Swan Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Day 1 – Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Wonders

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your Dahabiya, where you are welcomed aboard, assigned your cabin, and offered a refreshing welcome drink to begin your journey in comfort.

After settling in, enjoy lunch on board before heading out to explore the majestic Karnak Temples and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple.

You then return to the boat to enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on deck as the Nile breeze sets the perfect tone for your cruise.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Luxor

Day 2 – West Bank Treasures & Scenic Sailing Toward Edfu

Start your morning with breakfast on board before crossing to the West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, the elegant terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, and the iconic Colossi of Memnon.

After your visits, return to the Dahabiya as it begins sailing toward Esna, enjoying lunch on board and relaxing along the tranquil riverbanks.

In the evening, savor dinner as you enjoy smooth sailing toward Edfu, where the boat will moor for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Edfu

Day 3 – Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Adventure

Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting the spectacular Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Returning to your Dahabiya, lunch is served as you sail toward Kom Ombo, where you explore the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.

After your visit, continue sailing toward Aswan while enjoying dinner on board and settling in for a peaceful night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Day 4 – Aswan Highlights & Relaxing Afternoon on the Nile

Begin your day with breakfast on board before setting out to explore Aswan’s iconic landmarks, including the mystical Philae Temple, the impressive High Dam, and the unfinished Obelisk that showcases ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.

Return to the Dahabiya for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon of leisure on deck. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and spend a calm, starlit night on the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Aswan

Day 5 – Farewell & Departure from Aswan

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking from your Dahabiya. You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport for your departure, marking the end of your memorable Nile journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 1 – Arrival in Aswan & Dahabiya Embarkation

Upon arrival at Aswan Airport, you will be greeted with meet-and-assist services before beginning your journey with a guided tour of the enchanting Philae Temple, followed by a visit to the historic Unfinished Obelisk and the impressive High Dam of Aswan.

At midday, you embark on your Dahabiya Nile cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and take part in an orientation session introducing the cruise experience, then spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking in the peaceful surroundings before ending the day with a delightful dinner on board.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Aswan

Day 2 – Kom Ombo Temple & Sailing Toward Edfu

Enjoy breakfast on board as the Dahabiya begins its early morning sail, then head out on a guided visit to the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, followed by a tour of the adjacent Crocodile Museum.

As the cruise continues toward Edfu, lunch is served on board, giving you time to unwind on deck and enjoy the serene Nile views before ending the day with dinner on board as the boat moors near Edfu for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Edfu

Day 3 – Edfu Temple & Sailing Toward Luxor

After breakfast on board, travel by traditional horse-drawn carriage to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

You then return to the Dahabiya as it begins sailing toward Luxor, enjoy lunch on board before passing through the Esna Lock, and continue the journey toward Luxor while admiring the scenic riverbanks, ending the evening with a relaxing dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Luxor

Day 4 – West Bank Wonders & East Bank Highlights

Begin your day with breakfast on board before exploring the legendary West Bank, visiting the Valley of the Kings, the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.

After returning for lunch on board, continue your discoveries with a visit to the majestic Karnak Temple and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, then return to the Dahabiya to enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Luxor

Day 5 – Leisure in Luxor & Sailing Toward Esna

After breakfast on board, enjoy a relaxed morning with free time to unwind aboard or explore Luxor at your own pace.

Around noon, the Dahabiya begins sailing toward Esna, where lunch is served as you enjoy the tranquil Nile scenery, followed by an evening of relaxation, dinner on board, and an overnight stay near Esna.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Esna

Day 6 – Esna Lock & Sailing Toward Edfu

Start your morning with breakfast on board before passing once again through the historic Esna Lock as the Dahabiya begins its sail toward Edfu.

Lunch is served at midday as the cruise continues its journey toward Aswan, offering a quiet afternoon for relaxation on deck, and the day concludes with dinner on board and an overnight stay near Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Edfu

Day 7 – Full Day of Relaxation While Sailing to Aswan

After breakfast on board, enjoy a peaceful morning of relaxation as the Dahabiya sails along the legendary Nile River toward Aswan.

