Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

SST Exclusive Voyages

Unforgettable Egypt and Nile River Cruise

13 days · 12 nights · Ship: Azhar · 1 country · 4 reviews

What is a dahabiya?

The traditional Egyptian sailing boat behind an intimate, small ship Nile cruise: 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 carries just 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 40-cabin 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?

See 2026 and 2027 dates

Journey Summary

Itinerary Highlights

Egypt

  • 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

Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Dates & Prices

Pick your departure.

(per person*)

Showing2 departures · October 2026

Cabin categories

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

** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication

Pre- & Post-Cruise

Extensions

Available extensions for this itinerary

All prices are per person.

Jordan Post-Tour Extension with PetraPost-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 Excursions

All prices are per person.

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Experience

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Experience

$125
Abu Simbel Temple Complex

Abu Simbel Temple Complex

$425

Your ship

Your ship.

Azhar
SST Exclusive Voyages logo

River cruise · Egypt & The Middle East · SST Exclusive Voyages

Azhar

  • 16

    Guests

  • 2025

    Launched

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.

Where you'll stay

Your hotels.

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile★★★★★

1191 Nile Corniche, Souq Al ASR, Bulaq, Cairo Governorate 4311103, Egypt

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile

Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Cairo★★★★

Sonesta Cairo Hotel، 3 El Tayaran St, Ash Sharekat, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate 4450113, Egypt

Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Cairo

★★★★★

Sonesta St. George Hotel

★★★★★

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

★★★★★

Steigenberger Resort Achti

Guest Reviews

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$3,795per person

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