Elephantine Dahabiya

Elephantine Dahabiya

Elephantine Dahabiya
  • Every Saturday From Luxor & Wednesday From Aswan

Overview

Sailing aboard the Elephantine Dahabiya is a return to the golden age of Nile travel — slow, elegant, and deeply personal. Designed in the style of the 18th-century sailing vessels that once carried explorers along the river, this handcrafted dahabiya blends heritage charm with refined modern comfort. With only 11 beautifully designed suites, wide panoramic windows, and spacious wooden decks furnished with handmade Egyptian pieces, every moment on board feels serene, intimate, and unmistakably luxurious.

Unlike large cruise ships, the elephantine dahabiya cruise glides gracefully with the wind, stopping at remote islands, quiet villages, and hidden temples that big vessels can’t reach. Guests enjoy tailor-made service from an expert crew, gourmet dining, and the pleasure of watching Egypt’s timeless landscapes unfold under billowing white sails. Egypt Top Tours invites you to experience the Nile as travelers once did — privately, peacefully, and with genuine Egyptian hospitality.

Whether sailing Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) or Aswan to Luxor (3 nights), every day brings a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, transforming your journey into an unforgettable collection of moments.

Cruise Facilities

Elephantine Dahabiya Cruise Facilities

Experience the timeless charm and refined elegance of Elephantine Dahabiya, designed to offer a unique and intimate Nile cruise experience. Every detail is crafted to combine traditional Egyptian heritage with modern comfort.

Accommodation

11 Luxurious Suites: Including 1 standard cabin and 10 outward-facing suites with panoramic windows overlooking the Nile.

Suite Sizes:

  • Standard Cabin: 14 m², double bed.
  • Panorama Suites: 21 m², twin or double bed configuration.
  • Terrace Suites: 33 m² with private terrace, large double bed, bathtub & shower.

Cabin Amenities:

  • Private bathroom with shower or bathtub, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
  • Air conditioning & heating with individual control.
  • Double-glass panoramic windows with mosquito nets for optimal comfort.
  • Minibar and in-cabin safe.
  • Writing desk and comfortable seating area.
  • Organic Egyptian cotton bed linen.
  • Daily housekeeping and optional room service.

Dining & Lounges

  • Main Restaurant: Air-conditioned, offering both Arabic and European cuisines.
  • Lounge & Salon: Comfortable seating with satellite TV, DVDs, library, and a cozy spot to enjoy drinks or relax.
  • Sun Deck Bar: Perfect for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or simply enjoying panoramic Nile views.
  • Outdoor & Shaded Dining Areas: Ideal for alfresco meals under the sails or shaded areas.

Recreation & Relaxation

  • Jacuzzi: 36-jet Jacuzzi on the sun deck for ultimate relaxation.
  • Sun Decks: Two expansive sun decks (190 m² and 130 m²) with shaded and sunny areas, lounge chairs, hammocks, and oriental seating.
  • Panoramic Deck: Perfect for scenic views, photography, or quiet relaxation.

Onboard Services

  • Experienced 12-member crew ensuring top-class service.
  • Concierge services to arrange excursions and personal requests.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Music system featuring Arabic and European selections.
  • Library with books on Egypt and the Nile.

Technical & Safety Features

  • Fully equipped kitchen with professional staff.
  • Two generators ensuring 24-hour electricity (220V).
  • Freshwater treatment system with filtration & recycling.
  • Modern safety equipment including life jackets, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and sprinkler system.
  • Motorboat assistance for sailing during windless periods.

Included

  • Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board Iris Dahabiya on full board
  • English/Portuguese/German/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • All sightseeing tours are private guided tours
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites in the itinerary
  • Bottled water during the trips
  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned, deluxe vehicle
  • All service charges and taxes

Excluded

  • Any optional tours
  • Personal Spending
  • Tipping

Itinerary:

4 Days - Aswan / Luxor Every Wednesday
Day 1: Embarkation in Aswan – Kom Ombo

At 14:00, you embark on the luxurious Elephantine Dahabiya, where the crew greets you warmly. After enjoying your first lunch on board, the Dahabiya begins sailing toward Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, you explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, standing dramatically along the Nile.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Kom Ombo Temple

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 2: Kom Ombo – Edfu – Esna

Your day begins as the Dahabiya sails towards Edfu, offering peaceful views of palm groves, villages, and traditional fishermen along the Nile. After breakfast, you explore the magnificent Temple of Horus, the most complete ancient temple in Egypt.

