Sail through the heart of ancient Egypt in ultimate elegance aboard the Princess Farida Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise. Designed for travelers seeking an intimate and refined journey, this traditional two-masted sailing vessel combines classic Egyptian heritage with five-star modern comforts.
Gliding smoothly between Luxor and Aswan, Princess Farida offers an exclusive small-group experience, away from the crowds of large cruise ships. Unwind in spacious luxury suites, savor gourmet dining, and explore timeless pharaonic monuments accompanied by an expert Egyptologist.
Cruise Facilities & Amenities
- Sun Deck & Leisure: 12 plush sunbeds, private open-air pergolas, and a panoramic outdoor gym.
- Dining & Lounge: Elegant indoor dining room, air-conditioned lounge, and fully stocked bar.
- Modern Comforts: Free high-speed Wi-Fi, full climate control (AC), mini-bar, and satellite TV.
- Safety & Guest Care: 24/7 doctor on call, advanced water filtration, onboard gift shop, and dedicated housekeeping.
Luxury Accommodation & Suites
Every suite aboard Princess Farida features Nile views, private en-suite bathrooms, and fine Egyptian cotton linens.
1. Deluxe Twin Suite
- Size: 22 Sqm (Includes private marble bathroom with shower)
- Capacity: 1–2 Guests
- Features: Twin beds, panoramic windows, air-conditioning, mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi.
2. Deluxe Double Suite
- Size: 22 Sqm (Includes private marble bathroom with shower)
- Capacity: 1–2 Guests
- Features: King/Double bed, stunning river views, individual climate control, mini-bar, and safe box.
3. Royal Suite with Private Terrace
- Size: 35 Sqm (Includes private bathroom & exclusive private terrace)
- Capacity: 1–3 Guests
- Features: King-size bed, spacious seating area, panoramic Nile vistas, and a private outdoor balcony.
Overview
The Princess Farida Dahabiya reimagines the golden age of Nile travel. With only 8 total suites onboard, guests enjoy unmatched personal attention, quiet wind-powered cruising, and access to secluded Nile sites that larger ships simply cannot reach
Itinerary
Sail through the heart of ancient Egypt in ultimate elegance aboard the Princess Farida Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise. Designed for travelers seeking an intimate and refined journey, this traditional two-masted sailing vessel combines classic Egyptian heritage with five-star modern comforts.
11:00 AM – Private Reception & Check-In: Meet your private guide at Luxor Airport or hotel for transfer to Princess Farida. Settle into your air-conditioned suite and enjoy a welcoming lunch overlooking the Nile.
02:00 PM – Karnak & Luxor Temples Tour: Head out with your Egyptologist to explore the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, wandering through the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Precinct of Amun-Re. Follow this with a visit to Luxor Temple, walking along the recently restored Avenue of Sphinxes.
06:00 PM – Afternoon Tea & Relaxation: Return onboard for afternoon tea, sun deck lounging, and a relaxed multi-course dinner.
Overnight: Quietly moored along the Luxor West Bank.
07:00 AM – West Bank Monuments: Head out early to escape the heat and crowds. Visit the Valley of the Kings (includes entry to 3 royal tombs), continue to the cliffside Temple of Hatshepsut, and stop for photos at the Colossi of Memnon.
11:30 AM – Unfurling the Sails: Return to the ship and set sail south toward Esna. Lunch is served on deck as the Dahabiya moves smoothly downriver.
03:00 PM – Passing the Esna Lock: Watch the ship pass through the historic Esna Lock from the upper terrace or private balcony.
07:30 PM – Dinner Onboard: Enjoy a relaxed dinner as the ship moors along a peaceful riverbank near Esna.
Overnight: Moored near a rural island near Esna.
08:00 AM – Horse Carriage to Edfu Temple: Disembark for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, exploring its towering pylon walls, court of offerings, and inner sanctuary.
11:00 AM – Relaxing Afternoon Cruise: Sail past remote rural villages, palm groves, and farmlands.
03:00 PM – Gebel El Selsela Exploration: Anchor at Gebel El Selsela to explore ancient sandstone quarries and rock-cut chapels overlooking the narrowest point of the Nile.
07:30 PM – Traditional Barbecue or Egyptian Feast: Enjoy an outdoor dining experience prepared by the ship's executive chef.
Overnight: Moored near Kom Ombo.
07:30 AM – Kom Ombo Morning Visit: Walk ashore to tour the dual Temple of Kom Ombo (Sobek & Horus) and inspect the mummified crocodiles at the Crocodile Museum.
10:30 AM – Final Sail to Aswan: Relax on the upper deck as Princess Farida enters the Nubian landscape surrounding Aswan.
02:00 PM – Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple: Drive across the Aswan High Dam with views over Lake Nasser, then take a boat ride to the island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
07:30 PM – Captain’s Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your journey with a festive dinner onboard in Aswan.
Overnight: Moored in Aswan.
