

  • Enjoy tea on deck as the sun sets.

  • Dinner & overnight onboard anchored in a quiet riverside area.

  • Early morning sail north toward Esna.

  • Breakfast onboard.

  • Pass through the Esna Lock, a classic highlight of the trip as the dahabiya rises with the water.

  • Continue sailing with lunch served on deck.

  • Afternoon arrival near Luxor.

  • Optional: light walking tour or onboard relaxation.

  • Enjoy a special Egyptian-style dinner on your final evening.

  • Overnight onboard near Luxor.

  • Breakfast onboard

  • Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to Egypt’s royal tombs

  • Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari

  • Stop at the Colossi of Memnon

  • Dinner and overnight onboard in Luxor

  • Breakfast onboard.

  • Begin your Luxor exploration with visits to:

    • Karnak Temple, the grand complex of Amun.

    • Luxor Temple, the illuminated southern sanctuary.

  • Return to the dahabiya for luggage collection.

  • Assisted disembarkation and transfer to the hotel/airport in Luxor.

  • End of the 6-day journey.

Included/Excluded

Included:

  • Entrance fees to sites
  • Qualified English-speaking Egyptologist guide
  • Horse carriage use as the transport for Edfu temple.
  • Motorboat use as a ferry for Philae temple.
  • Modern Air-conditioned transportation
  • Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Teatime
  • English speaking guide (another language available with extra cost)
  • Free Towels
  • Sightseeing Package

Excluded:

  • Tipping, beverages, extra activities, and Personal spending
  • Other languages Egyptologist guides are available up to request at extra cost
  • Any optional tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entry visa to Egypt
  • International airfare
  • Tutankhamun Tomb

Facilities

  • Air Conditioned
  • Nightly Entertainment
  • Pool, Sun deck, and umbrellas
  • Room services
  • Free toiletries
  • Minibar
  • Laundry service and housekeeping
  • Wake up service
  • Wi-Fi
  • Full board ( Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner )
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Private-bath/shower with hair dryer
  • Main dining room, lounge and Sun Deck Bar
  • In room dining service

Policies

Check-in :               Check-out : 
12:00 PM                 8:00 AM

Children Policy :

  • Children 5 years and under are free of charge.
  • Maximum one child allowed in cabins.

Map

Question & Answers

  • The best time for a Nile cruise is during the cooler months from October to April. Temperatures are more comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

    If you prefer hot, dry desert weather, then all other months may suit you. Most ships have pools to keep cool.

Pack light and include:

  • Comfortable clothing for daytime excursions
  • A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
  • Casual evening wear for onboard dinners
  • Comfortable shoes for walking tours
  • A light jacket for cooler evenings during the winter months


Cancellation policies may vary depending on the specific package and timing. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions provided during the booking process or contact their customer service for detailed information. Click here to Review Terms and Conditions

Nile cruises typically range from 3 to 7 nights, depending on the itinerary. A popular option is the 4-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, which covers major attractions like the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple.

For those seeking a more unique experience, consider a Lake Nasser cruise, which explores the Nubian region and visits remarkable sites like the Abu Simbel Temples.

Alternatively, a Cairo to Luxor cruise offers an extended journey through Egypt, combining historical landmarks along the Nile with stunning views of rural life.

For a more intimate and traditional experience, the Dahabiya sailboat cruise provides a luxurious and relaxed way to explore the Nile, often stopping at smaller, less-visited sites.

Nile cruises are generally very safe. Operators adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards. Professional guides accompany passengers on excursions, and the onboard staff ensures a secure and comfortable experience throughout the journey.



  • Most Nile cruise packages include:
  • Accommodation in a comfortable cabin
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Guided tours to historical sites
  • Onboard entertainment. Some packages may also include airport transfers or optional excursions.

Nile cruises are generally suitable for families with children, offering activities and entertainment tailored for younger travelers.

Additionally, most operators accommodate dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Inform the cruise company of any specific requirements in advance.

Most Nile cruise operators accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. It’s advisable to inform the cruise company of your requirements in advance. 

Nile cruises typically offer a variety of cabin options, including:

  • Standard cabins with river views
  • Luxury suites with additional amenities and river views
  • Family-sized cabins for larger groups. 

Each cabin is equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and storage space.

Lake Nasser cruises offer a tranquil and less crowded alternative to traditional Nile cruises. These cruises explore Nubian heritage and visit unique sites such as Abu Simbel Temples, Amada Temple, and the Temple of Kalabsha. Passengers enjoy stunning views of the desert landscape meeting the expansive lake.

Click here to check available Lake Nasser cruises.

A Dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian sailing boat offering a more intimate and luxurious cruise experience. Unlike large cruise ships, Dahabiyas accommodate fewer passengers and sail at a relaxed pace, allowing guests to explore hidden gems and less-visited sites along the Nile.

These cruises are perfect for those seeking privacy, personalized service, and an authentic connection to the river's timeless beauty.

Cancellation policies may vary depending on the specific package and timing. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions provided during the booking process or contact their customer service for detailed information. Click here to review Terms and Conditions

Booking Form

Select your date
Previous yearPrevious monthDecember 2025Next monthNext year
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
30123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031123
45678910
Select Your Cabin
Cabin NameCountAdultsChild 6+
Single cabin
Double Cabin
Triple Cabin
Total Cabins $0
Optional Tours
ItemAdultChild
Hot Air Balloon (Luxor) tooltip
Abu Simbel tour tooltip
Nubian village tooltip
Camel Ride tooltip
Spa treatment tooltip
Total Optional $0
Guide Language:
Total:

$ 0

Egypt Travel Blog

Discover hidden gems, travel tips, and inspiring stories from across Egypt – written by our travel experts