A Dahabiya Nile Cruise Cairo to Aswan is the sort of journey travelers often imagine when they picture Egypt at its most atmospheric: a smaller traditional sailing boat, long stretches of Nile scenery, ancient temples, historic towns, and time to experience the country beyond the usual short cruise.
Our 14-day Turquoise Dahabiya journey brings many of those elements together in one extended Nile itinerary. One practical detail is important before you plan: although travelers may search for this experience as a Cairo to Aswan Dahabiya cruise, the itinerary supplied for this particular tour actually begins in Aswan and travels north toward Cairo.
Over 14 days, the route combines Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor, Dendera, Abydos, Middle Egypt, Fayoum and Cairo, with accommodation and meals included throughout the journey. The published starting price is from €3,500.
14-Day Dahabiya Nile Cruise at a Glance
| Tour Detail | Information |
| Duration | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Route | Aswan → Nile Valley → Cairo |
| Starting Point | Aswan |
| Cruise Style | Dahabiya Nile journey |
| Meals | Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Guide | Expert archaeologist guide for sightseeing |
| Starting Price | From €3,500 |
| Accommodation Options Shown | Suites and Standard Rooms |
| Departure Time | 1 hour before sailing |
The supplied tour information lists Aswan as the departure location and states that guests should be ready one hour before sailing.
Why Choose This Extended Dahabiya Nile Journey?
A short Luxor-to-Aswan cruise concentrates on Upper Egypt. This itinerary takes a different approach.
Instead of finishing after a few days between the best-known temples, the journey continues north through places including Abydos, Sohag, Tel el-Amarna, Minya and Fayoum before ultimately reaching Cairo.
That creates a trip built around both Nile sailing and archaeological exploration.
The itinerary also includes:
- Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Selsela
- Bassao Island
- Edfu Temple
- Esna and the Temple of Khnum
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Dendera Temple
- Abydos and the Temple of Seti I
- Tel el-Amarna
- Minya
- Fayoum Oasis
- Valley of the Whales
- Qarun Lake
- Giza Pyramids
- The Sphinx
- Grand Egyptian Museum
Rather than treating the Nile simply as transportation between Luxor and Aswan, this itinerary follows the river much farther north.
Dahabiya Nile Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Aswan, Philae, High Dam and Kom Ombo
Your journey starts in Aswan, with arrival from either the airport or your hotel.
The sightseeing begins with Philae Temple, followed by the Aswan High Dam. Later, you join the Dahabiya and begin sailing toward Kom Ombo.
In the evening, the itinerary includes a visit to Kom Ombo Temple, before the boat anchors near Maniha Island for the night.
Day 2 – Selsela, Bassao Island and Edfu
The second day combines archaeological sites with a glimpse of Nile-side life.
You first visit the grounds of Selsela, an important ancient quarry area mentioned in the tour itinerary.
The cruise then continues toward Bassao Island, where the program introduces you to village life beside the Nile. You can read more about rural Egypt if you want extra context.
Later, you visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, before the Dahabiya anchors near Ramady Island.
Day 3 – El Kab and Esna
Day three continues to Kab City, described in the source through its ancient tombs and scenes portraying everyday life. See our guide to the El Kab tombs for more detail.
After returning to the Dahabiya, you travel toward Esna, including passage through the Esna Lock.
Sightseeing in Esna includes the Temple of Khnum, followed by an overnight stay in Esna.
Day 4 – Karnak and Luxor Temple
The Dahabiya reaches Luxor, bringing you into one of the most important archaeological areas of the itinerary.
The afternoon includes a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, followed by Luxor Temple.
You then stay overnight in Luxor.
Days 5–6 – Dendera and Naga Hammadi
The supplied itinerary lists Dendera Temple on both Day 5 and Day 6.
Dendera is dedicated to Hathor and is highlighted in the source for its preserved ceilings and surviving colors.
The program then states that the Dahabiya sails toward Naga Hammadi, where it anchors overnight.
Because the source repeats this program on both days, we recommend confirming the exact Day 5 and Day 6 arrangement with our team when you enquire.
Day 7 – Abydos and Sohag
The journey continues to Abydos, where you visit the Temple of Seti I and the Osireion.
After sightseeing, you return to the Dahabiya and sail onward to Sohag, where the itinerary specifies an overnight stay onboard.
Days 9–12 – Tel el-Amarna, Minya and Fayoum
The published itinerary groups the next part of the journey as Days 9–12.
