3 Nights Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor

( 4.9 / 5 )
From
$ 1,050
per person

Tour Overview & Highlights

From $ 1,050 / per person
Duration 4 days
Starts on friday
Destinations Aswan,
Tour Type Sharing ,
Pickup Location Aswan

This exclusive 3 Nights Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor is your golden opportunity to embrace the timeless elegance of the Nile, escaping the crowded mass tourism and stepping into a private, wind-powered tranquility that revives the royal tours of the 19th century.

The Akhnaton offers an authentic, intimate experience unlike the massive “floating hotels.” Its shallow draft allows us to explore hidden gems, docking at small, riverside villages and unique archaeological sites that large ships simply cannot reach.

Your adventure begins in Aswan with the magnificent Philae Temple and the High Dam. As we glide north, discover the unique dual-god sanctuary of Kom Ombo Temple and the incredibly preserved Edfu Temple. The cruise culminates in Esna, where a comfortable AC vehicle awaits to transport you to the monumental wonders of Luxor: explore the secrets of the Valley of the Kings, the cliff-cut wonder of Hatshepsut Temple, the towering Colossi of Memnon, and the vast Karnak Temple.

Your journey is perfectly paced and defined by boutique luxury. Relax in This vacationmited, secure your cabin now to claim your unforgettable piece of the authentic Nile.

What's Included in This Tour

  • 5 days / 4 nights aboard the Dahabiya Nile Cruise on a full-board basis.
  • Services of an expert, licensed tour guide throughout the trip.
  • All transfers in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entrance fees to all major sites, including:
    Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Edfu Temple, and Kom Ombo Temple.
  • All service charges and taxes.

Exclusions from this tour

  • Gratuities (tipping).
  • Personal expenses.

Day-by-Day Egypt Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Aswan’s Ancient Sightseeing

Your journey into history begins in the beautiful, tranquil city of Aswan. Once you arrive at the pickup point you select, our Egyptologist will be there on time.

We start the day by exploring the monumental modern achievement of the Aswan High Dam, to stand atop one of the greatest modern engineering feats of the 20th century, which literally tamed the Nile and fundamentally reshaped Egypt's geography, economy, and power. 

This is followed by a picturesque motorboat ride to the majestic Philae Temple, often called the "Pearl of the Nile," which is dedicated to the goddess Isis and is a UNESCO triumph that was painstakingly moved block-by-block to save it from the rising waters.

Next, we proceed to the Unfinished Obelisk to witness a 1,200-ton lesson in ancient engineering, revealing the precise and grueling quarrying techniques, and this obelisk, which is the world's largest monolithic obelisk ever attempted. 

Following these inspiring tours, you will be warmly welcomed aboard the Akhnaton Dahabiya, your elegant floating home, to settle into your plush cabin and enjoy a gourmet lunch. 

Spend your night on the charming Aswan’s shores while savoring a tasty dinner; you have an opportunity to uncover the unforgettable atmosphere of Aswan and its unique culture. 

Meals Included: 

Lunch and Dinner.  

Day 2: Relaxing in Aswan & Afternoon Sailing to Kom Ombo

You have another great opportunity to discover Aswan’s unbelievable culture and atmosphere, but first take your breakfast amid the alluring view of Aswan’s Nile banks. 

In the afternoon,  the Dahabiya casts off, its sails catching the wind as we begin our tranquil passage north, relishing this unique experience while having our fresh-cooked lunch, and then reaching Kom Ombo City. 

Disembark the luxury boat, going ahead to Kom Ombo Temple, to experience its unique architectural symmetry as the only true dual temple in Egypt, perfectly split to worship both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris.

Next, explore the Crocodile Museum to gaze upon well-preserved ancient mummified crocodiles, offering chilling evidence of the sacred reverence and terror Sobek commanded thousands of years ago.

Later that evening, we’ll continue sailing, where you’ll enjoy a lovely dinner while viewing the outstanding views of the lush Nile banks. 