Lunch is served at midday while you enjoy the timeless scenery of palm groves, villages, and desert landscapes drifting by, followed by a delightful dinner on board and an overnight stay near Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Aswan

Day 8 – Farewell & Departure from Aswan

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking from your Dahabiya and transferring to Aswan Airport or your chosen hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 1 – Arrival in Luxor & East Bank Highlights

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you will be warmly met and picked up for your transfer to the Dahabiya, where you will be welcomed aboard, assigned your cabin, and served a refreshing welcome drink.

After settling in, enjoy lunch on board before setting out to explore the East Bank’s magnificent treasures, including the grand Karnak Temples and the iconic Luxor Temple, returning afterward to the boat to enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on deck as you take in the peaceful Nile atmosphere.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Luxor

Day 2 – West Bank Wonders & Sailing Toward Aswan

Begin your morning with breakfast on board before heading to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.

After returning to the Dahabiya, enjoy lunch on board as the boat begins its smooth journey toward Aswan, giving you time to relax and absorb the scenic beauty of the Nile before ending the day with dinner and a restful overnight on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board while sailing toward Aswan

Day 3 – Edfu Temple Visit & Sailing Toward Aswan

Enjoy breakfast on board as the Dahabiya continues its peaceful sail along the Nile, then enjoy lunch before visiting the magnificent Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

After returning to the cozy Dahabiya, continue sailing toward Aswan, enjoying the breathtaking colors of the sunset over the river before ending the evening with dinner and a serene overnight on board surrounded by the tranquility of the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board while sailing toward Aswan

Day 4 – Kom Ombo Temple & Arrival in Aswan

After enjoying breakfast on board, relax during a calm morning of sailing along the Nile’s beautiful landscapes before having lunch on board and heading out to explore the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design and rich history.

Following your visit, return to the boat and continue sailing smoothly toward Aswan, where you enjoy dinner on board and spend a peaceful overnight surrounded by the charm and tranquility of the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Aswan

Day 5 – Aswan Highlights & Leisure Time

Begin your day with breakfast on board before exploring Aswan’s top highlights, including the majestic Philae Temple, the impressive High Dam, and the historic Unfinished Obelisk.

Return to the Dahabiya for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon making use of the onboard amenities, followed by dinner on board and time with your guide to discover more about Egypt before settling in for another comfortable overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On board in Aswan

Day 6 – Scenic Sailing Toward Edfu

Start the morning with breakfast on board as the Dahabiya begins its early sail, passing by Kom Ombo Temple, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the deck.

Continue the journey toward Edfu while lunch is served on board, then spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing as the boat glides along the Nile, ending the day with dinner on board and an overnight stay near Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Edfu

Day 7 – Sailing Toward Luxor & Esna Lock Passage

After breakfast on board, begin the return sail toward Luxor, enjoying the river’s timeless views throughout the morning.

Lunch is served at midday before passing through the Esna Lock, after which the Dahabiya continues its journey toward Luxor, ending the day with dinner on board and an overnight stay near Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Near Luxor

Day 8 – Farewell & Departure from Luxor

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking from the cruise, followed by a transfer to Luxor Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your memorable journey along the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast

How much you pay upfront to lock in a Min Travel booking comes down to what you are reserving, so our terms are grouped by service type:

• Day Tours & Excursions: the entire cost (100%) is settled at the moment you book, which confirms your spot.
• Multi-Day Tour Packages & Nile Cruises: a 30% deposit holds your reservation, with the remaining balance due no later than 15 days before you arrive.
• Christmas, New Year & Easter Bookings: these high-demand windows call for a larger 50% deposit to secure your place.

The instant your payment goes through, we email you a written confirmation, a personalized itinerary, and your travel documents, and every payment you make comes with its own receipt.

Life doesn't always go to plan, and we get that. Here is how a cancellation is handled, measured against your arrival date:

• 30 days or more before arrival: you get everything back, less whatever your bank or the transaction charges
• 15 to 29 days before arrival: a fee of 25% of the total tour cost applies
• 7 to 14 days before arrival: the cancellation fee rises to 50%
• Fewer than 7 days before arrival, or a no-show: the full 100% is charged

Where money is owed back to you, expect it within 14 business days from the day we receive your cancellation in writing. Do keep in mind that individual hotels and certain cruises enforce tougher rules of their own, and any such condition will be spelled out plainly in your itinerary.

