Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simble

( 4.9 / 5 )
From
$ 1,000
per person

Tour Overview & Highlights

From $ 1,000 / per person
Duration 4 days
Starts on friday
Destinations Abu Simbel, Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor Tours,
Tour Type Sharing ,
Pickup Location Aswan

Book this 3-night Aswan to Luxor tour aboard the Dahabiya Nile Cruise to enjoy an authentic and intimate experience in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with no engine noise, feeling the lazy movement of the Nile while relishing breathtaking views.

Join this guided tour, arriving at the top of Aswan and Luxor attractions by AC transportation, and exploring Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam.

Sail through Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple, and arrive at the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.

Step on Dahabiya and enjoy personalized service and attention, stylish cabins with en-suite bathrooms and panoramic windows over the sailing view, gourmet meals freshly prepared onboard, and an open deck for relaxing, reading, or watching the sunset.

Each day offers enriching excursions, while evenings bring tranquil moments amid the lush, timeless banks of the Nile; it is a wonderful experience for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking peace.

 

What's Included in This Tour

  • Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
  • 4 Days Stay on a 5-star cruise with full board.
  • Expert tour guide
  • Entrance fees for all sites, including Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple.
  • All service charges and taxes are included.

Exclusions from this tour

  • Optional Tours
  • Personal Expenses
  • Nile Cruise Crew Tipping

Day-by-Day Egypt Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk - Sail to Kom Ombo

Enjoy a Smooth Pickup Service:

Relish our top-class pickup service at the site you selected in Aswan, where you will meet your Egyptologist at the agreed time during booking. 

Take your AC seat in the private modern vehicle, going ahead to the first stop of the Aswan day tour.

Explore the Aswan High Dam:

The Aswan High Dam is a symbol of the top 20th-century engineering achievements. Built in the 1960s to control the Nile’s annual flooding and generate hydroelectric power, it offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.  

The visit takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Arrive at the second stop, Philae Port, by the air-conditioned vehicle.

Philae Temple Visit:

Set sail by motorboat from Philae Port to Agilkia Island; take non-repeatable photos when Philae Temple rises from the Nile like a timeless mirage. Arrive at the temple that is dedicated to the goddess Isis to wander through its elegant colonnades, intricate hieroglyphics, The Temple of Isis (Main Temple), The Mammisi, The Kiosk of Trajan (Pharaoh’s Bed), and more.

The visit takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sail back to the Philae Port, and take your AC seat in the vehicle, going ahead to the third and last stop in Aswan.

Marvel at the Unfinished Obelisk:

Meet this largest granite obelisk ever erected in Egypt that is still attached to the bedrock in the ancient stone quarries of Aswan, and uncover the rare glimpse into the incredible tools and techniques used by ancient stonemasons, discovering one of ancient Egypt's architectural miracles, the Obelisks, which were used in illuminating the whole temples.

Arrive at the Dahabiya:

Enjoy the friendly and warm welcome of the Dahabiya crew, and savor a fresh-cooked and rich-flavored delicious Egyptian lunch meal.

Spend a restful night with a dinner meal on Aswan's shore.

Meals Included: 

Lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Marvel at Abu Simbel Temple, Sail to Kom Ombo Temple, and Dock on Edfu

Start the day with a delectable breakfast. Meet your Egyptologist for an unforgettable trip to Abu Simbel.

Travel south through the Nubian desert by air-conditioned vehicle, arriving at Abu Simbel, where you witness one of the most awe-inspiring sites in all of Egypt.

Explore Abu Simbel Temples:

Meet the four towering statues of the pharaoh Ramses II (Ramses the Great) rising from the golden sands on the banks of Lake Nasser, carved directly into the mountainside over 3,000 years ago, adorning the gate of the temple—each standing 20 meters tall.

Cross amid those giant statues and arrive at this hall of massive pillars and sacred chambers lined with stunning reliefs celebrating Ramses’ military victories and his divine status, exploring giant statues of Ramses II and the ancient Egyptian gods—all carved in the mountain.

Don’t miss revealing the incredible solar alignment phenomenon inside this temple. Next door, arrive at the smaller yet equally beautiful Temple of Queen Nefertari, a rare gem dedicated to a queen and a goddess—Hathor.

The visit takes around 2 hours. Ride the air-conditioned vehicle, which will take you back to the Dahabiya .

The Dahabiya Sails to Kom Ombo:

Relish the first sailing time on the Dahabiya board, arriving at Kom Ombo shore while relishing your lunch meal.

