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Summary

Cruise the Nile in style on board a Dahabiyya. These small wooden cruise ships were the favoured transport of 19th century aristocrats and now provide a unique and luxurious way for 21st century travellers to see all the magnificent sites of the Nile. Carrying a maximum of just 12 passengers, they provide a relaxed and intimate small group alternative to ‘regular’ Nile cruises.

The Dahabiyyas

The four Dahabiyyas (Amber, Zahra, Musk and Nesma) are all similar in design and layout. They are outfitted in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches. Each has six cabins in total, four with two single beds and two with double beds. The cabins are 5.75m x 2.5m and each has an en suite bathroom with toilet, washbasin, shower and hairdryer. 

The cabins are located towards the front of the boat, three on each side, separated by a central corridor. The kitchen and staff quarters are at the stern with the engine room and electricity generators below. Both the public area and cabins are fully air-conditioned. The communal lounge covers the width of the boat and provides a comfortable indoor retreat.  

Up on deck there is a partly shaded top deck with comfortable chairs and loungers and a shaded area below where meals are served.The cruise element of the holiday is all inclusive of meals, tea, coffee and soft drinks plus afternoon tea as well as local wines and beers.  

Spirits are not available though you are welcome to bring your own on board and free mixers are provided. Meals are prepared by the onboard chef and will be varied with occasional barbecues and picnics on the riverbanks or islands.

Sample itinerary (12 day version)

Day 1

Direct flight from London to Cairo. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel (garden wing) a luxury hotel, set in 40 acres of scented gardens and right in the shadow of the Great Pyramids

Days 2 & 3

Time at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and explore Cairo. A choice of optional excursions are on offer to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, Memphis & Saqqara or a half day tour of the unmissable Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

Days 4

Fly to Luxor in the morning and board your Dahabiyya for a relaxing 7 night Nile cruise. In the afternoon visit Luxor’s East Bank, with time to explore the magnificent Luxor Temple. Overnight mooring in Luxor.

Day 5

An early morning start for those who opt to take the complimentary balloon flight from Luxor - a truly unforgettable experience. Later, explore the West Bank and atmospheric Valley of the Kings and Queens at ground level. In the afternoon, visit the East Bank and the magnificent Karnak Temple. Dinner and overnight mooring on the Nile banks of Luxor.

Day 6

A leisurely day cruising to Esna

Day 7

Passing through Esna lock, sail towards the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, after Karnak the largest temple in Egypt. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island.

Day 8

Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Ptolemaic temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods, Horus and Sobek and in a superb location overlooking the Nile. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island.

Day 9

A final morning of cruising towards Aswan, and an afternoon at leisure ashore. Overnight private mooring near Aswan.

Day 10

Today visit the High Dam, Old Dam and beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Overnight private mooring near Aswan.

Day 11

Time to disembark with the option of an additional excursion by air to the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel before the flight back to Cairo. On arrival transfer to Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel

Additional information

Cruise direction

All cruises on the Dahabiyyas are identical in content but will operate in different directions (Luxor/Aswan or Aswan/Luxor) according to your chosen departure date and vessel. The Nesma operates in the reverse direction to the Zahra. The Amber operates in the same direction as the Zahra but departs the UK on a Tuesday.

See Prices and Departures for a detailed listing

Optional Abu Simbel excursion by air from £155pp

Please advise at the time of booking if you wish to take up this option.

Chartering a Dahabiyya

With a maximum capacity of just 12 passengers, the Dahabiyyas are ideal for private group charters. Please contact us for more details and up to date availability and pricing.

Flight time

Approximately 4.5 hours from London to Cairo.

Visas

A visa is required for Egypt.

Recommended health requirements

Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid

Included in Price

• Scheduled direct flights, including U.K. Airport Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge
• Experienced English-speaking guide, exclusive to Bales passengers
• Private air-conditioned vehicle, exclusive to Bales clients for transfers
• Exclusive ‘dahabiyya’
• Sightseeing as per itinerary, including entrance fees
• Tipping for transfers, porters and the private guide and crew on board the dahabiyya
• Accommodation and meals Modern first class hotels.
• 11 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.
• Wine, beer, hot and cold soft drinks, afternoon tea

Plus, exclusive to travelguru.tv customers, a FREE Luxor balloon flight