6-Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise from Esna to Aswan
Sail the Nile aboard a traditional Dahabiya, visiting Esna, El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, Kom Ombo and Aswan away from the large cruise crowds.
Slow Sailing Through the Nile’s Hidden Treasures
This 6-day Dahabiya Nile cruise from Esna to Aswan offers a slower and more intimate way to discover Upper Egypt. Board near Esna and sail through tranquil scenery to El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila and Kom Ombo, with opportunities for island walks and authentic riverside encounters. Complete the journey in Aswan with Philae Temple and the High Dam. The small sailing boat reaches quiet moorings unavailable to large Nile cruise ships, while full-board meals and guided visits keep the experience comfortable and well organized.
Dahabiya Nile Cruise Attractions
Ten carefully selected Nile experiences displayed in two complete rows.
Traditional Dahabiya
Temple of Khnum
Ancient Necropolis
Temple of Horus
Riverside Villages
Horemheb Rock Chapel
Double Temple
Crocodile Museum
Philae Temple
High Dam
Your Day-by-Day Nile Journey
Six carefully paced days from Esna to Aswan with temples, hidden archaeological sites and tranquil Nile sailing.
Meet your representative in Luxor or Esna and transfer to the Dahabiya. Visit the beautifully restored Temple of Khnum at Esna, known for its astronomical ceiling and deeply carved Roman-era reliefs. Board the boat, enjoy lunch and begin the peaceful journey south. Dinner and overnight aboard near Esna.
Sail to El Kab, the ancient city of Nekheb, and walk to rock-cut tombs decorated with vivid scenes of daily life. Continue to Edfu and travel by horse-drawn carriage to the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. Return to the Dahabiya and sail to a quiet Nile mooring.
Enjoy an unhurried day of Dahabiya sailing through fertile fields, palm groves and small villages. Step ashore on a Nile island for a guided walk and meet local residents when conditions permit. Relax on deck as the crew navigates toward Gebel El Silsila.
Explore Gebel El Silsila, the ancient sandstone quarry that supplied many of Egypt’s temples. Visit the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb and see inscriptions, shrines and quarry marks along the river cliffs. Enjoy lunch while sailing toward Kom Ombo and overnight at a secluded mooring.
Visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Examine the medical and ritual reliefs, then visit the Crocodile Museum with its preserved sacred crocodiles. Return aboard for the final scenic sailing stretch toward Aswan.
After breakfast, disembark in Aswan and meet your private Egyptologist. Travel by motorboat to Philae Temple, rescued from the rising waters and rebuilt on Agilkia Island, then visit the Aswan High Dam. Transfer to your Aswan hotel, airport or railway station.
Everything Included for Smooth Nile Sailing
Included In Your Journey
Not Included
What Our Travelers Say
Real feedback about thoughtful planning, guides and unforgettable journeys through Egypt.
“We’ve been to Egypt during the Christmas holidays and were so lucky to have everything organised by Heba and her team. Everybody was polite and professional from the moment we booked until after we left Egypt.”
“The itinerary perfectly matched our requests and wishes, and every detail was well organised. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, the hotels were perfect, and so were the local restaurants.”
“Heba and her team were amazing travel consultants; our journey was perfectly organised, everything was thought through in detail, and we didn’t have to think about anything—just enjoy our vacation.”
Before You Book Your Dahabiya
Important answers about departures, meals, cabins and optional extensions.