During this section you travel through Middle Egypt, with visits including:
Tel el-Amarna – associated in the supplied itinerary with Akhenaten and surviving tombs and ruins from the Amarna Period.
Minya – another Nile city included along the route.
Fayoum Oasis – visited on a day trip that includes the Valley of the Whales and Qarun Lake.
The source does not provide a separate Day 8 description, so travelers should confirm the precise sailing schedule and daily sequence when enquiring.
Day 13 – Arrival in Cairo
By Day 13, your Dahabiya reaches Cairo.
After many days following the Nile through Upper and Middle Egypt, the journey enters the capital for the final stage of the program.
Day 14 – Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum
Your final sightseeing day focuses on Cairo’s major ancient attractions.
The itinerary includes the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, bringing the 14-day journey to its conclusion.
What Is Included in the Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price?
The published tour includes:
- 13 nights on a full-board basis
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Expert archaeologist tour guide for sightseeing tours
- Entrance fees to attractions included in the itinerary
- Transfers in a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- Complimentary soft drinks during the journey
- Onboard activities
- Evening entertainment
This makes the program more than accommodation aboard a traditional Nile boat. Guided sightseeing, attraction entrance fees, meals and transfers are already incorporated into the published package.
What Is Not Included?
The source specifically excludes:
- Gratuities
- Private/personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
Dahabiya Accommodation
The tour page presents two accommodation categories:
and
The provided source does not give enough detailed specifications in this tour page to compare room size, bed configuration or cabin amenities, so these should be confirmed when you send your enquiry. You can also explore life on board for a fuller picture.
Dahabiya Nile Cruise Price
The published starting price for this 14-day Cairo and Dahabiya Nile Cruise is:
From €3,500
The website states that this starting rate is based on one adult at the lowest price in low season.
Your final Dahabiya Nile cruise cost may therefore depend on the travel details entered for your enquiry.
For an accurate quotation, send us your preferred travel dates and accommodation requirements so the Turquoise Dahabiya team can provide the available details.
Who Is This Nile Journey For?
This itinerary particularly suits travelers who do not want their Nile experience to stop after the conventional Luxor–Aswan section.
It combines several different types of experiences in one itinerary:
Ancient temples such as Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, Luxor, Dendera and Abydos.
Nile-side destinations including islands and smaller communities.
Middle Egypt through destinations such as Sohag, Tel el-Amarna and Minya.
Fayoum with the Valley of the Whales and Qarun Lake.
Cairo with the Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum.
It is therefore particularly relevant if you are researching a long Dahabiya Nile cruise, an extended private Nile sailing Egypt experience, or a journey that links Upper Egypt with Cairo rather than limiting the trip to the standard southern cruise corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Dahabiya Nile Cruise Cairo to Aswan?
The tour is relevant to travelers searching for a Dahabiya Nile Cruise Cairo to Aswan, but this particular published itinerary operates in the opposite direction: Aswan to Cairo. The site’s own tour menu also identifies the 14-day journey as Aswan–Cairo.
How long is the cruise?
The program lasts 14 days and 13 nights.
Where does the cruise begin?
The listed departure location is Aswan.
Where does the journey finish?
The final section of the itinerary reaches Cairo, with Day 14 dedicated to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum.
Are meals included?
Yes. The package states that the 13 nights are provided on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Is a guide included?
Yes. The package includes an expert archaeologist tour guide for sightseeing tours.
Are attraction entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance fees to attractions specifically mentioned in the itinerary are listed among the inclusions.
What accommodation is available?
The tour page displays Suites and Standard Rooms as accommodation categories.
What is the starting price?
The tour is advertised from €3,500. The site notes that the displayed starting price is based on one adult at the lowest low-season rate.
Does the itinerary include Luxor?
Yes. Luxor sightseeing includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
Does the itinerary include Cairo sightseeing?
Yes. The final day includes the Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum.
Plan Your 14-Day Dahabiya Nile Journey
If you want more than a short Nile cruise, this 14-day Turquoise Dahabiya itinerary gives you the opportunity to follow the river from Aswan through Upper and Middle Egypt before reaching Cairo, combining sailing with a substantial archaeological program.
Fill out the enquiry form with your travel details to check the available information, receive the relevant tour details and discuss your journey with the Turquoise Dahabiya team. You can also read more of our Egypt Nile cruise tips or browse the Egypt travel blog for further inspiration.