08:00 AM – Breakfast & Final Check-Out: Enjoy a final breakfast on the Nile deck before disembarkation.
Transfer Services: Transfer directly to Aswan Airport/hotel, or optionally extend your journey with an early morning overland excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.
08:30 AM – Morning Reception & Aswan Exploration: Meet your dedicated private Egyptologist upon arrival at Aswan Airport or your hotel. Transfer in a private A-C vehicle to the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel holding back Lake Nasser. Continue to the romantic Temple of Philae, situated on Agilkia Island. Take a short motorboat ride across the water to explore the sanctuary dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic.
12:30 PM – Welcome & Boarding: Transfer to the riverbank to embark on Princess Farida Dahabiya. Settle into your suite, receive a safety briefing, and enjoy a fresh welcome drink followed by your first gourmet lunch as the sails unfurl.
02:30 PM – Sunset Sailing to Kom Ombo: Relax on the sun deck as the Dahabiya glides north toward Kom Ombo. Unwind with traditional afternoon tea and freshly baked pastries while observing local rural riverbank life.
05:00 PM – Evening Guided Tour at Kom Ombo: Disembark directly at the Temple of Kom Ombo. This rare double temple is symmetrically designed to honor two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed sky god. Walk through the inner sanctuaries and visit the adjacent Crocodile Museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles.
07:30 PM – Candlelit Dinner Onboard: Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring local Egyptian organic produce and international specialties.
Overnight: Moored safely near the quiet, serene El Beshir Island.
06:30 AM – Sunrise Sail to Gebel El Selsela: Wake up to panoramic Nile views as the ship sails toward Gebel El Selsela—a historic narrow passage where the Nile cuts through sandstone cliffs. Large cruise liners cannot dock here, making this an exclusive Dahabiya privilege.
08:30 AM – Off-the-Beaten-Path Quarry Exploration: Disembark with your guide to explore the ancient quarries that supplied stone for almost all major New Kingdom temples, including Karnak and Luxor. Walk inside rock-cut shrines, inspect ancient quarry marks, and visit the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb.
11:00 AM – Leisurely Navigation to Edfu: Return to the ship for a freshly prepared buffet lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the upper deck or cooling off in the outdoor lounge as palm groves and farmland pass by.
03:30 PM – Edfu Temple via Traditional Horse Carriage: Arrive in Edfu and step into a classic horse-drawn carriage (caleche) for a charming ride through the town center to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Recognized as the most intact ancient temple in Egypt, this Ptolemaic monument features towering pylons, intact roofs, and detailed reliefs depicting the mythological battle between Horus and Seth.
07:00 PM – Egyptian Themed Dinner: Enjoy an authentic Egyptian dinner onboard featuring local culinary traditions like Koshary, Tagines, and freshly baked bread.
Overnight: Moored alongside a quiet, tranquil Nile village shore.
07:00 AM – Scenic Morning Navigation: Enjoy breakfast on the terrace as Princess Farida sails smoothly toward Esna.
10:30 AM – Crossing the Esna Lock: Experience the unique process of crossing through the historic Esna Lock, where river levels adjust for continued passage downriver to Luxor.
01:00 PM – Arrival in Ancient Thebes (Luxor): Savor lunch onboard as the skyline of Luxor appears. Disembark for an afternoon dedicated to the glory of the East Bank.
02:30 PM – Karnak Temple Complex: Walk through the monumental Avenue of Sphinxes into the largest religious complex ever built. Stand among the 134 massive soaring columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, marvel at the Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, and explore the Sacred Lake.
05:00 PM – Sunset at Luxor Temple: Visit Luxor Temple as late afternoon light illuminates its sandstone walls. Dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, this site features colossal statues of Ramses II and an impressive entrance pylon.
08:00 PM – Captain’s Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your final evening onboard with a gala dinner hosted by the crew, accompanied by oriental music.
Overnight: Moored at the peaceful Luxor West Bank riverfront.
07:00 AM – Final Breakfast Onboard: Enjoy breakfast before final check-out and farewells to the crew.
08:00 AM – Valley of the Kings: Cross to the West Bank to enter the world-famous royal burial ground of New Kingdom Pharaohs. Guided entry includes access to 3 elaborate royal tombs, where vibrant ceiling artwork and hieroglyphs detail the soul's journey through the underworld. (Optional extra entry tickets available on-site for Tutankhamun or Seti I).
10:30 AM – Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Drive to Deir el-Bahari to view the three-tiered terraced temple built into the sheer limestone cliffs for Egypt's iconic female pharaoh.
12:00 PM – Colossi of Memnon: Stop at the two massive 18-meter-tall stone statues of Amenhotep III that have stood guard over the West Bank for over 3,400 years.
01:30 PM – Private Departure Transfer: Direct transfer by private vehicle to Luxor International Airport, train station, or your chosen Luxor hotel.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private Transfers: Premium private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle upon arrival and departure (Luxor Airport/Hotel to Dahabiya and Dahabiya to Aswan Airport/Hotel, or vice versa).
