Nile Cruise Holidays & Nile Dahabiya Boats, Egypt

Explore Egypt like never before, and choose one of our luxury Nile cruises and Dahabiya boats. There are various options for your Nile cruise holiday along the River Nile. Using our first-hand experience and deep knowledge of the destination. We have picked the best boats that we think can offer a spectacular way to explore this enchanting Nile River.

A romantic drifting experience down the blessed river Nile. Enjoy the warm breeze tickling your face while relaxing by the pool of the Nile River Cruise. Escape from the madness of the modern world to the slow pace of the cruise journey. Passing through some of the breathtaking scenes of the Nile Valley. A Nile cruise gives you a glimpse of typical Egyptian life in Upper Egypt. Farmers working in their fields of sugar cane can be seen around the river banks. The Nile cruise highlights the discovery of the historical treasures of Pharaohs in Luxor and Aswan. Book Egypt Tours with Nile cruise holiday.

The first of these is the Temple of Khnum in Esna, which was dedicated to the ram-headed creator god. The structure was begun by Ptolemy VI Philometor (180 to 45 BC) and finished by the Romans, who added the hypostyle hall – the remains of which can be seen today, despite being buried beneath debris for many centuries.

Next on the route is the Temple of Horus at Edfu, which was built between 237 and 57 BC. Dedicated to the sky god Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris, this Ptolemaic temple is guarded by a pair of gargantuan granite sculptures of him as a falcon. Located on the West Bank, it is reached by horse and cart (which may suit some more than others).

Five hours upstream, on a scenic bend in the Nile, lies the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two gods – Haroeris (Horus the Elder) and Sobek (the crocodile god) – which is reflected in the elegant symmetry of its twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries. It is remarkably well preserved, as it was covered by sand and rubble until recently. We can arrange a private dinner here, with a pianist or harpist to serenade you while you dine.

You can enjoy three, four, five, six, or seven nights onboard your luxury boat Farah Nile Cruise. We suggest spending longer on the water, so you can see as much as possible and strongly advise against three-night routes, as they simply do not allow enough time to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

On a four-night cruise or more, you can enjoy an evening ride on a felucca (traditional sailboat). A quintessential Egyptian experience, this is a wonderful way to evade the bigger boats. A longer trip also means you can visit the beautiful Aswan Botanical Gardens, the Tombs of the Nobles, and the majestic temples of Abu Simbel, which are a real highlight of any holiday and cannot fail to amaze travelers both young and old. The story of UNESCO’s incredible rescue mission to relocate them to higher ground is another notable reason to witness these amazing ruins in the flesh.

However, if you can spare the time, we believe the best choice by far is the seven-night cruise, so you have time to sail to the glorious Temple of Hathor at Dendera, an isolated ancient site free from the usual crowds, and can enjoy an additional day soaking up the laid-back atmosphere in Aswan.

 

From luxury cruises to dahabiyas, Merit Dahabiya Cruise (sailing boats), there are many options for your journey along the Nile. Using our first-hand experience and intricate knowledge, we have selected a handful of boats that we think offer the finest way to explore this enchanting river. Be assured that we will choose the one most suited to you. Whether you are with a large group of friends or family, or a couple looking to book a single cabin, each of the following vessels has varying advantages and disadvantages:

With only 22 spacious cabins, including two suites with private terraces and a Jacuzzi, this is our favorite boat. Some rooms have windows that can open, which is refreshing and rare. Refurbished in 2015, the Philae‘s interiors are contemporary and stylish, and there is a signature spa, outdoor heated pool, and 24-hour gym. This is perfect for those looking for a classic cruise with five-star service, food, and amenities.

Historia Nile Cruise start every Monday from Luxor & every Friday from Aswan

Historia Nile Cruise is the Nile's newest ship and the first boutique Nile Cruise boat, with the goal of being one of the Nile's most elegant and enjoyable cruise lines. The yacht offers magnificent accommodations, privacy, and plenty of space. The meal is delectable, and the relaxation options are excellent.

The Historia Nile Cruise provides three alternative itineraries: a three-night trip from Aswan to Luxor every Friday, a four-night trip from Luxor to Aswan every Monday, and a seven-night trip that combines the previous two itineraries to start and conclude in the same place.

The Oberoi Zahra

This comfortable vessel has 27 cabins and suites, which are smaller than The Oberoi Philae‘s but equally well-appointed. The cabins have bathrooms with rain showers and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can wash with a view, and the suites feature bathtubs. Like its sister boat, there is an Oberoi Spa as well as an open-air pool and fitness center.

Steam Ship Sudan

If you’re looking for bags of historic charm and character, this 19th-century steamer is the boat for you. Built for King Fouad, it boasts teak decks, wooden paneling, and oriental opulence. One of its most famous guests was Agatha Christie, who was inspired to write Death on the Nile after traveling onboard. The five suites and 18 old-school cabins reflect the history of this venerable ship, and a 1930s restaurant serves a varied buffet at breakfast and lunch and a tasty set menu at dinner. There is no swimming pool, so it might be less suitable for children, but Steam Ship Sudan certainly delivers a timeless journey along the Nile.

 

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau Luxury Dahabiya

Launched in 2010, this dahabiya is available for private charter only. With just two suites and four cabins, sleeping 12 guests, it’s ideal for small groups or families, and its size means that you have greater flexibility on where you can dock. There is a heated plunge pool and pleasant alfresco dining on the top deck.