About Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
The Journey
Esna – Board Your Dahabiya
Your journey begins in Esna, located approximately 33 miles south of Luxor. Here, you will board your dahabiya and meet the crew who will accompany you throughout the journey. Esna was once a thriving merchant town and remains best known for the ancient Temple of Khnum, a small but fascinating temple located around 9 meters below the modern street level. After boarding, your journey begins with a short walk to the temple, followed by a leisurely stroll through Esna’s atmospheric streets, where you can browse beautiful textiles and discover a variety of exotic goods. After exploring the town, return to the dahabiya and settle into the peaceful rhythm of life on the Nile.
El Kab & Edfu – Ancient Tombs and the Temple of Horus
After breakfast, continue your journey to El Kab, located on the east bank of the Nile. Once the capital of Upper Egypt, El Kab is home to the temple of Nekhbet and a fascinating necropolis containing decorated tombs carved into the slopes of the surrounding mountains. After docking, take a beautiful walk through a small fishing village before reaching the ancient necropolis. The peaceful surroundings and absence of large crowds make this an especially atmospheric stop along the Nile. In the afternoon, the dahabiya continues to Edfu, home to the magnificent Greco-Roman Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple is considered one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. A traditional horse-and-carriage ride will take you through the busy streets of Edfu to reach the temple. After exploring the site, return to the dahabiya and continue sailing toward a beautiful island, where you will spend the evening surrounded by the tranquil scenery of the Nile.
A Day on the Nile – Desert Landscapes & Gebel Silsileh
Today is dedicated to enjoying the Nile and the peaceful landscapes along its banks. After an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail and spend the day relaxing aboard the dahabiya as the river scenery gradually changes around you. In the afternoon, the boat will stop at a secluded riverbank, giving you the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll or step into the cool, refreshing waters of the Nile. As evening approaches, you will leave the riverbank for a breathtaking walk through the desert. Follow a serene valley surrounded by dramatic boulders as the final golden light of the day fades across the dunes. After sunset, return to the Nile for one of the most memorable moments of the journey. The dahabiya will tie up at the foot of the spectacular, floodlit Temple of Gebel Silsileh, creating a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic setting for the night.
Gebel Silsileh – Ancient Quarries & Riverside Relaxation
Wake up beside Gebel Silsileh, where the Nile passes between two mountain ranges at its narrowest point. Because large Nile cruisers are not permitted to stop at this location, you will often find yourself among the only visitors exploring this fascinating archaeological site. Visit the small Temple of Horemheb and walk through the ancient sandstone quarries, where Egyptians once extracted the stone used to build some of the country’s most famous temples. After exploring Gebel Silsileh, return to the dahabiya and sail for the remainder of the day. Later, the boat will stop at a picturesque riverbank where you can enjoy lunch beside the Nile and take the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey downstream.
Kom Ombo – Temple of Sobek & Crocodile Museum
After spending the night on the water beneath the stars, wake up as the dahabiya approaches the town of Kom Ombo. Your morning visit takes you to the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple. Its spectacular position on a bend in the Nile makes it one of the most beautifully situated temples along the river. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, reflecting the important role crocodiles played in the religious traditions of this region. After exploring the temple, continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, where a collection of mummified crocodiles provides a fascinating insight into the significance of the animal in ancient Egyptian culture. Return to the dahabiya afterward and enjoy your final evening aboard the river.
Aswan – End of Your Dahabiya Journey
Wake up to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in around the Nile as you approach Aswan Bridge. Here, your dahabiya cruise comes to an end. After breakfast, you will leave the boat relaxed and refreshed, bringing your journey along the Nile to a peaceful close.
Pricing
Double Cabin
Single Cabin
What’s Included
Included
- Meet & assist on arrival with flowers
- Complimentary mineral water on tours
- Egyptologist English-speaking guide
- Accommodation on full-board basis
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- All taxes & service charges
- Entrance fees for sites in the programme
Not Included
- Any optional tours
- Extra meals & beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
Onboard Facilities
- Meroe boat includes Panoramic Suites, 8 Luxury Rooms and 1 Standard Room
- All cabins have large, panoramic windows
- Dining facilities, Bars and Reading Lounge.
- Dining facilities, Bars and Reading Lounge.
- Doctor on call.
- Air Condition on board.
- Private bath/shower with hair dryer
- Accompanying motorboat to pull it in case wind is calm.
- Sun Deck
- WiFi
- Pool
- Air condition
- Private bath with Shower
- Mini Bar
- Doctor available 24 hours
- Gift Shop
- TV with International Channels
- Major credit cards accepted on board Nile Cruises
Price Policy
Children Policy +
- Age 0 – under 2 years: FREE
- Age 2 – under 6 years: 25% of adult price
- Age 6 – under 11.99 years: 50% of adult price
- Age 12+ : adult price
Applies to children sharing parents’ room (max 1 child). Airfare may add charges for children.
Booking & Payment +
Reservations
Secure your space with a 30% deposit (50% over Christmas, New Year & airfare packages). The deposit counts toward your final payment.
Payment methods
Bank wire transfer, or Visa/Mastercard via our secured system, or Western Union.
Cancellation Policy +
Flexible policy — if a government/airline travel warning is issued to/from your country, no cancellation fees and a full refund.
- Until 45 days before arrival: 20%
- 44–35 days: 30% · 34–25 days: 50%
- 24–15 days: 75% · 14–9 days: 90%
- 8–1 day: 100%





