Ultimate Guide to Dahabiya Boat Trips on the Nile, Egypt

Ultimate Guide to Dahabiya Boat Trips on the Nile, Egypt

Table of contents 

  • Quick Summary 

  • What are the types of sailing options you can get on the Nile?

  • Day-trip cruises 

  • ​Types of day-trip rides 

  • ​Cruises in Luxor

  • Aswan felucca rides

  • ​Cairo dinner cruises 

  • ​Dahabiya boats 

  • Types of itineraries for the Dahabiya  

  • ​Features of Luxury Dahabiya Cruises 

  • Tips to follow for a relaxing getaway to Egypt 

  • ​Final Thoughts 

Quick Summary 

​The Nile River is not just a flowing current for the people of Egypt; it carries centuries of history and life. To date, the Nile River offers a lot to Egyptian people and tourists. The serene riverbanks form landscape views and a calm environment for the tourists sailing on Dahabiya luxury boats.  

There are a number of boats that sail on the River Nile, offering a variety of experiences and unique itineraries. In this blog, you will know about the luxury boats that offer magical and pleasurable trips on your Egypt tour. By the end of this blog, you will have clarity about choosing the right travel option for exploring the Nile. Let’s start by knowing the types of boats on the River Nile. 

 

What are the types of sailing options you can get on the Nile?

Day-trip cruises 

These are trips that usually last for around 1-6 hours. It is ideal for those travellers who have limited time but want to experience sailing on the river. Travellers can explore city views, sunsets, ancient monuments, or rides in Aswan’s botanical gardens. These are luxurious, smaller boats offering lunch or dinner on board. 

 

​Types of day-trip rides 

 

Cruises in Luxor: sail on the east banks of Luxor, where you can explore Banana Island (Gezira el-Mozh) and have a sunset on the cruises. After that, you can end the day trip with a hot-air balloon ride. 

 

​Aswan felucca rides

These rides are usually for around 1-2 hours, in which you can explore the ultimate home to nature’s beauty, the Elephantine Island. Travellers ride on the traditional wooden felucca boats, and no meals are included. 

 

​Cairo dinner cruises: 

The dinner cruises in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, are some of the most famous cruises to experience luxury and premium travel. They offer exclusive dinner parties on board while you witness the modern city lighting in Egypt. Other entertainment activities like dance and Sufi music nights are organized. 

 

​Dahabiya boats 

These are well-crafted luxury sailing boats, offering you boutique-style travel on the historical waters of the Nile. The sailboats are inspired by ancient golden sailing boats, dahbaiya, that are only for explorers and for the wealthy traders. The modern-age Dahabiya Nile cruises are the best and most premium boats, having all the amenities from air conditioners to attached bathrooms with cabins and suites.  

 

Types of itineraries for the Dahabiya  

 

4 Days/3 Nights From Aswan 

On this trip, you explore destinations like Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor. 

 

The trip is curated for travellers who want to experience the elegance of a dahabiya while exploring all the major points between Aswan and Luxor. The trip is carried on the cruise by Swan Dahabiya. Places like the Aswan High Dam, Edfu Temple, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and many more are explored. It’s a perfect combination of slow sailing with adventurous shore excursions, leaving tourists with an enriching Egypt tour experience. 

 

8 Days/7 Nights From Aswan 

It’s a round trip starting from the same location and ending at the same port. 

 

You will explore the destinations, like Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Esna, and Aswan.

 

​By taking a round trip, the tourists can spend more time on board and can have a more in-depth exploration of the Nile and its riverbanks. Gourmet-style dining is offered throughout the trip, which is prepared by seasoned chefs. Fresh ingredients and Middle Eastern spices are used to serve you with dishes. The travellers get more time to explore the shores and can witness more of the scenery of the Nile as they spend more days on the dahabiya. 

 

​Features of Luxury Dahabiya Cruises 

 

Spacious Accommodation: The Swan Dahabiya luxury cruise consists of 10 cabins and 2 suites. They are spacious, comfortable, and premium cushioned beds. The accommodation has attached bathrooms and instant coffee and tea makers for a personalized travel experience. 

 

​Vibrant interiors: the ancient elegance from the past, Dahabiya Nile cruises in Egypt are designed by Egyptian artisans and engineers. The walls and dining areas have imprints of the traditions of ancient Egypt. Embroidery on the curtain and detailing on the boats speak volumes about rich culture and heritage. 

 

Fine dining: the food on board is loved by the travellers, saying it will not be wrong that by having gourmet-style food, you don’t just explore Egypt but taste it. Open-air dining areas add a natural charm to the dining, which offers memorable experiences for travellers to remember for life. 

 

Guided Tours: These well-crafted dahabiya small boats have only a limited number of guests, which promotes a calm and more personalized travel experience. You will get English-speaking tour guides to make your shore excursions more captivating. Some cruises also offer horse carriage rides during the Edfu Temple visit. 

 

Tips to follow for a relaxing getaway to Egypt 

 

  • Firstly, check the reviews and ratings before choosing the company for cruise booking. Helps you in getting a reliable dahabiya booking company in Egypt. 
  • Book early; during the peak season, small Nile Cruise bookings may not be available due to high demand. Booking in advance will also give you the benefit of choosing your desired cruise and cabin options.  
  • Fill in the details and make the inquiry correctly to get the best suitable quote, and while booking, communicate effectively to get the best out of your Egypt trip. 
  • Only book the dahabiyas with all-inclusive deals, which include meals, hotel-to-cruise transfers, shore excursions, and tour guides for a relaxing and stress-free trip. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Whether you are taking a day trip to the Nile or a dahabiya ride, it will be more than just sightseeing or sailing. You feel the cool breeze; while witnessing the magical sunsets, you can hear the sound of the river, and while sightseeing, you will know the greatness of the pharaohs and the rich Egyptian heritage. Take multi-day Dahabiya cruises to feel it all, and travel with 5-star floating hotels built on the Dahabiya cruises, offering comfortable and relaxing rides.