Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

SST Exclusive Voyages

SST Exclusive Voyages

Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

Ship Azhar: 13 days · 12 nights·Ship Laila: 14 days · 13 nights·1 country·4 reviews
From
$4,995
per person
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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.

See 2026, 2027 & 2028 dates
Journey summary · at a glance

14 days, 13 nights.

Journey summary

  • Day 1 - Depart U.S.
  • Day 2 - Cairo
  • Day 3 - Cairo
  • Day 4 - Giza
  • Day 5 - Aswan
  • Day 6 - Aswan
  • Day 7 - Kom Ombo
  • Day 8 - Gebel El Silsila
  • Day 9 - Edfu
  • Day 10 - Luxor
  • Day 11 - West Bank, Luxor
  • Day 12 - Cairo
  • Day 13 - Cairo

Jordan Extension

  • Day 13 - Depart Cairo, Arrive Amman
  • Day 12 - Jerash and Amman City Tour
  • Day 13 - Madaba, Mt. Nebo and Petra
  • Day 14 - Petra
  • Day 15 - Dead Sea Resort
  • Day 16 - Depart Amman | Arrive U.S.

Itinerary highlights

Egypt by Dahabiya: Cairo, Aswan, and the Nile to Luxor

  • Explore Cairo’s rich history: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Citadel of Saladin, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
  • Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx
  • Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to King Tutankhamun’s treasures
  • Fly to Aswan with an optional excursion to Abu Simbel
  • Embark the elegant Dahabiya Azhar and enjoy a felucca ride around Kitchener’s Island
  • Discover Aswan’s Philae Temple, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and a Nubian Village
  • Explore Kom Ombo’s twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus
  • Visit the hidden sandstone quarries and chapels at Gebel El Silsila
  • See Edfu’s Temple of Horus and the ancient tombs of El Kab
  • Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor
  • Explore Luxor’s West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon

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

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Your journey, ashore & afloat.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

Everything is already in the fare.

Inclusions

DAHABIYA AZHAR

  • 3 nights' accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Cairo (Hilton Nile Maadi or similar)
  • 5 nights aboard Dahabiya Azhar, including all onboard meals
  • 2 nights accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Luxor (Sonesta, Hilton or similar)
  • 1 night accommodation at a hotel in Cairo (Sonesta Hotel Tower or similar)
  • 27 Meals (11 Breakfast, 9 Lunches, 7 Dinners, including farewell dinner)
  • All internal flights (Cairo–Aswan / Luxor–Cairo)
  • All private guided sightseeing with a certified Egyptologist
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
  • Private airport transfers and ground transportation in conjunction with the internal Egypt flights. International arrival and departure transfers included when international flights are purchased through Small Ship Travel.
  • Bottled water during tours and excursions
  • Felucca sail in Aswan
  • All gratuities except for the boats crew and the professional Egyptologist guide
  • Taxes and service charges

DAHABIYA LAILA

  • 3 nights' accommodation at 5-star hotels in Cairo (e.g., Kempinski Hotel Cairo or similar)
  • 7 nights aboard Dahabiya Laila, including all onboard meals
  • 1 night accommodation at a hotel in Cairo (Sonesta Hotel Tower or similar)
  • All meals throughout the journey (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Two glasses of local beer or wine with lunch and dinner
  • All internal flights (Cairo–Aswan / Luxor–Cairo)
  • All private guided sightseeing with a professional Egyptologist
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
  • Private airport transfers and ground transportation in conjunction with the internal Egypt flights. International arrival and departure transfers included when international flights are purchased through Small Ship Travel.
  • Bottled water during tours and excursions
  • Felucca sail in Aswan
  • Kitchener's Island Botanical Gardens visit
  • Nubian Village visit
  • All gratuities included, including those for the dahabiya crew and the professional Egyptologist guide
  • Taxes and service charges
Exclusions

DAHABIYA AZHAR

  • International flights to/from Cairo (included on select dates — see current offers for details)
  • Transfers associated with your international flights (included when international flights are purchased through Small Ship Travel)
  • Egypt visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional hot air balloon flight over Luxor
  • Optional Abu Simbel excursion
  • Gratuities for guides and boat crew
  • Personal expenses and beverages not listed
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

DAHABIYA LAILA

  • International flights to/from Cairo (included on select dates — see current offers for details)
  • Transfers associated with your international flights (included when international flights are purchased through Small Ship Travel)
  • Egypt visa fees
  • Optional Abu Simbel excursion
  • Optional hot air balloon ride in Luxor
  • 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 · September 2026

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

    You are viewing

    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.

    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

    The Nile

    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.

    View 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$2,995
Optional

Optional excursions.

All prices are per person.

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Experience

Experience Luxor from an extraordinary perspective with an early-morning hot air balloon flight over Egypt’s most legendary archaeological landscape. This peaceful and visually stunning excursion begins before sunrise with pickup directly from your boat and transfer to the balloon launch site on the West Bank.

After a brief safety orientation, watch as the balloon is prepared and gently lifts into the morning sky. During the approximately 45–60 minute flight, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Nile River and Luxor’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and the ancient Theban Necropolis.

As the sun rises over the desert and river valley, the changing light reveals the scale and beauty of this historic region in a truly unforgettable way.

Guests are then transferred back to their boat, returning in time to continue the day’s planned activities.

From$125

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$425
Your ships · SST Exclusive Voyages fleet

The Azhar.

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

Azhar
16Guests
2025Launched

The Dahabiya Azhar is a beautifully crafted, boutique sailing vessel that brings the romance of 19th-century Nile travel into the modern era. Elegantly designed with a timeless aesthetic, the Dahabiya combines classic charm with contemporary comfort, offering a more intimate and personalized way to explore Egypt’s iconic river.With a maximum of only 8 suites, 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 Dahabiya 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. Like with all dahabiya's on the Nile, the Azhar is supported by a tug boat that provides power as well as navigation.

See more of the Azhar
Accommodation · ashore

Where you stay.

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile

Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Cairo

Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Cairo

Steigenberger Resort Achti

Steigenberger Resort Achti

Warm, relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking equipment; some include whirlpool tubs, and/or terraces with Nile River views. Elegant suites add lounge areas and dining rooms; some feature extra bathrooms and kitchenettes. Room service is available 24/7.There's a cocktail bar, a cafe and 3 restaurants serving international cuisine, as well as 3 outdoor pools (1 kids' only), a hot tub and a salon. Other amenities include a shisha lounge and a pool table.

Sonesta St. George Hotel

Sonesta St. George Hotel

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Upscale rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Some offer balconies and/or river views. Upgraded suites add spa treatment rooms with whirlpool tubs. Kids age 11 and under stay free, and room service is provided.Parking is complimentary. The hotel features 3 refined restaurants, a shisha lounge and bars. The spa has 12 treatment rooms. Other amenities include 2 river-view infinity pools and a gym.

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

FAQ

Frequently Asked.

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Reviews

Guest Reviews.

Read what our guests have to say about their unforgettable experiences with us.

Cruise Line
4.4
Ship
4.4
Itinerary
4.9
Value
4.5

All reviews are verified and approved by Small Ship Travel. Reviews may be edited for grammar and clarity. Review Policy

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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$4,995
per person
Book your cruise