Iris Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Luxor to Aswan

( 4.9 / 5 )
From
$ 1,450
per person

Tour Overview

From $ 1,450 / per person
Starts on monday
Destinations Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor Tours,
Tour Type Sharing ,
Max group size 20

Description

Step aboard the elegant Iris Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Luxor to Aswan for an intimate journey that takes you to the majesty of ancient Egypt, leaving the crowds behind.

This luxury sailboat glides between ancient Egypt’s two monumental cities. 

Your carefully curated itinerary accompanies you in the region’s most magnificent historical sites: from the colossal Karnak and beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple on the East Bank to the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the architectural marvel of Hatshepsut Temple, and the towering Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank. 

Further enriching your voyage are the most well-preserved temple in ancient Egypt, Edfu and the unique dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo Temple, culminating at the engineering wonder of the Aswan High Dam and the captivating island sanctuary of Philae Temple. 

To ensure your experience is one of pure indulgence, the Dahabiya is furnished with premium onboard facilities, including spacious suites, elegant lounges, and a sun deck with a heated Jacuzzi and pool. 

Beyond the comfort of the vessel, our signature services guarantee peace of mind. Experience seamless travel from start to finish, beginning with our door-to-door transportation and personalized, comfortable pickup, all supported by expert-guided tours, right up to your relaxed and cozy drop-off point. 

Secure your bespoke sailing adventure on the Nile today and transform your dream of Egypt into a tranquil reality.

Includes

  • 5 days/4 nights on board Dahabiya Nile Cruise on a full-board basis
  • Expert tour guide
  • All transfers by modern A/C vehicle
  • Entrance fees for all sites, including the 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 are included.

Excludes

  • Tipping
  • Personal Expenses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Luxor East Bank & Dahabiya Nile Cruise Check-in

Our expert Egyptologist, fluent in your language, will greet you upon your arrival in Luxor and ensure a seamless transfer in a modern AC vehicle.

Visit the majestic Karnak Temple, exploring the sheer, overwhelming scale and architectural majesty of the Great Hypostyle Hall, a massive stone forest containing 134 colossal columns that perfectly convey the immense power and devotion of the ancient New Kingdom pharaohs.

After wandering through this largest religious complex ever built, we go ahead to the Iris Dahabiya Nile Cruise, where you are met and greeted by the expert team. Experience a comfortable check-in and relax with a delicious lunch.

The majesty of ancient Egypt calls you again to discover the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple on the East Bank, surprising with its dramatic illumination at night, which transforms the grand architecture—especially the Great Colonnade and the Court of Ramses II—into a breathtaking, mystical experience under the stars. Live the same atmosphere of ancient Egypt. 

Proceed to your Dahabiya and enjoy a dinner on board, docking on the Luxor shore.

Meals Included:

Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Esna

With the accompaniment of enhancing the view of the Nile, savor your tasty breakfast. Next, embark on a day trip, exploring the West Bank.

Start from the legendary Valley of the Kings, since it is your chance to descend into the final resting place of New Kingdom pharaohs and witness the spectacularly preserved, vibrant wall paintings and hieroglyphs of their elaborate rock-cut tombs. 

Transfer to the stunning rock-cut architecture of Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari), this stunning, terraced temple was built for the powerful female Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1473–1458 BC) and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.

Cross through the colossus Colossi of Memnon; these two 60-foot-tall, seated twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III are all that remain of the largest mortuary temple in Thebes.

Return back to the Dahabiya for Lunch and begin sailing south, relaxing as the Dahabiya glides along the Nile, and voyaging through Esna Lock.

Relish your restful night with dinner, docking throughout the night on the Nile shore with non-repeatable views and a quiet atmosphere.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Edfu Temple—Sailing to Kom

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast and a calm sail to Edfu City, settling into the shore and riding a horse carriage in a unique, captivating experience. Arrive at the Temple of Horus, known as the most completely preserved shrine in Egypt.

Enjoy an evening anchored beside a picturesque Nile island.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Kom Ombo Temple—Sailing to Aswan

Cruise to Kom Ombo and have your delicious breakfast from the tasty Egyptian cuisines. 

Visit the unique dual-dedicated Kom Ombo Temple, honoring the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris; it is perfectly symmetrical and divided into two 

Enjoy your final lunch at a local restaurant before your cozy drop-off to any destination you select inside Aswan.

Continue sailing towards Aswan.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Aswan & Disembarkation

It is your last day on the Iris Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 5 Days Luxor to Aswan; just take your breakfast and finalize the checkout to launch through the enhancement of this Nubian city.

