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Cruise Highlights
- Twelve guests maximum across six rooms
- Two large suites, one with a jacuzzi
- Sails and moors where larger ships cannot
- Whole-boat charter with bespoke dates
- Three to seven nights in either direction
33 Nights4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
- 1Day 1Board in Aswan, visit Philae Temple, sail north and moor on a quiet bank.
- 2Day 2Gebel Silsila, then sail on with time on deck as the valley narrows.
- 3
- 4Day 4Disembark at Esna with a transfer to Luxor.
44 Nights5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
- 1Day 1Transfer from Luxor and board at Esna, sail south and moor for the night.
- 2Day 2Edfu Temple in the morning, sail on to Gebel Silsila.
- 3Day 3Kom Ombo Temple, then a long afternoon under sail toward Aswan.
- 4Day 4Philae Temple and the High Dam, moor at Aswan.
- 5Day 5Disembark in Aswan.
77 Nights8 Days / 7 Nights · Round Trip
This 7-night option sails this ship's own 4-night and 3-night legs back to back for a full Luxor - Aswan - Luxor round trip, without repeating the same guided temple visits on the way back.
- 1Day 1Board in Luxor, visit Karnak in the late afternoon.
- 2Day 2Luxor West Bank, then pass through the Esna lock under sail.
- 3Day 3El Kab and Edfu Temple, moor on an island bank.
- 4Day 4A full day under sail with a village walk and swimming from the boat.
- 5Day 5Gebel Silsila and Kom Ombo Temple.
- 6Day 6Sail into Aswan, Philae Temple and the High Dam.
- 7Day 7Felucca around Elephantine Island, with Abu Simbel available as an optional excursion.
- 8Day 8Disembark in Aswan.
Cabins and Facilities
Six rooms for a maximum of twelve guests: the Farouk Suite at about 93 square metres with a bathtub and jacuzzi, the Napoleon Suite at about 43 square metres with a four-poster bed, and four cabins of about 20 square metres named Philae, Nubia, Baladi and Lake Nasser. Each has air conditioning, a private bathroom, satellite TV, mini-bar and WiFi.
- Arabian-styled sun deck with loungers and an outdoor shower
- Small outdoor plunge pool
- Lounge and library
- Dining room
- Shallow draft, so the boat can moor where larger ships cannot
- Egyptology talks, cookery lessons and galabeya evenings on request
What is included?
- Full-board accommodation on board
- Guided excursions with an Egyptologist
- Entrance fees to the sites on the itinerary
- Airport and ground transfers
- Service charges and taxes
Not usually included
- Alcoholic drinks on most charter terms
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities for guide, driver and crew
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Optional tours
| Season | 3 nights4 days / 3 nights | 4 nights5 days / 4 nights | 7 nights8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low seasonJun to Aug | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ShoulderMay and Sep | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| High seasonOct to Apr | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| EasterPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ChristmasPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
Usually chartered as a whole boat. Rates depend on the length of the sailing, your dates and group size, and are confirmed at quote stage.
Cruise FAQ
How much does Zein Nile Chateau Dahabiya cost?
The boat is normally taken as a whole-boat charter rather than by the cabin, so the figure depends on the length of the sailing, your dates and the size of your group. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact rate.
How many guests does it take?
Twelve at most, across two suites and four cabins, which is why it is usually booked by a family or a group travelling together.
Which route does it sail?
Between Luxor or Esna and Aswan, in either direction. Shorter sailings often start or finish at Esna because of the lock, and longer ones run the full stretch from Luxor.
How long are the sailings?
Three to seven nights. The shorter trips tend to run northbound from Aswan, the longer ones southbound from Luxor.
How is a dahabiya different from a cruise ship?
It sails rather than motors, carries twelve guests instead of a hundred and fifty, and its shallow draft lets it moor at islands and village banks that larger ships pass by. There is no lift, no nightclub and no large pool deck.
Are there fixed departure days?
The operator sells it as a charter with bespoke dates rather than a fixed weekly timetable. Tell us your dates and we will check availability.

