GTS Jordan, Global Travel Services
The Nile from the deck of a dahabiya at sunset

EGYPT · DAHABIYA CRUISES

The Nile under sail, between Luxor and Aswan

Sailing boats with just a few cabins, stops the big ships never make, and Cairo, Abu Simbel or Jordan to combine. Net rates for agencies only.

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THE DAHABIYA

A 19th-century Nile cruise, with modern comfort

The dahabiya is the traditional two-masted sailing boat of the Nile, once used by explorers and aristocrats. It carries twenty or so passengers at most, sails whenever the wind allows and moors at islands or deserted riverbanks.

For your clients, it is Egypt away from the queues of ships: quieter sites, an attentive crew and a slow pace that leaves time to watch the river.

Dahabiya or cruise ship?
Dahabiya Standard cruise ship
Passengers8 to 34100 to 150
SailingUnder sail, towed when there is no windEngine-powered
StopsIslands, secluded banks, dinner on an islandMain sites only
MooringSecluded banks, quiet nightsBusy quays, ships moored side by side
ClientsCouples, small groups, private charterMass market

OUR DAHABIYAS

Akhenaton, Iris or Merkaba

Depending on dates, your clients sail on one of our three partner dahabiyas, or similar. Below, the Iris, then a profile of each boat.

The Iris under sail on the Nile Sun loungers on the upper deck facing the Nile Cabin with picture window onto the Nile Dining room on the Iris
The Iris lounge deck facing the Nile

ULTRA-DELUXE

Iris

A floating residence rather than a boat: few cabins, plenty of space and an upper deck devoted to relaxation.

  • 55 m, 15 suites and cabins
  • 2 royal suites of 40 m² with veranda
  • Infinity pool, sauna, massage room
  • Jacuzzi in every bathroom
The Akhenaton deck: jacuzzi and sail

ECO-FRIENDLY

Akhenaton

Traditional wooden design, linen in authentic Egyptian fabrics and a route past villages and islands.

  • 50 m, 12 suites and cabins
  • 2 panoramic suites with private terrace
  • Heated jacuzzi and oriental lounge on deck
  • Less plastic, support for local villages
Deluxe cabin on the Merkaba

SPACIOUS AND INTIMATE

Merkaba

A "floating temple" with large rooms and no TV, designed for peace and quiet, also ideal for groups.

  • 14 rooms and suites, 38 to 68 m²
  • 2 wheelchair-accessible suites
  • Jacuzzi and blue lotus pond on deck
  • Vegan and gluten-free cuisine on request

THE ITINERARY · CRU 1

Discover Egypt: 7 nights by dahabiya, Luxor – Aswan – Luxor

A whole week on the Nile, with two nights moored in Aswan to enjoy Nubia, and all the major visits with a French-, Spanish- or Italian-speaking guide.

Day 1 Luxor, embarkationAirport welcome, private transfer to the dahabiya, dinner and first night on board.
Day 2 Luxor West BankValley of the Kings (3 tombs) and Temple of Hatshepsut, lunch on board, sail to Edfu.
Day 3 EdfuTemple of Horus, then sail on to Aswan.
Day 4 AswanUnfinished Obelisk and Philae temple, then a felucca ride around Elephantine Island. Night on board.
Day 5 Free day in AswanOptional excursion to Abu Simbel: the temples of Ramesses II rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser. Night on board.
Day 6 Kom OmboSail to Kom Ombo and its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then dinner on an island on the way to Esna.
Day 7 KarnakKarnak Temple with your guide, lunch on board, optional Luxor Temple in the afternoon. Last night on board.
Day 8 DepartureBreakfast, disembarkation and transfer to Luxor airport.

The sailing schedule may be adapted to conditions on the Nile.

TO COMBINE

Around the cruise

The Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre at Giza

Cairo and Giza

Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic and Islamic Old Cairo. 2 or 3 nights before or after the Nile.

Philae island and temple near Aswan

Aswan and Abu Simbel

Philae, a Nubian village by felucca, and the Abu Simbel excursion by road or by air.

Egypt and Jordan: pyramids, the Nile by felucca and Petra

Jordan + Egypt combined tour

Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, then the Nile by dahabiya. One DMC, one point of contact.

One cabin, a whole dahabiya or a group?

Send us dates and number of passengers: availability and net rate within 24 working hours.

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