- Luxury Accommodation: Full stay in your chosen suite category (Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Double, or Royal Suite with Private Terrace) aboard the Princess Farida Luxury Dahabiya.
- Full-Board Gourmet Dining:
- Daily freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and multi-course dinner prepared by onboard executive chefs using local organic ingredients.
- Daily afternoon tea, coffee, and freshly baked pastries served on the sun deck.
- Complimentary Beverages: Unlimited bottled mineral water, tea, and American filter coffee available throughout the day.
- Guided Sightseeing Tours:
- All excursion transfers and sightseeing tours mentioned in the chosen itinerary.
- Services of an expert, certified, English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all group tours.
- Sightseeing Entrance Fees: All official admission tickets to temples, monuments, and historical sites listed in the itinerary (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Gebel El Selsela, Kom Ombo Temple, High Dam, and Philae Temple).
- Local Excursion Transportation:
- Traditional horse-drawn carriage (caleche) ride to and from the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
- Motorboat transfers to and from Agilkia Island for Philae Temple.
- Onboard Amenities & Services:
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi access in all suites and public areas.
- Access to all onboard facilities, including the panoramic outdoor gym, sun loungers, pergolas, and lounge.
- Taxes & Service Charges: All local Egyptian government taxes, port charges, and service fees.
Cost Excludes
- Flights & Travel Tickets: International flights to/from Egypt, as well as domestic flights (e.g., Cairo–Luxor or Aswan–Cairo).
- Entry Visa to Egypt: Official tourist entry visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports (approx. $25 USD per person).
- Optional Tours & Excursions:
- Early morning overland or flight excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan.
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon flight over the West Bank of Luxor.
- Special extra entry tickets inside the Valley of the Kings (such as the Tomb of Tutankhamun, King Seti I, or Ramses VI).
- Nubian Village cultural visit in Aswan.
- Specialty Beverages: Alcoholic beverages, canned soft drinks, fresh juices, and espresso/specialty coffees from the bar.
- Gratuities & Tipping: Recommended tipping for the Dahabiya sailing crew, captain, housekeeping staff, and your private Egyptologist guide.
- Personal Expenses: Laundry services, telephone calls, onboard gift shop purchases, or personal travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian two-masted wooden sailing vessel designed for an intimate, boutique river experience.
- Capacity: A standard cruise ship carries 100 to 300+ passengers, whereas Princess Farida accommodates a maximum of 16 guests across only 8 luxury suites.
- Sailing Style: Big ships run on large diesel engines that create noise and vibration. Dahabiyas rely on quiet wind sails (assisted by a peaceful tugboat when wind is calm), offering a serene, silent cruise.
- Exclusive Access: Dahabiyas can dock at smaller islands, peaceful riverbanks, and hidden archaeological sites like Gebel El Selsela that large vessels are physically unable to reach.
Princess Farida uses traditional sails whenever river currents and wind conditions allow for peaceful navigation. To maintain a strict schedule for site visits, flights, and train departures, a quiet escort boat (tugboat) accompanies the vessel at a respectful distance to tow the Dahabiya when winds are calm or when navigating narrow river locks.
Onboard Life, Facilities & Dining
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all private suites, indoor lounges, and across the outdoor sun decks.
Absolutely. Our onboard executive chefs prepare daily gourmet meals using fresh local Egyptian produce. We easily cater to Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Halal dietary needs. Please notify us at the time of booking so our culinary team can customize your menu.
Yes! Princess Farida welcomes families with children. Due to the small-group nature of a Dahabiya, families often enjoy renting the entire boat as a Private Charter for a personalized family vacation.
Yes. All suites feature individual climate control (heating and air conditioning), standard 220V electrical outlets, and continuous hot water 24/7.
Excursions & Sightseeing
Yes, all official admission tickets to the historical monuments listed in your chosen itinerary are included, along with the services of a certified, professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide. (Tours can also be arranged in French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Russian upon request).
Yes! You can easily add these iconic experiences:
- Hot Air Balloon in Luxor: Early morning flight over the West Bank before your scheduled sightseeing tour on Day 2 or Day 4.
- Abu Simbel Temples Excursion: Can be arranged either before embarkation or after disembarkation in Aswan via private air-conditioned vehicle or short domestic flight.
Booking, Dress Code & Tipping
During Sightseeing: Light, breathable cotton or linen clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen. When visiting temples and local villages, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for local customs.
Onboard: Casual comfortable wear during the day, and smart-casual attire for dinner in the evening.
Tipping is a traditional part of Egyptian tourism culture to show appreciation for excellent service. While optional, we recommend a combined crew tip of $12–$15 USD per guest per day, which is pooled and distributed evenly among the sailing crew, chefs, and housekeeping staff. Tipping for your private Egyptologist guide is handled separately at your discretion (typically $15–$20 USD per day).