A dahabiya is a traditional two-masted Nile sailing boat with only a handful of cabins. Instead of racing between the big ports, it drifts: four hours of sailing a day, lunch on deck, a village walk, a temple at a quiet hour, and a mooring for the night beside an island or a riverside hamlet.
This program follows the most beautiful stretch of the Nile, from Esna south to Aswan. All sailing timings are approximate and may change according to the wind speed and the level of the Nile.
Dahabeya – 6 days, day by day
- Day1
Esna (embarkation) – El Hegez Village
Embarkation in Esna at noon and check-in. Start sailing to the first destination, El Hegez Village, around four hours' sailing, with lunch on board. El Hegez is a small village north of Edfu, where we spend our first night on board.
- Day2
El Kab tombs – Edfu Temple – El Fauaza Island
Early-morning sail to El Kab (around one hour). After breakfast, visit the rock-cut tombs of El Kab. Return to the dahabiya and continue sailing for around three hours to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Sail on from Edfu to El Fauaza Island (around one hour), where we spend our second night on board.
- Day3
El Ramady Village – Gebel el-Silsila – Fares Village
After breakfast, sail around three hours from El Fauaza to El Ramady Village and walk through the village to explore the countryside. Sail from El Ramady to Gebel el-Silsila (around three hours). After lunch, visit the sandstone quarries and shrines of Gebel el-Silsila, then continue to Fares Village (one hour) for our third night on board.
- Day4
Kom Ombo Temple – Harbyab Island
After breakfast, walk around the village, then sail around three hours to Kom Ombo. After lunch, visit the double temple of Kom Ombo. Sail on to Harbyab Island (around two hours), where we spend our fourth night on board.
- Day5
Aswan
Sail from Harbyab to Aswan (around four hours), with lunch on board. Afternoon free, or sightseeing in Aswan. Fifth night on board in Aswan.
- Day6
Aswan (disembarkation)
Disembarkation in Aswan after breakfast. All sailing timings are approximate and may change according to the wind speed and the level of water in the Nile.
Good to know
- Prices are quoted in Australian dollars and confirmed in writing with your itinerary.
- Entrance fees, meals, optional excursions and hotel categories are listed on your quote – see our terms & conditions.
- Every program can be tailored: dates, hotels, Nile boat, pace and add-ons such as Abu Simbel or the Red Sea.