Meals Included: 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  

Day 3: Edfu Temple & Sailing Experience to Esna Lock

Awake to the silent serenity of the Nile, enjoying breakfast as the Dahabiya gracefully sails further north. The slow pace of the Dahabiya allows us to access special, seldom-visited archaeological sites that large cruise ships miss. 

Continuing our smooth journey, we arrive at the city of Edfu. Here, we take a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Horus, considered the best-preserved cult temple in all of Egypt, with its massive pylons and detailed inscriptions. 

Following the visit, we return to the Dahabiya for a leisurely afternoon sail, having a gentle stroll through a local riverside village, providing a rare glimpse into the authentic, traditional life of Upper Egypt. We then sail toward the city of Esna for docking, where you enjoy a private, unforgettable dinner on a peaceful riverbank.

Meals Included: 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  

Day 4: The Monumental Wonders of Luxor

Following a final breakfast on the Dahabiya and the check-out, a  transfer by a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the grand climax of your journey: Luxor.

On Luxor's West Bank, you will unlock the secrets of the Valley of the Kings and descend into the earth to stand amidst vibrantly decorated tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, witnessing the breathtaking, colorful artistry preserved for 3,000 years that maps the royal journey through the afterlife.

Next, marvel at the cliff-cut wonder of the Temple of Hatshepsut, this unique, multi-terraced cliff-cut sanctuary, which stands as the most stunning architectural testament to the power of a female pharaoh who successfully ruled as a king.

Pause for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon, massive, stoic sentinels, to grasp the sheer scale of ancient Egyptian ambition, as they are the only lasting, 60-foot-tall remnants of what was once the largest and most magnificent mortuary temple in Thebes.

In the afternoon after savoring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we explore the East Bank, visiting the monumental Karnak Temple Complex to explore the colossal Great Hypostyle Hall and walk through a breathtaking forest of 134 towering columns, an unparalleled architectural masterpiece that makes it the largest religious complex ever built anywhere in the world.

Your 3 Nights Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise comes to a complete, unforgettable end following these tours, leaving you with memories of a truly royal passage through the heart of Egypt; we take you to the drop-off point you select in Luxor. 

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Lunch. 

Attractions Highlight

What to bring?

  • Sunglasses and a hat.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
  • Warm clothing during winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dahabiya Nile cruise and how is it different from a regular cruise?

A Dahabiya is a traditional wind-powered sailing boat that offers an intimate, boutique alternative to large "floating hotel" cruise ships. The Akhnaton carries far fewer guests and has a shallow draft, allowing it to dock at small riverside villages and seldom-visited archaeological sites that big cruise ships simply cannot reach—reviving the elegant, royal Nile tours of the 19th century.

How long is the Akhnaton Dahabiya cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

The cruise runs for 4 days and 3 nights, departing on Fridays from Aswan and concluding in Luxor. It's perfectly paced to combine relaxed sailing with in-depth visits to Egypt's most iconic temples and tombs.

How much does the 3 Nights Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise cost?

The cruise starts from €1050 per person on a full-board, sharing basis. The price includes accommodation, all meals, an expert licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to all major sites, transfers, and all taxes and service charges.

Which temples and sites are included in the Aswan to Luxor cruise itinerary?

The itinerary covers the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo Temple, the Crocodile Museum, Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus), and on the final day in Luxor: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple. All entrance fees are included.

What is included in the Akhnaton Dahabiya cruise price?

The package includes 4 days/3 nights aboard the Dahabiya on a full-board basis, the services of a licensed Egyptologist guide throughout, all transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, and entrance fees to all major sites. Gratuities (tipping) and personal expenses are not included.

What meals are provided on the Nile cruise?

The cruise is full-board, meaning all meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—freshly prepared on board, except for lunch on the final day in Luxor, which is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Gourmet dining with scenic Nile views is part of the experience.

How many guests does the Akhnaton Dahabiya carry?