The Dahabiya docks in front of Kom Ombo Temple. With the accompaniment of your Egyptologist, go ahead to the temple.

Visit Kom Ombo Temple:

It is the only double-faced temple in Egypt with twin halls, courts, sanctuaries, and chapels, dedicated to two gods equally: Sobek, the crocodile god of strength and fertility, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god of protection and kingship. Wander through this uniqueness and reveal the freedom in worship for the ancient Egyptians.

Return to the dahabiya after a visit lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Dahabiya Sails to Edfu:

Relish the peaceful sailing, arriving at the Edfu shore. Enjoy a restful night with dinner.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3: Explore Edfu Temple, and Sail to Luxor

Relish your early morning amid the fabulous atmosphere of the Nile banks, and meet your Egyptologist on the cruise deck, going ahead to Edfu Temple while experiencing riding a horse carriage.

Visit Edfu Temple: 

Edfu Temple is one of the most well-preserved temples in ancient Egypt and is considered a stunning example of classic Egyptian temple architecture. Wander through the Grand Entrance Pylon, the Courtyard of Offerings, the Hypostyle Hall, and the Sanctuary of Horus. Reveal the vibrant, fascinating mythological stories carved in stone and covering the temple's walls.

By the horse carriage, return back to the dahabiya.

The Nile Cruise Crosses Esna Lock and arrives at Luxor:

Enjoy the restful sailing and your lunch meal.

The dahabiya docks on Luxor's shore for a relaxing night with a dinner meal.

Meals Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Embark on Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, and Karnak Temple

Relish the breathtaking shore of Thebes, and savor your tasty breakfast. Meet your Egyptologist on the Dahabiya board and go ahead to Thebes Necropolis in the air-conditioned vehicle.

Explore the Valley of the Kings: 

Welcome to the final resting place of Egypt’s most powerful and mysterious pharaohs; visit the best 3 royal tombs teeming with vibrant inscriptions that guide the soul of the deceased through the underworld (Duat), protect the king from evil spirits and dangerous obstacles, ensure resurrection and eternal life beside the gods, and proclaim the king’s divine identity and power—reveal the ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife world.

Be noticed please, the tombs of KV62—Tomb of Tutankhamun, KV17—Tomb of Seti I, and KV9—Tomb of Ramses V & Ramses VI are not included on the main entrance ticket; the rest of the tombs are included, and you can visit up to 3 tombs. You can book for these excluded tombs (not included in the tour charge); just tell your Egyptologist.

The visit lasts around 2 hours. Take your seat in the air-conditioned vehicle, arriving at Hatshepsut Temple.

Meet Hatshepsut Temple: 

Explore this rare facade that rises dramatically against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This temple was built by Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh in ancient Egypt. Hatshepsut constructed this temple during the New Kingdom in the 15th century BCE, showcasing a terraced, colonnaded structure that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding cliffs. Explore its colonnades and vibrant reliefs.

The visit lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and then we go ahead to the Colossi of Memnon.

Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon: 

Rising proudly from the sands of Luxor’s West Bank, they stood guard over the Theban necropolis for more than 3,400 years, adorning the largest mortuary temples in ancient Egypt. 18 meters (60 feet) in height, they depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne.

The visit lasts around 45 minutes. We will arrive at a local restaurant by air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunchtime: 

At a local Egyptian restaurant, savor one of the most delicious lunch meals that represent a wonderful side of Egypt's culture.

The lunch takes around 1 hour, and thereafter, we proceed to Karnak Temple by AC vehicle.

Karnak Temple Visit: 

It is the largest religious structure ever built by humans. The 2,000-year-old structure, spanning over 200 acres, is home to the Hypostyle Hall, featuring 134 massive columns, some of which soar to a height of 21 meters, adorned with inscriptions. Other notable features include the Sacred Lake, the Obelisks of Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, and The Sanctuary of Amun, among others.

The visit lasts around 2 hours. We will arrive at the drop-off point you select inside Luxor by the AC vehicle.

Meals Included: 

Breakfast, and lunch

Attractions Highlight

What to bring?

  • Your Passport
  • Comfortable shoes and clothes
  • Sunglasses, Hat and Sun cream
  • Jacket in winter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel?

This is a 4-day, 3-night sailing experience aboard a traditional Dahabiya, a small and intimate Nile vessel that moves without engine noise for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The tour runs from Aswan to Luxor and includes guided excursions to Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple, with full-board meals and expert Egyptologist guides throughout.

