Duration
4 daysSee all Dahabiya CruisesDahabiya Sailing
Merit I Dahabiya
Location
EgyptPrice
From $692 per person / nightReviews
4.8 (14 reviews)Support
Local teamOverview
Discover the gentle rhythm of the Nile aboard the Merit I Dahabiya, a traditional sailing boat designed for travellers who prefer calm and character over crowds. Sailing the classic route between Aswan and Luxor, this dahabiya cruise takes only a handful of guests to peaceful moorings and lesser-visited temples along the river. On the Merit I you enjoy comfortable cabins, an open sun deck for tea and Nile views, and unhurried visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu with your own Egyptologist. Cross the Esna Lock under sail, swim from quiet islands, and watch the fertile Nile Valley unfold at a human pace. The Merit I Dahabiya offers an authentic, great-value way to experience Egypt from the water.
Nile Cruise Route
Select Your Sailing Route
5 Days: Luxor to Aswan
- Day 1
- Arrival at Luxor airport / station — transfer to Nile cruise, check-in & rest.
- Rich lunch buffet served on board.
- Afternoon guided tour of Karnak Temple — the greatest example of Pharaonic architecture in Egypt.
- Visit Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III & Ramses II, with unique representations of ancient Egyptian gods.
- Dinner on board & overnight.
- Day 2
- Breakfast on board.
- Valley of the Kings — 3 tombs included, dating to the 16th–11th centuries BC.
- Hatshepsut Temple — 15th-century BC temple dedicated to the sun god Amun.
- Colossi of Memnon — towering statues at the entrance of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
- Lunch on board
- Sailing from Luxor to Esna.
- Watch the cruise pass the Esna Lock with tour guide commentary
- Dinner & overnight.
- Day 3
- Breakfast on board
- Arrive at Temple of Edfu — best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple, built 57 BC.
- Horse-drawn carriage ride to the temple with guided commentary.
- Leisurely cruise to Kom Ombo
- Lunch with Nile views.
- Kom Ombo Temple — unique twin design honoring Sobek (crocodile god) & Horus (falcon god).
- Dinner on board
- Sailing to Aswan overnight.
- Day 4
- Breakfast on board.
- Visit the Aswan High Dam — 1960s engineering marvel that controls Nile floods.
- Cross the Nile to Philae Temple — ancient complex dedicated to Isis & Hathor.
- Return on board
- Dinner & overnight in Aswan.
- Day 5
- Breakfast on board with scenic Nile views.
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel — one of Egypt's most iconic temples.
- Check-out
- Transfer to Aswan airport, railway station, or bus.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Pickup services.
- Entrance fees.
- Modern A/C private vehicle.
- Accommodation.
- Tour Guide.
- Taxes & Services.
- Bottled Water During Tours.
- Meals.
Excluded
- Any optional Tours.
- Tipping.
Cruise Prices
Merit I Dahabiya Prices
| Season | Price per person / night |
|---|---|
| Standard season | $692 |
| Christmas & New Year | $1153 |
Quoted in euro at €600 and €1000 per person / night; dollar prices converted at the rate published on 2026-08-14. Final quotes are confirmed in writing before booking.
Booking terms
Before You Book
What the price includes
- Quoted in US dollars, per person, for the whole trip — not per night.
- All taxes and VAT are included in the figure shown.
- Christmas and Easter are priced separately. Ask us early for those dates.
Children
Ages count as they are on the day you travel.
- Under 6Free
- 6 to 11Half the adult fare
- 12 and overFull adult fare
A child travelling free shares their parents’ cabin and has no separate bed.
Cancellation
Counted from your sailing date. Tell us as early as you can — most of this scale costs nothing.
- More than 30 days beforeNothing
- 30 to 15 days before25% of the total
- 14 to 8 days before50% of the total
- 7 to 2 days before75% of the total
- Within 48 hours, or no-showThe full amount
Christmas, New Year and Easter sailings are held on stricter terms, which we confirm in writing before you pay. If we cancel a sailing, you are refunded in full.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
Read before you book
- Dahabiya or Nile Cruise: Which to Book, and What Each Costs
A dahabiya is $692 per person per night; a Nile cruise ship is $167–$258 depending on season. Both visit the same temples. Our own published rates, compared in one unit.
- Best Time to Visit Egypt 2026: A Complete Weather & Travel Guide
Discover the Best Time to Visit Egypt in 2026. Our guide covers weather, Nile Cruises, and prices to help you plan the perfect trip
- Tipping in Egypt 2026: The Ultimate Guide on How Much to Pay
Confused about Baksheesh? Read our updated 2026 guide on Tipping in Egypt. Discover exactly how much to tip guides, drivers, and cruises in USD & EGP. Avoid scams & travel like a local
Guest ReviewsFirst-hand feedback from 14 verified guests.
Reviews for This Trip
4.8 (14 reviews)
Verified trip
Intimate and peaceful
Our dahabiya was such an intimate way to sail the Nile. The visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo, the quieter Nile temples and Silsila and the riverbank villages were real highlights. A magical, unhurried Nile journey.
Verified trip
Intimate and peaceful
A peaceful, private sail away from the big cruise ships. Just a few cabins, a lovely crew and quiet moorings. An unforgettable, private way to see Egypt.
Verified trip
Quiet luxury on the Nile
The dahabiya experience was calm, elegant and special. Perfect for anyone wanting a quieter Nile journey. A magical, unhurried Nile journey.
Verified bookings only
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