Dahabiyya Nile Cruise

Here’s a unique way that you can cruise the Nile. Do it on a Dahabiyya.

In the late 19th century, aristocrats and sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in the style and comfort of their private ‘dahabiyyas’, beautifully crafted wooden ships with from four to ten cabins and a host of servants. They rented the boats for many weeks at a time and made their way from temple to temple enjoying the river breeze. Dahabiyyas were popular amongst those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks.

Travelling by dahabiyya is a unique, peaceful and relaxing experience. There are up to 10 crew for 12 passengers.

As an example the dahabiyya “Nesma” is an traditional ‘dahabiyya’ and is outfitted in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches. The interior boasts period furnishing and each cabin has its own individual decoration. It has six compact cabins measuring 5.75m x 2.50m; each with its private bathroom of 1.25m x 2.50m with a toilet, wash basin, shower and hairdryer. Four cabins have two single beds and two a double bed (triple cabins are not available) and the maximum capacity is twelve passengers. The cabins are located towards the front of each boat on the starboard and port sides, separated by a central corridor. The communal lounge covers the width of the boat and is a lovely setting for serving meals. The kitchen is at the stern, while the staff cabin and sitting areas are located aft. The engine room lies beneath the kitchen and electricity is provided by generators. Both the public area and cabins are fully air-conditioned.

We can now offer you a choice of Dahabiyyas and a choice of itinerary. For example a 12 day “Nostalgic Nile” Cruise with 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in Cairo and a 7 day all inclusive cruise costs from £1,599 with flights.

If you want to experience a truly memorable Nile Cruise or if you have already cruised the Nile and want to return and experience a totally different atmosphere then a dahabiyya might be exactly what the “doctor ordered”.

Here’s what’s included:

* Scheduled direct flights, including U.K. Airport Passenger Duty and Passenger Service Charge
* Experienced English-speaking guide on the Nesma
* Private air-conditioned vehicle
* Sightseeing As detailed, including entrance fees
* Tipping Included for transfers, porters and the private guide and crew on board the dahabiyya
* Accommodation and meals Modern first class hotels.
* Exclusive ‘dahabiyya’.
* 11 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.
* Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included on the cruise

Day 1

Afternoon non-stop flight by British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 50 minutes). On arrival you will be met by your representative and taken direct to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel (Garden Wing), the nearest hotel to the Pyramids of Giza. There are a limited number of Pyramid View rooms at no supplement. These will be allocated according to the order of booking.
Meals: B&B
Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 2

We have left the time in Cairo free. Your representatives can offer a variety of optional excursions in and around this great city. Not to be missed are the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, easily reached from your hotel, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in the centre of Cairo and the superb monuments at ancient Memphis and Saqqara.
Meals: B&B
Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 3

Same as above
Meals: B&B
Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 4

Morning EgyptAir flight to Luxor (1 hour, 5 minutes) and embark on the Nesma, your exclusive ‘dahabiyya’, for a relaxing week spent cruising on the Nile. After lunch visit Luxor’s East Bank, taking time to explore the magnificent setting of the Luxor Temple. This sumptuous monument was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner. Overnight mooring in Luxor.
Meals: BFull Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 5

There is the option of rising at dawn to take a hot air balloon flight over Luxor. This morning visit the West Bank and enter the atmospheric setting of the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the once mighty pharaohs lie amongst the desert landscapes of the Nile Valley. Also pay a visit to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, passing the imposing Colossi of Memnon en route. After lunch return to Luxor’s East Bank to explore the Karnak Temple. Built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak’s immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner and overnight mooring on the Nile banks of Luxor.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 6

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey to Esna where you will moor overnight.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 7

Passing through the lock at Esna, your voyage continues, towards the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed in the 3rd century BC and, after Karnak, the largest temple in Egypt. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 8

Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Ptolemaic temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods – the falcon god Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Its superb location overlooking the Nile and perfect double symmetry make this one of the most picturesque on the river. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 9

A final morning of cruising will bring you to Aswan, where you will have the afternoon to relax. Overnight at a private mooring near Aswan.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 10

Today you will visit the High Dam, Old Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Return to the boat for lunch. Once more overnight at your private mooring near Aswan.
Meals: Full Board
Hotel: The Nesma

Day 11

This morning bid farewell to the crew and disembark the boat after breakfast, with an opportunity to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air, before the EgyptAir flight back to Cairo (1 hour 30 minutes). Built by Ramses II, the setting of this magnificent structure, besides the shores of Lake Nasser, makes it one of the most spectacular of Egypt’s ancient sites. On arrival in Cairo transfer to Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel (formerly the Mövenpick Heliopolis).
Meals: B&B
Hotel: Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel

Day 12

Morning non-stop flight by British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon

To enquire about this wonderful trip please call either Barbara or myself on Freephone 0808 1089 100.