How much does the 3-night Dahabiya Nile Cruise cost?

Prices start from €1000 per person. This is a sharing tour, and the rate covers your 4-day stay with full board, an expert tour guide, entrance fees to all listed sites, airport-style meet-and-assist service, and all service charges and taxes. Optional tours, personal expenses, and crew tipping are not included.

What is included in the Aswan to Luxor Dahabiya cruise price?

The package includes meet and assist on arrival and departure, a 4-day stay on a 5-star Dahabiya with full board, an expert Egyptologist guide, and entrance fees for all sites visited, including Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, and Kom Ombo Temple. All service charges and taxes are also covered.

Is Abu Simbel included in this Dahabiya Nile Cruise?

Yes. On Day 2, you travel south through the Nubian desert by air-conditioned vehicle to visit the Abu Simbel temples, including the Great Temple of Ramses II with its four towering 20-meter statues, and the smaller Temple of Queen Nefertari dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The Abu Simbel visit takes around two hours before you return to the Dahabiya.

What is the difference between a Dahabiya and a regular Nile cruise?

A Dahabiya is a small, traditional sailing boat that carries far fewer guests than a standard cruise ship, offering a more personalized and intimate experience. It sails by wind rather than engine, so there is no engine noise, and it docks at quieter spots along the Nile. You enjoy stylish cabins with en-suite bathrooms and panoramic windows, gourmet meals freshly prepared onboard, and an open deck ideal for relaxing or watching the sunset.

When does the tour start and where is the pickup?

The tour starts on Fridays, with pickup in Aswan at the location you select during booking. Your Egyptologist meets you at the agreed time, and you travel in a private, modern air-conditioned vehicle to begin the Aswan sightseeing program.

What sites will I visit in Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Edfu?

In Aswan you explore the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries. The Dahabiya then sails to Kom Ombo Temple, Egypt's only double temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus the Elder, followed by Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, which you reach by a traditional horse carriage ride.

Which Luxor attractions are part of the itinerary?

On the final day you explore Luxor's West Bank and beyond, including the Valley of the Kings, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, the towering Colossi of Memnon, and the vast Karnak Temple complex with its famous Hypostyle Hall of 134 columns. You also enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant during the day.

Are all the tombs in the Valley of the Kings included?

You can visit up to three tombs with your standard entrance ticket. However, the tombs of Tutankhamun (KV62), Seti I (KV17), and Ramses V & VI (KV9) require separate tickets and are not included in the tour price. If you would like to visit these, simply let your Egyptologist know and they can arrange it for an additional cost.

Who is this Dahabiya Nile Cruise best suited for?

This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic experience away from large crowds. With its slow sailing pace, personalized service, and balance of enriching daily excursions and tranquil evenings on the Nile, it suits anyone who wants to combine Egypt's most iconic ancient sites with a relaxed and stylish way to travel.

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(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)
We spent three days and four nights on a Dahabiya cruise with our guide Abdullah — it was an amazing experience, both fascinating and relaxing. The whole crew went above and beyond to make us comfortable, the boat was beautiful, and Abdullah’s tours were clear, engaging, and often funny. We had a wonderful time and now recommend this cruise to all our friends!
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Very kind and profesional people. In every trip that I went with them, all details were taking care of. Ashraf is the most knowledgeable tour guide that I ever met in my life. You will go on a trip and come back as friends. I highly recommend golavita Tours!
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We booked a tour with Golavita, Mr Akram was very quick to respond to our questions and checked in with us daily to see how the tour was going.Waleed, the tour guide, was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The bottles of water to keep us hydrated was also a very nice addition.The private transport was top class, modern air conditioned vehicles and friendly and helpful drivers.
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Wow my time in Egypt was beyond and it would never have been as good without my guide. I’m beyond grateful for his effort and all the energy he spent making my tips once in a lifetime. I know I’ll be back one day, and I look forward to see people I now call my friends.
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We contacted Ashraf to help us with the activities we wanted to do- he replied fast, was really professional and planed everything perfectly. He helped us with safari, diving and taking a flight to Cairo and everything was perfect! Would definitely recommend!
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We had a good experience Our guide was good and gave us much information He also gave us som time to walk around alone Driving with car from Hurghada to Luxor is to long The driver was good but drived a little to fast we talked to him and it was the much better Our guide was good in english
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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.
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