For travelers seeking a more refined way to experience the Nile, a dahabiya Nile cruise aboard the Rafaheya Luxury Dahabiya offers an elevated alternative to the standard multi-deck cruise ships. This traditional-style sailboat carries only a small number of guests, creating an intimate, boutique atmosphere as you glide along the river between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the region's most iconic temples along the way.
Unlike the larger cruise ships that dominate the Nile, the Rafaheya Luxury Dahabiya combines classic sailing charm with modern comfort, offering elegantly appointed cabins, attentive service, and unobstructed views of the riverbanks, passing villages, and drifting feluccas. This dahabiya Nile cruise is designed for travelers who want a quieter, more personal way to explore Egypt's ancient sites, away from the crowds typically found on standard Nile itineraries.
Check in and embark at 12:00 PM, followed by an à la carte lunch on board. If time allows, an optional excursion in Aswan is available. Enjoy the Captain's Welcome Cocktail as the dahabiya sails toward Al-Hirdiab, where a Nubian family-style dinner awaits on the beach, followed by evening entertainment. Overnight on Al-Hirdiab Island.
Sail toward Kom Ombo in the morning with breakfast on board, then visit the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, followed by an onboard cooking class. Enjoy a BBQ lunch before visiting the Temple of Edfu. Sail past Gebel El-Silsila for deck views (no stop) on the way to Esna, with Nubian teatime on deck and an à la carte dinner as you pass through the Esna Lock. Evening entertainment follows. Overnight on an island near Esna.
Sail toward Luxor in the morning with breakfast on board. An optional West Bank visit is available (Valley of the Kings including Tutankhamun's tomb, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon), followed by an à la carte lunch. In the afternoon, visit the East Bank's Luxor and Karnak Temples, then enjoy a farewell Egyptian-themed buffet and evening entertainment. Overnight in Luxor.
Enjoy breakfast on board before checking out and disembarking, bringing this 3-night dahabiya Nile cruise to a close.
Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to navigational or operational requirements, with any adjustments communicated by the crew on board. Visits and excursions mentioned are for reference only and are not included in the cruise rate.
Check in and embark at 12:00 PM, followed by an à la carte lunch on board. Visit the East Bank's Luxor and Karnak Temples, then enjoy Colonial teatime on deck, followed by an à la carte dinner and the Captain's Welcome Cocktail with evening entertainment. Overnight in Luxor.
Enjoy breakfast on board, then visit the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings (with King Tut's tomb), Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail toward Esna for a Mediterranean lunch buffet and Egyptian teatime on deck as you pass through the Esna Lock. Continue sailing to Edfu, where an Egyptian-night BBQ dinner buffet awaits on board. Overnight in Edfu.
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu, then sail to Kom Ombo for an onboard cooking class and à la carte lunch. Sail past Gebel Al Silsila with Nubian teatime on deck, then visit the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris after sunset. Continue sailing to Al-Hirbiab Island for a Nubian family-style dinner on the beach with traditional entertainment. Overnight on board at Al-Hirbiab Island.
An early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel is available before sailing toward Aswan for a BBQ buffet lunch. Visit the Temple of Isis at Philae (Agilika Island), and if time allows, the High Dam of Aswan and the Unfinished Obelisk. Enjoy an à la carte farewell dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight in Aswan.
Enjoy breakfast on board before checking out, completing this 4-night dahabiya Nile cruise.
For guests with a late check-in, the East Bank visit can be rescheduled to Day 2. Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to navigational or operational requirements, with adjustments communicated by the crew on board. Visits and excursions mentioned are for reference only and are not included in the cruise rate — these can be arranged separately upon request.
Check in and embark at 12:00 PM, followed by an à la carte lunch on board. Visit the East Bank's Luxor and Karnak Temples, then enjoy an Egyptian-night BBQ dinner buffet along with the Captain's Welcome Cocktail and evening entertainment. Overnight in Luxor.
After breakfast, visit the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings (with the tombs of Tutankhamun), Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Esna for a Mediterranean lunch buffet and Egyptian teatime on deck while passing through the Esna Lock, followed by an à la carte dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight on an island in the Esna area.
Sail to Edfu with breakfast on board, then visit the Temple of Edfu. Continue to Kom Ombo for an onboard cooking class and à la carte lunch. Sail past Gebel El-Silsila before visiting the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, followed by Nubian teatime on deck. Sail on to Al-Hirdiab Island for a Nubian family-style beach dinner with traditional entertainment. Overnight on board at Al-Hirdiab Island.
Enjoy breakfast on the banks of the Nile, followed by relaxation and leisure time on the sandy beach. Sail toward Aswan for a BBQ buffet lunch, then visit the Temple of Isis at Philae (Agilika Island), and if time permits, the High Dam of Aswan. Enjoy Continental teatime on deck, followed by an à la carte dinner and evening entertainment. Overnight in Aswan.
An early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel is available, followed by a visit to the Famine Stela at Sehel Island and a nearby Nubian village. Enjoy an à la carte lunch, a scenic sunset felucca sail, and a farewell dinner on board. Overnight in Aswan.
Enjoy breakfast on board before checking out and disembarking, bringing this 5-night dahabiya charter to a close.
Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to navigational or operational requirements, with adjustments communicated by the crew on board. Visits and excursions mentioned are for reference only and are not included in the cruise rate — these can be arranged separately upon request.
A 25% deposit is all that is needed to confirm your place on the Rafaheya Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise. For high-demand festive periods (Christmas, New Year, and Easter), a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance can be paid before departure or in cash upon arrival in Egypt.
Credit card transactions for your dahabiya nile cruise require a signed authorization letter. Please ensure the signature matches the one on your credit card and passport.
Approved refunds for the Rafaheya Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise are returned promptly to your original payment method. No-show bookings are non-refundable. A standard 6% bank processing fee applies to all refunds.
Every suite aboard the Rafaheya Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise is selected for comfort, privacy, and exceptional Nile views. Rates are based on double occupancy, with a single supplement for solo travelers. Early reservation is recommended for this exclusive dahabiya nile cruise.
Domestic flight schedules and fares are estimates and may change according to airline availability. International flights are not included in the package.
We are committed to delivering outstanding experiences on every dahabiya nile cruise. However, events outside our control — such as weather conditions, political situations, or third-party changes — fall beyond our liability. We will always work to protect your journey as much as possible.
Gratuities are entirely optional and left to your personal discretion. We never pressure guests to tip.
Any concern during your dahabiya nile cruise should be shared with your guide immediately. Our Customer Care Manager remains available throughout the trip. Written feedback after your return is handled with priority by our Customer Care team.
Airline fees and a 6% bank processing charge apply to all refunds.
If a government or airline issues an official travel restriction affecting your dahabiya nile cruise, we will provide a full refund or a transferable travel credit. Only airline fees and bank charges will apply.
Flight supplements for children may apply according to airline policy.
The best time is between October and April. The weather is cool and pleasant for visiting temples in Luxor and Aswan. Summer (June to August) can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.
The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way via the Desert Road, covering about 220 km (136 miles).
We usually stop at a local restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. You can enjoy fresh seafood, but please check your booking 'Inclusions' to see if lunch is prepaid or optional.
Yes, we visit the outer plaza and can arrange for an internal tour during opening hours (closed on Fridays and Saturdays in some sections). Your guide will provide all the historical context.
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