Arrive at the monumental Aswan High Dam, a 20th-century engineering marvel that fundamentally reshaped Egypt's geography, offering a dramatic vantage point over the colossal Lake Nasser and the vast desert landscape. 

Sail ahead to the enchanting Philae Temple, riding a motorboat; this overwhelming Temple is a stunningly preserved Greco-Roman sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis that was miraculously dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from being submerged by the Nile's rising waters.

Enjoy your final lunch at a local restaurant before your cozy drop-off to any destination you select inside Aswan.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, and Lunch

Attractions Highlight

What to bring?

  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes & shoes
  • Warm Clothes in Winter
When does the Iris Dahabiya depart?
The Iris Dahabiya departs every Monday from Luxor for a 5-day journey sailing south to Aswan.
How long is the cruise?
This is a 5-day / 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditional luxury Dahabiya.
Will I have a tour guide during the cruise?
Yes. A professional licensed Egyptologist tour guide will accompany you during all sightseeing tours. We always aim to provide a guide who speaks your language whenever possible (some languages may require a supplement).
Is the cruise private or sharing?
The Iris Dahabiya operates mainly on a sharing basis. Prices are based on sharing the boat, with the average rate per person in a double cabin. However, all sightseeing tours are conducted privately with your own Egyptologist guide. A full private charter of the Dahabiya is available upon request at an additional cost.
What is the maximum capacity on board?
Most Dahabiyas feature around 9 cabins, accommodating approximately 18 guests. Some may have slightly more cabins, but all maintain an intimate boutique atmosphere (up to 20 guests maximum).
What is the accommodation like?
The Iris Dahabiya features spacious air-conditioned cabins and suites with private bathrooms and elegant interiors. Guests can enjoy refined lounges and a large sun deck equipped with a heated Jacuzzi and pool for ultimate relaxation.
Are meals included?
Yes. The cruise operates on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner freshly prepared on board. On certain days, lunch may be served at a carefully selected local restaurant in Aswan as part of the experience.
How are transfers arranged?
We provide meet and assist service upon arrival in Luxor and private air-conditioned transfers throughout the trip, ending with a comfortable drop-off in Aswan (hotel, airport, or train station).
Does the cruise pass through Esna Lock?
Yes. Passing through the historic Esna Lock is one of the memorable highlights of the journey, depending on the navigation schedule.
Is Wi-Fi available on board?
Wi-Fi is generally limited due to sailing conditions along the Nile. We can assist you in purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for better connectivity during your cruise.
Can I add optional tours such as Abu Simbel
Yes. Optional tours, including Abu Simbel, can be arranged before or during your stay in Aswan.
Are entrance fees and taxes included?
Yes. All entrance fees to the mentioned historical sites, service charges, and taxes are included. Tipping and personal expenses are not included.
Is this cruise suitable for couples and honeymooners?
Absolutely. The Iris Dahabiya is ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, and travelers seeking a relaxed, intimate, and culturally rich Nile sailing experience.

Tour Reviews

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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)
The luxor 2 day trip was amazing. We have young children who struggled at times, but the guide and driver were fantastic. Everyone enjoyed the historical sites, and the hot air balloon ride was incredible. I would definitely recommend this trip and this company.
(5/5)
Really great day out, Akram , knowledgeable and fun,Akram was good company. A really excellent itinerary and experience, with all the hassle taken out and a lot of positives added in. Highly recommended to everyone!
(5/5)
We went in the Safari and Paradise Island boat trip. Both were very well organised, great activities and the transfer made by driver was on time!I recommend especially the Paradise Island trip! The views on the island are amazing and the boat trip until there has such grest service on the boat (snorkeling, lunch, drinks).
(5/5)
We had the best guide ever, Ashraf! He is super skilled with a big heart. We became friends. I could definitely recommend Ashraf and the guided travels he does!
(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
(5/5)
Great experience from the start to finish. Golavita excelled on all fronts from good customer service, customer care and eager to provide customer excellence.They organised a simple, cost effective and efficient service with their Luxor trip package.The van was almost brand new, great drivers, couple stops for refreshments and got us bang on time to Luxor. It was a 12 seater van with just 8 tourists leaving plenty of space for everyone to stretch and be comfortable. I have long legs and so I had requested specific seats which was booked for me in advance and I didn't get any hassle by drivers or other co passengers.The guide was Sherriff and I really really enjoyed the way he delivered the site seeing experience. Sheriff spoke fluent in English and with a Masters in Egyptology and 4 decades of experience there couldn't have been a better guide. I highly recommend Sherriff as a guide and Islam and Ahmed as the drivers of fellow Brits tourists.Above all I want to thank Golavita for organising this incredible journey.
(5/5)
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!
(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.
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