The Lumiere Dahabeya Nile Cruise offers an intimate and boutique sailing experience designed for travelers who prefer elegance, tranquility, and personalized service on the Nile. Unlike large cruise ships, this luxurious dahabeya glides gently between Luxor and Aswan using traditional sails, allowing guests to enjoy peaceful river views and visit smaller, less-crowded historical sites along the way. The Lumiere features beautifully designed cabins with modern comforts, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and warm, refined décor that creates a cozy, upscale atmosphere. Guests enjoy freshly prepared meals inspired by Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine, served in a relaxed dining setting. With its attentive crew, serene pace, and thoughtfully curated excursions, the Lumiere Dahabeya provides a unique and authentic Nile journey—perfect for travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and a deeper connection to the timeless beauty of the river.
Experience the Nile in an intimate and serene way aboard the Lumiere Dahabeya, a traditional sailboat offering a slow-paced, luxurious journey between Aswan and Luxor. With just a few cabins, this small vessel allows for personalized service, relaxing deck time, and an authentic connection to the Nile. Sail past picturesque villages, visit ancient temples, and enjoy gourmet meals on board while soaking in Egypt’s timeless landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Temples
Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you will be warmly greeted and assisted with your transfer to the luxurious Lumière 5* Nile cruise. After checking in, enjoy a relaxing lunch on board while taking in the serene views of the Nile.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in Egypt, marveling at its towering columns and intricate hieroglyphics. Continue to the Luxor Temple, an architectural gem filled with fascinating history.
Return to your vessel for welcome cocktails and dinner on board, followed by evening entertainment to kick off your Nile experience. Spend the night onboard in Luxor.
Overnight at Dahabiya
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 2: West Bank Tour & Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
Begin your day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor, where you can enjoy stunning sunrise views and breathtaking panoramas of the Nile and temples. The balloon experience includes coffee, tea, water, juices, and breakfast boxes provided by the boat.
Afterwards, enjoy a hearty breakfast on board. Explore the West Bank of Luxor, visiting the remarkable Temple of Hatshepsut, the legendary Valley of the Kings including the tombs of Nefertari and Seti I, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.
Return to your Dahabiya as it begins to sail toward Esna, enjoying lunch on board during the journey. In the afternoon, relax with tea while cruising along the Nile. Dinner is served onboard, and you will spend the night anchored near Esna.
Overnight at Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: Esna & Edfu Temples
Start your day with breakfast on board before visiting the Temple of Esna, a lesser-known gem with beautifully preserved columns and carvings. Return to your Dahabiya and sail to Edfu, enjoying the scenic Nile views along the way.
Lunch and tea time are served onboard, allowing you to relax and soak in the river landscapes. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board, and spend a peaceful night anchored near Edfu, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Overnight at Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
After breakfast, visit the impressive Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, using traditional horse carriages for a memorable experience. Afterwards, return to the Dahabiya and sail toward Kom Ombo, enjoying lunch onboard and tea in the afternoon.
Explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both Sobek and Horus, notable for its dual design and rich carvings. Continue sailing toward Aswan, enjoying dinner onboard as the evening sets in. Spend the night comfortably anchored in Aswan.
Overnight at Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5: Aswan Highlights & Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, visit the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Return onboard for lunch before a guided tour of the Aswan Natural Reserve and a visit to a traditional Nubian House, where you can experience local culture and hospitality.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board, celebrating the end of an unforgettable Nile cruise.
Overnight at Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6: Departure from Aswan
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before checking out of your Dahabiya. You will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your onward journey, concluding your six-day Nile adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
At Luxera Tours, all prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. However, we gladly accept payments in other major currencies such as Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), and more, based on the official daily exchange rate on the payment date.
Our prices reflect current market conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and service availability, so they may change without prior notice. Once a deposit or full payment is received, your booking price is locked in and guaranteed.
What’s Included in Our Packages:
Please check your specific booking confirmation and itinerary for exact inclusions and exclusions.
Holiday Supplement:
A 25% surcharge applies to all Nile Cruises and tour packages booked during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays due to peak demand.
To ensure a smooth booking process with Luxera Tours, our payment terms vary depending on the service type:
After payment, you will receive written confirmation, a tailored itinerary, and travel documents via email. Receipts for all payments will be provided.
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation terms are:
Refunds, when applicable, are processed within 14 business days of receiving your written cancellation notice. Some cruises or hotels may have stricter cancellation policies, which will be clearly communicated in your itinerary.
At Luxera Tours, we welcome families and offer the following children’s pricing:
Discounts apply only when children share accommodation with two full-paying adults. Note that certain Nile Cruises and luxury hotels may have different policies or restrictions for young children, which will be detailed in your itinerary if relevant.
Some special experiences are optional and not included in standard packages. You may book these in advance or arrange on-site (subject to availability). Examples include:
Optional tours are payable in USD or local currency (EGP). We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons.
While our packages are comprehensive, travelers should budget for:
We advise carrying small amounts of local currency (EGP) for convenience, especially for tipping and shopping at local markets.
Tipping (“baksheesh”) is a customary way to show appreciation for good service in Egypt. Though not mandatory, it is widely appreciated:
Tipping is generally not included in your package price. We recommend carrying small USD or EGP bills for tipping convenience.
A Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a traditional, elegantly crafted wooden sailboat designed for slow, intimate journeys along the Nile. Unlike large cruise ships, a Dahabiya usually carries 10–20 guests, offering a boutique-style atmosphere with personalized service, peaceful sailing, and access to small islands and remote villages that big ships cannot reach. It provides a unique blend of luxury, privacy, and authenticity, allowing travelers to experience the Nile the way explorers did centuries ago—but with modern comfort, gourmet meals, and attentive hospitality.
Most Dahabiya itineraries last between 4 and 7 nights, depending on the route.
The slow pace is part of the charm—Dahabiyas do not rush. They stop at lesser-known temples, quiet riverbanks, and untouched countryside locations, offering a deeper and more relaxed Nile experience.
Yes, a Dahabiya cruise is an excellent choice for families, especially those seeking a quieter, safer, and more personal travel experience.
However, families with very young children (under 4 years old) may find the open deck and quiet environment challenging to manage, so it depends on comfort level and supervision.
The best time to take a Dahabiya Nile Cruise is from October to April.
During these months, temperatures are mild, perfect for slow sailing, outdoor sightseeing, village walks, and deck relaxation.
Summer (May–September) is hot, but some travelers still enjoy Dahabiyas thanks to shaded decks, breezy sailing, and onboard cooling systems.
Cabins on a Dahabiya are cozy, stylish, and designed to offer comfort in a traditional setting.
Cabins are not as large as those on big cruise ships, but they feel warm, intimate, and perfectly suited to the relaxed style of Dahabiya sailing.