You continue sailing toward Esna, enjoying the afternoon on the Dahabiya’s sundeck—one of the most relaxing experiences of the cruise. Dinner is served on board before anchoring near Esna.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Edfu Temple

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3: Esna – Luxor

Today you sail through the Esna Lock before reaching Luxor. In the afternoon, you explore two of Upper Egypt’s most iconic sites—the Karnak Temple Complex and the atmospheric Luxor Temple.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Karnak Temple
  • Visiting Luxor Temple

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4: Disembarkation in Luxor – West Bank Tour

After breakfast at 08:00, you disembark in Luxor. Your journey continues with a guided exploration of the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon—the perfect finale to your Elephantine Dahabiya cruise.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Valley of the Kings
  • Visiting Queen Hatshepsut Temple
  • Visiting Colossi of Memnon

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Saturday
Day 1: Embarkation in Luxor

At 14:00, you board the elegant Elephantine Dahabiya, where the crew welcomes you warmly and assists with your luggage before you settle into your beautifully designed suite. After a relaxed lunch, you begin your journey through Egypt’s ancient wonders with a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built, followed by the illuminated Luxor Temple, standing gracefully along the Nile. As the sun sets, you return to the Dahabiya to enjoy a peaceful evening on deck as the river breeze gently flows around you.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Karnak Temple
  • Visiting Luxor Temple

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 2: Luxor – Esna – El Hegz

After breakfast, your day begins with one of Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Valley of the Kings, final resting place of powerful pharaohs. You continue to Deir el-Bahari, the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved dramatically into the cliffs. Before returning, you stop at the Colossi of Memnon for photos.

Around noon, the Elephantine Dahabiya begins to sail south, passing through the historical Esna Lock before gliding toward the tranquil island of El Hegz. Enjoy the calm of the Nile, village landscapes, and golden fields as the evening settles over the river.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Valley of the Kings
  • Visiting Queen Hatshepsut Temple
  • Visiting Colossi of Memnon

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3: El Hegz – Edfu – Kom Ombo – Kobaniya

You begin the day exploring the quiet village of El Hegz, where life has hardly changed for generations. The Dahabiya then sails smoothly to Edfu, where a horse-drawn carriage awaits to take you to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt.

After lunch on board, the journey continues to Kom Ombo, home to the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris. You explore its chambers and the small Crocodile Museum before sailing toward the peaceful village of Kobaniya, where the Dahabiya anchors for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting El Hegz Village
  • Visiting Edfu Temple (Horus Temple)
  • Visiting Kom Ombo Temple

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4: Aswan – Philae – Felucca Sailing – Spice Market

After breakfast, you begin your Aswan exploration with a visit to the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on its own island. You also explore the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s most impressive modern engineering achievements.

After lunch,  you stroll through the colorful Aswan Spice Market, filled with exotic aromas and vibrant local life. The day ends with a special dinner on board featuring Nubian folklore music and dancing.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Philae Temple
  • Visiting the High Dam
  • Felucca Sailing in Aswan
  • Visiting Aswan Spice Market

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan

After breakfast at 08:00, you bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Aswan, and transfer to Aswan airport or Railway Station, carrying unforgettable memories of your luxury Nile sailing experience with Egypt Top Tours.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Prices:

Summer Rates (May- August)

Summer Rates (May- August)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 899 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 949 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1279 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1049 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1079 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1499 Per Person In Single Cabin
Winter Rates (Sep- April)

Winter Rates (Sep- April)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 999 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1049 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1479 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1249 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1279 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1799 Per Person In Single Cabin

Notes:

Elephantine Dahabiya Prices

Our tour rates are in US dollars per person per trip. You can also pay in Euro or GBP. Prices might vary during Christmas, New Year, and Easter Nile Cruise Vacations. We aim to provide the best rates and maintain their accuracy. Once you confirm Elephantine Dahabiya, our rates remain fixed and may not change.

Elephantine Dahabiya Children Policy

0 - 01.99 Free of Charge
2 - 5.99 pay 25% of tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person
If your tour package includes airfare, extra charges for your children may be applied.

Elephantine Dahabiya Payment Policy

To secure your desired program and ensure availability, we recommend making reservations as early as possible. A deposit of 25% of the total amount is required to secure your booking, except during the Christmas and New Year holidays when a deposit of 50% is necessary. This deposit will be deducted from your final payment. The remaining balance can be settled up to one week before your arrival date or in cash upon your arrival.

Cancellation Policy For Elephantine Dahabiya

• Cancellations made from the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date will incur a 10% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 60 and 31 days before your arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days before your arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 14 and 1 day before your arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.

Furthermore, please note that cancellation fees may also apply to domestic flights within Egypt according to the airline's specific cancellation policy.