As a boutique sailing vessel, the Akhnaton hosts a small number of guests, offering a far more private and tranquil atmosphere than large cruise ships that carry hundreds of passengers. This intimate setting is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, peaceful Nile experience.

Is the Dahabiya cruise suitable for couples, families, and first-time visitors?

Absolutely. The relaxed pace, boutique luxury, and expert guiding make it ideal for couples seeking romance, families wanting a memorable journey, and first-time visitors who want to see Egypt's highlights without the crowds of mass tourism.

How do I get from the cruise to Luxor's attractions?

After the Dahabiya docks in Esna, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transfers you to Luxor, where you'll explore the West Bank wonders (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon) and the East Bank's magnificent Karnak Temple, all accompanied by your Egyptologist guide.

What should I pack for the Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya cruise?

We recommend lightweight breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes for temple visits, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a light jacket for cool evenings on the river, a valid passport, a camera, and some cash for gratuities and personal expenses.

Tour Reviews & Ratings

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Customer Reviews
(5/5)
We really enjoyed our Dahabiya trip from Luxor to Asswan, everything was well organized, great boat and crew, amazing food, and a perfect and pleasant tour guide Sayed
(5/5)
Excellent private tour with a very knowledgeable , intelligent and tour guide. Ashraf went the extra mile to make sure our two day trip went smoothly and took us to all the best sites in Luxor. He also gave detailed interesting information throughout. He also has a fun character and was fun to talk to outside the tour!
(5/5)
Everything was great. We did Cairo tour and Luxor. 7 pers with driver and guide. The trips was tiring, but it was worth it. We received exactly the services reserved.
(5/5)
For a party of five a luxor trip was organized by Akram and his team. With the excellent guide Ashraf in Luxor they made it a unforgettable experience. Thank you for the good organisation of the trip.
(5/5)
We had an exceptional and one of the best trips with family friends on Dahabiya, Nile cruise covering gems of Egypt - Aswaan and Luxor.The trip was beautifully planned by Go Lavita. I highly recommend them. From the initial planning stage to the final day, everything was handled with professionalism, care, and customized to our needs and wants.They were constantly available and took into consideration all our requests as a big group.The staff, tour guide, all operators we met were warm and professional. Dahalbiya itself was elegant and very well maintained.The itinerary was very well curated. This dahabiya cruise was the highlight of our Egypt trip, combining luxury, authenticity, and cultural depth. We highly recommend Go Lavita to anyone seeking a personalized and unforgettable Nile experience.
(5/5)
Our experience on the Dahabiya with Golavita was absolutely fantastic. We had a very professional guide, Mohamed Nagdy who spoke excellent Spanish, and we learned about the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt in a relaxed and enjoyable way. The Dahabiya Iris is truly recommended, a perfect combination of comfort and culture.
(5/5)
We arranged the tour a few weeks in advance before arriving in Egypt. Akram presented us with a complete private tour program, starting in Hurghada, visiting Cairo, the Black and White deserts, Alexandria and finally returning to Hurghada. Everything run smoothly, from the different drivers, who picked us up and dropped us off, always punctual and safe (especially Hamada, 'Medo'!) to the guides, in particular Reeham in Cairo who was just outstanding and Ahmed in the desert tour who welcomed us in his home together with his family before taking us and preparing our dinner in the desert! The overnight stays were all planned in great detail. It was definitely an incredible experience during these 4 days! A huge thank you to Akram!
(5/5)
We had a great quad bike ride in the afternoon. The guide had a great energy and humor that made the tour extra good. On the way to the tour we had a driver that shouldn't be driving tourist, but when we told it to the company they gave us a another driver that drove perfect so we could relax in the car. That's a good and professional way of handling a problem. We can recommend this company.
(5/5)
A very beautiful experience which made our stay in Egypt unforgettable; Luxor with a caring guide and Cairo with Ismaël; a very cultured guide who listens to the happiness of customers.I would recommend this agency without hesitation
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