Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 5-star dahabiya with eight cabins, a rooftop terrace, and full-board dining for a slower-paced Nile sailing experience.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
This is an intimate superior dahabiya Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Superior Dahabiya with eight cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Water with meals · Rooftop terrace access · Lounge and dining room access · WiFi in public areas subject to local signal · Shore excursions listed in the confirmed programme
- Best for
- Couples seeking a quieter Nile journey · Private groups · History enthusiasts · Travellers preferring small boats · Families planning shared cabins
- Guide languages
- English
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718
- Transfers, guides and cruise arrangements are coordinated by the local operator
- Cruise inclusions and exclusions are stated clearly, including the full-board meal window
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the Nile is quiet between Luxor and Esna, with the lateen sail drawing softly against the current and riverbank palms sliding past the rooftop terrace. Days aboard Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya leave room for unhurried shore visits, from the columns of Karnak Temple to the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, while the smaller sailing boat reaches a gentler rhythm than larger motorized cruisers.
Our Egyptologists give each visit context without rushing you between landmarks, and there is time to watch village life, read in the lounge, or sit down to a chef-prepared meal. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the vessel, shore program, drivers, and local guidance before you arrive.
Background
The facts
This arranged dahabiya route connects Luxor and Aswan along approximately 240 km of the navigable Nile Valley. Shore visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. The exact sailing schedule and embarkation arrangements are confirmed at booking.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Esna·Ancient Thebes·Ptolemaic Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This experience suits adults and families who prefer a quieter, slower-paced Nile journey over a large motorised cruiser. It is particularly appropriate for history enthusiasts, couples and private groups comfortable with walking over uneven temple grounds and boarding a low-profile river boat.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya, daytime sails and overnight moorings at riverbanks.
- 02Includes guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor East Bank, Luxor West Bank, and the Valley of the Kings.
- 03Stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo with two-hour temple visits; avoids hurried 40-minute cruise-ship layovers.
- 04Aswan itinerary includes Philae Temple and felucca evening sail; optional Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan not included.
- 05We operate this as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; your Cairo or Aswan transfers and local Egyptologist-guides are arranged.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike larger motorised Nile cruisers, a dahabiya has a smaller cabin capacity and a slower sailing pace, creating a quieter river experience. Its compact design may allow a more intimate itinerary, while the included route focuses on major sites such as Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
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, per cabin, in USD. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
4 nights / 5 days · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $2,228 | $2,673 |
| Double cabin | $2,821 | $1,748 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | $1,762 | $2,096 |
| Double cabin | $2,207 | $1,402 |
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Aboard
Meet the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A 38-metre dahabiya carrying up to 16 guests, crewed by 10.
- Length
- 38m
- Guests
- Up to 16
- Crew
- 10
On property
What's here
- restaurant
- wifi
- concierge
- rooftop-terrace
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Water served with meals
- Use of the rooftop terrace, lounge, and dining room
- WiFi in public areas, subject to local signal availability
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Crew and guide gratuities
- National park or temple entrance fees where applicable, unless stated at booking
- International and domestic flights to Egypt
- Transfers, visas, and personal expenses
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The cruise can be arranged as a private charter, with a minimum of two cabins required to guarantee sailing. Travellers may request private or shared arrangements, additional transfers and guide services, subject to availability
- premium tombs, special entrance fees, drinks beyond water and gratuities should be confirmed separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya cruise requires regular movement between the riverbank, gangway and cabin areas. Boarding may involve a narrow or sloping gangway, and the vessel can move slightly while guests embark. Shore visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient stone, sand, steps and exposed ground. Wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed on the vessel or at every site. Guests using mobility aids should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, boarding point and excursion arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable shoes for sand, steps and uneven stone
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for shared areas
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 and over 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 their own cabin. No separate minimum age, stroller arrangements or high-chair provision has been confirmed, so please ask us before booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Sailing by lateen sail can reduce engine use while the vessel is underway, although engine use may still be needed for maneuvering, safety or weather conditions. We arrange the cruise and excursions with local Egyptian suppliers, including local boat, transport, crew, catering and Egyptologist services. Meals are prepared on board, and water is provided with meals. WiFi depends on local signal, so guests should not rely on it for continuous internet access. Please avoid single-use plastics where practical and follow crew guidance for waste disposal along the Nile.
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
·In summary
The arranged dahabiya cruise includes sailing between Luxor and Aswan, shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, plus full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Water with meals and access to the rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room are included; transfers, visas, drinks other than meal water, gratuities and applicable entrance fees are excluded unless stated at booking.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise is typically 7 days long, sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration of the region's ancient sites.02What is included in the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with water served during meals. You also have access to the rooftop terrace, lounge, and dining room, plus WiFi in public areas, subject to local signal.03What is not included in the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise fare?
Exclusions typically include drinks beyond water with meals, crew and guide gratuities, national park or temple entrance fees unless specified at booking, international and domestic flights, transfers, visas, and personal expenses.04What kind of accessibility should I expect on a dahabiya?
Dahabiyas offer a more intimate experience than larger cruisers, but they are not fully accessible. Guests should be prepared for stairs between decks and walking on uneven surfaces during shore excursions. Our team can discuss specific needs upon inquiry.05What is the policy for children on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 and older pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime, modest attire for temple visits, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.07Can I take photos during the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise and at the sites?
Photography is generally permitted onboard and at most archaeological sites. Some sites or specific areas may have restrictions or require an extra fee for video cameras. Always check with your Egyptologist guide for specific rules.08What is the best time of year to take the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya cruise?
The best time to cruise the Nile is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May through September, can be very hot, though sailing is still possible.09How does the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya compare to larger Nile cruise ships?
The Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya offers a more intimate, sail-powered experience with only eight cabins, unlike larger motorized cruisers. It provides a quieter journey and can access smaller, less-visited sites like El Kab and Gebel Silsila.10What specific sites are visited on the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya itinerary?
The itinerary includes major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. The dahabiya's smaller size also allows for stops at unique locations like El Kab.
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-952725
You Might Also Like
Nile3 Nights
Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Amoura Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya offering a slower-paced Nile experience around Luxor. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has hand-picked the vessel for travelers who prefer lateen sails, small groups and quiet river moorings. The vessel provides chef-prepared Full Board meals, a sun deck for lounging, a shaded lounge bar and cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. The excursion program visits sites only shallow-draft boats can reach, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike mass-market motor cruisers, the dahabiya spends more time ashore and sails when wind conditions allow, producing a gentler rhythm to the day.
From $1,206
Nile3 Nights
Bens Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Bens Dahabiya is an intimate, sail-powered Nile boat arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Dahabiyas offer a quieter alternative to larger Nile cruisers, with lateen sails, fewer cabins and a slower pace on the river. Sailing between Egypt’s historic Nile towns, the vessel can reach smaller sites and riverbank villages that larger ships may pass. Meals are served as full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The atmosphere is closer to a private sailing party than a large cruise programme, although wind conditions can affect sailing times and some movement between sites involves uneven ground.
From $1,208
Luxor3 Nights
Akhnaton Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Akhnaton Dahabiya is a seven-day Nile sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard a traditional dahabiya. We provide an Egyptologist for guided shore visits. We arrange embarkation, crew, daily breakfasts and scheduled transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise (premium tombs and pyramid interiors are excluded). We don't run group bus tours – the dahabiya keeps travel slow, with fewer transfers and more daylight at temples than typical four-night Nile cruises. Expect early starts for sunrise visits, limited shade on deck at midday, and walking on uneven ancient stone during shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all local logistics.
From $1,206