The dahabiya Laila under sail on the Nile
river-cruise
Local time11:29
Sun covered0.0%

Three hours on deck,
six minutes holding your breath

A frame every sixteen minutes, the way an eclipse photographer builds a composite. The corona appears in exactly one of them — and you see it from the Laila's shaded upper deck, moored on the Nile at Qena, ten cabins and twenty guests aboard.
Voyage13 nights · from $14,995
SST Exclusive Voyages

SST Exclusive Voyages

14 days · 13 nights·Ship: Laila·1 country
From
$14,995
per person
The boat behind the journey

What is a dahabiya?

The traditional Egyptian sailing boat behind an intimate, small ship Nile cruise: averaging 16 guests from Aswan to Luxor, not a floating hotel.

A dahabiya is the traditional Egyptian Nile sailing boat: a wooden hull, a shallow draft, and the tall lateen sail that has worked this river for centuries. The Azhar and other similar boats carry an average of 16 guests, against the 80 or more on a standard river ship.


If you searched for a luxury Nile cruise or a private Nile cruise, you have probably seen 80-100 passenger floating hotels at the top of the results. A Nile dahabiya is something different: an Egyptian boat with one Egyptologist guide who stays with your group the whole way, anchoring at quiet villages the big ships pass by.

That is the case for a dahabiya over a large ship: the same Nile, far fewer people, and visits and unique sites a floating hotel cannot give you. For the full story on the boat and how it compares to a regular Nile cruise, read our guide What is a Dahabiya?

About 16 guests, not 80+

Approximately 16 guest dahabiya, against 80 or more on a standard Nile river ship.

Private English-Speaking Egyptologist

Your own Egyptologist guide stays with for the entire trip, never shared across a larger crowd.

A small group, real access

A small group Nile cruise reaches El Kab, Gebel El Silsila, Besaw Island and other similar quiet stops the big ships cannot access.

A genuine Egyptian boat

Built in the heritage of Egyptian boats with modern amenities. A boutique Nile cruise booked and operated by Small Ship Travel, not a motor ship dressed for any river.

Journey summary · at a glance

14 days, 13 nights.

Journey summary

  • Day 1 - Jul. 24, 2027, Sat. -
  • Day 2 - Jul. 25, 2027, Sun. - Cairo
  • Day 3 - Jul. 26, 2027, Mon. - Giza
  • Day 4 - Jul. 27, 2027, Tue. - Cairo
  • Day 5 - Jul. 28, 2027, Wed. - Aswan
  • Day 6 - Jul. 29, 2027, Thu. - Philae Island
  • Day 7 - Jul. 30, 2027, Fri. - Kom Ombo
  • Day 8 - Jul. 31, 2027, Sat. - Gebel El Silsila
  • Day 9 - Aug. 1, 2027, Sun. - Esna
  • Day 10 - Aug. 2, 2027, Mon. - Dendera
  • Day 11 - Aug. 3, 2027, Tue. - Abydos
  • Day 12 - Aug. 4, 2027, Wed. - Luxor
  • Day 13 - Aug. 5, 2027, Thu. - Luxor
  • Day 14 - Aug. 6, 2027, Fri. - Cairo

Itinerary highlights

Egypt

  • Witness the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027 from Qena — over six minutes of totality, among the longest of the century
  • Explore Cairo's Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx
  • Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to King Tutankhamun's treasures
  • Discover the Citadel of Saladin, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and Coptic Cairo
  • Fly to Aswan and embark the elegant Dahabiya Laila for an extended eight-night cruise
  • Discover Aswan's Philae Temple, the High Dam, and a Nubian Village
  • Explore Kom Ombo's twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus
  • Visit the hidden sandstone quarries at Gebel El Silsila and Edfu's Temple of Horus
  • Tour the Temple of Hathor at Dendera on the morning of the eclipse
  • Explore Abydos and the Temple of Seti I, home to the famed Abydos King List
  • Discover Luxor's Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings
  • Optional excursion to the breathtaking grandeur of Abu Simbel

Jordan Post-Tour Extension

  • Fly to Amman and enjoy a city tour
  • Explore the Roman ruins of Jerash
  • Visit Mount Nebo, Madaba, and the rose-red city of Petra
  • Full day exploring Petra's monuments, including the Treasury and Royal Tombs
  • Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea
Day by day

Your journey, ashore & afloat.

14 days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

Everything is already in the fare.

Inclusions
  • 3 nights' accommodation at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo (or similar)
  • 8 nights aboard Dahabiya Laila, including all onboard meals
  • 1 night accommodation at Le Méridien Cairo Airport (or similar)
  • Round-trip international airfare to/from Cairo
  • All meals throughout the journey (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Two glasses of local beer or wine with lunch and dinner
  • Prime viewing access for the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse at Qena
  • Certified eclipse viewing glasses for all guests
  • All internal flights (Cairo–Aswan / Luxor–Cairo)
  • All private guided sightseeing with a professional Egyptologist
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary, including Dendera Temple and Abydos
  • Private airport transfers and ground transportation, including international arrival/departure transfers
  • Bottled water during tours and excursions
  • Felucca sail in Aswan
  • All gratuities included, including the dahabiya crew and the professional Egyptologist guide
  • Taxes and service charges
Exclusions
  • Egypt visa fees
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses (beverages, laundry, spa services, souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic beverages beyond those included with lunch and dinner
  • Any services not explicitly stated as included
Dates & Prices

Pick your departure. (per person*)

Showing1 departure · July 2027

Cabin categories

* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.

** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication

Choosing your Nile journey

Three journeys, one river

The three journeys sail the same river and are not the same trip. Choosing between them is mostly a question of how long you want to be on the water, how much you want settled in advance, and whether Abu Simbel and Dendera matter to you.

  • Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

    The Nile

    Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

    Aboard the Azhar or the Laila

    13 or 14 days · 16 or 20 guests · from $4,995 per person

    The classic route runs at the friendliest fare, with five or seven nights under sail between Aswan and Luxor.

    View this itinerary
  • Incredible Egypt & 7-Night Luxury Nile River Cruise

    The Nile

    Incredible Egypt & 7-Night Luxury Nile River Cruise

    Aboard the Nebu Ra

    14 days · 16 guests · from $6,995 per person

    The Nebu Ra is the luxury option, and she runs the river in reverse to reach Dendera and Abu Simbel when no other journey does. Everything is included.

    View this itinerary
  • Solar Eclipse of the Ages over Ancient Egypt

    You are viewing

    Solar Eclipse of the Ages over Ancient Egypt

    Aboard the Laila · one sailing

    14 days · departs July 24, 2027 · from $14,995 per person

    The Laila is positioned in the path of totality on the morning of August 2, 2027, with more than six minutes of darkness over Upper Egypt.

    This itinerary

Pre- & Post-Cruise

Extend your stay.

Add extra days in Cairo or Jordan before or after your cruise.

Jordan Post-Tour Extension with Petra
Post-cruise

Jordan Post-Tour Extension with Petra

5 nights

The Jordan post-tour extension enriches your journey with guided visits to the historic capital of Amman and the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Jerash. Traveling along the scenic King's Highway, you'll experience biblical and cultural landmarks before reaching the legendary rose-red city of Petra, where carved temples and tombs emerge from sandstone cliffs. The extension concludes with time to relax and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, blending profound history with natural wonder for a memorable finale to your Middle Eastern adventure.

From$3,995
Optional

Optional excursions.

All prices are per person.

Abu Simbel Temple Complex

Abu Simbel Temple Complex

This incredible journey is to one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring ancient sites. Rated among the most remarkable archaeological treasures in the world, the twin rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel stand as a testament to the power and vision of Pharaoh Ramses II.

Your day begins with a scenic early-morning flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel, ensuring a comfortable and time-efficient transfer. Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you through the monumental Great Temple and the adjacent Temple of Queen Nefertari, offering illuminating commentary on their construction, symbolism, and historical significance.

Highlights of the Experience

  • Great Temple of Ramses II – Admire the colossal seated figures carved into the sandstone façade and explore the intricately decorated interior chambers celebrating the pharaoh's military victories and divine status.
  • Temple of Hathor (Nefertari) – Dedicated to Ramses II's beloved queen, featuring exquisitely preserved reliefs and vivid wall scenes.
  • Expert Guided Tour – Led by an experienced Egyptologist who brings the site's history to life.
  • Return Flight to Aswan – Relax on your return flight and continue your Nile cruise or itinerary.

This all-inclusive optional excursion is designed for travelers seeking a premium, stress-free way to visit Abu Simbel, combining ease of logistics with a profound historical experience.

From$895
Your ship

The Laila.

Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the Laila, a masterpiece of design and comfort.

Laila
20Guests
2026Launched

The Dahabiya Laila is a beautifully crafted, boutique sailing vessel that brings the romance of nineteenth-century Nile travel into the modern era. Elegantly designed with a timeless aesthetic, the Laila combines classic charm with contemporary comfort, offering a more intimate and personalized way to explore Egypt's iconic river.

With a maximum of only 10 cabins (6 staterooms and 4 suites with balconies), each thoughtfully appointed with plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms and tasteful decor, the vessel ensures privacy and space for relaxation. The shaded deck invites leisurely afternoons with panoramic views of the Nile, while cozy indoor lounges provide comfortable spaces for socializing, reading, or enjoying briefings from your expert Egyptologist. Onboard dining showcases freshly prepared Egyptian cuisine, highlighting local ingredients and regional flavors in an intimate, elegant setting.

Unlike larger cruise ships, the Laila glides quietly along the Nile, allowing guests to experience the river's serene beauty, observe daily life along its banks, and moor at quieter, less-visited sites. Every detail — from attentive service by the dedicated crew to the soft lapping of the river under the stars — contributes to a truly unforgettable and immersive Nile adventure. As with all dahabiyas on the Nile, the Laila is accompanied by her own dedicated tug, which provides navigation and power: it handles the locks, the tight passages and the windless stretches, and when the wind serves, the sails go up.

See more of the Laila
Accommodation · ashore

Where you stay.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

Le Méridien Cairo Airport

Le Méridien Cairo Airport

Sleek rooms come with tea and coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Suites feature sitting areas, with some offering kitchenettes and butler service. Upgraded rooms and suites add access to an executive lounge serving breakfast and cocktails at no charge.Parking is free. There are 3 restaurants serving Lebanese, Malaysian and Mediterranean cuisine, and 2 bars. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness room.

consultation

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*$250 credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking and is only available to new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel.

From$14,995
per person
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