Nour El Nil | Luxury Nile Egypt Dahabiya Cruise

Overview

A Simple and Authentic Nile Journey

El Nil is the most traditional of our dahabiyas, a boat that feels like stepping back in time. Its smaller cabins create an intimate setting, reminding travelers of the simpler days when the Nile was crossed slowly and peacefully. On deck, guests can watch the sails catch the desert breeze and feel the river’s timeless rhythm, making El Nil a perfect choice for those who value authenticity and closeness over grandeur. It’s a vessel for dreamers who find romance in simplicity and quiet evenings beneath the stars.

Panoramic Room

1 King Bed

1-2 guests

14.00 m²

El Nil’s Panoramic Rooms offers floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the cabin with Nile views, even in its cozy space. Though more compact than on newer boats, the room’s charm lies in its intimacy and the feeling of being close to the river at every moment.

Room

2 Twin Bed

or 1 King Bed

1-2 guests

11.40 m²

The Rooms aboard El Nil are simple yet comfortable, designed with classic details that reflect the boat’s heritage. These smaller rooms are ideal for travelers who prefer a snug retreat after days spent exploring the riverbanks.

Day 1: Esna

Esna, located some 33 miles south of Luxor, is where you will board your dahabiya and meet the crew. A thriving merchant town, Esna is best known for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 9 meters below street level. Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through streets filled with beautiful textiles and other exotic goods.

Day 2: El Kab & Edfu

El Kab, on the East bank of the Nile, was once the capital of Upper Egypt and is still home to the temple of Nekhbet, as well as a row of fascinating decorated tombs carved into the slope of the mountains. Upon docking, you will embark on a beautiful walk through a small fishermen village to visit the necropolis.

In the afternoon, the boat will arrive at Edfu, home to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Horus. This is among the best preserved of all Egyptian temples. Horse and carriage will take you to the temple through the busy city streets. After returning to the boat, you will set sail for a beautiful island.

Day 3: Sail & Swim

This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile. As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley lined with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions. These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times). At night, the boat will tie up the foot of floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh.

Day 4: Gebel Silsileh

Day 4: Gebel Silsileh

Here, the Nile, flowing between two mountains ranges, is at its narrowest. You will often be the only visitors at this fascinating site, as large Nile cruisers are not allowed to stop here. After visiting the small temple of Horemheb and walking through the sandstone quarries, where ancient Egyptians cut stone for many of their most famous temples, you will sail for the remainder of the day. We then sail to a picturesque riverbank where you will stop for lunch and swimming.

Day 5: Kom Ombo

Day 5: Kom Ombo

After a night on the water and beneath the stars, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend on the river. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.

Day 6: Aswan

Day 6: Aswan

Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge. Here your cruise comes to an end. You will leave us relaxed and refreshed in the morning.

Please note: The government requires all dahabiyas to overnight in a dock beside the Aswan bridge. Unfortunately this location is less idyllic than our other stops, but it is a legal requirement.

Day 1: Esna

LUXOR / ASWAN

5 Nights
6 Days
250 KM

"I did a six day Esna-Aswan trip 2 years ago and still consider it was the best holiday-investment I ever made. Combined with the cultural highlights and the wonderful people on & off ship this is beyond comparison..."
Mark E. | Testimonial

"Gliding up the Nile on one of Nour El Nil four dahabiyas is undeniably majestic..."
Condé Nast Traveller | 2015

"Nour El Nil was the experience of a lifetime. This cruise is strictly for anti-cruisers; for people who care about aesthetics and eating well, for people with open minds."
Kate W. | Testimonial