Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya Nile Cruise

A classic dahabiya experience launched in February 2009, Sonesta Amirat combines intimate onboard comfort with traditional Nile sailing. The vessel offers a relaxed seven-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) with daily guided shore excursions. Accommodation is arranged in a small number of cabins and suites, many with large panoramic windows; suites include private terraces. Public areas include a sundeck, lounge and an open-air oriental-style Jacuzzi. Guest cabins are equipped with private telephones, individual climate control, hairdryers, mini-bars, safes, plasma TVs and full-size bathtubs. Additional onboard services and facilities listed by the operator include laundry and housekeeping, accompanying motorboat, WiFi, doctor on call, and a gift shop.

Highlights

• Traditional dahabiya sailing experience
• Karnak and Luxor Temples
• Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens
• Temple of Edfu
• Kom Ombo Temple
• Philae Temple at Agilkia Island
• Open-air oriental-style Jacuzzi and spacious sundeck

Itinerary

Day Day 1 (Aswan embarkation) — Boarding in Aswan

Embark the dahabiya in Aswan and settle into your cabin. The vessel will moor on the Aswan riverbank for the night.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 2 (Aswan → Kom Ombo) — Aswan sightseeing and sail to Kom Ombo

Visit the Aswan High Dam and the Old Dam, then continue to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. After the shore visits, sail toward Kom Ombo and overnight close to the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 3 (Kom Ombo) — Kom Ombo Temple visit

Morning visit to the Ptolemaic twin temple at Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus. The dahabiya remains moored beside a Nile island for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 4 (Kom Ombo → Edfu) — Sail to Edfu and visit the temple

Sail to Edfu and explore the exceptionally preserved Temple of Horus. Overnight mooring will be beside a Nile island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 5 (Edfu → Esna) — Leisurely cruise and Esna lock passage

A relaxed day aboard as the boat sails toward Esna. The dahabiya passes through the Esna lock and then moors beside a Nile island for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 6 (Esna → Luxor) — Arrive in Luxor and Karnak visit

Sail on to Luxor and visit the vast Karnak Temple complex, followed by Luxor Temple. The dahabiya will moor in Luxor for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 7 (Luxor West Bank) — West Bank archaeological sites

Cross to the West Bank to see the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the dahabiya for overnight mooring in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 8 (Disembark in Luxor) — Breakfast and disembarkation

Enjoy breakfast aboard before disembarking and completing the cruise arrangements in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast

Day Day 1 (Luxor embarkation) — Boarding in Luxor

Embark the dahabiya in Luxor. After lunch, visit Karnak and Luxor Temples. The vessel moors on the Luxor riverbank overnight.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 2 (Luxor West Bank → Esna) — West Bank visit and sail to Esna

Visit the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon, then set sail toward Esna where the dahabiya will overnight nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 3 (Esna Leisure Day) — Leisurely sailing day

A relaxed day cruising; the dahabiya remains moored beside a Nile island for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 4 (Sail to Edfu) — Edfu Temple visit

Sail to Edfu and visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus. Overnight mooring will be beside a Nile island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 5 (Edfu → Kom Ombo) — Cruise toward Kom Ombo

Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo and moor beside a Nile island for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 6 (Kom Ombo → Aswan) — Kom Ombo visit and sail to Aswan

Visit Kom Ombo Temple in the morning. The afternoon is a leisurely sail toward Aswan, mooring nearby the Aswan bridge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 7 (Aswan sightseeing) — Aswan High Dam, Old Dam and Philae

Visit the Aswan High Dam and Old Dam, then see Philae Temple, relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from the High Dam waters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 8 (Disembark in Aswan) — Breakfast and disembarkation

Final breakfast aboard before disembarking in Aswan and completing your onward arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

• Pick up service and return from Aswan or Luxor to the dahabiya
• Accommodation on Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya for 7 nights (all taxes included)
• All meals aboard (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as per itinerary
• Sightseeing tours listed in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to the mentioned historical sites
• English-speaking guide for the excursions
• All service charges and local taxes
• Complimentary pickup & drop off in Luxor or Aswan (East Bank only)

Not included

• Any extra meals or beverages beyond the standard cruise board
• Personal expenses such as laundry
• Tipping for guides, drivers, and ship staff
• Any optional excursions or services not specified in the itinerary