Duration
FlexibleSee all Dahabiya CruisesDahabiya Sailing
Iris Dahabiya
Location
EgyptPrice
On requestReviews
4.8 (12 reviews)Support
Local teamOverview
The Iris Dahabiya offers a graceful, low-key way to sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. With just a few elegant cabins, this traditional dahabiya cruise feels more like a private yacht than a cruise ship, mooring at peaceful spots and reaching hidden temples that larger vessels sail straight past. On board the Iris you trade rush for calm: leisurely temple visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, long lunches on deck, and evenings watching the sun set behind the palm-lined banks. Guided by an expert Egyptologist and looked after by a warm local crew, the Iris Dahabiya is perfect for couples, families and small groups seeking an authentic, romantic Nile experience.
Nile Cruise Route
Select Your Sailing Route
5 Days: Luxor to Aswan
- Day 1
- Arrival at Luxor airport / station — transfer to Nile cruise, check-in & rest.
- Rich lunch buffet served on board.
- Afternoon guided tour of Karnak Temple — the greatest example of Pharaonic architecture in Egypt.
- Visit Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III & Ramses II, with unique representations of ancient Egyptian gods.
- Dinner on board & overnight.
- Day 2
- Breakfast on board.
- Valley of the Kings — 3 tombs included, dating to the 16th–11th centuries BC.
- Hatshepsut Temple — 15th-century BC temple dedicated to the sun god Amun.
- Colossi of Memnon — towering statues at the entrance of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
- Lunch on board
- Sailing from Luxor to Esna.
- Watch the cruise pass the Esna Lock with tour guide commentary
- Dinner & overnight.
- Day 3
- Breakfast on board
- Arrive at Temple of Edfu — best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple, built 57 BC.
- Horse-drawn carriage ride to the temple with guided commentary.
- Leisurely cruise to Kom Ombo
- Lunch with Nile views.
- Kom Ombo Temple — unique twin design honoring Sobek (crocodile god) & Horus (falcon god).
- Dinner on board
- Sailing to Aswan overnight.
- Day 4
- Breakfast on board.
- Visit the Aswan High Dam — 1960s engineering marvel that controls Nile floods.
- Cross the Nile to Philae Temple — ancient complex dedicated to Isis & Hathor.
- Return on board
- Dinner & overnight in Aswan.
- Day 5
- Breakfast on board with scenic Nile views.
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel — one of Egypt's most iconic temples.
- Check-out
- Transfer to Aswan airport, railway station, or bus.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Pickup services.
- Entrance fees.
- Modern A/C private vehicle.
- Accommodation.
- Tour Guide.
- Taxes & Services.
- Bottled Water During Tours.
- Meals.
Excluded
- Any optional Tours.
- Tipping.
Gallery
Guest ReviewsFirst-hand feedback from 12 verified guests.
Reviews for This Trip
4.8 (12 reviews)
Verified trip
Quiet luxury on the Nile
A peaceful, private sail away from the big cruise ships. Just a few cabins, a lovely crew and quiet moorings. A magical, unhurried Nile journey.
Verified trip
Intimate and peaceful
Slow travel on the Nile at its very best. Delicious food and beautiful sunsets from the deck. A magical, unhurried Nile journey.
Verified trip
Intimate and peaceful
Our dahabiya was such an intimate way to sail the Nile. The visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo, the quieter Nile temples and Silsila and the riverbank villages were real highlights. An unforgettable, private way to see Egypt.
Verified bookings only
