- Duration
- 05 Days / 04 Nights (or 04 Days / 03 Nights)
- Route
- Luxor ➔ Esna ➔ Edfu ➔ Al Ramady Island ➔ Kom Ombo ➔ Hor Diab Island ➔ Aswan
- Boat
- Traditional dahabiya
- On board
- Shaded lounge deck, sun loungers, air-conditioned river-view cabins
- Board Basis
- Full board
- Programs
- Luxor to Aswan (5 days) · Aswan to Luxor (4 days)
Overview
The Sola Dahabiya is a traditional sailing boat for a slower Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Instead of tying up at the crowded cruise piers, she spends her nights beside quiet islands: near Esna, at Al Ramady Island and Bashir Island. Between the temples there is time for a swim in clear water, tea on the sun deck and dinner served while the boat sails.
The upper deck has a shaded lounge behind carved wooden screens, sun loungers, a swing seat and armchairs along the rail. The cabins are air-conditioned, with a double bed or two single beds, big windows onto the river, a smart TV, a kettle and a minibar, and some open onto a balcony. There are two programs: five days from Luxor to Aswan, or four days from Aswan to Luxor.
Highlights
Nights beside islands
Moorings near Esna, at Al Ramady and Bashir islands, away from the busy cruise piers.
A deck for slow days
A shaded lounge, sun loungers and a swing seat, with the Nile right beside you.
Cabins on the river
Air-conditioned cabins with big river windows, and some with a balcony.
Temples with a guide
Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae with your Egyptologist.
Route
- 1
Luxor
Luxor and Karnak temples, then the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 2
Esna
A night beside an island with an Egyptian party, then through the Esna Lock.
- 3
Edfu
The Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
- 4
Al Ramady Island
Dinner and a quiet night moored beside the island.
- 5
Kom Ombo
The temple of Sobek and Horus on the riverbank.
- 6
Hor Diab Island
A swim in clear water before sailing on to Aswan.
- 7
Aswan
A Nubian party on board, then Philae Temple and the High Dam.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrival in Luxor
Luxor to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
Board the Sola Dahabiya in Luxor and have lunch on board. In the afternoon visit Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple with your guide, then return to the boat for dinner and your first night, moored on the West Bank. - Day2
Luxor's West Bank and Sailing to Esna
Luxor to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
After breakfast, cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Back on board for lunch, then sail towards Esna with tea on the sun deck and dinner as the boat sails. The night is spent beside an island near Esna, with an Egyptian party on board. - Day3
Edfu Temple and Al Ramady Island
Luxor to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
Pass through the Esna Lock over breakfast and sail on to Edfu, with lunch on board. Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to Horus. Sail on to Al Ramady Island for a quiet dinner and a night moored beside the island. - Day4
Kom Ombo and Hor Diab Island
Luxor to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
Breakfast while sailing to Kom Ombo and visit its temple, dedicated to both Sobek and Horus. After lunch on board, sail past Sheikh Fadl Island to Hor Diab Island, known for its clear water, for a swim. Dinner is served on board as the boat continues to Aswan, where the night ends with a Nubian party. - Day5
Aswan and Disembarkation
Luxor to Aswan · 5 days / 4 nights
Breakfast on board, then disembark in Aswan. Before you leave, visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, and the Aswan High Dam. - Day1
Arrival in Aswan
Aswan to Luxor · 4 days / 3 nights
Pick-up at Aswan Airport to suit your arrival time, then visit the High Dam and Philae Temple. The boat sails at 2:00 PM to Kom Ombo to visit its famous temple, then continues to Bashir Island for dinner and an evening celebration. - Day2
Gebel El Silsila and Edfu Temple
Aswan to Luxor · 4 days / 3 nights
Visit Gebel El Silsila, the ancient sandstone quarries on the riverbank, and the Temple of Edfu, then sail towards Esna. The night is spent beside a peaceful island near the Esna Lock. - Day3
Sailing to Luxor
Aswan to Luxor · 4 days / 3 nights
Sail towards Luxor, stopping at a beautiful island for a 40-minute swim. In Luxor, visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple with your guide. - Day4
Luxor's West Bank
Aswan to Luxor · 4 days / 3 nights
Breakfast on board, then disembark in Luxor and explore the West Bank: the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon.
What's included
Included
- Full-board accommodation aboard the Sola Dahabiya.
- All excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all sights between Luxor and Aswan.
- Professional Egyptologist guide throughout the journey.
- All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle.
- Assistance from our staff during the cruise.
- All service charges and taxes.
Not included
- Tipping for the guide, driver and boat crew.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Any extras not mentioned in the program.
Good to know
- Two programs: Luxor to Aswan over 5 days and 4 nights, or Aswan to Luxor over 4 days and 3 nights.
- Sailing times depend on the wind and the river, so the day's order can change slightly.
- Ask us about chartering the whole boat for a family or a group.
- Children are welcome; see the children's policy below.
Children & cancellation policy
Children's policy
- Ages 0–5FreeFlight fares excluded
- Ages 6–1150%of the adult rate
- Ages 12+100%Full adult rate
This policy applies to children sharing a room with two adults. Flight conditions may vary.
Flexible cancellation policy
We pride ourselves on our flexibility. You can often adjust your trip to new dates (which usually only includes nominal fees for covering flight changes). However, if you must cancel, the following fees apply based on the date we receive your written request:
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more before arrival | 10% of total |
| 60 to 30 days before arrival | 25% of total |
| 29 to 15 days before arrival | 50% of total |
| 14 to 7 days before arrival | 75% of total |
| Less than 7 days before arrival | 100% of total |
Full terms: refund & returns policy.
Questions about this tour
What is a dahabiya, and how is it different from a Nile cruise ship?
A dahabiya is a traditional sailing boat. It carries a handful of guests instead of a few hundred, and it moors beside small islands and quiet riverbanks where the large cruise ships cannot stop. Days are slower and quieter, with more time on deck between the temples.
How long is the Sola Dahabiya cruise?
There are two programs: five days and four nights from Luxor to Aswan, or four days and three nights from Aswan to Luxor. Both visit the main temples along the way; the five-day program adds Al Ramady Island, a swim at Hor Diab Island and a Nubian party in Aswan.
Can we swim in the Nile?
Yes, at the swim stops in the program: Hor Diab Island on the Luxor to Aswan cruise, and a 40-minute stop at an island on the way to Luxor on the Aswan to Luxor cruise. Swimming only happens where the crew knows the water is safe.
What are the cabins like?
Each cabin is air-conditioned, with a double bed or two single beds, large windows onto the Nile, a smart TV, a kettle, a minibar and a wardrobe. Some cabins open onto a balcony. Tell us who is travelling and we will suggest the right cabin.
How much does the Sola Dahabiya cost?
The price depends on the season, the program and the number of travellers. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will send the price for your trip.