Families are always welcome aboard our tours, and we price younger travelers on a sliding scale:

• Infants under 2 years: travel free
• Children 2–5 years: pay 25% of the adult rate
• Children 6–11 years: pay 50% of the adult rate
• Children 12 years and above: charged the full adult rate

These reduced rates hold only where a child shares a room with two adults who are each paying in full. Bear in mind that a handful of luxury hotels and Nile Cruises set their own conditions for younger guests, and any such restriction that touches your trip will appear in your itinerary.

Beyond the standard package there are a number of extra experiences you can choose to add. Reserve them ahead of time or sort them out on the spot once you are there, availability permitting. A few of the favorites travelers pick up:

• Stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and other tombs
• Evening Sound & Light Shows at the Giza Pyramids, Karnak, or Philae Temples
• A sunrise hot air balloon flight above Luxor
• Camel rides or a horse-drawn carriage through the old quarters
• Private photography sessions at the great landmarks

You can pay for these add-ons in either USD or Egyptian pounds (EGP). Booking early is wise, all the more so when you are traveling in the busy season.

Our packages cover a great deal, but a few costs fall outside them and are worth setting money aside for:

• Anything you buy for yourself, from souvenirs to snacks
• Drinks at mealtimes, unless your plan states otherwise
• In-hotel extras such as the minibar, room service, or laundry
• Your Egyptian entry visa, which is normally paid when you land
• SIM cards or internet access, unless we've arranged it for you
• Tips and any optional experiences you decide to add

It helps to keep a little Egyptian currency (EGP) on hand as you go, particularly for tipping and for picking things up in the local markets.

In Egypt, tipping (known as "baksheesh") is simply how good service is acknowledged. No one is obliged to tip, but the gesture goes a long way and is warmly received. As a rough guide:

• Tour guide: $15–$20 per day for the group
• Driver: $5–$10 per day for the group
• Nile Cruise crew: $5–$10 per person each night, pooled among the staff
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: modest tips of $1–$2

Gratuities sit outside your package price, so it's worth keeping a few small USD or EGP notes within easy reach for the moments they're called for.

Most itineraries run between 4 and 7 nights, shaped by the route you choose:

• The classic sail linking Luxor and Aswan generally spans 5-7 nights.
• Tighter schedules can be met with shorter 3-4 night options.

That leisurely rhythm is the whole point: a Dahabiya never hurries. It pauses at little-visited temples, tranquil riverbanks, and unspoilt countryside, giving you a deeper and altogether more relaxed encounter with the Nile.

It certainly is, particularly for families after something calmer, safer, and more personal than a big-ship holiday.

• The boat's modest size lets children explore in safety.
• You get a private, home-like setting free of crowds.
• Crew members tend to be genuinely warm with younger guests.
• It suits families who value cultural immersion, nature, and real bonding time.

That said, families with very young children (under 4 years old) may find the open deck and quiet surroundings a little harder to manage, so much depends on your own comfort level and supervision.

Plan your sailing for the October to April window, when the weather is at its kindest for slow cruising, outdoor sightseeing, village strolls, and lazing on deck.

• October-November: warm and comfortable, wonderful for photography.
• December-February: cool and pleasant, and the busiest, most popular stretch.
• March-April: sunny with excursion-perfect conditions.

Summer (May-September) turns hot, yet some travellers still relish a Dahabiya thanks to shaded decks, breezy sailing, and onboard cooling.

Expect cabins that feel snug, characterful, and thoughtfully finished, delivering comfort within a traditional frame.

• Private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and elegant wooden décor come as standard.
• Many rooms open onto large windows framing the Nile.
• Suites may add a balcony or a private seating nook.
• Throughout, old-world charm meets modern luxury: soft bedding, warm lighting, and handcrafted touches.

They won't rival the sheer size of cabins on the big cruise ships, but they feel warm, intimate, and perfectly in keeping with the easygoing spirit of Dahabiya sailing.